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VOLUME 6, NO. 177

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

UNSEEN HEROES

PLANT CITY POLICE DISPATCHERS ARE ANOTHER GROUP OF FIRST RESPONDERS BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

“Plant City Police Department – Operator 575. This line is recorded. How may I help you?” This is the daily response Jessica Alexander gives when answering 9-1-1 calls in Plant City. She is a staff member of the Plant City Police Department Communications Cen-

ter - dispatching first responders to the scene of emergencies. It’s a task where she and her coworkers have to expect the unexpected, especially when there is an increase in the number of phone lines to answer. “We have a pretty high call volume,” explained Alexander. Those calls can range from 800 to 900 a day.The most that they receive are related to domestic abuse, followed by traffic accidents, noted Alexander.

“Calls have been picking up alot lately,” she added. “The past couple of months have just been really, really busy.” Alexander stated that during the holiday season, there tends to be a rise in suicides, theft, and fatal car accidents. She also dispels any notion that because Plant City is a small town, dispatchers have a light workload.

At her station, Alexander is equipped with five monitors and several keyboards with multiple functions. Based on calls, each incident is listed, documented, and constantly updated as new information comes in. And there is a radio to relay that information to officers or fire rescue.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

TOMORROW’S LEADERS ARE TODAY’S HELPING HANDS PLANT CITY SCOUT TROOP TAKE ON LEARNING SKILLS WHILE HELPING COMMUNITY

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Plant City Boy Scout Troop 744 is an example of how much community service can be achieved when the youth are given the opportunity to participate in events. Along with Pack 5 and Pack 734, it is another scout club that represents Plant City. The accomplishments and accolades of Troop 744 is due impart to its youth-led operation. “They make the decisions,” said Anthony Benavidez, scout master for Troop 744. “The boys create a schedule or a calendar, and they do two to three things monthly. We like to do at least one of those as a community service project.” As a new affiliate with the First Call – First Responder Church, the troop has already been engaged in tasks that are community-centered. Back in December of last year, they conducted a flag retirement ceremony – a ritual in burning an American flag that is in bad condition.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Plant City’s Scout Troop 744 is always learning how to take fun activities and build life and social skills.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JNAUARY 6, 2022

NEWS BRIEFS

Strawberry Parade application deadline approaching Each year thousands of viewers pack together along the Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade’s route through downtown Plant City to see the beautiful floats, outstanding musical groups and unique special feature units that allow you to dive deep into the glamour and excitement that the parade provides. If you want to be a part of the grand spectacle that is the annual Strawberry Parade, the deadline for your application to be submitted is Monday, Feb. 14, by midnight. All entries will be approved by the committee based on “show value” to the overall parade and/or the parade’s theme. Understanding that a parade, by its nature, is an entertainment medium, the contribution of each unit to this concept is critical. Artistic beauty, use of colors, animation, special effects, originality, rider personnel and visual appeal will all come into play as the committee determines the acceptability of the entry.

By making an application for entry, it is understood that participants will follow all of the rules and regulations provided by the committee and that the committee’s decision for approval is final. A sketch, design and description plans for your entry must accompany the application and on arrival of the parade formation area, entries not conforming with the description of their application may be prohibited from participation in the parade. In addition, parade applications cannot be accepted without a certificate of insurance. If approved, Parade Position Letters will be sent by email by the week of Feb. 22 and a MANDATORY driver meeting will be held at the Plant City High School Auditoreum, One Raider Place, on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. At least one authorized representative of an entry must be present at the meeting, conducted by the Plant City Police Department and Berry Fine Productions, for participation. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded in each of the five divisions, including Most Outstanding Business/Commercial Float, Most Outstand-

ing Antique Division, Most Outstanding Special Feature Division, Most Outstanding Marching Band Unit, Most Outstanding Civic/Church Division. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/StrawberryParade or contact Chairperson Gail Lyons at 813-967-6366.

Cat Show returning to Plant City The Cat Fanciers’ Association will be making their return to Plant City this month for another Tampa Area Cat Show. Make your way down to the TECO Expo Hall at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds for the All Breed and Household Pet Cat Show, taking place on Saturday, Jan. 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Over 30 breeds of cats and household pets from around the nation will be in attendance, competing for awards and titles, with vendors in attendance selling all types of cat merchandise for you and your furry friend. In addition, the family-friendly event will have fun for all ages including a children’s coloring contest and a cat costume contest both days. Admission will cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/military, $6 for children aged three to 12 and family packs are available with tickets for two adults and two children for $25. All cats must be pre-registered for all events before the show. For more information, visit www.cfa.org.

