9.21.23 PLCO

PLANT CITY POLICE HOLD PROMOTION AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Officers are promoted to leadership roles and officers and civilian recognized for heroic acts of life-changing service and hard work.

On Thursday, September 14, the Plant City Police Department (PCPD) hosted a promotion and awards ceremony, attended by officers, their families and community leaders.

The promotions were necessary following Police Captain David Mill-

lich’s retirement after 21 years of faithful service to the citizens of Plant City, which caused a ripple effect that allowed multiple officers to be promoted to more senior roles. As per tradition, Millich received one uniform, a “retired” PCPD badge, ID card and wallet and his service fiearm.

PLANT CITY WINS REDMAN CUP MATCHUP OVER DURANT

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FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THEME FOR 89TH ANNUAL EVENT

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MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The Florida Strawberry Festival announced the theme for its 89th annual event – “Out of This World!”

“The sky’s the limit,” said Florida Strawberry Festival President Kyle Robinson. “Our board of directors, staff and maintenance crew have been hard at work this summer planning and preparing an ‘out of this world’ experience for all our guests. We look forward to welcoming visitors from far and wide to BerryFest24!”

A new theme is created for each year’s Festival to offer the event’s more than 600,000 visitors a glimpse of the experience they will have at the 11day event that celebrates the strawberry harvest in Eastern Hillsborough County. It also unifis vendors, FFA chapters, organizations, corporate partners and exhibitors, who cre-

ate parade flats and displays throughout the event.

The Festival’s strawberry character featured in each year’s theme artwork is an iconic part of the event’s branding and advertising efforts. In this theme’s artwork, he wears sunglasses, waves a peace sign, and holds a plate of strawberry shortcake as he stands in front of a UFO.

“The Festival’s atmosphere is like no other,” said Robinson. “Seeing families gather, volunteers serving and the Plant City community coming together year after year is extraordinary. There’s no place on Earth quite like the Florida Strawberry Festival!”.

The 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival takes place February 29 - March 10. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival visit floridatrawberryfestival. com, Facebook, Instagram and X (#berryfest24).

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The Raiders escaped with a 17-14 victory over the Cougars on Thursday to claim their first edman Cup victory since 2020.

The annual event is “Out of This World!”

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Caring just for YOU.

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

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

Sandra Rodriguez Fernandez, MD Internal Medicine

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

COOLEST DOG IN PLANT CITY CONTEST RETURNS

Do you have a cool dog? Why not enter them in the “Coolest Dog” contest, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Plant City.

The contest will run from Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and your entry can not only help the Kiwanis Club of Plant City serve children within the Plant City community, but you and your furry friend will also have the opportunity to win great prizes as well.

The cost to enter is $10 and includes 10 votes. Once you have registered, send your unique link to all your friends on social media and ask them to vote for your cool dog! Each vote costs $1 and they can vote as many times as they wish. Prizes will be available for fist, second and third place finishes.

For full contest rules or to fill out an enty form for your dog, visit www.gogophotocontest.com/kiwanisclubplantcity.

PLANT CITY PIG JAM IS BACK!

The 2023 Plant City Pig Jam is back, featuring over 50 competition BBQ teams coming to Plant City from 13 different states to compete in the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition on Nov. 18 and 19 at the Randy Larson Fourplex located at 1500 S Park Rd, Plant City, FL 33566. This fun-filled amily-friendly event is free to attend, and parking is only $10.

Friday night the event area is open to the public from 5 to 10 p.m.

The event features bounce houses, rock climbing walls, face painting, games and entertainment for kids of all ages in the Pig Jam Piglet Play Area. For adults, there will be live music and plenty of ice-cold drinks at the Pepin Sports Bar to enjoy. Families are encouraged to come out and grab dinner cooked by some of the best barbecue teams in the country. In the past, menu items have included BBQ macaroni and cheese, ribs, brisket, BBQ chicken, and even BBQ filled eggolls.

On Saturday the event area is open to the public from 10am-5pm with two stages of

live entertainment. There will be live bands as well as community groups performing throughout the day. Teams will be busy cooking up their BBQ entries for the competition on Saturday, so be sure to stick around for the awards ceremony at 5 p.m. to see who the “Grill Masters” are this year. Over $20,000 in prizes will be awarded.

Many volunteers are still needed to help make this community event possible. Volunteering is a great way to get a behindthe-scenes peak at this two-day BBQ festival; stations include the beer tents, merchandise tents and kids’ area. To sign up to volunteer please visit www.plantcitypigjam.com.

All proceeds from the Plant City Pig Jam benefitThe Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. The organization serves both the Plant City business community and local residents - it’s good food, for a good cause.

PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT, INC. PRESENTS: THE LEGEND OF FRANKENSTEIN, UNLEASHED!

Written and directed by the brilliant Carlton Jones, The Legend of Frankenstein, Unleashed! is the third installment of the stage trilogy, The Legend of Frankenstein. A three act play, it is presented with each act taking place during a different time period. The new thriller has more than one monster that will spring to life in a masterful production full of twists and turns that will span time from the 1870’s to the 1970’s. Like the fist two productions, there is again a nod to Madame Tussaud’s. When two of the creatures are visited at Watson Manor by a 1940’s film cew, surprises, terror and death occur. In the late 1960’s, a monstrous secret is revealed. The finale is clasic monster time with a riveting ending that no one sees coming!

The Legend of Frankenstein, Unleashed! will be hailed as the perfect terror tale for the Halloween season, starting on Sept. 29 and running select nights through Oct. 8. Tickets and more information is available now at www.pceshows.com

OKTOBERFEST RETURNS TO PLANT CITY THIS WEEKEND

The event, now in its second year, will bring a bit of Bavaria (and a lot of brats and beer) to downtown Plant City.

Brush up on your German and grab your lederhosen on Sat., Sept. 23 to partake in Plant City’s Second Annual Oktoberfest, which will transform downtown’s quaint streets into a “Gesellschaft” complete with live music, dancing, food, beer, wine, axe throwing, carnival games and merchandise vendors.

While speaking German isn’t required, knowing a little lingo is helpful, including the word“lebensmittelkarten”, or food card, being sponsored by the Knights of Colum bus. For $15 (cash and cards accepted), event goers can dine on a bratwurst dinner, including a beer-boiled bratwurst on a bun with red cabbage, grilled onions and sauer kraut and German potato salad.

