9.28.23 PLCO

CITY COMMISSION APPROVES FINAL BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023-24

The city will operate next year with a budget of $108,779,353, the largest in its history, and a millage rate of 5.7157.

Plant City commissioners voted to adopt next fical year’s final operating budget Sept. 25, and it is set at $108,779,353. The commission also approved next fical year’s Capital Improvement Plan and approved a millage rate of 5.7157. This was the second of two public hearings on the budget.

The Fiscal Year 2023-24 balanced budget, which runs Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30, 2024, will tackle everything from essential city services and public safety to infrastructure improvements.

Major Capital Improvement projects on the horizon include a $4.3 million investment to resurface arterial roads, neighborhood streets and sidewalks, $500,000 towards the construction of a new Planteen Events Center and $4.89 million to repair lift stations, replace generator pumps, water storage tanks and meters and force mains to improve water quality.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

“DANKE!”

ATTENDEES SAY FOR A GREAT OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION

Who knew Plant City, better known for its world-famous strawberries, could harness so much Bavarian culture and tradition?

Its second-annual Oktoberfest, which transformed downtown streets with the sights and sounds of polka music and lively dancers, drew a crowd of thousands, some who donned their very best German attire, to enjoy a fabulous evening with friends and family.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

THE MEMBERS OF THE FIRST-EVER PLANT CITY YOUTH LEADERSHIP COMMISSION WERE RECOGNIZED AT THIS WEEK’S CITY COMMISSION MEETING.

The

about local government in Plant City while meeting and interfacing with local,

county, state and federal leaders and community organization while learning valuable leadership skills.

“I am excited about this program as I believe it’s very important for our youth to learn more about their local government and community,” said Commission Jason Jones.

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

Members include: Daniela Villanueva, Anayeli Castro, Arely Salgado, Madison Zappe, Bailey Polk, Ella Erickson, Grace Pagliaro, Lola Coole, Tregg Aguero, Alivia Eben, Khalid Polk, Lyla Bent, Skylee Jones and Genesis Suazo.

high school students will participate in a year-long program where students will learn

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY RALLIES TO SUPPORT GRIEVING FAMILIES

The Plant City community is coming together physically, spiritually and financiall, to support the families affected by the sudden tragic accident last weekend that claimed the lives of six members of our community and left one slowly recovering in the hospital.

As grieving families make funeral arrangements for the fie members of the Hernandez family that perished in the crash — Jose G Hernandez (52), his wife of 30 years Enedelia Hernandez (50) and his 3 children-Aniella Hernandez (22), Alyssa Hernandez (17) and Julian Hernandez (9) as well as 17-year- old Jakub Lopez, a junior at Plant City High School and Chick-filA employee who was the seventh occupant of the vehicle — they are appreciative of the calls, texts and prayers they've received during this challenging time.

Jennifer Cantu, aunt of the surviving victim, 23-year-old Guillermo Gama III, said he is still in critical condition at Lakeland Regional Hospital. "He's fighting or his life," she said.

Donation pages have been set up for the train crash victims and their families to offset the cost of funeral expenses and medical bills.

Gama Family - https://www.gofundme. com/f/gama-family-fundraiser

Hernandez Family - https://www.gofundme.com/f/r7rpc-hernandez-family

Lopez Family - https://www.gofundme. com/f/jakub-lopez

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY CHORALE ANNOUNCES ANNUAL FALL CONCERT

Plant City Community Chorale is excited to announce its annual Fall Concert, History’s Greatest Hits. The performance will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 7:30 PM at The First United Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 N. Evers St., Plant City, FL. The Chorale, under the direction of Artistic Director, Coleman Flentge, is excited to

present this musical stroll through the centuries of choral music that never goes out of style.

There will be the moving classical hymn, “Ave Verum”, by Mozart; Handel’s ceremonial, coronation anthem, “Zadok the Priest”, as well as the cheerful lilt of madrigal music in “Sing We and Chant It”. Familiar, contemporary pieces such as the powerful, “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and the fun and fast-moving Beatles medley, The Beatles: Rewind will also be part of the entertainment.

Tickets are available at www.pccchorale. org; FB.com/plantcitycommunitychorale; from any Chorale member or by calling 813-505-5441. Tickets may also be purchased at the Walden Lake Car Wash or at the door the night of the concert. Tickets are $15.00. Children 12 and under are free.