PlantCityObserver.com

RESCUE LINES

DISPATCHERS - THE REASSURING VOICES DURING URGENT TIMES

“If it’s an AMBER Alert, we’ll enter them and call the Florida Highway Patrol,” explained Alexander. “They actually put out the AMBER Alert for us. We don’t put it out ourselves.” Florida is divided into different regions for AMBER Alerts. Plant City belongs to Region 3 which consists of Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Hernando, Hardee, Polk and Pasco counties. “Once we put it in that system,” said Alexander, “it goes out to everyone in our region.” If there’s a reason to believe that the missJessica Alexander is one of the members of the Plant City ing person is outside that Police Department’s Communications Center. She helps region, the AMBER Alert dispatch first responders to sites of emergencies daily. can then be expanded into other regions. The police department uses color-coded BRIAN FERNANDES maps, dividing Plant City into nine zones – STAFF WRITER each designated to its own officers on duty. Although the communications center Alexander and her team check criminal does not have GPS tracking police vehicles, records and warrants for a suspect with it can pinpoint in which zone the incoming the help of the Florida Crime Information call is located. Center and the National Crime InformaThat in turn, helps to dispatch the officer tion Center. assigned to that zone, cutting the arrival “They are the eyes and ears of the super- time to the scene. visors with what’s going on in the street,” In some cases, a caller may be right by the said Captain Al Van Duyne of the Plant scene but can’t tell the dispatcher exactly City Police Department. “They try to think where they are located. proactively, and they think from a safety The communications center has implestandpoint.” mented and updated a mapping system He noted that he has always felt reas- that helps locate an exact address. sured that the dispatchers would give him Dispatchers are also equipped with the the right information at the right time. RapidSOS technology, which uses the A ringdown phone system is used to closest WiFi router to determine where the immediately contact Hillsborough County caller is located. agencies such as the sheriff’s office, TamIt is protocol for Plant City officers to pa International Airport and MacDill Air respond to incidents within the nine zones. Force Base. As an agreement with Hillsborough CounIf a missing person is in danger, the dis- ty, Plant City can assist outside, and within patcher may call for cross-county help. close proximity, to its zones.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

The Plant City Police Department and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office each have their own jurisdictions that they oversee in Plant City. Where an incident takes place in town will determine who is dispatched to the scene. In the situation where all phone lines are in use, all other calls will be automatically sent to the sheriff’s office – irrespective of the jurisdiction. As dispatchers, they are required to immediately shift job duties. One moment they can be going through paperwork, and within a matter of seconds they’ve become someone’s therapist, trying to put them at ease over the line. “I will say ‘I need you to calm down so I can get you help,’” explained Alexander. “You’ll hear people try and calm down to get you the information that you need to get officers out there or get medical assistance out there.” In some instances, callers will get frustrated when they feel they’re being asked too many questions during an emergency. Alexander said that she has to reassure the callers that the details will help first responders know what to expect and what resources will be needed. It’s also common for the callers to ask many questions – especially medical advice. To better assist the person on the other line, dispatchers have to be trained in CPR and as an emergency medical dispatcher (EMD). However, the communications center doesn’t always receive pleas for urgent matters. “We get a lot of calls, but they’re not always emergency calls or service calls,” stated Alexander. “You have to prioritize.” Dispatchers have to make a judgement call as to what constitutes an emergency and what needs to be addressed immediately - especially when responding to multiple phone lines. Sometimes people will dial 9-1-1 if they spot an individual who is dancing or talking to themself at the side of the road. Sometimes people will call in with statements or general questions.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

Dispatchers working together is also a key component in successfully getting the job done. One may redirect their caller to the other so they can respond to the next incoming call. In some instances, a non-English speaker will call in and there’s a language barrier. If one dispatcher cannot speak that language but another dispatcher can, that line is redirected. The communications center also has access to a service that provides translators over the phone. In addition to taking 9-1-1 calls, dispatchers also go through paperwork, retrieve recorded calls for the state attorney’s office, and pull reports for the sergeants and captains. A headset is used to help multitask simultaneously. “When we’re taking calls, we also have to hear everything going on around us,” said Alexander. “We call it active listening. That’s one big thing that we try and teach when we train.” Kiley St. John is one trainee who has been easing her way into the dispatch duties. The 20-year-old said that the first several weeks of training were stressful. “It comes with time,” she said. “It’s been a process to figure out how to do it, but I’ve learned, and they’ve helped me along the way.” The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 names the employee of the year for the police department during its annual holiday ceremony. December of last year, the lodge broke from tradition. Instead of naming one individual, they recognized the whole communications center for their diligent work. It’s an accolade that is fitting for the heroes that work behind the scenes. For information on becoming a dispatcher, contact the Plant City Police Department at (813) 757-9200. or visit www.PlantCityGov.com/Jobs.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner: Plant City

Observer

Police investigate an out of town warrant, shots fired and a stolen semi-tractor-trailer.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com istock

DEC. 24

DEC. 26

TWO TIRED

NO HANDOUTS

D. St Theft: Officers made contact with the victim who reported that sometime between Dec. 22 and Dec. 24, an unknown suspect had stolen two tires from her RV.

200 block of W. Alexander St. Trespass arrest: Officers responded to the business at the listed location in reference to a suspect who was asking customers for money. Officers met with the suspect and he was subsequently arrested for trespass after warning before being later released with a notice to appear in court.

DEC. 25 OUT OF STATE, OUT OF LUCK 2800 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Warrant arrest: Officers met with the suspect and discovered after an FCIC/NCIC check that he had outstanding warrants out of New Jersey. The warrant was confirmed and the suspect was subsequently arrested.

PULLING NO PUNCHES

TRAFFIC STOPPED 1700 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Warrant arrest: Officers made contact with the suspect during a traffic stop. An FCIC/NCIC check revealed that the suspect had two active Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office warrants for violation of parole with no bond. The warrants were confirmed and the suspect was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

S. Maryland St. Aggravated assault: Officers responded to the listed residence in reference to a complaint regarding a fight-in-progress.