The traditional food, as well as the smell of grilled onions wafting through the air, is sure to put people in the Oktoberfest spirit and it tastes delicious too. “Knights are always good cooks,” said Mark Sagen, Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph Council.

Five food trucks will also be on-hand sell ing delicacies.

Another helpful word is “biergartens”, two outdoor areas where four German beers and two wines (Prosecco and sangria) will be sold in abundance. Attendees can purchase a 32-ounce boot stein filled with German beer for $25 and it can be refilled for $10.

The event, sponsored by Taylor’s Forklift and Parkesdale Farms, will offer plenty of activities in the Main Street Kids Zone to keep children entertained.

Big kids (a.k.a. grown-ups) can flex their muscles in the “steinholding,” a traditional Bavarian strength contest where competitors hold a one-liter full beer stein out in front of their bodies with a straight arm, parallel to the ground. The cost to enter is $10. The grand prize winner walks away with a brand new pellet grill.

Cirque dul Soliel acrobatic shows will entertain the crowd with showtimes at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Bavarian folk dancers will perform every 15 minutes. Listen to the sounds of Ida Mann & Die Haus Band. Dress up in your best Oktoberfest attire for a chance to win a prize.

Plant City Main Street Director Dawn Hyatt said the event, which in terms of vendors is twice as large as last year’s event, is shaping up to be a huge success. “We’ve gone from 20 vendors to more than 40 vendors,” she said. “Also take the opportunity to get to know your local merchants who are staying open late that night to meet your shopping needs.”

Entrance to Oktoberfest is free but proceeds from the event will benefit Plant City Main Street. “Please come out and enjoy the food, fun and festivities while helping Plant City Main Street continue their mission of our downtown revitalization,” said Hyatt.

For more information about Oktoberfest visit plantcitymainstreet.org or visit its Plant City Main Street Facebook page.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

This week on Cops Corner, Plant City Police investigate: Missing fishing poles, a stolen bicycle and an out-of-state trailer.

SEPTEMBER 8

SOMETHING’S OFF

1800 block of E Alabama St.

Theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who stated that they noticed items missing from their carport the day before. The victim wanted to make Plant City Police aware, but did sign a waiver of prosecution.

DOUBLE CHECKED

2200 block of Pixie Way

Fraud: An officer met with the complainant at the listed location who reported a fraudulent check having been cashed.

HOOK, LINE AND SINKER

1100 block of N Warnell St.

Theft: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported multiple fishing poles stolen from their property.

FAST FOOD

1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Theft/shoplifting: An officer met with an employee at a business at the listed location who reported an unknown suspect stealing food.

SEPTEMBER 10

BYE-CYCLE

1200 block of N Wheeler St. Theft: Officers met with the victim at the listed location who stated that their red bicycle was stolen.

YOU GOTTA GO

600 block of James L Redman Pkwy.

Trespass after warning: An officer responded to the listed location and arrested one individual for trespass after warning. They were subsequently transported to Orient Road Jail without incident and a new trespass warning was completed.

SEPTEMBER 12

LONG WAY FROM HOME

4000 block of Rice Rd.

Recovered stolen trailer: An officer responded to the listed location and located a trailer with an Oklahoma tag. The tag was confirmed tolen and removed by the Oklahoma City Police Department. The owner was notified and an emplyee subsequently responded and took possession of the trailer.

LOST AND FOUND

2000 block of W Lowry Ave.

Warrant arrest: Officers received a tip that a wanted subject was witnessed standing in front of the residence at the listed location. Multiple officers arrived at the scene and observed the individual smoking a cigarette

in the driveway of the home. The individual was detained and confirmed o have an active warrant out. The individual was subsequently arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

SEPTEMBER 14

STICKY FINGERS

2400 block of James L. Redman Pkwy.

Retail theft: An officer met with an employee at a business at the listed location who reported a theft from the store.

GONE WITH THE SCHWINN

1600 block of Oakwood Estates Dr. Burglary / resist without violence: An officer met with the victim at the listed location who reported a bicycle stolen from their garage. One individual was subsequently arrested for burglary, petit theft and resisting arrest without violence before being transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

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TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

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PLANT CITY POLICE CAPTAIN DAVID MILLICH RETIRES/OTHERS PROMOTED

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

During opening remarks, Captain Al Van Duyne, Commander of the Information Services Division, shared a quote by former Porsche CEO Peter Schultz: “Hire character. Train skill.”

Van Duyne said that while the quote aptly describes the formula used by PCPD, it also places value on experience and fostering growth among its personnel. “That experience and growth were characteristics evident among this evening’s promotees, as they prepare to now take on new and increasing levels of leadership positions within the police department,” said Van Duyne.

A total of four officers were promoted during the Sept. 14 ceremony.

CAPTAIN MICHAEL WARD was sworn in as a PCPD officer in 2003. The former lieutenant will assume command of the Uniformed Patrol Division, the largest of the department’s three divisions.

LIEUTENANT OF UNIFORM PATROL JUSTIN LEE was sworn in as a PCPD officer in 2002. The former sergeant will assume the role of shift commander in the Uniformed Patrol Division.

SERGEANT OF INFORMATION

SERVICES JASON FOWLER was sworn in as a PCPD officer in 2012. The former corporal will assume the role of sergeant of the Information Services Division.

CORPORAL OF UNIFORM PATROL

RICHARD NAVE was sworn in as a PCPD officer in 2015. Nave has been assigned to supervise a squad within the Uniformed Patrol Division.

Several officers and one civilian employee were presented with awards for acts of heroism, bravery and going above and beyond their duties.

The Life Saving Award was presented to Officers DeeDee Gregory and Devin Wilson who, because of their courageous efforts, saved the life of a 48-year-old woman. On July 23, Gregory responded to a medical emergency where the woman wasn’t breathing. Gregory, the fist to arrive on the scene, immediately checked for a pulse and breathing and, finding non, began to utilize her department-issued AED. Wilson arrived on the scene shortly after and assisted in lowering the woman from the bed to the floo, where Gregory began chest compressions until Plant City Fire Rescue (PCFR) arrived on scene and took over the woman’s medical care and transport her to South Florida Baptist Hospital. The woman was eventually released from the hospital and went home.