UF INSTITUTE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES OFFERING NEW TOUR

You ever wonder where your food comes from? While you buy food from the grocery store, it originates on farms. That’s why you might consider a tour of farms and research facilities being hosted by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). Stops on the Nov. 30 tour include a plant nursery, aquaculture production, a cattle ranch, strawberry farm and two UF/IFAS research facilities. To join the bus tour, register through October 31 at this site: https://AgTourHillsborough2023.eventbrite.com.

For more information, contact the UF/ IFAS Extension Hillsborough County office (813)744-5519, located at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner FL 33584.

FWC HOSTS FLORIDA STATE FISH ART CONTEST

The annual Fish Art Contest is now open! Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can create an original piece of artwork and compete in this free contest for

a chance to win state and national honors and prizes.

In partnership with Wildlife Forever, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is excited to announce the second annual category for a Florida Native Fish Award! This State Specialty Award is an additional award to the national Fish Art Contest that participating students will qualify for by submitting a Florida native species from the specified list below. The goal of the Florida Native Fish Award is to celebrate fish specis native to Florida’s inland and marine waters.

“The Florida Native Fish Award is an amazing opportunity to introduce students to some of Florida’s most iconic native fish species in a fun and creative way,” said FWC Commissioner Sonya Rood. “This award helps connect Florida’s students to the fish specis that help make Florida the Fishing Capital of the World, which is critical in inspiring the next generation of fisheris resource stewards.”

One fist place winner and one runner up will be selected for each grade bracket (kindergarten through third grade, fourth through sixth grade, seventh through ninth grade, and 10th through 12th grade), one for illustrating the best freshwater fish species and one for the best saltwater fish specis. Digital artwork will not be accepted this year, all submitted pieces must be created with a traditional media. All fist-place winners will advance to the National Competition to be judged for top prizes, such as Best of Show. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2024, so start designing!

To enter, students from Florida should submit their entry at Wildlife Forever – Florida Art, consisting of the following:

„ An original piece of physical artwork featuring any fish including one or moe of the following Florida native species from the same category:

„ Category 1 – Freshwater: largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish spotted sunfish channel catfish Florida gar, chain pickerel, bowfi

„ Category 2 – Saltwater: snook, redfish spotted seatrout, flounde, tarpon, mahimahi, Spanish mackerel, hogfish queen snapper, black grouper

„ A piece of creative writing, no longer than one page, about the chosen species (required for grades 4-12).

„ A Florida State-Fish Art Contest entry form.

Note: Digital artwork will not be accepted this year, all submitted pieces must be created with a traditional media.

FLORIDA PRIZES

„ First-place winners in the 10-12 grade bracket will receive 10 T-shirts printed with their artwork to give to family and friends from our partner The Florida Nomad and the shirts will also be available for sale on their website.

„ The two fist-place winners from each grade bracket, from each category will have their artwork displayed in FWC’s freshwater or saltwater regulations guide.

„ All fist-place winners will have their artwork displayed at FWC headquarters in Tallahassee.

ATTENDEES SAY “DANKE!” FOR A GREAT OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATION

With a couple hiccups

The festival’s beer gardens proved the heart and soul of the event with lines of visitors eagerly waiting to purchase their beer boot steins and taste the German beers on tap. Food lovers were equally spoiled for choice with a vast array of dishes. From sausages sizzling on the grill to traditional American fare, there was no shortage of mouthwatering options to pair with beer.

Plant City resident Joseph Newman was especially happy he attended the event. At the end of the night, as the winner of the beer-stein holding competition, he loaded a brand-new Traeger grill into his SUV.

“My wife had told me about Oktoberfest and I saw the beer stein holding contest was one of the events and I thought it would be fun so I signed up,” he said.

Newman, who works in construction and is also an avid bowler, thought he had built up just the right muscles needed to take home the prize. “I always have a drill in my right hand,” he remarked.

In the hours leading up to the event, his strategy, among other things, included holding his beer stein in his left hand.

“I also wasn’t a gentleman because I had my wife holding some of my stuff,” he joked. “I rested my arm most of the night so I wouldn’t wear it out before the event started.”

