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april 2013 focusplantcity.com8

April 2013 | Volume 12 Issue 4 | focusplantcity.comCONTENTS

18-47 LocalAlthough the Strawberry Festival has passed, Plant City residents are still busy attending area events, especially on Saturday, March 23 which included the Little Miss Plant City pageant, the 140-Year Celebration for Turkey Creek school, the Youth Fishing Derby, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles—just to name a few. In addition, several community leaders were honored. Read about Heritage Award winner Myrle Henry, Heroism Award winner Paul Tester, and many more.

49 Feature: Relay For Life

Each year since 1985, over 4 million people from over 20 countries gather for the fight against cancer during annual Relay for Life events. This year’s Plant City Relay occurs on Friday, April 19 and, like always, lasts throughout the night until the following morning. Learn more about how you can celebrate with cancer survivors, honor cancer caregivers, and remember cancer victims through this organized, overnight community fundraising walk.

61 Business: Deese Scrubs

Chrystal Deese saw a need, and with the help of family and friends, opened her own business, Deese Scrubs, two years ago. A large selection of the most popular medical uniform brands and exceptional customer service has given Deese Scrubs an excellent reputation among Plant City’s leading health care professionals.

93 Dining: Strawberry Hut

Although famous around town for their award-winning Cuban, the Strawberry Hut serves up a wide variety of satisfying sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And be sure to top off your meal with a fresh salad or tasty ice cream shake at this family-favorite outdoor eatery.

55 Spotlight: Adam Hayward

The life of standout Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Adam Hayward has changed significantly over the past year. From marriage to fatherhood to his new home in Plant City’s Walden Lake community, Hayward has much to celebrate. Focus was able to sit down with #57 and learn a little about the new aspects of his world.

See Also: Talk of the Town - 14-16Finance - 62Real Estate - 65-71Sports - 72Athlete of the Month - 74Team of the Month - 77Derek Maul Column - 81Candy’s Corner - 82Wanda’s Words of Wisdom - 89Recipe of the Month - 91Event Calendar - 98Obituaries - 100Crossword - 101

onthecoverPhotography by Anthony Sassano

Adam Hayward2013 Tampa Bay Bucanneers Linebacker


515 Corner Street • Brandon • 813-681-9473

623 E. Alexander St., Plant City • at Alexander Crossings Plaza • 813-759-947416321 Fishhawk Blvd.Lithia, FL 33547

NEW FISHHAWK LOCATION

For 41 years the Busciglio Family has been creating picture perfect smiles!Dr. John Busciglio began the family legacy in 1972 when he opened the fi rst full-

time orthodontic practice in the Brandon area.As he retired this year, his children, Drs. Derek and Dana Busciglio, have picked

up where their father left off. They will oversee Busciglio Smiles offi ces in Brandon and Plant City and just opened practice in FishHawk Ranch, 16321 FishHawk Boulevard, Lithia.

The Busciglios and their staff held a grand opening event and fund-raiser a few months ago featuring the Newsome High School Marching Band led by Christian Finch.

With the help of the MOMS Club of Lithia-Bevis, the offi ce held a raffl e for Invisalign braces, raising $2,560 for new uniforms for the band.

There’s no sibling rivalry between this brother and sister. In fact, they’re more than willing to boast about one another’s accomplishments.

After 12 years of schooling, Dr. Dana has earned a Dental Degree, a Pediatric Dental degree, an Orthodontic Degree and is Board Certifi ed in Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Dana is equally proud of her brother’s role as Invisalign’s Sunshine Regional Educator. Busciglio Smiles was the fi rst “elite provider” for Invisalign in eastern Hillsborough County.

“We have remarkable results with this aesthetic option for straightening teeth,” said Derek Busciglio, who, like his sister, received his degree in dentistry and orthodontics from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. “When Invisalign fi rst entered the market in 1999, my dad was one of the fi rst practitioners to use the system. Now we are taking It to the next level in terms of treatment types and results.”

It’s not just teens who are seeking this clear alternative to straightening teeth. “We also treat a lot of adults, probably 30 percent of our practice,” he said.He said the cost is comparable to traditional braces. However, the treatment

time with Invisalign averages 12-15 months, as compared to the 18-24 months required for regular braces. It’s not just teens who are seeking this clear alternative to braces.

The Busciglios also are committed to educating children on good oral health with the help of the “tooth fairy.”

Complete with wings and fairy dust, certifi ed dental and orthodontic assistant Christine Freeman provides tooth fairy visits to schools and children’s parties, presenting educational skits and handing out goody bags containing a toothbrush, toothpaste, a fl oss threader, toothbox, stickers and a bracelet.

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foCUS Magazine Plant City april 2013 11

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.Plant City, FL 33563

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

www.focusplantcity.com

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail [email protected]. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner.

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

Publisher Mike [email protected]

Office Manager Jared [email protected]

Editorial Director Amanda [email protected]

Copy Editor Linda [email protected]

Sales Dede Floyd | Aldo TrevinoJennifer Chamberlain

Art Director Anthony Sassano

Production Intern Abby Born

FOCUSTV Shana Mitchell | Victoria Garren

Distribution Belva DeVane

Photographers NamPhan Photography

Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston | Brian WestJoe Bowles | Amanda Deck | Deana Garrison

Contributors Gil Gott | Derek Maul | Jo-An Lusk Nate Davis | Candy Owens

Letter From the PubLisherApril showers and blooming flowers remind us it’s a time to celebrate new life - a time for fresh starts, when tem-peratures are moderate and the Florida skies are mostly a gorgeous, cloudless blue. It’s definitely a time when folks get outdoors for some sunshine fun.

This month’s daytime gatherings included the annual city Easter Egg Hunt, Youth Fishing Derby, Junior Woman’s Club golf outing, 140th anniversary celebration for Turkey

Creek School and the Planes-Trains-Automobiles event. All were perfect venues for families to enjoy the best of Central Florida’s weather.

April nights are busy, too, with the annual Wild Game Cookout, the Heritage Award recognition evening, Little Miss Plant City pageant and the community-wide Relay for Life.

Please don’t miss a chance to visit the PCHS football field, beginning at 6 p.m. the night of April 19, where you’ll probably find your friends and neighbors chowing down on some great food and engaged in conversation, games and fundraising activities for the cancer cure cause. Talk about creativity, Relay for Life teams have it going on.

And speaking of new life, we hope you’ll also appreciate our spotlight interview with Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker Adam Hayward, who recently moved to Walden Lake with his new wife Angela. With a new marriage, new home and new baby girl, the couple looks forward to a great season of new neighbors, new community connec-tions and new victories for our NFL team.

Plant City is full of life and the things that make life good. Thanks, as always, for shar-ing yours with us.

Warmest Regards,Mike Floyd

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March 2013Sat Mar 30 10:30 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Phoenix Sun Devil Soccer Stadium

April 2013Tue Apr 2 7:00 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Los Angeles Sherbeck Field Sun Apr 7 TBD VSI Tampa Bay at Portland (MLS) JELD-WEN Field Sat Apr 13 7:30 PM ET Rochester at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Sun, Apr 21 6:30 PM ET Los Angeles at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Fri Apr 26 8:00 PM ET Dayton at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Tue Apr 30 7:30 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Orlando Florida Citrus Bowl

May 2013Fri May 3 8:00 PM ET Antigua at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Sun May 26 7:30 PM ET Wilmington at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium

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Fri Jun 14 7:35 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Rochester Sahlen’s Stadium Sun Jun 16 6:30 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Dayton Beavercreek HighFri Jun 21 7:00 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Charlotte Queens University Stadium Sat Jun 22 7:30 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Charleston Blackbaud Stadium Sun Jun 30 7:35 PM ET Richmond at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium

July 2013Sat Jul 13 7:30 PM ET Charleston at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Fri Jul 19 7:30 PM ET Harrisburg at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Fri Jul 26 7:30 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Wilmington Legion Stadium Sun Jul 28 5:00 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Richmond City Stadium

August 2013Fri Aug 2 7:30 PM ET Pittsburgh at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Sun Aug 4 7:00 PM ET Orlando at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium Sat Aug 10 7:00 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Harrisburg Skyline Sports Complex Sun Aug 11 3:30 PM ET VSI Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh Highmark Stadium Fri Aug 16 7:30 PM ET Charlotte at VSI Tampa Bay Plant City Stadium

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Talk ofthe Town

Submit your news to:[email protected]

A New Tradition

Volunteer of the Year

Big Day Planned for Remedi MediSpa

PCHS Class of ‘03: Save the Dates!

Focused on the Future

Instead of hosting a traditional Easter Sunday morning service, The Cynergy Church, located at 610 N. Alexander St., broke out of the mold with their first annual Easter Eggstravaganza outreach. During the event attended by 250-325 people, $2,000 worth of donated items--including bikes, gift cards, and easter baskets-- were given away, approximately 90 people committed their lives to Jesus Christ, 25-30 were water baptized, and food bags were offered to families in need. Due to the success of the Easter Eggstravaganza, The Cynergy Church, led by Dr. Jack and Marie Myers, plans to host several more outreaches in the future. For more information, contact 813-708-2783.

The Plant City High School Class of 2003 is excited to celebrate its 10-year reunion. A fantastic weekend of events has been planned and all PCHS ‘03 grads are encouraged attend. Events include a welcome party at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse, a family picnic and kickball tournament, an adult reception, and a farewell brunch. The festivities will take place on Friday, July 26 through Sunday, July 28. Tickets are available at payitsquare.com/collect-page/11216. Send your photos and post-graduation bio to [email protected]. For more information, visit sites.google.com/site/pchs2003reunion.

The Plant City Family YMCA announced Jim Scott, General Manager of Jarrett-Scott Ford, as its Volunteer of the Year. Scott has served on the YMCA’s Board of Directors for the past eight years and hosted last year’s “Drive One 4 UR Community” fundraiser where his dealership offered free test drives of new cars. For each test drive, the Ford Motor Company donated $20 to the Plant City YMCA, which brought in $3,620 to provide financial assistance for children, adults, and families to participate in YMCA programs. Scott was recognized on March 26 at the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA’s annual Community Impact Dinner. Congratulations Jim and we thank you for your hard work in our community!

Walk for LifeOver 100 people attended the Walk for Life fundraiser on Saturday, April 6. Walkers traveled seven miles around the downtown area to help raise money for a new Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City ultrasound machine. In addition, the Knights of Columbus will match funds raised as part of their national Ultrasound Program. Through the event,$14,855 was raised. The center is still welcoming donations to achieve their goal of $17,000. To make a donation, contact 813-759-0886.

Kellyanne Hurst, a student at Plant City High School, has been invited to the 2013 U.S. Naval Academy Summer Seminar program. The seminar is a fast-paced leadership experience for rising seniors who are considering applying for admission to USNA. Apart from participating in academic and leadership workshops, Kellyanne will also take part in daily physical training activities like group runs and conditioning exercises.

Remedi MediSpa, located at 511 W. Alexander St., will be celebrating its recent expansion and addition of services on Thursday, May 16. Spa Owner Stacy Dunn invites the community to attend an official ribbon cutting at 5 p.m. followed by a reception including light hors d’oeurves, door prizes, and complimentary mini-spa services. The event will last until 7 p.m. If you can’t attend the celebration, be sure to stop by and check out their new nail suite, esthetics suite, and spa lobby featuring retail areas that include skin care products, bath and body lines, candles, nail polishes, and more!


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Talk ofthe Town

Submit your news to:[email protected]

Sights Set on Cincinnati

SCA Cool School of the Week

PCHS Civinettes Give Back

On Saturday, March 9, students from the Chris Welbon Karate Club raised about $1,300 during a yard sale fundraiser, just one event they hold each year to raise money to help families with travel and tournament expenses for the AAU National Championships held this summer in Cincinnati, Ohio. The group has raised about $2,500 so far, with a goal of $15,000. Other upcoming fundraising events include another yard sale, a kick-a-thon, and Spirit Nights at local restaurants.

Emma Showalter with Fox 13’s Charley Belcher

The Plant City High School Civinettes sponsored an Easter basket and meal for 8-year-old Natalie Harrell and her family. Civinettes along with PCHS teachers and members of the community contributed items for the basket. An Easter meal was provided for the family as well. Natalie has been receiving radiation treatments.

Those attending the presentation of the Easter basket to Natalie include: STANDING: Kim Howerton, Julie Murphy, Julianna Gompf, Maddie Bradshaw, Kellyanne Hurst, Savannah Lawson, Kellie Pernula, Jennifer Tharrington, Emilie Harrell. 2nd ROW: Jackson Hardee, Shannon Harrell, Adriana Fasano, Maddy Keene, Dhara Patel, Natalie Harrell, Cynthia Tharrington, Trinity Lester. FRONT Kneeling: Jeanne Knotts, Sherrie Mueller.

Contest Winners AnnouncedCongratulations to Jackson Hardee who won the fourth-annual Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Photojournalism Contest, sponsored by Haught Funeral Home. The Photo Archives Center challenged students to submit a compelling story and photograph of Plant City people, places, or things. Hardee was awarded $100 for capturing first place with his “Bing Rooming House” story, while Robby Knox won 2nd place and $75 for “First Baptist Church of Plant City’s Historic Building,” and Sydney Johnson won 3rd place and $50 for “The Corner Store.” These three winning entries will be on display in the Exhibit Gallery at the Center.


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local

FuN FOR THE FAMiLY24th AnnuAl City-Wide eAster egg hunt

Article by Kelsie Baerwalde

The morning of March 30 was just the beginning of the Easter festivities for the families of Plant City. Hundreds

of residents gathered at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex to enjoy an assortment of activities sponsored by the hard working volunteers of the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department.

As volunteers put together the final details of the free 24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt, parents and children proceeded to discover all the event had to offer, including bounce houses, trackless train rides, balloons, Easter Bunny photos and more—all of which could be purchased with Bunny Dollars. After sampling some delicious food and taking several memorable pictures, families found entertainment in the bleachers as they watched an exciting dog show. When the egg hunt area was ready, parents aided their children toward the starting point of the main event.

At 10 a.m., children were lined up to begin their Easter egg hunt, with baskets in hand and high hopes of finding a golden

egg. Volunteers separated children into different age categories—ages 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, and 9-11—and finally, the starting lines surrounding the fields were cut and the children ran, competing with peers to collect the most eggs. After the fields were seemingly empty, the children sat with their families and friends to discover what treats were hidden within the little pastel eggs.

All fields had levels of difficulty depending on age group, and each included two prized golden eggs. Two winners from each age category traded their golden egg for one large basket, which included everything from candy to toys. This year’s winners include Jesse Pinkston (age 3), Brian Castro (age 4),Ryan Doniaz (age 5), Martin Martinez (age 6), Javone Quiaada (age 7), Jaime Straily (age 8),Brandon Canceleno (age 9), and Adriana Ramirez (age 10).

Plant City Parks and Recreation put on an event loved by all ages. Thanks to their hard work, families all across town will continue to enjoy this Easter tradition. Dressed in bunny ears, Giselle Mcdowell holds her mother after a tiring egg hunt.

Photo by Kelsie Baerwalde

Having just started, the children are hard at work searching for more and more eggs. Photo by Kelsie Baerwalde

Autumn Sanchez shares a wealth of eggs she has found. Photo by Kelsie Baerwalde

Allison Sweet starts to get sticky fingers as she eats her candy. Photo by Kelsie Baerwalde


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SuNSHiNE STATE AMBA CELEBRATES ONE YEARlithiA-BAsed ChApter dediCAted to resCuing onCe-Wild horses

Article by Amanda Deck

Decades ago, thousands of wild mustangs, descendants of the breeds brought to America by

Spanish settlers, freely roamed our country’s western plains. However, as time passed and the American population began to extend past the Mississippi River, mustangs—once considered a legendary symbol of our unique American heritage—were viewed as an invasive species, nothing more than pests.

Therefore, wild horses that trespassed on public grazing lands for cattle, sheep, and other livestock were targeted by ranchers for capture and slaughter. In fact, many natural watering holes were contaminated with poisons to help diminish the mustang population. Outraged by these inhumane acts, activists launched a national campaign encouraging the federal government to protect wild horses. As a result, Congress passed the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act in 1971, allowing only the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to control the wild horse population.

After being seized by the BLM, mustangs are shipped to holding facilities where they wait to be adopted for a small fee. Any person above age 18 with no prior conviction of animal cruelty can adopt

a once-wild mustang. However, this also causes undomesticated mustangs to occasionally be placed in the care of inexperienced owners. Sadly, these owners become frustrated with their mustangs’ inability to immediately adjust to a domestic lifestyle, and the horses are left neglected.

“Many people who adopt mustangs through the BLM don’t understand the process behind training a feral horse,” said Jennie Sloan. “These horses don’t know what a bucket is, a lead, or even a person, and they need to learn…These are unbroken, unhealthy wild mustangs.”

According to Sloan, many people who don’t understand how to train mustangs view them merely as mutts, that they can’t compete well in equestrian events like dressage or jumping. Yet this is not the case, as countless mustangs are trained over a 90-day period and their athletic skills displayed at Extreme Mustang Makeover (EMM) gatherings held annually throughout the country. After discovering the beauty, versatility, and trainability of wild horses at an EMM event in Tennessee, Sloan, along with friend Stephanie Gentilini, longed to do more for the special breed. As a result, in March 2012, they formed the Sunshine State American Mustang and Burro

Association (SSAMBA) in Lithia, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Florida’s first AMBA chapter. Their mission is to help rehabilitate rescued mustangs and train them toward a domestic lifestyle to later be adopted by loving families.

Gentilini took on the role as chapter president, local horse enthusiast Jennifer Brown was named vice president, and Sloan accepted the secretary position. In addition, Sloan serves the chapter as a certified BLM TIP trainer at the chapter’s five-acre donated sanctuary property at RJ Farms.