DEC. 27 KEEP ON TRUCKING 100 block of S. County Line Rd. Stolen tractor: Officers met with the complainant who advised them that sometime between Dec. 23 and the morning of Dec. 26, a 2012 red semi-tractor-truck with a Pennsylvania license plate had been stolen from the parking lot at the listed location. BREAKING IN BAD 2600 block of Thonotosassa Rd. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with the victim who advised them that she had left her purse and wallet in her vehicle, later finding them stolen.

DEC. 28 SHOT IN THE DARK W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd/ Stearn St. Aggravated assault: While on scene at a disturbance call on West Washington St., officers heard gunfire north of their current location. After investigating, they discovered that an occupied vehicle had been shot at. OVER INDULGENCE 1600 block of E. Ohio St. Marchman Act: Officers made contact with a heavily-intoxicated adult female who was unable to stand on her own and had urinated on herself. The female was evaluated and it was determined that she was unable to care for herself. She was then transported to South Florida Baptist Hospital for treatment.

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

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The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100B. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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EVENTS MAKE WAY FOR MLK DAY THE PLANT CITY MLK FESTIVAL IS BACK WITH FUN The Plant City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival is back for its 36th year. It will be two weekends engaging in activities and celebration.

BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Once again, it’s time to bring out the masses to a lively and fun-filled downtown Plant City. Now in its 36th year, the Plant City Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival is promised to do just that. This year’s theme is entitled ‘Our Community’s Will to Survive and Thrive.’ The opening ceremony will be on Friday, Jan. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave. in Plant City. From January 7 to January 17, all are welcome to take a selfie tour of historic African American sites in Plant City. This includes the Bing Rooming House Museum, the Samuel W. Cooper Park, and the Marie B. Ellis Park. On Saturday, Jan. 8, the community center will offer a host of amenities and performances. Starting at 11 a.m., vendors will offer a variety of food. From 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., middle school and high school drumline teams will compete during the Battle of the Bands. Also live music is sure to amplify throughout downtown starting at 4 p.m. And of course, there will be the main attraction of the day – the parade from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. It will consist of numerous bands, floats as well as the Million Dollar Corvette Posse Stroll. The parade will begin at the intersection of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Wheeler Street. It finishes at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Maryland Avenue. On Friday, Jan. 14, all are welcome to the

Unity Night – History After Hours event touring the diverse shops of downtown. This will be on Evers Street at 6 p.m. Folks can be further educated on staying fit during a health fair on Saturday, Jan. 15. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will feature health care providers with tips, healthy foods to sample, presentations, as well as screenings for blood pressure and diabetes. And, for those in attendance who can, they’re encouraged to take a 2k walk passing by the Historic Lincoln, Marie B. Ellis, and Sam Cooper parks; the Allen Chapel, Mount Moriah, and Saint Luke churches; and the Bing Rooming House Museum. On Sunday, Jan. 16, a Martin Luther King Leadership Breakfast will be held with the keynote speaker, Major Anthony Collins of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Awards and scholarships will also be presented. It begins at 7:30 a.m. at Hillsborough Community College – Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Rd. in Plant City. The event is reserved for those who already purchased tickets. For those who are still in a lively mood, there will be the Gospel Extravaganza on Sunday, Jan. 16 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. It will be held at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. And on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Monday, Jan. 17, the Bing Rooming House Museum will hold a day of service for local veterans. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum is located at 205 S. Allen St., in Plant City. For a list of historical sites to visit, or for any further information, call (813) 704-5800 or (813) 719-7943. Also visit www.PlantCityMLKFestival.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

YOUTH TROOP’S MISSION FOR BETTERMENT PLANT CITY BOY SCOUTS ARE BEING TRAINED FOR LIFE-LONG PROFICIENCY BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

“When a flag has become worn and tattered, it’s respectful,” said John Mitchell, committee chair for Troop 744. “There’s a proper way in order to dispose of the flag. That’s one of the services that we do as a boy scout unit.” However, it’s not the first time that the troop has performed the ceremony. Often times they will receive requests and donations to retire flags. The troop is currently housed within the First United Methodist Church of Plant City – a relationship that has gone back almost 60 years. The club consists of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), whose ages range from 11 to 18; and Cub Scouts for kids in kindergarten and up to fifth-grade. “The main difference between Cubs and BSA scouts is that Cubs are more adultdriven and the BSA is youth-driven,” said Benavidez. During meetings, the Boy Scouts will plan out a calendar for different activities or events that they have in mind. Once they’ve come up with ideas, they’ll take a vote. The Boy Scouts have the opportunity to become either Sea Scouts or Venture Scouts as well. In the Sea Scout program, kids learn about water safety, how to navigate a boat, and become certified in SCUBA, CPR, and boat safety. Venture Scouts climb rocks, practice archery, go kayaking and design robots.

