9.9.21 PLCO by Plant City Observer

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FREE • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

VOLUME 6, NO. 161

. YO UR NEWS PAP ER . FORMER POST OFFICE, TAX EXEMPTIONS AND CODE CHANGES ALL PLANNED FOR NEXT COMMISSION Several public hearings will be held next week, including one that will focus on the development agreement between the city and Plant City Development Group, LLC regarding the site of the former Post Office on Reynolds Street.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The public will get a glimpse at the development agreement drafted by the city for the former U.S. Post Office property on Reynolds Street Monday during a public hearing held at the next city commission meeting. Plant City Development Group, LLC has presented its intention to transform the property into

a multi-purpose building with limited retail on the bottom, several floors of apartments and potentially a rooftop feature. Following the group’s presentation to commissioners on Aug. 9, City Manager Bill McDaniel negotiated with the company and will present the development agreement Monday to the commission. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

BIKING

FOR A CAUSE A Plant Citian is biking 1,000 miles this month to raise money for children’s cancer research. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Once again James Fuller is committing to a rigorous biking goal to raise money for children’s cancer research. Last year the 81-year-old rode laps throughout Walden Lake — where he and his wife Julia live — and nearby bike trails and raised $2,815 for the research. He rode 952 miles in September 2020 and decided this year he would up the ante and commit to riding 1,000 miles in one month. “Recently I’ve known someone who went to St. Jude (Children’s Research Hospital) and had to have treatments,” Fuller said. “He was in the ninth grade I think to start with and after three years he went into remission. Well I knew all about St. Jude and really it’s just so amazing what they do there. I wasn’t aware of all the research until I got involved with the Great Cycle Challenge. This is such a good cause and I’m really honored to be a part of it.” Essentially people can donate to Fuller’s goal of riding 1,000 miles in one month and then track his progress via the Great Cycle Challenge website. Residents of Walden Lake have undoubtedly witnessed Fuller cruising around the trails on his bike as he uses the network of paths to not only stay in shape, but work toward his fundraising goal.

Every two minutes a child is diagnosed with cancer worldwide and Fuller said children should be “living life, not fighting for it.” He hopes that his participation in the Great Cycle Challenge will help not only raise funds for the cause, but will also spread awareness of the issue to the community. “It’s something I hope more people learn about and feel called to donate and support this cause in any way they can,” Fuller said. “Anything to help the little children that have cancer. It’s bad to see anyone that’s sick, but especially children who are dealing with this. It’s amazing how strong they are to stand up to all of this and go through the treatments and still stay so positive and hopeful. I just want to highlight this cause and help in whatever way I can.” You can donate directly to Fuller’s cause at greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/JamesFuller3/m. At the link you can also monitor Fuller’s progress and see how he ranks in the competition. Currently he has raised $752.16 of his $1,000 goal. Fuller will be collecting donations until the end of September. The Great Cycle Challenge website features stories from children that have directly benefited from this organization including Cash —a five-year-old sports junkie who was diagnosed with leukemia at three years old — and four-year-old Harriet, who has been battling leukemia since Aug. 2019. You can also learn more about the challenge and how donations are used at greatcyclechallenge.com.

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

NEWS BRIEFS

Travis Manion Foundation to host 14th annual 9/11 Heroes Run 5K in Lithia The Travis Manion Foundation, one of the nation’s leading veteran service organizations , will host their 14th annual Lithia 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race on September 11th at 8 a.m. Starting at Park Square Plaza in Fish Hawk Ranch, 16144 Churchview Dr, Lithia, the annual race aims to unite the community in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the Sep. 11 attacks and honor the lives lost on that day and in the wars since, along with veterans, military and first responders. The 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 50 locations across the country and around the world. Registration is now open for those who wish to participate and the series is expected to draw over 60,000 participant worldwide. “The 20th anniversary of the September 11th attacks is an opportunity to reflect,” TMF President Ryan Manion said. “We reflect on the civilians and first responders

we lost that day, and all those lost in the wars since, including my brother. Especially at this time in our nation’s history, it’s important that we come together to remember what connects us as Americans and rediscover the strength of our character. It has never been more important to let those who have sacrificed so much in the last two decades know that we are here for them. This is what the 9/11 Heroes Run race series is all about.”