In its one year existence, SSAMBA has rehabbed and placed 10 horses into new homes, including Roswell, who had been seized by animal control twice due to starvation by previous owners.

“He was thrown away to starve, knew nothing but neglect, had no one to love him,” said Gentilini. “When Roswell came to us, he was a skinny frail rail, not sure about humans. Now he is a happy fat horse cared for by an awesome family he trusts.”

Furthermore, membership has grown from about eight members to over 30 in one year, in addition to an extensive network of volunteers. Four horses are currently in rehabilitation mode, while three are in training.

Additionally, two horses are pending adoption after SSAMBA’s first anniversary celebration held on Saturday, April 6. Approximately 200 people attended the event and enjoyed games, prizes, food, demonstrations from EMM trainers, a raffle, a silent auction, and entertainment. SSAMBA representatives were also on hand to answer questions about volunteer, membership, and adoption opportunities.

Goals for SSAMBA’s second year in operation include adding more members to the chapter, raising funds to provide care for horses and update vaccines, and to participate in the annual cross-state Cracker Trail ride.

Moreover, SSAMBA will continue to stay true to its main goal: “to save every mustang on the planet, to let it be known they are good horses, to get people involved and educated, and to grow our sanctuary,” said Gentilini.

To learn more about SSAMBA, visit ssambafl.com, call 813-463-3298, or e-mail [email protected].

Small child with a Mustang at the Sunshine State AMBA anniversary celebration event on Saturday, April 6. Photo by Sunshine State AMBA

Volunteer Robert Sloan gives rides on Paco, the lesson horse, to a Vendor, Manny Tellez (Heavenly Snow, LLC) during a break. Photo by Sunshine State AMBA


local

HOMETOWN HEROplAnt City poliCe offiCer pAul tester reCeives heroism AWArd

Article by Joe Bowles

On July 27, 2012, Plant City Police Officer Paul Tester responded to a traffic accident at the intersection

of Park Road and Jim Johnson Road. As he arrived, Tester discovered that one of the victims was bleeding profusely from her left arm. Tester borrowed a shirt from a bystander, wrapped her arm and then applied pressure to the wound until medical help arrived.

On April 6, Modern Woodmen of America’s members met for dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Plant City to honor Tester for his heroism. Dan Price, the Activities Coordinator for the Plant City and Zephyrhills chapters presented Tester with their “Hometown Hero” award.

The Hometown Hero program is just one of many community activities sponsored by Modern Woodmen of America.

According to Sergeant Sherrie Stwan, who was at the presentation, “The doctor who later treated the victim reported to us that the brachial artery had been severed and that the victim would have died within minutes if Tester had not administered her aid.”

In essence, Officer Tester saved her life. Previously in September, Tester received Plant City Police Department’s Life Saving medal.

Founded in 1883 as a fraternal organization around local chapters, MWA derives its

income from the sale of life insurance, annuity, and investments. Because Modern Woodmen has no stockholders, profits are funneled back to its members and their communities. Last year MWA contributed back more than 26 million dollars through various community programs.

MWA Activities Coordinator Dan Price, Senior Police Officer Paul Tester, and Sergeant Sherrie Stwan. Photo by Kelsey Snyder

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REEL iT iN!plAnt City pArk & reCreAtion’s Bi-AnnuAl youth fishing derBy

Article by Taylor Thomas

Rods, reels, shiners, chicken livers, night crawlers, baubles, and fish abound! On Saturday, March

23, the bi-annual Youth Fishing Derby coordinated by Plant City’s Parks and Recreation Department ensued with participants ages 5 to 15 fishing at the lake just behind the Randy L. Larson softball field.

Registration started bright and early at 7:30 a.m.; however, parents and eager youth were there as early as 7 a.m. to be aptly prepared for the competition as soon as the green light was given.

The event was sponsored by Landshark Charters, T.A. Mahoney, and Culprit. In addition to the sponsors, Florida Wildlife volunteer T.J. Vail came out as a title

sponsor for the event. Also on site were Deborah Haldane, Plant City Park and Recreation program manager, as well as volunteer Mary Hamilton.

The event started back in 1997, and has been going strong two times a year ever since. The competition was split into two age categories: 5-10 year olds and 11-15 year olds. Within each age group, a winner was crowned for both most fish caught and biggest fish caught.

The competition grew hotter as 11 a.m. rolled around, which marked the end of the event and the beginning of the awards ceremony. Of the 57 anglers who attended the event and the 20 fish caught, the results are as follows:

The overall first bass caught and recorded was by Courvacaty Thompson at 9 years old.

The first overall catfish that was snagged belonged to Noah MacKenzie at 10 years old.

The “Beat the Shark” award went to Anatasha Thompson at 8 years old, with a bass coming in at 2.2 pounds.

The “Beat Captain Tom” award went to Julia Kripas at 6 years old for her 5.2lb bass. (This was also an overall derby record-breaking catch which bested the previous record set all the way back in 2007!)

The “Anglers Edge Sportsmanship Award” went to Nolan Smith at 10 years old.

In the 11-15 age group, Raegan Arnold at 12 years old had the biggest catch with a 4.6 pound bowfin.

Also in the 11-15 age group, Luis Mandujano took the prize for most fish caught.

In the 5-10 age group, Julia Kripas won the award for biggest fish with her astounding 5.2 pound bass.

Lastly, in the 5-10 age group category, Braylon Black at 7 years old caught the most fish by tiebreaker. He narrowly defeated fellow challenger David Staddler with a combined weight of 5.2 pounds to 3.0 pounds, respectively.

“The fish are looking great today. Extremely healthy,” said volunteer Mary Hamilton.

In the bustle towards the end of the event, one participant exclaimed, “I’ve

caught 3 fish and 3 turtles! Too bad turtles don’t count! Who is winning right now, anyways?” Within earshot, T.J. Vail gingerly stated, “If anyone asks who’s winning, it’s the fish.”

Wrapping up the event, a total of seven trophies were handed out to the listed victors, and then some rods, reels, filled tackle cases, and baits were handed out as additional prizes.

After the ceremony, Mr. Vail generously invited all of the participants on a Pizza Hut adventure in which he covered all expenses himself. Feeding all of the hungry mouths at the end of the day seemed to be the most appetizing idea, one might say.

Youth Fishing Derby Award Winners. Front Row: Courvacaty Thompson, Anatasha Thompson, Julia Kripas, and Braylon Black. Back Row: Noah Mackenzie, Raegan Arnold, Luis Mandujano, Nolan Smith. Photos by Deborah Haldane and Mary Hamilton

Dakota Grigson with her speckled perch.Photos by Deborah Haldane and Mary Hamilton

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GOLFiNG FOR THE CHiLDRENplAnt City Junior WomAn’s CluB found suCCess in their first AnnuAl golf tournAment

Article by Darcie Jarrett

Saturday, April 6 gave way to a brisk and clear morning while the Plant City Junior Woman’s Club prepared

for their First Annual Charity Golf Tournament at Walden Lake Country Club.

The tournament, like all the chapter’s events, helps support their Shoe Project. Kendelle Jimenez, 3rd Vice President and Fundraising Chairman of the chapter, was very excited about the community’s response—with over 100 golfers signed up to participate.

“The outcome…was even better than the club anticipated,” said Jimenez. “The proceeds from this event will allow our club to provide new shoes and socks for many more children in our community. Reaching more children is something our club has desired to do for a long time but did not

have the funding to do so. The proceeds from this event give us that opportunity.”

The club starts preparing for the project around October. Jimenez explains how the process gets executed: “Our members go to each school to measure the children’s shoe size and then deliver the shoes to the children after they have been purchased. We encourage our community to get involved with the Shoe Project. Individuals and companies can donate money to the cause or adopt a school.”

To adopt a school, a donator would choose a certain school and provide funds for the shoes and socks as well as participate in the sizing and distribution to the children.

Two of the participating golfers decided to collaborate for the cause. John Hammond of CF Industries (one of the event’s sponsors)

brought along Ron Kobosky of Mosaic Industries. Although in the business world they are fierce competitors, when they step out of their suits and ties they are great friends. They heard about the event and thought it would be a great opportunity to get involved.

A myriad of local companies participated in the event through their donations of raffle prizes, sponsorships and golf participants.

Immediately following the tournament there was a lunch and awards banquet, which was held at O’Briens Irish Pub on Alexander Blvd. One company in particular, 813Scapes, was announced first place champions and took home the golden trophy.

If you would like to get involved with the Shoe Project, or participate in the golf tournament next year, Jimenez invites you to email her at [email protected].

About 100 golfers gathered for the first annual Plant City Junior Woman’s Club Golf Outing to raise money for the community shoe project. Photo by Darcie Jarrett

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LiTTLE MiSS PLANT CiTY PAGEANTfifty-one ContestAnts Bring their All for A ChAnCe At the CroWn

Article by Darcie Jarrett

Each year when the red carpet rolls out, the young ladies of the Plant City area hang up their leotards and cleats to put on dresses and lip gloss for the Little Miss Plant City pageant. On Saturday, March 23, Plant City High School was host to a packed auditorium for a hometown tradition dating back to 1969. The pageant is arranged by the Junior Woman’s Club of Plant City and is just one of the chapter’s many events to support their Annual Shoe Project which takes place in the fall. Last year, the project provided about 600 pairs of shoes and socks to children from 14 different elementary schools in the Plant City community. Stephanie Eisenbach, the chapter president, started off the night’s festivities with a short speech, which included an introduction of the judges for the competition. This year’s panel consisted of a school board chairwoman, a state and national pageant titleholder, a dancer and choreographer, and a financial generalist.

“We strive to have a diverse panel of judges with at least one male judge,” said

Eisenbach. “They must live outside the Plant City area and cannot have any connection with contestants or their parents.”

The show had 51 entrants from around the Plant City, Lithia and Dover areas, and according to Eisenbach, “Contestants are judged on personality, poise, appropriate dress, grooming, stage presentation and stage performance. The girls must be [between] 8 – 10 years of age by February 1st.”

Participant #49 was 9-year-old McKinley Baker. This is not McKinley’s first experience to glamour and spotlights as she’s been involved in these types of events since she was five.

“This is all her,” admitted Taylor Baker, McKinley’s mother, with a chuckle. “I was a tomboy. Since the very beginning, she would get up and sing and dance and play. As soon as she heard about pageants she said, ‘Mommy, I want to do that! I want to wear a dress!’ It’s her…it’s all her.”

The first round of voting narrowed the

competition from 51 down to just 15...and Baker was among the chosen few!

In the second round, the remaining girls strutted the stage in their beautiful dresses and presented an answer to the question “What do you want to do when you grow up?” in some of the most interesting and creative ways to make sure the judges took notice and remembered them.

The five girls who scored the highest in all combined categories and were named a part of the 2013 Little Miss Plant City court included Rylee VanStronder, Amanda Astrike, and Payton Talavera. Giselle Gutierrez took the position of first maid while the new crown was presented to the youngest participant of the night, 8-year-old Emma Showalter.

Showalter is actually not the first in her family to experience a royal position. Her mother, Ashley, was a part of the 2001 Strawberry Festival Pageant court, and her aunt, Jessica, took reign as Strawberry Festival Queen in 1998. With seasoned advisors close to her side, this little heiress

has nothing to worry about as she enters into her year as the new queen.

Paparazzi beware…the queen and her court are coming!

Photo by Anthony Sassano

top 15Kelli Anne Kirkland

Lacie CollinsMorgan GillLacey Hicks

Brenna SturgisEmma ShowalterGiselle Gutierrez

Tristyn SteeleAlyssa Stahl

Rylee VanStronderEmma Futch

Payton TalaveraMcKenly Baker

Tori WegnerAmanda Astrike


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THE 2013 LiTTLE MiSS PLANT CiTY QuEEN & HER COuRT!

QuEENemmA shoWAlter

FiRST MAiDgiselle gutierrez

COuRTrylee vonstronder

COuRTpAyton tAlAverA

COuRTAmAndA Astrike

What was your favorite part of the pageant?Even though I really had fun playing with my friends back stage, my favorite part was when they called my name for top 15.

How did you feel when they called your name?I was so excited and shocked. I couldn’t believe I had won my first pageant!

What event do you most look forward to this year?I’m looking forward to the Relay for Life because its going to be fun and its great to support people with all types of cancer.

What was your favorite part of the pageant?Being up on stage to say my introduction and answering the top 15 question, that was my favorite part because I like speaking in front of people.

How did you feel when they called your name?I guess crossing your fingers backstage really works! I was so happy and excited. I was hoping to at least make court, but making first maid was so much better!

What event do you most look forward to this year?I love Christmas, so I would have to say the Christmas parade. You get to see so many people in the Christmas spirit. Everyone is happy, smiling and enjoying all the cool floats covered in Christmas colors and lights.

What was your favorite part of the pageant?My favorite part of thepageant was being back stage with all my friends.

How did you feel when they called your name?I was ecstatic!

What event do you most look forward to this year?I am most lookingforward to the baby parade.

What was your favorite part of the pageant?My favorite part of the pageant was getting ready! Lip gloss, nail polish and a fancy dress! But don’t forget inner beauty is whats more important! I always try to share asmile or give a hug!!

How did you feel when they called your name?When they called my name my heart was pounding with excitement!

What event do you most look forward to this year?I most look forward to the community service events we are involved in. I feel it’s important tohelp others!

What was your favorite part of the pageant?The two times I spoke on stage were so much fun - I got to say what I practiced, hold the microphone, and I made everyone laugh.

How did you feel when they called your name?Sooo scared but sooo excited. I kept thinking that I can’t believe I made it, I can’t believe I actually made it on LMPC court.

What event do you most look forward to this year?I am looking forward to the LMPC contest next year. My friend Avery was on the court last year and she told me it was so much fun the night of this years pageant. Doing the dance, being on stage so much, wearing the beautiful dress, and getting to sash one of my friends!

See Exclusive Photos From Our Photo Shoot With the LMPC Queen and Court On Our Facebook Page!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/FOCUS-Magazine/102059236047%3Ffref%3Dts


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FOCuS ON YOu MAKEOVERnominAte A deserving loved one for A dAy of pAmpering


in early 2003, we, the FOCUS Magazine staff, wanted to find a way to give back to the community. As a result, the

annual Focus on You Makeover was born, allowing our readers to nominate fellow friends, family members, and co-workers for a day of much-deserved pampering.

Every year, we gather to read countless letters—some inspiring, others downright heart wrenching—with each leaving a lasting impact on our lives. Through these letters, we learn about a number of selfless area residents who truly deserve a whole day devoted solely to themselves. Although we wish we could provide services for each nominee, after much deliberation, four people are chosen for a Focus on You Makeover.

If you know anyone who deserves a makeover, FOCUS Magazine is here to make it happen, along with the help of several other businesses and organizations in the community. To nominate someone for a Focus on You Makeover, send a 300-word description of your loved one’s story entitled “Focus on You Makeover Plant City” to FOCUS Magazine, 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563.

Entries can also be sent via e-mail to DeDe Floyd ([email protected]) or Jared Guyer ([email protected]). Write “Focus on You Makeover Plant City” in the subject line and the 300-word description (including the nominee’s name, address, home phone number, and work phone number, and nominator’s name) in the body of the e-mail. Please, no attachments. For faxing, send your entries to 813-764-0990 Attn: DeDe.

All nominations must be received by midnight, May 22. Four winners will be chosen and notified on May 24. Winning entries will be published in Focus Magazine’s June Plant City issue, along with photographs and a description of each winner’s makeover experience.

What’s in store for the lucky winners? On the evening of May 30, the winners will pick out a new outfit. Then, on May 31, each winner will enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local eatery followed by a massage, lunch, makeup, facial, manicure, pedicure, and haircut. The night concludes with a limousine ride, a photo shoot, and fine dining. It will surely be a day your loved one will always remember.

2012 FOCuS On You Makeover Winners. Photo by Anthony Sassano

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Dr. Dukes encourages you to write her with any questions concerning chiropractic care.

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CHIROPRACTIC And AUTISM

The past decade has seen the number of diagnosed cases of autism rapidly increase throughout the nation. Many studies are indicating that chiropractic care may alleviate-at least to some degree-some of the associates symptoms of autism.

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During this study, researchers carried out a series of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children over a 9-month period. The results were an improvement in certain reflexes and sensations, an increase in neck range of motion, and improvement of others health problems. Many of the children were taken off Ritalin; their bladder and bowel control improved; some children started to speak, eye contact and attention span improved while hyperactivity and aggressive behavior were reduced. Also, five children were able to attend regular classes at school for the first time.

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STEVE MARTiN AND JOHN CANDY

WOuLD BE PROuDAnnuAl plAnes, trAins And AutomoBiles Continues to drAW A CroWd

Article by Brian West

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the Plant City Airport put on another great event

this year with the return of Planes, Trains and Automobiles. As you guessed it, the event features planes (large and small)—even some that are remote controlled—model trains and automobiles (old and new). The event is still in its infancy, but continues to draw a crowd of young and old to take in the sights.

This year was the third annual event, which has seen a steady attendance each year, and was held on Saturday, March 23. The event was the brainchild of Jason Jones, Chamber Board member, and Lee Williams, Past Chairman. Jones thought it was a great way to draw the community together, and Williams (an avid model train enthusiast) agreed. After almost a year in the making, the first event was held in 2011. It was a hit, and has continued to be an annual event for the Chamber and the airport.

Amy Nizamoff, Administrative Coordinator for the Chamber, said, “There

is a lot of coordination and many, many volunteers needed to pull off an event like this.” Nizamoff, spent countless hours coordinating the event, working alongside Marilyn Gauthier with the Plant City Airport. Most of the real planes on display belong to owners who store them on-site at the airport. A hobby club from Mulberry has participated each year with their remote controlled planes and helicopters. Some of the planes, although remote controlled, are large enough that a 4 or 5 year old could ride in them and must use the airport runway. Others are small enough that they’re launched into the air by hand.