Chief James Bradford commended Gregory and Wilson. “Your actions quite obviously changed the trajectory of somebody’s life and the lives of their families,” he said. “You’ve done an act of service that went above and beyond.”

The Certifiate of Employee Recognition award was presented to Sergeant Paul Tester, Corporal Christian Lopez and Digital Evidence Technician Brandon Volden. Tester and Volden were instrumental in procuring a new Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, the migration of fils from the outdated CAD and facilitated and actively participated in the training of department personnel.

“Thank you for putting forth the effort with the CAD system,” said Bradford. “Your hard work will show exceptional benefis for years to come.”

In his closing remarks, he also congratulated the newly promoted officers. “Thank you for being willing to take the next step in your career, and we look forward to the

PCPD promotes for and recognizes others for their exceptional workperformance.

Sergeant Paul Tester Devin Wilson

DeeDee Gregory

ARREST MADE IN FATAL PLANT CITY HIT-AND-RUN INVOLVING BICYCLIST

Plant City Police Department (PCPD) arrested Thomas Alfred Baynard for leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

An arrest has been made in a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicyclist that took place on Jim Johnson Road in Plant City on Friday, Sept. 15.

Plant City Police Department (PCPD) arrested Thomas Alred Baynard, 39, of Mulberry and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash involving death, according to a news release.

“It was through the investigating offier’s diligence that we were able to locate the suspect and his vehicle in this case,” said PCPD Chief of Police James Bradford.

“Our prayers for the family.”

The arrest was made in part due to traffic homicide vestigators being able to obtain video surveillance of what was believed to be the suspect vehicle involved in the crash. Armed with that information coupled with debris recovered from the crash scene, officers searched for the vehicle.

On the afternoon of September 18, a vehicle matching the video footage with a damage profile onsistent with the crash was located in the parking lot of a local business. Baynard, the vehicle driver, was located inside the business. During an interview, he admitted to driving the vehicle

in the area during the date and time of the crash.

The family of the victim, 60-year-old Scotty Cook, extended an enormous thank you to PCPD and Hillsborough County Sheriff ’s Office (HCSO) for their diligent efforts.

“From the moment we found out that Scotty had lost his life until just earlier this evening, we have been on an emotional roller coaster,” said family spokespersons Leslie Cook and Leah Cook Crutchfield his nieces. “Tonight our family will get to rest.”

His nieces described Scotty Cook as a great man; a son, brother, uncle, friend and

more. “He was a fisherman a jokester and could build almost anything you wanted and would give anything he had to help someone in need,” they said.

While to say he will be missed is an understatement, his nieces said his presence will be around them always, especially at his favorite fishing hol.

“Thank you to everyone who has reached out to help,” they said. “Your calls, texts and social media messages have been much appreciated.”

The crash investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

victim, 60-year-old Scotty Cook

Thomas Alred Baynard, 39, of Mulberry

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS MOLD CLAY BOWLS

TO FOR LOCAL

FUNDRAISER

Fifth grade students create bowls to benefit Unied Food Bank of Plant City’s Empty Bowls Project

Fifth-graders at 17 schools in the Plant City area are using their artistic talents to make a difference in their community. These budding artists are creating clay bowls for United Food Bank of Plant City’s (UFBPC) annual fundraiser, Empty Bowls Project.

Volunteers delivered the clay, glazes and instructions to schools in the area and art teachers quickly got to work helping students create their masterpieces. Under the guidance of Cassi Lemonidis, art teacher at Lincoln Elementary Magnet School, young artisans started handcrafting their bowls last week from a small block of clay.

Lemonidis, who taught students the different parts of a bowl (the lip, the body and the foot) said they have to work fast because clay dries out quickly. Students formed the clay into a ball then, using their thumbs, pushed it in the center of the ball to make an indentation then began pinching and turning until a bowl-like shape formed. In upcoming class periods they’ll carve words and add texture to the bowl and then glaze them.

While some of the students want to keep the bowls they’ve created, Lemonidis is quick to point out the clay was donated to them and the bowls symbolize all the bowls that go empty every day and it’s their way to give back to the community. “It’s really cool for the kids to be able to see that they can give back,” said

Lemonidis. “They’re handcrafting this bowl that somebody is going to take home and probably keep for years and years.”

She encouraged her students to attend the event and watch as people select the bowls they’ve crafted. “I want them to see that people want their art and it’s going to a good cause so it’s awesome all around,” she said.

For UFBPC Director Mary Heysek, the service the students provide is immeasurable. “The kids don’t realize that they are being compassionate by making the bowls because it seems to come naturally to

them, they take great care in making the bowls,” she said. “Some of the students have also volunteered with their families at the food bank.”

The Empty Bowls Project, in its thirteenth year, will take place November 11 at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The community is invited to attend and, with a ticket purchase, select a unique clay bowl, with all the proceeds going directly to the UFBPC. For more information about the Empty Bowls Project visit ufbpc.org.

PLANT CITY OPTIMIST CLUB SETS GOLF TOURNAMENT FOR SEPT. 29

The Plant City Optimist Club and Plant City Parks & Recreation Department will host their 29th Annual Golf Classic Fundraiser tournament at Diamond Hill Golf & Country Club in Dover on Fri., Sept. 29. Registration begins at 6:45 a.m. with the shotgun-start tournament taking place at 8 a.m. preceded by access to the driving range.

Past years have seen nearly 100 players converge on the course for a round of fun and fellowship while supporting a good cause.

Registration, which costs $100 per player, includes 18 holes of golf, cart, range balls, after-tournament meal and awards. The club is also still seeking hole sponsors. Other contests include a putting contest, two long drive holes and two closest to pin holes. There will also be door prizes and a raffles (one lucky winner will walk away with a big screen television).

While golfers who place fist, second or third place win cash awards, Plant City Optimist Club President Pat Stottlemyer said most of the folks that win donate the money right back to the club.

Stottlemyer registered his own team of four golfers. “We’re just out there to have a good time,” he said.

Since its inception, proceeds from the fundraiser have totaled more than $200,000, which help support youth programs in Plant City, including the non-profit riends of Recreation & Parks Corporation. “We want every kid to be able to take part in youth programs,” said Stottlemyer.