Plant City Photo Archives & History Center to celebrate Constitution Day In honor of Constitution Day, the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center will donate copies of pocket book The U.S. Constitution, And Fascinating Facts About It to all visitors who stop in prior to Thursday, Sep. 16. The small 96-page book contains information on the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation (and America’s first president), and the Supreme Court and landmark cases.

The Photo Archives & History Center, located at 106 S. Evers St. in downtown Plant City, is open from 10:15 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information, email info@ plantcityphotoarchives.org or call 813-7541578.

Southeastern Grocers honors 9/11 anniversary with 20 percent discount for first responders Southeastern Grocers Inc. (SEG), parent company and home of Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, is honoring the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a special discount for first responders and welcoming local communities to join the grocer in remembrance of the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives on that tragic day. In commemoration of the tragedies that occured 20 years ago, all stores will pay tribute to local first responders with an exclusive 20 percent off the total grocery purchase for firefighters, police officers, EMTs, paramedics and emergency dis-

patchers who shop on Saturday, Sep. 11 with their Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket or Winn-Dixie Rewards account. Additionally, all SEG stores will observe four moments of silence the morning of Sept. 11 to correspond with each pivotal minute on that day when the world and so many lives were changed two decades ago. Each store will pause in remembrance beginning at 8:46 a.m., then 9:03 a.m., 9:37 a.m. and 10:03 a.m. “At Southeastern Grocers, we remember this monumental day in history by honoring the courageous heroes that selflessly served our communities on that day that changed our lives forever and by recognizing our heroes who continue to serve on the front lines every day,” President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers Anthony Hucker said. “We acknowledge the brave individuals who stand up when their neighbor is faced with danger, and we hope this act of gratitude will empower our associates, customers and others to spread kindness in honor of the 9/11 heroes and all those we lost 20 years ago. On this solemn day of remembrance, it’s more important now than ever that we stand in unity. We are stronger together.”

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

SPRINGHEAD TEACHERS UNITE TO BRING BOOKS INTO STUDENTS’ HOMES A Springhead Elementary school teacher has launched a free lending library project that has now brought three libraries into communities around Plant City full of local students.

Courtesy of Kimberly Preziosi

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A new project spearheaded by a teacher from Springhead Elementary is bringing the love of reading into students’ backyards. Kimberly Preziosi has been a teacher with Hillsborough County for more than 20 years and taught for four years in Tokyo in an international school. At Springhead she taught English Language Arts for fourth grade students, though she’s taking this year off. She said that while teaching remotely during the pandemic she was shocked to realize how many of her students were learning from home, but didn’t have access to reading books. So she decided to change that. “I guess it surprised me because when I’m in their classroom I can add books to their book bags and send them home with them,” Preziosi said. “We know that public libraries were closed or operating differently so my husband (Mark) and I thought, ‘Why don’t we bring the libraries to these students?’ He’s very crafty so he went out to the garage and built a little library and I started to work on getting donations.”

Her fellow teachers and faculty stepped up to the plate and in June the first library was erected and filled at Happy Homes, where more than 40 students from Springhead live. Soon a second library was built and put at Parkwood Estates, where two buses filled with children, approximately 75 to 100 Springhead students, live. Just last weekend Preziosi installed a third library at Briarwood Trailer Park, another location Springhead students call home. Preziosi goes multiple times a week to update the libraries and make sure they’re still filled with appropriate books for the students. She said that research has proven time and again that students who read at home perform better in school. However, she said it also opens up their imagination and inspires students to dream. They can open a book and go into the future, go into the past, go into a world completely different from the one we live in now. And importantly, Preziosi said it teaches empathy, a characteristic she feels can change lives. Michelle McClellan, principal at Springhead Elementary, said Preziosi has long been an advocate for literacy at the school. When she reached out to faculty and staff

they didn’t hesitate to fill bins with books ranging in reading levels for their students. “This is such a community school,” McClellan said. “We have so many families that have gone here for generations, our staff, our faculty, we all look at each other as one big community and I was thrilled to hear about how much everyone stepped up to help. Our students’ needs are first whether that’s food, books, clothes, whatever they need we do our best to help.” Counselor Amanda Brennan agreed and said there is a closet at the school where many of the staff donate clothes, shoes, hygiene products and then gift them to students as needed. When the call came for books Brennan immediately began collecting them so that their students could have access to books in their own homes. Jenna Benchikh, migrant advocate at Springhead, played a key role — along with Brennan — in identifying locations for Preziosi to place the libraries and has taught the students as they board the bus on how to use the lending libraries. Benchikh said the students know to reach out and let them know if there’s a book they want or can’t get in the classroom and they’ll do their best to add them.