Lined up with more than a dozen other contestants, after five minutes of holding a full beer stein at a 90 degree angle with a fully-extended arm, he found it was down to just him and one other contestant. “At two minutes in you really started feeling it but I just kept thinking you have to endure through pain to get what you want,” he said. “I wanted to put my arm down but all I could hear is my wife saying you’re going to win this and so I just looked out in the distance and kept thinking about the grill.”

Another six minutes later, the last contestant dropped his arm. Newman prevailed and even raised his glass a little higher before setting it down. “People wanted to shake my hand afterwards but my arm was dead,” he said.

The event wasn’t fun and games for everyone though. The Whistle Stop Café

owners Marti and Jeremy Loftstrom expressed their dismay at this week’s commission meeting that street closures, which started at 9:30 a.m., affected their customers’ ability to access the restaurant. With a barbershop quartet planned to play that day, she had customers, some with mobility issues, calling to say they couldn’t find parking. “Main Street has done wonderful things for the community but Saturday is our biggest day of the week and with the Oktoberfest event the streets were closed and our business definitely dropped off that day,” said Marti. “We need to find a balance of being able to set up for the event while not restricting parking for downtown customers.”

They were hoping to be open for the Oktoberfest event but an employee’s daughter went into labor and she couldn’t work that day, leaving her short-staffed.

All A Bloom Florist owner Darcy Stottlemyer said while she’s encouraged that events are happening to show off our historic downtown, she was disappointed by the early street closures. “Closing all access to downtown seven and a half hours before the event is not good partnering,” she said.

MOSSY HOLLOW MARKET COMING TO METALS & NATURE THIS SATURDAY

Plant City’s first “Mossy Hollow Market” will sprout into existence at Metals & Nature this weekend, offering shoppers a unique blend of drear and wonder. Located at 1501 W. State Rd. 60, the enchantedforest themed vendor market will transport visitors to a woodland realm of fairies, mushrooms and sprites.

The Mossy Hollow Market, the brainchild of visionaries Shannon Crosby, Shannon Shearer and Vicky Smude, will open its enchanted doors to the public Sat., Sept. 30 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. The market’s theme,

“Drear and Wonder,” encapsulates the contrast between the dark and mysterious aspects of nature and the enchanting allure of fairy tales.

“I was looking to do something artsy and fun and Shannon and I got to talking and together we began dreaming up something entirely new and unique,” said Crosby, of Spooky Plant Lady fame and owner of The Citrine Ghost. “We met Vicky and her husband Arley and so we started collaborating on a vendor market.”

The group has been working hard to hand curate 30 local vendors, from a Gainesville-based vegan food truck to a bookshop in Fort Myers, who fit the magical theme. Market vendors will

offer a variety of products, from handcrafted jewelry and botanical potions to mysterious trinkets and spellbinding artifacts. Shoppers can peruse the stalls that are nestled beneath Metals & Nature’s mossy undergrowth. The market will also feature a stargazing tent, photo opportunities, a wishing cauldron where guests can write a wish on magical disappearing paper, wandering characters and festive music.

Plant City’s brick-andmortar store Rowan and Plum will be one of the vendors at the market, selling a variety of mushroom-related merchandise, woodworking items and candles. Owner Andrew “Andy” Weisshaupt is eager to return to

his roots. He and his wife sold their wares at markets for two years before moving into their downtown storefront. “For customers it’s amazing because you get a variety of items you’ll never get in one place, you’ll find different people that do completely different things all in one spot and it’s fun,” he said. Shoppers are encouraged (but not required) to don fairy attire and join in the fun at this family-friendly event. Parking and market admission is free.

“We’re not just putting a vendor market on,” said Crosby. “It’s going to be very detailed and over-the top.” For more information visit the market’s Facebook page at Mossy Hollow Market.

“When these events occur there should be minimal disruption to regular downtown business.”

City Manager Bill McDaniel said he heard from the Lofstroms and other downtown businesses about their concerns that morning and worked to get the street reopened until noon to accommodate the businesses that were being impacted. “I tried to react quickly to their concerns, we have to be willing to react and adjust as we need to,” he said.