Golfers of all skill levels are encouraged to participate, from seasoned pros to enthusiastic beginners, to raise funds for charitable causes. “If you like golf what better way to play a game that you have a passion for while giving back to the community where you live,” said Stottlemyer. “It’s a win-win for golfer and the community.”

Registration flers can be found at Diamond Hill Golf Course, All A Bloom Florist, Johnson Barbeque and Brick House Cafe. For more information about the Plant City Optimist Club or golf fundraiser, contact Stottlemyer at president@plantcityoptimistclub.org or (813) 494-9615.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The charity event will raise funds to benefit outh programs in Plant City.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

LOCAL BODYBUILDER ALPHONSO CROMARTIE JR. REPRESENTS PLANT CITY ON PROFESSIONAL STAGE

A life-long native, Cromartie became the first IFBB ro Bodybuilder from Plant City last month.

A life-long native of Plant City who’s family has been here for generations, Alphonso Cromartie Jr. earned his pro card through the International Federation of BodyBuilding and Fitness last month — becoming the fist IFBB Pro Bodybuilder from Plant City.

“Turning pro gives me a renewed sense of purpose in competing,” Cromartie said. “Ironically I actually feel more relaxed because going up and doing these national shows you have this pressure like, can I make it? Can I do it? And now I’ve made it. I can’t expect to just go out and expect to start winning pro-level shows though, I’m a rookie going against these guys who have been putting in work for years, but there’s levels to it. It’s exciting, but I still have to work. My life is still the same. I’m always going to train, I’m always going to eat the meals that I have to eat to bodybuild, I just love the lifestyle. I’m looking forward to stepping on the pro stage and see where I fit in with the pos.”

A graduate of Plant City High School in 2001, Cromartie played basketball and a little bit of football in high school but says lifting weights was what he ultimately fell in love with while there through a weight training class. Regularly lifting at Power Shop Fitness in downtown Plant City, in 2012 Cromartie was approached by a stranger named Milton Tigue who saw him in the gym and suggested that Cromartie should try competing in BodyBuilding competitions. A former bodybuilder himself, Tigue mentioned that he thought Cromartie had the structure for bodybuilding, giving him some information on how to find amaeur competitions along with one little tip: eat baked or grilled chicken and fish with geen beans.

Within a couple of weeks, Cromartie started to notice improvements in his physique thanks to his new diet.

“That’s kind of the staples of a bodybuilding diet but the funny thing is, he didn’t give me any portion sizes, he didn’t tell me how many meals to eat but I just started eating that and eating until I got full,” Cromartie said. “Within about three weeks I started getting shredded and I was like, whoa. I’ve pretty much always had a six pack but I was 29. I wasn’t fat but my stomach had gotten fla, my abs weren’t as pronounced and here I am three weeks into this meal plan that he told me to do and it’s back.”

A few weeks later, Cromartie was working out at Gold’s Gym in Tampa with a friend when he bought into a coach who was able to put him on a more structured diet plan and training program. And later in the year, Cromartie began competing. Over the years Cromartie and Tigue became close friends, with Tigue continuing to work at Power Shop Fitness where he would share knowledge, encourage and pass along any tips that he had to Cromartie. Cromartie added that he owes a lot to Tigue, not just for his introduction to bodybuilding alone, but so much of the life that Cromartie has built thanks to bodybuilding.

“I always tell him that I owe him so much,” Cromartie said. “Because of him I competed, that was 2012, and in 2013 I met my wife at a bodybuilding show. So I’m like, if he would have never told me to compete I would have never met my wife and we now have three beautiful children. I’ve traveled, not extensively, but I’ve been places through bodybuilding that I never would have been to. It’s all because this stranger said, ‘hey man, you should compete, you have what it takes.’”

Since his fist competition in 2012, Cromartie has competed in eight regional shows — winning his class in all eight while winning best overall in three — along with three national shows, finishing sixth in his class in 2021, seventh in 2022 and finally winning in August where he earned his pro card.

“It was incredible, man,” Cromartie said. “It’s been an 11-year journey since I started bodybuilding… Ive gotten married, I’ve had children — we have three kids now — so it’s been a journey. There’s been some ups and downs but somewhere along that journey I really thought that maybe I could turn pro, so that moment was incredible just to do it and prove to myself that I could have what’s considered a professional level physique.”

Now a professional bodybuilder, the fist IFBB pro to ever come out of “Itty Bitty Plant City” as Cromartie calls it, he says quite simply not much will change. He still works full-time in addition to the dedicated training, diet and interwoven lifestyle required for bodybuilding, he is still very involved at his church — Abundant Life Worship Center where he plays the keyboard — and he still values his

family above everything else — his wife Naomi along with his children Alphonso III, Xion and Zhavia. In addition, he noted that he always wants to honor his father Ralph Ware who always supported him throughout his bodybuilding journey, along with the rest of his family, and never missed a show before he passed away last year.

But from this point on, when Cromartie competes, he will proudly represent Plant City on the professional stage.

“Representing Plant City means the world to me,” Cromartie said. “Like I said, I go a couple of generations back here in Plant City and I know we’ve grown but it’s still a small town to me. I don’t know who else knows about it but it’s an honor to me, everywhere I go I said, ‘I’m from itty bitty Plant City so don’t take this encounter lightly because you probably haven’t met anyone else from there.’ It’s a badge of honor for me… We might not have the best gyms in terms of equipment and stuff like that, but to still be able to build the physique that could be at the professional level and be from this small town, it means a lot to me. I love that I can represent our town.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

2023 CHEVY SILVERADO BISON A FORMIDABLE BRUTE!

SILVERADO 1500 ZR2 BISON

Tires: P275/60R20

Wheelbase: 147.4 inches

Length: 231.9 inches

Width: 81.2 inches

Height: 75.5 inches

Fuel capacity: 24 gallons

City: 14 mpg

Highway: 17 mpg

Base price: $71,500

Price as tested: $86,295

Web site: www.chevrolet.com

Watch out for the Bison on the road! Not the largest mammal in North America but the all-new 5,350-pound Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 special edition. It too is an impressive beast like its namesake! Add in a tie-up with off-road aftermarket manufacturer, American Expedition Vehicles (AEV), and you can head off the baten path with confidene and poise.

