11.24.21 PLCO

Plant City Observer

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VOLUME 6, NO. 172

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NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN PLANT CITY MIDTOWN A RECENT CITY APPROVAL ALLOWS MORE FLEXIBILITY WHEN DEVELOPING IN MIDTOWN CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

On Monday, the Plant City City Commission approved revising the development requirements within the Plant City Midtown District.

The change allows midtown streets to have flexibility to be commercial properties, residential dwellings, or both – mixed-use streets.

This will give developers more building opportunities. Homes along with businesses can be built together on any given street if chosen.

CHRISTMAS LANE RETURNS TO TOWN WITH HOLIDAY CHEER

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Photo courtesy of Hope Lutheran Church

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center receives grant The Plant City Photo Archives & History center received a $12,000 grant from Florida Humanities, the statewide, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

The grant comes for general operating costs to help recover from the economic impact of COVID-19 and will help offset the impact COVID had on the Archives’ fundraising along with bolstering the necessary staffing to implement their communityoriented programs.

“The Photo Archives & History Center has served this community for over twenty years as an independent organization and the ARP funding has come at a time of need,” Archives’ President, Ed Verner said.

“The programs we provide for the com-

munity require a professional staff and this grant will help provide for that staffing.”

The NEH received $135 million from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021, which was approved by Congress this past spring. The state humanities councils, including Florida Humanities, each received a portion of the NEH award to support museums, archives, historic sites and other humanities-focused nonprofits. Plant City Photo Archives was one of 129 organizations in Florida that was awarded ARP funding totaling $1.88 million from Florida Humanities. The grants are intended to meet immediate operational needs in order for organizations to remain viable and maintain delivery of public humanities programming and resources in their communities. Florida Humanities received 188 applications for ARP funding, with nonprofits requesting the most funds for staffing and utilities.

“For smaller nonprofits, when bills are

paid and staff are safe and intact, that type of alleviation is immeasurable,” Florida Humanities Executive Director Dr. Nashid Madyun said. “Florida Humanities is honored to provide a lifeline to our state’s cultural and historic organizations, ensuring they continue to enrich their local communities, and the Sunshine State at large, for years to come.”

Hope Lutheran assists community care center The members of Hope Lutheran Church in Plant City recently treated the residents and staff of the Community Care Center of Plant City with a special afternoon of food and treats. The event was sponsored

by Hope Lutheran’s Human Care Ministry Team in partnership with a community action grant from THRIVENT Financial, providing pizza that was donated from Hungry Howies for the staff.

“This event is just a simple way for us to say thank you to the staff who have endured so much these last 20 plus months and show them our appreciation, while also letting the residents know that they are loved by our church and our community and through all this, that they are never forgotton.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

CHRISTMAS NIGHTS OF FUN BACK IN PLANT CITY A WINTER WONDERLAND FULL OF FUN COMING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Santa’s sleigh is sure to make a month-long pit stop in Plant City with the return of Christmas Lane.

Now in its 40th year, the holiday event will once again be held at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 2508 W. Oak Ave., Plant City.

Although it took a hiatus in 2020, this year it’s back and will be better than ever.

Within three buildings, there will be unlimited access to bumper cars, a merry-go-round and other rides.

And as Christmas songs are played in the background, visitors can enjoy food at concession stands and retail shop offering crafts.

Surrounding the walkways will be imitation snow, ornaments, props, lights, and various homes – some with holiday mice just outdoors. One new installment will be a castle with a balcony for photo shoots.

And the traditional nativity scene will be just opposite of a sleigh where kids can find Mr. and Mrs. Clause.

Lane Wetherington, founder and host, said that the amenities are nostalgic as he’s reliving his childhood.

Of all the 200 decorated Christmas trees, one will be 30 feet tall and the other 28 feet tall, both nearly touching the ceiling.

Outside will have a carnival, a train ride, and a maze with each trail guided by lights.

Christmas Lane began 40 years ago and was originally held at the Dover home of Wetherington’s parents.

It started off as just a display of decorations so those passing by could enjoy them. Then they opened their property so that visitors could get a closer glimpse of the lights and props.

Its popularity grew to the point where there were up to 200 cars on 50 acres of land.

“Literally we just outgrew it,” said Wetherington. “We would have traffic backed up for hours down the road and we had to do something.”

With the expanding popularity of the event, he decided to move it to a more spacious and accommodating location – the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center at the Florida

Strawberry Festival grounds.