“Hopefully this develops a love of reading for these students,” Benchikh said. “I know a lot of our families don’t have easy access to the public library. Some of our parents our working long hours so getting to the library just isn’t always doable. This offers a unique opportunity. There’s everything from board books to bilingual books. We’re always encouraging our families to get involved. Even if the parents don’t speak English they’ll do wonders reading with their children. Teach them how to read in any language and you’re teaching such an important skill. Now these families have that option and I just really think it’s going to open a new world for these students and take them to a place maybe they could never imagine or dream of going.” Preziosi said she is looking for Sunshine State Young Reader Award Books as well as books in a series like the Junie B. Jones, Judy Moody and Diary of Wimpy Kid collections. Anyone who would like to donate new books to the ever growing project can do so by labeling the books as being intended for the library and dropping them off at Springhead Elementary’s front office, 3208 Nesmith Rd.

COPS CORNER

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

PLANT CITY

This week in Cops Corner: Plant

Observer

City Police investigate a counterfeit bill, shots fired through a window and a punctured tire.

Publisher / Karen Berry KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Writer / Taylor Jenkins tjenkins@plantcityobserver.com istock

AUG. 27 WINDOW PAINS 1900 block of E. Alabama St. Shooting into unoccupied dwelling: Officers responded to the listed location in reference to bullet holes in the bedroom windows that had been discovered by the residents.

AUG. 28

OPEN DOOR POLICY

CAUGHT STEALING

600 block of E. Alexander St. Vehicle burglary: Officers made contact with a victim who alerted them that an unknown suspect entered his vehicle, stealing his wallet which included his driver’s license and other personal items.

2600 block of James L. Redman Pkwy. Felony petit theft: Officers responded to the business at the location in reference to a theft. The suspect was placed under arrest for petit theft and was transported to Orient Road Jail without incident.

AUG. 29

AUG. 31

HOUSE CALL

IT’S NOT DELIVERY, IT’S FRAUD 300 block of S. Frontage Rd. Fraud: Offices responded to the location in reference to a local pizza store employee who had received a counterfeit $100 bill for payment.

2800 block of Blain Acres Rd. Warrant arrest: Officers responded to the resident in reference to a disturbance. Upon arrival, contact was made with the suspect who had an active Hillsborough County warrant for contempt of court. The suspect was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail.

TIRE FIRE 1800 block of Camp Court Criminal mischief: Officers met with the victim who advised officers that he witnessed his exgirlfriend puncture his vehicle tire with an unknown object, causing the vehicle’s tire to lose air. It was unknown whether the puncture

was repairable and the value of the tire was $500. The victim wanted the incident documented but signed a waiver of prosecution.

SEPT. 2

Staff Writer / Breanne Williams BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Juan Alvarez Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

TO ADVERTISE Call (813) 704-6850

TOOL TIME 600 block of Charlie Taylor Rd. Grand theft: Officers responded to a construction site at the listed location where they were alerted that an unknown suspect had removed several pieces of unsecured equipment.

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

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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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

PUBLIC HEARINGS TACKLE PROJECT UPDATES, CODE CHANGES AND MORE The public is invited to City Hall Monday evening for the next city commission meeting, which will focus on several public hearings.

8/19/21 Keiser - Lakeland

FROM PAGE 1 STAFF WRITER

The agreement says Plant City Development Group will propose a development plan to commissioners and if approved by the commission the city and the developer will enter into a real estate purchase agreement for the property. The property will be sold for $400,000 and “if the Developer is not in default of the Development Agreement, the City shall return the purchase price of $400,000.00 without interest to Developer upon substantial completion of the development of the Property in accordance with the Development Plan,” according to the City of Plant City. The public hearing will be Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. The same evening the city will also hold a public hearing on amending Chapter 102 of the city code regarding residential driveway standards. The text in question will “amend the requirements for residential driveway spacing to allow for more variety in lot layout and design within residential subdivisions.” The changes include: - Altering the minimum driveway spacing from the edge of the property line from eight feet to fi e feet - Removing the requirement for residential driveways to be a minimum of 60 feet center line to center line. - Removing the requirement for residential driveways to be a minimum of 50 feet from the edge of the nearest right of way. None of the reviewing departments or agencies had objections to the amend-

