7.1.21 PLCO

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VOLUME 6, NO. 152

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PCPD SEEKS FUNDING FOR BODY CAMERA PROGRAM The Plant City Police Department was approved by commissioners to use grant funds through a Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The community got its first update on the Plant City Police Department’s new Body-Worn Camera program this week as PCPD Chief James Bradford spoke to commissioners about seeking grant money.

Bradford said the department is currently in the process of evaluating companies for the program and is entering the final stages. The goal is to purchase the cameras and the associated technology that would be used to support

the storage of the data from the cameras. During the search for a company, PCPD discovered the Department of Justice provides a grant for purchasing body worn cameras (BWC).

It offers the Fiscal Year 2021 Body-Worn Camera Policy and Implementation Program to Support Law Enforcement Agencies (BWCPIP-LEA).

“Law enforcement agencies across the country and worldwide are using BWC as a tool to improve law enforcement interactions with the public,” the City of Plant City’s

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ILLEGAL DUMPERS

BEWARE The City of Plant City is planning to crack down on illegal dumping throughout the community via Code Enforcement’s new Illegal Dumping Pilot Project.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Code Enforcement is cracking down on illegal dumping throughout Plant City via the launch of the brand new Illegal Dumping Pilot Project.

The goal is to set up a streamlined process for residents to identify sites of illegal dumping and report it to the city. The hope is that this will help not only highlight new trash sites, but will also allow the police the chance to identify those who are breaking the law. “’I’ve been actually working on this project for about a year and collecting data about it,” Code Enforcement Direc-

tor Tina Barber said. “There’s a lot of illegal dumping, not just in the city, but in the corridors of the city like Coronet Road.

There’s couches, furniture, tires and throughout the year we kind of kept track of it and then we noted it has becoming more and more of a problem.”

The issue is that trash has been piling up throughout the city, which costs thousands of taxpayer dollars to clean up.

This isn’t referencing the trash that homeowners and businesses correctly bag and stow for city crews to cleanup as part of its designated pickup. This program is focused entirely on illegal dumping, or the disposal of waste in a prohibited area.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

NEWS BRIEFS

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

“I, Rick A. Lott, by the authority vested in me as Mayor of the City of Plant City, Florida, proclaim the month of July 2021 as Parks and Recreation Month in the City of Plant City and call upon all of our citizens to join us in recognizing the importance of our city’ s parks and recreation facilities and to learn more about how to support the places that bring our community a higher quality of life, safer places to play, and healthy alternatives through recreation programming for everyone,” Lott read to the crowd.

Fourth of July event returns to Plant City Stadium Courtesy of HCSO

HCSO locates vehicle of interest in deadly hit and run Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced it had located the vehicle of interest in a fatal hit and run in Plant City.

A truck was seen traveling eastbound on West Trapnell Road near Mud Lake Road at approximately 12:22 a.m. on June 25. Then, HCSO said, they later found a body in the 2000 block of that area.

Detectives began the search for a pickup truck with a silver cab and a white truck bed.

According to HCSO, the vehicle also has orange running lights above the windshield.

Detectives believed the truck is likely to have damage to the front passenger area. HCSO announced it located the vehicle of interest around 9 p.m. on Saturday.

“A driver should never flee from the scene of a crash,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

“We need the public to keep an eye out for this truck and let us know if they see it. The victim’s family deserves answers.”

Courtesy of the City of Plant City

City of Plant City proclaims July 2021 ‘Parks and Recreation Month’ Parks and Recreation staff were honored Monday evening when city commissioners announced July 2021 was “Parks and Recreation Month in Plant City.”

The proclamation was read by Mayor Rick Lott during Monday evening’s city commission meeting and was received by Parks and Recreation Director Jack Holland.

After a one year hiatus the City of Plant City’s annual Fourth of July event is back. The event is held each year at the Plant City Stadium, 1810 East Park Road, on the Fourth of July. The parking lot gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the stadium gates will open at 6:00 p.m.

The Double Barrel Band will be performing live throughout the event and the National Anthem will be sung at 9:00 p.m. The 20 minute fireworks show is planned for 9:15 p.m. following announcements from the stage.

The rain-out date is July 5 with fireworks only and will be scheduled for 9:00 p.m. and the gates opening at 8:00 p.m. if the rains cancel the party the day before.