At age 18, they can transition to junior leader and at 21 can become a full-fledged leader. There are over 120 merit badges that can be earned through such things as hiking, cycling, game design, and community work, to name a few. They also take courses in cooking, welding, and auto maintenance. The boys attend summer camp with other troops and partake in various activities for badges, spanning anywhere from one to five weeks. “We also like helping at the food bank and making bags for people that are less fortunate with food,” said Nicholas Schiavone, senior patrol leader for Troop 744. The group is currently working toward the highest and final rank – Eagle Scout. “Since I joined in first grade as a Cub Scout, there was a little pack by my school and it was really small,” said Ethan Mitchell, assistant senior patrol leader. “It was me and one other kid. While I was there, I learned to not take things for granted. It taught me that some people are not as fortunate as others and that you can always help out in the community.” These activities also prepare them when transitioning into adulthood with social skills, life skills, teamwork, and even making friends. To become promoted, they have to make a case for why they should move up a rank by going through an interview process. “We allow them to fail because without failure, there’s no growth,” said Benavidez. “When they’ve fallen and they’ve gotten

back up, to see them start walking again and turn that walk into a run, it’s amazing.” As part of the Timucua District, Troop 744 meets with other troops within The Greater Tampa Bay Area Council. At the meetings, they exchange ideas for activities, fundraisers and anything else that can benefit each troop. Last year, the troop presented flags during a Veterans’ Day event at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds. December of last year, they sang Christmas carols at a local nursing home and took part in the Plant City Christmas Parade. Now in 2022, they are still coming up with ideas to help better themselves and Plant City. “Personally, I believe that as a troop we could go around Plant City cleaning up the streets with trash and litter and just help

cleaning up buildings,” said Schiavone. Benavidez’ son Sebastian, stated that, “in scouting we have a slogan and it’s ‘do a good turn daily.’ Even the smallest thing that could help out the community, like opening somebody’s door for them, it could make their day because who knows what could be going on with them. It’s always good to do your best at anything. It’s worth taking a shot.” For those interested in joining Troop 744, please contact Matthew Nickerson at (352) 442-4227, or Anthony Benavidez at (813) 326-1013.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

36th Annual Plant City

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Arts Festival January 7 – 17, 2022

J a n

PLANT CITY MLK STREET FEST

Friday Reception Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center - 1130am

Saturday January 8, 2022 Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center 11am to 730pm Parade – Drumline- Vendors -Live Music

J a n

MLK Leadership Breakfast

1 5

Sunday January 16, 2022 HCC Trinkle Center

MLK Health Fair Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center 10am (Free)

Saturday Street Fest Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center - 11am to 730pm

730am to 900am Keynote Speaker -Major Anthony Collins, HCSO

J a n 1 6

Sunday MLK Breakfast Trinkle Center HCC 730am Community Champion Awards

Thank you to our Drum Major for Justice Table Sponsors

J a n 1 6

Night of Gospel SGMCC 4pm to 6pm GNHAM 6pm to 8pm

Bethel Missionary Baptist Church Allen Chapel AME St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Olive Baptist Church St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church Odd One, LLC Green Family Foundation Thomas Group LLC

PLANT CITY AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORIC TRAIL

J a n 1 7

Day of Service – Salute to local veterans. Bing House Museum 10am to 1pm

Discover by visiting the 30 Historic sites, landmarks and places highlighting local African American History

John Dicks Foundation Verner Foundation New City Church Of Plant City

VISIT US AT WWW.PLANTCITYMLKFESTIVAL.COM 813-704-5800 Hosted by the Improvement League of Plant City, CDC (501c3) since 1982

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

PlantCityObserver.com

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

AN EARLY CHRISTMAS FOR KIDS AND ADULTS ALIKE

PLANT CITY ORGANIZATIONS MAKE SURE THAT OTHERS HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS BRIAN FERNANDES STAFF WRITER

Christmas couldn’t have come any sooner for many Plant City kids during last year’s holiday season. Once again, the Plant City Kiwanis Club held its annual Christmas for an Angel program – donating toys to underprivileged children. “This has been going on for over 30 years,” said Sharon Moody, governor of the Plant City Kiwanis Club. “We just enjoy giving from the heart, especially this time of the year when people can’t afford to do things that they need to do for their children.” The club reaches out to the guidance counselors of 18 Hillsborough County elementary schools to determine which students could use the donations most. Christmas for an Angel received sponsorship and assistance from Stingray Chevrolet, Progressive Insurance, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Star Distribution Systems, the Plant City Noon Rotary Club, and Winn-Dixie. As a result, over 3,500 toys were collected – enough for each student chosen to receive multiple gifts. The Plant City High School Key Club helped to bag the assorted toys. On Monday, Dec. 13, Stingray Chevrolet employees helped to distribute the early Christmas gifts. Of the volunteers, Moody said that “they’re honored to do it because they feel there’s a need. They don’t want a child to go without for Christmas.” However, the charitable work didn’t stop there - it continued at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. On Saturday, Dec. 18, the local Kiwanis Club, along with the Key Club, helped hand out more

goodies sponsored by Cathy and Larry Jimenez of Star Distribution Systems. Outside of the community center, youth were spread out across the field waiting for their ticket number to be called and to claim their heavy bags of toys. And a row of bicycles were on display for another raffle. Moody stated that it’s been financially hard for parents to provide their kids with a special Christmas, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic took away jobs. “It’s so amazing,” said Cadori Bellamy. “I’m just so ecstatic right now that complete strangers will help.” She is a single mother of three kids, who she said were counting down the days until Christmas. Odin tagged along with his grandmother Kathy Coston, ready to get his gifts. The 6-year-old not only received a bag of toys, but also a brand, new bike. “It’s good because his dad is in the service,” said Coston. “I’d like him to have a good Christmas even though his father is not here.” However, there was a big kid who was presented with her own gift on the same day. Twana Rivers was given her very first car, courtesy of Stingray Chevrolet. “It totally surprised me,” she said. “I never had transportation. I had been walking to work and just walking really everywhere. I’m so blessed and so humbled for it.” And the Unity in the Community organization wanted to make sure that many had a holiday feast, so they donated $30,000 to Meals on Wheels at the local Winn-Dixie. All this because Plant City’s organizations wanted to know that many of its residents could have a very Merry Christmas, too.