Wetherington took advantage of the larger area and incorporated new props to his collection.

It takes him, his family, and staff a month to set up everything inside the three buildings.

However, he says it’s well worth it – especially when it brings smiles to children who are disadvantaged.

The One More Child organization has been partnering with Christmas Lane for over a decade.

Established in 1904, it has numerous campuses throughout Florida, It caters to an estimated 1,500 children, some of which are in foster care. It also houses single mothers with kids who are under financial constraints.

Erica Hall is the director of major gifts for the organization’s Lakeland campus, and she has seen firsthand, the impact that the holiday function has on the kids.

“They invite the children and families in our care to come out and have a free night to just enjoy being children,” she said. “The foster kids and families that attend Christmas Lane can range from 40 to 50 visitors.“ Christmas Lane makes financial contributions to assist One More Child. At the holiday event, there is a wishing pond where people can throw their coins into. What’s collected goes toward the organization. And Lane himself, supplies One More Child with decorations so its campus can have a Christmas feel to it.

“A lot of the children that come into our care may not of had a positive Christmas experience before,” said Hall. “It’s such a warm memory and provides them with an opportunity to enjoy the holidays just like everyone else. There’s nothing quite like seeing the look on a child’s face when they hop on Santa’s lap, or when the kids walk in and see just the elaborate Christmas display.”

Although Lane has turned his lifelong dream into a reality, he too has done the same for many children.

The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night from Nov. 26 to Nov. 28.; Dec. 2 to Dec. 5; Dec. 9 to Dec. 12; Dec. 16 to Dec. 24.

Tickets will be $8 for those age 13 and older; $5 for ages 4 to 12; and free for age 3 and under. Tickets will be good for only one night.

Lane Wetherington has been hosting Christmas Lane for 40 years. This season, he will continue the tradition starting on Nov. 26.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: The Strawberry Festival has grown throughout the years as a place that has moved from being a festival to a family reunion. It has become a consistent part of the fabric of the families here.

Christmas Lane started 40 years ago as a small expression of love for the community. This love, over the years, has grown more and more and like the Strawberry Festival, it has become a part of the seasonal expectation of somewhere that is filled with more than displays, food, music, and fun. It has become a crucial heartbeat for the community - the heartbeat of hope.

The Strawberry Festival has hosted hundreds of events throughout the years.

Each one has made an impact in its own way, yet there has never been an event that inspires people to give, live, love, and laugh more than Christmas Lane.

Although we were not able to hold it during 2020, the growing expectation of a consistent celebration that creates in everyone a needed anticipation is what Christmas Lane is all about.

You can go to many Christmas presentations and light shows, but can you go to one that loves you more like family than this does?

Christmas Lane is not an investment in an event but a deposit on future generational memories. It is a continual investment in the hearts and lives of those that need something that is creatively consistent in their seasons.

The smell of strawberries helps our city know that the festival is soon. The smell of cinnamon and pine Christmas trees reminds people that Christmas Lane is about to open and what a time it will be.

The end question you have to decide is, is the community worth the investment? I believe in it because of what it gives to me and the greatest gift we can give are the gifts through us because of others. And that greatest gift is the gift of Christ, of Christmas.

Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks President/Founder- Chaplain Care, Inc Protecting the "Heart of our Heroes” Psalms 28:7 www.chaplaincycare.org

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COPS CORNER

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PLANT CITY

Observer

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City Police investigate paint poured on a car, a

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

fraudulant address change

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

and a theft of tools. istock

NOV. 12 FULLY CHARGED 1300 block of E. Laura St. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession w/ intent to sell: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to a complaint of shots fired. Upon their arrival, the suspect was arrested for consuming alcohol in a prohibited area/open container and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell. The suspect was subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

WHITE OUT 800 block of W. Renfro St. Criminal mischief: Officers met with a victim who advised them that unknown suspects poured white paint over her SUV some time during the night.

Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

NOV. 15

UNCHECKED 2000 block of Frontage Rd. Fraud: Officers made contact with the manager at a restaurant who advised them that a customer used a fraudulent check to pay for his meal the night before.

CRASH LANDING I-4 and Thonotosassa Rd. Warrant arrest: Officers made contact with a the suspect who was involved in a traffic accident.