While Plant City Main Street Director Dawn Hyatt doesn’t have exact event totals yet, she estimates they more than doubled with activities and attendance and hopes the event will continue to grow and be a huge success for Plant City’s merchants, residents and community. She is also thankful for the many people who helped make the event a success. “We want to first and foremost, thank the city government for their support and for all of our sponsors and volunteers who made this happen,” said Hyatt. “We could not have done it without them all.”

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

WINN-DIXIE PHARMACY CLOSURE LEAVES SOME CUSTOMERS IN THE LURCH

Getting prescriptions filled at the loal Winn Dixie pharmacy will no longer be an option for Plant City residents because on Oct. 19 the store is winding down its pharmacy business. That’s because Aldi’s deal to buy Southeastern Grocers stores did not include the pharmacy business.

According to a Southeastern Grocers spokesperson: “We remain committed to protecting the health and wellness of our customers and communities until the transactions are finalied, and our pharmacy customers will be provided sufficien advance notice seven to 10 days prior to the transfer. We are working closely with CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens to ensure our customers’ prescriptions are handled carefully and confidently and thee won’t be any delay in service.”

Winn Dixie pharmacy customers in Plant City will have their prescriptions transferred to Walgreens.

For long-time Winn Dixie pharmacy customer April Newton, it puts her and her husband in a predicament. She’s only aware of one other location, a clinic on Baker Street, that accepts her insurance and has had a hard time filling her pescriptions there in the past. “We’re going

to have to get with our insurance company and find out whee we can go,” she said.

Plant City resident Loyd Ealy, a Winn Dixie pharmacy customer for nine years, learned about the prescription transfer a month ago. “The communication with the pharmacists has been great and they have told us what they know which isn’t much,” he said.

He’s not sure about the Walgreens pharmacy but is willing to give them a try. “We’ll use them but the last time we did it was an issue trying to fill mediation,” he said. “We truly are concerned about this switch over and dreading it.”

The announcement about the pharmacy closures comes on the heels of an August 16 announcement by Southeastern Grocers, the company that owns Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores, that it planned to sell Winn-Dixie to Aldi in early 2024.

According to an Aldi spokesperson: “We’re working through the details on store conversions and will be very thoughtful around which stores we’ll convert to ALDI and which will remain as Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket stores. While a signifiant amount of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores will convert to

the ALDI format over the course of several years, a meaningful amount will continue to operate under their respective banners. As is typical in retail footprint planning, many factors will go into what will be a multi-year conversion process, including local market dynamics like population density and availability of other grocery options, trafficatterns and most importantly, customer need.”

It’s unknown if Winn-Dixie in Plant City is on the conversion list. The companies will continue to operate independently until the transaction closes.

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Winn Dixie will be closing all pharmacies by the end of 2023 following the announcement of the acquisition by Aldi. Pharmacy services will be divided between CVS Pharmacies and Walgreens.

FISCAL YEAR 2022-24 BUDGET BOASTS PAY RAISES FOR CITY EMPLOYEES

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

The budget also includes a substantial investment in the city’s workforce. Full time, non-bargaining employees will receive a 13.5 percent salary adjustment on Oct. 1 which includes a 4.5 percent cost-of-living (COLA) increase and a nine percent market adjustment. In addition, non-step employees will see a minimum starting pay of $17.20 per hour. Police and fie employees also received pay increases. In comparison, Tampa’s city council, our neighbors to the west, approved a three percent pay increase last week for nonunion employees.

“That’s a signifiant improvement and something I felt was very important,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel. “We hope by doing this our employees will be able to keep up with the rising costs that we’re all dealing with.”

The city’s job postings now reflect the new pay structure.

“It’s a tremendous investment in our personnel and you have to be competitive to retain the best people,” McDaniel. “We are wholly dependent on our people to deliver services to the community.”

The budget also calls for nine new employees at a cost of $586,100, bringing the city’s total workforce to 491. These positions include a senior planning technician, a refuse collector, three police officers, two community service officers, a parks ranger and a tennis facility coordinator.

“It’s good for the city to able to do this,” said City Manager Bill McDaniel. “A lot of this is the result of the economic development that has occurred that has put us in the position to do it.”

For more information about the approved budget visit plantcitygov.com. For more information about the millage rate visit hcpaflorg.

