12.15.17 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

PCHS wrestling tournament.

SEE PAGE 12.

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 24

FREE

Plant City woman killed after alleged abduction Plant City Police Department said a Dec. 8 traffic fatality is now being investigated as a homicide.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

He had coffee. She had Powerade.

They both ate doughnuts.

Just before 11 a.m. on Dec. 8, Emily Hilliard, 35, and her boyfriend, Michael Christopher Baynard, 32, were getting breakfast at Hands of Hope, an outreach program from Plant City church New Hope @ Cornerstone.

“I thought it was kind of cool,” Outreach Director Jennifer Anderson said. “One of my workers told them to come back on Saturday for breakfast.

They told them Jesus loves them and so do we.”

Hilliard turned as she and Baynard were leaving.

“We’re gonna come back,” she said.

“We’ll see you in the morning.”

Barely an hour later, both lay on the pavement just over a mile apart.

Her, dead after being struck by a white Ford pickup truck when she fell from a moving mini-van on Alexander Street near Interstate 4. Him, laying across Baker Street near the Bruton Memorial Library, struck by the same gray Honda mini-van.

Police arrested the van’s driver, Todd Charles Riggs, 55, of Largo, at the scene.

The Plant City Police Department released a statement Tuesday stating it does not know why Baynard stepped into the van’s path on Baker Street.

“Riggs was operating the Honda mini-van westbound on W. Baker SEE KILLED PAGE 6

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

YOUR TOWN

Courtesy of Lillie Brown

Christmas in the Park gets large donation Daniel Figueroa IV

Plant City Police investigate a traffic crash on Alexander Street that left one woman dead.

LAYING OF WREATHS

The Planteen Recreation Center will host the 21st annual Christmas in the Park event this weekend. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and approximately 100 pre-registered families and 250 children will receive toys donated by Global Sports Alliance, a local baseball and softball sanctioning organization.

There is no cost to attend and there will be free food available for all attendees.

A savory return

The American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 has vowed to not allow veterans to be forgotten. The group continued its annual tradition of laying wreaths on the graves of local veterans.

SEE PAGE 8

Big Dog’s Patio went before Plant City officials to reschedule the Mac & Cheese festival, which originally was intended to be held Dec. 3. City commissioners voted to deny the Patio a permit for the original date stating concerns that the festival would interfere with other events scheduled for the same weekend and that pets who might attend could damage the city’s holiday decorations.

The Patio, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Animal Health Foundation, rescheduled for 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 13. Food trucks and restaurants will be serving their best mac & cheeses and dessert dishes and a specialty menu. Plant City’s Skyler Clark Band will perform from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m..

There will be a rock wall, shark tank, bounce houses and more.

Admission is free. The event is pet-friendly and held at Big Dog’s Patio, 103 N. Palmer St.

Breanne Williams

The group worked at Memorial Garden and Memorial Park.

Commission approves six finalists for City Manager search Only one candidate, who removed himself from the running, did not advance to the next level of the search.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

The City Commission Monday selected six finalists in its search for a new city manager.

Only one of the seven semifinalists selected earlier in the month, Doug Adkins, city manager of Middletown, Ohio, didn’t make the final list. Adkins voluntarily removed himself from the running, Doug Thomas, an executive recruiter with Strategic Government Resources (SGR) said.

The commission enlisted SGR to handle the search in mid-July. SGR beat out firms Slavin and Associates and Colin Baenziger and Associates for the contract. The group said the search will cost the city at least $23,000, but guarantees an applicant will stay with the city at least 18 months or it will restart the intensive process under the same contract.

Finalists for the position include Jamie Croteau, management services SEE CITY MANAGER PAGE 3

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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WEEK OF DECEMBER 15, 2017

BY THE NUMBERS

850

approximate number of holiday wreaths the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 in Plant City laid on local veterans graves this week.

SEE PAGE 8

735,405

number of licensed amateur radio users in 2015.

SEE PAGE 9

$23,000

the approximate minimum amount it will cost Plant City to find a new city manager. The city hired Strategic Government Resources to conduct the search and have narrowed it down to six finalists.

SEE PAGE 3

MEETINGS

Improvement League of Plant City CDC 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, Bing House Museum, 205 S. Allen St.

Plant City Toastmasters Club #4051 7:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 21, the Community Room at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

“We certainly don’t want to do this in a vacuum. I know we’ve all been soliciting feedback as much as we can, begging people to tell us, give us thoughts and opinions, not just about individuals, but also about qualities. I can’t stress enough to our audience and anyone you can share with that we need you to be part of this process. Because if we do it on our own, we’re less likely to make the best decision.”

Commissioner Nate Kilton READ MORE ON PAGE 3

Leading the way C

aroline Brummer, a senior from Plant City High School, has been selected as the grand marshal for the Strawberry Youth Parade.

Brummer has been active in the community for much of her life and was a top 10 finalist at the 2013 National FFA Agriscience Fair. In 2014, she was a member of the state champion FFA Parliamentary Procedure team.

She is the captain of the PCHS varsity cheer team, Miss February 2017 for the school’s Calendar Girls court, a member of the PCHS senior homecoming court, secretary of the National Honor Society, a National AP Scholar and is currently ranked third in her graduating class.

Brummer has participated in the Optimist youth sports programs. In 2016 she competed in the Optimist Oratorical Contest and won first place at the Club, Zone and Regional levels. She won the North Florida District Level, received a scholarship and was chosen to compete at the first Optimist International Oratorical World Championships at St. Louis University.

The Plant City Garden Club held its Fun with Flowers workshop Dec. 9, teaching members of the community how to create their own holiday arrangements.

Instructor KC Jeronimo, a National Flower Show judge, shared tips with the 20 attendees on crafting unique decor that will make each home stand out this holiday season. The workshop also provided lunch and refreshments and was held at the Walden Lake East Community Center.

Courtesy of Jamie Stephens

Caroline Brummer was selected as the grand marshal for the Strawberry Youth Parade.

What do you think of the City Commission’s decision to approve the rezoning of land annexed into the city? Commissioners approved the rezoning of 11 parcels of land bookending some of the city’s east and west boundaries.

As the city continues to expand, planners are focusing on keeping things throughout the city consistent.

T H I S

Hannah Holm, a local Plant City teen competed in the Miss Southeastern Clogger on Dec. 9 in Hawkinsville Georgia. Holm performed a clogging routine, participated in an evening wear and verbal presentation and completed an interview.

She was crowned Junior Teen Miss and won Overall Photogenic. Upon returning to Plant City, Holm has visited a local dance studio and Saturday will visit PCHS. She will also be performing her pageant solo at Drawdy’s Dance School.

DIY festive arrangements

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?

V O T E

Plant City local crowned Miss Southeastern Clogger Junior Teen Miss

SOCIAL STATS Likes: 5 Sad: 2 Wow: 1 Comments: 9

“Please keep a country feel to our City.

Housing on top of each other looks like Tampa. We know it is money added to taxes but it changes the wonderful pull that made me love PC.”

“Sounds like a land grab to approve more high priced development for the sake of “tax dollars.” It would be wonderful if they put that much effort into road repair of (sic) revitalizing our downtown.”

— Cherie Watson-Matthews

— Eleni McDaniel-Rebman

S P E C I A L

E L E C T I O N

LAWRENCE MCCLURE’S Common Sense Principles for our Community

Cut Wasteful Government Spending

Promote ProGrowth Economic Development Policies

Defend the Second Amendment

Invest in Infrastructure and Roadway Improvements

«««« ENDORSED BY GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT

Lobbying Ban for Politicians

Protect the Constitution

“My wife and I have deep roots in this district and serving the people of District 58 would be an honor of a lifetime.”

- Lawrence HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Lawrence McClure, Republican, for State House, District 58.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Managing a city FROM CITY MANAGER PAGE 1

A closer look at each finalist for Plant City’s next city manager

File Photo

Excerpts from the 19-point questionnaire each candidate submitted. Full responses and resumes can be found on the Plant City Times & Observer website.

Most recent position: Assistant City Manager Plant City, 2013-Present Current salary: $133,057.60 Desired salary: $150,000.00

BILLY (BILL) MCDANIEL

Courtesy of West Volusia Beacon

What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a leader and manager?

Communication skills. Problem solving. Ability to format an organization for maximum effectiveness. Ability to adapt and learn. Ability to act as a change agent and to embrace change. Commitment to customer service. Personnel development.

Budget management. Knowledge of technology and the ability to incorporate it into operations for maximum effectiveness. Accountability for myself and for my team.

Describe your experience and successes in downtown redevelopment, and include specifically (as applicable), any projects involving historic preservation elements.

Over the past 25 years, I have worked closely with the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Merchants Association, and now Plant City Main Street, on a variety of programs, events, initiatives and common interests.

I was also instrumental in reestablishing Plant City’s Main Street program beginning in 2015, and I serve as the city’s liaison to Main Street through that agency's executive director and board of directors.