Plant City Observer 5x6 DL 7/22/21

ments. The Planning Board found the proposed changes to be consistent with the Imagine 2040: Plant City Comprehensive Plan in a 4-0 vote on July 28. City Furniture, Inc. will also have a public hearing Monday as it seeks to obtain an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption from the city. This tax exemption can be granted to qualifying new businesses and expansions of qualifying existing businesses. On Nov. 3, 2020 Plant City voters approved the referendum and on Dec. 14, 2020 the city commission enacted an ordinance for the granting of such exemption. City Furniture has told the city it will employ at least 50 or more full-time equivalent employees in office jobs and “will make a Capital Investment greater than $5,000,000 in such new business prior to the commencement of any exemption granted under the program.” The proposed ordinance allows for Tier One benefi s of 27 percent of the assessed value of all new qualifying improvements and 13 percent of all qualifying Tangible Personal Property for fi e years as long as the business meets all of the requirements. The public hearing will be Monday and the agreement will be on the agenda for consideration of approval immediately once the ordinance is adopted. The report said it is anticipated the added improvements will take place on or after the 2023 tax year. The exemption would remain in effect for fi e years from the year that the added improvements are to be made.

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

SPORTS

DURANT POWERS PAST LENNARD, 49-12

ScoreBoard FOOTBALL

Friday, Sept. 3

The Cougars moved to 2-0 on the season with a big win over Lennard last Friday night TAYLOR JENKINS SPORTS WRITER

Durant: 49 Lennard: 12 Plant City: 21 Jefferson: 0 East Bay: 35 Strawberry Crest: 7

VOLLEYBALL

Thursday, Sept. 2 Brandon: 0 Durant: 3 Bloomingdale: 1 Plant City: 3 Strawberry Crest: 3 Armwood 1

After pulling away in the fourth quarter for a 22-6 win over Sumter last week, Durant scored early and often as they powered past Lennard in a huge 49-12 victory over the Longhorns on Friday night. Lennard received the opening kickoff and flew down the field with a deep pass down the right sideline to Ha’keem Monroe. Then with a goal-togo opportunity early, Durant’s defense stood tall and forced the Longhorns to deploy their field goal unit on fourth down. With some trickery early, Lennard rolled out of the field goal formation and fired a pass to the back corner of the end zone but couldn’t convert and turned the ball over on downs. Durant took over inside of their own 10-yard line but gained just one first down before punting back to Lennard on their first drive of the night. Once again Lennard was on the move, this time converting what seemed like an endless number of third

downs en route to another scoring chance from Durant’s eight-yard line. On third and goal quarterback Gavin Henley connected with Monroe again, this time for six. The extra point was blocked and Lennard held a 6-0 lead, but it wouldn’t last long. On the ensuing drive, the tandem of quarterback Marcus Migele and running back Calub Connell put together a number of strong runs that ultimately resulted in a one-yard touchdown from Connell, his first of multiple scores on the evening. Connell was a quarterback on Durant’s junior varsity team last year and was originally written in as a safety on their varsity defense this year, however he has been a huge part of the Cougars’ offense through two weeks in place of projected starting running back Alex Daley who remains out with an injury. Through two weeks, Connell has totaled 279 rushing yards and four touchdowns, with 17 carries going for 124 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Longhorns. “I’m just so proud of the way that they’re all playing,”

head coach Claybo Varnum said. “The way Calub is playing, the way Marcus is running the football, everybody is being real selfless right now and giving me everything that they’ve got. We’re a little light, we’ve only got about 40 guys, but every day they show up and they’re getting after it so I’m proud of them.” Varnum said that Durant hopes to have Daley back on the field next week, pointing to the thunder and lightning approach that the Cougars’ could soon have in their backfield rotation between Daley and Connell. Lennard struggled fielding the following kickoff and were forced to start their third drive backed up near their own goal line. The Durant front seven broke through and defensive end Leo Tabakovich forced the Longhorns into an intentional grounding penalty from their end zone, resulting in a safety and a 9-6 lead for the Cougars. Henley was injured on the play and Tyler Russell took over the quarterback position for the remainder of the game for Lennard.

