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FREE • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

VOLUME 6, NO. 125

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WHAT’S NEXT FOR VARREA

Commissioners approved the map amendment and the conceptual modifications to the general site development plan of the Varrea Planned Development District.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

City commissioners buckled in for a long night Monday as they prepared to approve a variety of agenda items and sat through several public hearings, including a massive conversation about Varrea. Commissioners were at the dais for nearly four hours. It took two of those four hours for commissioners to agree to move Varrea into the next step. It was broken up into a few different items: first

to adopt a map amendment, then to approve conceptual modifications to the general site development plan. Varrea, which is located at the southwest corner of Charlie Taylor and Knights Griffin roads north of I-4 and east of Frazier Lane, is currently approved for 2,640 residential units, 345,000 square feet of commercial, retail and civic use and 50,000 square feet of office use.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

LACED UP, L T UP

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A brisk breeze blew through Plant City Tuesday evening as runners posed for photos under the soft red and green glow of the downtown Christmas lights. Members of the Plant City Running Club — along with several of their friends and community members — turned on their Christmas light necklaces, rolled

up the sleeves of their Christmas sweaters and fondly praised the absurdity of their fellow joggers’ festive hats as they waited for the run to begin. Dozens gathered in McCall Park. Many were experienced runners. Some planned on walking the route while others brought along their four-legged family members — also decked out in Christmas apparel — for the fun evening. Every year, the Running Club hosts the Christmas

Light Run as a means of offering a unique way to see the plethora of holiday lights erected throughout downtown Plant City. Jillian Wilder, a member of the Plant City Running Club, reminded everyone to sign in as they started to trickle into the park and frequently referenced the map on the event’s Facebook page that outlined the 1.5-mile route. The run started and ended in McCall Park and lapped up through historic downtown, back

toward City Hall, down the brick streets of the core of downtown and looped back up at the park. From there, many families stuck around to take Christmas photos while others made plans to head out for a late dinner. “We do this every year and make it a public event on Facebook so that anyone who sees it will feel welcome to come,” Wilder said. “We really just want to help people

come out and enjoy the lights that the city puts out and also have an event where we can all kind of enjoy each other’s company. This is the third run we’ve done and I think this year it was more important than ever.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

HCSO feeds Dover families

NEWS BRIEFS

Plant City EDC/Facebook

Plant City EDC confirms Chick-fil-A negotiations When Buddy Freddy’s closed earlier in 2020, many fans of the popular Plant City restaurant were saddened. But the future of the site could be bright if current negotiations for the property stay on track. The Plant City EDC announced in a Dec. 10 Facebook post that a Florida-based real estate firm entered negotiations to purchase the Thonotosassa Road property and re-develop it into something many Plant Citians have wanted for a long time: a Chick-fil-A restaurant. “The Plant City EDC has followed the progression of Chick-fil-A’s interest in our community and we are thrilled that we are still being considered,” the post read.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Hispanic Advisory Council spent this past Saturday giving out free holiday meals to Dover families in need. The group hosted a drive-thru food pickup at the Dover Boys and Girls Club that morning and was able to distribute more than 200 meals to the community. The Boys and Girls Club, the Dover RCMA Child Development Center and Dover Elementary School staff identified families in need and selected them to receive the free meals. The HCSO Hispanic Advisory Council purchased the meals and volunteers prepackaged them so they could be safely picked up with limited contact. Meals included turkey or ham, vegetables, fruit and bread. “We know that this has been a tough year with many families losing their source of income due to the ongoing pandemic,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We are hoping by providing more than 200 families with meals, we will be able to brighten their holidays during these difficult times.”

J. Seward Johnson sculptures return The Arts Council of Plant City, Unity in the Community, the City of Plant City and the Plant City Photo Archives have brought back a round of J. Seward Johnson sculptures to liven things up downtown. The annual exhibit, which features numerous lifelike sculptures in a variety of poses, is currently on display through March 15, 2021 and all are invited to walk around and check them out at the following locations:

Courtesy photo

“No Hands” at Bruton Memorial Library “Allow Me” at City Hall south entrance “Nice to See You” at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce “Big Sister” at McCall Park by Inspire! Quilting and Sewing

“Cat Nap” at the Plant City Photo Archives “Forever Marilyn” at McCall Park by Whistle Stop Café “Wine, Food and Thou” at Collins Street and Reynolds Street “Sidewalk Concert” at Palmer Street and Reynolds Street “Embracing Peace” at The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum “No Way” at Village Green Park Courtesy of Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office

Arrest made in Nov. 25 Plant City homicide Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday the arrest of Luis Jose Coronado in connection with a Nov. 25 shooting that left one man dead. HCSO said Coronado, 30, shot a known male subject following an altercation that evening at a home on the 5000 block of Sydney Road. The victim was transported to South Florida Baptist Hospital with a gunshot wound, but life-saving measures were unsuccessful. Coronado was found and arrested in Polk County and was charged with manslaughter with a firearm.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

CITY OF PLANT CITY UTILIZES CARES ACT FUNDING TO DO MASSIVE UPGRADES Finding a way to keep its employees and residents safe during the pandemic has been the focus of the City of Plant City since March. Thanks to CARES Act funding, several city buildings are getting major renovations to reduce the spread of COVID-19. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The City of Plant City dove headfirst into the available CARES Act coronavirus funding in an effort to make sure it protects its employees and citizens with major renovations at government buildings. When the pandemic hit this spring, the city immediately transitioned its workforce so many worked from home while those who did come into the office had barriers and protective equipment at every turn. The months passed and issues increasingly arose as the city dealt with the reality that this pandemic would not come to a swift end anytime soon. The moment the CARES Act funding became available to local governments, the city applied and has spent the last few months in a whirlwind making sure the money was used to complete massive and impactful projects. If you walk into City Hall now, the faint sounds of saws and hammers can be heard echoing through the walls. The entire second floor of the building is gutted and the majority of the offices on the other floors are vacant. The building has undergone a drastic transformation in just a matter of weeks, and thanks to the talented construction crew, the renovation is almost complete. Tray Towles, director of Professional Standards, had nearly all of his duties put aside. The funding was approved in late September and the city immediately got to work. The projects have to be complete by Dec. 30, so crews are racing against a ticking clock. There are exactly 100 individual projects underway throughout the city that will cost millions of the allocated funds to complete. The impact, however, will go far beyond this pandemic. “We applied for this funding and immediately began putting it to use because we realized the impact COVID-19 was having on our ability to do our jobs,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “These changes — new cubicles and counters, contactless card readers, glass barriers, automatic doors, you name it — they will make a massive impact in keeping our staff and our residents safe. COVID-19 is an infectious disease. But so is the cold. So is the flu. We are constantly dealing with one infectious agent or another and by having these projects in place, we will be doing so much more than just taking precautions against COVID. In the long run it will also be minimizing the risk of other infectious diseases striking our workforce.”