Many of the younger attendees gravitated to the trains and the remote controlled planes and helicopters, while the older attendees found themselves drawn to the planes and automobiles. One thing everyone seemed to have in common was the smiles on their faces as they took in the sights.

The event was also an opportunity for vendors to come out and support the community. Food vendors, some selling

trinkets, and even I-4 Power Equipment took the opportunity to show off some of their golf carts. A large green Yamaha with a lift kit, suspension and larger tires caught everyone’s attention as they entered the event on the east side of the runway.

The event is free to everyone; paying only the cost of parking ($5.00) to enter. It brings attention to the airport, which most only visit to attend the event, and an opportunity to see a lot of history associated with transportation, all in one location. This year, the event had to compete with the egg

drop hosted by the First Baptist Church of Plant City, but attendees still turned out to take in the history.

Each year, immediately following the event, the committee will meet to evaluate the event and discuss opportunities for improvement for next year. A few attendees were heard asking about a tram service to avoid the long walk from the parking area, but otherwise, the feedback seems to be positive. Congratulations on another great event for Plant City.

The youngest of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles patrons gravitated toward the fire trucks. Photo courtesy of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

A countless number of cars from different eras were on hand at the annual Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event.Photo courtesy of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

The Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event was a hit with vehicle enthusiasts. Photo courtesy of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce


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STANDiNG uP FOR CHiLDREN WiTH SPECiAL NEEDSloCAl dentAl progrAm leAder reCeives nAtionAl reCognition


After learning about the Grottoes of North America Humanitarian Foundation, Beatrice Gillespie of

Wesley Chapel knew the organization’s dental care program for children with special needs was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up for her 9-year-old son, William. Through the efforts of local

Grotto volunteer Willy Carreras, William, who is nonverbal and has autism, was able to find dental care through Dr. Steven Slavkin at Plant City’s Tooth Caboose. During his first check-up, the Tooth Caboose team discovered that William suffered from two cavities. “The staff at the Tooth Caboose figures out how to care for each

unique child, something many dentists will not tolerate. Yet this is a service every child should have,” said Gillespie. “I was so relieved when I found out about the Grotto’s program because my son had never been to a dentist before. It’s been such a blessing, especially because my child couldn’t communicate that his teeth hurt.”

The Humanitarian Foundation’s dental program for children with special needs—the official charity of the Grottoes—was established in 1969, and in the past five years, has helped provide dental care to over 4,400 children in 32 states and Canada. In addition, the foundation has paid over $3 million for dental services for special needs children. On Thursday, March 21, Willy Carreras was presented the Humanitarian Award, signifying his Grotto area provided the most outstanding dental care in the past year when compared to other Grottoes throughout North America. During the ceremony, an interview with Carreras and Dr. Slavkin was filmed, and local Grotto patients and their families showered the highly dedicated volunteer with praise. In fact, one particular child gave Carreras a homemade plaque featuring his handprint. Many others agree that Carreras deserved

the recognition, including Dr. Howard Howell of the Tooth Caboose: “From our experience, the way Mr. Carreras meets the needs of the children and the way that he works seamlessly to make sure they are taken care of and the funding is there, I’ve got to believe that’s why he stood out nationally. You find that many programs don’t make that kind of effort all the way to the end.”

The Tooth Caboose is one of just two providers of Humanitarian Foundation dental services in the area and is considered the perfect place for children with special needs to receive the care they require. Not only is Dr. Slavkin experienced in working with special needs children, but the Tooth Caboose also provides a non-threatening environment, unlike most sterile dental offices. Although the practice already serves about 25 children through the Humanitarian Foundation program, Dr. Slavkin is always ready to help those with special needs. To see if your child qualifies, contact Willy Carerras at 813-671-3300 or the Tooth Caboose at 813-754-2161.

Dr. Steven Slavkin at the Tooth Caboose provides dental care to children with special needs.

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BLOOD DONORS HONOREDtWenty-tWo plAnt City residents give hundreds of gAllons

Article by Johanna Santana

Every three seconds, a person is in need of blood in the United States. On Wednesday, March 27, Florida

Blood Services honored 22 of the top Plant City area donors who, collectively, have donated 600 gallons of blood, potentially saving thousands of lives. The human body holds 1.5 gallons of blood in its system.

“Six hundred gallons of anything, that’s huge,” said Pauline Simmonds-Brown, District Director of Florida Blood Services. “Just think about how much that would cost if you had to buy 600 gallons of gas at this time, at these prices. That’s a lot of money and a lot of gas. But the lives you save cost much more than those 600 gallons of gas could ever be.”

One of the donors being recognized at the Plant City Center Multi-Gallon Donor Celebration was Omer Elwer, who has donated 70 gallons of blood between Florida and his home state, Ohio. A devout Catholic, Elwer began donating to the Red Cross in the early 70s after seeing a need for blood.

However, after learning of the critical need with cancer patients, he began donating platelets. In platelet donation, blood is collected, platelets are separated, and the rest of the blood components are returned to the donor. This process, which Elmer does once or twice a month, takes an average of 113 minutes to complete.

Elwer takes this time to meditate, stating his motivation as spiritual. He said he just saw a need and “jumped in” to help.

“I take credit for nothing, I don’t do it to be honored,” said Elwer, adding that although he realized not everyone will have the same spiritual journey he has, he still urges the community to “just do it.”

But Elwer is not only a blood donor, he is also a recipient. In 2010, five surgeries left him in need of four gallons of blood from 32 donors.

“You never know when you’re going to need blood,” said Daniel Eberts, Community and Donor Relations Manager for Florida Blood Services.

“When you donate blood you don’t only save lives, you save families,” added Eberts, who called the donors “silent heroes saving lives every day.”

The event brought tears to many, including Dwaine Chevalier, who was recognized for donating 13 gallons of blood.

“It’s going to make me cry because I appreciate the fact they’re doing this,” said Chevalier, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2001 and stated that his goal was to eliminate tears and bring joy.

“What does it cost you to help people? You can’t put a price on life,” he said.

For his part, Robert Johnson, recognized for donating 14 gallons, remembered the time he was called at work to give for an emergency donation. He was told his blood

was needed to save the life of a mother of two children. He has been donating ever since.

Former nurse and paramedic, Dwaine Wills, who has also donated 51 gallons, stated the importance of real life people in helping transplant, burn, and cancer patients.

“All these technological advances we’ve made since I’ve been a kid, we have yet to find anything that can replace blood to replace blood,” he said.

Boyd (Mike) Conn, who was the first to donate after the event was over, reaching the times he has donated to 303, called it the best thing he has ever done.

Lakasha Reaves, Donors Services Team Leader, made a calling for potential donors to come try donating at least once.

Meanwhile, Elwer offered the best piece of advice he said he has ever received: “Never miss a meal after donating.”

Florida Blood Services (currently OneBlood) in Plant City is located at 2909 James L. Redman Parkway Suite 6, Plant City, FL 33566. For more information, call 813-752-7638 or go to Oneblood.org.

Florida Blood Services honored 22 donors in Plant City who have, collectively, donated 600 gallons of blood. (From left to right) Dwaine Wills, Robert Johnson, Dwaine Chevalier, Don Doshier, Boyd (Mike) Conn, Hardy Greenwood, Larry Hunsinger, Wayne Hall, Omer Elwer, John Styer, Ralph Ford). Photo by Johanna Santana

Omer Elwer receives a certificate from Julie Watkinson, Community Relations Manager of Florida Blood Services, honoring 70 gallons of blood donated in Florida and his home state, Ohio. Photo by Johanna Santana


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CHEETA ART ChAd ruis Article by Cheryl Johnston

Growing up in Plant City, Chad Ruis, a.k.a. Cheeta, created unique outlets to explore his passions for

art, surfing, skate, ocean, nature and world adventure.

After years of operating his own graphic design and advertising companies, designing countless brands and marketing materials, Ruis dusted off his art brushes to pursue an old passion. This move created a new lifestyle to express his own emotions and joy with life inspirations through his painting.

The entrepreneurial Cheeta Chad Ruis was raised in Plant City, made his way through Tampa to Sarasota and then some, building a solid reputation for creativity. No matter the canvas, Cheeta attacks it with his trademark style. Because of the wide range of experience gained over the years, he’s considered an artist to learn from—everything from his work ethic to his technique.

These days, gallery showings, art exhibitions, live art performances, festivals and many charitable events fill his time. A master showman, Cheeta paints “live” before audiences throughout Central Florida. For the last two Focus anniversary party gatherings at Keel and Curley Winery, he has spontaneously painted a strawberry “live” on stage within a one hour time frame to be auctioned off with the proceeds benefitting the Plant City Relay for Life effort.

Cheeta Chad desires to experience life even more with an interest of escape he describes as “like trying to find your way out of the jungle.” Continuously doing murals, paintings, skateboarding, surfing and living an “out of the box attitude,” he creates this lifestyle through color, art, emotion, motivation and a will to inspire...His attitude: “Live on the edge, take risks, experience life. Create A Moment.” This is known as CHEETA STYLE.

Cheeta Chad Ruis has created works of art at past Focus Magazine anniversary parties. Photo courtesy of Cheeta Art

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Today Cheeta Chad is a resident on the beautiful Florida Gulf Coast waters of Anna Maria Island, working in his studio doing what he has strived for—living in a community where he is active and inspiring others with art, painting vibrancy all around him for others to enjoy

Cheeta, as he is known throughout Florida, the Hawaiian Islands, Japan and gaining international recognition, is an amazing artist capable of uniquely capturing the surf and beach lifestyle in his work. He is very unique because his art is completely original. Thousands can paint tropical flowers and waves, but very few have an original style. Cheeta’s work is easily recognizable by his vibrant colors, sweeping lines, and tropical accents. It is evident that Cheeta is a

product of his environment and gathers his inspiration from the surf, sand, and tropical beauty he sees every day. He has the ability to paint a scene that is part real, part fantasy, which welcomes the viewer into a serene and exotic environment. By being both an excellent surfer and artist, Cheeta is able to capture a moment in the surf and translate that experience onto canvas.

Add some color to your life through Cheeta’s Art. Get a custom mural or painting and check out prints and originals available online at www.cheetastyle.com. Cheeta Chad also creates for graphic design needs such as T-shirts, logos, branding and printing. View his latest artworks and news on Facebook/Cheeta Art and simply send him a message to explore the possibilities.

Mural created by Cheeta Chad reflecting his love for bright colors, sweeping lines, and the ocean waves. Photo courtesy of Cheeta Art

Works from Cheeta Chad’s HeartWave series. Photo courtesy of Cheeta Art

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EDuCATiON THEN AND NOWturkey Creek’s 140th yeAr CeleBrAtion

Article by Bobbie Roper

A heavy rain Friday night and a muddy parking lot Saturday morning did not dampen the spirits

of those attending Turkey Creek’s 140th Year Celebration held on March 23. The theme for the event was “Rounding up Decades of Dreams.”

Principal Dennis Mayo welcomed the large crowd of alumni and visitors, giving a brief background of the school which actually dates back to the log cabin school started in 1863 in the middle of the Civil War. Principal Mayo read the minutes of the school board meeting which officially established the school in 1873. In the early years, the school was for first through 12 grades and operated on a nine month schedule, allowing students to be off three months during the strawberry season. The first graduating class had three students.

Alumni from each decade dating back to the 30s were asked to stand, as well as past and present teachers. Several local leaders were in attendance including former Tampa City Commissioner from 1978 to 1988 Tom Vann (Class of ’49) and school district staff members Jerry Jackson and Marsha Colson.

The invocation was given by MacKenzie McCullough of the FCA. Ronald Jackson, representing the JROTC Club, presented the American Flag and Pledge of Alliance.

Guest speaker Sonny Jones (Class of ’49) welcomed the alumni. He shared that both his parents worked at the school, his father as a trustee and driver of a homemade bus built from a Model-T, and his mother as the school’s first lunch room manager.

The Turkey Creek Band played the Alma Mater, led by Tommy Green. Dewayne

Deshong (Class of ’65) joined the band, and Marsha Colson led the singing.

Greta Smith, Student Government Sponsor, along with Student Government Officers, dedicated the time capsule which will be opened in 2073. Items placed in

the capsule included a letter to the future principal from Principal Mayo, an FCAT booklet, curriculum guides, ETT evaluation form, student messages to future gobblers,

Mr. Tom Vann (Class of ’49) recalls his years at Turkey Creek. He was a Tampa City Councilman from 1978 to 1988. Photo by Bobbie Roper

Continued next pAge


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a bell schedule, videos of a time line from 1950-2013, a flash drive with pictures of school events, a PE T-shirt, a school pencil and cup, a cultural collage (What’s Hot in 2013), a picture book of 2012-13 students and faculty, and a music medal won by the orchestra. The time capsule was placed at the flagpole with a brick displaying the date to be opened.

After the ceremony, everyone was invited to tour the Media Center where artifacts from by-gone school years were displayed, including FFA jackets, a poodle skirt and saddle shoes, and cheerleading pompoms. Photos of past school events and faculty and students as well as a video presentation could be browsed.

The gym contained a bouncy house and slide for youngsters. Booths highlighting different decades offered face painting, hula hoop twisting, a cupcake walk and other activities. Popcorn and snow cones were also available. Lunch was prepared hot-off-the-grill in the courtyard by the FFA and Sam Astin.

When asked how they came to have gobblers as their mascot, Planning Committee member, Pat Ballard (Class of ’66) said, “The Turkey Creek area was full of gobblers back in the early years, and it just seemed appropriate.”

The celebration ended with a Raffle/Silent Auction hosted by the NJHS to benefit Relay for Life.

It truly was a day for “Rounding up Decades of Dreams” and taking a step back in time

to view the progression of education in one of our Plant City schools. Great job by the Celebration Planning Committee. Thanks for all your hard work!

Principal Dennis Mayo and Celebration Planning Committee member Pat Ballard greeted visitors in the Media Center.Photo by Bobbie Roper

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MYRLE HENRY HONORED WiTH ANNuAL HERiTAGE AWARDretired phArmACist founded floridA opry And strAWBerry ClAssiC CAr shoW

Article by Cheryl Johnston

Annually since 2004, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center has honored a local’s efforts

to preserve the community’s heritage. At the recognition banquet on March 28, retired pharmacist J. Myrle Henry humbly accepted the organization’s highest award.

Executive Director Gil Gott acknowledged Henry’s many contributions: “Myrle has been involved in the historical fabric of the Plant City area since his boyhood school days here. In addition to the almost innumerable leadership positions held throughout his lifetime, he has provided substantial support to our organization and played a central role in our city. We are pleased to recognize him for all he’s done to create and preserve our community’s history and heritage.”

In gratefulness, Henry responded with a reference to Psalm 61:5 and for his life-centering faith in Jesus, in country, and in this community.

“I am thankful for my Christian heritage,” he shared, “and for life in the United States of America, which even with all our country’s faults, is still the greatest nation in the world. I’m thankful also to have been born in the great state of Florida and to

have lived most of my life in Plant City.”

The civic-minded Southern gentleman with an impressive resume of accomplishments, including founder of both the Florida Opry and the Strawberry Classic Car Show, is quick to express thanks for other locals who volunteer tirelessly, for educators, and for his Creator.

“God gives us talents,” he said. “I believe one of mine is organization. He has also blessed me with a wonderful wife and family, good health and energy, and a desire to help people.”

At age eight, Henry moved to Pinecrest from Jacksonville with his parents, Joseph Mason Henry and Ovieda Dossey Henry and lived a year in a log cabin without electricity or running water before they moved into town. In addition to the Pinecrest strawberry school, he attended Burney, Forest Park, Tomlin, and Plant City High School

As one of only six honor graduates of PCHS (’56), he received the American Legion Award and two other scholarships for studies at Carson-Newman College in Tennessee and the University of Florida, earning his Bachelor of Science, Pharmacy degree there in 1961.

Henry readily admits, “I’m a Floridian by birth and a Gator by grace,” adding “I’ve been blessed to have attended ballgames in every SEC stadium and witnessed all three UF national championship wins against FSU, Ohio State and Oklahoma. Until just a few years ago, we’d been to every home game.”

In August, the 74-year-old Henry will celebrate 54 years of marriage to Plant City native Tommie Claire Williams, the girl he met in Latin class in 1954. The sweethearts still volunteer together at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival and are especially proud of daughters Cheri Kim Henry Ennis of Rincon, Georgia and Dr. Kathy Lynn Henry of Pell City, Alabama.

As in his numerous UF leadership roles, so has the “safe, affordable housing for the elderly” idea man behind the Baptist Towers and Plant City Living Center continued in our community. Henry learned early that “he who presents an idea will more than likely be designated to pick up the ball and run with it.”

Among the many sweet memories he recalls are: strawberry school at Pinecrest, Burney Elementary’s 4H Club and the Ocala 4H camp, exhibiting a young heifer at the Hillsborough County Fair, attending Tomlin at its downtown City Hall location, walking the halls of 1914 PCHS, the Jr. Deputy Sheriff ’s program, first job after school (plus Saturday) at Belk-Lindsey Department Store ($15/wk), high school graduation in the first class at the present Tomlin Middle School, earning his UF degree, marrying his ‘beautiful, wonderful wife Tommie’, owning three pharmacies in

town, ‘raising my family here’ and ‘giving back to my community.’ “I appreciate that Plant City has retained its character and hometown atmosphere,” Henry said. “It’s filled with strong churches and people who care, who do their part to make life pleasant here. I value the friendships and feel pleased and humbled by this wonderful honor PC Photo Archives has bestowed on a little old strawberry picker. May God bless you all.”