I also enjoy an excellent working relationship with the executive director of the East Hillsborough Historical

Most recent position: Management Services Director Boca Raton, December 2015-present Current salary: Approximately $146,000 Desired salary: Not specified

JAMIE CROTEAU

What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a leader and manager?

The ability to communicate goals and expectations throughout the organization. My past success shows the ability to set goals and work with stakeholders to achieve those goals.

Describe your experience and successes in downtown redevelopment, and include specifically (as applicable), any projects involving historic preservation elements.

Courtesy of the City of Lakeland

director of Boca Raton; Jeff Brown, city manager in Panama City; Jonathan Evans, former City Manager of Riviera Beach; Bob Middaugh, Loudoun County, Virginia’s assistant county administrator; Shawn Sherrouse, current assistant city manager of Lakeland; and Plant City’s assistant city manager and former police chief, Bill McDaniel.

“This is the most important decision the commission makes,” Mayor Rick Lott said.

During the semifinal stage, the candidates submitted resumes, cover letters, responded to a 19-point questionnaire and submitted a short video interview. Thomas said SGR also conducted a “stage 1” media search on the candidates that included three to five years of media coverage.

Now that finalists have been selected, Thomas said a more intense background check will be conducted. The finalists will also visit Plant City over a three-day period in January for a tour of the city with department heads, in-person interviews with commissioners that will include an outline of their first-year plans and a meet-and-greet session with members of the public.

Finalists are expected to meet with members of the public during an open house January 17. Commissioner Nate Kilton said he’d like to see a strong public turnout to help guide the city’s decision.

“We certainly don’t want to do this in a vacuum. I know we’ve all been soliciting feedback as much as we can, begging people to tell us, give us thoughts and opinions, not just about individuals, but also about qualities,” Kilton said. “I can’t stress enough to our audience and anyone you can share with that we need you to be part of this process. Because if we do it on our own, we’re less likely to make the best decision.”

While the commission came to a consensus on allowing all six candidates to move forward, Commissioner Michael Sparkman, one of the city’s longest serving commissioners, said he would not support Evans moving forward. Evans was abruptly fired from his post in Riviera Beach after the Riviera Beach City Council voted 3-2 to remove him. The decision has led to multiple lawsuits in the east-coast city, including cries of corruption against the council members who voted to fire Evans.

“It wasn’t settling and it wasn’t quick. I was disappointed in his candidacy and I will not support his candidacy.” Sparkman said. “I don’t know if this is an issue — it’s something that I noticed — he is of color. I don’t know if it’s Hispanic or black, but the lead commissioner was a black gentleman that was adamant for him to leave. A black female commissioner also supported that and a white female commissioner supported. One comment I thought was interesting, I think they said they should’ve done a better background check. I don’t know what that means, but the media is on top of it down there. They’re making an issue out of it and I don’t want to see us get tied into that.”

Riviera Beach citizens have been demanding council members explain their reasoning for firing Evans. At this point, none have complied and communities have begun petitioning for their ousting. Councilman Terrance Davis accused Evans of poor job performance, though his personnel file contains no evidence to support it, according to a September investigation by a local news outlet. The same outlet also found that Evans had asked for a currently ongoing investigation into Councilwoman Lynne Hubbard for use of public funds on private property before he started and told Councilwoman Dawn Pardo she could not use public money and equipment on a private xeriscape project. Both Pardo and Hubbard joined Davis in voting to remove Evans.

Thomas, who was the city manager of Lakeland, said Evans was a victim of “political turmoil.” Thomas said he selected Evans as one of two finalists for the assistant city manager position in Lakeland, later recommending him for an assistant city manager role in Haines City, where he later became city manager.

Evans, however, wasn’t the only candidate whose application disclosed “press coverage that may be controversial or of concern to the city.” McDaniel disclosed coverage of a “Federal investigation of the Plant City Police Department from 1999 to 2005, during my tenure as Chief of Police.”

Beginning in 1999, the Plant City Police Department was investigated for officers lying, stealing from crime scenes, searching homes illegally and misleading judges. Several officers were prosecuted and some cut deals, accusing McDaniel and then-mayor Sparkman of being in on the corruption. Sparkman and McDaniel denied involvement and were never charged.

McDaniel did not respond to multiple requests for comment as of press time.

Since leaving PCPD in 2012, McDaniel has served as Plant City’s assistant city manager, which includes overseeing police and fire departments. In recent months, Leinbach said he’s “leaned on” McDaniel while he dealt with personal issued that took him out of the office.

Leinbach said McDaniel’s support and leadership has been invaluable since he stepped in as interim manager.

I have implemented two Community Redevelopment Agencies to assist with redevelopment. At Orange City we partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to institute a business retention program and created an administrative process for implementing an economic incentive program to encourage growth in targeted areas. We also worked closely with the County Economic Development Department to assist existing businesses with incentives to encourage growth. I have also worked on streamlining the planning and development process to allow projects to move through the system more quickly which helped the City become a location of choice. In

Most recent position: Assistant City Manager Lakeland, 2016-present Current salary: $121,438 Desired salary: $150,000

MICHAEL (SHAWN) SHERROUSE

completion. To ensure effective and efficient execution, I lead by providing clear and methodical direction, I set deadlines, I provide feedback to team members and I quickly resolve conflict to encourage organizational unity.

What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a leader and manager?

When serving in a leadership or managerial role, I feel my greatest strengths are my abilities to think strategically, build relationships, influence actions and execute organized plans. In order to achieve goals, a leader must have the ability to develop strategy. I begin the strategy development process by assessing strengths and weaknesses and determining how to best deploy strengths while compensating for weaknesses. In building relationships, I focus on connecting common interests that can be leveraged to inspire individuals toward a common goal. I do not view leadership as a position but, instead, as an attitude and a capacity to influence others.

Through transparent communication, an authentic leader can influence organizational culture by acting ethically on behalf of common interests and by creating an environment of trust. Finally, a leader must be able to execute a well-organized plan. As a leader, I sponsor each strategically developed plan throughout each process and to

Describe your experience and successes in downtown redevelopment, and include specifically (as applicable), any projects involving historic preservation elements.

Downtown redevelopment is thriving in Lakeland. A recent and notable redevelopment project was led by the city’s Community Development Department and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). Mass Market is a new event space in downtown Lakeland that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, includes a stateof-the-art commercial kitchen, has an urban farm cultivated by a local school and contains shared office space for creatives. This redeveloped location also hosts a trendy art studio and gallery space that can accommodate up to 100 people for an exhibit. All of this has been redeveloped on two-thirds of a city block that was severely blighted following abandonment by homeowners, small businesses and real estate investors.

This 1.6-acre site had become a trash strewn area that created a barrier between Lakeland’s downtown and midtown commercial districts. The

Society, who also serves as chair of the City's Historical Resources Board.

Plant City enjoys a large influx of tourists and visitors due to the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival, the International Softball Federation, and annual winter visitors.

Describe your experience in working in communities that experience significant tourism events, including any strategies and/or initiatives you have utilized to leverage tourism activities for the overall betterment of your community.

I have been directly involved in the various aspects of the City of Plant City's support of the Florida Strawberry Festival and all of the other events listed above. I am intimately familiar with all of the services that the city provides and must deliver to make the Florida Strawberry Festival and other listed activities successful.

I have also been directly involved in the city's support of numerous downtown events and activities, to include Bike Fest, Car Show, Fresh Air Market, Empty Bowls, Rail Fest, etc.

Orange City we reformed the Historic Preservation Board and revised our land development and zoning codes to help preserve the historic nature of certain districts/areas within the City.

Plant City enjoys a large influx of tourists and visitors due to the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival, the International Softball Federation, and annual winter visitors.

Describe your experience in working in communities that experience significant tourism events, including any strategies and/or initiatives you have utilized to leverage tourism activities for the overall betterment of your community.

I have worked in a number of communities that have worked to leverage their tourism activities for the betterment of the community. In Orange City, the Blue Spring Manatee Festival draws approximately 8,000 attendees annually. The city was working on ways to position itself as an ecotourism destination by expanding the Festival and working to link the city with Blue Spring State Park and the River to Sea Trail.

CRA, acting as developer, acquired the property for $2 million and spent another $3.2 million on construction of the Mass Market.

Plant City enjoys a large influx of tourists and visitors due to the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival, the International Softball Federation, and annual winter visitors.

Describe your experience in working in communities that experience significant tourism events, including any strategies and/or initiatives you have utilized to leverage tourism activities for the overall betterment of your community.

The City of Lakeland has several premier tourism events that positively impact the regional economy each year. During 2017, the city completed a $48 million renovation to Joker Marchant Stadium, home of the Detroit Tigers baseball spring training operations since 1934 and home of their Minor League Baseball affiliate, the Lakeland Flying Tigers.