From that point forward the scales began to tip heavily in Durant’s favor. Wide receiver Jeremiah Gines returned the safety kick across midfield, Connell broke free for a big gain to around the Lennard 30-yard line and Miguele then escaped the pocket and took off for a long touchdown run with less than a minute remaining in the half, putting the Cougars up 22-6. Lennard had a chance to answer back but were immediately moved backward with a strip sack from Tabakovich, recovered by the Longhorns. On the next play Tabakovich got to Monroe again with a big hit, leading to an errant pass that was intercepted by safety Luther Scarlett — the first of two picks on the night for the sophomore defensive back. As noted by the aforementioned plays, Tabakovic was a force up front for Durant on Friday night, finishing second on the team with eight total tackles — trailing just senior linebacker Jacob Reed with 11 — on top of two sacks and three tackles for loss. See full story online at plantcityobserver.com

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

AUGUST 2021 REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS Local August 2021 sales and trend information courtesy of The Crawford Group.

What determines the Real Estate Market? We all know of the supply and demand models, less supply typically relates to higher demand and higher price points, but the market has many facets which contribute to market value. Let’s consider the different age profil s: Baby Boomers are reaching their retirement years and are typically downsizing, Gen Xer’s are seeing career moves, extended families are looking to upsize their current location and the Millennials are just starting the home buying process. All of which may be competing for the same property for different reasons. What about risk variables, each day we hear something new on Covid variants and how it may change our workplace and job security. We see inflatio ary concerns, higher energy and food costs reducing the amount of funds leftover for the bigger purchases. Although the mortgage rates are at all time lows, how does the Federal Reserves’ statements on tapering affect what the mortgage rates will be in

three, six, 12 months from now? These are just a few of the many facets that affect the supply and demand models. The month of August shows a slight decline in (average sold price per square foot) for the second month in a row for Plant City’s Real Estate market. The area had 117 homes closed, 133 homes under contract and only 78 homes available to purchase. We are still in a seller’s market, but the month over month price increases have leveled off or the time being. To gain a more equitable equilibrium in the supply/demand model, the inventory supply would need to increase to about three month’s supply, or about 300 homes. I don’t foresee this happening in the next 12-18 months. This month’s average selling price was $301,982 compared to $316,108 last month, the 4.5 percent price decrease over prior month. The average days to contract have increased slightly to 11.7 days in August, but still below the year to date average of 17.65 days.

The market is still much in the seller’s favor. Last year the market area increased 9.7 percent in value and year to date 2021 the value has increased 15.5 percent. We are going into a slower selling season with all the upcoming holidays through the end of the year but maintain we will finish the year up 18-19 percent in value. If you’re in the market to buy or sell a property your main concern should be to team up with a seasoned real estate professional and let them assist you in navigating through this entire process. SALES SNAPSHOT The following properties were

a sample listed as sold on the Greater Tampa Realtors Association MLS in Aug. 2021.

The home at 3816 LONE OAK RD sold Aug 17 for $125,000. Built in 1935, it has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and 1040 square feet of living area. The home at 816 DRANE ST NW sold Aug 23 for $192,000. Built in 1947, it has 4 bedrooms,

3 bath and 2064 square feet of living area. The home at 2211 PRESERVATION DR sold Aug 19 for $205,000. Built in 1992 it has 2 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1488 square feet of living area. The home at 3436 TRAP-

NELL RIDGE DR sold Aug 31 for $230,000. Built in 2006, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 1491 square feet of living area.

The home at 3402 BERRY BLOSSOM LN sold Aug 13 for $250,000. Built in 2006, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1620 square feet of living area. The home at 1412 SANDALWOOD DR sold Aug 24 for $290,000. Built in 1980, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 bath and 2137 square feet of living area. The home at 3810 KIRKLAND RD sold Aug 3 for $320,000. Built in 1980, it has 2 bedrooms, 2 baths and 1305 square feet of living area.