WHAT’S A MILLAGE?

Plant City is one of 640 local governments in Florida that levy a property tax, that sets a millage, or tax, rate for the upcoming fical year.

What’s a Truth-in-Millage (TRIM) notice?

In August, the property appraiser sends each property owner a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, or TRIM notice. This notice contains the property’s value on Jan. 1, the millage rates proposed by each local government, and an estimate of the amount of property taxes owed based on the proposed millage rates. TRIM notices don’t include the property’s estimated non-ad valorem taxes.

Can I appeal my property value?

Each county has a fie-member value adjustment board, which hears and rules on challenges to a property’s assessment, classifiation and exemptions. While the board cannot change the millage, or property tax rates adopted by local governments, it can adjust property value.

When will I get property tax bill?

The tax collectors office mails annual property tax notices by the fist of November. Full payment is due by the following March 31 but discounts of up to four percent are given for early payment. Payment plans are also available.

The city’s operating budget increased 12.8 percent yearover-year, from $96,395,983 to $108,779,353.

DAN RAULERSON APPOINTED TO THE BANK OF TAMPA ADVISORY BOARD

The Bank of Tampa announced last week the appointment of Dan Raulerson to its Brandon Advisory Board.

“I’m very happy to be associated with a very quality local bank, it’s the backbone of our local economy and I believe in the importance of community banks,” said Raulerson. “I look forward to my association, and anything I can do to help the local small business community.”

A certified public acountant, Raulerson is the owner of Raulerson Castillo & Company, a full-service public accounting and business consulting firm with loations in Plant City and Brandon, Florida. Prior to establishing that company, he was the owner and chief financial fficer for an information technology firm that served community banks throughout the Southeastern United States. Additionally, he served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 2017, representing the 58th District.

Currently Raulerson, who holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Florida State University, is active in the Plant City Chamber of Commerce and The United Food Bank.

The Bank of Tampa, one of the largest community banks in the Tampa Bay Area with offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties as well as a loan production office in Pasco County, has been privately held by its employees, directors and clients since its inception in 1984. Its assets

MICHELLE CACERES STAFF WRITER

PLANT CITY COMES UP SHORT IN WILD FINISH AGAINST HILLSBOROUGH

The Raiders fell to 3-2 on the year following a narrow 42-40 defeat at the hands of the Terriers.

up a 14-yard touchdown pass from Denson to Travont Panier.

A week after moving to 3-1 with a Redman Cup victory over rival Durant, the Plant City Raiders fell to 3-2 with a 42-40 loss at the hands of Hillsborough High School.

As the Raiders won the coin toss and deferred to the second half, the Terriers lined up deep to receive and a strong return that set them up at their own 41-yard line to open their first drive of the game. Despite the strong opening field position, the first snap of the game sailed over the head of quarterback Darryon Jones and he was met by defensive end Simeon Hogan all the way back at the 20-yard line. Backed up with a nearly impossible distance to overcome, the Raiders ultimately got the defensive stop and forced a punt - one that sailed over the head of Plant City’s return man, leading to a fumble as he attempted to recover the rolling kick that was recovered by Hillsborough to give them new life at the Raiders’ 23-yard line. And given a second chance to open the contest, Hillsborough took quick advantage with a 23-yard touchdown run on the first play of the drive.

The two teams exchanged long drives that ultimately resulted in a turnover on downs before special teams once again cost the Raiders. Backed up to punt from near midfield, Plant City once again turned the ball over in their own territory as the snap was too high for the punter to handle, rolling all the way down inside the Raiders’ 10-yard line and to the eight where it was recovered by the Terriers. Once again taking quick advantage of a special teams miscue, Hillsborough extended their lead to 14-0 with a short touchdown run three plays later.

Taking over at the 20 following a touchback, the Raiders moved right down the field with a balanced mix of completions from quarterback Chris Denson and strong runs from running back Tony Marshall, aided by a pass interference penalty drawn by speedy receiver Trae’veon Smith, that set

After another defensive stop, the Raiders’ offense answered back once again. Despite a strong punt return from Smith up to the 43, Denson was immediately sacked back at the 35 to set up a second-and-18. An incompletion on second down set up a third-and-long when Denson made one of the most incredible plays you’ll ever see as he dropped back, evaded pressure in the pocket, continued to stay upright and shake off defenders before finding daylight and breaking free up the left sideline for a miraculous 65-yard touchdown run to knot the contest at 14-14 just before halftime.