Cooperative funding from the city, county, state and the Detroit Tigers was leveraged to fund the renovation project. Each year, Tigers spring training brings an estimated $45 million baseball-driven dollars to the local economy with an additional $18 million generated during the Flying Tigers minor-league season.

The City of Lakeland also owns and operates Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, home of the annual Sun-nFun fly-in and expo. This annual event is the second largest of its kind in the world and is the largest annual convention in Florida. The six-day event draws visitors from 80 countries and has an estimated $64 million annual economic impact on the 1-4 corridor.

SEE MORE CITY MANAGER CANDIDATES PROFILES ON PAGE 4 AND ONLINE AT PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Courtesy of the Panama City News Herald

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What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a leader and manager?

My greatest strength as a leader is being open-minded and receptive to new ideas. I think in local government management it’s easy to set in our ways. I am always looking for the newest and latest ideas on solving a problem and having conversations with employees about these ideas.

My greatest strength as a manager is what I am not. I am not a micro-manager. If I give direction and let staff do their job, many times they surpass my expectations. If I haven’t given adequate directions and staff doesn’t meet expectations, that is on me. As a manager, I am fair and consistent.

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JEFFREY (JEFF) BROWN

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Most recent position: City Manager Panama City, 2014-2017 Current salary: $139,310 Desired salary: $155,000

ROBERT (BOB) MIDDAUGH

What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a leader and manager?

I have been successful in creating work environments that are teamoriented, collaborative, inclusive and ethics-based. I am open accessible and a good listener. I welcome feedback and differing points of view.

I also have a sense of humor, which I believe is important to have in a healthy work environment.

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Describe your experience and successes in downtown redevelopment, and include specifically (as applicable), any projects involving historic preservation elements.

The three jurisdictions I worked in with downtowns included Miami Beach, Wheat Ridge, Colorado, and Watertown, Connecticut. In Miami Beach one of my assigned projects was to resolve a sizable list of outstanding liens on commercial properties that had accumulated over time from fines imposed for code violations. Many of the liens

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were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and several in the millions of dollars. Our approach was to attempt to resolve the liens by getting the owners to make improvements to their properties rather to foreclose on the liens. The city did not want to be in the real estate business. The process spanned several years and was a building-by-building negotiation with each owner to address the building conditions. My leverage was the value of the lien on a property, which I would typically negotiate to a smaller amount in exchange for specific improvements to bring the building up to code. In all cases I was successful in getting building exteriors and in many cases interiors improved.

Several of these commercial buildings were located in the historic art deco district of the city.

In Wheat Ridge, we created what was a fairly typical main street program to improve public infrastructure and building facades. We also created a program to improve some run down hotels on our interstate highway that provided both loans and grants to properties to assist in their improvement.

In Watertown, I worked on the renovation of an abandoned manufacturing facility in the downtown.

Most recent position: City Manager, Riviera Beach, March 2017-September 2017 Current salary: $179,000 Desired salary: Not specified

JONATHAN EVANS

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p.o. B ox 408 p lanT c iT y, Fl 33564

Photo courtesy Tony Doris/The Palm Beach Post

New owner with Joe Grimes still doing repairs

Plant City enjoys a large influx of tourists and visitors due to the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival,

Most recent position: Assistant County Administrator, Loudoun County, Va. 2015-present Current salary: $163,000 Desired salary: Not specified

CELEBRATING THE GREAT

Heritage, Pioneers, Heroes And Veterans Of Our Great City.

A PEACE of Plant City will have a wide array of boutique style offerings with a local and international flair.

GIVEAWAYS THROUGHOUT THE DAY!

Describe your experience and successes in downtown redevelopment, and include specifically (as applicable), any projects involving historic preservation elements.

During my time in Auburndale, the city was in the process of completing the downtown streetscape project.

This not only included pavers in the sidewalk but also rerouting streets and adding billing collection boxes which the community really appreciated. You have to remember this was the mid to late 1990’s. The City of Auburndale also owned the historic Baynard House which was renovated with state and city funding and local contributions and volunteers.

What do you feel are your greatest strengths as a leader and manager?

I believe that my greatest strength as a leader is my ability to motivate and encourage employees to work collectively as a team and one cohesive unit. As a leader, it is essential to maintain the position of a servant leader, and to lead by actions not words. I believe that the collective sum is greater than the individual parts, and as a city manager one serves in a capacity similar to that of a “head coach.” A city manager should inspire, motivate, educate and appreciate the organization’s most valuable resource, its workforce, while also maintaining an open, honest and transparent relationship with both the elected officials and the public. As a leader, I pride myself on the ability to connect with all individuals regardless of differences, and I value every member of the team as a vital contributing member to the overall collective success of the organization. Having played team sports, I firmly believe that teamwork makes the dream work. I have been known to take employees out to breakfast, speak at civic associations, and host employee picnics and luncheons.

As a leader, it is always important to exude humility and honesty; these attributes allow me to communicate and effectively forge long-lasting relationships with those I work with and work for.

Describe your experience and successes in downtown redevelopment, and include specifically (as applicable), any projects involving historic preservation elements.

During my tenure as a city manager in both Haines City and Riviera Beach, I was a proponent for the creation of a downtown incubator program, with the intention of attracting local investment into the downtown corridor. One of the most important aspects of downtown re-development is ensuring that the appropriate government infrastructures are in place to facilitate growth and development.

In order to have a flourishing downtown, communities must review their densities and intensities and landuses and proffer potential density bonuses and joint-use parking arrangements to facilitate commerce; both are items I have successfully negotiated during my tenure in government.

In Haines City, we invested in the improvement of drainage infrastructure, as well as adding an additional 124 parking spaces to the downtown core. Furthermore, we forged additional relationships with area businesses and supported the initiatives of purchasing items locally. I spearheaded an effort that led to the disposition of an unutilized city asset that was ultimately redeveloped into an indigent healthcare clinic. As part of the development, we utilized funding within our CRA fund to make surgical investments in transportation infrastructure to assist in allowing for better ingress and egress. To mitigate the impact of the increased traffic on residents in the area, we improved the landscape buffers as well as added new streetscape. During my tenure as City Manager in Haines

the International Softball Federation, and annual winter visitors.

Describe your experience in working in communities that experience significant tourism events, including any strategies and/or initiatives you have utilized to leverage tourism activities for the overall betterment of your community.

While in Auburndale we built a fivefield softball complex that was utilized about 30 weekends a year with tournaments. This was an economic generator for the Auburndale/Winter Haven/Lakeland area, especially when weeklong tournaments were held.

In Panama City, we have spill over from Spring Break at Panama City Beach. In addition, partner with the PCB to host baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments. The city’s restaurants and hotels see increases in business during these times. The 2,500-seat Marina Civic Center hosts numerous concerts, traveling Broadway, and other events during the year. These events have a significant impact to the downtown economy on show nights. Approximately 20,000 participants and vendors not including parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and other family fill the city’s hotels and restaurants.

The building was a multi-story brick structure dating back to the early 1900’s. The building was renovated for office and retail uses.

Plant City enjoys a large influx of tourists and visitors due to the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival, the International Softball Federation, and annual winter visitors.

Describe your experience in working in communities that experience significant tourism events, including any strategies and/or initiatives you have utilized to leverage tourism activities for the overall betterment of your community.

In Miami Beach there were a number of very large events that occurred annually as well as very large special events. The city annually hosted the largest boat show as well as the largest contemporary art show in the country. Special events included hosting multiple Super Bowls, the College Football National Championship game, the Pro Bowl and large concerts. To manage these different events the city created a special events plan based on the EOC emergency response plan. Typically all departments played a role and for the larger events a command center was staffed 24/7 for the duration of the event to provide coordination and to respond to any unforeseen or emergency needs. The plan provided for the coordination of all aspects of the event ranging from crowd management and security to litter control to assure that visitors and residents enjoyed their experience.

City, I was successful in redeveloping a portion of the downtown core to construct a brand-new $2.1 million fire station. This particular facility was also highly controversial and contested by multiple stakeholders.

We were able to build the facility that mimics the local charm of the downtown area while providing a state-ofthe-art facility, which provides critical life safety services to our residents.

Additionally, we were able to institute a policy that created a local vendor preference ordinance. This allowed for more commerce in investments to occur from the city supporting the local area investment. Economic development and “smart growth” are essential to long-term growth and sustainability.

Plant City enjoys a large influx of tourists and visitors due to the Annual Florida Strawberry Festival, the International Softball Federation, and annual winter visitors.

Describe your experience in working in communities that experience significant tourism events, including any strategies and/or initiatives you have utilized to leverage tourism activities for the overall betterment of your community.