The home at 4323 KIPLING AVE sold Aug 11 for $350,000. Built in 1988, it has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 1592 square feet of living area. The home 2809 HAMMOCK DR sold Aug 12 for $375,000. Built in 1985, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2201 square feet of living area. The home at 1742 BROOK-

STONE WAY sold Aug 13 for $400,000. Built in 2001, it has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2157 square feet of living area.

The home at 2808 CLUBHOUSE DR sold Aug 6 for $449,900. Built in 1993, it has 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2535 square feet of living area. The home at 1602 DEER HERD AVE sold Aug 6 for $545,000. Built in 2006, it has 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and 2646 square feet of living area.

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PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

PlantCityObserver.com

YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR We asked Plant City: What is

a fun event that you would like to see the city of Plant City host and why? “Downtown street dances similar to Brevard, NC. It’s great for all ages. Our teens loved it. Restaurants and stores stayed open.” - Peggy-Scott Poe “I would love to have a farmers market with like a small animal thing for the kids to pet.” - Chassie Alford “Since there was a Harry Potter event, what about a Jurassic Park/World event?” Kathryn McDaniel

“I think a fall concert series at the Strawberry Festival grounds would be awesome. Like four Saturday nights in Nov/Dec. The stadium could use more use.” - Gary Miller “I’d love to see a farmers market in downtown on Saturday mornings” - Susan Fairchild Gray

OBITUARIES

AROUND TOWN

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Joan ‘Joni’ Goff

Kevin Guy

Joan “Joni” Goff, 73, of Plant City, Fla., born on Feb. 24, 1948, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 27, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

Kevin Guy, 50, of Brandon, Fla., born on July 13, 1971 in Germany, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 27, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Charlton Ross Lester Charlton Ross Lester, Jr., 74, of Plant City, Fla., born in Tampa on March 31, 1947, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 26, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Pastor Jose ‘Quique’ Perez Pastor Jose “Quique” Perez, 68, of Brandon, Fla., born April 15, 1953 in Canovanas, Puerto Rico, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 29, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Bonnie L. Pedrosa

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Rev. Alvin Newton

Bonnie L. Pedrosa, 59, of Livingston Dover, Fla., born in Bossier City, La. on Feb. 9, 1962, enRev. Alvin Newton Livingston, tered into eternal rest on Aug. THM, 91, born Feb. 12, 1930 in 31, 2021. Perry, Fla., entered into eternal Expressions of condolence rest on Aug. 31, 2021. at HopewellFuneral.com. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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Guido “Rick” Massimei, 84, of Sun City Center, Fla., born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 27, 1937, entered into eternal rest on Aug. 31, 2021. Expressions of condolence at HopewellFuneral.com.

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John Robert Sapp, Sr.

Roger Dale Green, Sr.

Roger Dale Green, Sr., 77, of Plant City, Fla., born in John Robert Sapp, Sr., 57, Montgomery, Ala. on June 13, 1944, entered into eterof Plant City, Fla., born in nal rest on Aug. 31, 2021. Lakeland on Aug. 16, 1964, He was a member of entered into eternal rest on Boilermaker Local Union Aug. 29, 2021. Expressions of condolence 433 and enjoyed fishing He is survived by wife, at HopewellFuneral.com. Gricilla Green; children, Angel Henderson (John) of Bartow, Shannon Green (Jennifer) of Plant City, and Janiese Hearndon of Vero HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM Beach; grandchildren, Brittley, Brant, Ashlyn, Brianna, Brandon, Matthew, Taylor, Ruth ‘Ruthie’ F. and Deanna; 8 great-grandHicks children; brother, Danny Downs; and many other Ruth “Ruthie” F. Hicks, family and friends. He was 73, of Plant City, Fla., born preceded in death by son, in Tampa on July 28, 1948, entered into eternal rest on R. J. Green. Expressions of condoAug. 31, 2021. Expressions of condolence lence at HopewellFuneral. com. at HopewellFuneral.com.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 2021