Towles is juggling a master list of all of the projects the city plans to use the funding to put into place. Some of them include massive overhauls, from the new cubicle workstations that run floor to ceiling and limit the exposure of those who sit in each desk to other people to technology improvements like ensuring they have stronger bandwidth and a new contactless timestamp system that automatically checks each employee’s temperature when they clock in.

Many doors are being replaced with ones that automatically open. Restrooms are being outfitted with contactless appliances. Hallways are being rerouted to ensure break rooms are no longer in the offices of employees who are trying to work, but rather in their own set-off areas. Hand sanitizer stations will be dispersed throughout the buildings. Virtual meeting software was purchased and installed to ensure those who do work from home can still stay up to date with their coworkers and bosses. Entire stations are being rebuilt from the ground up to keep employees separate from the general public to limit the spread of COVID-19. While much of the large renovations are happening at City Hall, other government buildings like the Parks & Recreation facility and the Plant City Police Department are also being remodeled and outfitted with new equipment as well. Solid Waste is even getting an Xtreme Sanitization Cube for its employees. It’s a cube that sprays a dry, sanitizing mist on those who walk through it. The mist is safe on skin, clothes, and glasses and is designed to safely and thoroughly disinfect employees. Other agencies across the city will also receive minor upgrades to protect their employees. “It was relatively easy to identify the three categories we needed to address first, and from there we were able to quickly put things into those categories that were our

top priority,” McDaniel said. “We knew we needed to improve our technology to remotely work employees. We realized we had a deficiency because while we had a few training laptops, we didn’t have anything in place to remote work the majority of our staff. That led to us needing a better bandwidth. We had to have a way for residents to virtually and remotely report things and pay their bills. We needed barriers in place to protect not only our people, but the residents that come into these buildings to interact with them. It became a layering strategy and before we knew it we had a complete list.” Towles listed off the 100 approved projects and said most are nearing completion. The only ones that won’t be done by Dec. 30 are due to the items being ordered but late to arrive due to the high demand across the country. However, everything has been purchased and put into motion so all city employees will be able to safely come back into the new workplaces by Jan. 11. Kiosks that will allow residents to pay their bills virtually rather than go up to a window and interact with city staff will also be up and running soon. “Everything is paid for with the CARES Act funding,” Towles said. “And we also have a Plan B ready to go if Congress decides to allocate more money. My entire assignment has been managing this project and when it’s all done, the layers of safety precautions we will have in place will make this feel like a completely different building and will change the lives of the staff. We had a very tight deadline, but we did what we had to do to make sure everything went seamlessly.” McDaniel compared the process to a home renovation. It’s uncomfortable to do because you are displaced during the renovation, having to make sacrifices and work in frustrating conditions to get the job done, but the discomfort is well worth it once the job is complete. Using that analogy, some areas like PCPD are undergoing significant, but still controlled renovations via new workstations and offices. Parks & Recreation is getting a facelift with a new layout that will

ensure there is a barrier between the public and the staff. The changes to City Hall are similar to a homeowner purchasing a historic home, gutting it and practically starting over with only a few rooms remaining in its original design. Each improvement will act as one more layer to keep someone safe and McDaniel said he believes this will put the city leaps and bounds above where it had been this spring in terms of keeping everyone safe. “We have had to rethink how we do business to significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19,” McDaniel said. “We’ve got a small army working for us to make this happen, and so far this company (Manhattan) has really seemed to be doing a great job… The CARES Act will do a lot to help us reduce the spread of the coronavirus, but we are also doing something that will benefit us for years to come. COVID-19 may fade into the background over time, but these improvements will carry over into protecting our staff from all sorts of things that could come. Who knows what will be around the corner? With this funding we are able to make sure we are prepared to protect our people and adapt however we must to keep people safe while still doing our jobs.”

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

PLANT CITY

This week on Cops Corner:

Observer

Plant City Police investigated a Denny’s dine and dash, a cut fence, a stolen Bluetooth

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com

speaker, shots fired and more. Photo: iStock

DECEMBER 4

DECEMBER 5

EASY PICKINGS 1320 block of Larrick Lane Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated someone burglarized her vehicle while it was sitting in her driveway. She left it unlocked when she initially parked it.

BIKE BANDIT 1200 block of West Madison Street Theft: This complainant stated someone stole his three-wheeled bicycle form his porch. The bike was valued at $385.

SCOOTER LOOTER 300 block of South Frontage Road Theft: This complainant stated someone stole her electric scooter, which she usually leaves outside in front of her room.

FRAGRANCE FIEND 1800 block of James L. Redman Parkway Grand theft: Officers responded to a report of stolen merchandise and learned someone stole $1,300.96 worth of colognes and perfumes.

GRINCH CAME EARLY 4120 block of Barret Avenue Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated someone burglarized their vehicle while they were out at the Plant City Christmas Parade.

DECEMBER 6 DENIED 710 block of West Madison Street Shooting into dwelling: Officers responded to a residence after a report of shots being fired and met with several people at the scene who refused to identify

themselves. One subject inside the residence reported that no one was injured and did not allow the officers to enter. The property owner arrived at the scene, did not let the officers in and signed a waiver of prosecution. Officers found three spent .45 caliber cases in the front yard and placed them into PCPD evidence.

Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com

people ordered food and drinks, ate and left without rendering payment.

Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com

DECEMBER 8

Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez

SNEAK PEEK 1000 block of North Shannon Avenue Criminal mischief: Aruvil International reported someone cut their fence overnight but did not steal anything.

NOTHING BUT THE ‘TOOTH 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway Theft: This complainant stated someone stole his back pack, which contained a Bluetooth speaker. He could not give any information about the suspect and signed a waiver of prosecution.

Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

DECEMBER 9

SECURE THE BAG 1700 block of South Alexander Street Vehicle burglary: This complainant stated someone burglarized their pickup truck and stole a gray faux leather back pack/purse. The truck was left unlocked.

DECEMBER 7 DINE AND DASH 2000 block of South Frontage Road Theft: Officers met with the manager of Denny’s, who stated a group of

Advertising / Richard Brame richard@plantcityobserver.com Advertising / Karen Berry kberry@plantcityobserver.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

at Keel & Curley

Keel & Curley Winery has hosted UnWINEd Yoga classes over the past few months and has drawn dozens of earlymorning yogis to the vineyard. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Despite the rolling grey clouds and steady mist, a dedicated group of yogis unrolled their yoga mats under Keel & Curley’s patio and began to search for their inner bliss. Upwards of 50 people will arrange their mats among the vineyard just off the patio deck of the winery and face Katie Medina, Founder of Wildflower Yogi LLC, as she leads the group through an all-flows yoga class. Wildflower Yogi, with a partnership with the KOA Yoga Studio, has been offering the unique outlet for local enthusiasts, which many have said comes as a blessed relief during the pandemic. “Originally we were going to start in March, but COVID threw everything off and so we did our first session in August instead,” Medina said. “Now, rain or shine, we always have a dedicated group show up. We do an all-flows session and then afterwords they get a voucher for a drink and spend some time hanging out and enjoying a great meal and relaxing drink.” The winery opens just as the class is coming to a close, so the group members are always the first to take their seats on the patio. It’s a unique weekend experience several in attendance said they look forward to every month. Medina is a familiar face around town now as she has

led many yoga experiences in downtown and at local events. Formerly the owner of KOA Yoga Studio, she now has branched off with Wildflower Yogi. KOA is still part of the winery’s experience, though. She said the response from the community to these monthly or occasionally twice-monthly yoga sessions has filled her with gratitude. The pandemic has kept everyone indoors to a level most have never experienced. They work from home, isolate at home, go to school at home and leave only for the essentials in order to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. Outdoor events that guarantee social distancing requirements are met have become meccas for those itching to step outside their front door. There’s ample room at Keel & Curley and even when they have more than 50 people attend, the group is able to spread out all over the vineyard with no issue. Even in the dreary weather, nearly 20 people showed up determined to stretch their bodies and minds, then celebrate with a relaxing outdoor meal. “I’ve always felt that yoga is such an important outlet, but especially in this time it’s so crucial that you find an opportunity to ground yourself and connect,” Medina said. “That can happen in so many different ways, but one of those options is to get on your yoga mat, come outside with us and feel a little normal for a moment. I see so many people who attend just let go on their mats, they’ll inhale and exhale and you can watch as the

stress just flows out of them. It brings me so much joy.” The benefit of Medina hosting an all-levels flow is that an attendee of any skill level will find they are able to keep up with the class and take away a meaningful experience. The individual can kick up their practice or come down based on their comfort zone. Medina said she is a big believer in following the signs of your body. If something hurts, stop, adjust and fall into a more comfortable position. She said yoga should always feel good and that moment of joy is what she hopes to bring to the community through her class. The UnWINEd Yoga class is just one of the many events Keel Farms hosts. For a full list of events, visit Keel & Curley Winery at Keel Farms on Facebook. Follow Wildflower Yogi on Facebook to stay up to date on all the events Medina offers. Dates of UnWINEd Yoga have been scheduled through the new year. You can find those at the prior states sites or at the KOA Yoga Facebook page.

Courtesy photos

IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND Bring your own mat. Keel & Curley provides water. Classes are $10 and come with a drink voucher. You can sign up in advance or bring $10 and drop in for the 60-minute session. Katie Medina, Founder of Wildflower Yogi LLC,

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

PlantCityObserver.com

VARREA APPROVED FOR NEXT STEP

With commissioners’ approval Monday night, the next steps of the development of the Varrea Planned Development District are underway. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

One thing that was repeatedly highlighted throughout the evening was that there were no changes proposed to the number of residential units nor to the nonresidential square footage currently approved. That wouldn’t change regardless of what happened Monday evening, so commissioners instead were asked to focus entirely on the the following proposed modifications to the Varrea PD district: - To modify the development pattern from the TND standards and develop the PD under our PD standards while utilizing the reduced setbacks opportunity available to those developments larger than 350 acres that provide at least 30 percent open space with 10 percent of the open space being usable open space. To change the roadway layout and access points to accommodate the new proposed development pattern. To expand the Mixed Use Area 1 (northeast area of PD) as per proposed PC/CPA 20-03 Comprehensive Plan Amendment. To add a proposed school site to the plan. To propose the smallest single-family detached lot be 40 feet wide, but placing a limit on the number of 40-foot wide lots to 582, which is 30 percent of the proposed maximum of 1,940 single family detached and attached units

Varrea committed to having 50 percent of Open Space with at least 10 percent being useable open space “in order to achieve 5-foot side yard setbacks.” But what was repeatedly addressed were concerns about lot sizes, about flooding, about roadways, about the impact on neighbors and about the proposed layout of some major buildings. Varrea, for its part, also had representatives discuss the many concessions it has made with its neighbors to make a community that would work for everyone. Mayor Rick Lott stressed that the decision Monday evening was just the next step — one of many— and that he felt there were improvements that made this proposal better than what they were already working with. One of his biggest complaints, however, was the location of the proposed school. He said it simply “didn’t make sense” at the proposed spot and felt it would effect the neighbors negatively. He wants to see Varrea move that site, but said with all the concessions it made with the neighbors to the development

that this was “the best plan moving forward,” and added he would hate to not approve it and then all of the concessions moving forward would be lost. “I’m going to support this, but I don’t want it to just be an effort on the part of moving the school. If we need to help you we are very close to the school board, we can help you deal with that, OK?” Lott said. “Trust me, we can support that effort. We have over 1,000 acres. We can find another location.” Commissioner Bill Dodson brought up a concern he also shared with the North Park Isle Development: lot sizes. He said he respectfully appreciates all the views of his colleagues on the commission, that they had very similar conversations with this development that they had with North Park Isle and seemed to get the same response. However, he added that he believes they must make decisions based on community values and not just market decisions. On that note, he repeatedly said there were too many 40-foot lots with 30-foot homes being placed on them. In his opinion, that was not a community he felt represented Plant City. “I value the quality of growth more than I value the quantity of growth, and that’s the bottom line of how I feel about it. So I have to place my vote going forward with staying with quality over quantity,” Dodson said. Commissioners approved the map amendments 4 to 1 with Dodson dissenting. They also approved the conceptual modifications to the general site development plan, 4 to 1, with Dodson dissenting. If you would like to review the details of the proposal, you can stream the meeting at the City of Plant City Government’s YouTube channel. “I always like to simplify things,” City Manager Bill McDaniel told the Observer. “What you saw (Monday) was that Varrea dropped a green flag. The race has begun, but we aren’t anywhere near the end of the race. All of those discussions you were hearing about the concerns about the roads, about flooding, even about the school — all of those conversations are still ahead of us. They will have to address those in the future. There is still quite a ways to go. All we did Monday was let the race begin.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

