5.5.22 PLCO

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VOLUME 6, NO. 195

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

STREET REPAVING AND PLAYGROUND PROJECTS AHEAD PLANT CITY TO SEE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS AS WELL AS NEW RECREATION SPOT BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

ROAD RESURFACING

The Plant City City Commission approved a selection of streets to be improved for the next fiscal year on April 25.

The city’s Fiscal Year 2022-23 Street Resurfacing Program includes milling and resurfacing 30 top-priority streets in town.

Longevity is a factor in the reduced conditions of the roadways which motorists may see in the form of cracks or potholes.

“Roads are only good for 12 to 15 years under normal use and you have to resurface them,” said Plant City City Manager Bill McDaniel. “About six years ago, the city commission embarked on a plan to dedicate that 1 mil of funding toward them.”

A mil is a tax payable per dollar of the assessed value of a property.

The estimated program funds available for the upcoming 2023 fiscal year are $2,904,021. However, $500,000 of those funds will be set aside for the planned South Collins Street resurfacing project from Alsobrook Street to Park Road in fiscal year 2024.

Another $250,000 will be taken out to fund geotechnical investigations, plus engineering design for fiscal year 2024.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

LOCAL YMCA BENEFITS

FROM DONATION TOWARD WATER SAFETY CLASSES

SUMMER PROGRAMS ON THE WAY

PLANT CITY WILL HOST A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Photo courtesy of YMCA

100 FIRST GRADE STUDENTS FROM KNIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WILL BE PROVIDED WITH FREE LESSONS DURING WATER SAFETY MONTH. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Kids will have many activities to keep them engaged while out of class during the 2022 City of Plant City Summer Program.

This will occur from June 6 to July 29, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It will be closed on July 4.

The program will be held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave in Plant City.

This location will only have 75 limited spots available.

The second location will be at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort Street, in Plant City. This location will have 100 limited spots available.

The program is divided into small groups for kids ages 6 to 15 and offers: • Arts and crafts classes • Indoor and outdoor games such as chess, table games, billiards, Capture the Flag, among more • Sports such as basketball, soccer, flag football, lacrosse, and tennis • Exploring aerodynamics, conservation, coding using iPad devices, Lego challenges, wildlife, environmental sci-

ences, simple machines, and cooking for campers • Breakfast and lunch each day • Movies and books to read This year’s program plans to resume field trips for campers.

The student fee for the eight-week program is $400 per child. A payment plan is available upon request, and cash, checks, credit cards, or money orders are accepted.

Online payment by check or debit/credit card will be available once an invoice has been created.

Parents and guardians are asked to provide a report card to verify that the student has passed kindergarten.

Program documents and registration procedure information are available on request by e-mail to recinfo@ plantcitygov.com or by phone at 813-659-4255.

For more information at the Planteen Recreation Center, please email mmorona@ plantcitygov.com or call Maggie Cole at (813) 659-4256.

For more information at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center call (813) 659-4253 or email recinfo@ plantcitygov.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

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PC Hoops Basketball Camp returning to Plant City Registration for the 2022 PC Hoops Basketball Camp is now open.

The camp will take place at the Plant City High School gymnasium, 1 Raider Place, and is open to students in grade K through 9. The fee to attend is $100 per four-day session and no onsite registration will be available, so register now to ensure a spot.

Payments are due one week in advance.

The camp will begin Monday, June 13 and run through Thursday, June 16 with sessions running from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for grades K through fifth, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for grades sixth through ninth.

For more information, contact Billy Teeden at 813-967-7551 or Deborah Haldane at 813-659-4255 or by email at recinfo@ plantcitygov.com. You can also complete the form on the camp’s flyer and return it to the Plant City Recreation & Parks Dept., 1904 S.

Southeastern Grocers Inc. to raise money for National Pet Month Southeastern Grocers, Inc., the parent company and home of Fresco y Mas, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is raising support for local animal rescues and shelters through its Community Bag program in honor of National Pet Month.

Throughout the month of May, customers at any of these stores will have the opportunity to purchase a new reusable community bag for $2.99 to help local homeless animals while also benefiting the environment by reducing the use of paper and plastic bags. SEG is partnering with nearly 400 animal shelters and rescues throughout the Southeast — including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi — for its Pet Month Community Bag Program.

For every bag purchased, $1 will be directed to each store’s partner animal shelter organization.

“At Southeastern Grocers, we are dedicated to supporting causes that are important to our customers and associates, and we know our communities are big animal lovers,” said Raymond Rhee, Chief People Officer for Southeastern Grocers. “With the purchase of a community bag during the month of May, our customers can help our furry, four-legged friends in need of a forever home and reduce the use of singleuse plastic bags to nurture a healthier, more sustainable planet. Together, we can make the world a better place for humans and animals alike.”

For more information, visit www.frescoymas.com, www.harverssupermarkets.com and www.winndixie.com.

Now accepting new patients!

We welcome the opportunity to become the medical home for your entire family at our new Plant City location, offering Primary Care, Pediatrics and Rheumatology.

To make an appointment, please call:

• 863.284.5000 for Primary Care or Pediatrics • 863.284.5115 for Rheumatology

JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY

Automated trash collection under the Cart-To-Curb system will begin for Phase 2 residents in August of 2022. Residents who receive Plant City solid waste services and did not previously receive a cart during Phase 1 in 2021 are encourages to select their new cart size by May 6.

Multi-family units that currently receive service via dumpster will continue to be serviced in the same manner and will not need to select a cart size. However, if a residence receives curbside collection service, such as a duplex or house with multiple units, the account holder should contect Utilities Billing to request the preferred quantity and sizes of carts.

For more information on the Cart-To-Curb Automated Trash Collection process or to select your cart size, please visit www. plantcitygov.com/solid-waste/page/cartcurb-automated-trash-collection.

Park Rd., at least one week prior to the first camp date. Cash or money order payments are accepted and credit/debit payments are only accepted in person at the Recreation Administration office.

Plant City High School

ALEXANDER STREET

LRH

511 West Alexander St

Publix

ALEXANDER STREET

Winn-Dixie

JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY

Cart-To-Curb Phase 2: Select your cart size now!