The city is asking attendees follow CDC guidelines for the event. Those vaccinated can arrive maskless, but those who are not vaccinated are asked to wear their mask. It will be voluntary compliance.

Activities will be spread throughout the stadium turf including inflatables and balloon art, along with corn hole, rock climbing and bungee jumping. Concession food as well as some food from vendors will be available for purchase.

Admission is free and parking is $5 per car.

For more information, go to the City of Plant City web site, plantcitygov.com, and search “July 4 Celebration” or call the Parks & Recreation Department weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 813-659-4255. You can also visit plantcitygov.com/parksrec/ page/july-4th-celebration.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

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PCPD PROMOTES 12 OFFICERS

A special ceremony was held at First Baptist Church Tuesday evening to promote 12 officers with Plant City Police Department.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Plant City Police Department promoted 12 officers Tuesday evening in what PCPD has said was more than likely the largest promotion ceremony in the history of the department.

The officers and their families gathered at First Baptist Church of Plant City Tuesday for the ceremony. Chief James Bradford addressed the officers and told them to strive for excellence and make it a point to mentor those in their charge.

Bradford reminded those gathered that their purpose was to work together to accomplish a greater good for the community. Teamwork, listening to one another and always bringing your best work to the table will help build a unified department that can best serve Plant City.

“You need to think of how we all can work together to serve the community and each other,” Bradford said. “The human body, for example, is just one thing, an organism made up of many different parts with many different functions. In the same way the police department is made up of many different types of people with various skillsets and goals. Like the parts of the body functioning as one, the police department must function as one to accomplish a mission. It will be your job to ensure all the parts of the police department work together.”

He told his officers to be prepared to see change, adapt to change and continue to work through the change the best they can.

Bradford also took the time to reflect on the character of the community and to remind his staff that they are instrumental in protecting and continuing the reputation of the department in Plant City.

Following the ceremony many lingered to enjoy light refreshments and catch up with their friends and family.

PCPD PROMOTEES CAPTAIN ROBERT MCLELLAN: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Captain Robert McLellan was born in Portland, ME and grew up throughout the United States. He served in the United States Navy for eight years, from 1994 through 2002. McLellan started his law enforcement career with the Plant City Police Department in 2003.

CAPTAIN ALFRED VAN DUYNE: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Captain Alfred Van Duyne was born and

Haines City Police Department from 2000 to 2001 and has been with Plant City Police Department since 2001.

SERGEANT PAUL TESTER: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

raised in Queens, New York. He served in the United States Air Force from 1987 to 2000 and the Florida Army National Guard from 2000 to 2007. Van Duyne has worked for the Florida Dept. of Corrections (19961997), HCSO, jail division (1997-1999) and has been with the Plant City Police Department since 1999.

LIEUTENANT MICHAEL WARD: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Lieutenant Michael Ward was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1991 to 1995, the United States Coast Guard from 1997 to 2018, the Florida Dept. of Corrections from 1996 to 1997 and has been part of the Plant City Police Department since 2003.

LIEUTENANT MATTHEW LAWSON: EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2021

Lieutenant Matthew Lawson was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida. He served in the United States Marine Corps. Lawson worked with the Florida Department of Corrections from 1994 to 2000, the

Sergeant Paul Tester was born in Baltimore, Maryland and later raised in Tampa, Fl. He served with HCSO in the Jail Division from 1995 to 1998 before starting with the Plant City Police Department in 1998.

SERGEANT STEVIE CARMACK: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Sergeant Stevie Carmack was born in Frankfurt Germany and was raised in Chesapeake, Virginia. Stevie comes from a military family. Sergeant Carmack served in the United States Air Force from 1986 to 2006. Sergeant Carmack worked with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office as a Reserve Deputy from 2004 to 2008 and has been a member of the Plant City Police Department since March 2008.

SERGEANT GERALD BAKER: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Sergeant Gerald Baker was born in Tampa, Florida and raised in Zephyrhills. He began his career with the Plant City Police Department in 2005.

SERGEANT ERNEST WARD: EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2021

Sergeant Ernest Ward was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He has worked with the Hillsborough Co. Jail Division from 2003 to 2007 and began his career

with the Plant City Police Department in 2007.

CORPORAL JASON FOWLER: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Corporal Jason Fowler was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He worked with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office from 2009 to 2012 and with the Plant City Police Department since 2012.