Mathews Flink; a loving, Mark Capron dedicated father to surviving children, Denise Flink (SherMark Capron, 52, of rie), Beth Flink Tancredo, Lakeland, Florida, born on Virgil Flink (Relo), Steven April 18, 1969, entered into Flink (Desiree), Chris Flink, eternal rest on September and Daryl Flink (Stacey); 3, 2021. and loving grandfather to Expressions of condosurviving 11 grandchildren lence at HopewellFuneral. and 6 great-grandchildren. com. He was preceded in death by parents, Paul Flink, Sr. and Sarah Rodewolt Flink; fi e brothers; and one sister. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM In lieu of fl wers, memorial may be made Patrick M. William ‘Bill’ Flink contributions to the South Florida Baptist McGriff William “Bill” Flink, 88, of Hospital Foundation at sfbhPlant City, Fla., born in Jack- foundation.org. Patrick M. McGriff, 90, Expressions of condolence went home to be with the sonville on Nov. 30, 1932, was called home on Aug. 31, at HopewellFuneral.com. Lord on September 2, 2021. He was the son of Paul 2021. Patrick was a proud Flink, Sr. and Sarah Rodeveteran of the United States wolt Flink. At the young age Air Force. Funeral services of three, his mother passed were held Sep. 7, 2021 at away. He was sent to BloomShiloh Baptist Church 905 ington, Ill. and was raised by W. Terrace Dr, Plant City, FL HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM his aunt, Mary Flink Boll. 33563. Lynn Marie At age 19, Bill joined the Online condolences can United States Navy and be made at haught.care. Mahoney served on the aircraft carriers the USS Lake ChamLynn Marie Mahoney, 61, plain, the USS Coral Sea, of Plant City, Fla., born in and the USS Bennington. Sarasota on March 20, 1960, Bill was proud of his Navy entered into eternal rest on service and of his honorable Sep. 1, 2021. discharge. He was a Master Expressions of condolence HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM Electrician and retired from at HopewellFuneral.com. civil service at the Naval Air Station Jacksonville. He was a Captain on the volunteer deputy force with the CharlHOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM ton County Sheriff’s Office. After our long relationship, this process is painful and revealing and rewarding, all at the same time. We love you everyday. He was a devoted husband of 65 years to his surviving wife, Patsy

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Jesus Guadalupe Torres

OBITUARIES

Guido ‘Rick’ Massimei

Jesus Guadalupe Torres, 19, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on Sep. 2, 2021. The family will receive friends Friday, Sep. 10, 2021 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 7 p.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

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Ronnie Lively

Ronnie Lively, 38, passed away on Aug. 29, 2021. The family will receive friends Sep. 11, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m at Landmark Baptist Church, 6021 Williams Rd, Seffne , FL 33584. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

Donnell Dudley

Donnell Dudley, age 95, of Plant City, Fla., passed away on September 3, 2021. A native of Plant City, Fla., he was the son of the late Stephen and Bessie Williams Dudley. Survivors include his children, Stephen (Dee) Dudley, Joseph Dudley, siblings, Helen Brewer, Charlotte Alderman, sister-in- law Betty Dudley, eight grandchildren, seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Gladys LaVon Brannen Dudley, siblings, Raydell Dudley and William Dudley. Jasper was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and Cork United Methodist Church, he was a Math Teacher for fifty five years at Plant City High School and Hillsborough Community College, he also worked as an Engineer at radio station WALT and later in television station at WTVT. He served in the Navy during WWII aboard the U.S.S LST-1089 as a radarman and later during the Korean War, Electronics Technician at the NRTC in Wasington D.C. The family will receive friends Friday, September 10, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

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Roy Southerland Roy Southerland, 67, passed away on Sep. 2, 2021. The family will receive friends, Thursday Sep. 9, 2021 from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at Graceway (formerly Springhead Baptist). Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m.. 3106 Wiggins Rd, Plant City, FL 33566. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.

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Andrew ‘Drew’ Rutherford III Andrew “Drew” Rutherford III, 72, of Riverview, Fla. passed away on Aug. 30, 2021. The family will receive friends September 11, 2021 from 10 to 11 a.m. at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

John Spence Crosson Jr. John Spence Crosson Jr., 74, of Thonotosassa, Fla. passed away on Aug. 29, 2021. A Memorial Service was held Sep. 4, 2021 at GracePoint Church, Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haught.care.

YOUR CALENDAR

BEST BET SEPTEMBER 11-12 CAT SHOW 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at 2301 W. Oak Ave. New Vision Cat Club will be holding their third annual Cat Show at the Strawberrry Festival’s Teco Expo Hall. The two day event will see 27 different breeds judged with several vendors also available for you to purchase gifts for your own furry friends.