Myrle Henry (center) with his friends (J. Seward Johnson sculptures) at the union Station Park in Summer 2012. Photo courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

Myrle Henry was presented with the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Heritage Award on March 28.Photo courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

(Not included are awards from college and prior)

Chamber of Commerce 2001 Outstanding Citizen of the Year; “Good Egg” award (2x)Trustee- South Florida Baptist Hospital; Evangelical University and SeminaryDeacon- Plant City’s First Baptist Church (50+ year member)Founder/President- Baptist Towers of Plant City; Plant City Living CenterFounder- Florida Opry; Strawberry Classic Car ShowPresident- PC Downtown Business and Merchants Association Director/Treasurer- East Hillsborough Chamber of CommerceMember- Economic Development Council (PC Chamber)Director/Past President- East Hillsborough Historical SocietyOwner- 3 pharmacies in Plant CityPast President- Hills. Co. Pharmacy Assn.Member- UF College of Pharmacy National Advisory BoardAwarded- 2007 Florida Bowl of Hygeia (from FL Pharmacy Assn.)Lions Club- Past President PC Lions Club (50+ year member); Lions Club- Grand Lion - Florida Lions Foundation for the BlindLions Club- Melvin Jones Fellow, Lions InternationalActivist- Hillsborough County Citizen Advisory Committee Past Chairman- American Cancer Society (PC Branch)

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WiLD GAME EQuALS BiG DOLLARSCommunity Benefits through rotAry CluB event

For many years now, the Plant City Rotary Club has held an annual event that nets thousands of dollars for

the club, and ultimately the community—the Wild Game Cookout. The venue has changed a couple of times since its inception, but over the past three years, the event seems to have settled into a more central location: one of the parking lots of the Florida Strawberry Festival.

The event is usually held on a Friday evening in late March or early April and highlights the cooking skills of the Rotarians and the wild game they prepare. This year’s cookout took place on Friday, April 5, and turkey, gator tail, catfish, venison and swamp cabbage were just a few of the items sampled by the attendees. About a thousand people, more or less, descended on the site to eat, drink and spend time catching up with each other. Many people attending the event will say that there are people they only see once a year, and they see them at the Wild Game Cookout.

The evening also included a 50/50 raffle, which quickly adds up for a lucky winner,

and a drawing for several guns and other outdoor items. These raffle items are the kind of stuff a bunch of guys would be interested in winning. And what would an event like this be without a band? Bluegrass was the sound of choice.

When everything is said and done, the money raised by the Rotary Club is used to support their charities. They provide scholarships for local high school students, donate to other charitable organizations and contribute to their overall mission—to eradicate polio. In recent years, Rotarians stepped up to a challenge from the Gates Foundation and raised $200 million in about four years, all to help eradicate polio. There are many worthy organizations and community efforts in our great city, and they’re all working to make our community a better place to live. The Plant City Rotary Club is definitely among those doing great things. If you’re looking for a great organization to support, remember the Rotarians.

Rotarians were hard at work on Friday, April 5 preparing a variety of wild game dishes. Photo submitted by Plant City Rotary

Article by Brian West


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did you know

1956 PLANT CiTY A vieW from the City direCtory

Article by Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce recently donated 26 volumes of the R.L. Polk City

Directory for Plant City, Florida, to the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center. This month we will go back in time to 1956, the year of the oldest volume donated. According to the publishers, “the Directory reflects the achievements and ambitions of [Plant City], depicting in unbiased terms what it has to offer as a place of residence, as a business location, as a manufacturing site, and as an educational center.”

Let’s take a closer look at the statistical and general information provided to the publishers by the Greater East Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce, which was located on U.S. 92 at Warnell Street. (Note: The Greater East Hillsborough County Chamber of Commerce became the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce in 1981.)

In 1956, Plant City was 8 square miles with 100 miles of paved streets and 2 streets under construction. Its population had grown from 9,230 at the time of the 1950 census to approximately 14,000, making it one of the fastest growing communities in the Southeast.

Partly owing to the substantial population growth was Plant City’s strategic location, which appealed to those wishing to retire in Florida and “escape big city noise and confusion.” Plant City was described as:

…a community of homes, surrounded by flowers abloom all year. Homes amid moss festooned oaks and palms. Homes that show they are lived in. Homes of friendly people. People who do not try to keep up with the Joneses because the Joneses don’t live here.

But of course there were pleasant folks by the name of Jones residing in Plant City in 1956. Mr. William E. Jones was a salesman at Birdsey Seed Store and a householder with his wife Lucille N. at the corner of Avenue B and Lime Street. Mrs. Margaret L. Jones was a dental assistant with the offices of Dr. J. Elliott Martin and a householder at 802 East Alsobrook

Street. Reverend Admiral D. Jones was a pastor at Free Will Baptist Church and a householder with his wife Susie B. at 1807 Lime Street. Free Will Baptist Church would have been among the 29 churches in Plant City representing 11 denominations.

Plant City was further described as “warm in winter and comfortable in summer…The sun shines more than 330 days every year and those who like gardening can follow their hobby or their vocation every day in the year.”

There were 14,810 registered automobiles for the 14,000 residents and 4,623 telephones in service. Telephone service was provided by Peninsular Telephone Company located at 306 West Haines Street. Plant City’s telephone numbers in 1956 were five digits. You could reach Lou’s Doll & Hobby Shop by dialing 2-0701, Lundy’s Bakery by dialing 2-3061, and Loy’s Drive In Tavern by dialing 3-2371.

The Directory states that Plant City had 2 hotels with 130 rooms; the Classified Business section of the Directory actually lists 3: Colonial Hotel at 112 West Reynolds Street, Hotel Plant at 203 West Reynolds Street, and Market Hotel at 1111 West Haines Street. Market Hotel was aptly named given its close proximity to the Plant City State Farmers Market.

Plant City had one hospital with 98 beds (The South Florida Baptist Hospital at North Alexander and Reynolds Streets) and one library with 12,000 books (Plant City Public Library at 501 Wheeler Street). The librarian was Luzette M. Spear.

Statistical information in the Directory indicated Plant City had 3 theaters with a total seating capacity of 1,700 (Capitol Theatre at 109 West Reynolds Street, Star Lite Drive-In on South Collins Street beyond the city limits, and State Theatre at 111 Southwest Drane Street). General information, however, stated it had 2 movie theaters and 2 drive-in theaters. We do not know if the latter was a misprint, but the 1957 Directory listed a 4th theater not shown in the 1956 Directory. The Hazel Theatre (Laura and Knight Streets) served the African American community.

The police department had one station with 17 men. It was located at 200 South Evers Street and the police chief was Robert Spooner. The fire department had 2 stations, 8 paid men, and 4 pieces of motor equipment. The main station was located on the first floor of City Hall at 301 North Collins Street and the substation was located at Renfro and Evers Streets. The fire chief was Robert M. Brown.

Also highlighted was Plant City’s distinction as having the only winter chanting auctioneer in the world. That auctioneer was heard nine months of the year at the Plant City State Farmers Market, located at 1409 West Haines Street and one of the largest in the nation. His chants were about the strawberries and area-grown vegetables being sold at auction on the selling blocks. At peak season, 2 or 3 auctioneers were needed for the selling blocks.

The Directory also contains “the advertisements and business cards of the more ‘progressive’ business men and firms in the city.” The Directory itself ran the following ads:

Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Out of Business – The importance of keeping firm and product names in the public eye is recognized by all business men. It is astonishing to see how a firm or product, however meritorious, will slip into the limbo of the forgotten if not persistently advertised.

Post-war relocation of millions in their permanent homes; readjustment of business to normal conditions; the great new developments in civilian life just over the horizon of the future–these and other things make [a] City Directory listing a “must” for all business people.

Other featured advertisements ran the gamut from appliances to druggists to hardware to title insurance and everything in between. A random sampling includes the following:

M. Curtis Hawkins of Hawkins Radio & Television (510 South Collins Street) advertised his availability of “antenna installations” and “all makes of record players and records.”

Jack Ramsey of Jack Ramsey Motors (corner of South Palmer and Drane Streets) stated it was “the only dealer in Plant City selling sanitized used cars.”

John F. Barlow, manager of Firestone Stores (southeast corner of East Reynolds and Palmer Streets) announced the availability of automatic and wringer washers and gas and electric dryers.

The Plant City Coca Cola Bottling Company, Inc. (corner of East Baker Street and Pennsylvania Avenue) advertised “the pause that refreshes.”

Ralph and Bennie Kirkland of the Kiddie Shop (124 East Reynolds Street) touted “furniture and toys for the small fry.”

Florida Central College (309 ½ East Lafayette Street) announced it was the “home of the stenographic-machine shorthand” and that it offered training in Gregg shorthand.

George Friend, manager of Plant City’s only radio station, WPLA (1570 South Collins Street A/K/A Hopewell Road), advertised WPLA as “the community station.” Willard D. McGinnes of McGinnes Lumber Company (509 South Collins Street) advertised their work ethic as one intended “to give you a perfect product.”

B. L. “Ben” Willis, registered real estate broker (1005 West Reynolds Street) urged Plant Citians to “go to church on Sunday and take the children.”

This has been a small glimpse of life in 1956 Plant City as found in a gem of a resource, the City Directory. Perhaps this glimpse has rekindled at least one memory for you!

Jack Ramsey Motors (1958) Photo submitted by Plant City Photo Archives & History Center


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chamber column

GREATER PLANT CiTYCHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday, April 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Historic Downtown Plant City. The car show features cars that are at least 25 years old, with many classics on hand from the 40s, 50s and 60s. This is a great family event if you’re looking for a relaxing evening. Several of the downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds. You’ll probably run into many of your friends and neighbors. There are several food vendors, and the atmosphere is great.

The new Chamber members this month include:• All American Furniture held their ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on April 4 at 1312 East Baker St.• Grimes Hardware held their ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on April 5 at 3161 Paul Buchman Highway• EcoWater Systems will hold their ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on April 17 at 1508 Sammonds Rd.• Toastmasters International will hold their ribbon cutting on at 9 a.m. on April 18 at the Chamber• The Computer Force will hold their ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. on April 23 at the Chamber

Come join everyone to learn a little about each business, wish them luck and participate in the ribbon cutting.

Each month, the Chamber holds a Contact Breakfast. Recently, the Chamber has had to implement a change for taking RSVPs for the breakfast. If you plan to attend the breakfast, you must RSVP to the Chamber no later than the Friday before the breakfast. This will allow the caterer to properly plan for the event. If you want to attend, and are unable to RSVP by Friday, you can call the Chamber and be placed on a waiting list, but there are no guarantees you’ll be able to attend. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Chamber at 813-754-3707.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will be holding their monthly Business After Hours on Thursday, April 18 from 5:15 to 7 p.m. The event will be sponsored by Mango Family Cleaners and held at 2404 James L. Redman Parkway. The Business After Hours is usually held the third Thursday of each month. The Business After Hours is hosted by a current Chamber member, and provides an opportunity to network and just spend time with each other in a casual environment. If you’ve never attended a Business After Hours event, come out to the Mango Family Cleaners and spend some time with everyone.

The Children’s Classic Golf Tournament will be held on April 19 at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. Check-in will begin at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start at 12:30 p.m. Come out and support this great event.

The 6th Annual Blueberry Festival is just upon us. This year’s event will be held at Keel & Curley Winery, located at 5202 Thonotosassa Rd, on Saturday, April 26 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Sunday, April 27 (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.). The event features U-Pick Blueberries, Kids’ Areas, Vendors, Food, Arts & Crafts, Blueberry Shortcake, Live Music, and Much More! For more information visit their website atw w w. k e e l a n d c u r l e y w i n e r y. c o m /blueberryfestival.

The Bike Show will be held on Saturday, May 4 in Historic Downtown Plant City from 5 to 9 p.m. The show features hundreds of bikes from all over, with everyone riding in for a relaxing afternoon in downtown. For the enthusiast, there are bikes of all styles, makes, models, and both new and old. The show is always a little different, but there are often antique bikes where owners have spent countless hours restoring them to their former glory. And like the Car Show, many of the downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds.

Submitted by Brian West

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All American Furniture & Mattress

1312 East Baker StreetPlant City, FL 33563

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RELAY FOR LIFEA p r i l 1 9 , 2 0 1 3 | O p e n i n g C e r e m O n i e s 6 p. m .

Story by Cheryl Johnston | Photos courtesy of American Cancer Society

In its 15th year as the host field, Plant City High School will welcome one and all on April 19, 2013 to our community’s annual Relay for Life.

The trademarked event of the American Cancer Society is purposed to raise awareness of resources for those suffering from cancer and funds to find a cure.


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More than 76 individual groups, businesses, churches and schools have been busy since September with a variety of creative fundraisers in an effort to combine funds for the cure. As of April 8 and prior to “Bank Night” on the 15th when many of the teams submit their funds raised, the total is $88,412. Plant City’s goal is $275,000, so we still have work to do.

And every team member has a fascinating story or two to tell.

Linda Herman’s story began 15 years ago when she volunteered to help the Knights Elementary team at Plant City’s very first Relay event because her mother, who died in 2003, was diagnosed with lung cancer. The Pre-K Special Needs teacher now says, “I’m pretty sure I bleed purple.” She vowed to fight the dreaded disease until a cure was found. Since that time, her passion for the event she now directs in Plant City only grows stronger each year.

Herman, who now volunteers as event chair for the 3rd largest Relay for Life in Florida, explains, “The most amazing thing to me is how Plant City as a community is behind this cause. Yes, the committee organizes the event, but it’s the town that rallies each year to support us and help us celebrate our survivors, remember those we have lost and encourage us continue to fight on. Plant City is truly helping us finish the fight!”

Approximately 2,000 enthusiasts will enjoy team activities at the fun-filled displays on the football field where many camp overnight. Because cancer never sleeps, each

team aims to have at least one participant on the track at all times during the 18-hour event.

Cancer survivors and their caretakers walk one lap around the track during an emotion-filled Survivors Lap, which follows the 6 p.m. opening ceremonies. At 9 p.m. the emotional and inspiring Luminaria Ceremony allows everyone to share both grief and hope by lighting candles inside the personalized bags that line the track in honor, memory or support of a loved one. Donation dollars can also be designated to help a specific team or participant reach their fundraising goal. After a festive night, the next day’s closing ceremony from 11:30 a.m. to noon will feature the choruses from Plant City elementary schools.

Joanie Petty got involved with Relay for Life when her co-worker, and best friend of 21 years, Linda Herman asked her to serve as Team Development Chairman for Plant City’s event. Petty’s mother Betty, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1974, is a survivor.

“At first,” Petty confessed, “being a teacher and a mom of two teenage boys, I feared not having the time to do the job. But after the Relay Kickoff, I saw how excited the team captains were and I’ve gotten to know wonderful people with such a desire to help in the quest for a cure. It has been such a rewarding experience and I’ve agreed to retain my position next year. So here’s a heads up: If you live in Plant City and you have a business, church, school, or family... I will probably ask you to form a team for Relay for Life 2014.”

Herman’s two older sisters, Laura from Maryland and Leslie from New Jersey, will join her this weekend as she walks for a childhood friend, Dan Rogan, whose cancer is diagnosed as inoperable and incurable.

“I can’t wait to have them both be a part of the most incredible Relay for Life event,” she said, adding, “My mom would definitely be proud of her girls! “

During the monthly Team Captain meetings, Herman and Petty made sure to highlight how the American Cancer Society uses the funds raised.

Herman said, “Most people think it all goes to research or salaries, but it also supports the many programs ACS has to help those who are in the process of battling. The


Hope Lodge, Road to Recovery, Man to Man, and Camp ROCK are just a few. For the past two years our committee has made trips to Hope Lodge near Moffitt to serve strawberry shortcake to patients and their caregivers. It brightens their day, but it super charges our desire to help.”

When Herman and Petty introduced themselves as from Plant City during visits to other Relay for Life events, Herman said, “Their response was always, ‘Oh, we have heard about your Relay. How do you do it?’

“My answer,” she explained, “is always the same: ‘An awesome

committee supported by an amazing community. Plant City Rocks!’”

Our Relay for Life is a great opportunity for families to see their neighbors, watch people have good, clean fun for a cause and be a part of something so meaningful that emotions can’t contain the enthusiasm.

Please come out and do your part. Visit relayforlife.org/plantcity for updates. Everyone can participate, before as well as during the event. Here are a just a few ideas:

Pray for great weather!

Donate online or in person.

Join an existing team or pledge donations for their walkers.

E-mail, text or call friends and family requesting financial donations to help the cause.

Purchase from Plant City FFA & Alumni the Chick-Fil-A cards and chance drawing tickets to win a beautiful fleece pink ribbon blanket. Contact Chrystal English ([email protected]).

Volunteer to help set up the day of the event.

Survivors and their caretakers - walk a lap of honor and enjoy a free reception.

Purchase a luminaria in memory, honor or support of a loved one.

Attend and walk a lap or more with colleagues and neighbors.

Purchase souvenir items and great food from the various team camps. For example, baked goods, ribs, BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, baked potato bar, smoothies, iced coffee, roasted corn, boiled peanuts, taco soup, Cuban sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, smoothies, iced coffee and much more.

Get a great haircut for $10 at the Knights Elementary camp from La Salon Rouge stylists.

Visit Team ToMarrow’s tent to have your mouth swabbed—one goal is to find a marrow donor for team member Dave Butcher.

Make some memories by getting involved in the entertainment, games and contests on the field. These include karaoke, photo booths, crafts, fairy princess makeovers, chance drawing baskets, handmade greeting cards, and a bounce house, to name only a few.