CORPORAL JUSTIN CARPENTER: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Corporal Justin Carpenter was born in Lakeland, Florida. He has worked with the Pasco County Sheriffs Office from 2012 to 2014 and started with the Plant City Police Department in 2014.

CORPORAL TIFFANY LINDSEY: EFFECTIVE JULY 3, 2021

Corporal Tiffany Lindsey was born and raised in Satellite Beach, Florida. She has served with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement from 2001 to 2005, the Bay Harbor Islands Police Department from 2005 to 2006 and has been with Plant City Police Department since 2006.

CORPORAL KEVIN TOENES: EFFECTIVE AUGUST 7, 2021

Corporal Kevin Toenes was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He has worked with Plant City Police Department since 2014.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

CITY CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL DUMPING

An increase in illegal dumping has led to a new program from the City of Plant City that aims to educate residents of proper disposal methods and to crack down on those who fail to comply.

CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

“It is also referred to as ‘open dumping, fly dumping and midnight dumping’ because materials are often dumped in open areas, from vehicles along roadsides, and late at night,” Code Enforcement wrote in news release.

“Illegally dumped wastes are primarily materials that are dumped to avoid either disposal fees or the time and effort required for proper disposal.”

THESE MATERIALS USUALLY INCLUDE:

Construction and demolition waste such

as drywall, roofing shingles, lumber, bricks, concrete, and siding Abandoned automobiles, auto parts, and scrap tires Appliances Furniture Yard waste Household trash Medical waste City Manager Bill McDaniel said he encouraged Code Enforcement to develop this program because he also noticed the increase in illegal dumping throughout the city.

“You don’t have to drive very far to see what’s happening,” McDaniel said. “Some of our, lets call them our more isolated areas, people are taking advantage of the woods or whatever and are dumping material.

It’s a nuisance, it's a burden and some of this stuff being dumped is potentially hazardous.”

According to Code Enforcement the unfortunate trend is that those who chose to illegally dump are picking locations that already have indications of being a dumpsite.

Quickly a location goes from being clean to completely trashed as it becomes a target for more and more trash. This is not only a massive economic burden, but it becomes a public health hazard depending on what is left exposed at the site. Barber said she has caught people in the act of dumping medical waste at dumpsters rather than taking it to the proper disposal sites at hospitals.

Barber said that both the City of Plant City and private business and land owners are having to shell out thousands of dollars each year to take care of the issue. For example, one business owner on Collins Street is having to pay $25,000 just to clean up the trash left from strangers behind their business. It’s a trend that Barber believes is getting worse.

“It actually started on the side of the road when I saw car parts literally dumped on the street,” Barber said. “I thought that wasn’t normal so I made note of it and would pick stuff up and my team would pick stuff up.

Then when COVID hit we were limited on what we were doing and when we came back out it felt like it had tripled over night. It was the craziest thing I’d ever seen.”

For a short period of time the city had stopped picking up furniture due to the pandemic. Instead of storing the items or finding another outlet to get rid of them people began dumping their mattresses, beds, furniture and other large pieces on the side of the

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road and in hidden sites. The city will be cracking down on the issue by spreading educational materials like flyers and social media announcements that detail the avenues available to get rid of items and also highlighting the fact they are seeking people to report what they find. The city is also planning to put up illegal dumping signs and will be installing cameras at known dump locations that will help them identify the illegal dumpers.

“Illegal dumping is a criminal violation and I want to see us get serious, crack down on it, put a stop to it and get these areas cleaned up and keep them clean,” McDaniel said. “We’ve seen everything from boat hulls and vehicle parts, I know in one place we had where it looked like someone had cleaned out a motel or something and dumped all of these tvs in a wooded area here in the city. That’s a huge cleanup burden to put on the landowners. It just needs to stop. Recently the county prosecuted someone for dumping oil into a waterway. This is the kind of stuff that just cannot be allowed to go on. We’re hoping through this program that we can encourage people proactively to stop it and use the appropriate resources to dispose of stuff and if not we are going to build cases against the violators and take the appropriate action. It is a burden on the entire community.”

If you spot examples of illegal dumping call the city at 813-659-4200 ext. 4289. You can also email code enforcement at code enforcement@plantcitygov.com. If you see someone in the act of illegal dumping call Plant City Police Department at 813-757-9200.