A check revealed that the suspect had an active warrant out of Hillsborough County for operating a vehicle with a suspended/ revoked license. The warrant was confirmed and the suspect was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

NEW ADDRESS, WHO THIS? 3500 block of Regner Dr. Fraudulent use of a credit card: Officers met with the victim who advised them that an unknown suspect applied for two credit cards and also completed a USPS change of address form with his name and address in late October.

NOV. 18

gun that he had no reason to posses. The complainant did not wish to press charges and completed a waiver of prosecution and the suspect was trespassed from the property for 365 days.

Staff Writer / Brian Fernandes bfernandes@plantcityobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

ADDING INSULT TO BURGLARY Burglary: The victim reported that a business had been entered and damaged again, this time resulting in $300 worth of stolen property and approximately $2,310 in damages that include graffiti on the walls and broken cabinets.

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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

CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B.

WORN OUT WELCOME 1700 block of S. Turkey Creek Rd. Theft: Officers made contact with the complainant during an investigation, along with the suspect of the theft in question. The complainant advised that he had experienced multiple tools taken from the business’ property over the past few months and believed that the suspect was the offender due to his possession of a nail

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

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Sarah Holt, SHolt@ PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B, Plant City, FL 33563

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110 E. Reynolds, Suite 100B Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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NEW GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN PLANT CITY MIDTOWN A RECENT CITY APPROVAL ALLOWS MORE FLEXIBILITY WHEN DEVELOPING IN MIDTOWN

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Collins Street is the only roadway that is restricted to being a mixed-use street. Shops can operate on the first floor and residencies can be situated on the second floor and upward.

With the new ordinance, the structure of a business can have a further distance from the sidewalk. As a result, businesses can use the additional space for outdoor cafés or patios.

Streets across the 16-acre midtown district did not have the option before.

A building that is used for residential and commercial uses can extend as high as 60 feet, which could equate to approximately four to five floors.

“These changes simplify this and create more opportunities,” said Bill McDaniel, city manager of Plant City. “I think the flex streets are very important because we’ve worked through various proposals on midtown.”

This is also in accordance with the Plant City Midtown Redevelopment Vision Plan, deviating away from traditional neighborhood development.

The Plant City Planning Board found the proposal to be in accordance with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan. It was passed by 7-0.

The City Commission then passed it unanimously by 5-0.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PLANT CITY STUDENTS WORK TO FEED THE HUNGRY HONOR SOCIETY AT MARSHALL MIDDLE ASSIST LOCAL FOOD BANK BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

The National Junior Honor Society at Marshall Middle Magnet School is on a mission to give others a bright smile for the holiday season.

This group of students decided to collect food products and donate them to the United Food Bank and Services of Plant City.

Each semester they decide on two group projects they would like to take on.

The first project is to provide the United Food Bank with a sufficient amount of supplies, so it will have enough to distribute for this holiday.

When the students chose to volunteer, the food bank explained what they could use.

The task began earlier in November when Honor Society members began to promote the goal and ask for canned food donations from their fellow classmates.

A fun incentive for the students was to start a contest to see which homeroom could collect the most cans. Also, there was a contest to see which class could create the most decorated box to collect cans.

A band class came in first place, collecting over 200 cans. And school staff made contributions as well.

“We’ve been running it for about three weeks,” said Christin Dimapasoc, mother of an Honor Society student. “We’ve got a huge pile of cans at school.”

What’s more, Publix Super Markets granted the school group a $250 gift card to purchase food at its local grocery store.

Divided into four groups, 18 Honor Society members grabbed carts and starting shopping, on Friday.

Each group was given a budget of $62.

From aisle to aisle, students compared prices to find the best bargains on various foods.

It’s teaching the kids how to take math and other skills learned in class, and apply them out of class at a young age, said Dimapasoc.

Emily Denton is an Honor Society student who understands the concept of budgeting.

“I grew up in a big family and we would have to buy large quantities of things,” said the seventh-grader.

“We had to work to get smaller amounts for more, and I kind of know the cheaper things to get.”

She went on to state that, “I wanted to help people. Even if it’s the smallest thing, like giving them at least some food, or doing something to give back to the community.”

Jeffrey Dimapasoc, of the club, said that he too has

learned the importance of maintaining finances when shopping.

This charity had him considering other youth who may be struggling.

“A lot of kids are alone without their parents, and they want something to eat,” explained the eighthgrade student. “They have to make something by themselves.”

Established in 1929, the Honor Society uses this kind of charity work to help students hone in on five pillars: scholarship, service, leadership, character, and citizenship.