Hillsborough pulled back ahead with a touchdown on their first drive of the third quarter and Plant City once again responded with a strong drive that culminated in a huge 50-yard touchdown run from Marshall, tying the game at 21-21, but the Terriers wouldn’t let it stay close any longer. With a 50-yard touchdown coming off of a screen pass to running back Syncere Styles on the ensuing drive, Plant City fell victim to another pair of special teams mistakes that Hillsborough continued to capitalize on as they built a 42-21 lead with 7:24 remaining in the game... but the Raiders persevered.

Needing yards and points quickly, Plant City opened their next drive at the 20-yard line and immediately moved into Hillsborough territory as Denson found Josh Gueh deep over the middle for a 40-yard gain to the Terriers’ 40. A pair of completions set the Raiders up at the Hillsborough 20 and Denson pulled the Raiders’ within two scores with a picture perfect touchdown pass up the seam to Haven Pierce.

The onside kick attempt was recovered by Hillsborough, but their attempt to run the ball and chew the clock was ultimately thwarted with a Plant City stop that forced a turnover on downs at their own 41. One play later, the Raiders cashed in as Denson hit T.J. Knighten deep down the left sideline for a 59-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing

extra point was blocked, leaving the raiders training 42-24 with 2:29 left in the game and needing a successful two-point conversion, should they find the end zone again.

Another onside kick was recovered by Hillsborough at their own 47 but with Plant City in possession of just one lone time out left, the clock ran down to 44 seconds by the time they had made the crucial final stop and left Hillsborough bringing out the punt team.

Down to their final chance, Plant City’s Judah Bendorf flew through the Terriers’ protection and was able to come up with a massive punt block to potentially save the game for the Raiders, recovering the loose ball at the Hillsborough 15.

With time winding down and no way to stop the clock, Denson fired incomplete to Zykee Joyce before hitting Gueh over the middle, evading tacklers on his way to the end zone and pulling the Raiders within two. Lining up for the two-point conversion, trailing 42-40, Plant City was moved back to the eight-yard line on a false start penalty before Denson took the snap, kept the ball on a read option to the left and crashed through the middle of the Hillsborough defense where he was ultimately stopped just short of the goal line.

With one final game-deciding stop, the Terriers were able to hold on and secure the thrilling 42-40 victory as the Raiders fell to 3-2 on the year.

“We had four turnovers on special teams,” Hicks said. “They scored 28 points off of special teams, that’s a killer, that killed us, that’s easy. Four turnovers on special teams, we can’t do that and we can’t win games like that… We know that we can play football, we can play football with the best of them but we can’t shoot ourselves in the foot. It’s simple, we can’t play against them and against ourselves.”

From the Raiders offense, Denson completed 14 of his 23 attempts for 268 passing yards and four passing touchdowns while adding 97 rushing yards and one rushing

touchdown on six carries. In the backfield, Marshall totaled 100 yards and one touchdown on 11 carries. At receiver, Gueh led the unit with 82 yards and one touchdown on five receptions, followed by 75 yards and one touchdown on three receptions from Knighten, 42 yards on two receptions from Marshall, 36 yards and one touchdown on two receptions from Panier and 33 yards and one touchdown on two receptions from Pierce.

Across town, Durant moved to 4-1 on the season as they defeated the Lennard Longhorns by a final score of 47-17.

Offensively for the Cougars, quarterback Michael Ryan completed 17 of his 27 attempts for 282 yards and four touchdowns. Four running backs combined for just 27 rushing yards on 16 attempts as most of Durant’s damage was done through the air, with Emmanuel Lee totaling 16 yards on 12 carries, followed by seven yards on one carry from Parker Klangthamniem, three yards on two caries from Kristien Cook and one yard on one carry from Kendrick Jean. Out wide, Damari Styles led all receivers with 110 yards and two touchdowns on three receptions, followed by 75 yards and one touchdown on seven receptions from Jaylin Torres, 60 yards and one touchdown on three receptions from Jayden Cornelius, 29 yards on three receptions from Treon Williams and eight yards on one reception from Chris Lankford.