Having worked in the fields of Parks and Recreation, communications and marketing, I have a very vast knowledge and experience on event planning. I have managed specific events intended to garner an economic impact, as well as catapult the community on a regional, state and nationwide stage. While working for the town of Celebration, I coordinated movie premieres with artists such as Jim Belushi and NBA legend Grant Hill. This experience gave me a deep understanding of the intricacies and nuances associated with promotions, marketing, and event execution. By serving in multiple capacities in Parks and Recreation, I also have a proper understanding of events and programs intended to gamer community support and synergy.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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5

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

We asked: What is your favorite song for the holiday season?

“‘Evergreen’ by Charleene “I have no idea. I like all type Closshey. It’s just such a of Christmas music. I just beautiful song and she just don’t have a specific one.”

— Dan Dehayes, 28 has such an incredible voice.

It’s nice that new songs can become part of traditions as well.”

“I like ‘The Christmas Shoes.’”

— Leighanne Bridgham, 27

“‘O Little Town of Bethlehem.’ It’s the meaning of Christmas.”

— Teresa Charles, 57

“That’s a tough one, I love all the songs. I guess ‘O Holy Night.’ It’s just Christmas to me.”

— Vanessa Borges, 43

— Jeremy Culver, 41

“‘Silent Night.’ It just makes you stop and think about the season and what it really means and just kind of reminisce about people that are gone and what the meaning of Christmas is and what’s important.”

— Karen Romero, 57

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS HAS PARTNERED TO SPONSOR AROUND TOWN.

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

257034

Affected by Recent Mosaic Announcement and/or Considering Retirement?

Understand Your Options You’re Invited

If you are currently an employee of Mosaic Company and fear your future with the company may be in jeopardy, it is important to fully understand your retirement plan options going forward. You’re invited to attend a discussion that outlines these options so that you may take full advantage of the opportunities offered as it relates to your financial future. If you are not a Mosaic employee but are considering retirement, you are also welcome to attend, as the information presented may also apply to you. A Morgan Stanley Financial Advisor can work with you to create a retirement strategy designed to meet your specific objectives and address your unique challenges. Join us, and learn how we can help you achieve your retirement goals.

Please call us at 866-263-0388 to reserve your place.

EVENT INFORMATION PLACE: Hampton Inn Plant City 2707 Thonotosassa Road Plant City, FL 33563

HOSTED BY: The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley 1401 Manatee Ave. W., Suite 1110 Bradenton, FL 34205

DATES: Wednesday, December 13—4:30-8:30 p.m.

Tuesday, December 19—12:00 noon-4:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 11—8:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Food and beverages will be served during each presentation

(Speakers available at 4:30 p.m. and presentation to begin at 6:00 p.m.)

(Speakers available at 12:00 noon and presentation to begin at 1:00 p.m.)

(Speakers available at 8:00 a.m. and presentation to begin at 9:30 a.m.)

SPEAKERS: The Milestone Financial Group at Morgan Stanley Peter Winters, John Hancock Investments Regional Consultant, “Market Intelligence” Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. This material was not intended or written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.

© 2017 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

11/17 CRC# 1951095

257939

The guest speaker(s) is neither an employee nor affiliated with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management. Opinions expressed by the guest speaker(s) are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. There will be no discussion of, or distribution of written materials relating to, specific products or investments at this presentation.

PLANT CITY TIMES &

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It is inserted into the Tampa Bay Times for subscribers. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

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

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

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

TO ADVERTISE

Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

Call Al Berry, Danny Crampton or Chandler Workman at (813) 704-6850.

Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

golda-harvey-king.bemergroup.com

Killed FROM PAGE 1

render aid before fleeing the scene.”

Adams and friends rushed to Baynard.

“A minute or two later we heard the sirens,” Adams said. “It felt like forever.”

Then, Adams and his friends saw an officer approaching on a motorcycle. They thought he was coming for Baynard, but he was headed further up the road. Adams said they got his attention and, after a brief stop, the officer said he had to go to a traffic fatality.

Adams followed the officer down Baker and north onto Alexander Street. When they reached the eastbound entrance to I-4, both stopped.

“That’s where we found Emily,” Adams said. “She was dead.”

Riggs was charged with “leaving the scene of a crash without rending aid, involving injury and driving under the influence, with personal injury.”

PCPD said additional criminal charges may be pending as the traffic fatality and hit and run are now joined by a homicide investigation.

According to records from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Riggs has been arrested about 10 times in Hillsborough County, with most charges relating to drugs or battery. As of Wednesday, he was being held without bail in Hillsborough County Jail.

Baynard was transported to Lakeland Regional Health and treated for non-life threatening injuries.

PCPD said the driver who struck Hilliard will not be facing any charges.

In a converted service station on Baker Street, just east of where Baynard was hit by the van five days earlier, Anderson addressed a group at Hands of Hope in downtown Plant City Wednesday morning. They gathered for a lunch of chili and rice cooked by her husband. Before they bowed their heads to bless their meal, she reassured the crowd that in the face of tragedy, they had somewhere to turn.

“You have us here so you don’t need to be out there,” she said. “Whenever anything happens to you out there, you come to us.”

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Street, when, for an unknown reason, a pedestrian later identified as white male Michael Christopher Baynard, 32, of Plant City, Florida, stepped onto W. Baker Street and into the path of the mini-van. Baynard was struck,” PCPD Spokesperson Al Van Duyne said in the statement.

Van Duyne later said PCPD did not know why Hilliard was in Riggs’ van, where they were coming from, or if Hilliard and Baynard knew each other.

Eyewitnesses and those familiar with the two, however, tell a different story.

“He had said ‘that’s my wife,’” Jonathon Adams, a volunteer with New Hope, said. “Chris is her boyfriend.”

According to multiple witnesses, Adams was with Hilliard and Baynard that day. He had known the two through Plant City’s homeless community for months. Adams said the two left together while he was still helping out at Hands of Hope, but he met up with them a short time later outside an apartment on Baker Street near the library.

“Emily said she had to meet a guy to get money,” Adams said. “They were going to meet at the library. She wanted to do it in a public place. She said she’d be back in five minutes.”

A few minutes later, he said, they heard a scream that “sounded like a dog getting run over by a car.” The screams got louder. They saw a van peel around the corner, south on Wheeler Street turning west on Baker.

Hilliard hung from the open passenger door, a pair of flip-flops the only thing between her brown-painted toenails and the pavement she reached for.

Riggs pulled her back in by the collar of her shirt, causing him to swerve and fishtail between lanes as she cried to Baynard for help.

“He ran into the street waving his arms and trying to get him to stop,” Adams said. “The guy floored it. He hit Chris on the driver side and Chris cartwheeled. He flipped twice.”

Riggs, police said, “failed to stop or

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T C O M M E R C I A L R E N TA L S R E S I D E N T I A L R E N TA L S

With the support of the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners

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813-752-4211

T H I E L E N E N V I R O N M E N T A L

L L C

863.651.8316 | 863.585.5412

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Hazardous Tree Removal • Tree Trimming • Debris Cleanup Land Clearing and More 256823

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

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PlantCityObserver.com

DECEMBER 15, 2017

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Photos by Breanne Williams

Several of the Legion members brought their grandchildren to help.

Approximately 850 wreaths will be distributed throughout two cemeteries in Plant City.

Legion honors veterans for the holidays

The volunteers placed wreaths on all graves marked for veterans.

T

he American Legion Auxiliary Unit 26 in Plant City once again honored those who served this holiday season by placing hundreds of wreaths at the graves of local veterans.

Pam McGregor, president of the Legion, said the group wanted to do something to honor local veterans that were placed in normal ceremonies. While the Legion donated $250 to Wreaths Across America, which places wreaths at the national cemeteries, the group also has worked to expand its annual holiday wreath program here in Plant City.

This year, the group will lay approximately 850 wreaths in two cemeteries. The group started the tradition three years ago, laying 395 wreaths on local veterans’ graves at one cemetery. The next year, they expanded to a second cemetery and next year, McGregor says they are prepared to take on a third location.

Her hope is the Legion will one day have the finances and manpower to honor every local veteran’s grave in Plant City. Regardless of what the future holds, McGregor said the Legion can and will continue the tradition.

“We just think we shouldn’t let our veterans be forgotten,” she said. “We’ll continue doing it until we can’t walk.”

Volunteers from the American Legion fluffed wreaths, tied on tags and ribbons and brought them to local cemeteries.

The Legion spent two days adorning local veterans’ graves with holiday wreaths.

— BREANNE WILLIAMS

Each grave that was marked as a veteran’s received a wreath from the Legion.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

9

IT’S HAM-ER

TIME The 43rd annual Tampa Bay Hamfest, a gathering of amateur radio enthusiasts, drew attendees of all ages.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Dozens of men and women in customized ball caps and insulating flannels rummaged through bins full of wires and rotor cables early Saturday morning. From a table in the corner a soft voice rang out, beckoning patrons to examine her wares.

Anna Montesano, 15, picked up a walkie-talkie and excitedly radioed her soon-to-be stepdad, informing him when people stopped at their booth. Despite the gloomy day, Montesano was all smiles as she chatted about getting her radio license and discussed her passion for the art of amateur radio. She was a ham through and through.