Our Silverado 1500 Crew Cab version was equipped with the 6.2-liter V-8 engine putting out 420 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 460 pounds-feet of torque @ 4100 rpm. It is mated to a slick 10-speed auto gear box. GM’s Dynamic Fuel Management system deactivates half of the cylinders to conserve gas while cruising or at slower speeds. The front independent coil-overshock front and solid axle rear suspension ensures a solid but compliant and calm ride with controlled handling and re-

sponse. Guiding the large SUV into a tight parking spot with little effort is an accurate and well-weighted electric power steering. Need to haul cargo? Well, up to 13,200 pounds can be towed. A 6.6-foot standard bed is offered with 12 fied tie-downs that have a capacity of 500 pounds.

High-quality steel AEV-stamped bumpers and underbody skid plates for front, rear differential, transfer case and fuel tank make a successful case to hardcore off-road enthusiasts. This enables the Silverado Bison to enhance its approach angle to 32.5 from 31.8 degrees and departure to 23.4 from 23.3 degrees, though ground clearance stays at 11.2 inches. The familiar Chevy bow-tie emblem sits centered amid the body-colored grille bar and flaned by C-shaped LED headlights and a ZR2 badge. The Bison decal is also prominent on the side outer box. Step into

the airy interior and you will again notice AEV badges on the front headrests and floor lines. The driver faces a 12.3-inch digital cluster while the infotainment touch screen is a sweeping horizontal 13.4-inch instrument panel. And it includes built-in Google Assistant and maps, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Wellplaced storage bins and cubbies are scattered throughout. Best of all is the center console bin, which can consume a laptop. Other no-cost goodies include a power rake/telescopic steering wheel, dual auto a/c, 10-way power driver seat, 60/40 fold rear bench, etc.

Dual front and side airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, hill start assist, HD surround vision camera, blind zone, forward collision and rear pedestrian alerts, rear-cross traffic and ao emer-

gency brakes, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights are a part of the package.

Much like the Chevy Colorado ZR2 Bison, this rugged Silverado version can effectively and equally traverse rugged terrain plus tackle peak-hour traffic on cy roads or cruise the highway. Simultaneously, you get plentiful passenger and bed capacity and laudable tow/haul capacities. What more can a pickup shopper ask for in a ride?

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.

FROM PANDEMIC TO PROSPERITY: THE BIRTH OF WARRIOR NETWORK SOLUTIONS

What happened when Plant City resident Ryan Hunt, an experienced salesman, and former Plant City resident Matt Lang, a seasoned IT professional, met at their former place of employment?

The pair hatched a plan to leave the corporate world behind and form their own company. So, in 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, they cashed in every dollar they could get their hands on, Lang moved into Hunt’s converted garage space to save money on rent and they started their new company, Warrior Network Solutions, a managed service provider that offers businesses 24/7 solutions for their IT needs.

Even though neither served in the military, they have an appreciation for those that do and for fist responders. “We felt like it was our way of honoring them through the name,” said Hunt.

The name exudes strength, which is appropriate because the company helps its clients thrive in the information-based marketplace.

Their fist year in business, they spent their days pounding the pavement finding clients. Lang would do IT contract work at night to make extra cash. “We made a lot of sacrifies during that time and there was no Plan B, every dollar other than putting my house up for collateral was on the line,” said Hunt. “My wife was supportive and I knew there was no going back.”

They secured a client in Georgia, Georgia CTSI, and made weekly trips to their headquarters. “That job got our company off the gound and gave us the confidene that we could do this,” said Hunt.

That client allowed Lang to move out of Hunt’s garage and get his own place. “Even though it was a converted garage and I slept on a pull-out couch, it was nice when we got to that point when I could move out,” he said.

As the pandemic subsided, Warrior Network Solutions emerged as a rising star in the IT industry for its ability to be a trusted provider in the IT space and ttailor its solutions to each client to ensure its benefis and serv ices focused on teach company’s needs.

CIOReview, a print and digital magazine whose target audience is senior IT management professionals, named Warrior Network Solutions as one of “2023’s Most Promising Managed IT Service Providers.”

“We don’t know which one of our clients nominated us but we can’t thank you enough,” said Hunt. “We’re truly honored that someone would recognize our hard work and passion that we try to convey.”

That passion is expressed through their commitment to focusing on relationships as they learn about the companies they service and determine how they leverage technology to achieve their business goals.

“A lot of companies fix thins and move on, we roll up our sleeves and try to under-

stand their business model and then use technology to help their business grow,” said Lang.

The company has provided IT services to several local businesses, including Country Village Market, Boss Hogg Radio, Waller’s Power Equipment and One Source RV.

One of their future goals is to be considered Plant City’s trusted IT partner. “There’s a lot of great local businesses that could use quality IT at a price that is

very surprising to them,” said Hunt. “We don’t want to be a vendor, we want to establish a relationship.”

What started as a casual conversation during a pandemic had transformed into a thriving IT company. Their determination had turned adversity into opportunity.

For more information about Warrior Network Solutions visit getwarriornow.com, @ warriornetworksolutions on Facebook, @ wns_fl on Intagram or call 813-946-5093.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The managed service provider was recognized as one of “2023’s Most Promising Managed IT Service Providers” by CIOReview.

SPORTS PLANT CITY TAKES REDMAN CUP BACK FROM DURANT

The Raiders

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

out on top of the annual Plant City area rivalry game for the first time sine 2020.

ultimately proved too much for the Cougars offense to overcome and they were forced to punt from deep inside their own territory, giving Plant City possession back at their own 35.

While Durant had claimed the annual Redman Cup rivalry matchup against Plant City the past two years, the Raiders moved to 3-1 on Thursday night as they came away with a 17-14 win over the Cougars.

As Plant City hauled in the opening kick off, Maurian Hugee brought the return out to the 37-yard line for the Raiders’ first drive. With a gain of eight on first down from running back Tony Marshall, the Raiders moved across midfield as quarterback Chris Denson found receiver Josh Gueh on a quick pass over the middle up to the Durant 43. Another first down carry from Marshall moved the ball up to the 31, anther completion to Gueh gave Plant City a first down at the 27 and Denson moved Plant City into the red zone on a nine-yard carry down to the 18. But on the ensuing first down play, as Denson dropped back to pass and was quickly pressured by the Durant pass rush, the Cougars ended the opening Plant City drive with a forced fumble recovered by linebacker Hale Sollmann at the 28-yard line.