Our Doctors: Humam Alabsi, MD Pediatrics

863.284.5000

Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez, MD Internal Med. Primary Care

863.284.5000

Durkhani Mahboob, MD

Adriana Moncayo, MD

863.284.5115

863.284.5115

Rheumatology

Rheumatology

Your Health. Our Promise. myLRH.org/Plant-City

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

BROTHER-SISTER DUO REACH HIGHEST RANKS IN 2022 GRADUATING CLASS

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Drew and Bailey Blanton became valedictorian/salutatorian at their school

Drew Blanton

Bailey Blanton

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Growing up, the competitive nature between fraternal twins Drew and Bailey Blanton, motivated them to excel in school.

However, the brother and sister’s teamwork in recent years has paid off as they’ve earned the valedictorian and salutatorian positions for their 2022 graduating class at Plant City High School.

Drew was named the valedictorian – the highest-ranking student to achieve academic success, while Bailey was named salutatorian- the second highest ranking student.

It was surprising news to receive as they were already reaching the milestone to transition from high school to college.

“It was really, really exciting,” Drew said. “All the hard work paid off. All the dual enrollment classes, honors classes we took.

We got what we all wanted to achieve basically.”

It was years in the making.

Throughout childhood, they challenged themselves to outdo the other, to become the best in school and activities.

The siblings attended Tomlin Middle School and took part in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program.

As the name implies, STEM offers classes on these particular topics that are emphasized and teaches how they can be applicable to the world around us.

They were also earning high school credits while in middle school and in seventh-grade, became involved in the FFA, which engages students in the world of cultivation and livestock.

And they’ve made straight A’s since third grade.

“We really did have a competition in middle school,” Bailey said.

“Neither one of us wanted to be the worse twin, but when we got to high school, it wasn’t really so much a competition anymore. We mostly helped each other out in classes.”

Bailey said her favorite subject is math and is about to wrap up AP Calculus, while Drew said he has developed a love for history and social studies.

He is still involved in the FFA program, currently serving as the president for the Plant City FFA chapter and the Hillsborough County FFA Federation.

Bailey is the captain of her school’s volleyball team, president of the National Honors Society (NHS), vice president of the FFA program, and vice president of the senior council.

She joked that she’s the vice president of everything that Drew is president of.

A student has to adopt the mindset to balance schoolwork with other activities, Drew said.

“Since we had a lot of the same interests, we had a lot of the same classes, so helping each other was a really strong factor in getting through four years of high

school, and being able to be val and sal, because if I didn’t have Bailey helping me when I was struggling or I didn’t have enough time, I wouldn’t have gotten through it.”

Not only will they be graduating from Plant City High School, but they will receive an A.A. degree from Hillsborough Community College as they’ve been accruing credits from the institution.

The siblings’ achievements have brought acclaim from their teachers as well as their parents.

“You can imagine, your heart is just about to burst with pride,” said their mother, Melody. “Not only are they great academically, they’re just great kids. They’re good friends. They’re good teammates. They’re good students. I think when they were younger, they just always wanted to excel. I think they enjoyed success.”

They’ve already made plans to attend the University of Florida this fall.

Bailey is pursuing a degree in business finance, and Drew is going for a degree in agriculture communications, with plans to attend UF’s law school to become an agriculture lawyer.

“I’m really involved in agriculture,” he said. “That’s where my passion lies. Just living in FFA and agriculture and seeing what agriculturists do for our community. Throughout my career and life, I want to be able to help out as much as I can and be a part of that mission in order to feed the

world.”

He has already applied for a livestock scholarship.

Like many other students who sell their livestock, Drew is afforded the opportunity to go to college with those funds.

Bailey also kept busy at the event.

In January, she was named as a court member at the 2022 Florida Strawberry Queens Pageant.

Since then, she has been attending a number of events around town with her fellow court members, Chloe Hopper and Tamia Williams, as well as First Maid Madison Davis and Strawberry Queen Kenley Connell.

During the 11-day festival, the five ladies were present at various competitions, shows, and concerts.

Becoming a local celebrity was the beginning of a prosperous year for Bailey.

“I really do miss festival time,” she said. “That was probably the best time so far in my life. I know I still have a lot of life to live, but the festival was amazing. I don’t think I could have asked for a better experience. Being salutatorian was just icing on the cake.”

Drew and Bailey have a 12-yearold brother. They encourage him to keep up his grades, but don’t pressure him to take on extracurricular activities if he doesn’t want to, Drew said.

Although, he participated in his first FFA competition this

year and is building up his public speaking skills.

Melody too, has learned some important values from Drew and Bailey.

“They really taught me that if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything you want to do,” she said. “One thing I’m proud of with them, is their extracurricular involvement. So not only are they involved academically and excel academically, but they’re involved in several clubs at school. They really try to have a full experience in high school, and I think it just showed that you can do it all and be successful and have fun.”

While they procrastinate, they manage to get back on track and focus on what needs to be done, Bailey said.

She enjoys spending time in downtown Plant City, checking out the shops, and Drew plays sports at Mike E. Sansone Park.

Although both will be away from their hang-out spots once they move to Gainesville for college, Plant City will always be home, the twins said.

While waiting for what the future has in store, Drew and Bailey are ready to take on challenges as they have before, not as competitors, but as a team.

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COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

Observer

Plant City Police investigate fraudulent checks, a damaged mailbox and missing flowers.

APRIL 22

istock

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com

APRIL 23

TOY STORY

CHECKS BUT NO BALANCES

100 block of S. Evers St. Shooting (airsoft): An officer responded to a business at the listed location and made contact with victims who reported being struck by pellets.

100 block of W. Reynolds St. Fraud: An officer made contact with the owner/complainant who reported cashing checks that he later discovered were fraudulent.

TOY STORY 2 2200 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Shooting (airsoft): While the officer was actively investigating the previous case, another officer was flagged down by a manager of a business at the listed location, advising that one of his employees had been shot by a pellet gun.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

SHOT CALLING

APRIL FLOWERS

500 block of S. Franklin St. Criminal mischief: An officer responded to the area at the listed location in reference to gunshots heard in the area and damage was found to a vehicle.

100 N. Collins St. Petit theft: An officer responded to a park at the listed location and met with a Plant City employee in reference to plants that were taken from their flower beds and some that were uprooted and left on the ground.