By the end of the two-day event, hundreds had walked through the Strawberry Festival Ground’s Expo Hall for the 43rd annual Tampa Bay Hamfest, a gathering of amateur radio enthusiasts, otherwise known as “hams.”

Montesano and her stepfather were selling products to get their house remodeled. Leaning in conspiratorially, she whispered she was getting half of the profit of their sales, which she intended to use to buy Christmas gifts.

“He’s going to be my new dad, my mom is marrying him,” Montesano said. “I grew up around radio and I really like it. I’m getting my license, too.”

Amateur radio uses radio frequency spectrums to exchange messages.

Though it can be traced back to the

late 19th century, the craft is receiving a resuscitation as more and more people apply for radio licenses.

According to the National Association for Amateur Radio, the number of licensees in the United States has steadily inclined since 2008. Then there were 663,564 licensees. In 2015, there were 735,405.

Bill Williams, president of the Florida Gulf Coast Amateur Radio Council, said there are more licensed radio operators now than ever before. He said the increase is directly related to a response to natural disasters.

“A lot of people get their license and then don’t use it frequently,” Williams said. “But when there’s an emergency they come out of the woodwork to help.”

The technology used by hams is not reliant on a formal structure to operate. To him, the flexibility of the craft is part of its appeal. Williams went to Katrina following the destructive hurricane and used his radio to help local law enforcement coordinate missions throughout the stretch of land 50 miles from the coast that was completely without power.

“There must’ve been 200 law enforcement there and they couldn’t talk to each other, let alone the public,” Williams said. “I went to Haiti, too, and it was the same thing. But luckily we don’t need towers or running stations. We just set up shop and go.”

He said interest, though increasing, still falls upon an age-defined trend.

When children are young and active in organizations like Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts they become extremely fascinated with the craft and obtain their license.

Then, as they get more involved in high school or college activities and start families some drift away. Once they reach middle age, however, many return to renew their license,

Photos by Breanne Williams

Some vendors sold non-radio items like record players and movies.

Hamfests offer exhibits, forums, and fleamarkets for hams.

as invested as they were at age 12.

“Hams are diverse and unique people,” Williams said. “It’s like herding cats sometimes trying to get them to do what you need them to do. But at their core, they all care. We were helping out at an MS walk in St. Petersburg and a woman came up to us and said she couldn’t find her son. We immediately called the stations around the walk. We found him in four minutes.”

Williams gestured at the hall full of hams of all ages and backgrounds.

With a smile he stared and said the event never failed to draw a crowd, which he attributed to both the growing interest and the fact that vendors sold unique items like record players, movies and a variety of electronics.

Outside, as attendees trickled out into the drizzle, two men shook each other’s hands and clapped one another on the back before parting ways.

“Drive safe,” one turned and said.

“I’ll see you on the air.”

Groups from across Tampa Bay came together for the 43rd annual Tampa Bay Hamfest.

Amateur radio is on the rise as more and more people seek licenses.

YOUR HOME COMMUNITY

YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY

“THEWORK OF A CARPENTER”

BANK

By Recording Artist Greg Mcdougal Will Be At Cork United Methodist Church On TH

Hillsboro

December 24 , 2017, At 10:30 Am

BANK

(For Worship Service)

Personal Banking Business Banking Online Banking

Smart Banking at its BEST!

Greg McDougal and his family have been in full time music ministry since 2007. What began as a special cause and need in their lives, God has turned into a great desire for them to go and tell of His mercy and grace in the midst of it all.

509 W. Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563 (Main Office) (813) 707- 6506

1016 Bloomingdale Ave. Valrico, FL 33596 (Brandon Office) (813) 657-8989

God led Greg to record a life changing and award winning CD called The Work of a Carpenter. Because of this project, so many lives across the country and around the world, have been touched by their story of faith, love and determination for the sake of their children.

DRIVE THRU: 8:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Thurs.

8:00 - 6:00 Fri.

DRIVE THRU: 8:00 - 5:30 Mon.-Thurs.

8:00 - 6:00 Fri

LOBBY: 9:00 - 4:00 Mon. - Thurs.

9:00 - 6:00 Fri.

LOBBY: 9:00 - 4:00 Mon. - Thurs.

9:00 - 6:00 Fri.

In 2007, Greg recorded a follow up project called ‘Try a Little Kindness’ that featured many special guests in duets with Greg including: Tommy Brandt, Mary James, Tammy Cochran, The Bellamy Brothers, and The Oak Ridge Boys. In 2009, Greg responded to God’s call to full time music ministry. In 2010, Greg was named The Inspirational Country Music Awards ‘Music Evangelist of the Year’ and and in 2012 and was named ICM ‘Musician of the Year’. As he speaks, sings, and plays his Martin guitar, you will hear of forgiveness, faith, family, and how God indeed redeems all things through Jesus Christ.

Friendly • Fast • Quality Service

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A LOVE OFFERING will be taken after service.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

hillsborobank.com

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

SATURDAY, DEC. 16

This week’s guest speaker is Norm Nelson, from the Plant City Chamber of Commerce. There is a buffet breakfast and coffee every week.

For more information call Michelle at 813-624-9354.

COOKIES & COCOA WITH CLAUS 9 to 11 a.m. The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting a Cookies & Cocoa with Claus event. Attendees will sip hot chocolate, eat festive holiday cookies and visit with Santa. Family pictures are available and there will be crafts and games available throughout the event. For more information call Elizabeth Patton at 813-757-6677.

CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE 2 and 8 p.m. Plant City Entertainment is proud to present the musical comedy stage reading of Christmas in Dixie. The family friendly musical will also feature hot chocolate, cookies, Christmas carolers and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for youth and special packages for two adults with up to two children are $25. Tickets can be purchased online at PCEshows.com or at the door.

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Strawberry Classic Cruise-In in downtown Plant City is back. Admission is free and all types of cars are welcome. There is a collectible event hat for the first 250 drivers registered at the AAA tent and displaying their cars, as well as a commemorative dashboard plaque for all cars on display.

There will also be sling pack goodie bags for all attendees while supplies last. Attendees can also register to win a Royal Caribbean cruise at the AAA tent.

BEST BET SATURDAY, DEC. 16

SANTA SLED FESTIVAL 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Plant City Black Heritage & Class of ‘86 will host its annual Santa Sled Festival at Marie B. Ellis Park, 601 E. Laura St. Over 200 families in the community will be given toys, bicycles, groceries, turkeys and clothes.

Open to children ages 3 to 10 years old. For more information contact Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134.

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS 5:30 to 8 p.m. New Hope @ the Cornerstone, 315 N. Collins St., is hosting a free Christmas event.

The building will be decorated and attendees are encouraged to dress in pre-1900s costumes. It will be a

night of activities including a symphony, horse and buggy carriage rides, a Winter Wonderland room and more.

MONDAY, DEC. 18

KIDS EAT FREE AND FREE PICTURES WITH SANTA 6 p.m. Duke’s Brewhouse has partnered with the Lilly Foundation, Angel Tree and and Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus for a Christmas event.

Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped Christmas gift to donate and receive a free picture with Santa. Free kids meal with purchase of an adult entree.

TUESDAY, DEC. 19

PLANT CITY CONNECTIONS 8 a.m. The weekly Plant City Connections meeting is held at Crossroads Seafood & Steakhouse, 106 State Road 60 E. Kick off the new year by expanding your business.

HOLIDAY WINE AND CRAFT BEER TASTING 4:45 to 6:30 p.m. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center will celebrate Tuesdays at the Archives with a “Holiday Wine and Craft Beer Tasting.” Enjoy an evening sampling of holiday wines, tasty craft beers with sides of cheese, hors d’oeurves, and other holiday refreshments. Stop in for refreshments and holiday camaraderie. Attendance is free and the event will feature holiday beverages including local Keel & Curley unique wines and the Two Henrys Brewing Company’s new IPA and blueberry wheat beer.

A SHORT DRIVE

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

INDIE FLEA AT 801 E. MAIN 6 to 10 p.m. 801 E. Main in Lakeland is hosting an Indie Flea. They will have their Bar Calexico open for attendees to purchase craft beers, wine, homemade rumchata and more. The Poor Porker booth and vintage store will be open.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20

TOYS FOR TODDIES CHRISTMAS PARTY AND UGLY SWEATER CONTEST 6 to 9 p.m. Rise Plant City is hosting a Toys for Toddies Christmas Party and Ugly Sweater Contest at 1916 Irish Pub. Receive one free drink when you donate a toy valued at over $5. There will be half off wine all night, networking, friendship and philanthropy. There is no cover charge for the event.