The Plant City High School Key Club teamed up with the Plant City Kiwanis Club to help distribute toys and bikes to kids for Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.

Odin Coston was one of the kids at the

Chris Cardona picked out his own new bicycle at a toy

Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center who

donation giveaway event at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Com-

received both a bag of toys and a new bike

munity Center, on Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021.

for Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 18. 2021.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

SPORTS

FORMER PLANT CITY ATHLETES MAKING WAVES AT THE NEXT LEVEL Photo courtesy of Mount Union

Photo courtesy of Ty Russell/SoonerSports.com

Quarterback Braxton Plunk and wide receiver Mario Williams both turned out award-winning performances in 2021. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Braxton Plunk was the talk of the town in Plant City as a senior at Plant City High School in 2018. With Plunk City t-shirts worn proudly by fans that filled the bleachers and cheered on the Raiders, Plunk led Hillsborough County with 2,602 passing yards while racking up 26 touchdowns and just five interceptions en route to a 7A District 8 championship and Hillsborough County Offensive Player of the Year honors from the Tampa Bay Times. Despite his play at the high school level, Plunk had limited options to play at the college level due to his smaller stature and ultimately enrolled at the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio, a powerhouse Division III football program that boasts a record 13 DIII National Championships, a record 32 DIII playoff appearances, 21 DIII National Championship appearances and has been named Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) champions nearly every year since 1992, with the lone exception coming in 2016. In his freshman season at Mount Union, Plunk saw action in 10 games and totaled 961 passing yards with 11 touchdowns.

In 2020, Plunk became the full-time starter but the DIII National Championship and playoffs were cancelled due to COVID-19 and their football season was moved to the spring of 2021, along with a truncated schedule that featured just four regular season games and a conference championship to follow for the OAC’s top two teams. Plunk led the Purple Raiders to a perfect 3-0 season after their final game was cancelled – including a 521-yard, seven-touchdown performance in a 52-27 win over rival John Carroll – that culminated in a OAC Championship win over Heidelberg. Following the season, Plunk garnered All-OAC First Team honors and was named the OAC Bob Packard Offensive Back of the Year. In his first full season as Mount Union’s starting quarterback this past fall, Plunk led the Purple Raiders to a perfect 10-0 regular season and yet another OAC Championship. In the DIII playoffs, Mount Union rattled off three wins over Washington and Lee, Johns Hopkins and Muhlenberg before ultimately falling in a 26-13 loss to North Central (Ill.) in the National Semifinals, bringing their 13-1 season to a close. Plunk led all DIII quarterbacks with 4,488 passing yards in 2021, along with 43 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was

once again named to the All-OAC First Team and OAC Bob Packard Offensive Back of the Year, while also being named a semifinalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, awarded each year to the most outstanding football player in NCAA DIII. For former Plant City High School wide receiver Mario Williams, the road to making waves at the college level came a bit differently. Williams immediately burst on the scene as a freshman with the Raiders in 2017, leading the team with 10 receiving touchdowns and finishing second on the team with 703 receiving yards on 42 receptions. Three short years later, Williams was one of the most highly-recruited receivers in the nation as he finished his high school career with 3,191 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns on 160 receptions. As the class of 2021’s top-rated wide receiver per ESPN and the fourth-rated receiver per 247, Williams racked up offers from nearly every major program in the nation before committing to join head coach Lincoln Riley at the University of Oklahoma. In his true freshman season, Williams hauled in touchdown grabs in his first two contests with the Sooners and totaled 35 receptions for 380 yards and four touch-

downs on the year, including a two-catch, 33-yard performance in their 47-32 win over No. 14 Oregon in the 2021 Valero Alamo Bowl. His strong first season with Oklahoma earned him a spot on ESPN’s true freshman All-American team, but his first season with the Sooners will also likely be his last. Several offensive players from the Sooners’ roster have opted to enter the transfer portal following Riley’s announcement that he would be leaving Oklahoma to take over as the newest head coach at USC after the 2021 regular season ended, with Williams being the latest player to announce his intentions to transfer on Tuesday. With seemingly limitless offers coming out of high school and solid production in his first year with a major Power 5 program, Williams will surely have his fair share of potential suitors as he weighs his transfer options in the coming weeks. Williams will be immediately eligible to play in 2022.

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

PLANT CITY AREA RECEIVES MULTIPLE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINATIONS Plant City and Durant each had a player nominated for the county-wide award.

TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Following the 2021 high school football season, Plant City High School and Durant High School have each seen one of their defensive stars nominated for PrimeTimePreps’ Hillsborough County Defensive Player of the Year for the 7A and 8A classes. For Plant City, outside linebacker D.J. Haynes garnered the nomination. A multisport athlete who also shines on the bas-

ketball court, Haynes was a force on the Raiders’ defense this season. Traditionally used as a pass rusher, Haynes was able to move around and play multiple roles on defense, leading to 90 tackles, 24 tackles for loss and eight sacks. His 24 tackles for loss and eight sacks were each good for the second-highest marks in the district. Haynes’ play earned him a first-team selection in the Western Conference’s Federal Division.