When you call the city asks that you identify the exact location of the dumpsite by including the closest major cross street, describe what is at the dumpsite and if you see someone in the process of dumping attempt to identify the person, vehicle or company involved. Tthe city is adamant that it does not want those reporting to dig through the site or to confront people who are illegally dumping.

“There are layers to this issue that we are hoping are addressed by this project,” Barber said. “First off I don’t think people realize illegal dumping is actually a crime and depending on what and how much you dump it can be a felony. Second, taxpayer money is being used and if its private property and the owners haven’t cleaned it up, we do, and then we lien the property. This is a safety hazard and something we take very seriously.”

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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.

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THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

CITY AGREES TO MATCH FUNDING FOR BODY CAMERAS If Plant City Police Department receives funding from the Department of Justice the City of Plant City will match the funds to kickstart a body camera pilot program at the department.

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

agenda report read. “Some preliminary evidence indicates that the presence of BWC helps strengthen accountability, transparency, and can assist in de-escalating conflicts, resulting in more constructive encounters between the police and members of the community. BWC can be highly effective, providing an objective audio and visual record of interactions that can capture empirical evidence in the event of a crime, police-citizen interaction, or useof-force incident.”

The funds require a 1:1 match by the grantee and the solicitation for this grant provides a cost estimate for each BWC, which does not exceed $2,000.

PCPD decided that it needs 75 cameras to start the program.

At the max award of $2,000 each that ends up being $150,000 and the City of Plant City agreed to match the $150,000 and use the funds to purchase BWC and supporting technology. When it come to the matching of the funds, $28,500 is available in the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

The remaining balance of $121,500 will come from the General Fund.

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While several commissioners at the dais had questions about the body camera program, both Bradford and City Manager Bill McDaniel reminded them that the vote Monday evening was not about the program itself, but rather to give permission to PCPD to apply for the funds and to agree to match what is awarded. Further information regarding the program itself will be presented at a later date to city commissioners.

The City of Plant City announced on Aug. 31, 2020 that PCPD would begin the body worn camera pilot program on Oct. 1.

The testing and evaluation period began in

Dec. 2020 and Bradford said the procurement process is ongoing.

The department may receive a fraction or the full amount it is requesting so the $150,000 is the best case scenario for the application if the max awarded per camera is given to PCPD. The submission deadline for the full application from PCPD to the Department of Justice is in July and the expectation is those selected will have the funds in October just in time for the next fiscal year.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

SPORTS PLANT CITY TO SEND TWO HIGH SCHOOL FISHING TEAMS TO NATIONALS

Plant City and Strawberry Crest will be represented in Tennessee TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

The fishing teams for Plant City High School and Strawberry Crest High School will both compete in the 2021 Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School National Championship in Dayton, Tennessee on July 29-31.

Plant City will be represented by senior Colten Drawdy and freshman Chase Mobley, alongside Chase’s father Gene Mobley as their captain. And for Strawberry Crest, sophomore Kody Glass will be competing alone alongside his father Derek Glass as his captain.

With a $4,000 scholarship on the line, as many as 250 high school teams will take the water for the national competition.

Plant City and Strawberry Crest are a part of just 11 National Championship qualifying teams from Florida, battling a field that had been narrowed down to 60 teams in the state finals, and both teams prepare for

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their upcoming tournament with unique strengths.

Kody Glass will be fishing as a one-man team, but he doesn’t find the process of competing alone as a problem.

“It’s easier, I think,” Kody Glass said about competing solo. “The hardest part is that I don’t have a netman. It’s just kind of [bringing in the fish] one-handed and netting it myself.”

This past year was Kody Glass’ first year as a member of Strawberry Crest’s fishing team, following behind two of his close friends in Chase Givens and Chase Hubble who had both previously taken the Chargers’ team to nationals prior to graduating.

For Plant City’s team, Gene Mobley brings 10 years of professional bass fishing experience as a coach and captain.

“You’re a coach,” Gene Mobley said about his presence as Plant City’s captain. “I take the knowledge that I have from the fishing

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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right, both teams experience something bigger than the sport itself with a fatherson duo on each boat.