APRIL 26

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

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com

APRIL 24

WHERE THERE’S SMOKE…

RETURN TO SENDER 3400 block of W. Reynolds St. Criminal mischief: Officers were dispatched to a residence at the listed location in reference to the report of a hit and run accident that involved property damage to a mailbox, valued at $100.

Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

2200 block of N. Park Rd. Burglary: An officer responded to a business at the listed location in reference to a delayed theft of cartons of cigarettes. An individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

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

APRIL 28

CAR TROUBLES C St. / N. Alexander St. Felony criminal mischief: An officer was dispatched to the listed location in reference to possible criminal mischief and damage done to a vehicle. A lone individual was subsequently placed under arrest for felony criminal mischief and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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

500 block of N. County Line Rd. Stolen semi-trailer: Officers met with the victim in reference to his semi-trailer having been stolen from the listed location.

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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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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PARK PLAY AREA AND ROAD IMPROVEMENT ON THE WAY PLANT CITY PLAYGROUND AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS TO COME SOON.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

This leaves about $2.2 million left to fund the program for next fiscal year, with $1.5 million going toward reconstructing the 30 primary streets – accumulating to over 6 miles.

There is also a list of 24 alternate streets which the other $1 million funds will go toward.

Whether all of the alternate streets are put on the 2023 resurfacing program will depend on how much funds remain, when the most suitable contractor is chosen through a bidding process.

Should there not be enough funding, those alternate streets will then roll over into the 2024 resurfacing program as top priorities.

The 2023 program will also consist of installing ramps that meet the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as

making minor drainage improvements and replacing road bases as necessary.

With the approval of the commission, the program is anticipated to undergo geotechnical investigations and engineering designs in May. The bidding process and selection of the contractor will occur at the beginning of the 2023 fiscal year, this October, to December. Then comes the construction phase which is planned to extend from January to June of 2023.

A road analysis is initially done in order to determine which streets are in most need of repair.

“We have a city-wide pavement assessment plan where we hired an engineering firm and they went and drove every street in the city, looked at the condition of every one of them, gave them

a grade (and) put them on a list,” McDaniel said.

The windshield assessment surveys the condition of the road, while the sewer assessment surveys the sewage lines under roads.

Upon completion of the upcoming project, 290 streets running 87 miles, will have been resurfaced since fiscal year 2016.

This does not include the addition of any alternate streets.

The primary streets that will be reconstructed in portions include: • Creek Woods Drive • Sugar Creek Court • Sugar Creek Drive • Violet Street • Waver Street • Ritter Street • Mays Street • Edwards Street • John Martin Street • Cassell Street • Pinecrest Street • Lowry Avenue • Moody Avenue • Gilchrist Street • Palmer Street • Roux Street • Saunders Street • Tomlin Street • Calhoun Street • Damon Street • Center Street • Willis Street • Kipling Avenue • Longfellow Drive • Stevenson Street • Clemens Court • Emerson Place The city commission passed the proposed streets unanimously by a vote of 5-0.

NEW GILCHRIST PARK PLAYGROUND

The city commission also approved the installation of a new playground at Gilchrist Park, after the former had been taken down.

The first was built in 1997, and over time its condition rendered it unusable. Among the damages were rust, broken chain links and ladders as well as a drainage issue that has since been repaired.

“After being observed and evaluated by a certified playground safety inspector, we saw that this playground was no longer compliant with our standards,” said Julie Garretson, director of the Parks and Recreation Department. “Once this was deemed unsafe, we had to remove it in 2021.”

The new recreation spot will include a grip-free saddle spinner and instrumentation such as drums, chimes and bells, as well as a we-saw – a seesaw made for four people. Several obstacle courses included with slides and steps will be sheltered under

shade coverings.

There are also plans to install multiple stations on the playground as well. All these amenities will be placed upon a smooth, rubber-padded floor which will be ADA accessible.

The playground will also be equipped with a swing set which includes a friendship swing – which allows two users. This will be stationed on ground that will be made up of a mulch-like material.

Green will be the thematic color of the recreation spot, with a variety of different shades.

“This is another example of how we’re just trying to raise the bar and take things to another level,” McDaniel said. “It adds a whole other dimension to the playground experience.”

The $288,565.50 project does not have an official start date as of yet, but the installation will take approximately 24 weeks, Garretson said.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

DONATION ALLOWS YMCA TO PROVIDE FREE SWIM AND WATER SAFETY LESSONS TO LOCAL STUDENT IN ADDITION TO SWIMMING LESSONS, YMCA STAFF WILL MAKE THEIR WAY TO KNIGHTS ELEMENTARY FOR IN-PERSON WATER SAFETY CLASSES

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

A donation made by a member of the Plant City community who wishes to remain anonymous has allowed the Plant City YMCA to proved swim lessons and water safety lessons to 100 first grade students at Knights Elementary this month, along with providing in-person safety around water lessons to the school’s second grade and kindergarten students.

The donation came in the form of $10,000 and lessons will be provided to the students in three different time slots throughout the entirety of this week and next, while YMCA staff members will head to Knights Elementary later in the month. While each group of students is in the pool for their lessons, the other groups will enjoy the YMCA’s playground area or lunch.

“We’re just trying to build their endurance and building their confidence,” said Mark Foster, Plant City YMCA’s Aquatics Director. “The more comfortable that we can get them, along with instilling good values and the importance of following rules, hopefully the safer they’ll be in the water.”

Florida leads the nation in deaths attributed to drowning, and the YMCA is striving to ensure that they can help as many children as possible learn safety around water at a young age. Case studies have shown that participation in formal swim lessons was associated with an 88 percent reduction in the risk of drowning for children aged one to four years old.

The YMCA’s lessons include “swim, float, swim,” and “jump, push, turnaround

and grab,” techniques that teach swimmers how to stay afloat if they become tired while swimming and how to remain calm and exit the water if they were to fall in.

“We were beyond ecstatic from the second we started getting an inkling that this could happen, to the meetings, from, “can this happen’ to, ‘oh my goodness, it’s actually happening,’” Foster said. “I spoke with an administrator from Knights Elementary yesterday and the students were just glowing when they got back to school, they were so excited. It’s just a great opportunity to change a child’s life this way and to see those changes, even in such a short period of time.”

