Dover man competes on The Voice
Kenzie Wheeler went all the way from Dover to NBC’s The Voice and had an impressive TV debut.
Wheeler, 22, got a four-chair turn and a block during Monday night’s episode. He secured a spot on Kelly Clarkson’s team with his rendition of Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Blake Shelton also gave his signature mullet a rave review.
For more on Wheeler’s experience so far from the singer himself, keep an eye out for next week’s issue of the Observer.
Florida Strawberry Festival releases ‘Strawberry Central’ database
Want to have the “berry best” experience at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival?
If so, the festival has made it easy for you to find all things strawberry-related on the grounds this time around. You can now visit Strawberry Central to view a complete list of strawberry foods, strawberry gifts, strawberry exhibits, strawberry contests, strawberry rides, strawberry merchandise and where you can find Mr. and Ms. Berry for a photo op. Each list contains the item you’re looking for and a location where you can find it.
The lists are viewable online at flstrawberryfestival.com/information/strawberry-central/. For a map of the festival grounds, pick up a brochure at the festival or around town, or grab a copy of the 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Guide with this week’s Observer.
The festival starts today and ends on March 14.
Application window for Lincoln, Marshall MYP programs opens tomorrow
Parents who wish to enroll their children in one of Plant City’s magnet schools’ MYP programs will have the opportunity to start the process tomorrow.
The magnet application window for Hillsborough County schools opens at 5 p.m. Friday and closes at 11:59 p.m. March 25. Lincoln Magnet School for International Studies and Marshall Middle Magnet School are the two Plant City-based options for elementary and middle schoolers, respectively. Parents must apply during the window to be in the lottery.
Visit hillsboroughschools.org/choice to apply.
Virtual Mental Health Issues in the Family seminar upcoming
Building Strong Families, Inc., will host its second virtual mental health wellness seminar from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday, March 20 through Zoom.
The focus of this seminar is “Mental Health Issues in the Family.” Licensed mental health professionals will discuss the following topics: “Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Issues,” “Impact of Mental Health Issues on the Family,” “Coping Strategies as a Family” and “Getting the Help Needed: Mental Health Resources.”
The speakers include Sarah Smith, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor from At One Counseling Services, and Dr. Jeanene Robinson-Kyles, a licensed clinical psychologist with Robinson-Kyles Counseling & Testing Services.
There is no cost to attend this virtual seminar but pre-registration is required by March 12. The Zoom meeting ID, passcode and seminar materials will be emailed to those who pre-register. For registration information, contact Dr. Pauline Rivers at 813-759-0260 or by email at pmrivers@aol.com, or visit buildingstrongfamiliesofflorida.com.
YMCA Safety Around Water program coming up
If your child is between age 3 and 12 and could use some water safety lessons, the Plant City Family YMCA and others in the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA network will offer the Safety Around Water program again just in time for spring break.
The free program, which will run from March 15-18, is open to beginner-level swimmers and non-swimmers alike.
“During the four-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water,” YMCAs of Tampa Bay said in a press release.
Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. You do not need to be a YMCA member to enroll your children, but you must pre-register for the classes. To sign up, visit tampaymca.org, call 813-757-6677 or stop by the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place.