Area VI SchoolsBailey ElementaryBryan Elementary

Buckhorn ElementaryBurney ElementaryCitizens for a Cure

City of Plant City EmployeesCommotion in Motion

Cork ElementaryDover Elementary

Durant High SchoolFearless

Fight for LifeFred’s Market

Greater New HopeHealth Center of Plant City

Heart and SoleJackson Elementary

JS Robinson ElementaryKnights Elementary

Mark Off CancerMarshall Middle School

Nelson ElementaryNerds (Advantage Academy)Plant City HS FFA & Alumni

Pinecrest ElementaryPlant City Committee

Plant City Community ChoirPlant City High Little School

Plant City High SchoolPlant City Junior Woman’s Club

Platnium BankPublix #1212

Ronald McDonald House Charity ClubSamara’s Warriors

Strawberry Crest HS 2016Strawberry Crest HS Charger 2014

Strawberry Crest HS DrumlineStrawberry Crest HS FFA

Strawberry Crest HS IB 2013 SeniorsStrawberry Crest HS IB 2015 Sophomores

Strawberry Crest HS InternactStrawberry Crest HS ISA

Strawberry Crest HS Twenty FourteenSouth Florida Baptist Hospital Crusaders for the Cure

Shiloh Charter SchoolSole Sisters

Sour Crest KidsSpringhead Elementary

St. Peters Episcopal ChurchStan’s Clan

Strawberry StrollersStriking Out CancerSuncoast PayDay

Team FocusTeam FutureTeam Hi-CTeam Jill

Team JoanTeam SingletaryTeam ToMarrow

Terrific TeensTimberlane Pet Hospital and Resort

Tomlin Middle School

The Teams!

The strawberry Festival Court leads a lap during the 2011 relay for life.

relay participants from Knights elementary school enjoyed the Candy lap in 2011.


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Interview by Cheryl Johnston | Photos by Anthony Sassano & Submitted by Adam Hayward

Adam Hayward has a passion to help children succeed. The Tampa Bay Buccaneer linebacker believes in acting on

that passion for which he’s found a key.

And gratitude for faith is at the heart of his story.


The newlyweds Adam and Angela Rumore Hayward welcomed their first child, Jaslyn Faye, into the world on April 4, 2013. They are also excited and grateful for their new home and “great neighbors” in the Walden Lake community, which means Jaslyn will grow up surrounded by family living in nearby Antioch.

Throughout his career, the 28-year-old Hayward (a.k.a. “Wood”) has consistently produced, evolving into a team leader. In 2011, he served as a special teams captain after being named 2010 Buccaneers’ Man of the Year. He is humbled by opportunities to fundraise for cancer awareness/research programs, to travel abroad for missions work and to invest time with non-profits such as Score International, Idols Aside, Sons without Fathers, Respire Haiti, 4KIDS of Tampa and the Dream Center of Tampa Bay.

“I am so thankful for faith, work, family, church and now my new community,” Adam said. “God has been so good and has helped me trust Him more as I play a sport I love for a living.” He added, “I feel a responsibility to share those blessings.”

Welcome to his world, Focus readers.

Focus: Tell us a little about your family, Adam.

Hayward: I was born in Long Beach, California to athletic parents who especially loved football. My father Steve played in a Navy league and married my mother Pauline, a New Zealander who fenced and played cricket and softball. I have two older brothers, Graham in New Zealand and Nigel in Marietta, California and our youngest brother Jason, who lives in Tampa with his wife and two children. My in-laws, high school teachers Pete and JoAnn Rumore, live in Antioch.

Focus: So sports have always been an important part of your life?

Hayward: Yes, I started playing football at age six and dreamed of the NFL. I also learned martial arts and ran track, but I loved football. Mom even hired trainers for me, so I got better and better, earning awards. Because my dad worked nights, we spent more time with mom, but football brought our family together at game time.

Focus: Was your path to the pros an easy one, Adam?

Hayward: Not particularly because I got a little sidetracked. In my junior year at Marina High School in Westminster, California, 30 colleges were looking at me. But because I didn’t apply myself, my grades were very low. I felt bad when I realized I was letting my parents down. Only Colorado State remained interested if I could increase my GPA. So, in my senior year, I took seven classes plus night school, continued with football and track, and scored a 1060 on the SAT. CSU accepted me into their program and I played safety for three years there.

When my mother got sick, I came home to California. By the time she died on August 6, 2004, the breast cancer that had been in remission had invaded her liver and brain. I was so angry that I cursed the doctors and God. I drove my motorcycle at 120/mph trying to kill myself. I quit the team and began drinking and doing drugs to numb the pain. When I finally started getting it back together, with the help of the CSU coaches, I transferred to Portland State in 2005, and fought in 2006 for another year of eligibility. I dedicated that next season, playing


as a linebacker, to my mom and earned a criminal justice degree with a minor in social science.

For PSU, I played in 22 games as strongside linebacker and earned All-American and All-Big Sky Conference honors. As a senior, I was named the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Focus: Explain the tradition of honoring your mother’s memory before each game.

Hayward: At midfield before the game, I talk to her and trace the word Mom on my wrist before I kneel to say a prayer. It’s a quiet way to express thanks and remember her fight.

Focus: How has life changed through your professional football career?

Hayward: When Tampa Bay drafted me #182 in the sixth round (2007), my family celebrated, too! Pro football is faster and the athletes have to be stronger, so we all

work harder. I’m glad to be with the Buccaneers and to have worked with Derrick Brooks, Shelton Quarles and Coach Jon Gruden among others.

My work as a football player has allowed me the money and opportunities to help others and to mentor children. Through

SCORE International, I’ve been to Costa Rica and to Haiti to work with an orphanage. So much help is still needed

there. I’ve been to Haiti now several times with Franklin Graham.

Focus: Your Christian faith is important to you. How did that happen?

Hayward: In my third year here Jermaine Phillips invited me to Grace Family Church on VanDyke Road. I had been trying to ride the fence, doing whatever I wanted and going to church, acting like I lived the faith. One Sunday when Pastor Craig Altman talked about really knowing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, I listened and believed that message was for me. I had been known in Tampa as somebody who was fun, a party guy. I sensed God impressing me, ‘If you’re going to be My child, you will need to quit all those behaviors.’

But that was a process. One day in the locker room I cursed at a Christian teammate after he questioned me about my foul language. Afterward, I felt convicted, realizing I had just cursed God. I knew I needed to change, to surrender my life to Christ. That’s when I made a decision to really start living for Him

and felt a weight lift off my shoulders from the suppressed anger over my mom’s death.

Knowing my sins are forgiven because Jesus died on the cross for me is a priceless gift. The Bible and

godly examples teach me life’s true values. Today my faith is my strength and I’m having so much more fun

doing the right things. My priorities now are faith, family and work, in that order because if faith is first, God will bless the rest. When I have problems, I find solutions in the Bible. The book of James is one of my favorites - if that

Smiling newlyweds (and best friends) Adam and Angela Hayward were married June 8, 2012.

Adam Hayward plays linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is a team Man of the Year recipient for his work in the community and on the field.

Adam’s calf Sammy can’t live in Walden Lake, so he’s with family in Antioch.Continued on next page


book doesn’t smack you around, I don’t know what will. Devotional phone apps also help me experience God’s word throughout the day. And Angela and I love this church (Grace Family). Faith has changed my life.

Focus: How did you meet Angela?

Hayward: Andrew Prilliman showed me a photo of Angela and I thought she was gorgeous and wanted to meet her. Later that night he posted a picture of us guys after hog hunting. Come to find out, Angela thought I looked good, too, and asked Andrew who that was in the picture. We decided to talk to each other and attend church together to become more comfortable with one another. We immediately hit it off and became best friends. Soon we realized we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together. I married my best friend on June 8, 2012.

Focus: You’re looking forward to becoming a great father to your new baby girl, right?

Hayward: Definitely. I want to enjoy my child’s life and make lots of memories with her and Angela and our families. As her father I will show her

who God is and teach her His ways so she can do the same for her own family one day. Angela’s parents have a farm with horses, cows and other animals.

We enjoy riding and team penning on Saturday nights and want our daughter to enjoy the outdoors, too. I actually just came from feeding Sammy, our baby bull calf.

We’ve named her Jaslyn after a Haitian girl I met through a mission trip. The orphanage where she lived was involved in slavery and human trafficking. I will never forget that child’s face and innocence. Nor will I ever forget the abuse she endured.

Focus: What do you enjoy most about your work?

Hayward: I love the sport and the team and see my work as a ministry as well. I’ve been able to travel to Bahrain, Italy, South Korea, the Persian Gulf and Spain to visit with our Navy troops overseas. The income allows me to help my family and to do for others, especially kids and also through events related to finding a cure for cancer.

Focus: Looking ahead to your family’s future, what do you see?

Hayward: I’d like to play football for as long as I’m able and healthy. I want to spend lots of time enjoying the family, including my own father and brothers, and I hope one day to start a faith-based foundation to accomplish two purposes - fighting breast cancer and ministering to youth groups. Those will be things we can all do together and Jaslyn will learn about doing for others. I want to do work that matters forever.

Focus: Adam, let’s finish this interview with your two favorite Scripture verses and why they’ve become so meaningful to you.

Hayward: I discovered Proverbs 3:5-6 at the faith-based In-N-Out Burger restaurant chain in San Francisco when the team Chaplain showed me the reference on the bottom of their cups. When I looked it up, I found: ‘Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding’ (NIV). I’ve always been the kind of person that needs structure and needed to know all the details. Since I started simply trusting, God continually amazes me.

When the Christian rap artist Lecrae shared Romans 1:16 with me, I realized how sharing Christ whenever possible can help others because the Word is life-changing. ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes…’ (NIV).

And I am one of those people, thankful that others reached out to me. God’s Word always was and always will be the first, the last and the best.

Focus: Readers, to learn more or to become involved with some of Adam’s favorite outreach efforts, visit one or all of the following: kidsoftampa.com, IdolsAside.com, scoreinternational.org, and respirehaiti.org.

“...I had just cursed God. I knew I needed to change, to surrender my life to Christ. That’s when I made a decision to really start living for Him and felt a weight lift off my shoulders from the suppressed anger over my mom’s death.” - Adam Hayward


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Deese scrubsMeDical uniforMsplant city business profile

Article by Cheryl Johnston

Plant City native Chrystal Deese is a young, working wife and mother who saw a need and set out to meet

it. And thus, with determination, sacrifice and the help of family and friends, two years ago Deese Scrubs opened for business.

In her showroom near Tractor Supply, Chrystal sells an impressive array of medical scrubs and accessories, as well as lab coats and nurse graduation dresses. The city’s exclusive representative for the popular Cherokee brand also carries the Dickies, Wink, Grey’s Anatomy, Skechers, Scrub HQ, and Baby Phat product lines.

Deese Scrubs, a proud member of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, takes seriously its reputation for quality products, competitive pricing and customer service.

“For office orders,” Chrystal shared, “we can come to the business, fit employees, place the order, then have it embroidered and delivered within 2 weeks.”

Raquel Fernandes of Central Florida Cancer Institute has experienced this. “Chrystal and her pleasant staff are always so helpful. They did a wonderful job on our logo and custom embroidery.”

Among the available accessories are Littman scopes, Badge reels, Shears, blood pressure cuffs and light pens.

As an orthodontics technician for ten years, Chrystal had to shop for scrubs either in Tampa, Lakeland or online. “A few years ago,” she explained, “while attending a Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University class through my church, I felt very strongly about opening a scrub store or going back to school to become an RN.”

So, she and her husband Justin accomplished that FPU debt-free goal and began “saving pennies.” On April 1, 2011 her Deese Scrubs dream became a reality.

“Every time I put my keys in the store’s door to open, I thank the Lord for all our blessings and for this amazing accomplishment,” she said.

With a little staffing help from Justin and her sister Samantha, the PCHS and Concorde Career Institute graduate also attends HCC, with a goal to earn an Associate of Science degree in Nursing.

Regarding the company’s mission, Chrystal said, “I want our customers to know that

Deese Scrubs exists to fill a need. We offer great quality scrubs at low prices that compare more than favorably to much larger stores in the Tampa Bay area. Although we’re small, our pricing is competitive with big corporations and often even lower. And I don’t believe anyone can beat our customer service.”

“I’ve driven as much as two hours to get a scrub top or pant that our customer needed by the next day and couldn’t find it anywhere,” she explained. “Big corporations won’t do that!”

Dr. Kelly Borders of Dental Care of Plant City expressed her thanks in a card to Chrystal, writing, “Everyone loves the bright colors and the fit. Patients regularly tell us they like the new look, that having everyone match feels more professional.”

And other customer recommendations attest similarly.

Paul and Nanette Granville of Focus 4 Beauty Career Center complimented, “We have relied on Deese Scrubs to provide uniforms for our school that are both color specific and personalized for each student. We have found the service to be first class...Chrystal and her team will bend over backward to please their customers, and without hesitation we recommend this company. They have so many options and more than enough designs to suit everyone.”

Katie Busciglio of Busciglio Smiles agrees, “Working with Chrystal is a breeze! We order all our scrubs from her and would recommend her to anyone!”

The protective and proactive mother believes also in teaching her two children the importance of giving back by supporting local causes such as Relay for Life, the United Food Bank, the Jr. Royalty pageant, the Christmas Parade and the city’s recently revived Fourth of July fireworks display.

Because of her faith, Chrystal Deese believes “everything I’ve done in my life is just a stepping stone for something greater.”

“It’s not always about the scrubs,” she explained. “I love and enjoy encouraging my customers, because you never know what someone is going through. When they leave smiling and laughing, my heart smiles, too.”

“Thanks to word of mouth referrals and steady growth, we’ve been open two years this month.” She added, “I’m proud to be a business owner providing something the community needed and I appreciate our many business and individual customers for their loyalty and support.”

chrystal Deese owns Deese scrubs, located on James redman Parkway. Photo submitted by Deese scrubs Medical uniforms

Just a small selection of what Deese scrubs Medical uniforms has to offer. Photo submitted by Deese scrubs Medical uniforms

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is soMeone“phishing” for you?

Submitted by Edward Jones

Most of us have been on the receiving end of an April Fool’s Day prank at some point in our

lives. But did you know that in France, April 1 is known as Poisson d’Avril, or “April Fish”? Is some fraudster “phishing” for your personal information or pocketbook?

If you are a mature investor, scam artists may be looking particularly for you. According to the FBI, older investors tend to have concentrated wealth and are less likely to report fraud after it occurs. In addition, seniors may feel indebted to someone who has provided unsolicited advice or other assistance.

And senior women who live alone are especially vulnerable to scams. Women are nearly twice as likely to be victims of elder financial abuse as men.

common types of fraud that may affect you or your loved onesCaregiver Fraud: A dishonest caregiver could steal valuables or cash. Other schemes involve intercepting the victim’s mail to steal personal information for identity theft.

Grandparent Scams: A caller may claim to be a grandchild (or another relative or a friend) who needs money immediately.

Identity Theft and Phishing: As thieves become more sophisticated in their online approaches, less “tech-savvy” seniors may find it difficult to tell whether the business requesting their personal information is legitimate. Threats of closing an account or canceling a credit card may add to the victim’s insecurity and make him or her want to respond more quickly.

Seminars: Mature individuals are often the target of “free lunch” seminars. However, these lunches are rarely free: According to the AARP, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other regulators recently found that half of the free lunch seminars featured exaggerated or misleading advertising claims, and 13% appeared to be fraudulent and were referred for possible disciplinary action.

Telemarketing: Seniors are more likely to be home when a telemarketer calls. The FBI estimates that scam artists have taken more than $500 million per year from unsuspecting older adults.

how can i protect myself from fraud?Investigate before Investing+ Take the time to conduct research.+ Talk to other family or friends before making an important decision regarding finances.

Know the Fears Con Artists Prey Upon+ Con artists know that older adults often worry about having enough income in retirement. They may pitch a scheme as a way to increase financial security, but only if you act immediately.

Be Wary of Unsolicited Offers+ Beware of calls or letters regarding lottery or sweepstakes winnings, but especially if it is not a contest you entered yourself.+ If you send money abroad and something goes wrong, the funds are more difficult to trace and nearly impossible to recover

Protect Your Personal Information+ Shred financial documents and paperwork with personal information before you discard them. Many companies, including Edward Jones, offer electronic delivery, which can help reduce a paper trail.+ Protect your Social Security number. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet or write it on a check. Give this number out only if absolutely necessary, or ask to use another identifier.+ Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know the recipient is legitimate.+ Thieves can use links in unsolicited emails.

Instead, Type in a Web Address You Know +Firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software can help protect a home computer, especially if they are kept up to date.+ Check your credit report. The law requires the major nationwide consumer reporting companies to give each American a free copy of his or her credit report on request once per year. For more information, visit www.annualcreditreport.com.

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with lower rates and costs on their mortgage loans?How? You must be good at sales?Wrong. We are not “salesy” people. We are mathematical, analytical, and self-proclaimed number nerds who let the numbers do the talking. By o� ering loan products and rates thru nearly 20 national mortgage wholesale-lending channels, we are able to � nd the best deal for each individual customer, saving them thousands of dollars by way of low, Internet-style interest rates. When you call us, it is like calling about 20 lenders.

But if I have good credit and a down payment, I don’t need a mortgage company. I can use my bank.You can if you want to pay more. Borrowers with strong credit are usually the ones who are most shocked when they see how we compare to their other options.

But if you’re a “middle man,” doesn’t that result in more costs to me? Obviously you have to charge a fee or increase my costs right?No. We operate thru wholesale lending channels that save you money. Here it is in a nutshell. I can give you a loan thru Lender

X for a better rate/cost than Lender X itself will o� er to you. Why? Because they give you the retail rate, and I give you the wholesale rate. And yes, there would be a disparity even if we were both using the exact same place. We get paid by lenders for issuing loans on a silver platter. When they account for all the overhead (banks, buildings, employees, advertising, etc.), they allocate that expense to their retail channels and retail rates. � ey allocate a � xed fee, which we are paid for issuing loans to their wholesale rates. Our expense is substantially less than the retail expense allocation, hence the better deal to you.