In addition, the Plant City YMCA offers swim lessons all year round and will be offering a two-day program focused on water safety at the end of May. The program will be free of charge, however spaces are limited.

“The kids are so excited,” said Tammy Walton, a second grade teacher at Knights Elementary. “All they can talk about is their swimming lessons and the parents are excited. They love it and they’re learning really great, life-saving skills which is awesome. And I was surprised by how many of them didn’t know how to swim… We live in Florida with all of this water around us so I think every child should learn how to swim by the time that they’re four or five years old, I think this is really important.”

Last year 13,960 children learned how to swim and be safe around water through the Tampa YMCA. For more information on programs offered by the Tampa YMCA or to find your local YMCA, visit www.tampaymca.org.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Junior Royalty Queen to Take on New Pageant

Kennedie Clinton is set for Florida Teen USA Competition BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

To say that Kennedie Clinton is a go-getter would be an understatement.

The Durant High School sophomore was named as queen during Plant City’s Junior Royalty Pageant in January. In May, Clinton has her eyes set on receiving the crown for Miss Florida Teen USA. The event, held in Coral Springs from May 27 to May 29, will be her second time vying for the No. 1 spot. In last year’s competition, she became a semi-finalist after making it into the Top 17 of 50 girls throughout Florida.

That rank allowed her to be invited back as a contender again.

“I got accepted last year,” Clinton said. “It was based on my grades. It was based on things I’ve done in my community, past pageants, and a lot of other things.”

She has coaches that are helping to train her for the interviewing process and her method of walking. During the interview, each young lady is asked to express a message to the audience.

“Mine is about creating a safe space for LGBTQ youth,” Clinton said. “I’d like to see a lot more inclusion.”

The three-day pageantry will consist of a dinner party, costume competition, a photoshoot, rehearsals and the interviews.

The queen will receive not only a crown, but a plaque and sash as well.

Being that this is her second year competing for Miss Florida Teen USA, Clinton said that she’s much more confident in herself.

She will also have the opportunity to meet up with other girls who were in the pageant last year, including one of her best friends.

Becoming the 2022 Junior Royalty queen was a big accomplishment in itself.

“It was very exciting,” Clinton said. “I was

honestly in complete shock. My first pageant ever was the Junior Royalty Queen Festival Pageant. I did it the year before and I got first runner-up, so being able to win it in my last year eligible, one year later, it made me so excited.”

She recalled that she had some of her best experiences as queen while at the Florida Strawberry Festival in March.

At school, she’s involved in the theater department, three honors society clubs, is on the student council, and a member of her swim team. She is currently taking advanced placement classes for computer science and world history and plans on taking more for the next school year.

“I thankfully do have my mom who is my biggest supporter,” she said. “She helps me on every single thing that I need. She helps me make sure I meet every deadline. She checks everything for me as well. She’s like my manager.”

She is a supporter herself, having three younger sisters – one of which has already been in a pageant too.

While she’s still contemplating what career to go into, she said she is gravitating toward law. She attended a law summer camp in Washington D.C., and takes criminal justice courses.

Although Clinton is anticipating the upcoming pageant, she reminds herself to enjoy the experience and not focus too much on the outcome.

“At the end of the day, at these pageants, a lot of it is just being happy for the connections you’ve made, and being happy for the girl who does win, because you know she deserved it,” she said.

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

Alan’s AC Service Gains National Recognition Local maintenance company among top 10 a/c dealers in country

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

For 28 years, Alan’s Air Conditioning Service Inc. has been serving Plant City and other neighboring towns in Florida, providing a cool, indoor atmosphere from the sweltering heat.

This year, its maintenance has earned it the Ruud Air Conditioning’s Pro Partner award for 2021. It is one of 10 air conditioning services in the country that has received the accolade.

“We attribute a lot of that to actually having equipment,” said Brian Lewis, coowner of Alan’s A/C Service. “People want to go somewhere where somebody has the equipment to go ahead and put in. We were one of the few that really didn’t have a problem with that.”

The company met all of the 2021 Top Pro Partner Performance criteria: • 2021 product sales • Total variable speed and/or inverter systems purchased • Contractor year over year growth

• Certifications and memberships • Online reviews rating • Ruud Pro Partner Program participation • Distributor rating Ferguson HVAC, a supplier and distributor for Alan’s A/C, worked in conjunction with Ruud in order to award the company.

Brian started doing A/C work at age 14 when his father, Alan, was working for a company. In 1994, Alan went on to establish Alan’s A/C, which was based out of his Plant City home. After school or during summer break, Brian would assist his father in doing installations. His grandfather, who was a retired TECO employee, also worked with the company and assisted with the electrical side of the operations.

From the start, word-of-mouth was the best type of promotion they could use, Brian said.

“My dad started doing work for a lot of churches right out of the gate,” he said.

“That’s the way he was able to grow his business without really having to spend a lot of advertising dollars.”

During college, he worked at Publix and saw a potential career opportunity there, having no interest in A/C work. When that plan did not pan out the way he wanted it to, Brian turned to a more blue-collar line of work with construction.

“With the construction industry, you get laid off a lot waiting on the next job,” he said. “Every time I’d get laid off, my dad was continuing to try and grow the business. He would work me until I got another construction job.”

While the A/C company was a steady job for Brian, he was reluctant to come aboard fulltime. The construction jobs that he did get, provided a more substantial income than his father’s company did, he said.

However, Alan was able to put things in perspective for him.

“Maybe I can’t afford you now, but I can teach you a trade (where) you’ll always have a job, you’ll always be employed,” Brian recalled his father telling him. “Whether you take this business over one day, (or) start your own business, you’ll actually have a trade that you can take with you throughout your whole life.”

Brian then decided to take up a fulltime position with the business.

In 2013, Brian bought the company from Alan and began to manage it with his wife Tiffany.

“Using Plant City, our hometown, as the foundation, has allowed us to offer more services and go outside of Plant City into neighboring communities,” Tiffany said.

Alan’s A/C gradually began to do work throughout Tampa Bay, and eventually expand beyond that region.

“We have clients who either have a lot of rentals on one area and they use us down here, and they want to continue using us, or we have some investment clients that are basically doing a bunch of remodeling work,” Brian said.

To accommodate the growth in customers and inventory, Brian and Tiffany had taken the business from Alan’s home and relocated into the former property of Bell’s Refrigeration and Air Conditioning, owned

by Charlie Bell.