Defensively, Hale Sollmann and Brant Bovee each notched double-digit tackles with 12 and 10 respectively, and Sollmann led the group with two tackles for loss. Sollmann and Quentin Pope each notched one sack as well while Pope added two interceptions, Cornelius added one interception and one forced fumble and Bovee forced a fumble of his own.

The Raiders will hit the road this Friday as they make their way to 5-0 Alonso while Durant will host 5-0 Sumner and Strawberry Crest will host 3-2 Plant.

STRAWBERRY CREST VOLLEYBALL SWEEPS LETO

The 3-0 victory moved the Chargers to 13-5 on the year.

After a 2-2 start to the season, Strawberry Crest volleyball went on to win 10 of their next 12 matches throughout regular season and tournament play before a 3-1 loss to Steinbrenner last Thursday brought their sixmatch win streak to an end.

Making their way to Leto on Tuesday night, the Chargers made their way back into the win column as they swept the Falcons in three straight sets and moved to 13-5 on the season.

In the first set, Crest immediately moved out to a 2-0 lead before Leto responded with a pair of consecutive points to tie the set at 2-2. A kill from junior Layla Lee put the Chargers back in front and Leto knotted the contest up again at 3-3 a few moments later, but Crest quickly asserted their dominance with seven consecutive

points to build a commanding 10-3 lead before Leto stopped the run. Leto did their best to battle back, momentarily cutting the deficit to just five as the Chargers held on to a 12-7 lead, but another strong run from Crest — capped by a stellar kill from senior Savannah Schwarz — put them up 18-7 en route to a comfortable 25-9 victory in the first set.

Moving to the second set, the Chargers once again jumped out to a quick lead as they tallied the first four points of the set before Leto halved the Crest lead to 4-2. Leto was able to hang around for a while, trailing 9-6, but Crest once again rattled off a strong run of nine consecutive points to take an 18-6 lead that they were able to ride to a 25-10 victory in the second set.

Despite the Chargers winning

in three straight sets, the third set was by far the most contentious as Leto refused to roll over and go down quietly. With the Falcons battling point for point with the Chargers to leave the set at 4-4, Leto continually battled to knot the contest at 6-6 and then 8-8 and the 10-10. Four consecutive points from the Chargers put them up 14-10, but Leto once again battled to close the gap and tie the set at 14-14. But despite the Falcons’ resilience, the Chargers proved too much for Leto to handle as Crest subsequently rallied for nine consecutive points to take a 23-14 lead, ultimately winning the third set 25-18 and claiming the 3-0 victory. Now sitting at 13-5 on the year, the Chargers will return home on Thursday as they host 10-9 Wharton.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

We asked Plant City: What is your favorite music album ever?

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR

“Songs from the Big Chair - Tears for Fears.” - John Parker

“REO Speedwagon, Nine Lives.” - Lynn Steve Reece

“The Best of Bread.” - Melody Yancey

“Styx, ‘Grand Illusion.’” - Tom Riethmaier

“Every single album by Elton John.”Tina Garrett Hauser

“Eagles Greatest Hits. 1971-1975.” - Linda King Laffey

“I’m a huge Alice Cooper fan! The first album of his I ever bought was Constrictor. It’s one of many favorites from him, but it was the one that opened the door to Alice for me. School’s Out, Killer, Billion Dollar Babies, Trash, Welcome To My Nightmare... Just sooo many!” - Vince Maniaci

“Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon and Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors.” - Debbie West Harrell

“Sexyy Red - Skeeyee The Musical.”Courtney Danielle Davis

“Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon.”Kathy Kirby

“Led Zeppelin IV.” - Deidra McCarthy Hardy

“Anything Led Zeppelin.” - Karen Erickson

“The White Album, The Beatles.” - Leslie Pratt

“Neil Diamond, Hot August Night 1972.”James Eric West

“Nevermind - Nirvana. Dookie - Green Day.” - Lisa Westmiller Johnson

“Rumors, Fleetwood Mac.” - Sharon Marie Elizabeth

“Fleetwood Mac - Rumors.” - Barbara J Leath

“The Who - Live at Leeds.” - George Nobiletti

“Aftermath by the Rolling Stones.”Clyde Nelson

“Vince Gill, any of his.” - Barbara Skaggs Ward

“London Calling by The Clash. Tim by The Replacements. Candy Apple Grey by Husker Du.” - Michael Watkins