COVID-19 NUMBERS ARE STILL RISING AND THE HOLIDAYS ARE NOW JUST A WEEK AWAY It’s going to be a holiday season unlike any other as families struggle with how to keep traditions alive while still protecting their health. Many are choosing to stay home and celebrate virtually with their loved ones. Those who do intend to travel are being warned to take as many precautions as possible. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The number of COVID-19 cases in Florida continues to climb as we enter the holiday season. On Tuesday, the state added 9,411 COVID-19 cases and 94 deaths. The latest data showed that Florida is averaging approximately 10,000 new cases a day this week, according to the Florida Department of Health. There have now been 1,143,794 coronavirus cases since the start of the pandemic and the death toll is now at 20,365. To break that down, Tampa Bay as a whole added 1,690 cases and 20 deaths on Tuesday. Hillsborough County now has had 66,548 cases and 1,003 deaths. Pinellas has had the second-highest contagion spread with 38,457 total cases and 963 deaths. Polk has a total of 31,668 cases and 733 deaths. Then there is a large gap with

Manatee having 19,212 total cases and 403 deaths. Pasco has had 18,190 cases and 330 deaths. The next-highest was Hernando which had 6,097 cases and 249 deaths. Citrus has had the lowest total cases with 5,646 cases reported and 249 deaths. Hillsborough County currently has a positivity rate of 8.8 percent. Hernando County has a positivity rate of 9.7 percent and Pasco County’s positivity rate is 9.3 percent. Citrus and Polk each have a 9.2 percent positivity rate. Pinellas and Manatee each have a positivity rate of 7.5 percent. Those who plan to travel or gather in groups for the holidays face a ticking clock as testing sites across the state reach capacity. To combat the surge of demand, Hillsborough County has added two new testing sites at the Vance Vogel Sports Complex and the William Owen Pass Sports Complex. Getting tested is the best way to ensure you aren’t unknowingly infecting those you

love this holiday season and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people who exhibit symptoms of COVID-19, who have spent more than 15 minutes within six feet of someone who has tested positive or who recently participated in a high-risk activity — like going somewhere that made social distancing difficult — make sure they test as soon as possible. You can visit hillsboroughcounty. org to view all of the county’s testing locations and brush up on the protocols for getting tested. The site also has the locations that are supported or operated by the state. You can also make appointments through third-party vendors like BayCare, at CVS and Walgreens, at a variety of Urgent Cares or other companies. Some locations are free, others take insurance and others still have a straight fee. Make sure you do your research before you go and take into consideration the turnaround time for results.

Many locations are closing for the holidays as well, so make your appointments as early as possible. The CDC recommends you get tested one to three days before you travel. Even if you get a negative, the CDC recommends you avoid all nonessential activities for a week or longer after the trip and test again three to five days after the trip. The good news is that the vaccine is officially here — sort of. Tampa Bay received its first Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine shipment on Monday. Those 20,000 doses will be distributed to health care workers all over the region. The next priority for recipients is currently focused on long-term care facilities. The bad news? The availability in the long-term of the vaccine is still unclear, as is the priority status of who can receive the initial doses.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

WALDEN LAKE CHRISTMAS LIGHT CONTEST WINNERS The winners of Walden Lake's Christmas light display contest, organized by Walden Lake resident Mary Jane Wagoner, were announced last week. Have you seen them all?

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Every year, Walden Lake transforms into a twinkling winter wonderland and beckons to those seeking a festive celebration. Neighborhoods throughout the development decorate not only their individual homes, but the entrances to each community as well. It would take hours to drive through and soak in each massive light display — a challenge many families take up time and again — and an annual competition ups the ante for those who call Walden Lake home. A panel of judges drive in for the special event and are ushered around the community. They take notes, evaluate the many highlights of each display and then come up with their top-ranked community entrances based on the traditional and illumination categories. Signs announcing the winners are then placed at the entrances so those who spend their evenings taking in the unique lights will Emergency Emergency know which displays pulled above their Steam Cleaned Water 24-HR. 24-HR. Water Steam Cleaned neighbors. If you would like to enjoy the lights for Extractions Extractions 50c per yourself, grab asq.ft. hot chocolate or a cup of Storm, Broken Pipes, includes Hallway cleaned free Storm, Broken Pipes, etc. etc. coffee, pack a tin of Christmas cookies, Water Extraction 24-Hr Service | Carpet Dyeing & Repairs wear your festive attire and cruise down

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Timberlane. Pro-tip: Don’t be afraid to leave the main road. While many of the communities lie directly off of Timberlane, many decked-out neighborhoods and homes trickle off into the many offshoots that delve deeper into Walden Lake. Don’t forget to take roads like Griffin to really find some hidden gems. The winners of the 2020 Walden Lake Decorating Contest are as follows: Grand Prize: Fairway Estates Traditional Category 1st place: Clubhouse Woods 2nd place: Hampton Place 3rd place: Spring Meadow/ Juniper Place Hon. Mention: Emerald Forest Hon. Mention: Silverstone Illumination Category 1st place: Hammocks 2nd place: Forest Club 3rd place: Charleston Woods Hon. Mention: Laurel Lake Hon. Mention: Sutton Woods

CUTEST CRITTER

Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

NELLIE: Nellie may not have been the cutest critter, but she “was” the best. This picture was taken on one of her many car rides to visit some of her mom Susan’s students during the pandemic in the spring. She brought a lot of joy and smiles to every child her heart touched. “Wasn’t always the way as she was rescued 12 years ago from a very horrible experience,” Susan wrote. “It took a lot of patience and love to get her to trust.” Her mom thinks that’s why she made such a great therapy dog for people who were sad, scared or just needed some sense of security. Sadly, her family lost her to cancer at the age of 14 this fall. She will forever live in their hearts and all that knew her. A true therapist!