A pair of carries from running back Emmanuel Lee quickly left the Cougars facing a third-and-six from the 32, but quarterback Michael Ryan was able to find receiver Damari Styles for a first down to the 45. An incompletion on first down set up a second-and-10 but Ryan moved the chains as he escaped the collapsing pocket and scrambled up to the Plant City 39-yard line for a 16-yard gain. Lee kept the drive running with a first down carry to the 24 and after being stood up for no gain on a tackle from Plant City defensive end Donta Jenkins on the next play, Ryan rolled out of the pocket on second down and found Styles open downfield for the first score of the game. Ryan subsequently punched in the twopoint conversion himself and the Cougars quickly found themselves ahead 8-0 with 4:18 remaining in the first quarter.

As Durant kicked off it was Hugee on the return for Plant City again, this time turning his opportunity into a huge return as he darted up the sideline and across midfield to start the Raiders’ drive at the Cougars’ 46-yard line. On second-and-four after a sixyard gain to open the drive from Marshall, Denson found Gueh on a deep go route where he was forced out at the seven-yard line. On first-and-goal from inside the 10, Marshall looked to have possibly gotten the Raiders on the board with a tough run up the middle, but the ball was marked inside the one to set up second-and-goal just inches from pay dirt. The second down carry from Marshall was stopped for no gain by Durant linebackers Hunter Smith and Brant Bovee before the duo met in the backfield again on third-and-goal, splitting a sack back at the seven-yard line as the Raiders were forced to settle for a 24-yard field goal from kicker Bach Tran.

Clinging to an 8-3 lead late in the first, the Cougars opened their next drive at the 18, moving up to the 33 on a quarterback draw from Ryan and appearing to fly across midfield on a huge completion that was hauled in by a diving Treon Williams around the Plant City 40-yard line, but an ineligible receiver penalty negated the big gain and pushed Durant back instead. The setback

The Cougars’ pressure thwarted the ensuing Raiders drive as they punted the ball back to Durant a few plays later, and a phenomenal special teams play from Plant City’s Travont Panier downed the Cougars at the one-yard line. A carry for no gain on first and an incompletion left Durant with a precarious third-and-10 from the shadow of their own goalpost, but another quarterback draw from Ryan gave life back to the Cougars’ offense as he took the carry all the way out to the 28-yard line. A pair of completions to receivers Jaylin Torres and Jayden Cornelius moved the chains but the Cougars were left facing a fourth-and-two just across midfield at the Plant City 49. Rolling the dice on fourth, Ryan rolled out to his left and scanned the field for an open receiver or a running lane to pick up the first, but a mix of pressure from the Raiders’ front seven and solid coverage in their defensive backfield forced Ryan to heave up a desperation pass that was intercepted by cornerback Khai Ponder at the Plant City 40.

Strong carries from Denson and Marshall, aided by a completion to receiver Zykee Joyce, moved the Raiders all the way down to the one-yard line where linebacker Michael Bell was able to punch in the oneyard touchdown with less than one minute remaining in the half. The extra point attempt was wide left after a false start backed the kick up, but the Raiders scoring drive would give them a 9-8 lead heading into halftime.

With Durant receiving to open the second half, both teams would exchange punts on their first two drives of the third quarter before the Cougars were left with great field position on their next drive as they took the field with the ball spotted right at the 50. In just two plays a pair of completions had Durant set up at the Plant City 38 and a quarterback draw from Ryan moved them inside the red zone to the 19. A first-down carry from Lee moved the Cougars down to the seven and a touchdown carry from Lee two plays later put Durant back on top at 14-9.

Responding quickly, Plant City opened their drive at the 31 with an incompletion on first, followed by a six-yard carry from Marshall and a 13-yard run from Denson up to midfield. Dropping back to pass on first, Denson escaped the pressure from Durant once again, finding green grass up the middle before working his way outside the number and up to the 23. Smith and defensive lineman Caleb Waters got into the backfield for a big tackle for loss on the next play to force a second-and-13, to which Durant’s defense followed up with a sack as Bovee, Waters and Lucas Bowlin got to Denson back at the 31. Facing third-and-18, Denson was pressured once again, rolling out of the pocket and firing incomplete to bring up a fourth-and-long, but a personal foul called on Durant downfield gave the Raiders a much more realistic conversion opportunity at fourth-and-three from the 16. Rolling out to his left, Denson fired complete to Joyce right at the sticks as he cut back to the middle of the field, broke one tackle and found the end zone for the go-ahead score

with 11:33 left in the contest. The Raiders then extended their lead to 17-14 on a perfect fade to the back of the end zone from Denson, hauled in by Gueh.

“Chris Denson is amazing, I call him a unicorn,” Plant City head coach Terrence Hicks said. “He’s a guy where, you can’t just go to any program and find a guy like him. You have to search high and low to find a guy like Chris Denson so I freaking love that kid. He kept his composure when we were down. We weren’t winning the entire game so I grabbed him on the sideline and said hey, this is what you come here for, you live for moments like this and he came up clutch.”

The Cougars marched down into Plant City territory on the ensuing drive, but a forced fumble shut the series down. And while the Plant City offense continued to chew away at the fourth quarter clock, the Raiders’ defense stood strong for the remainder of the contest and allowed Plant City to escape with their first Redman Cup victory since 2020.

“This win means a lot,” Hicks said. “These are all Plant City people, the only two high schools in Plant City. We’ve lost this game the last two years, you hear all of the yapping and chirping on social media and it just feels good to get out here and shut that part of it up. Talking doesn’t win any games, you have to win it between the lines and I’m proud of the Plant City community.”

Offensively for the Raiders, Denson completed seven of his 13 pass attempts for 96 yards and one touchdown while adding a team-high 96 rushing yards on 14 carries. Behind Denson on the ground, Marshall finished the contest with 90 rushing yards on 18 carries while Bell took his lone carry for a one-yard touchdown.