Since we have access to wholesale lenders, who don’t pay for the overhead and advertising, we have the ability to o� er really really low interest rates and costs. We get paid regardless of which lender we use, and this frees us up not only to focus on getting you the best deal, but also the one that is the most appropriate and � tting to your needs. All of our loan o� cers are salaried employees whose No. 1 priority is � nding you the best deal.

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Natalie SweetREALTOR®

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Angel MillerREALTOR®

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Natalie SweetNatalie SweetREALTOR®

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Angel MillerAngel MillerREALTOR®

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GATED HAMPTON PLACE IN WALDEN LAKEThis Pool home features a Grand Foyer w/formal Living Room, Dining Room, Huge Entertaining Family Room & Fabulous Master Suite. You can enjoy the outdoors on your pavered lanai w/pool and large yard. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths & 2900 sq’. $305,000

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real estate » Jo-an lusk

Managing the transactionColumn by Jo-An Lusk

it is always interesting to hear from the customer’s point of view when it comes to how much is understood about the

real estate sales transaction. I would like to share with you a list of what is involved in a normal transaction. I am not quite sure what “normal” is anymore, so the list will change in varying degrees, depending on whether the property being sold is Bank-Owned, Short Sale, New Construction, or the traditional re-sale.

1. Market Positioning: The Agent will develop a competitive marketing plan and work with Seller for price position to attract interest and inquiries, attention and support from fellow Realtors.

2. Home Enhancements: Recommendations are made, if needed, for making the home look its best for showings and Open Houses.

3. A Full Service Marketing Plan: Put in place to provide maximum property exposure in order to generate online/virtual and in-person showings.

4. Communication: All leads and activity are communicated to include feedback on showings and inquiries. The agent will also keep the Seller informed of current market conditions and changes.

5. Repositioning Strategy: If, after 30-45 days there has been no activity or interest, a new strategy is discussed and implemented to generate inquiries.

6. Negotiation: Once an offer(s) is received, a period of negotiation may be needed to obtain a favorable contract with terms

and conditions that are acceptable to both parties.

7. Contract Management: Getting approvals; manage inspection periods and appraisal/finance period and timelines; manage contingencies and repairs, if applicable.

8. Close Transaction: Ensure Title Commitment is acceptable and all parties agree on closing date and time, set up Final Walk-Through if necessary. Review HUD/Closing Statement with customer to ensure accuracy and final monies required or paid.

What makes transactions different are things such as repair limits or As-Is clauses; other Addenda and disclosures (Finance-FHA/VA, Short Sale, HOA/Condo, Property Discl, etc) in which each Addendum changes the terms of a contract. In a Short Sale, the listing agent or other facilitator will contact the Lender(s) for each mortgage recorded on the property to manage and obtain approvals for the sale. Short Sales present their own challenges and demand attention, patience and persistence.

Contracts can be complicated and things happen during transactions that cause challenges and obstacles. Without proper representation (Legal or Professional), the customer can be at risk of default and/or losing Good Faith Deposit/Escrow, or other out-of-pocket expenses. Interview the Realtor (they will be working for you), ask questions to ensure understanding, and always make sure you have a copy of everything you sign. Happy Selling!

http://www.flhome.org


real estate » walden lake review

walDen lake reviewColumn by Natalie Sweet

the Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at

the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting will be April 15 and will begin at 5 p.m. with a Presidents Meeting being held at 7:30 p.m. The meetings are usually open to all Walden Lake residents. The March meeting was a closed meeting due to legal matters that were being addressed.

The 2nd Annual Walden Lake Garage Sale was a huge success. After the sale, I made my way to donate the remaining items from my sale and met up with several residents that all said their sales were booming. Thanks to all the HOA did to make this a success and especially to Bette at the office for organizing and getting the word out.

This is the Walden Lake real estate quarterly report for January 1 through March 31. We are seeing brisk sales on most properties that are well priced and in good condition with an average of 58 days on the market. There are currently 30 active listings on the market in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East compared to 38 at the end of the previous quarter. Twenty-three of the Active Listings are single family homes and seven are condos, townhomes or villas.

During the 1st quarter of 2013, 34 properties sold with an average sale price of

$162,888 compared to 26 homes that sold in the previous quarter with an average sale price of $167,833. There are 37 properties currently pending contract with an average list price of $199,451. This is only a 2.65 month inventory in our beautiful community. The average sale price of single family homes in Walden Lake during the 1st quarter was $172,600 and $125,500 in Walden Lake East. The lowest priced property sold for $93,000 and the highest sale price was $300,000.

These statistics are taken from MLS and are deemed to be reliable. If you have any questions regarding these statistics, please feel free to contact me at 813-758-9586.

Walden Lake Golf & Country Club is offering a special on pool and fitness. Please contact the club for more information on this at 813-752-1171.

As most know, the Club has had financial issues in recent years. I have heard that one of the promissory notes will be auctioned online by Auction.com beginning April 22 and ending April 24. For more information on this matter, please confirm on the website, auction.com.

I would be happy to answer any of your real estate questions or talk to you about covering a particular topic at any time. I can be reached by cell phone 813-758-9586 or via email [email protected].

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Land with city utilities! Home has been removed leaving a blank slate on which to build your own work of art. May still be impact fee exempt? Motivated sellers waiting to look at offers. Dont miss your opportunity to own and build in beautiful,Historic Plant City where lots like this are scarce. Call Susan @ 863-698-4826 #521

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real estate » mortgage

veteransColumn by Nate Davis

You might not know that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is currently “silent” on this

issue; however, we have been given the following guidance from the Atlanta Regional Loan Center as general policy on short sales:

If a veteran’s overall credit record is good, the VA does not think that if he or she sold his or her property for less than what was owed, that it should be a bar to obtaining new credit. Nor does the VA think a mandatory waiting period is necessary, which is similar to the waiting period after a foreclosure or bankruptcy.

A short sale just reflects the almost historical collapse of the real estate market. If a borrower’s overall credit is satisfactory,

a lender can still determine the veteran is a satisfactory credit risk. Hopefully, the payments on the mortgage were paid in a timely manner, but even if there were some delinquent payments, they should just be viewed from the perspective of the entire borrower’s credit.

If you are a veteran who has been turned down due to a prior short sale and feel the above information fits your profile, I encourage you to give us a call (813-707-6200) for a second opinion. Many mortgage lenders have their own self-imposed “overlays” that prohibit them from entertaining these scenarios. That is not the case with Plant City Mortgage Corporation.

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Jimmie Robinson - 813-754-3586 ext 1622RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

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2103 N. Golfview Dr. From the moment you walk up to the Italian marble grand entry and through the beautiful, solid cherry front doors, you will realize that this spectacular, custom home is unique. � is 4 bedroom 3 1/2 bath, 3 car garage home is located on the shore of prestigious Walden Lake. � e 3861 sq. � of gracious living space boasts spectacular views of lake and woods thru large panes of � xed glass. Designed for entertaining, the gourmet dream kitchen includes custom cherry cabinetry, granite countertops, 3 separate food prep areas with sinks, stainless-steel appliances, a gas thermadore cook top with custom overhead exhaust hood, a sub-zero refrigerator/freezer, and 2 temperature controlled wine rooms upstairs and downstairs. French doors o� the living area and kitchen open onto the � agstone-decked, two-story lanai where you will � nd an outdoor kitchen, private pool bath, and a beautiful freeform black marcite pool, complete with a � agstone waterfall and lush landscaping with beautiful Walden Lake in the background.

805 Sandalwood Dr. From the moment you arrive you will admire this 3 bedroom 2 bath home. � e brick front, bay window, and double beveled doors invite you inside. � e large brick foyer, which is also the back of a gas log � replace in the living room/family room, opens to the kitchen with granite counters and cathedral ceiling. � rough the family room doors you can view the screened lanai and pool area, as well as the heated spa. � is home boasts many upgrades done by local premium contractors. Anyone would love to call this their home. � is is not a short sale. Close at buyer’s convenience.

3401 Trapnell Rd. Two block homes on 8.5 acres! Live in one home, rent the other, or bring along your Mother-in-Law. Main house features 4 bedrooms/2 baths and in-law is a 1 bed/1 bath home. All on a 7-acre producing farm with a 6” well, currently leased for income. � is property is also zoned for horses. NOT a short sale and priced at appraised value

609 Evers St. Historic District. Step back in time with this beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath home , plus studio apartment on back courtyard with fountain, landscaped yard, and adjoining private o� ce with its own wood burning � replace. As you enter the foyer of the main house, you enter a living room with dazzling wood � oors, warm molding, and another wood burning � replace. � e family room opens to the courtyard, and is joined to the remodeled kitchen with granite counter tops. All the appliances are included in both the main house and studio apartment. � is is a must-see home if you like brick streets and homes of yesteryear! It’s priced to sell; owner is moving - NOT a short sale.

SOLD!$295,000

$219,000

2712 Pineclub Dr. Most beautiful lot in Walden Lake with view of the Lakes Golf Course green with water view. Located on a quite cul-de-sac in prestigious Forest Club Community of Walden Lake. Home features 3277 heated square feet with pool, 4 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. A wood burning � replace in the family room keeps you warm as you gaze at the golf course in the back ground. Home features zoned A/C to cool you o� or jump in the pool while the family is grilling on the outdoor grill. � is home is Florida living at its best. Call for your private showing.

1.37 Acre lot in Walden Lake on conservation lot. Exclusive Tanglewood community. One of 3 lots left in Walden Lake subdivision.

Beautiful shaded golf course lot on a cul-de-sac. One of 3 lots le� in Walden Lake. Located in the exclusive community of Tanglewood. Priced to sell! Not a short sale.

610 Alexander. Convenient to Interstate 4, with commercial zoning, currently used as an o� ce/church, and was a former funeral home. Close to hospital and medical services. Motivated sellers. Make an o� er! $295,000.

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sports

the best lessons

learneDKenny Kelly is teaching what he has learned


someone once said, “The best things that have ever happened to me have been the worst things that have ever

happened to me.” That may not be the case all the time, but most know that often the best lessons learned are the hardest to bear. Such was the case for Plant City’s Kenny Kelly, former starting quarterback at the University of Miami and former Major League baseball player.

In 2008, Kelly was charged with drug trafficking and other related offenses as a result of a sting operation that targeted his associate. Kelly claimed his innocence from the beginning and according to court records, the State Attorney’s office threw out

three charges in 2008 and the two other charges were dismissed the following year.

“The only thing that I was guilty of was associating with the wrong people,” Kelly reflected. “In a lot of ways, it was my

own fault. At the time, I was having some

personal issues and I was not around the right people. I do want to a p o l o g i z e to law enforcement officials for some of the remarks I made at the time. But

looking back,

I

guess I ought to thank them, because it may have been the best thing that ever happened to me. It changed my life. I’m more aware of who I’m around and what I do. Today, I’m doing my best to be a positive role model. I want to give back to this community and help as many kids as I can.”

And Kelly is doing just that. He has come full-circle back to his roots in his hometown, working with youth and being a positive influence, steering kids in the right direction.

Kenny was born and raised in Plant City, attending area elementary schools and Tomlin Middle School. Growing up, he quarterbacked the Plant City Colts youth football team to five Super Bowls in six years. He also played basketball in the city’s recreation league and Dixie Youth Baseball at Plant City’s MLK Park.

As Kelly approached his freshman year, he chose to attend Tampa Catholic High School. At TC, Kenny lettered all four years in four sports: baseball, basketball, football and track. He was also an All-State selection his junior and senior years in all four sports and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.

In his senior year (1997), Kenny set county records in football throwing for 7,486 yards and 77 touchdowns, was a Parade All-American, and the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year. In baseball, he was Baseball America’s 20th ranked prospect.

In February of his senior year, Kelly signed with the University of Miami, but things got complicated in June when he was drafted in the second round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. For two years, he excelled at both sports, playing summer baseball in the Rays’ organization and football the rest of the year for the Hurricanes. As a sophomore, Kelly led the Big East Conference in passing, averaging 213 yards per game. After the 1999 season, however, he left football to concentrate solely on his baseball career.

Kelly initially played 11 professional seasons and twice broke in to the majors with Tampa Bay in 2000 and Cincinnati and Washington in 2005. After the incident in 2008, Kelly decided to take time off and

went back to college at Alabama State University, getting his degree in finance while serving as the school’s assistant baseball coach.

In 2011, Kelly was making a successful comeback, playing for the Atlantic Independent League’s Road Warriors when he ran full-speed face first into a concrete outfield wall chasing down a fly ball. Kelly broke his jaw, three facial bones, and was unresponsive for ten minutes. He actually quit breathing for 45 seconds before being revived. That pretty much ended his comeback and sent him back to Plant City.

Kelly, father to three children, Jeneisha, Kijah and Kiael is currently a co-owner of Florida Baseball Heaven, a baseball academy located on County Line Rd., helping kids pursue their baseball dreams, and giving baseball lessons and coaching one of their travel teams, the Angels 14U White squad. Kelly is also Mulberry High School’s head track coach, head J.V. basketball coach, and assistant football coach. His life has changed… he’s teaching what he has learned…on and off the field.

starting Quarterback for the Miami hurricanes in 1999.Photo courtesy of kenny kelly

centerfielder for the chicago white sox in 2007.Photo courtesy of kenny kelly


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sports » athlete of the month

athlete of the Month

kristen wYckoffsponsored by chili’s Article by Joe Bowles

“speed kills.” That is what opposing coaches think when they see Plant City High School senior Kristen Wyckoff step to the plate. Wyckoff can turn a roller into a single, a single into a double, and believe it or not, a double into a triple or a homerun. In fact, she has hit six inside-the-park homers over the last three

seasons. And when she gets on base, which is nearly every game (she reached first base in every game but one in 2012), she is a threat to steal second and third. So far, she has stolen 130 bases in 131 attempts in the 98 games of her high school career.

Wyckoff, the daughter of Clay and Jackie Wyckoff, and the younger sister of Kayla began, as most youngsters do, with tee-ball at the age of four. A couple of years later, she started playing softball through Plant City Little League, and continued until the age of twelve. At ten, she added travel ball to her schedule, playing first for the Plant City Sizzlers. At the age of fourteen, Wyckoff joined the Florida Gold and two years later moved to the

Gold Coast Hurricanes.

Wyckoff, a four-year starter for Plant City, recently signed a letter-of-intent to play for the University of South Florida Bulls, under head coach Ken Erickson.

“It was a natural choice for me to go to USF,” remarked Wyckoff. “I’ve known the coaches since I was ten. I have always gone there for batting and pitching

lessons. I just felt wanted.”

Her ultimate goal is to play for the U.S. Woman’s National Team. Erickson, who led the Bulls to the College World Series last year, has been with the Bulls for 17 seasons. There is a chance that

Kristen’s dream may come to reality because Erickson, who is high on Wyckoff ’s talents, is a former Olympic coach and is currently the

head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team.

There was a reason that Erickson wanted Wyckoff. You see, the speedy shortstop has helped lead the Raiders to regular season district titles in 2011 and 2012. Plant City has not lost a district game since 2011, a string of 22 consecutive wins. The Raiders have also advanced to regional play each year over the last three seasons. This year, the Raiders had a rough start, losing their first three contests, but since then, they have won fourteen of sixteen, including a perfect 9-0 district record through April 2.

A career .420 hitter, Wyckoff is a prolific scorer, tallying 127 runs in 98 high school games and averaging 42 hits per season. Last season,

Wyckoff led the district with a .592 batting average, besting her nearest opponent by 120 points. This year, her average is down, but Kristen, a

traditional slap hitter from the left side of the plate, has been focusing on driving the ball more. So far, eight of her sixteen hits have been for extra bases, including three home runs.

She also plays wide receiver and safety on the Raiders’ flag football team. Initially a four-sport athlete, Wyckoff dropped basketball after her freshman season and volleyball after her junior year. Now her concentration is strictly on softball and flag football. By the way, both sports are played during the same season. So for much of the spring, Kristen plays two football games and two softball games each week.

Wyckoff is a member of the National Honor Society, the Civinettes, and the Ronald McDonald Club. She plans to study sports medicine while at USF. Congratulations to Kristen as she pursues her dream to play softball at a higher level.

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sports » team of the month

Plant citY high school wrestling teaMsports team of the month


for numerous reasons, the wrestling team at Plant City High School suffered through a difficult season.

It wasn’t that the quality of wrestling was poor, but it was the lack of athletes available to compete in each weight class. You see, there are fourteen weight classes in high school wrestling. The classes range from the lightest weight of 106 lbs to the heavyweight class at 285 lbs. For much of the year, the Raiders were forced to forfeit six or seven matches in nearly every meet they competed.

In the District 3A-6 meet held at Brandon High School on February 2, for example, the Raiders competed with only six wrestlers. The goal at districts is to place in the top four of each weight class, thus qualifying for regional competition. Unfortunately, senior Ricky Huffman, a four-year letterman in the 113 lb. class, and Ramon Rebolloso, a junior in the 126 lb. division, competed well, but were unable to place in the top four of their weight class. Four Raiders, however, were able to do so.

Coming off impressive showings in the county tournament, four Raiders, Jordan Evers (7th place), Kip Wynne (7th place), Craig Knight (6th place), and Lance Doerges (3rd place) ventured to the district tournament against nine other schools that included Brandon High School, who are consecutive state champions over the past thirteen years, and each placed in the top four of their weight class.

Carrying a regular season record of 37-17 into the district tournament, Jordan Evers, a junior, took three of five matches at district in the 132 lb. weight class and claimed third place. Junior Kip Wynne with a regular season mark of 38-16 took two victories out of four, and garnered a fourth place finish in the 152 lb. class. Craig Knight led the Raiders’ wrestlers in wins heading into the tournament with a 47-10 mark, was able to capture three of five matches, placing second in the 160 lb. class. Heavyweight

Lance Doerges (37-7) also was 3-2 with a runner-up finish.