PlantCityObserver.com

2020 CHRISTMAS

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

CHRISTMAS LIGHT RUN RETURNS

PARADE WINNERS

The top three entrants in the 2020 Plant City Christmas Parade received their awards and prizes on Dec. 10. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A trio of churches swept this year’s round of Plant City Christmas Parade awards after their eye-catching floats and displays wowed the judges of the 2020 event.

Church on the Rock took home firstplace honors this year and also won a $150 cash prize for its efforts. In second place was Relevant Church, which received a $125 prize, and rounding out the top three was St. Clement Catholic Church with a third-place trophy and a $100 prize.

The third annual Christmas Light Run was held Dec. 15 in downtown Plant City. FROM PAGE 1 Church on the Rock took home first place

Relevant Church took home second place

St. Clement Catholic Church took home third place

“Obviously with COVID it’s great to have an outdoor event that you can do at your own pace, but what we were finding was... there were a lot of people who didn’t even realize the city had put up the lights again this year. So some people were really excited to come out and see them.” While many faces in the crowd were familiar and have been coming all three years, several experienced the unique Christmas Light Run for the first time. David Wilson-Wolfe, a member of the Plant City Running Club, did the festive run for the first time and leaned into the holiday theme. Adorned in a full body Christmas suit that made him appear to be a giant gift, Wilson-Wolfe was at the head of the pack and made sure to keep spirits high as the run commenced. He said he fully supports the running club and hopes some of the attendees who weren’t yet members would realize this was a group they would love to be a part of.

“There’s something for everyone pacewise and there’s a lot of encouragement and feedback from this group that helps motivate each other and helps everyone move forward toward their goal,” Wilson-Wolfe said. “Some people’s goal is to lose weight, others hope to gain fitness — that’s what I think some people don’t think about, it’s not all about losing weight — and whatever it is you are hoping to obtain by joining the running club, this group is here to encourage you along that journey. And we have fun doing it.” The run started at 6 p.m. and ended by 7 p.m. It’s always a quick event, but one many look forward to every year. If you’re interested in learning more about the Plant City Running Club, visit its Facebook page. The group is free to join and does not have dues. There are a variety of weekly runs that are organized to fit every schedule and the details of each of the meet-ups are posted on the club’s Facebook page.

DECEMBER 17, 2020

SPORTS

Arden Swindle got her first varsity pin last Tuesday. See Page 11

IT’S OFFICIAL:

WILLIAMS SIGNS NLI FOR OKLAHOMA Plant City wideout Mario Williams, one of the top wide receivers in the nation, finally put pen to paper Wednesday morning and will join the Oklahoma Sooners on the gridiron and the baseball diamond next season.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Quick Hits PCD MIDGETS COMPLETE PERFECT SEASON The Plant City Dolphins Midgets football team just did something few teams can claim on a resume. With Saturday’s 47-0 win over the Polk City Jaguars in Plant City, the Dolphins finished the 2020 TCYFCC regular season completely unblemished — no losses and no points allowed — and extended their league-record win streak to 50 and counting. Their 8-0-0 record is the only perfect one in the Midgets division. The Mighty Mites, Pee Wees and Junior Varsity Dolphins also finished the regular season with 8-0-0 records on Saturday with respective wins of 40-0, 48-0 and 35-0 over Polk City. The first round of the TCYFCC playoffs will kick off Jan. 9 at four various sites (Brandon Broncos, Seffner Seahawks, Mulberry Panthers, Lakeland Eagles).

A lot can change in the time between a star recruit making a verbal commitment to play for a school and later sitting down to sign their national letter of intent. Fortunately for the University of Oklahoma and its fans, that was not the case for the top wide receiver prospect in the nation. Seven months and one day after announcing his verbal commitment to the Sooners on Instagram Live, Plant City wideout Mario Williams put it in writing and signed his national letter of intent Wednesday morning in the school’s auditorium. It was a long time coming for Williams, who detailed in a brief speech his early struggles with overcoming the doubts of others before blossoming into perhaps the best two-sport athlete Plant City High School has ever had on campus. Williams was quick to give credit to God and a strong support system of family, friends and coaches for helping him get this far. “It was just a struggle when I was little because everybody in Little League, everybody was like ‘Oh, he’s not that good’ and stuff like that,” Williams said. “And Coach Chris and Coach Tony were like, ‘He’s gonna be a deal.’” Williams is set to graduate early and will head to Norman, Oklahoma in January to enroll at OU and start the next chapter of his life.

If you can name an elite college football program, there’s a good chance it sent some scouts down to this corner of the Tampa Bay area to get a look at Plant City’s speedster. Williams picked the Sooners over other top-five options Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU. Given Williams’ speed, instincts, separation skills and creativity after the catch, Oklahoma’s offense was such a natural fit that no one in the national recruiting beat was surprised to see an OU shirt underneath Williams’ jacket when he unzipped it on that Instagram live story. Williams finished the 2020 season with 740 receiving yards, eight touchdown catches, 141 kick return yards and 1,002 total yards through the Raiders’ nine games — ranking second among all players in each category. The Raiders experimented with him in the wildcat formation more than in the past, often in two-point conversion situations to either run it in or get the ball to Aramoni Rhone, and he also has a 65-yard touchdown pass to Reagan Ealy in his season resume. In his four years and 40 games with the varsity football team, Williams hauled in 160 catches for 3,191 yards and 41 touchdowns, and he also finished with two completed passes on three attempts for 107 yards and two touchdowns. “An incredible career,” PCHS head football coach James Booth said. “Probably the most decorated career we’ve had. We have an All-American on campus, which

is unheard of. By far the best player in the county. We always tell our kids to strive to be the best, to be the best player on the team. He’s done that. Be the best player in the county — he’s done that. Be the best player in the state — he’s done that. OK, be the best player in the southeast — he’s done that. Be the best player in the nation — he’s done that.” He also excelled on the baseball field and had a .316 batting average through seven games in 2020 before COVID-19 forced the season to end abruptly. Williams played a crucial role in the Raiders winning the school’s first-ever baseball state championship in 2019, not only bringing a hot bat and a knack for swiping bags to the offense but also routinely making highlight-reel catches with blazing speed and a slick glove while patrolling the outfield. His coaches and principals spoke highly of his character above all else and said they’ll never forget the impact he had on their lives in the last four years. “He was here last week with me sitting on the bench, hitting in the cage and stuff… and he says ‘Coach, I’m just glad we got a win,’” PCHS head baseball coach Mike Fryrear said. “I said, ‘Win?’ He goes, ‘You know what, a ring. I’m gonna miss you, Coach.’ That right there broke my heart, but it also makes me so happy to see a gentleman like this move on.”