Charlie would occasionally come by the office to check on its new occupants and offer any assistance.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Alan’s AC Service Gains National Recognition Local maintenance company among top 10 a/c dealers in country “We were very blessed to have his wisdom and guidance,” Tiffany said. “It speaks to the type of community we live in to have another business owner come along and mentor and help us out.”

As business continued to flourish, the company moved to a property on Mercantile Court in Plant City. It spanned about 5,500 square feet, which Brian and Tiffany thought would be all the adequate space needed.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the A/C company was able to roll with the punches being that they provided a service that would be needed with or without the pandemic. Its excess inventory kept them well-stocked with equipment, while other businesses were struggling.

Alan’s A/C started distributing products that other establishments were lacking and it began to grow.

In the midst of the pandemic, the company was offering indoor air quality giveaways with items such as air scrubbers and carbon air filtration systems.

Since then, it has relocated to its current property on Alexander Street. It is 15,000

square feet with a much more spacious warehouse.

Alan’s AC now has 25 employees and up to 20 company vehicles. It also has added on new services such as insulation work, duct cleaning, and dryer vent cleaning, with plans to incorporate plumbing in the next few months.

It was a step Brian and Tiffany decided to take seeing the demand for other kinds of work outside of air conditioning repair or installation.

A lot of their new workers may be guys in their 20s or right out of high school. Like his father once told him, Brian explains to them that he can teach them a trade they can use for the rest of their lives.

“We have a saying around here: We do it the Alan’s way.”

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Observer with you around town or vacation? Send your pictures to Sports Wirter Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

PUERTO RICO: Vicky and Arley Smude had their copy of the Plant City Observer on hand when they bumped into some fellow Plant City residents in Puerto Rico.

5/5/22 & 4/19/22

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

KONA ELECTRIC A BEST BUY AS GAS PRICES SURGE

KONA ELECTRIC (LIMITED) Tires: 215/55R17 Wheelbase: 102.4 inches Length: 165.6 inches Width: 70.9 inches NITISH S. RELE

Tesla 3, meet Kona electric. The Hyundai subcompact crossover can go up to 258 miles on a full charge, thanks to the 64kWh lithium-ion battery pack. And unlike the Tesla 3, which starts at nearly $47,000, the front-wheel-drive Kona e is base-priced at just $34,000 with the Limited edition at $44,500.

A 150kW permanent-magnet synchronous motor puts out 201 horsepower @3600 rpm and 291 pounds-feet of torque.

That is plenty for the car to take off instantly while assuring the driver a smooth, quiet and graceful ride. The single-speed direct transmission is flawless with eco, comfort and sport modes available. A recalibrated MacPerson strut front and multilink rear suspension does an outstanding job of leveling bumps and potholes while the motordriven power steering is communicative with quick turn-in. Also, additional sounddamping materials hold wind/road noise, vibration and harshness to a minimum.

Some may find the front port/flap a bit awkward but it is definitely convenient when you pull into a charge station or your garage to connect cables for more juice. On a 240-volt, it will take between nine and 10 hours while a fast DC charge can load up 80 percent in just 55 minutes. Otherwise, the front look is bold and stylish with LED headlights and slimmer daytime running lights, plus active lower grille shutters.

With length up by 1.6 inches and rear legroom increase of 0.6 inches, there is plentiful space for those unusually tall passengers. Our Limited test version came with standard 10.25 screens for infotain-

Height: 61.2 inches Weight: 3,836 pounds MPGe: 132 city, 108 highway, 120 combined Web site: www.hyundaiusa.com ment as well as digital instrument cluster of speedometer, power gauge, charge level, digital and trip odometers. The pushbutton gear selector may be tricky but with time should be easy to operate. We especially liked the high-mounted center console with easy access to lower storage space. Other standard amenities include power tilt/slide moon roof, eight-way power driver and six-way adjustable front-passenger seats (cooled and heated), auto a/c, 60/40 rear seat and a three-spoke leather tilt/telescopic steering column.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, electronic stability and traction controls, brake assist, blind spot, forwardcollision and rear-cross traffic collision avoid assists, front avoid assist, lane keep and follow assists, front crumple zones, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights come at no extra cost.

As gas prices continue to hover near $4 a gallon, going fully electric makes even more sense than ever before. And the Kona electric appears to be a viable and right choice not just for affordability and performance but also plentiful tech and comfort features. Lest we forget, Hyundai offers assuring warranties such as five-year, 60,000-mile basic and 10-year, 100,000mile battery and power train warranties.

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

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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SPORTS

PLANT CITY AREA TEAMS WRAP UP REGULAR SEASON WITH WINS

AROUND THE DIAMOND TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Plant City, Strawberry Crest and Durant all finished their regular seasons with wins as district tournaments begin.

Quick Hits JOHNI BROOME COMMITS TO AUBURN Plant City native and former Plant City High School basketball player Johni Broome announced this weekend that he would be committing to continue his basketball and academic career at Auburn University.

After two years as PCHS and two years at Tampa Catholic, Broome received several conference accolades as a freshman at Morehead State, averaging 13.8 points per game and nine rebounds per game, leading the Eagles to their first conference championship and National Tournament appearance since 2011. As a sophomore, Broome averaged 16.8 points per game and 10.5 rebounds per game.

CREST ADMINISTRATOR RECEIVES ANNUAL AWARD Strawberry Crest’s Assistant Principal of Administration and Athletics Jasmin Tramel was awarded the 2022 Florida Athletic Associations Athletic Director of the Year award earlier in the week.

As district tournaments were slated to start around the state this week, Plant City, Strawberry Crest and Durant all finished their regular seasons with wins last week.

On Thursday, Durant headed out to Lutz to face the Steinbrenner Warriors, coming away with a 6-1 victory to finish the regular season 15-8.

So p h o m o re B l a i n e Rowland got the start for Durant, carrying the Cougars to a victory as he struck out three batters while allowing just four hits and one earned run over his five innings of work.

Durant opened the scoring in the top of the third.