“Soundtrack to ‘Superman the Movie’ by John Williams.” - Sarah Hardy

“Travis Tritt, Country Club. Back in the 90s, I walked into my teenage daughter’s bedroom and she had the cassette. I asked her who she was listening to. I borrowed it, she never got it back. His music is at the top of my list. He just came out with a gospel album... songs I grew up with. Can’t wait to get it!”Sally Knight Raburn

“Jethro Tull - Songs of the Wood.” - Michael Manee

PlantCityObserver.com

Richard E. (Dick) Jacobs

Jacobs, Richard E. (Dick), 95, passed away peacefully at home in Valrico surrounded by family on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023, he was born in Milwaukee, Wis. to Harry and Josephine Jacobs on May 12, 1928.

Expression of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Nina Lucille Cribbs

Nina Lucille Cribbs, 95, of Mulberry, born on April 8, 1928, in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Sept. 18, 2023

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Marie Cooper

Marie Cooper, 90, of Plant City, born on July 15, 1933 in Green Bay, Ala., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 19, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Vicky Jean Sawyer

Vicky Jean Sawyer, 68, of Lithia, born on July 3, 1955, in Trumann, Ark., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 21, 2023.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Peggy Cousin

Peggy Cousin, 66, born on May 29, 1957, in Topeka, Kan., entered into eternal rest on Sept. 21, 2023.

Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Lisa Colette Lutz-Wetherington

Lisa Colette Lutz-Wetherington of Ellenton, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 25, at the Sun City Center Hospice House.

Expressions of condolences at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

Donald A. Pauley

Donald A. Pauley, of Plant City, Fla., passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2023, at the age of 59. The family will receive friends Sept. 28, 2023 from 6:00 to 7 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK, Jr Blvd, Plant City, FL33563. A Memorial Service will follow at 7 p.m. Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Dolores B. Konior

Dolores B. Konior, a loving and cherished woman, passed away on Sept. 25, 2023, in Plant City, Fla.

The family will receive friends Oct. 3, 2023 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. A Memorial Service will follow at 7 p.m.

Online condolences can be made at www.haught. care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Wanda Sue Polk

Wanda Sue Polk, 69, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 17, 2023. Wanda was born on Feb. 1, 1954. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy

BEST BET

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

MOSSY HOLLOW MARKET

2 to 8 p.m. at 1501 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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

CHICKEN DINNER 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 813752-2822.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS WITH ESTRANGED FAMILY

6:30 to 8 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. 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 influene 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.

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 time.

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.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10

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,

12-step 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.

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.

REELIN’ WITH A RANGER

8:30 to 10:30 am. at 1900 S Park Rd. Break out the rods and take a chance to “reel” with Plant City’s park rangers. An interactive family fishing dery for those three years old and over, the event will feature team trophies, outdoor games and food trucks on site. Preregistration is required for this catch-and-release event and teams are limited to six participants each. Registration is $10 and the deadline to register is Thursday, Oct. 12 by 5 p.m. All participants must bring their own pole, bait and bucket. If interested in becoming a sponsor or food vendor, contact can be made at 813-659-4255 or by email at iybarra@plantcitygov.com.

FISH FRY

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 405 W Baker St. The Plant City Men’s Group and the First Presbyterian Church of Plant City will be hosting a community ministry fundraiser in the form of a fish fy. The menu will include fried fish hush puppies, baked beans and coleslaw. Plates will cost $10 and can be picked up via the drive through line that will be provided. For more information, visit www.fpcplantcity. com.

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

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

years can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

HARFEST

5 to 7 p.m. at 1107 Charlie Griffind. All are invited to GracePoint Church’s free HarFEST event. Make your way down to enjoy live music from Southern Express Bluegrass Band and eat great food from their annual Chili Cook-Off ompetition while kids can enjoy bounce houses and hay rides. All are encouraged to bring a chair for this event full of fall fun. For more information, visit www.gracepointpc.org/events.

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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Kathy Flemister submitted this photo of a passion flwer blooming in her Plant City backyard.

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