PREP SCOREBOARD

BOYS BASKETBALL

GIRLS BASKETBALL

BOYS SOCCER

GIRLS SOCCER

DEC. 9

DEC. 11

Durant 66, Alonso 57 Plant City 78, Steinbrenner 62 Freedom 72, Strawberry Crest 62

Durant 66, Alonso 62 Steinbrenner 65, Plant City 28

Durant 0, Lennard 0 Plant City 3, Sumner 1 Strawberry Crest 3, Middleton 0

Durant 8, Lennard 0 Plant City 3, Sumner 0 Strawberry Crest 8, Middleton 0

DEC. 11 Durant 66, Newsome 46 Kathleen 48, Plant City 36 Armwood 74, Strawberry Crest 68

DEC. 11 Durant 34, Newsome 32 DEC. 15 Durant TK, Plant City TK

DEC. 14 Plant City 1, Durant 0 DEC. 15 Strawberry Crest 2, Tampa Bay Tech 0

DEC. 14 Durant 2, Plant City 0

DEC. 15 Strawberry Crest 4, Tampa Bay Tech 0

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

The boys and girls teams combined to outscore the visiting Tigers teams, 11-0, on Dec. 11.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at JKline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue. Arden Swindle hasn’t been wrestling for very long, but the Strawberry Crest freshman has definitely made some strides on the mat. She picked up her first win by pinfall at the varsity level last Tuesday in the Chargers’ home opener meet against Plant. Swindle also wrestles for Top Gun Wrestling Academy.

How did it feel to get your first varsity pin? It was amazing. It feels really good. How long have you been wrestling? Two years. I started here (Top Gun Wrestling Academy). My brother, he got me into it. He told me to come to a practice and I started to love it. Photos by Justin Kline

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Arden Swindle

Tell me about that match in the Plant meet last week. You won in less than a minute? Yeah, I just went in and really wanted to win in front of everybody. I know it was under a minute, maybe around 40 seconds. The double leg takedown, he got out of it and I went for a cradle thing. Then I went to pin him after that.

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The Strawberry Crest Chargers’ senior night soccer games couldn’t have gone any better for the hosting Chargers teams, which combined to shut out Middleton’s teams 11-0. First up were the girls, who ended their game at 8-0 with just under 25 minutes left in the second half on a Skylee Jones goal. Six different Chargers (Raegan Monroe, Nimisha Sarkar, Stephanie Briseno, Isamara Flores-Hernandez, Kathlyn Yang and Kali Vician) recorded assists and it was an especially productive game for Vician and Ezra Carpenter. Vician scored four goals and Carpenter netted a hat trick of her own to keep the Chargers in control. Six of the team’s eight goals came in the first half and Vician and Jones scored less than a minute apart from each other in the second half to put the game away. Next up were the boys, who picked up a 3-0 win over the Tigers in the 8 p.m. game with two goals in the first half and one in the second. As with the girls’ game, all of the goals were scored by three Chargers (Andrew Contreras, Brendan Brown and Moes Bouazizi). With the Dec. 11 wins, both teams remained undefeated in 2020 as the girls improved to 7-0 and the boys to 6-0-1 (with a 2-2 tie at Freedom on Dec. 4). Both visited Tampa Bay Tech on Tuesday and won by final scores of 2-0 (boys) and 4-0 (girls). The Chargers will visit Robinson tonight in their last game before the winter break. The girls kick off at 6 p.m. and the boys at 8 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

SPONSORED BY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

CREST SOCCER ROLLS MIDDLETON ON SENIOR NIGHT

What was it about wrestling that made you love the sport and stick with it? Definitely the work ethic. What is your proudest moment on the mat so far? Probably qualifying for Super 32. I didn’t get to go because I got hurt, but it was probably my best.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned that’s helped you on the mat? To just go out and do my best, work hard even though the guys are bigger and have more muscle. Coach Blake (Olson) tells me to work on my technique and speed a lot. What are your goals for the season? Win districts and wrestle at girls states. I don’t want to do guys states. Which wrestling style is your favorite? I’ve been doing folkstyle mostly. I haven’t done freestyle a lot, but freestyle is more fun to me. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start wrestling? Just to stick with it because it’s hard at first and nobody ever gets it at first. Stick with it and then they’ll get it. Do you play any other sports? I did play flag football for my middle school, but now I just do wrestling.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

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YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR AROUND TOWN

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We asked Facebook: What is your favorite Christmas movie? “A Christmas Story” — Suzanne Torres

“George C. Scott’s Christmas Carol.” — Meg Scott

“Die Hard” — Tiffany Jones

“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” — Donna Varano

“Back to the Future” — Edwin Alexander Mejia “Annabelle’s Wish” — Dana Polk Deliguori “Toss up between Christmas Vacation — me now — and A Christmas Story — me as a kid.” — John Parker “The Grinch” — Arienne Plyler Middlebrooks “Elf” — Emma-Louise Hall “White Christmas” — Paul McMichen “Hidden Figures” — Jerri Faulk

“Muppets Christmas Carol” — Bryan Mattair “Home Alone” — Catrina Scott “Love Actually” — Carol Ann Ferreira “It’s a Wonderful Life” — Brenda Gonzalez Owens “Polar Express” — Dawn Bullard “The Family Stone” — Linda King Laffey “Four Christmases” — Sheri Flanagin

iStock photo

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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Deb Chewning