Aidan Welsh hit a high chopper to the infield, beating out the throw before a bunt from Devin Suero was thrown wide of the Steinbrenner first baseman, getting past him and leaving runners on first and third. Nick April-Gath followed that up with a shallow fly ball to right field that fell between the second baseman and right fielder, giving Durant a 1-0 lead and leaving runners on first and second. A base hit from junior Dylan LaPointe scored Suero and the Cougars took a 2-0 lead.

Steinbrenner answered right back in the bottom of the fourth to keep the contest close, for the time being. The Warriors led off the frame with a base hit and the runner advanced to second on a balk. He advanced to third on a passed ball in the dirt before scoring on their second base hit of the inning, giving Steinbrenner their only run of the game and closing the Durant lead to 2-1.

In the top of the fifth, Durant’s Avery Cherry led off with a base hit before stealing second to move

into scoring position with no outs, and as LaPointe flew out to right, a wild throw from Steinbrenner trying to nab Cherry as he looked to advance to third allowed him to come home and push the Cougars’ lead to 3-1. And in the sixth inning, Durant pulled away with two outs. With runners on first and second, LaPointe cashed in again with a base hit to left, scoring Suero, and a routine fly ball that was dropped in the outfield allowed two more runs to score.

With a 6-1 lead in hand, the bullpen combo of senior Weston Sanchez and freshman Jack Brooks were able to combine for two scoreless innings to close out the contest.

Across town, Plant City hosted Hillsborough on Friday and came away with a 6-1 win of their own to move to 17-6 on the season.

The Raiders scored four runs in the fourth inning and tacked on two more in the fifth, while giving up Hillborough’s only run in the top of the seventh.

Senior Colin Shultz, senior Jace Stines and junior Deven Gonzalez all had multi-hit games while the big bat of senior Jackson VanDerZee led the charge with three runs batted in and his district-leading seventh home run of the season.

On the mound, junior Adan Longoria threw five scoreless innings while striking out four and allowing just two hits before junior Preston Rogers closed the door with three strikeouts and just one hit allowed over his two frames.

Strawberry Crest headed to Plant on Thursday for the third matchup of the season between the Chargers and the Panthers, the first coming by way of a 6-1

victory for Plant in the Saladino Tournament Semifinals and their second seeing Crest get their revenge with a 3-2 win earlier in April. In the third installment, Crest wrapped up their regular season with a 7-3 victory to move to 16-8.

Crest took a 1-0 lead in the top of the second before Plant snatched the lead with two runs of their own in the bottom of the third. The Chargers then tacked on three runs in the fifth and seventh to secure the win. Six different Chargers notched hits in the contest, led by junior Zach Redner with three runs batted in and his second home run of the season. Senior Ethan Pues added two RBIs of his own and Arjun Nimmala notched his second home run of the season with a solo shot.

On the mound, Redner threw six innings, striking out nine while allowing seven hits and three earned runs before junior Alex Philpott handled the final frame, striking out two and allowing one hit.

All Plant City area teams were scheduled to play their district semifinal matchups on Tuesday, with both games starting before ultimately being delayed due to weather.

Durant and Plant City opened their 7A District 6 Tournament contest with Longoria on the mound for the Raiders and senior Torin Byrnes on the mound for the Cougars. The game was stopped after two innings with Plant City leading 3-1. That game was scheduled to resume on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Strawberry Crest opened their 6A District 7 Tournament contest against Armwood, jumping out to a 6-0 lead before the game was stopped in the bottom of the second.

2022 PLANT CITY AREA LEADERS

Batting Average (min. 50 PA)

1. Dylan LaPointe, Durant: .400 2. Colin Shultz, Plant City: .386 3. Ethan Pues, Crest: .368 4. Nick April-Gath, Durant: .347 5. Brandon Watts, Crest: .341

Runs Batted In

1. Colin Shultz, Plant City: 26 2. Ethan Pues, Crest: 23 3. Dylan LaPointe, Durant: 22 4. Zach Redner, Crest: 17 5. Oscar Fernandez, Durant: 15

Hits

1. Colin Shultz, Plant City: 27 T2. Nick April-Gath, Durant: 26 T2. Dylan LaPointe, Durant: 26 T4. Ray Allen Vasquez, Crest: 24 T4. Devin Suero, Durant: 24

Home Runs

1. Jackson VanDerZee, Plant City: 7 2. Colin Shultz, Plant City: 6 T3. Dylan LaPointe, Durant: 4 T3. Ethan Pues, Crest: 4

ERA (min. 15 IP)

1. Tanner Rollyson, Plant City: 0.00 2. Blaine Rowland, Durant: 0.78 3. Adan Longoria, Plant City: 0.83 4. Preston Rogers, Plant City: 1.37 5. Zach Redner, Crest: 1.51

Strikeouts

1. Zach Redner, Crest: 74 2. Adan Longoria, Plant City: 68 3. Torin Byrnes, Durant: 66 4. Chase Mobley, Plant City: 62 5. Alex Philpott, Crest: 48

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

LOCAL PREPS SCOREBOARD Baseball: 4/28 - 4/29

Softball: 4/26 - 4/28

Flag Football: 4/26 - 4/27

DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 STEINBRENNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 PLANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

DURANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 PLANT CITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

HILLSBOROUGH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 PLANT CITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

PLANT CITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 BLAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

PLANT CITY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 ARMWOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 PLANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 EAST BAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

STRAWBERRY CREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 GAITHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

2022 FOOTBALL SCHEDULES The 2022 football season is looking like a big one for all three Plant City Area teams.

Plant City will be kicking off their season with a completely renovated football facility and a new head coach in former NFL wide receiver Michael Clayton. Durant will look to build on an 8-2 regular season record last season, their highest single-season win total since 2016 and the first under former player and Durant alumnus Claybo Varnum. And Strawberry Crest hopes to build on a promising 2021 campaign in which the Chargers finished 5-5, just the third time in program history that they have finished the year with a .500 record or better.

Here is a look ahead at the 2022 football schedules for all three teams.