For Durant, it was defensive end Leo Tabakovic getting the nod. Tabakovic was a complete game-wrecker for Durant’s defense and named one of The Plant City Observer’s Top 5 Athlete’s of the Year, totaling 45 tackles while his 18 tackles for loss were good for the fourthbest mark in the district and his 11.5 sacks led the district. Along with Haynes, Tabakovic was also named a first-team member of the Western Conference’s Federal Division.

In addition to Haynes and Tabakovic, this is the full list of the other nominees for Hillsborough County 7A-8A Defensive Player of the Year: Steinbrenner linebacker Colin Bernstein, Tampa Bay Tech defensive lineman Keyon Clark, Alonso linebacker Daemian Clute, Newsome linebacker Caden Huffman, Armwood defensive lineman Jerry Johnson and Wharton linebacker Booker Pickett Jr.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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HOLIDAY SPORTS RECAP

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

Several area basketball teams were in action over their winter break. TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

While school was out for winter break, several Plant City area basketball teams were still in action as they took to tournaments throughout the state to put their skills to the test against top competition. DURANT:

Durant’s holiday season began with an individual award as junior guard Aidan Jones Jr. was named PrimeTimePreps’ Boys Basketball Player of the Week from the week of Dec.13-Dec.18. The award came on the heels of Durant’s 77-71 win over East Lake in which Jones led all scorers with 26 points on eight of 13 shooting from the field, including six of 10 shooting from three. Beginning on Dec. 21, Durant’s boys team headed to Jacksonville for the Battle on the Island tournament where they went 1-2 overall, with losses to Cardinal Mooney and Valdosta before wrapping up the tournament with a narrow – and high-scoring – 89-88 win over Episcopal School of Jacksonville. Jones was also named to the all-tournament team, averaging 21.4 points per game. The boys returned to the court on Dec. 28 for the Suncoast Holiday Classic in Riverview. They kicked off the tournament facing, and falling to, Cardinal Mooney for their second time in a week. But the Cougars bounced back with a 74-70 victory over Venice after trailing by 12 at the half. In their final game of their holiday tournaments, Durant lost in a narrow 54-50 final against Newsome. Durant’s girls basketball team was in action over the holidays as well, taking an 8-1 record into the winter break. At the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational, Durant opened the tournament by cruising to a 57-36 victory over Palm Bay’s Heritage High School, led by junior Miani Mejia

who led all scorers with 23 points and fell just short of a double-double with nine rebounds. Following the win over Heritage, Durant finished the tournament with a close loss to Providence Christian Academy out of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and a loss to Sarasota’s Booker High School. PLANT CITY:

For Plant City, their boys basketball team headed to the Nature Coast Christmas Tournament in Brooksville, hosted by Nature Coast Tech. The Raiders opened the tournament with a big 68-48 win over Fort Myers’ Evangelical Christian School but dropped a nail-biter in the tournament semifinals as Ohio’s Brecksville-Broadview Heights orchestrated a strong second half comeback to escape with the 57-55 victory. To cap off the tournament, Plant City beat the hosting Nature Coast Tech 57-33 to take third place. Plant City’s D.J. Haynes and Mike Bell were both named to the all-tournament team for their performances. Against Evangelical, Bell led all scorers with 24 points while Haynes notched 11, along with a team-high eight rebounds. Against Brecksville-Broadview Heights, Haynes put together a double-double with a team-high 19 points and 10 rebounds and Haynes led the way against Nature Coast too, adding another team-high seven rebounds while he and Elijah Dawson led the team with 12 points each.

STRAWBERRY CREST:

For Strawberry Crest, their boys team headed to Gainesville for the Florida Get Down Holiday Showcase. On New Year’s Day, the Chargers fell 54-41 to Gainesville’s P.K. Yonge School. Jasiah Taylor and Jordan Lewis both had double-digit scoring, with 12 and 10 points respectively, while Taylor also finished tied for a team-high four assists.

1-6 &1-20, 2022

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Plant City: What was the best gift you received for Christmas? “Peace and time with

“A coffee mug from Shut-

“A case of water from

loved ones.” - Bob Norton

terfly with my kids, my hus-

children next door. I have

Plant City and see all five

band, and my puppies on it.

been sick and they wanted

of my children and all 11.5

“Time with family!”

It reminds me every morn-

to make sure I was drinking

grandbabies!”

- Julie Larson Arndt

ing of my blessings.”

plenty of water.”

- Esther Ortiz

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“Having a happy and healthy family!”

“I got to go back home to

“Well, I only got a pair of “A clean bill of health from

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momma’s house.”

Holmquist Johnson

- Maria A. Rubio

sandals.” - Miguel Gabriel

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Louise Jones

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Charles William Johnson

Charles William Johnson, 79, of Plant City, Fla., born on Dec. 15, 1942, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 30, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Annigje Phillips

Annigje Phillips, 85, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Rotterdam, Holland on Dec. 8, 1936, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 28, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Anita Rose Lewis

Anita Rose Lewis, 75, of Robert Lee Todd, Sr., 77, of Seffner, Fla., born in Newark, Plant City, Fla., born in Mur- N.J. on Dec. 17, 1946, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 19, phy, N.C. on Nov. 22, 1944, 2021. entered into eternal rest on Expressions of condolence Dec. 24, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com. at HopewellFuneral.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

Violete Massey

William “Dub” Miley

Violete Massey, 93, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Dec. 21, 2021. The family will receive friends on Jan. 6, 2022 from 1 to 2 p.m. and funeral services will follow at Shiloh Baptist Church. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

William “Dub” Miley, age 93, of Plant City, FL passed away on December 29, 2021. He was a Combat Veteran serving in the United States Army during the Korean War. Funeral services were held January 5, 2022, at Mt. Zion Assembly of God. Online condolences may be left for the family at www. haught.care.