Scholarship is not only learning in a school setting, but learning about one’s own skills and using them to help others.

Service is seeking opportunities to assist others on a daily basis.

Leadership is having integrity and being accountable for one’s own actions.

Character is valuing different cultures while having attributes such as respect, honesty, and sacrifice.

And citizenship is identifying one’s own role in society and finding ways to address a community’s concerns and strengths.

Not only does it engage its students with projects, but helps prepare them for the collegiate level, and with financial assistance. At the end of their shopping spree, the Marshall Middle

These Marshall Middle Magnet School students strategize what’s the best foods for the best prices at a local Publix, on Nov. 19. They are members of the school’s National Junior Honor Society whose goal was to donate food to the United Food Bank in Plant City.

students successfully stayed within their means and walked out with four carts filled with food. Some items included peanut butter, jelly, pasta, cereal, and macaroni and cheese.

Afterwards, they loaded the groceries plus the additional food from the school,

into a truck that was sent to the local United Food Bank.

Other project ideas they’ve suggested in the future are working with animal shelters and doing a road cleanup. In December, they will create holiday cards and send them to a

local hospital.

It shows that kids too, are taking the initiative to better their environment in Plant City.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Small Business Saturday Success?

Plant City’s Small Shops Hope for Big Saturday Turnout BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Small Business Saturday proves that Black Friday isn’t the only consistent shopping day right after turkey day.

This annual weekend day takes place every Saturday after Thanksgiving.

It is the alternative to the major traffic in and out of shopping malls and retail stores on Black Friday.

American Express established this retail event over a decade ago and coined its name.

Since then, the newly recognized day has been promoted through social media as well as traditional outlets such as television and radio.

According to the American Express Shop Small Impact survey, over half of small businesses surveyed said that this year’s Small Business Saturday will have a big impact on their sales going into 2022.

It goes on to state that buyers at small businesses could potentially give an estimated $695 billion contribution to the economy.

Plant City’s small retail industry tends to have an ebb and flow when it comes to Small Business Saturday.

Your Family Jeweler needs to see that growth, said owner Michael Hamilton.

For several years, he has had to close on Small Business Saturday due to low turnout.

However, since its establishment in 2000, the jewelry store has

seen a rise in sales for the holiday on a whole, compared to average numbers throughout the year.

“It’s a good thing and a bad thing, because you’ve got four weeks of running to get everything done on time,” said Hamilton.

Southern Hospitality in Plant City doesn’t see a dip in sales on that particular Saturday, said owner Shelly Connell.

While this furniture gallery isn’t necessarily ‘small’ in size, it has been deeply rooted in Plant City for many years.

“We never open on Sundays, so Saturdays are crazy here,” said Connell.

Southern Hospitality has been overseen by a family of four generations and relies solely on word of mouth, as it doesn’t post advertisements.

However, with no retail sales ever offered, the gallery still has a strong momentum whether it be on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday.

Depot Antiques is one of many small businesses to line the streets of the downtown district.

Owner Marc Josselyn said that Saturdays are his best days for business, and Small Business Saturday has no decline in sales either.

“We get a lot of people from out of town that just want to do something for the day,” he said.

Josselyn stated that where he is among other antique shops is a convenient location and Small Business Saturday shows nothing but signs of optimism.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

CUTEST CRITTER 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.

SAMMY: Of course I think my little man Sammy is the cutest feline critter in town. He is curious and affectionate and he eats cat grass salad every day! ~ Chris Perry

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PIG JAM BRINGS THE HEAT BACK TO PLANT CITY

The Plant City Pig Jam returned last weekend for their 19th year.

TAYLOR JENKINS STAFF WRITER

The Plant City Pig Jam returned this past weekend, with 61 teams competing between the professional Master division and amateur Backyard division to see who brought the best product to the table, no pun intended.

This was the 18th Pig Jam Plant City has hosted over the past 19 years, with COVID-19 forcing the event to be cancelled in 2020.

“It was wonderful, it was great to see it again,” Pig Jam co-chair Jodi Stevens said. “A lot of those teams are repeating teams so they become our friends and we see them once each year. So it was great to see them and to have them back in town.”