“Tony Marshall started out a little slow in the beginning of the season, little things, a cut here or reading the blocks there, but he’s coachable,” Hicks said. “He listens to us every day. He may come out and say that we need to hit more in practice because he’s got to get better and get his reps, things like that, and he’s continue to get better every game. Physically, he’s one of the best backs in the county. Strength, size, speed, he’s got everything you want in a running back but he just had to get better at reading blocks and he’s done that.”

Out wide, receiver Zykee Joyce totaled 63 receiving yards and one touchdown on three receptions while Josh Gueh totaled 33 yards on four receptions.

Defensively, Bell paced the unit with 10 total tackles while Jenkins racked up a team-high three tackles for loss, followed by two from Temarce Miller and one each from Bell, Davin Stone-Grant and Dacoby McDonald.

On the heels of a 3-7 record in 2022, The Raiders have now matched their win total from last season in just four games under Hicks.

“It’s just believing and buying into to the process,” Hicks said. “I told them over the summer, we’re going to build our team through the weight room and mental toughness. I feel like that’s an element that we missed last year, pushing them past their limit to break them so that they can build themselves back up. We did that from November when I got the job all the way up until the first game. We pushed ourselves all summer, every day, working hard and they

believed. They bought into the fact that I’m really trying to change things for the better around here. I’ve got a great coaching staff, a great support staff and everyone just bought in — from me to the coaches to the players to the community — and I just feel like it’s so much more than just our play on the field, but everything else that you don’t just see on Fridays.”

For the Cougars, Ryan completed 11 of his 20 pass attempts for 108 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 61 rushing yards on 15 carries. In the backfield, Lee racked up 80 rushing yards and one touchdown on 16 carries while Kendrick Jean tacked on one carry for four yards. At receiver, Styles totaled 57 receiving yards and one touchdown on five receptions, followed by Ajani Peavy with 21 yards on two receptions, Cornelius with 20 yards on two receptions and Torres with 10 yards on two receptions.

Defensively, Smith and Sollmann both notched double-digit tackles with 13 and 10 respectively while Smith also racked up a team-high four tackles for loss and two sacks, followed by Bovee with three tackles for loss and one sack.

Across town, Strawberry Crest moved to 3-1 with a 40-0 win over Leto.

Offensively for the Chargers, freshman quarterback Joe Borchard completed his lone pass attempt for eight yards. In the backfield, senior running back Devin Blunt hauled in the only complete pass of the night for eight receiving yards and totaled 132 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, followed by freshman Roosevelt Miller with 88 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries, Arnulfo Castillo with 21 yards on four carries and Stevie Parkmond with 11 yards and one touchdown on two carries.

Defensively, Abe Craig lead the team with five total tackles while Malachi Johnson paced the unit with three tackles for loss and two sacks, followed by Troy Eskew and Quintin Walker with one sack each. And in addition to his productive night on offense, Blunt came up with an interception on defense.

came

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

PLANT CITY

COMPLETES THRILLING COMEBACK WIN OVER RIVAL DURANT

In a match that ultimately took all fie sets to decide, the Raiders were able to overcome their early deficit o topple the Cougars

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Just days removed from the annual Redman Cup matchup between the football teams for Durant and Plant City, fans, parents and students flocked to a crowded Plant City High School gymnasium on Tuesday as the Raiders volleyball team hosted Durant in another meeting between the two schools.

Plant City scored the first two points of the first set on serves from Jaime Strailey before Durant was able to get on the board and move the set to 2-1. A kill from the Raiders’ Olivia Dennis put the Raiders up 3-1 but Durant quickly rebounded to knot the set up at 4-4 a few points later. Three consecutive points put the Raiders back up 7-4 and Durant once again put together a rally of their own to tie the contest at 8-8 before taking their first lead of the match and then some, moving out to an 11-9 advantage. In what proved a razor thin contest, Plant City went point-for-point with the Cougars to put themselves back on top at 12-11 before Durant began taking control of the set. Scoring seven of the next 10 points, Durant built a 19-14 lead in the set before the Raiders rallied back to just a one-point deficit at 22-21, but the Cougars would ultimately hold on to take the first set 25-21.

The two teams once again battled it out in the early stages of the second set, going point-for-point to the tune of a 9-8 advantage for the Raiders before Plant City found their rhythm and controlled the set as they built what appeared to be a commanding lead at 19-14, but a strong Durant run coming out of their timeout left the Raiders clinging to just a one-point lead at 21-20. Despite the valiant effort to claw their way back into the second set, the Raiders managed to rattle off the next four points to tie the match at 1-1 with a 25-20 win in the second set.

The third set was all Durant as the Cougars quickly raced out to a 6-0 lead before Plant City was able to end the run at 6-1 coming out of a timeout, but Durant continued to rally en route to a 9-2 lead. The Raiders were able to stay in the set for a period, scoring four of the next seven points in the set to trail 12-6, but a seven-point run from the Cougars put them out in front 19-7 before taking a 2-1 match lead with a 25-11 victory in the third set.

And in the fourth set, it appeared that Durant would continue their strong run as they once again jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead, but Plant City would fire back with a four-point run of their own. Durant would continue to pull back in front, immediately rattling off four consecutive points to go up 10-4, but the Raiders refused to roll over as they scored six of the next eight points in

the set to knot the contest at 12-12 and take their first lead since the second set at 14-13. With no clear advantage to either side, the two rivals remained neck-and-neck as Durant pulled ahead 24-23 late in the set— sitting just one point away from taking the set and claiming a 3-1 victory on the night — but Plant City was resilient, scoring back-to-back points to take a 25-24 lead and force a win-by-two scenario. Durant scored the next point to tie it at 25-25 and were repeatedly forced to claw back as the Raiders continued to score themselves, with Plant City taking a 26-25 lead and a 27-26 lead before the Cougars managed to bring the game level each time. But in a game where the Raiders found themselves just one point away from defeat a few minutes prior, Plant City finally notched consecutive points to take a 29-27 victory in the fourth set and force a fifth and final set to 15.

Continuing their trend of strong starts, Durant took a 4-1 lead to open the fifth set before Plant City went on a run of their own to claim a 7-6 lead. And despite Durant taking a crucial 11-10 lead late, the Raiders were able to outscore the Cougars 5-1 over

the game’s final six points to complete the incredible comeback, securing the the 3-2 win with a 15-12 victory in the fifth set.