“It’s absolutely incredible,” Derek Glass said about participating as captain while his son competes. “There’s not a feeling in the world like it. The sheer feeling of seeing him when he gets a big fish in the boat and knowing that he’s sitting pretty good, it’s unbelievable. I don’t even know how to describe it. I’ve shed many happy tears sitting in that seat watching him.”

Drawdy will fish for Polk State College next year while Kody Glass and Chase Mobley will both be prepared to look for continued success at the high school level following this year’s National Championship. In addition, Chase Mobley is also committed to Florida State University for baseball.

A LOCAL LOOK AT BASEBALL’S EVER-CHANGING FUTURE Plant City head coach Mike Fryrear dives into how new technology, analytics and rules continue to change the game of baseball.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Like many sports, analytics, technology and improved methods of development have changed the game of baseball.

Things like launch angles, exit velocity and slugging percentages have now become keys for hitters, more than simply batting averages and on base percentages.

For pitchers, velocity and spin rates have become focal points. With these landscape-altering ways that the game itself

has changed, rules have changed along with it.

“The game is changing drastically,” Plant City High School Baseball’s head coach Mike Fryrear said. “Not necessarily from just the rule changes, but how the game is approached, from the old school to the new school, to people trying to change the game for themselves. Spin rates, launch angles and all of that stuff.”

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industry as a coach and when we’re on the water, when we’re practicing, it’s helping them out. It’s putting them in good situations where they can perform and do well and it’s been awesome. I can’t do anything, as a captain I can only run the boat and sit there. I can give information but as far as helping out, they’re on their own.”

So while Kody Glass has a chance to follow in the footsteps of Strawberry Crest’s past National Championship contenders, Plant City’s duo will lean on their unique pairing and experienced coaching as they prepare for Tennessee.

“This is our first year [fishing] with Colten because Chase is a freshman,” Gene Mobley said. “The senior leadership that he brought with Chase, they gelled together so well and we hit the ground running. That’s been the biggest part of our success, having that senior leadership with Colten and then adding Chase who was part of the Team of the Year last year as a junior team. I think that putting Chase with Colten this year was a good thing and it has paid off really well for both of them.”

But while reaching the national stage is an incredible accomplishment in its own

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR This week we asked Plant City: With the Fourth of July event upcoming, what other event would you like to see offered in Plant City?

Karie Pate-Valdes: “There’s a couple of things.

One, I would love like a small business event.

Almost like [Last Friday In Downtown] but maybe highlighting small businesses around town, I think that would be great. A lot of times there are new businesses that are popping up that we don’t know about. If you’re not already in them or if you’re not talking about it then you’re not aware of it, so I would love to hear a little bit more about those. And then if we had events where the whole town came, maybe even downtown right here, I thought that would be a lot of fun.”

OBITUARIES

AROUND TOWN

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Timothy James Richarme

Fayola Marie Vale

Fayola Marie Vale was Timothy James Richarme, born on December 21, 1935 in Chicago, Illinois and 57, of Plant City, Florida passed away in Plant City, entered into rest on June Florida on June 23, 2021.

23, 2021. He was born on A visitation for Fayola April 20, 1964 at Wright-Patwill be held Thursday, July terson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.

1, 2021 from 6 to 8 p.m. at He proudly served with the Wells Memorial and Event U.S.M.C., 1982-1986, and Center. A funeral service will was stationed at Pearl Haroccur Friday, July 2, 2021 bor, Hawaii. at 11 a.m. at St. Clement A visitation will be held Catholic Church, Plant City, Thursday, July 1 at 10 a.m.

Florida. Fond memories and at Wells Memorial Funeral we’re dedicated create a we’re dedicated to helping families create a E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community W E ’ RE Pto ROhelping U D TO families S E RV E our community expressions sympathy Home and a Memorial Connor Myers: “I just moved to the area soWwith I’m not uniquewith and personal, meaningful memorial thatcare truly unique andof meaningful memorial that truly personal, compassionate care since 1896. compassionate since 1896. celebrates the life it represents. the life As your Dignity Memorial As your Dignity Memorial professionals, professionals, shared atit represents. www.

Service will follow at 11 a.m. may becelebrates sure what the city usually does, but I know that where > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability WellsMemorial.com for the www.wellsmemorial.com.

I moved from I would usually go to a Memorial Day > The Compassion Helpline® Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance > Bereavement Vale family.