ONLINE For more events and ongoing events, visit

PlantCityObserver.com

HOLIDAY CLASSIC SERIES 7:30 p.m. The Tampa Theatre is partnering with the Tampa Downtown Partnership’s Winter Village event. The theatre will present a free showing of Elf in Curtis Hixon Park. Lawn seating is first-come, firstserved. Bring blankets, folding lawn chairs and pillows.

Refreshments are available for sale. After the movie, enjoy a skate around the ice rink or walk along the Riverwalk.

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EXPERIENCE PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA | 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

FINAL DAYS

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Terry Kubin, 64, of Lakeland, born on December 17, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland, entered into eternal rest on December 3.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

Laverne M. Everidge, 91, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on December 7.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

BETTER WHEN IT’S COLD 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Beverage violation: Officers found a female subject drinking a Bud Ice lager beer within 500 feet of a place of sale. She was arrested and given a court date.

FORMULA FIEND 200 block of West Alexander Street.

Petit theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole baby formula from a grocery store. The amount of formula stolen was valued at $215.88.

HOPEWELL

HOPEWELL

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

239042

239042

Betty Lamb Gryder

Angela Elizabeth Stewart

Betty Lamb Gryder, 86, of Lakeland, and formerly Tampa, born in Georgia on September 26, 1931, entered into eternal rest on December 3.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

Angela Elizabeth Stewart, 52, of Plant City, born on October 11, 1965 in Atlanta, Georgia, entered into eternal rest in Pensacola on December 8.

Expressions of condolence at www.

HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELL

HOPEWELL

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

DEC. 3

ASK PERMISSION, NOT FORGIVENESS 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Theft: Complainant stated a female subject reached into her purse and stole a cigarette case while shopping.

The complainant confronted the subject and alerted police, but declined

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

BAD SIGNAL 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Theft: Complainant stated an unknown suspect took her cell phone from her shopping cart at a store.

The complainant only wanted a case number so she could have her cell phone replaced, so a waiver of prosecution was signed.

DEC. 4

TRAIN IN VAIN 100 block of North Palmer Street.

Abandoned vehicle: Officers responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle and found it on railroad tracks. It was determined that the vehicle had gotten stuck in the tracks and its owner left it there. The vehicle was removed and impounded.

SMOKE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM 1510 block of South Alexander Street.

Grand theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole 70 cartons of cigarettes from behind the counter of a convenience store.

DEC. 5

TOOL TIME 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Retail theft: Complainant stated a male subject attempted to steal two framing nailers from a home improvement store and was apprehended.

The nailers were valued together at $698. The subject was arrested and taken to jail.

SCROOGED 1200 block of Mendonsa Road.

Theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole four lighted Christmas decorations from his front yard.

He signed a waiver of prosecution.

Florist

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

239042

STANDING ROOM ONLY 2400 block of West Waver Street.

Theft: Complainant stated an unknown suspect entered her yard and stole 40 white lawn chairs and five sheets of plywood. The stolen items were valued together at $105.

to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

11

239042

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

Historic Downtown 256730

257261

Laverne M. Everidge

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

GRASS ISN’T ALWAYS GREENER 1000 block of North Merrin Street.

Grand theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole lawn equipment valued together at $1,010.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Terry Kubin

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

OPEN INVITATION 500 block of Scarlet Maple Court.

Stolen vehicle: Complainant stated his 2006 Mercedes-Benz sedan was stolen by unknown suspect(s) in the morning. He had started the car and left it running in the driveway. Ten minutes later, it was gone. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office located the car and arrested a suspect for vehicle theft and a hit-and-run.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

COPS CORNER

Vernon Robert Cannon, age 79, of Plant City, passed away December 10.

Vernon was the son of the late Samuel Cannon and Betsy Beckwith Cannon.

He was preceded in death by siblings, Cecil Cannon, Eula Day and Gladys Lynn.

Vernon is survived by his daughter, Linda Lancaster (Eddie). Other survivors include siblings Joseph Cannon (Margie), James Cannon (Louise), Paul Cannon (Marie), Michael Cannon (Wanda), Estelle Daniels, Karen Lang (Jay), Shirley Graves and Marie Hudson (Don); one grandchild, Jennifer Pond (Vincent)

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

DEC. 2

and two great-grandchildren, Christopher Faulkner, Jr. and Leah-Anne Pond.

He was employed with Florida Power Corp. where he was an electrician. He was a member of Northside Baptist Church and a Veteran of the US Marine Corps. He loved hunting, fishing and playing golf.

Funeral will be Wednesday, December 20, at 11:00 a.m. at Northside Baptist Church. Visitation will be 9:30 to 11 a.m. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Gideons or Northside Baptist Building Fund.

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

Vernon Robert Cannon

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DECEMBER 15, 2017

SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us?

Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Prep scores roundup BASKETBALL

DECEMBER 12

Bloomingdale 44, Durant 34 (girls) Durant 61, Bloomingdale 51 (boys) Plant City TK (girls) Plant City 81, SCHS 60 (boys) SOCCER

DECEMBER 12

Durant 3, Riverview 1 (girls) Riverview 4, Durant 0 (boys) Plant City 1, East Bay 0 (FFW) (girls) Plant City 8, East Bay 0 (boys) Newsome 8, SCHS 0 (girls) Newsome 2, SCHS 1 (boys)

Youth sports sign-ups Under Armour’s “Under the Lights” co-ed youth flag football league is coming to Plant City in January and will host games at the field at EllisMethvin Park. Kids in kindergarten through eighth grade are able to play 6v6 and 7v7 football on Friday nights.

Registration costs $145 per child and can be done online at ow.ly/rKKW30h9Gai. For more information, email Matt Raab at MRaab@UAFlag. com.

Plant City Little League is also accepting registrations for its upcoming spring baseball, softball, T-ball and machine pitch seasons.

League registration will be open through Jan. 18. In-person registrations will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jan. 6 and 13 in the PCLL board room at Mike Sansone Park, 1702 N. Park Road. Online registration can be done any time at eteamz.com/ PlantCityLL. Registration costs vary by league but go between $85 and $165 per child. Sibling discounts of $20 are available. Visit the PCLL website for more information.

Photos by Justin Kline

PCHS hosts

Lakeland (black) and George Jenkins (green) were among the Polk County schools that traveled to Hillsborough for the tournament.

Cornelius Wiggins Invitational Schools from Hillsborough and Polk counties wrestled in the inaugural tournament.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Plant City High School hosted its inaugural Cornelius Wiggins Invitational wrestling tournament on Dec. 9, bringing schools from Hillsborough and Polk counties to 1 Raider Place for an action-packed day of competition.

Though there were some last-minute changes to the lineup, eleven schools and their fans packed the school’s gym, watched plenty of wrestling and ate barbecue cooked on-site.

“I think everything went well,” Knighten said.

George Jenkins, Lakeland, Wharton, Blake, Kathleen, Leto, Tampa Bay Tech, Tenoroc, Armwood and McKeel Academy sent teams to the tournament. Between the early rounds, coach Tim Knighten told the audience about Wiggins’ life and accomplishments on high school and collegiate mats. The Bryant family and George Jenkins High School coach Jason Heath, a college teammate of Wiggins’, presented the school with a boxed display of items and photos from Wiggins’ wrestling days. It will be hung near Plant City’s retired basketball jerseys in a ceremony during the school’s Senior Night meet.

For Heath, participating in the tournament was a way to honor the life of one of his closest friends. From the day they met at a small team gather-

Registration for the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/ Optimist Club Youth Soccer Program will begin Jan. 2.

The program is open to youths age 4 through 18 (age determined as of June 1, 2018) between 11 boys, girls and co-ed age groups.

The $35 registration fee covers uniform and insurance costs and the form can be downloaded from ow.ly/ zRX030h9Hcg. Families can register in person at the PCRPD administration office or by mail, which must be sent to the office at 1904 S. Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563. The registration period will end at 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 7, 2018. For more information, call 813-659-4255.

Tomlin Middle School will host the 45th Plant City Optimist Club Tri-Star Basketball Competition at 1 p.m. on Jan. 20.

The shooting, passing and dribbling skills competition is free and open to all youths age 8 through 13, even if they do not compete in the city’s rec basketball program. More information is available at ow.ly/CyaL30h9HDR or by calling 813-659-4255.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

ing at Heath's off-campus residence, they formed a unique brotherhood that never faltered. It's a story Heath loves to tell.

"I invited a bunch of new wrestling guys over, young guys over. Cornelius was one of the guys that came over," Heath said. "My nickname is 'Tank.'

I’m sitting there talking to the guys … he walks up to me and smacks me upside my face. At the time I’m probably 230 pounds, he’s like 130 pounds.

After he did it, he turned his back to me and just walked off. It was the funniest thing because everybody knew me, it was a small college and no one would dare do what he did, and he did it and walked away. Everybody’s

I

don’t want to hear anything about “watering down” football to the point where we’re all forced to play with flag rules. I’m not here to preach changing the rules to where a finger poke counts as bringing a runner down.