The Region 3A-2 tournament was held the following weekend in Kissimmee at Osceola High School. Wynne, Evers, and Knight failed to attain a top-four regional finish and therefore did not qualify for the Florida State Championships. Knight, a senior, came up one win shy after a narrow heartbreaking loss in the semifinals.

Doerges, a junior, however, claimed second place, qualifying him to be a member of the All-Region team as he advanced to the title match. Unfortunately, he came up short when he was pinned with less than a minute remaining by Darren Lester from Brandon. Doerges advanced to the Florida State Championships held at the Lakeland

Civic Center February 15-16, but was eliminated in the second round.

Even without a full team, the Raiders fared well in the post season and if there is a greater interest in participation in the future, the Raiders are in a great position heading into next season.

“It was a difficult year, going into the meets without having a full team, but this was a tight-knit group of kids,” remarked Ron Evers, father of Jordan and an avid supporter of the team. “But on the other hand, it was a very positive and enjoyable season for them. For the three juniors, they took a big step forward from the tenth grade to the eleventh grade, so we’re looking forward to seeing what they will do in the future.”


extra » senior of the month

kellee brownArticle by Chelsea Talavera

life for Kellee Brown stays busy. She spends her time on school work, soccer, and working with kids with

special needs, just to name a few.

Academics have always come first for Kellee. She has worked diligently through her high school career. But hard work pays off. Kellee is ranked in the top 2 percent, 7th in the graduating class. She has a current weighted GPA of a 6.16 and amazingly a perfect unweighted GPA of a 4.0, meaning she has received straight A’s all four years of high school. That is such an amazing accomplishment that most students don’t ever achieve. Kellee is very intelligent and has high scores on both the SAT and ACT tests. She was voted by her peers “most well-rounded” and a Senior Superlative. She was also Miss June in this year’s Calendar Girl competition.

Kellee also has a passion for soccer. She has played on the varsity soccer team at PCHS since she was a freshman. For the past two years she has been captain. She has also won most valuable player two years consecutively. The soccer team has won the First Team All-Western Conference and District Champions twice, along with

Kellee’s help. She also plays competitively for VSI Flames U-17 and U-18. They have won many championships and are one of the top 16 teams in Florida. Her team practices Monday to Wednesday, two hours a day, and plays scrimmage games all weekend.

In March, she was chosen alongside 20 seniors in Hillsborough County to play on the all-star team. The game was against Pinellas County and was televised on Bright House Sports Network, channel 47. Kellee has excitedly committed to play soccer for Florida Southern College.

Soccer has also come in handy with her community service. Kellee teaches special needs students how to play her favorite sport. It is her third year volunteering with them. Every Sunday they practice to prepare for area games. The team is looking forward to the state competition at Disney and hopes to place higher than their third place win last year. She has contributed a total of 124 hours to this club.

Kellee always goes the extra mile. She is a star in every aspect of her life!

senior of the month

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extra » senior of the month

ZackarY beseceArticle by Chelsea Talavera

senior Zackary Besece brings much laughter and happiness to everyone he meets. He is all around a great guy.

Zack contains all characteristics you could imagine of a great student, athlete and person.

He has a 5.2 GPA, ranking him 43rd in the Senior Class. Zack is an Honor Graduate, and has extremely high scores on the SAT and ACT tests. He is a member of the National Honor Society and also lettered in academics.

Zack is very involved in clubs and organizations. He was elected by the Senior Class to make up the Executive Council as the Reporter. He is also a member of Students against Destructive Decisions, Civitan Service Club, and Life is Good.

He played varsity football as a freshmen and sophomore. His favorite sport, and one he excels in, is baseball. He has been on the varsity team since he was a sophomore.

Zack is this year’s captain of the team. He has lettered in baseball and also spent many hours assisting with the cleanup of the fields.

But Zack’s volunteering doesn’t stop there. He is a member of Team ToMarrow, which is a community service project benefitting the Be the Match Foundation and those in need of a bone marrow transplant. The team has raised over $3,000 and is hosting a bone marrow registry drive at this year’s Relay for Life for the second year in a row. Zack also volunteered with South Florida Baptist Hospital teen program, Cork Elementary Summer Reading Program, and Stepping Stone Farms.

Zack has excitedly been accepted into Florida State University! He hopes to pursue a degree in Environmental Engineering. He cannot wait to begin in the fall. We wish him all the success in his future endeavors.

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extra » derek maul

soMetiMes, faithColumn by Derek Maul

if we were to reassemble the New Testament in the order the books were actually written, chapter one would

be the first “epistle’ that Paul penned to his friends at the church in Thessaloniki. It’s a short letter, and a wonderful piece of inspirational literature; I’d recommend reading all five chapters in one sitting.

the choice to believe:What strikes me today, reading First Thessalonians one more time, is how deeply the idea of intentionality is woven into the writer’s understanding of faith. Irrespective of our stand regarding church or religion, I believe many of us miss this principle. Consequently, we misunderstand the basis for assurance, faith, inspiration and certainty. We look for an emotional “feeling” we believe is supposed to be a constant in our experience as followers of Jesus; too often we rely on it. However, when we substitute emotion and “feeling” for the day-to-day work of an intentional walk with God, then we set ourselves up for disappointment when faith fails to conform to our expectations.

don’t miss out:I think we all know people (we might even be those people) who miss out on a rich life of faith because we sidestep Paul’s encouragement to “be transformed by the renewing of your minds” (Romans 12). That’s the foundational idea of the following text: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit” (I Thessalonians 5:16-19). 1. “Rejoice always:” That’s a decision as much as it is a response. Wake up in the

morning, first thing, and make the decision to enter into a joy-referenced frame of mind.2. “Pray without ceasing:” Communication with God; acknowledgement of God; listening to God; talking with God; celebrating God; thinking about God. Not confining God to convenient interludes, but consciously choosing God as the operating system that runs underneath everything else.3. “Give thanks in all circumstances:” The “attitude of gratitude” needs to be intentional rather than reactive; otherwise thankfulness is stripped of its power to transform. Gratitude that stays ahead of circumstance tends to impact the circumstance rather than the other way around.4. “For this is the will of God:” God not only intends for us to live, joyfully, in the context of gratitude, but God intends to transform the world via our transformed disposition.5. “Do not quench the Spirit:” When we fail to act proactively in terms of our decision to rejoice, pray, and be thankful – then we have made the choice to quench the Spirit.

the choice is ours:I listen to people who refuse to pray, and who allow doubt, cynicism, and unbelief to poison their minds, and they too are transformed. But the transformation is negative, as they fail to take responsibility for the intentionality that is necessary for “renewing our minds.” God created us; God knows how our minds work. Paul understood very clearly that we don’t just wait for some magical spiritual experience to bring us assurance and confidence and transformation. No, God recommended that we take the bull by the horns and get on with it. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God; do not quench the Spirit. Any questions? - Follow Derek Maul daily at www.derekmaul.wordpress.com

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extra » candy’s corner

canDY’s cornerColumn by Candy Owens

here comes Peter Cottontail, hoppin down the bunny trail, hippity hoppity Easter’s on its way.

Bringing every girl and boy, baskets full of Easter joy, hippity hoppity Easter’s on its way. Baskets full of Easter Joy, Hey! That meant candy, toys, coloring books, crayons, decorating Easter eggs, hunting for Easter eggs, yummy Easter lunch, and a new Easter outfit complete with shoes, socks, gloves, hat, pocketbook, and dress.

As a child I was always excited about the eggs, the candy, and the toys, the part about the new dress, not so much. That meant trying on dress after dress until my mother found exactly what she was looking for. My mother always insisted that my sister and I wear matching dresses in a pastel color such as yellow or pink. Our hats, shoes, socks, gloves, and pocketbooks would be white. Our hats would usually be adorned with ribbons and flowers. I remember one year that our petticoats had jingle bells attached to the lace. I am sure that those jingle bells were adorable but ended up being way too noisy for church. When my sister and I were toddlers back in the early 1960s my mother would take us to see Mr. and Mrs. Tunall, who owned and operated The Tot Shop on Reynolds Street for all our apparel needs. The store was renamed in later years to Lad and Lassie. When we were a little older my mother would take us to Lakeland to Maas Brothers or to Ruby’s Tot and Teen

Shop, which was located at Southgate Shopping Center. If mother did not find what she was looking for then we were off to Tampa to Farner’s Children’s Wear. Farner’s was an upscale clothing and shoe store for children owned by the Bessie Edelstein family and was located at 1918 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. The store served south Tampans from the 1930s until its closing back in 2001.

Once our Easter outfits were all in line then the real fun began with the dyeing of the Easter Eggs. My mother would boil

two dozen eggs the night before. My sister and I could hardly wait as we watched her cover the kitchen counters with newspaper. Mom would put one dozen eggs on one side of the counter for my sister and one dozen eggs on the other side of the counter for me. In those days my sister and I were very territorial and would just perish at the thought of one of our eggs getting mixed up. Mom would then open up the Paaz Easter Egg Color Fun Kit. Back in the 1960’s the kit sold for 29 cents and came with a handy wire egg dipper, funny face paste-ons, alphabet stickers, cut-out airplane, four wrap-around- the egg outfits, punch out drying tray that would hold six eggs, and a cellophane pack of six color tablets. In the 1970s a wax crayon was introduced to the package, which allowed any design drawn on the egg to resist the dye. My favorite part was watching my mother drop the dye tablets in the cups of vinegar water. We thought it was so cool how the tablets began to fizz into the most beautiful colors. My sister and I worked very hard at trying to create what we thought were going to be the most beautiful Easter eggs ever. When we were finished creating our masterpiece eggs I would ask my Mother if I could have a sip of the Easter egg dye. Her reply would be,” absolutely not!” My mother would place two separate baskets on the coffee table. One basket was for me and my eggs and one basket was for my sister and her eggs. You would have thought that my

sister and I were guarding jewel encrusted Faberge eggs or something.

Speaking of drinking Easter egg dye, well…one year my best friend JeanAnn Weaver invited my sister Karen and I over to her house to dye eggs with her and her little brother Curt. Mrs. Weaver sat us outside at JeanAnn’s little kiddie picnic table on their patio. We had a great time decorating the eggs, but once again I was overcome with the desire to drink the dye. When it was time to clean up the mess I talked Curt into picking out a color that looked good enough to drink. Curt picked out the orange because he said it looked like orange drink. I chose the blue just because it looked good. Once JeanAnn and Karen were inside, Curt and I grabbed our cups and ran behind the Weaver’s aluminum shed and proceeded to drink the dye. Needless to say we both took a huge gulp and ended up spitting the dye halfway across the yard. Curt and I both learned that even though the colors were beautiful the dye tasted nothing like orange soda. Curt and I never got in trouble for drinking the dye that day because Mrs. Weaver said that soon enough we would have punishment enough. HAHA!

When Easter morning finally arrived my sister and I would wake up and run into the living room to see what the Easter bunny had left behind. We would always find a beautiful basket with a stuffed animal, a hollow chocolate bunny, a coloring book, crayons, a jump rope, jacks and a ball, jellybeans, chocolate foil-covered eggs that we called football eggs, and our favorite of all, the robin’s eggs.

Before we knew it, it was time to get dressed for church. My mother would get me dressed first and have me stand in the living room and wait for her to get herself and my sister dressed. She would tell me to stand still, do not go outside, do not sit down, and most of all do not touch anything. Once they were dressed my father would have us pose for photos in front of the curtains with our Easter baskets, out on the front porch, in front of the car, and then do it all over again with his movie camera. He would even film mother putting us in the car and driving away. My father would stay behind and hide the Easter eggs in our yard. He would get the ham in the oven and then get

dressed and meet us at church. During the Easter service I can remember my mother reaching over telling me to get the ribbon from my hat out of my mouth and to leave the little elastic chin strap from my hat alone. She would also tell my sister and I to be very careful with our white patent leather shoes and not mark them up. My father would polish our new shoes with Jubilee wax polish the night before Easter. When church was over we would rush home to hunt for eggs. There would always be several eggs that did not get found in the hunt. My father always tried to make a mental note as to where he had hidden the eggs. Some weeks later he would find them in the flower bushes when he was doing yard work. I am sure that is why my mother had us decorate so many eggs.

Easter lunch was always a sight to behold. My parents would bake a ham that was scored with cloves. Once on the platter, the ham was decorated with crab apples and pickled peaches. There would be potato salad, fresh green beans; corn on the cob; squash; and a relish tray with tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, pickles, olives of green and black, and green onions. Also, there would be rolls, fresh applesauce, an Easter egg cake from Kirby’s Bakery, and a fresh home-made coconut cake.

My grandparents on my father’s side would always join us for lunch. I remember how my grandfather would give the blessing and how my grandmother doted over her coconut cake and was so thrilled that her Easter lilies were in full bloom on Easter morning.

Long gone are the patent leather shoes, the white hats with ribbons and funny flowers, the petticoats with jingle bells, and my grandparents, but every time I see an Easter lily or bow my head in prayer I think of granny and granddaddy Owens and I know just how blessed I am.

I will leave you with this thought. May God bless you at Easter and keep you all year through. May God give you all the faith it takes to make your dreams come true. May his love and wisdom always help to guide you on your way. May his light shine down upon you.


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extra » auto review

afforDable seDanReview by Brian West

Mazda has been churning out cars available in the U.S. for a few decades now. Although Mazda

seems to have lost some of the momentum of the late 80s and early 90s from its flagship sports car, the RX-7, their lineup today is solid and poised for a comeback with a targeted and tighter marketing demographic. Today, Mazda only offers seven different models in the U.S., and the Mazda 6 is right in the middle of the lineup.

The Mazda 6 is a 4-door sedan. The sides are loaded with character lines. The front end seems wide in comparison to the rest of the body, but overall it’s a good exterior. Apparently, the designers were trying to give the Mazda 6 the look of a crouching animal ready to spring on its prey. I don’t know if they accomplished their goal, but I like it. The Mazda 6 is also the first Mazda to incorporate LEDs and a halo ring into the headlamps, which is good for Mazda because it instantly gives the impression of a higher-market vehicle.

Under the hood, you’ll find Mazda’s Skyactiv Technology 2.5L power plant. This engine delivers 189hp, which isn’t much when compared to almost anything on the road these days, but it delivers. This engine is loaded with torque, making the 6-speed transmission a lot of fun for the driver. If you should opt for the manual transmission, you’re in luck. The new transmission was designed after the one used for the Miata. If you haven’t had that experience, the gearbox is incredibly smooth and quick.

The interior is what you’d expect from Mazda. All of the instrumentation is

ergonomically sound. The dials and gauges are exactly where the driver would want them and everything takes minimal effort to access which helps keep the driver focused on the road…when not catching up on the Internet from a smart phone. (Come on. It’s just a joke.) Personally, I love that the speedometer is in the center of the dash. I can’t understand why so many other manufacturers struggle with this. It’s the single most important stat to the driver. It goes in the center and should always be larger than the others. Mazda got it right.

The seating is comfortable, and seems to wrap around the driver. If you’re going to be sitting in the rear, you better not be very tall, or be sitting behind a tall driver. Now don’t get me wrong. There is room in the back seat, just not a lot.

Driving the Mazda 6 is fun. The throttle response is good and the engine delivers enough torque that you never find yourself wanting or needing more power. It handles well. Steering takes little effort. It’s just comfortable and fun. I was impressed with how quiet the engine is. Unless you’re just stomping on the gas—which I had to do a little of for the sake of the review—engine noise is almost non-existent.

Overall, the Mazda 6 is a great 4-door sedan for the money. Starting in the low 20s, Mazda has priced it right, but they have stiff competition with Kia and Volkswagen. If you’re looking for the Mazda 6, visit the Lakeland Automall and tell them you read about it in Focus Magazine.

mazda 6 delivers as a low-cost alternative


extra » artist of the month

one Person’s trash isanother Person’s treasure

Article by Heather Davis

it’s been said that “beauty is in the eye

of the beholder.” S o m e t i m e s though, it may take someone with that special touch to uncover the beauty hidden within. Artist Kimberly Wyant is that someone who possesses the knack to take an item that has

been cast aside and turn it into a work of art.

As a completely self-taught artist, Kimberly Wyant allows life experiences to take her where she needs to go and become her best teacher. For Kimberly, there are no mediums or art forms that are off limits, which gives her the ability to create with a great sense of freedom and experimentation. Although Kimberly’s techniques may be varied,

there’s often one common thread that runs throughout all her works—her love to use recycled or repurposed items and turn them into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Always an avid collector of “junk,” Kimberly has turned her talent into a business known as KRapART which stands for Kimberly’s Recycled Art Project. Currently, she is keeping busy by turning old bicycle parts into pieces of jewelry.

Recently, Kimberly opened up her own Lakeland art studio and gallery which features not only her artwork, but also work from other artists. Kimberly also shows her unique custom pieces at various Farmers Markets held in Tampa, Lakeland, and Highland City, and has donated sculptures to the Plant City Gardens.

As a self-proclaimed “Art Gypsy,” Kimberly has been able to show that there’s beauty in everything if you look hard enough. You may contact Kimberly Wyant for additional information at faceboook.com/krapart.

Kimberly wyant

check out kimberly wyant’s studio located on s. lincoln ave. in lakeland.Photo submitted by kimberly wyant

a sculpture created by kimberly wyant, which is still in progress, of recycled items. Photo submitted by kimberly wyant

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extra » wanda’s words

wanDa’s worDs of wisDoM

Column by Wanda “Lewis” Anderson

spring. A time to clean and get organized. I love chemical-free cleaning supplies, and vinegar is one

of the best products you can buy. Use it any place where you would prepare food—cutting boards, microwaves and kitchen counters. It’s safe and affordable.