The annual event brings barbecue masters to Plant City from across the country every year, with this year seeing participating teams come from as far as Arizona, Indi-

ana, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Tennessee and 10 teams coming from right here in Plant City. Hosted by the Plant City Chamber of Commerce and sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, teams in both divisions have to opportunity to compete for best chicken, pork ribs, pulled pork and beef brisket, judged by a panel of 70 judges and table captains with nearly 4,000 combined contests judged.

The Chamber also uses money raised from the event to fund local scholarships.

The highest overall scores in both divisions came from Florida, with Kings BBQ taking the crown in the Master Series and Tampa’s Wicked Oak BarbeQue earning the top spot in the Backyard Series.

As for the local competitors? BACKMAN BBQ was the top-ranking team from Plant City in the Master Series at 21st, BBQmyway was the topranking team from Plant City in the Backyard Series at ninth

and Smokin’ Aces earned the award for best dessert overall.

Did you miss Pig Jam but want to make it out to another KCBS sanctioned event? The Lakeland Pigfest will be here before you know it on Jan. 28 and 29 at the SUN n’ FUN Expo Campus, 4175 Medulla Rd., Lakeland, FL 33811.

“I think it’s amazing,” Stevens said. “It brings people to our town and we want to showcase what Plant City is about. We have the Strawberry Festival and that’s wonderful but we also have events like this. Any time you bring people to our town, I think it’s a bonus… We’ve been doing it for a long time, we love this event and think that it’s good for our city and we just want to see it continue to grow.”

23 Annual Lights of Love rd

Give the Gift of Love

Give the gift of love this holiday season by donating a tree light in memory or in honor of someone special. The Lights of Love tree is located in McCall Park in downtown Plant City and will be lit through the holiday season. All donations are tax-deductible and will benefit the many community services provided by South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Join us on Thursday, December 2, for the lighting of the tree.

Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus start at 5:30pm, followed by the program and lighting of the tree at 6:30pm.

For more information, sponsorship opportunities or to purchase a light ($25–$100): SFBHFoundation.org | (813) 757-8478

21-1866583-1121

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

SPORTS

PLANT CITY BASKETBALL OPENS SEASON WITH A WIN The Raiders came away with a big win over Lake Gibson on Monday night.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Despite trailing in the second quarter of their season-opener against Lake Gibson High School on Monday, the Plant City Raiders were able to pull away in the second half and move to 1-0 with an 80-53 victory.

“We have to play defense first,” head coach Billy Teeden said before the game.

“That’s going to be our motto and sometimes we’ll have to junk up the game a little bit. We have to outhustle teams and play together. We’re going to be undersized in some matches so we have to make sure that all five are rebounding, all five are defending, that’ll be our key.”

Plant City fought their way to a 17-7 record in 2020, claiming the second seed in the 6A District 7 tournament where they narrowly fell 75-72 to top-seeded Kathleen High School in the District Championship.

Moving on to the state tournament, the Raiders were able to topple Hillsborough High School in the Regional Quarterfinals before meeting Kathleen again, falling 66-63 in yet another close contest. The 2021 season provides new challenges as three of the Raiders’ top four scorers were lost to graduation and they will also make the jump up to 7A, placing them in a new

district with Lakewood Ranch, Riverview, Newsome and local rival Durant.

“I like our group,” head coach Billy Teeden said. “We’re returning six or seven guys from last year’s team and this is going to be a fun group to coach. They’re really getting along well, I like the style we’re playing, we’re playing hard and this is going to be a fun group to watch play this year.”

Prior to the start of the regular season, Plant City went 2-0 in the Peewee Callins Preseason Classic with wins over Sickles and Plant. With several players playing for travel basketball teams or being multisport athletes, these preseason tournaments can be crucial for a team as the regular season approaches.

“It was a great tournament,” Teeden said.

“Durant went 2-0, we went 2-0 so Plant City did well. We got to play two different styles of teams in Plant and Sickles so we reacted to how a team’s going to run with us and how a team will want to slow us down, so that was good to see.”

Senior D.J. Haynes led the way for the Raiders on Monday night with 24 points, followed by junior Elijah Dawson with 13 points, senior Romello Jones with 12 points and sophomore Mike Bell with 11 points.

“We can be pretty darn good,” Teeden said. “It’s a long season and we’ve got a lot of experience so we’ve got a good chance to compete for a district championship this year.”

The Raiders will look to move to 2-0 as they take on district foe Newsome next Tuesday.