It just looks like we’ve got a problem to deal with.

This isn’t something I’ve thought about in depth over the last couple of weeks, between covering the TCYFCC Superbowl and the ensuing United YFL Football Championships. I enjoyed watching the action

The school plans to display a box of items from Wiggins’ wrestling career.

Wiggins won two state titles while at PCHS.

SEE WRESTLING PAGE 13

JUSTIN KLINE

Play football, but play it safe Recent NFL injuries show why proper safety techniques must be taught early.

got their mouths dropped open. I’m looking like, ‘I’ll smash this little guy.’

From that point on, we were best of friends. We’ve been super cool ever since. He’s like my little brother."

After receiving the memory box, Knighten turned his back to the audience and surprised Heath with a (softer) smack on the cheek, just like Wiggins had done.

Heath’s Eagles ended up winning the tournament edging the Raiders out of first place in a 38-33 final round.

Tampa Bay Tech placed third overall.

Knighten said if Plant City had to lose to any one team at the tournament, it

at both events and like seeing Plant City represented well at them. But after last week’s slate of NFL games, I couldn’t help but think about the injuries.

And it’s not because something bad happened with my fantasy team in the Observer’s office league (future offensive rookie of the year Alvin Kamara’s concussion). It’s bigger than that. It’s leading MVP candidate Carson Wentz, who is tremendously fun to watch, suffering a torn ACL from a Mark Barron hit to the knee while diving into the end zone for a touchdown. It’s Tom Savage taking a hit against the San Francisco 49ers that caused him to have what looked like a momentary seizure — and what was confirmed to be a concussion — on the field,

all while the referee right in front of him looked on, then coming back into the game a few minutes later. It’s Ryan Shazier attempting to make a tackle and damaging his spine upon impact, being carted off the field because he couldn’t move his legs, then dealing with doctors saying he may never be able to play football again. It’s Thursday Night Football gaining a deserved reputation around the league for being so dangerous to players due to a lack of recovery time.

You don’t want to see any of that happen to your favorite athletes, pro or amateur. You definitely don’t want any of that for the children learning the game. But if it’s happening at the world’s highest level of play, there’s a chance it could hap-

pen at the lowest levels.

What I want is for our area coaches to make sure they’re teaching their players proper techniques, stretching, safety procedures and the whole nine yards. When your form is on point, no matter what position you’re playing, you’re reducing your risk of going out there healthy and leaving with the need to see a doctor. You don’t even need to buy into myths like the time the NFL tried to promote “Heads-Up” tackling, which didn’t help with injury reduction or bringing ball carriers down.

Technique is the root of all sports success.

It’s also important for coaches to recognize proper concussion protocol or, in other words, not putting a player back out there because he just “got his bell rung.” Even if that one person is good enough to be able to affect the outcome of a game, the potential to make a concussion even worse should be reason enough to

bring in the backup for the rest of the game. Winning is fine in its moment but if you can’t remember hoisting the trophy because your brain’s too messed up, what good did it really do you?

In its purest form, the game is always going to be violent. You can’t kill off the risk of injuries without a complete overhaul of the rules.

That’s why we should at least do what we can to reduce such a risk.

If we want to watch the fast, hardhitting game so many of us Americans love, we have to make sure the people on the field can be healthy enough to play it regularly.

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

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

13

Wrestling FROM PAGE 12

GARAGE DOOR REPAIR & As SERVICE a1bo0kuut sa %

Discoun t

Chris 813.417.6849 Justin Kline

Plant City and Tenoroc battled earlier in the tournament.

Notice of Service of Process by Publication

2017 UYFL tournament comes to close The Plant City Dolphins won two national championships Dec. 8.

State of North Carolina, Henderson County In the General District Court

IN RE: Jeffrey Ectai Dominguez Lopez A Minor Juvenile

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In this year’s “Run for the Rings,” two Plant City Dolphins teams crossed the finish line ahead of their counterparts.

The Dolphins’ 6U and 15U All-Star teams won their divisions on Dec. 8, the final day of play in the 2017 United YFL Football Championships at EllisMethvin Park. The 6U Dolphins did it with a 14-7 overtime win against the Maryland-based DMV Knights and the 15U All-Stars, a group comprised of players from around the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference, pulled out an 8-6 win over Buffalo, New York’s Hill Butler Giants.

Plant City’s 14U All-Stars team also made it to the championship final but lost to the Maryland Seahawks, 33-16.

Armando Dominguez Pereira, take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the aboveentitled Action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Petition to Terminate Parental Rights.

You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 1, 2018 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for Photos by

the relief sought.

Justin Kline

6U: Plant City Dolphins 8U: Tampa Hurricanes 9U: Fort Worth Outlaws 10U: Detroit Spartans 12U Div. 1: Tremont Spartans 12U Div. 2: GC Cowboys 14U: Detroit Spartans 14U All-Star: Maryland Seahawks 15U All-Star: Plant City Dolphins Bandit Unlimited: Oxford Circle Raiders Mighty Mites: Beast Elite Ducks Cadet: Beast Elite Ducks Jr. Pee Wee Div. 1: Beast Elite Ducks Jr. Pee Wee Div. 2: MOT Cowboys Pee Wee Div. 1: Team Charlotte Elite Pee Wee Div. 2: Ohio Glenville Elite Jr. Midget Div. 1: Upstate Falcons Jr. Midget Div. 2: Leyden Bears

This the 15th day of December 2017 Tamara M. Lee Sheffron, Bradley, & Associates 475 South Church Street, Ste. 500 Hendersonville, NC 28792 258036

Above: Plant City fielded six Dolphins teams in the 2017 United YFL Football Championships.

Left: The Junior Midget Windy City Dolphins beat the (other) Buffalo Bills, 8-6, on Dec. 8.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONS

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “A visionary is one who can find his way by moonlight and see the dawn before the rest of the world.”

– Oscar Wilde Puzzle Two Solution: “There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.”

– Edith Wharton

This week’s Sudoku answers

The Plant City Dolphins won two UYFL championships and recorded one secondplace finish.

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Tony 813.404.7819

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Keep that holiday weight off

T

he average American puts on about a pound of weight every holiday season. Almost half of this weight gain comes off by summer but Americans continue to accumulate the extra throughout life. Every decade, the pant size goes up.

Luckily, you can have your fruit cake and eat it, too. Here’s how to enjoy holiday festivities and treats while still staying true to your training plan.

GET OVER HALLOWEEN AND THANKSGIVING NOW

Hopefully, all the Halloween candy is gone from the house. It may surprise you but Americans tend to keep their leftover candy around until January.

Next year, plan to send extra leftover candy to work, the fire department or the high school football team the day after the trick-or-treaters are gone.

Turn Thanksgiving into a fun, healthy event without weight gain by walking it off before Christmas.

Shop and walk. Decorate and walk.

Visit and walk together with family and friends. Enjoy this wonderful weather and calm your stress with quiet daily walking mediations.

Set aside a time just for you to clear your mind while moving the body.

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would have been Jenkins. “(Heath) and Corn were very good friends,” Knighten said.

The wrestling program plans to host the tournament during the second week of every December, Knighten said. He added that many schools from Hillsborough and Polk have already contacted him to express interest in joining the 2018 event, which he hopes will be even bigger than this year’s 11-team outing.

"I’m definitely going to be back next year and the year after that," Heath said. "As long as they’ll have me …

I’m definitely gonna be back at that tournament."

NAVIGATING HOLIDAY FOODS Deciding what and when to eat is a daunting task throughout the entire holiday season. Family gatherings and fun festivities bring all those special recipes and treats we associate with this time of the year, and most of our favorite holiday foods contain heavy carbs and fats that turn into those unwanted inches.

Enjoy your favorites in small quantities. A tasting can bring satisfaction without piling on the pounds.

Select proteins and essential fats to let the body feel full and properly nourished. Cut back on two meals for the day when you know there is a heavier meal coming up. Prepare for that company dinner with a proteinrich breakfast and a light salad for lunch. Enjoy a light dinner following a festive brunch. Try half a cup of Plant City strawberries before bed to calm any lingering hunger.

Stay hydrated and know that extra water helps cleanse away the effects of overeating and poor choices. Salt retention, usually associated with heavy carbs, makes the scale go up quickly. Detoxing with water takes those pounds away quickly, too.

Watch your caffeine intake.

Sleepless nights mean exhausting days. My rule of thumb is to have no caffeine after 3 p.m. — and that includes chocolate. Remember your vitamins and supplements. This is

not the time to deprive yourself of nutrients.

STAYING SANE

Stress can overwhelm us as we deal with visitors, parties, school activities, decorating, cleaning, cooking, shopping and the whole holiday flurry. Stay sane by taking care of yourself.

Learn when to say “no” and do it early. Delegate and share the load.