STRAWBERRY CREST

PLANT CITY

DURANT 8/19: Freedom 8/26: Chamberlain 9/2: Middleton 9/9: Bloomingdale 9/16: @ Plant City 9/23: Lennard 9/30: @ Sumner 10/7: @ Sickles 10/14: Newsome 10/21: @ Gaither 10/28: Riverview

8/26: @ King 9/2: Spoto 9/9: Robinson 9/16: @ Leto 9/23: @ Zephyrhills Christian Academy 9/30: @ Plant 10/7: Middleton 10/14: @ Alonso 10/21: Riverview 10/28: Plant City

8/19: @ Lake Gibson 8/26: @ Newsome 9/2: Wharton 9/9: Steinbrenner 9/16: Durant 9/23: @ Hillsborough 9/30: Alonso 10/14: @ Plant 10/21: @ Armwood 10/28: @ Strawberry Crest 11/4: Jefferson

(Bold = Home)

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

FORMER PLANT CITY KID WINS NATIONAL HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION Brendan Smith won the competition with a perfect round. local, district, state and regional rounds before hitting all 25 in the national round at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, home to DePaul University’s basketball team and the Chicago Sky of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

In honor of his victory, along with other championship-winning kids from the remaining boys and girls age groups, Smith will have his Brendan Smith, a former resident name and picture enshrined as a part of a brand of Plant City, was crowned a national new digital exhibit in the Naismith Basketball Hall champion in the 12-13 year old boys of Fame in Springfield, Mass.

For nearly 50 years, the Hoop Shoot has division at the Elks National Hoop continued the goal of “developing gritty kids” Shoot Free Throw Contest in Chibetween the ages of eight and 13. In addition, the cago this past weekend.

After living most of his life in Plant Elks Hoop Shoot is a new sponsor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s annual City, previously attending Walden Lake Elementary School and Tomlin Morgan Wootten Lifetime Achievement Award, two awards presented annually by the Hall of Middle School, Smith was first Fame to boys and girls high school coaches who introduced to the Elks Hoop Shoot have dedicated their lives to the betterment of Competition by Plant City’s local student athletes.

Elks Lodge #1727. Then, after movFor more information on the Elks or their Naing to Georgia with his family this tional Hoop Shoot Free Throw Contest, visit www. past August, he was put in contact elks.org. with the Elks Lodge in Marietta so that he could compete through and represent his new community.

Participants are given 25 free throws in each round, with the Taylor Jenkins is the Sports highest scoring kid in each division Writer at the Plant City advancing through to the ensuing Observer. Email: tjenkins@ rounds. Smith successfully convertplantcityobserver.com. ed 24, 24, 23 and 23 attempts in the

This one is for you, Mom.

This one is for you, Mom.

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One coupon per customer/visit. No substitutions. Not valid with any other offer. Cannot be copied or sold. Internet distribution prohibited. Must surrender coupon at redemption. One coupon per transaction. Valid only at participating locations. Expires 5/22/22 Coupon Code: C92271 Price and participation may vary by location. Fazoli’s and logo are federally registered trademarks of Fazoli’s System Management, LLC, Lexington, KY

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WITH ANY PURCHASE

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

289704-1

We asked Plant City: If you could go back in time, what would you tell your teenage self?

“Save your money and go to college.” - Cheryl Horne Southerland “Be who you are and don’t change to please others.” - Shineta Armour

“Take your time, don’t rush things.

Enjoy your life. Be happy with what you have. Don’t judge yourself.” Karen Bingham

“Don’t ever sell the Chevelle!” Patrick Simmons

“Stop trying to be cool. You are not cool. Just be yourself.” - Ashley Saunders

“Your parents are smarter than you think they are.” - Cindy Sampson

“Don’t waste your time on one girl.

Focus on your career goal and the rest will come.” - John Parker “You are worthy!” - Kathleen Clore Neely

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

Taking care of Geraldine Wise NovaisDean each other what

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Flowers Geraldine Wise, 76, of Plant City, Florida, born Nova Dean Flowers, 84, in Boma, Tenn. on Oct. 14, of Plant City, Fla., born in 1945, entered into eternal Branford on Sept. 2, 1937, rest on April 27, 2022. entered into eternal rest on we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’R E P R OU D TO SE RV E our community unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. 29, Expressions of condoApril 2022. celebrates the life it represents.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, lence at www.HopewellFuFond memories and ex> 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > Theof Compassion Helpline® neral.com. > Bereavement Travel Assistance pressions sympathy may beR shared at www.WellsMefor the Flowers Proudly supporting morial.com the Plant City Strawberry Festival. family

OBITUARIES

community

is all about.

®

Geraldine Brock

Geraldine Brock, 91, of Plant City, Fla., born in Wauchula on Oct. 15, 1930, entered into eternal rest on April 28, 2022. She was a longtime member of Sydney Baptist Church and enjoyed birds and gardening. She was preceded in death by husband, Millard Brock; and sons, Stephen Brock, and Michael Brock.

She is survived by children, Gloria Howard (Frank) of Plant City, Rubin Brock (Linda) of Lakeland, and Carol Westbrook (Keith) of Apollo Beach; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild. A funeral service will be held May 5, 2022, 11 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Graveside committal to follow at Turkey Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral. com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Shelba Jean Johnson

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Wells MeMorial & event Center

Taking care of Howard Edward 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com each other is what Brandenburg PlanT CiTy

Shelba Jean Johnson, 85, of Plant City, Fla., born in Howard Edward BranIrvin, Ga. on Sept. 16, 1936, denburg, 90, of Seffner, Fla. entered into eternal rest on passed away on WednesApril 27, 2022. day, April 27, 2022. Howard we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’R E P Rof OU DcondoTO SE RV E our community Expressions was born Jan. 22, 1932. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. lence at HopewellFuneral. memories and celebrates the life it represents.

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Taking care of each other is what

Lisa Allbritton, 58, of 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES Anderson Plant City, Fla., born on March 21, 1964, entered Jackson Bennie Anderinto eternal rest on May 1, son, 80, of Plant City, 2022.

Fla. passed away on Expressions of condoThursday, April 28, 2022. lence at HopewellFuneral.

Jackson was born June com.

26, 1941. we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’R E P R OU D TO SE RV E our community and meaningfuland memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

Fondunique memories celebrates the life it represents.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, expressions of sympathy > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability may be> shared at www.