Viola Virginia Varnadore

Rev. William “Bill” C. Wynn, 88, of Lakeland, born on August 23, 1932 in Valrico, went to be with his Lord on December 9, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Viola Virginia Varnadore, 92, of Plant City, passed away December 12, 2020. The family will receive friends from 2-3pm, Thursday, December 17, 2020, Tampa Freewill Baptist Church, 11605 E. U.S. Hwy. 92, Seffner, with services to follow at 3pm. If desired, the family asks that donations be made in Viola’s memory to Seffner Christian Academy. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Alice Inez Benton Alice Inez Benton, 93, of Plant City, born on December 6, 1926 in Elba, Alabama, entered into eternal rest on December 4, 2020. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Jahmir Elijah and Jabari Emon Brown Baby twins, Jahmir Elijah Brown and Jabari Emon Brown, born December 1, 2020 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on December 3, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Peggy Yarbrough

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

Daisy Heredia Daisy Heredia, 63, of Plant City, passed away December 11, 2020. The family will receive friends Tuesday, December 22, 2020 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Haught Funeral Home, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. A Funeral Mass will follow at 4:00 PM. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

Ruth Ann (Patterson) Lumpkin

Ruth Ann (Patterson) Lumpkin went to be with her Lord and savior on December 8, 2020 peacefully at 9:54 am at William A. Romnosky, 65, of her home in Hudson at Plant City, born on October HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM 89 years of age. 23, 1955 in Buffalo, New York, She was born to entered into eternal rest on Daniel and Florence December 11, 2020. Lillie Belle (Connor) Patterson Expressions of condolence HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Hatley June 27, 1931 in Frankat HopewellFuneral.com. lin, Indiana. Lillie Belle Hatley, 95, of She was preceded in Plant City, passed away Robert ‘Buddy’ death by her parents, on Thursday, December Whaley brother, sister, son, & 10, 2020. Lillie was born grandson. August 5, 1925 in White Robert “Buddy” Whaley, 61, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM She is survived Springs. of Plant City, passed away we’re dedicated to helping families create a W E ’ R E P R O U D TO S E RV E our community Brian Guzman by daughters: Helen Fond memories and on November 29, 2020. unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. celebrates the of life itsympathy represents. your DignitySurvived Memorial professionals,expressions (Mark) Townsend of private. Brian Guzman, 25, of Plant City, Services As > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Rapid City, SD, Lana may be shared at www. by a loving family. passed away on December 11, > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance Porter (Bill Cameron) WellsMemorial.com for Online condolences may 2020. The family will receive R of Hudson, FL, son: the Hatley family. be left for the family at friends Saturday, December Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry Festival. Howard (Marciel) Bean 19, 2020 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 haught.care. of Roxas City, PhilipPM at Haught Funeral Home, pines, 15 grandchildren, 708 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant 27 great-grandchildren City, FL 33563. Masks will be HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM WELLSMEMORIAL.COM required.

William A. Romnosky

Taking care of each other is what

community

is all about.

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

Peggy Yarbrough, 76, of Plant City, born November 15, 1944 in Forsyth, Georgia, entered into eternal rest December 14, 2020. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

Wells MeMorial & event Center PlanT CiTy

813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

10/27/15 10:42 AM

ALL OBITUARIES ARE SUBMITTED AND EDITED BY FAMILIES OR FUNERAL HOMES

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

and 5 greatgreat-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cat of 14 years Kleo. She was known to many as Pat. She never knew a stranger and would help anyone in need. She was a healthcare worker most of her working life. She enjoyed country music, word finds and reading the Bible. She was extremely talented artistically and could draw and paint anything. She spent her remaining days enjoying talking with her first cousin Mary Alice Roberts of Nineveh, IN, second cousin Shirley Kay Roberts of Whiteland, IN and niece Terry Roberson of Indianapolis, IN. In lieu of flowers the family ask you donate to a favorite animal charity as Ruth was a big animal lover. The family will have a celebration of life at a later time.

OBITUARIES

Deb Chewning, 69, of Bowling Green, born in Plant City on April 10, 1951, entered into eternal rest on December 6, 2020. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

William ‘Bill’ C. Wynn

YOUR CALENDAR

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

BEST BET SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 Strawberry Classic Cruise-In 3 to 8 p.m. at 102 N. Palmer St. The Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is back this Saturday, rain or shine. Cars and trucks manufactured in or before 1995 can register for free starting at 3 p.m. Live music by DJ John Paul Gasca.

ONGOING THE WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS & SANTA’S VILLAGE

The fifth annual Wonderland of Lights event opened Nov. 26 and will offer attendees a non-contact, drive-through experience every week until Dec. 27. The light show is the main attraction from Monday through Wednesday. From Thursday through Sunday, attendees can also hang out at Santa’s Village to see Santa Claus himself. Also on the schedule are several family-friendly acts like Nerdy Noah’s Comedy Show (Dec. 10-13) and the duo of Dennis Lee and Stephanie Ann (Dec. 24-27). Tickets are $15 per car Monday through Wednesday and $25 per car Thursday through Sunday. For more information about the event, visit thewonderlandoflights.com.

SLABACH & CO. WINTER WONDERLAND

5 to 8 p.m. Slabach & Co. Farmers Market, 110 E. Keysville Road, is kicking off its Winter Wonderland festivities. Visit the market on the following days for food, music and fun: Dec. 17-19, Jan. 1-2 and Jan. 8-9.

THE LIGHT OF CHRISTMAS

6 to 10 p.m. Join First Baptist Church of Plant City, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway, this Christmas season for something new and unique. The Light of Christmas is a 30-minute drive-in light show featuring Christmas songs old and new, a story of hope,

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17

face masks are required for this event. Questions regarding the performance or the band program may be directed to pchsraiderregiment@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

and thousands of programmed Christmas lights. Ongoing through Jan. 6.

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. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook. com/PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information.

BATON TWIRLING CLASSES

Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813626-4554.