Roger Lee McCallister

OBITUARIES

Louise Jones, 65, of Lakeland, Fla., born in Plant City on Dec. 20, 1956, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 29, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Robert Lee Todd, Sr.

Roger Lee McCallister, age 78, of Lakeland, FL passed away on January 4, 2022. He served the United States Marines. The family will HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM receive friends HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Monday, January Jimmie Dan Kathy Ludden 10, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Haught FuKathy Ludden, 59, of Plant Robinson HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM neral Home Chapel, 708 W. City, Fla., born in Portland, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Maine on March 18, 1962, enJimmie Dan Robinson, 80, Jerome Lofstrom Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. tered into eternal rest on Dec. of Plant City, Fla., born on Funeral services will follow 18, 2021. Nov. 23, 1941, entered into HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM at 11:00 AM. Online conExpressions of condolence eternal rest on Dec. 21, 2021. dolences may be left for at HopewellFuneral.com. Expressions of condolence Jerome Lofstrom, age 77, Dale Logue the family at www.haught. at HopewellFuneral.com. of Valrico, FL passed away care. on December 13, 2021. The Dale Logue, age 65, of family will receive friends Plant City, FL passed away January 8, 2022, from on January 2, 2022. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at The family will receive HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM City Pointe Church. Funeral friends Tuesday, January 11, Dianna Lee Davis services will follow at 11:00 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. AM at Haught Funeral Home Dianna Lee Davis, 84, of Do- Mattie Douisea HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Online condolences may Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luver, Fla., born in Parkersburg, Loucks be left for the family at ther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, W. Va. on Sept. 2, 1937, entered FL 33563. Funeral services into eternal rest on Dec. 22, Mattie Douisea Loucks, 89, www.haught.care will follow at 11:00 AM 2021. of Sun City Center, Florida, Online condolences may Expressions of condolence born in Obion, Tennessee be left for the family at www. at HopewellFuneral.com. on January 8, 1932, entered HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM haught.care. into eternal rest on January 3, 2022. Expressions of condolence HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM at HopewellFuneral.com. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

Patricia Ann Hicks Brent E. Bryner Patricia Ann Hicks, 74, of Perry, Florida, born in Plant City on January 6, 1947, entered into eternal rest on January 1, 2022. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Brent E. Bryner, 82, of Plant City, Fla., born in Erie, Pa. on Sept. 27, 1939, entered into eternal rest on Dec. 21, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

BEST BET THURSDAY, JAN. 6 BLUEGRASS NIGHT 7 to 8:30 at 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Krazy Kup will hold a very special Bluegrass Night to kick off the new year, welcoming three award-winning, Grammy-nominated artists in Richard Bennett, Shawn Lane and Cory Walker to the Loft. Bennett, a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter for JD Crowe and the New South Flashback Band, is a two-time Grammy-nominated artist. Lane, a long-time mandolin and fiddle player, vocalist and songwriter for Blue Highway, has garnered 22 IBMA awards and three Grammy nominations. Walker, of The Walker Brothers, has played alongside several major Bluegrass acts in addition to being named the IBMA Momentum Banjo Player of the Year. Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased on-site or online at www.eventbrite.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 6

MONDAY, JAN. 10

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

PLANT CITY GARDEN CLUB GENERAL MEETING

7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs and fun; there’s no better way to start your Thursday mornings. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/PlantCityToastmasters.

10 a.m. at 2001 E. Cherry St. The Plant City Garden Club invites you out to join in their general meeting next Monday at the Plant City Community Garden. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m and in addition to the meeting, you will have the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Karen Elizabeth.

SATURDAY, JAN. 8

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 12

STRAWBERRY SQUARE WALTZ LESSONS

FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 4401 Promenade Blvd. Head down to the Strawberry Square Dance Center this January for beginning waltz lessons. The event provides a fun way to get out and exercise, in addition to making some new friends. Beginning waltz lessons will take place every Saturday throughout January, February and March. The first lesson is free and all following lessons will cost $7 per person per lesson. For more information or to register, text or call Cindy at 864-723-6965.

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF ’64 CELEBRATION

6 to 9 p.m at 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The Marshall High School Class of 1964 will be holding a holiday extravaganza and 58th Graduation Anniversary Celebration this Saturday at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center. For more information or to register to attend, call 813-294-6250 or 813-967-9710.

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefits please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813-706-5800 to set a specific time.

SUNSET SOUNDS

6 to 8 p.m. at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd. Sunset Sounds is a summer music series featuring acoustic music from local artists. Head over to Keel & Curley Winery every Wednesday evening to enjoy music, food, drinks and sunshine on their patio.

SATURDAY, JAN. 15 CAT SHOW

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday at 2301 W. Oak Ave. Head

to the TECO Expo Hall at the Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds for an All Breed and Household Pet Cat Show, hosted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. Over 30 breeds of cats and household pets from around the nation will compete for awards and titles, with vendors in attendance selling all types of cat merchandise for you and your furry friend. In addition, the family-friendly event will have fun for all ages including a children’s coloring contest and a cat costume contest both days. Admission will cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors/ military, $6 for children aged three to 12 and family packs are available with tickets for two adults and two children for $25. All cats must be pre-registered for all events before the show. For more information, visit www.cfa.org.