Barbecue every year. So probably Memorial Day or Labor

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Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Larry Kimbley II: “Ground breaking for a new elementary school and middle school.”

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10/27/15 10:42 AM

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Mary Evelyn Matthews, 91, of Plant City, Florida, born July 5, 1929 in Moultrie, Georgia, entered into eternal rest June 26, 2021.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral. com.

Jimmie Alcus Evans

Jimmie Alcus Evans, native of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on June 16, 2021. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Navy Veteran. The family will receive friends July 1, 2021 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, Jennifer Buser Weaver, 2001 N Park Rd, Plant City, 70, of Dover, Florida passed FL 33563. Funeral services away on June 21, 2021. will follow at 6:30 p.m. A Funeral services were held graveside service will be June 25, 2021 at Riverhills held July 2, 2021 at 10:30 Church of God, 6310 East a.m. at Florida National Sligh Avenue, Tampa, FL Cemetery.

33617.

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

Jennifer Buser Weaver

FL 33563. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Good Shepherd Hospice of Polk County.

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

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

Julio Gregorio Ceballos

Julio Gregorio Ceballos, 79, of Plant City Florida, passed away on June 4, 2021. Julio was born on Oct. 28, 1941 in Santa Marta, Colombia. A Visitation will take place at Wells Memorial Funeral Home on July 17, 2021, 1 p.m. and will be followed we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ RE P RO U D TO S E RV E our community a Memorial Service atthat 2 truly unique and meaningful memorial with personal, compassionate care sinceby 1896.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, p.m. celebrates the life it represents. > 100% Service Guarantee Condolences > National Plan Transferability may be > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance offered at www.wellsmemoR HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM rial.com.

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jason Hall

Butch Colding

Jason Hall, 45, of Brandon, Florida, born April 9, 1976 in Brandon, entered into eternal rest June 24, 2021. Expressions of condolence at Hopewellfuneral.com.

Butch Colding, 77, of Lithia, Florida, born in Rock Hill, South Carolina on April 23, 1944, entered into eternal rest on June 19, 2021.

Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Gesael Mendez Angel Gesael Mendez Angel, 42, of Wimauma, Florida, born Jan. 12, 1979 in Toajlaj, Tectitan, Huehuetenango, Guatemala, entered into eternal rest June 22, 2021.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Martinez

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Angel Santiago

Palinino Martinez, 65, of Lakeland, Florida passed away on June 27, 2021. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 8, 2021 from 5 to 6 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563.

Funeral services will follow at 6 p.m.

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

9

OBITUARIES

Mary Evelyn Matthews

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®

Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Angel Santiago, 41, of Daniel K Jacksonville, Florida passed away on June 22, 2021. The Plankenhorn Jr. family will receive friends WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Saturday, July 10, 2021 Daniel K Plankenhorn Jr., from 1 to 2 p.m. at Haught 75, formally of WilliamsWells MeMorial & event Center Funeral Home Chapel, 708 port, Pennsylvania, passed PlanT CiTy W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. away June 15, 2021 at his813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. residence in Plant City. He Funeral services will follow is survived by his two sons at 2 p.m.

Daniel S. of Hughesville, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Online condolences may Pennsylvania and Nathan be left for the family at (Jessica) Plankenhorn of HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM www.haught.care.

Middlebury Center, Pennsylvania and his grandson Keith Leon Brooks Plankenhorn of Middlebury Center, a brothHAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Schmidt er James Plankenhorn of Plant City, and nieces and Keith Leon Schmidt, 78, nephews that he loved. of Plant City, Florida passed Martha K. away on June 26, 2021.

Parrish Keith was a United States Martha K. Parrish, 88, of Plant City, Florida passed away on June 24, 2021.

Funeral services were held June 30, 2021 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

YOUR COMMUNITY FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY. FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971 HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

10/27/15 10:42 AM

OBITUARIES

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Fidelina V. Knotts

Nancy Kay Johnson

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

YOUR CALENDAR

10

BEST BET

Fidelina V. Knotts, Nancy Kay Johnson, 79, of Plant City, SUNDAY, JULY 4 68, of Brandon, Florida Florida passed away on Saturday, June 26, passed away on June 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS 23, 2021. She was born 2021. Fidelina was Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and family fun at the Plant City born Aug. 3, 1941 in in Plant City, Florida Stadium, 1904 S Park Road. The event will include a military salute, face paintthe Republic of Panon Sept. 22, 1952. A ing, corn hole, inflatables, a rock wall and live music by Solaris. The parking lot Celebration of Life was ama. Fond memories will open at 5:45 p.m. and while attendance is free, remember to bring $5 in we’re dedicated to helping PR O UD TO S E RV E our community and expressions of families create a cash for parking. At 6 p.m. the stadium gates will open along with concessions heldWE’ atR EWells Memorial unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. may in Plant June 30, sympathy and field activities, both of which will remain open until 8:45 a.m. Stage entercelebrates the lifebe it represents.