PCHS WINTER CONCERT

7 p.m. at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. The Plant City High School Concert Band and Chorus will present their annual Winter Concert. The outdoor concert will be held in the west parking lot near the Auditorium at Plant City High School. Admission is free and open to the public. Spectators will need to bring a chair and

RETRO MOVIE NIGHT

7 to 8:30 p.m. Visit Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for Retro Movie Night. Bring the family, grab a treat from downstairs, relax and watch a new movie selection each month. This month’s feature is the Tim Burton classic The Nightmare Before Christmas.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19 SANTA SLED FEST

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center, 302 S. Maryland Ave. The 30th annual Santa Sled Fest, presented by Plant City Black Heritage and Des’Aimes Social Club, will give more than 200 families of children age 5-12 free groceries, turkeys, clothes, bicycles and toys along with a family-friendly day of fun. All families who wish to participate must fill out an application and must pre-register on-site with ID up to an hour before the start time on Dec. 19. Face masks are required and social distancing will be mandated. This year’s event is also sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Plant City, the City of Plant City, Star Distribution Systems, Global Sports Alliance Florida, Evangelical Deliverance Church and C&S Wholesale Grocers. Applications

can be obtained from the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center or the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. For more information, call Sharon Moody at 813-453-7134, Dorothy Smith at 813-255-2694 or Tanger Castillo at 386-6752039.

VALLEY’S END

7 to 8:30 p.m. Visit the loft at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., for an annual Krazy Kup tradition and enjoy an evening of worship and Christmas music with Valley's End. Bring the family and sit back and enjoy an evening you won't want to miss. A love offering will be collected.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23 FREE ASSISTANCE FOR MILITARY VETERANS

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Federal, state and local opportunities are constantly changing. If you’ve served any time in the military, retired or non-retention, and would like to review your benefits, please take advantage of free assistance at the Bing House Museum, 205 Allen St., every Wednesday. Walk-ins welcomed or call 813704-5800 to set a specific time. Masks are required and temperatures will be taken at the door.

ter way to start your Thursday mornings. Bring a chair and a mask. The Toastmasters also offer Zoom meetings for those who can’t make it in person. Visit the Facebook page, facebook. com/PlantCityToastmasters/, for meeting locations and information. BATON TWIRLING CLASSES Plant City Recreation presents Baton Twirling Classes at the Planteen Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. Classes are held every Thursday. Beginner classes are from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and Intermediate classes are from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Your first class will be free. If you have any questions or would like more information, contact Barbara Patrick at 813626-4554. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26 SEED LIBRARY OPEN AT PCC COMMUNITY GARDEN 9 a.m. Choose or donate heirloom seeds at the Seed Library in the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. This helps keep diversity in the local food system. The library is open on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month. Call (813) 435-8111 for more information.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24 PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS 7:30 to 9 a.m. Join the Plant City Toastmasters for breakfast, laughs, and fun; there's no bet-

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FORECAST

Send your photo submissions to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com or hashtag #iloveplantcity on Instagram for @igersplantcity to feature.

THURSDAY, DEC. 17 High: 65 Low: 40 Chance of rain: 10%

FRIDAY, DEC. 18 High: 62 Low: 44 Chance of rain: 5%

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Dec. 17

7:13a

5:36p

Friday, Dec. 18

7:14a

5:36p

Saturday, Dec. 19

7:14a

5:36p

Sunday, Dec. 20

7:15a

5:37p

Monday, Dec. 21

7:15a

5:37p

Tuesday, Dec. 22

7:16a

5:38p

Wednesday, Dec. 23

7:16a

5:38p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, DEC. 19 High: 72 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, DEC. 20 High: 74 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 10%

TOMATOES Kathy Flemister calls this photo, taken on Cameron Road, “Strawberry Fields Forever.”

ONLINE

Shipping point: Central Florida $21.95

Across 1 Island top 11 Beaver young 15 Dreamer of Greek myth 16 Short race, briefly 17 Celebrated 1981 bride 18 Kyrgyzstan range 19 Italian sonnet closing 20 One may be mounted close to a grille 22 Never encountered before 25 Sleeper’s path 26 Didn’t lose at all 30 Athlete’s best effort 32 “Breaking Bad” org. 33 City on the Arno 34 Hardly the best smoke

35 Filing aid 36 Item on many a diner check 38 Jazz piano style 40 Greek letter 41 White water 45 Early philosophical hot spot 46 Columbo, for one: Abbr. 47 Point of view 48 Sidestep 49 Formal wear 51 One way to think 53 Experiment with Zener cards 55 Tree with green-skinned fruit 60 Opposite of bueno

61 United Nations goal 64 King Harald’s father 65 Obsolescent media 66 Flier over Hawaii 67 Island bottom Down 1 Jungfrau setting 2 Stuff of legends 3 Name you might see while listening to Muzak 4 Follow the game? 5 Trip up 6 Address 7 Dines on 8 Part of TGIF 9 Sign of trouble 10 Beaux Arts __: longtime

chamber music group 11 Arboreal marsupial 12 Countertop option 13 Captain, say 14 Stops pumping momentarily? 21 Receive with a shake, maybe 23 Brewery fixture 24 Narcissist’s issue 26 One flying without a plane? 27 January clearance 28 Where there’s a will, usually 29 Equal footing 31 Hit opposite 34 Bean of “Game of Thrones” 37 Make room on a drive 39 Gun in neutral 42 Org. that runs the FedEx Cup Playoffs 43 Misfortune 44 __ volente 48 Makes adjustments 50 Hot spot 52 Beehives, e.g. 54 Promotional handouts 56 Watered down 57 Longtime MLB star Big __ 58 HP rival 59 Old U.S. region? 62 Nutritional abbr. 63 Fleur-de-__

Jan. 12 New

Dec. 19 First

Dec. 29 Full

Jan. 8 Last

RAINFALL Monday, Dec. 7

0.29

Tuesday, Dec. 8 0.00 Wednesday, Dec. 9

0.00

Thursday, Dec. 10 0.00 Friday, Dec. 11

0.00

Saturday, Dec. 12 0.02 Sunday, Dec. 13

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

MONTH TO DATE:

2020 59.38 in.

2020 0.55 in.

2019 40.22 in.

2019 0.39 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

when treating a heart attack or stroke, time is of the essence. even during these times.

Don’t hesitate when it comes to getting emergency treatment. Even during a pandemic, you still need to be treated immediately if you have an emergency. Debating whether or not to risk going to an emergency room during a heart attack, stroke or other health emergency—waiting even a few extra minutes—could be harmful. That’s why in

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all BayCare hospital emergency rooms, patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 are screened and treated in a separate area. This helps keep emergency room patients and our team members safe. So if it’s an emergency, don’t wait. For more information: BayCareEmergencyCare.org