THURSDAY, SEP. 9

FRIDAY, SEP. 10

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT

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.

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6 to 10 p.m. at 301 Dort St. Plant City Parks & Rec is announcing a new Parent’s Night Out program at the Planteen Recreation Center starting in September. Kids from five to 12 are invited on the second Friday of the month to join the rec center for pizza, games, crafts, a movie and snacks. The cost is $15 per child and $10 for each additional sibling. Please contact the Planteen Recreation Center early to reserve your space as sports are limited. Schedule

themes include: Sep 10: Adventureland Oct. 8: Haunted Mansion Nov. 12: Chocolate Factory Dec. 10: Home Sweet Home Holiday

WEDNESDAY, SEP. 15

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.

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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, SEPT 9 High: 86 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 47%

FRIDAY, SEPT 10 High: 86 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 56%

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Sunrise Sunset

Thursday, Sept 9

7:11a

7:40p

Friday, Sept 10

7:11a

7:38p

Saturday, Sept 11

7:12a

7:37p

Sunday, Sept 12

7:12a

7:36p

Monday, Sept 13

7:12a

7:35p

Tuesday, Sept 14

7:13a

7:34p

Wednesday, Sept 15

7:13a

7:33p

MOON PHASES

SATURDAY, SEPT 11 High: 90 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 33%

SUNDAY, SEPT 12 High: 88 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 33%

MONDAY, SEPT 13 Karen Butler took this photo of a strawberry field ff f Lone Oak Rd. in Plant City.

ONLINE

High: 89 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 39%

Across 1 Prepared, as a bed 5 Scuttlebutt 10 Col. Sanders’s chain 13 Soft palate feature that translates to “little grape” 15 Battery terminal 16 Right-angle shape 17 Where Alcatraz sits 20 Towel embroidery word 21 Like many meds 22 “A __ Day’s Night”: Beatles song 23 Disc sport popular on college campuses 28 Shakespearean fairy queen 29 Jay of late-night TV

30 Lady’s man 33 “A Room of One’s Own” author 35 Admirer 38 Give-it-a-test-run advice 42 Kiki, Sandra or Ruby 43 Brainiacs, maybe 44 Mass __: an I-90 nickname 45 Fair 46 “Dude!” 48 Storied pot-of-gold spot 56 Achy 57 What a slob makes 58 Nitrogen-based dye 59 Hiding-your-eyes parent-baby game 64 Veer off ourse

65 Vegan and Paleo regimens 66 Roadside hot dog seller 67 NBC staple for 45 years 68 Daisy variety 69 Three in a deck Down 1 __ pork: Chinese menu item 2 To no __: in vain 3 Kirsten of Spider-Man film 4 Toymaker for Santa 5 Charged 6 Mom’s brother 7 “Surely you don’t mean me?!”

8 Has too much, briefl 9 __ center 10 Skewered dish 11 Bell-bottom bottom 12 Only non-rhyming PacMan ghost 14 Roastery draw 18 Many a Mideast native 19 Very, very 24 Website for film bu s 25 Polar bear hangouts 26 Bank (on) 27 Inside scoop 30 Inc., in England 31 Underground fin 32 Pastrami holder 33 Value 34 Chicago airport code 35 “The X-Files” org. 36 Arctic seabird 37 TV’s “Science Guy” 39 Plenty, in texts 40 Gala 41 “Once __ ... “ 45 Kangaroo kid 46 Diamond bag 47 Daredevil dangers 48 TV sports awards 49 Hall of Fame pitcher Ryan 50 Southern twang 51 E, on a gauge 52 Peanut Butter Cup creator 53 Storybook elephant 54 Layer with a hole 55 “Toy Story” cowboy 60 “Yes, indeed!” 61 Give a thumbs-down 62 “__ whiz!” 63 Law firm fi

Oct. 6 New

Sep. 13 First

Sep. 20 Full

Sep. 28 Last

RAINFALL LAST WEEK:

MONTH TO DATE:

1.75in.

1.75 in.

YEAR TO DATE:

AUG. AVERAGE:

38.41 in.

AVOCADO Shipping point: South Florida $12.00-$28.00

Source: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture

7.09 in.

WEATHER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

PLANT CITY OBSERVER

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2021

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