As your City Dignity on Memorial professionals, we’re dedicated to helping families create a RVE our community > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability shared at www.Wells2021. tainment will begin at 7 p.m. and the military salute, along with the National Anunique and meaningful memorial Travel that trulyAssistance > The Compassion Helpline® sionate care since 1896. > Bereavement celebrates the memories life it represents. and rial professionals, Memorial.com for Fond them, will begin at 9 p.m. prior to the start of the fireworks at around 9:15 p.m. vice Guarantee > National Plan Transferability the Knotts family. expressions of sympathy may R ent Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. be shared at www.WellsMeSATURDAY, JULY 3 R for the Johnson morial.com WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 dly supporting family. the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

BLUEGRASS JAM! 7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J Arden Mays FREE ASSISTANCE FOR Blvd. This is an open invitation for MILITARY VETERANS WELLSMEMORIAL.COM local Bluegrass musicians and fans to 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and Wells MeMorial & event Center WELLSMEMORIAL.COM come to the Krazy Kup Loft and jam, local opportunities are constantly Clarence PlanT CiTy clap hands, stomp feet, and enjoy! changing. If you’ve served any time in 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Ruebeling Wells MeMorial & event Center Krazy Cup holds their Bluegrass JAM the military, retired or non-retention, PlanT CiTy James Alexander 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com the first Saturday of every month! and would like to review your benefits Clarence RuebelSwoape please take advantage of free asing, 94, passed away sistance at the Bing House Museum, on Thursday, June TUESDAY, JULY 6 James Alexander Swoape, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk17, 2021 in Plant City, 70, of Dover, Florida passed ins welcomed or call 813-704-5800 to Florida. He was born away on Friday, June 25, 2021.

TEENS TEACH TECH FOR 21STwe’re dedicated to helping families create a WE’ R E PR O UD TO S E RV E our community unique City and meaningful memorial with personal, compassionate careasince 1896. set a specific time. in Plant on Feb. 21,that trulyCENTURY SENIORS James we’re wasdedicated born 27, 1951 to Jan. helping families create E RVE our community celebrates the life it represents.

As your Dignity Memorial professionals, unique and meaningful memorial that truly ssionate care since 1896.

1927.

Fond memories in South Bend, Indiana.

Fond 4 to 5 p.m.

Who knows the latest celebrates the life it represents. orial professionals, > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability and condolences may memories expressions of Assistance technology better than teenagers?

SUNSET SOUNDS > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel rvice Guarantee > Nationaland Plan Transferability ent Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® be offered at www.wells- All seniors looking to learn how to sympathy may be shared at 6 to 8 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. R memorial.com. www.WellsMemorial.com for navigate the Internet and keep up Sunset Sounds is a summer music R Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Swoape family. with an ever-changing digital world series featuring acoustic music from udly supportingthe the Plant City Strawberry Festival. can learn from the best every Tuesday local artists. Head over to Keel & afternoon at the Planteen Recreation Curley Winery every Wednesday eveCenter, 301 Dort St. Call 813-659ning to enjoy music, food, drinks and WELLSMEMORIAL.COM 4256 for more information. sunshine on their patio.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

Taking care of each other is what

Taking care of each other is what

community

community

is all about.

is all about.

®

®

Taking care of each other is what

Taking care of each other is what

community

community

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

is all about.

is all about.

dd 1

10/27/15 10:42 AM

10/27/15 10:42 AM

®

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Wells MeMorial & event Center

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

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$85

ed free

Emergency TILE & GROUT Emergency

Water 24-HR. 24-HR. Water Extractions Extractions 50c per sq.ft. Storm, Storm, Broken Pipes, Broken Pipes, etc. etc.