PLANT CITY DOLPHINS SECURE SPOT IN SOUTHEAST REGION CHAMPIONSHIP

The Dolphins are finding success in their first year with Pop Warner.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The Plant City Dolphins have nearly completed their first year with Pop Warner after making the move away from the Tri County Youth Football & Cheerleading conference.

In a new conference that hoped to bring more competition to their schedule, the Dolphins have still found their way to make a mark.

In the FYD/Tampa Bay Conference, the Dolphins were able to secure conference championship appearances for all four of their teams, coming from the 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U divisions. And while all four made conference championship appearances, the 8U, 12 U and 14U teams were crowned champions and advanced to the regional tournament.

On Nov. 13, the three conference championship-winning teams headed to Lakewood Ranch for the second round of the Southeast Region Playoffs, with only the 8U team advancing further via a 12-0 win over the Pine Hills Trojans. The following week the 8U Dolphins went down to Naples and came home victorious again with a 13-7 win over the Port Charlotte Bandits.

The 8U Dolphins will now head to Orlando on Friday where they will face the Southwest Cardinals in the Southeast Region Championship.

And while Pop Warner’s 8U division doesn’t participate at the national level for a Super Bowl, Dolphins’ equipment manager Buck Chapman noted that the extended playoff system has already allowed the

organization to play deeper into preseason football than they were able to through Tri County “It was good, it was a little different but it was well structured for us. The way it was structured was good, that part seems like it was a lot better for us,” Chapman said about the Dolphins’ first year in Pop Warner. “In the regular season the competition was good. Every league has some weak teams, I don’t care where you’re at, and every league has their strong teams.

But the further you go, it’s definitely well worth it because it gets tougher as you go for sure.”

As for the Dolphins’ cheer squads, this weekend all five age groups ranging from 6U to 14U will be heading to their regional

competition, battling for a spot in the National Cheer and Dance Competitions in Orlando next month.

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

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB HOLDS ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT The tournament took over Diamond Hill Golf Club last Friday

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The Plant City Lions Club took over Diamond Hill Golf Club last Friday for their annual golf tournament, one of the organization’s largest fundraisers of the year.

The three largest fundraisers for the Lions Club each year include the golf tournament, the Strawberry Queen’s Pageant and a food booth operated at the Strawberry Festival.

All proceeds raised by the tournament go directly back into the community and the primary focus of the club’s fundraising aims to advocate for and assist the blind and visually impaired, a long-standing inspiration for the organization.

“We at the Lions Club are concerned with helping people who cannot afford eyeglasses, helping children get exams and glasses, hearing aids, eye procedures, things like that as well as other community service projects,” president Jim Sparks said. “This golf tournament helps us fund that so it’s a really good thing. All of the stuff from the Lions Club goes back into the community. If a child has trouble seeing or reading or keeping up in school, they

could be behind their whole life so we want to help kids and change lives.”

The tournament has been a staple for the Lions Club, being held for over 20 years, and some of their major sponsors for this year’s event were Publix Charities, Enterprise Rent-A-Car and South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Friday’s tournament included a round of golf and dinner and to raise additional funds, tickets were available for purchase to win a number of prizes that were raffled off at the conclusion of the round. After originally being scheduled for two weeks prior, the event was rained out and forced to reschedule. But with clear skies, the tournament marched on with around 80 participants spread across 20 teams.

Also among those in attendance was former LPGA Tour member Shast Averyhardt.

Originally from Flint, Michigan before attending Jackson State University in Mississippi, Averyhardt first qualified for the LPGA Tour card in 2011. In her time at Jackson State, she was a four-time individual winner of the Southwest Athletic Conference Championship.

Upon receiving her conditional LPGA membership in 2011, Averyhardt became just the fourth African American tour

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member. And since 2010, Averyhardt has qualified for the LPGA Tour twice while also spending several years as part of the Symetra Tour, the official qualifying tour of the LGPA. Averyhardt’s best finish along the 2021 Symetra Tour came in August at the FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship in Battle Creek, Michigan where she finished tied for 11th with a three-round score of nine strokes under par.

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

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: What food is your favorite part of Thanksgiving dinner?

“Corn pudding.” - Abby Wright Letourneau “My sister’s dressing and rolls.”

- Sheila Sullivan “The dressing and pies.”