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN

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

STRAWBERRY SQUARE WALTZ LESSONS

sons will cost $7 per person per lesson. For more information or to register, text or call Cindy at 864-723-6965.

THURSDAY DAY, JAN. 20 BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

5 to 7 p.m. at 303 S. Collins St. Head down to Roots Cellars on Thursday evening for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’ Business After Business After Hours event, hosted by Gould’s Air Conditioning & Heating. These monthly events bring together members of the business community in a fun-filled atmosphere, designed to encourage networking and interaction while enjoying delectable food and drinks. Business After Hours events are free for Chamber members to attend and sponsorships for the event fill up quickly, so secure yours today. If interested in sponsoring a Business After Hours event, contact Kate at 813-754-3707 or by email at kate@plantcity.org. Don’t forget your business cards!

FRIDAY, JAN. 28 LAST FRIDAY IN DOWNTOWN

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

JOIANY!

TOD

FIND YOUR HAPPY PLACE.

FIND YOUR Y. FIND YOUR Y AT PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA

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

NEW MEMBER SPECIAL OFFER:

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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FORECAST

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

THURSDAY, JAN 6 High: 77 Low: 61 Chance of rain: 7%

FRIDAY, JAN 7 High: 76 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 13%

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Jan 6

7:20a

5:47p

Friday, Jan 7

7:20a

5:48p

Saturday, Jan 8

7:20a

5:49p

Sunday, Jan 9

7:21a

5:50p

Monday, Jan 10

7:21a

5:50p

Tuesday, Jan 11

7:21a

5:51p

Wednesday, Jan 12

7:21a

5:52p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, JAN 8 High: 81 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 6%

SUNDAY, JAN 9 High: 83 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 15%

MONDAY, JAN 10 Denise Healy snapped this photo of a full moon over Christmas decorations and the American flag at the entrance to The Paddocks in Walden Lake.

ONLINE

High: 80 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 24%

Across 1 Morse code component 5 John Wick, for one 11 Wedding reception VIPs 14 Puerto Rico, por ejemplo 15 Blueprint 16 Legendary bird of prey 17 *Carpe diem 19 Rap sheet letters 20 “Zip your lip!” 21 Lust or greed 22 “And how!” 23 *Be the first to begin 27 Hug 29 Mom’s mom 30 Extended pd. away from work 31 Notable period

33 Commercial charge 37 U.K. network 38 *Party gifts container 41 Coffee dispenser 42 Invite for 44 Aggregate 45 Container cover 46 Escape clauses 49 Letters in alphabet soup 52 *Act in desperation 56 Retinal cells 57 Fannie or Ginnie follower 58 Silently understood 61 Dismissal metaphor, with “the” 62 Familiar slogan ... and what each answer to a starred clue is?

65 A-lister 66 Wind instruments 67 Biter on a pooch 68 Nonetheless 69 Corporate jet maker 70 Hide partner Down 1 Frisbee, for one 2 Befuddled 3 Shoe with a strap that nearly encircles the ankle 4 More smoke-filled 5 FDR’s successor 6 German pronoun found in half of Munich? 7 What we have here 8 Highway divider

9 Actress Seales of “Insecure” 10 Opposing vote 11 Emmy category 12 Phoenix’s 2019 Best Actor role 13 Few and far between 18 “At Last” singer James 22 Hardly any 24 Taiwanese PC maker 25 Queen of Olympus 26 Reel trouble 27 Napoleon’s 1814 place of exile 28 Unruly crowds 32 Tummy muscles 34 Comprehensive 35 Shallowest Great Lake 36 Goals 38 Rise, as prices 39 Batter’s job in a squeeze play 40 Eros, in Rome 43 Discard 47 Husk-wrapped cantina food 48 Something to update on Facebook 50 Solemn vow 51 “Whistle While You Work” septet 52 Turkey topper 53 “Chicago” showgirl Hart 54 Highly skilled 55 Splinter groups 59 Understanding words 60 Hardwood tree 62 Ozone-depleting chemical 63 Farm layer 64 Free TV spot

Feb. 8 New

Jan. 9 First

Jan. 18 Full

Jan. 25 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

0.09 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. AVERAGE:

0.09 in.

2.72 in.

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Central Florida $18.00-$36.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

Great health care is closer than you think. South Florida Baptist Hospital is more than just a small community hospital. We’ve got a wide array of specialty care and surgical services that you don’t have to travel far to get. Our surgeons are experts in minimally invasive robotic surgical procedures that provide lots of benefits, including shorter hospital stays, decreased blood loss and smaller incisions that reduce the risk of infection. Plus, faster recovery times that mean you can get back to your normal activities sooner. You’ll find comprehensive orthopedic care—whether you’re an athlete who needs sports medicine services or you’re someone who needs a total joint replacement. Our all-inclusive gynecology program offers high-quality care to the women and mothers in our community with a variety of women’s care services. We’ve even been designated as a Center of Excellence for our weight loss surgery program, meeting nationally recognized standards and providing outstanding care to our patients. And all of this extraordinary care exists right here in Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptistSurgery.org

21-1493769-0521

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