Steam Cleaned

CARPETS

TILE & GROUT

3 Rooms $85

50c per sq.ft.

Steam Cleaned

Steam Cleaned

includes Hallway cleaned free

Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com 813-986-1266 www.AllSaintscc.com

| Carpet Dyeing & Repairs

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10/27/15 10:42 AM 10/27/15 10:42 AM

287396-1

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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, selfcare and positive influenced activities to help cope with the situation. Meetings are the first Wednesday of each month. For more information, visit www.peaksupportgroup.com.

Wells MeMorial & event Center

PlanT CiTy

S

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

813-986-1266 July 4th Celebration!

The City of Plant City Parks & Recreation Department and The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce are excited to announce the annual July 4th Celebration!

This is a formal invitation for your family to join us at the event! Located at Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Rd., Sunday July 4th. 6:00 PM– 9:30 PM. Free admission with a $5 dollar parking (cash only event).

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, JULY 1 High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 61%

FRIDAY, JULY 2 High: 89 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 33%

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, July 1

6:35a

8:28p

Friday, July 2

6:35a

8:28p

Saturday, July 3

6:36a

8:28p

Sunday, July 4

6:36a

8:28p

Monday, July 5

6:37a

8:28p

Tuesday, July 6

6:37a

8:28p

Wednesday, July 7

6:38a

8:28p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JULY 3 High: 88 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 35%

SUNDAY, JULY 4

This week’s I Love Plant City was submitted by Cheryl Johnston. Johnston said her neighbor Phyllis Parker took these sweet photos while sitting on her patio. Parker is a nature lover and loves growing beautiful flowers in her yard.

She spotted this mother possum traveling across her backyard to the next door neighbor’s yard with her five babies clinging to her back.

ONLINE

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

High: 89 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 37%

MONDAY, JULY 5 High: 90 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 44%

(C) 2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Across 1 Eldest Baldwin brother 5 Sales staffers 9 Fettuccine, e.g.

14 Capital NW of Napoli 15 Suffix with stink 16 Value system 17 *Football score 19 Atlanta campus 20 Barge movers 21 “I’d like to help” 23 Island near Bora Bora 26 Soft French cheese 27 Chess pieces and board, e.g.

28 Lennon’s love 29 Palm starch 31 Sausage on a grill

33 We, to Henri 35 Deli counter cry 37 Got to one’s feet 40 Spout, as oil 41 Starts to fly, with “off” 43 Nashville venue 44 Yarn coil 46 Like peanut-butter pie 47 Wall St. events for young companies 48 Monterrey years 50 “God” prefix 52 Brian of rock 53 MLB dugout boss 55 Pouty look 57 Screenwriter Nora 59 Smooch that misses everything

61 Movie-rating org.

62 Unarmed, to a cop 63 Night driving need, and what can go with the starts of the answers to starred clues 68 Proverbial waste maker 69 Puzzle guy Rubik 70 Pt de __ gras 71 First name in perfumery 72 Tolled 73 Business envelope abbr.

Down 1 The “A” in MoMA 2 Place to go in London?

3 Big Aussie bird 4 Desert landscape fea-

tures 5 Arcturus, for one 6 Greek Cupid 7 “Batman” sound effect 8 Underwater detector 9 Apple pie prep tools 10 Prefix with sphere 11 *Musical song generating extended applause 12 Velvet-voiced Mel 13 Until now 18 Simple shelters 22 Women’s __ 23 Barbecue pair 24 Aime of “8 1/2” 25 *Confinement that might involve an ankle monitor 26 *Right-angled flying toy 30 Mechanical part 32 Yours, to Yvonne 34 Area below the knee 36 Computer repair person 38 Maine college town 39 Bagless vacuum pioneer 42 Border collie, say 45 Candidate 49 “Help!”-ful soap pad brand 51 October gem 53 Papier-__ 54 Biting desert lizards 56 Aisle escort 58 Israeli seaport 60 Evangeline Lilly’s “Lost” role 61 Public education advocate Horace 64 Period often named for a president 65 Received 66 Two-bagger, for one 67 Half a score ... or a perfect score

11

July 9 New

July 17 First

July 23 Full

July 1 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

6.80 in.

11.39 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JULY AVERAGE:

18.75 in.

OKRA

Shipping point: South Florida $16.35-$16.85

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

7.60 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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12

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com