- Kimberly Vincent “Mac and cheese, as well as banana pudding.” - Edwin Alexander-Mejia

“Stuffing” - Colleen Mariee “Turkey and cornbread dressing.” - Louise Brown Rappe Graves “Dressing and Banana pudding” - Dennis Lee “Pumpkin Roll.” - Olga Sanchez

iStock image

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Gladys Roberta Wright, 87, of Mulberry, Fla., born in Collinsville, Ala.on Feb. 13, 1934, entered into eternal rest on Nov. 16, 2021.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Jeannie Holland

William E. Bond

Jeannie Holland, 86, of William E. Bond, 88, of Plant Plant City, Fla., passed away City, Fla., born in Georgia on on Nov. 18, 2021. She was Dec. 2, 1932, entered into born on March 7, 1935, in Jack- eternal rest on Nov. 16, 2021. son, Miss.

Expressions of condolence Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com at HopewellFuneral.com.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Wishing You and Your Family a

OBITUARIES

Gladys Roberta Wright

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HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Donald L. Roberts Steven Wayne Trimble Donald L. Roberts, 81, of Lake Hatchineha, Florida, born in Ona on June 28, 1940 and raised in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on November 20, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

In loving memory, Steven Wayne Trimble departed to heaven Oct. 17, 2021. His body was laid to rest at Mount Enon Cemetery, Plant City, Fla., Nov. 22, 2021.

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

from

Plant City Observer

Plant City Observer HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

YO UR HOMETOWN. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

YOUR HOMETOWN. YOUR NEWSPAPER

YO UR HOMETOW N. YO UR NEWSPAP ER .

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET THURSDAY, DEC. 2 23RD ANNUAL LIGHTS OF LOVE 5:30 to 7:30 at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. On Thursday, Dec. 2 the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation will light up Plant City with their 23rd annual Lights of Love tree lighting ceremony. Starting at 5:30, kids can get their pictures taken with Santa, a musical program will begin at 6:30 and then the lighting of the Lights of Love tree will take place at 7. A gift of $25 or ore will place a light on the tree in honor or in memory of someone special to you, or in your own name. Your gift will benefit medical services and healthcare workers at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Sponsors for the event are also welcome. For more information or to make a donation, visit wwwSFBHFoundation.org..

rd

Annual Lights of Love

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 24

SATURDAY, DEC. 4

SATURDAY, DEC. 11

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

FROM THE REALMS OF GLORY

FUN WITH FLOWERS

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 813-706-5800 to set a specific time.

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to the loft at Krazy Kup for an evening of live music by Kaci Anderson & Co. A love offering will be collected for admission.

7:30 to 9 p.m. at 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL. After missing their annual holiday concert in 2020 due to COVID-19, the Plant City Community Chorale is thrilled to announce their 2021 holiday concert, From the Realms of Glory. The event is sponsored by Hopewell Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens and will take place at Nativity Catholic Church in Brandon, the Chorale’s first time performing at the venue. The Chorale, under the direction of Claudia Bolano, will perform several holiday favorites that will have you humming along, tapping your toes and feeling warmed by the spirit of the music and the joy of the holiday season. Tickets are $15 and available at www. pccchorale.org, facebook.com/pccommunitychorale, from any Chorale member, at the Walden Lake Car Wash, at the door or by calling 813-965-7213.

SUNSET SOUNDS

BLUEGRASS JAM!

SATURDAY, NOV. 27 KACI ANDERSON & CO.

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

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 1 SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILIES

6:30 to 8 p.m. at GracePoint Church, 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 positively-influenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com.

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

FRIDAY, DEC. 10 MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT - MOVIE MUSICALS

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. November Movie Trivia Night at Krazy Kup will feature questions relating to Christmas movies. Bring your friends and family to grab a cup of coffee and head up to the loft to show off your movie knowledge or just to cheer on your loved ones with a chance to win a prize. As always, the event is family friendly and free.

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 605 N. Collins St. The Plant City Garden Club invites you to head over to the 1914 High School Community Center for their Fun with Flowers Event where you will have the opportunity to create your very own Christmas centerpiece with instruction from National Flower Show judge KC Jeronimo. Cost for the event is $25 and includes all supplies and a light lunch.

If you would like to attend, you must reserve your spot in advance. Reserve your place by sending $25 payable to the Plant City Garden Club. C/O D.D. Severson, Plant City FL. 33566. Please bring your own clippers and scissors and for more information, text/call 206-406-3034.