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YOUR CALENDAR

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

BEST BET THURSDAY, MAY 5 MAIN STREET TOP GOLF TOURNAMENT 5 to 8 p.m. at 10690 Palm River Rd. Head to Top Golf for this fun networking event, sponsored by Plant City Main Street. Top Golf is a high-tech, state-of-the-art interactive driving range and entertainment complex that features climate-controlled hitting bays and fun for golfers of all skill levels, including novices. In addition to the tournament, you’ll have to opportunity to take in a mouth-watering dinner buffet and open bar served in a private VIP room. With sponsorship packages ranging from $100 to $500, you can register now or get more information at www.plantcitymainstreet.org.

SATURDAY, MAY. 14

FRIDAY, MAY 27

OPEN MIC NIGHT

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

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.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

TUESDAY, MAY 17

RVR HORSE RESCUE SUMMER FEST

CONNECT & GROW

11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1710 W. State Road 60. RVR Horse Rescue is swinging the barn doors open for their Summer Fest fundraising event. The event will take place at their ranch and feature tons of family-friendly fun, including three live bands, food provided by 3C’s Catering, games, raffles, face painting, horse trivia, wheel of fortune, local vendors and artisans and more. But of course, the main attraction is a chance to tour the ranch and meet with all of their rescued horses. Parking and admission is free and with RVR Horse Rescue being 100 percent volunteerowned and operated, every penny raised will go directly to the care of horses in need. For more information, visit www.rvrhorserescue.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 11 FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

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

Walk-ins are welcomed, or call 813-706-5800 to set a specific time.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 MOVIE TRIVIA NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. May’s Movie Trivia Night theme is the Marvel Cinematic Universe. 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.

8 to 9 a.m. at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Connect & Grow provides opportunities for Greater Plant City Chamber members to connect with other businesses and business leaders within the community. If you attend, be ready to share best business practices, build business relationships and generate referrals. This group meets bi-months on the first and third Tuesday of the month and is limited to two members from each business category.

Admission is free for all Charmber members. If you are interested in joining Connect & Grow, contact Jerilyn Rumbarger at 813-754-3707 ext 102 to check for openings.

FRIDAY MAY 20 RETRO MOVIE NIGHT

7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Head to the loft at Krazy Kup on the third Friday of each month for Retro Movie Night. Bring the family, grab a treat from downstairs, relax and watch a new movie selection each month.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, Jan. 15, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1996 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music will be provided by DJ John Paul Gasca.

5 to 9 p.m. at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, market vendors and food trucks. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets.

This month’s theme will be School’s Out For Summer.

MONDAY, MAY 30 MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Norman McLeod American Legion Post #26, 2207 W. Baker St. After a two-year hiatus, Norman McLeod Legion Post #26 will resume hosting Plant City’s Annual Memorial Day Ceremony to honor and pay respect to the men and women that paid the ultimate price for the defense of our country. All are invited to attend and participate in the ceremony by placing a wreath or floral offering at the American Legion’s Flag Pole during the roll call of clubs, organizations and/or businesses. Lunch will be provided after the ceremony. If you desire to participate, contact alpost26@gmail.com or past Commander Ron MacDonald at 813-376-8740. When replying, please list the person, club, organization or business sposoring the wreath or floral offering and the name of ther person that will be making the presentation during the ceremony.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 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.

If you would like your event featured in the Plant City Observer’s calendar section, submit it at www.plantcityobserver.com/calendar or contact Sarah Holt at sholt@plantcityobserver.com.

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

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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, MAY 5 High: 94 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 9%

FRIDAY, MAY 6 High: 92 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 8%

THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET Sunrise Sunset Thursday, May 5

6:45a

8:05p

Friday, May 6

6:44a

8:05p

Saturday, May 7

6:43a

8:06p

Sunday, May 8

6:42a

8:06p

Monday, May 9

6:42a

8:07p

Tuesday, May 10

6:41a

8:08p

Wednesday, May 11

6:40a

8:08p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, MAY 7 High: 86 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 37%

SUNDAY, MAY 8 High: 90 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 40%

MONDAY, MAY 9 Albert Burchsted sent in this photo of two Snowy Egrets flying over Brewer Park in Plant City.

ONLINE

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High: 91 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 7%

(C) 2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Across 1 Arrest 5 Dwarf planet named for a goddess 9 Places to relax 14 Prefix meaning “personal” 15 Caribbean isle seriously damaged by a 1995 volcanic eruption 17 Threshold adjoiner 18 Law enforcement tool that may be triggered by a siren 19 Natural healer 20 First-class freebie on long-haul flights 21 1959 winner of

11 Oscars 23 Alfred of coffee fame 24 Mollycoddle 26 Jocular headlock accompaniment 31 Yani __, youngest golfer to win five majors 33 Trendy 35 Head makeup 36 Loose 38 Some holy city dwellers 40 They go with guys 41 Ithaca opening 43 Pirogue, e.g.

44 Campaign buy 46 Reply card, say 48 Viral internet item 50 NFL highlight reel clip

53 Barista’s concoction 58 Get in the game 59 Reference for budding meteorologists 60 Acid __ 61 Sara Pennypacker kid-lit heroine 62 Capone capturers 63 Evening stroll 64 Stone massage sites 65 Class with poses Down 1 Muslim veil 2 Allan-__: Robin Hood cohort 3 Citrus liqueur 4 “Truth is ... “

5 Imprisons 6 Leeway 7 Thorough 8 Composer Jule 9 Reach ahead of 10 Private employer 11 Wisconsin-based bike brand 12 Spydom name 13 Actuarial datum, e.g.

16 Rocket __ 22 Bob Jones Award org.

25 Parrot 27 Prime spot for stargazing?

28 Cuban city with a U.S. Navy base 29 SSN, e.g.

30 To be, in Latin 31 Harbor sights 32 Flip out 34 Mononymous supermodel 37 Jazz group guy 39 In the loop 42 Accessory with a suit 45 Artist Modigliani 47 Equilibria 49 Big name in apple products 51 “The Girl Who Played With Fire” author Larsson 52 Medicinal shrub 53 Cosmonaut’s insignia, once 54 Spaghetti __ puttanesca 55 Krystle and Alexis on the 1980s “Dynasty,” e.g.

56 Stew 57 Maui’s famously twisty Road to __

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May 30 New

May 8 First

May 16 Full

May 22 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.71 in.

1.08 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

MAY AVERAGE:

10.61 in.

4.04 in.

BLUEBERRIES Shipping point: Central & North Florida $14.00-$26.00 Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, MAY 5, 2022

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