The win moves Plant City to 6-2 while Durant fell to 4-3 in their regular season slate. Later in the week, Plant City will make their way to 4-5 Freedom on Thursday while Durant is set to host 2-4 Armwood.

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrots and a biscuits.” - Donna Martinez

“Country fried steak, mashed potatoes and corn.” - Aimme Larkin Meiers

“Ham and beans and cornbread.”Becky Ann

“Tomato gravy and rice.” - Karen Berry

“The Starr Special from Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ and Grill.” - Gary McDaniel

“Mac and cheese with anything.” - Kristen Marie

“Chicken and dumplings.” - Deniece Doxey Magglos

“Fried chicken, potato salad or mashed potatoes, Mac and cheese, spicy collards, corn bread.” - Justin De Leon

“Chicken and dumplin’s, fresh mustard greens and corn break baked in a cast iron skillet.” - Charlene Hon Shiver

“Tacos!” - James Eric West

PlantCityObserver.com

Kimberly Ann Sherman

Kimberly Ann Sherman, 58, of Tampa, born on Jan. 30 , 1965, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 15, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Phyllis A. Moore

Phyllis A. Moore, 81, of Plant City, born on Nov. 18, 1941, in Lima, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 8, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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Allen “Grandaddy” Wingate

Allen “Grandaddy” Wingate, 73, of Plant City, born on March 11, 1950, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 13, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Dorothy M. Knight

Dorothy M. Knight, 70, of Dover, born on July 23, 1953, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 13, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Anna B. Woodall

Anna B. Woodall, 91, of Lake Wales, born on Oct. 17, 1931, in Bloomdale, Ohio, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 14, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Pearl Lucille Madsen

Pearl Lucille Madsen, 84, of Plant City, formerly of Owensboro, Ky., and Roy, Utah, born on April 10, 1939, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 13, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Edwin Leonel

Perez Lopez

Edwin Leonel Perez Lopez, 18, of Mulberry, born on October 2, 2004, in Huehuetenango, Colotenango, Guatemala, entered into eternal rest on September 11, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Phillip John Boekeloo

Phillip John Boekeloo, 91, of Lakeland, Fla., passed away on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023. Phillip was born on Jan. 27, 1932. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. WellsMemorial.com for the Boekeloo family.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

BEST BET

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

OKTOBERFEST

5 to 10 p.m. at 100 N Collins St. Head to Downtown Plant City for Plant City Main Street’s second annual Oktoberfest, an exciting evening filled with lie music, traditional Biergarten and Weingarten experiences, delicious food and more. The family-friendly event will not only feature live music and both a Biergarten and Weingarten, but a variety of German delicacies, a Main Street Kid Zone, exhibitors, a stein-holding competition, axe throwing, a costume contest, rides, games and more. If your business or organization would like to align with this new Plant City tradition, sponsorship availabilities remain available. For more information, visit www.plantcitymainstreet.org/events.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23

BLUEGRASS NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. at 101 E J. Arden Mays Blvd. Make your way to The Loft at Krazy Kup for Bluegrass Night featuring The Wandering Hours, a rare group that is not only fun and engaging with the audience, but absolute tops on their instruments, drawing from folk traditions and metamodern thinking alike with topics ranging from the perpetuity of time to some good ole drinking songs. Banjo, mandolin, fiddl, guitar and upright bass underscore the band’s thoughtful lyrics and story telling. A staple in live music circles and the festival circuit, they were named Creative LoafingTampa’s Best of the Bay in 2019 and 2020. Tickets are $15 and available in-house or online at www. eventbrite.com.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

LIFE RECOVERY - ADDICTION

RECOVERY GROUP

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

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

OPTIMIST CLUB/PARKS & REC GOLF

CLASSIC

8 a.m. at 13115 Sydney Rd. The 29th annual Plant City Optimist Club/Plant City Recreation & Parks Department Golf Classic Fundraiser will be held at the Diamond Hill Golf Club. The shotgun-start tournament to raise money for youth programs in Plant City will start at 8 a.m., preceded by registration beginning at 6:45 and driving range access. Past years have seen nearly 100 players converge on the course for a round of fun and fellowship while supporting a good cause. Teams, hole sponsors, raffldoor prize sponsors and tournament sponsors are still being solicited. To obtain a 2023 Golf Classic fler, to become a sponsor, or for more information about the Plant City Optimist Club, please contact Club President Pat Stottlemyer at president@plantcityoptimistclub.org or 813-494-9615.

LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

5 to 9 p.m. at 110 N Collins St. The Last Friday in Downtown Food Truck Rally is held with a new theme each month. There will be live music, an expanded exhibitor market, a bounce house, a scavenger hunt, food trucks and more. The event is family and pet friendly and all are recommended to bring chairs and blankets. September’s theme will be Lord of the Rings: September in the Shire.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

MOSSY HOLLOW MARKET

2 to 8 p.m. at 1401 W Highway 60. You are invited to step through the woodland portal on the eve after the Harvest full moon and into a magical forest village of fairies, mushrooms, & sprites. Visit artists and vendors as you meander through the interactive woodland experience, complete with a potions bar, stargazing tent, wishing cauldron, wandering characters, photo opportunities and festive music. Held at Metals & Nature, costumes are highly encouraged for this free and family-friendly event.

FALL FUNDRAISER

12 to 2 p.m. at 1501 N Alexander St. The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 is holding their Fall Fuindraiser, where you can enjoy a barbecue chicken dinner including dessert for $15. To RSVP, contact the Plant City Elks Lodge at 813-752-2822.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

LIFE CHAIN

2 to 3 p.m. at the corner of Baker St. and Alexander St. Respect Life will be joining hands in a life chain, an annual tradition for the Respect Life organization in Plant City. Participants will spend the hour in silence and quiet prayer while holding signs and posters that will be provided by the organization or brought by the participants themselves. If seating is required, participants are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

BLUEGRASS JAM

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14

OPEN MIC NIGHT

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

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

3 to 6:30 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back on Saturday, August 19, rain or shine. Cars and trucks of all makes, models and years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

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

I LOVE PLANT CITY

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

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

Dale Tetro sent us this photo of a rainbow stretching across the sky over his back yard in Plant City.

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