EXPRESSO SELF ART

4 to 6 p.m. at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head up to the loft at Krazy Kup on the second Saturday of each month for art classes. Bring a friend, grab a treat and a drink downstairs and enjoy them upstairs as you ‘express-o’ yourself through art. Classes are $30 per person and open to all.

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.

CHRISTMAS TOY TRAIN SHOW/SALE

9a.m. to 2 p.m. at 215 Sydney Washer Rd. Regal Railways presents the Christmas Toy Train Show/Sale at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. Vendors will be in attendance selling model trains, various hobbbies, collectibles and die cast cars. Additionally, there will be a running train layout for children to enjoy, so come on out and bring the kids as there will be something for all ages to enjoy. The cost of admission is $5 for adults and all kids 12 and under are free.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, NOV 25 High: 76 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 8%

FRIDAY, NOV 26 High: 75 Low: 46 Chance of rain: 8%

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

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SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Nov 25

6:58a

5:32p

Friday, Nov 26

6:58a

5:32p

Saturday, Nov 27

6:59a

5:32p

Sunday, Nov 28

7:00a

5:32p

Monday, Nov 29

7:01a

5:32p

Tuesday, Nov 20

7:02a

5:32p

Wednesday, Dec 1

7:02a

5:32p

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, NOV 27 High: 68 Low: 45 Chance of rain: 1%

SUNDAY, NOV 28 High: 71 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 5%

MONDAY, NOV 29 Kathy Flemister took this photo of a pagoda plant in full bloom, right here in Plant City.

ONLINE

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

High: 69 Low: 47 Chance of rain: 8%

Dec. 4 New

Dec. 10 First

Dec. 18 Full

Dec. 26 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.55 in.

4.30 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

NOV. AVERAGE:

50.46 in.

1.83 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: South Florida $10.35-$20.90

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

Your One Stop Shop For All Parties, Events & Reunions!

Choice Meats • Meat Bundles • Specialty Meats • Produce • Smoke House • Groceries 617 N. Maryland Ave. • Plant City 813-752-1548 (C) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Across 1 Two-mile-high city 6 Numbskulls 11 Ate 14 Sister of Euterpe 15 Satellite’s path 16 “I __ you one!”

17 V 19 Carried the day 20 Brainstorm 21 Spanish pronoun 22 Understated way to put it 24 Old PC display 26 City west of Hong Kong 27 V 33 Scribble (down) 34 Read (over) closely

35 Wind into rings 36 Look into closely 38 Egg: Pref.

39 Suspends operations, with “down” 40 European erupter 41 Low card 43 Female antelope 44 V 48 La Scala locale 49 Word with rolling or bowling 50 Slanted, in a way 52 Diamonds, slangily 54 Bar requests 58 A.L. East team 59 V 62 It may need a boost

63 Revered ones 64 Official Wimbledon timekeeper 65 Summer shade 66 Article of faith 67 Title feeling “beyond power of speech,” in an “Into the Woods” song Down 1 Son of Jacob 2 Dry as a bone 3 Go back and forth 4 Include with an email 5 Wild place 6 Clothing store department 7 Estimate phrase

8 Kimono closer 9 Classic fast-food sandwich since 1967 10 Gift bearer, informally 11 Polite greeting 12 MP’s quarry 13 Disallow 18 Old-school 23 Door securer 25 Ready to pluck 26 Soda order 27 Rich dessert cake 28 Building artisan 29 Trampled 30 Emphatic refusal 31 Mountaineer’s tool 32 “Is there something __?”

33 Photoshop image acronym 37 Culinary herb 39 Org. seeking far-out life 42 Playful prank 45 Summon up 46 False appearance 47 Dazed 50 “Yeah, sure!”

51 __ party 52 “Lost” setting 53 Word before votes or shadows 55 Stitch’s movie pal 56 Fifty-fifty 57 Hot 60 Long division?

61 Mexican Mrs.

LL Wiiiams & Karen Davis OWNERS OF FELTON'S

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2021

Don’t let fear stop you from getting the care you need.

Don’t delay getting essential medical care. We’ve put enhanced safety measures in place to help keep you safe.

COVID-19 has stopped people from doing many things. But we can’t let it stop us from getting what we need most: medical care. BayCare is helping to keep our patients safe by following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for safety processes and cleaning procedures. This makes sure that everyone can feel secure getting the care they need. Don’t let fear of this pandemic make other health conditions worse. Learn more about how we’re keeping you safe: BayCare.org/Safety

21-1392274-0221

PlantCityObserver.com