Say “yes” to those requests that bring meaning to your life with good memories. Family times are not meant to be “picture perfect” — just enjoy what happens and have fun.

Don’t stop exercising. Exercise increases mental alertness while keeping your energy level high and balanced out. Use your time wisely.

Take sensible shortcuts like deli foods or eating out. This can keep the schedule working for the whole family and manage exhaustion.

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City.

Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

©2017 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

2017

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Happy Holidays!

K.J. Graves Thanks to a strong run by K.J. Graves, the Plant City Dolphins claimed the 6U division championship in last week’s United YFL Football Championships. Graves, 7, scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime against the DMV Knights, a team from Maryland, in the Dec. 8 tournament finale.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

That was a pretty big run in the championship. After you scored, how did you feel?

Good.

From Our Family to Yours

VETERAN’S DAY

What made you want to learn how to play?

I love football.

What’s your favorite position to play?

Running back.

Who’s your favorite football player?

Odell Beckham Jr. What would you want to do if you could hang out with Odell for a day?

Dance.

Which NFL team is your favorite?

Carolina Panthers.

Tell me about that game. You guys played them really close.

It was very good and hard.

Why did you pick them?

Because they have a good quarterback.

What did that team do that made the game hard?

Tackling.

What’s your favorite thing about playing football?

Running the ball.

At halftime, what did the coach tell you to get you all ready to go win?

We did a cheer. “Two times Ric Flair.”

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done on a football field?

Stiff-armed somebody. From the DMV Knights, number 3, he was trying to get to me but I stiff-armed him. The coaches said, “Ooh.”

How long have you been playing football?

Since January (2015).

Do you play any other sports?

No. Is there a sport you want to try?

Basketball.

1977

40 years

Where do you go to school?

Buckhorn Elementary.

2017

What’s your favorite subject?

Math.

CERT I F I ED PU BLIC ACCOU N TA N TS, P.L .

LI F E & W EA LT H M A NAGEM E N T

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?

Football player.

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What team would you want to play for?

Raiders.

What’s your favorite thing to eat before a game?

Banana.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com

|

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

15

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, DEC. 15

High: 75 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 20%

Friday, Dec. 15

7:12a

5:34p

Saturday, Dec. 16

7:13a

5:35p

Sunday, Dec. 17

7:13a

5:35p

Monday, Dec. 18

7:14a

5:36p

Tuesday, Dec. 19

7:14a

5:36p

Wednesday, Dec. 20

7:15a

5:37p

Thursday, Dec. 21

7:15a

5:37p

SATURDAY, DEC. 16 High: 75 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 10%

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, DEC. 17 High: 82 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 10%

Dec. 17 New

Jan. 12 Last

Dec. 22 First

Jan. 1 Full

MONDAY, DEC. 18 High: 84 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 20%

RAINFALL

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Orlando $16.90 to $18.90

William Wicker was enjoying the view at Walden Lake when he snapped this photo of the sun setting behind the trees. Wicker wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

ONLINE

Courtesy of the United States

Follow us on social media: @PCTObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on

Department of Agriculture

Twitter and Plant City Times & Observer on Facebook.

Wednesday, Dec. 6

0.00

Thursday, Dec. 7

0.57

Friday, Dec. 8

0.00

Saturday, Dec. 9

0.00

Sunday, Dec. 10

0.00

Monday, Dec. 11

0.00

Tuesday, Dec. 12

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

DEC. TO DATE:

2017 44.77 in.

2017

0.57 in.

2016 38.65 in.

2016

0.13 in.

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FIVE-RINGED by Timothy B. Parker

94 Mr. Kristofferson 96 Part of a foot 97 Pre-Columbian Peruvian 98 Venues for bulldoggers 101 Settle for the bronze four times 108 Gain, as weight 109 Sound of a crowd or tiger 110 Incredibly absurd 111 Yak 112 With rice, the San Francisco treat 113 Painful reminder 114 Peter, to a pumpkin 115 Prefix meaning left 116 Parry alternative 117 Hammering superhero 118 Cricket, for one 119 Site of the first eviction

42 Placed a wager 43 They travel through ducts 44 Ancient upright stone 45 Third Hebrew letter 48 Fancy window with brackets 49 Pinot ___ (wine) 50 Egyptian, e.g.

51 Some pullover shirts 57 Source of wall flowers?

58 “See ya” 59 Non-P.C. “pitchers” 61 Smallish film 62 Lincoln’s secretary of state 63 Spring upward 64 Fixes, as a carnival game 65 French military cap 66 Beastly resting places 67 Give out in shares DOWN 68 The Life of ___ (ease) 1 Some beer containers 73 Conning activity (Abbr.)

74 “Hold on there!”

2 Give a major speech 75 Some coastal eagles 3 Large city in Italy 76 Be quite suspicious 4 Little brown thing?

77 Precisely sculpted shrubs 5 Big name in perfumes 78 Scored on a serve 6 It’s more than a job 7 Source of online tech news 79 Banjo relative, briefly 82 Men’s suit material 8 Jethro of music 83 Public util.

9 Qualities that outshine 84 Coast the usual 90 Of service (var.)

10 Views with contempt 92 Type of roast 11 Alfresco dining spot 93 Bad type of dorm mate 12 Of great proportions 94 Danish monetary units 13 Some parrots 95 Guillaume who was 14 Be frugal Benson 15 Ending for crypt or 96 Certain native of southmethod 16 Flutie who threw passes ern China 97 Type of potato 17 It can be a single chip 99Looked at all over 18 Sucker attachment 100Aida was one 28 Type of training 101“C’mon, be ___” (“Help 29 Orange Free State me out here”) denizens 30 Really go down with the 102Wise giver of advice 103Prestigious school or ship type of collar 35 Same as before, for 104Scottish waterway writers 105“Sack” lead-in 36 Vinegary 106Partnership for Peace 37 Hot dog biter?

38 Noted Baroque composer org.

107Black of old poetry 39 Brainstorm product 40 Mambo kin 41 Had dinner at home

©2017 Universal Uclick

ACROSS

1 Long NFL pass 5 The FDIC insures them 10 Minor work detail 14 Carbonated drinks 19 Soft white cheese 20 Accumulated, as charges 21 Guitarist’s accessory 22 Genetic duplicate 23 Syllables in “Deck the Halls” 24 Shampoo brand 25 “Narc” ending 26 Mailperson’s responsibility

27 Go for the gold four times 31 Confine, as zoo animals 32 Double negative 33 Fighting force 34 Mouse mover 35 When Brutus was a brute 36 At the pinnacle of 37 U.S. crime busters 40 Certain clergyman 43 Horrific smell 44 Garbage-hauling ship 45 Happy and appreciative 46 Versatile truck, informally 47 Statue you bought in

Guam, e.g.

52 Achieved, as a goal 53 Goes all over the place 54 Scarlet and strawberry 55 Big city in Nebraska 56 Brief lines about one’s life 57 “Rambo” or “Rocky” ending?

58 Island near Borneo 59 Potable in a pub 60 Take the silver three times 69 Bubkes relative 70 Smallest Great Lake, by volume 71 Medium limits?

72 He floated and stung 73 Neighbor of a Finn 76 Drink unit from a flask 77 Natural hosiery shade 80 Needing medicine 81 Mantle decoration, sometimes 85 Shad delicacy 86 First-rate 87 Has-been’s verb 88 Sword-wielder’s competition 89 Vigorously passionate 91 Informal mothers 92 A way to unite things 93 Was an aggressive baserunner

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813.754.3593 | 2002 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present.

Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“S AEDEUFSJG ED UFL NRU MSF TEFK RED NSG PG XUUFHEWRO SFK DLL ORL KSNF PLTUJL ORL JLDO UT ORL NUJHK.” – UDMSJ NEHKL “EWYNY KNY ELB LKDI BC IJNYKVART OATWE: EB MY EWY ZKRVOY BN EWY SANNBN EWKE NYCOYZEI AE.” – YVAEW LWKNEBR Puzzle Two Clue: M equals B

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Never before have eyeglass frames been offered in so many stylish choices.

Yet, you’ll be amazed at how many options are at your fingertips to help you see well and protect your vision!

Puzzle One Clue: W equals G

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©2017 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2017 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

12-14-17

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017

Why go to an emergency center that’s connected to a hospital?

What if you need the rest of the hospital?

specialists in the region are only a few feet away. If you need a pint of blood, no problem, we’re connected to a blood bank. Not to mention that our rehabilitation, orthopedic, oncology and maternity departments are only a wheelchair ride away. The best place to go during your emergency is a facility designed to handle any emergency. And that’s right here at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital.

When it comes to your health, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Which is why during an emergency such as a stroke or heart attack, every second counts. We don’t want to risk our patients’ lives by transferring them to a different hospital for emergency surgery. Here, if you need to be rushed to surgery, it’s down the hall, not down the road. We also have access to cutting-edge equipment and some of the best doctors, nurses and

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