In addition, polish your bathroom and kitchen fixtures with a little white vinegar. Just dampen a cloth with vinegar, wipe your fixtures, and afterwards use a soft cloth to dry. This restores the shine.

Dirty windows? Full strength vinegar in a spray bottle cleans film and streaks. Water line marks in the toilet? Pour two cups of white vinegar into toilet bowl and let it sit overnight to remove marks. Equal parts vinegar and baking soda can even remove calcium and lime stains.

Speaking of unwanted deposits, cream of tartar isn’t just used for cooking. Mix equal parts with hydrogen peroxide to clean rust stains. An old pantyhose makes a great scrubber to apply the solution.

If you run out of bathroom cleanser, use equal parts of Epsom salts and your favorite dish detergent to clean bathtubs and sinks.

Besides deep cleaning, Spring is a great time to clean out closets, get rid of clutter and reminisce about all the old stuff you hold near and dear to your heart.

Choose one closet as the “catch all” storage area. Cover old shoe boxes with wrapping paper, label and stack.

Not enough closets? Simply purchase bed lifts. They raise your bed up to allow for more storage. I love them and have them on all my beds. I even purchased those long storage containers and stack them two-high under the bed. Add a bed skirt, and it hides it all.

If you haven’t worn something in a year chances are you won’t, so donate it. Give someone else the opportunity to rock your fashions.

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d & e » recipe of the month

better than bacon, baconrecipe of the month

Recipe by Gail Jones

“blasphemy!” the reader gasps in disbelief. After all, there is no finer food in all the world than

bacon. Adored by young and old alike, bacon is universal, a taste that could one day unite humanity in peace and harmony based on a mutual love…Okay, considering that huge populations around the world are Muslim, Jewish, or really strict vegetarians, all of whom avoid pork, maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration. But as I have mentioned in a previous article, I’ve known not one, but two vegetarians who were willing to compromise their gastronomic morals for a crispy little nibble of bacon.

So when my sister called last week to invite me to dinner with a group of her husband’s relatives who were visiting, and she cautioned me that this was not a culinarily adventurous group, I naturally turned to bacon.

“I’ll bring an appetizer,” I offered.

“Oh, if you want to,” she seemed hesitant.

“Is there something else you want me to bring?” I asked, confused by her tone. In our long-standing who-brings-what-for-dinner agreement, Donna always does the breads and desserts, and I always do the

appetizers. Had something shifted in the paradigm that I had missed?

“No, it’s just that…” she hesitated again. “Well Gail, these are wonderful people. Good and kind and…well, can you just keep it kind of simple this time?”

Simple, I repeated to myself. So there would be no chicken liver mousse garnished with caramelized onions, crumbled blue cheese, and fig preserves. No home smoked salmon with horseradish cream and pumpernickel toast. And I had better not even think about showing up with a platter of cured olives, bruschetta, marinated shrimp and a variety of little vegetable salads that is one of my favorite pre-dinner extravaganzas.

No, Donna wanted it simple, and it doesn’t get any more basic than bacon. Well, actually, brown sugar, mustard glazed bacon, a delight that I hadn’t even thought of since I first began entertaining in the mid-eighties. And boy was it easy to prepare! So easy in fact, that I had time to make a few brie and blue cheese balls with dried cranberries and toasted walnuts.

Sorry Donna.

I just couldn’t help myself.

ingredients½ cup brown sugar

¼ cup mustard (I used equal parts Dijon, whole grain and plain old yellow because that was what I had on-hand.)

2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce1 lb. thick-cut bacon

Preheat oven to 400º.

Combine first three ingredients in a bowl. Add bacon and stir until coated.

Remove bacon from glaze one piece at a time, sliding fingers down the length of the strip to remove excess marinade and to ensure even coating. Place the bacon on a rack in a cookie sheet or a broiler pan and cook for 20-30 minutes, until browned. (Lots of recipes recommend

a foil lined cookie sheet…this method does not crisp the bacon as well; believe me, I tried.) Allow to cool and with kitchen shears, snip into bite sized pieces.

If you are smart, you will double the recipe, but conveniently, forget to bring the second batch with you as there are never any leftovers to bring back home. This will allow you to make the best ever BLT for lunch the following day.

Directions

better than bacon, bacon

use this special bacon recipe to make the best blt you’ll ever eat.Photo by gail Jones

add some better than bacon, bacon to your next blt sandwich.Photo by gail Jones


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d & e » dining profile

strawberrY hutplant city dining profile

Profile by Deana Garrison

if you’re looking for a place that makes the most delicious sandwiches around, then I have found the place that suits

your fancy, located at 1505 North Wheeler Street, the Strawberry Hut Sandwich Shop. The Strawberry Hut has the best sandwiches and I can prove it. How? Easy….I took all three of my boys—Michael, Jacob, and Riley—with me on this adventure. Now, if you know my boys, then you know they will always tell you just what they think when you ask them their opinions. And that’s just what I did. Jacob loaded up with the Philly Steak Sub and a strawberry milkshake. He wasn’t coming up for air; therefore, he thoroughly enjoyed the taste. Michael, Riley, and I enjoyed our pressed Cubans.

There is something about a pressed Cuban Sandwich that gives it that delicious crunchy taste. They make them right in front of you, so you know you are getting a fresh sandwich. We devoured our meal under one of the huts located on the side of the building where we ordered. These comfy little picnic areas provide ample shade and a nice place to enjoy your meal. I know my sons enjoyed it just as much as I did because on our way home I was asked when we would be visiting again.

In addition to the obvious sandwiches, they offer salads, soups, ice cream, and of course a wide variety of milkshakes. They even have a peanut butter milkshake. Michael

claims this one was very different with an interesting taste. Needless to say, he had no trouble finishing the drink in minutes!

The Strawberry Hut opens as early as 6:30 a.m. offering a wide range of breakfast sandwiches, with of course the option to purchase lunch sandwiches for those wanting to take Strawberry Hut with them to work or school. How convenient! I also love the fact that their sandwiches are huge. I’m able to eat half of my sandwich, then have the other half for later. In addition, you can always call ahead and place your order to send someone to pick up.

It’s no wonder why Strawberry Hut has been around for 19 years. Their tasty sandwiches

and excellent friendly service are two main reasons customers keep coming back.

If you are looking for party trays, they can make that happen as well. Their prices are reasonable and the taste is great. Your guests will be glad you did.

Stop in or call them today at 813-752-3779. You may even see me up there back in line once again for my favorite “Cuban...all the way...pressed,” which definitely makes my day complete.

from sunrise to sunset, customers line up outside the strawberry hut to order delicious sandwiches, salads, shakes, and more! Photo by Deana garrison

the wide variety of milkshakes made it hard to decide on a flavor.Photo by Deana garrison

You have to try the pressed cuban sandwich. You will love it.Photo by Deana garrison

The Strawberry Hut Sandwich Shoppe1505 N Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563Phone: 813-752-3779

Web: thestrawberryhut.comHours: Monday through Saturday,

6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Closed Sunday

information


mi Casa Mexican Restaurant is a family owned restaurant dedicated to serving the finest foods and atmosphere of Mexico and the Southwest. We serve lunch and dinner, and proudly feature Fajitas,

Enchiladas, Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Chiles Rellenos and Chimichangas, as well as other specialties of the house. In addition, we offer a wide variety of margaritas, beer and drinks to accompany your favorite meal. And best of all, at prices that are affordable to almost anyone. We’ve been voted Best Mexican by the Focus RCA awards five years in a row!

mi casa

2613 ThonoTosassa RdPlanT ciTy, Fl

813-752-0057• www.micasamex.com

sPecial adveRTisemenTFind deals online aT myFocuscouPons.com » dining guide

chili’s has been spicing things up since 1975. There is something for everyone’s taste. From sizzling chicken or beef fajitas, fired grilled classic burgers or the new honey chipotle baby back ribs that are slow

smoked over pecan wood so they’re “fall-off-the-bone” tender with a bold new honey-chipotle flavor that’s impossible to resist. Call in or come in, your always welcome at Chili’s.

chili’s

3001 James l Redman PaRkwayPlanT ciTy, Fl 33566

813-764-8548 • www.chilis.com

“get Your Crabs and Beer!” If you are looking for a place where seafood or southern cuisine in a casual dining atmosphere come together, Linda’s Crab Shack is the place.

Linda’s offers a variety of options at a decent price. Choose from deviled crab, crab cakes, steamed or fried shrimp and clams, fried grouper, crawfish or one of their un-fish alternatives -- chicken, BBQ pork, ribs, and steak. There are a wide variety of sides and enjoy a slice of homemade cake. Lunch is served until 3 p.m. Now accepting Credit Cards.

linda’s cRab shack

downTown PlanT ciTy200 e. Reynolds sT.

PlanT ciTy, Fl 33563 813-754-0492

for the best barbecue in town, we are your First Choice! Family owned and operated for 20 years, we value providing top quality barbecue with every bite. At First Choice, you will find the

best southern style barbeque pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey, chicken, sausage, corned beef, and ribs! Our warm and friendly atmosphere is open for lunch and dinner, Monday 11am-7pm and Tuesday-Saturday 11am-8pm. Smokin’ your catering needs everyday.

FiRsT choice souTheRn baR-b-Que

712 souTh collins sTReeTPlanT ciTy, Fl 33563

813-752-7788www.FiRsTchoicebbQ.com


plant City Hometown Buffet is a family owned and operated business started by Elaine Vo, a resident of Plant City for the last 24 years. They offer a wide variety of items spanning the five

buffet bars, including seafood and steak. There is certainly something to fit every taste preference, especially if you’re looking for seafood with their catfish, stuffed crab, buttered shrimp and much, much, more.

PlanT ciTy homeTown buFFeT


813-754-4488

sPecial adveRTisemenT » dining guide

if you love deep-dish pizza, Olde Town Pizzeria is the only place around to find it. The cheesy Chicago-style pizza is a popular item on the menu, as well as the Award Winning Strawberry Walnut

Salad and thin crust pizzas. In addition, they have an array of delicious pastas, salads and sandwiches to satisfy all taste buds. This family owned and operated restaurant is a Plant City favorite for those who love high quality food and friendly service.

olde Town PizzeRia


(813) 752-5800 • www.oldeTownPizzeRia.com

Find deals online aT myFocuscouPons.com

whether you’re in the mood for soup & salad or the tastiest mexican food in town, Taco Rey Mexican Grill is the King! We are 100% authentic and here to serve you 7 days a week. Our food is

freshly prepared for your viewing pleasure and with only the finest ingredients. We offer daily lunch specials and call to order service! Adults and kids will love our menu and Aguas Frescas De Sandia, traditional natural home made drinks.

Taco Rey

1818 James Redman PaRkwayPlanT ciTy, Fl 33563

813.754.2100

come visit the freshest Shrimp Plant City has to offer at Shrimp & Co. Express and Enjoy some Fresh hand breaded Shrimp with hush puppies, spicy slaw and seasoned herb potatoes, nine Po Boys Shrimp & Co. Dishes to

choose from and more. Open Tues- Thurs. 11am-8pm Fri and Sat. 11am-9pm Closed on Sunday and Monday.

shRimP & co. exPRess

3503 w. bakeR sTReeT (u.s. 92), PlanT ciTy Fl. 33563

(813) 752-9040 • www.shRimPandco.com


d & e » keel and curley

keel anD curleYentertainment that surpasses fun

Article by Deana Garrison

the more I visit Keel and Curley, the more I’m amazed at how many people come out and have a great

time. I really don’t think I’ve ever visited at a time where it was dull or boring. I truly believe this place has developed into a great entertainment spot. If you have never stopped in to check it out, you are missing great fun, entertainment, and social interaction.

One recent weekend included an “uncorked evening” on Friday night with Rob Harris, a regular at Keel and Curley. He played jazz music while others sat around enjoying each other’s company. A younger “30ish” crowd enjoyed the night. However, on Saturday, more entertainment was enjoyed by all ages who came to see The Smokin’ Aces. This band plays a variety of country music with a mix of classic and with a little Rock n’ Roll thrown in to get you moving and enjoying the night. Many sat and listened completely enjoying themselves.

On this particular night, a wedding party came dancing in ready to enjoy the entertainment as well to help them celebrate their special day.

The Smokin’ Aces have many more appearances yet to come at Keel and Curley. Take a look on the Keel and Curley website to be sure to catch their next appearance. You are sure to have a grand stomping good time.

Keel and Curley also have other ideas up their sleeves. They offer a “Paint Your Own Wine Glass” opportunity that comes around about once a month. This is another item on your list to check out on their website for future dates. Your next favorite wine glass could be designed by the one and only you.

And you definitely cannot miss out on the 6th Annual Blueberry Festival that I have been talking non-stop about to family and friends. It will be held April 27-28. This will definitely prove to be a fun-filled time. Mark your calendars and do not miss it. For the very first time, this festival will have its very own Queen. Make sure you read next month’s edition for all the details of the pageant.

There’s so much going on at Keel and Curley you just have to visit their website to get up-to-date happenings to keep you in the loop of the entertainment. It’s so worth your time.

the smokin’ aces entertained guests at keel and curley with their country/classic/rock n’ roll style. Photo by Deana garrison

Celebrate a life lived!

1903 West Reynolds Street ~ Plant City813.752.1111

www.wellsmemorial.com

1903 West Reynolds Street ~ Plant City813.752.1111

www.wellsmemorial.com

Celebratea life lived.

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A Salon Of Excellence DesignedTo Meet Your Tailored Looks

Downtown Lee Building110 E. Reynolds St., Ste. 400

Plant City, FL 33563

813-759-1023

120 NORTH COLLINS STREET PLANT CITY, FL 33563

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Sewing MachinesModern Fabrics

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www.inspirequiltingandsewing.com101 N. Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563813.704.4867

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eventscan’t miss

2 Tampa Bay Blueberry FestivalCelebrate the 2013 Spring Blueberry Harvest at the Keel and Curley Winery (5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City) from Saturday, April 27 to Sunday, April 28. The festival kicks off on Saturday with U-Pick Blueberries at 8 a.m. and will continue until the fruit runs out. For just $3 per pound, take home some of the best blueberries around. In addition to the U-Pick, the festival includes wine tastings, 100 vendors, a large kid’s area, great food, music, and entertainment. Also meet the first-ever Blueberry Festival Court, who will make their first appearance together on Saturday at 5 p.m. Admission to the event is free and parking costs $5, $10 for VIP. For general information about the festival, visit keelandcurleywinery.com/blueberryfestival or call 813-752-9100.

Blueberry Festival Schedule of EventsSaturday, April 278 a.m. Gates Open and U-Pick Blueberries Begins9:30 a.m. Blueberry Wine Making and Wine Paring Class by Keel and Curley Winemaker Jared Gilbert10 a.m. Rob Harris Jazz Band1:30 p.m. Blueberry Farming and Tips on Growing Blueberries at Home by Keel Farms Manager Ryan Keel2 p.m. Faces South Classic Rock Band4:30 p.m. Blueberry Pie Contest Finals5 p.m. Blueberry Queen Presentation and Blueberry Royalty Court Introduction

Sunday, April 2810 a.m. Gates open10:30 a.m. Blueberry Wine Making and Wine Paring Class by Keel and Curley Winemaker Jared Gilbert11 a.m. Charlie Olsen and the “Corkscrews” Blues and Classic Rock Band1:30 p.m. Blueberry Farming and Tips on Growing Blueberries at Home by Keel Farms Manager Ryan Keel2 p.m. Heffner and Heffner Jazz Band

6th AnnuAL

RICOH Children’sClassic Golf Tournament

This annual golf tournament—sponsored by the South Florida Baptist Hospital, the Plant City Kiwanis Club, and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce—tees off on Friday, April 19 at 11 a.m. with check-in and lunch in the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club clubhouse. Shotgun start will take place at 12:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit the hospital’s wellness programs, the Chamber’s college scholarship fund, and the Kiwanis Club’s activities for underprivileged children. Please be sure to register for this great community event. For more information, call Amy at 813-754-3707.


Relay for LifePlant City High School | 6 p.m.For more info, contact Cathy Vallianatos at [email protected] or 813-685-0670.Register or donate online at relayforlife.org/plantcityfl.

Plant City Community ExpoFlorida Strawberry Festival EXPO Building 2 to 6 p.m.351 N. Woodrow Wilson St.70+ local businesses will be displaying their services. Stop in for door prizes, food samples, and to learn a little bit about area businesses and what they have to offer.Admission is free and open to the public.

16th Annual Optimist Tri-Star Soccer Skills CompetitionSponsored by the Optimist Club and the City of Plant City Recreation and Parks Dept.Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex | 9 to 11 a.m.2602 E. Cherry St.Children ages 6-14 can display their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills. A combined score in each round will determine the winners of each age group (6-7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-14). Awards will be presented at 11:30 a.m.Free event with no pre-registration required. Contact Deborah Haldane at [email protected] or 813-659-4200 ext. 4302 for more information.

Bike FestHistoric Downtown Plant City | 5 to 9 p.m.For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707

Mudzilla Mud RunConquer the mud and 27 manmade and natural obstacles in this Godzilla of 5K races. Spots are still available for racers of all fitness levels, ages 14 and up. Teams are also encouraged to register at mudzillamudrun.com. Proceeds benefit The Youth Alliance, an organization that empower young people to initiate positive changes in their lives, to start new works in areas where money is scarce.

Mother’s Day

Remedi Medispa CelebrationRibbon Cutting and Reception | 5 to 7 p.m.511 W. Alexander St.Event includes light hors d’oeurves, door prizes, and complimentary mini-spa treatments. All are invited to attend.For more information contact 813-752-2433 or remedispaplantcity.com.

6th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser for Evangelical University and SeminaryPlant City First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 6 p.m.503 N. Palmer St.Dinner catered by Fred’s Southern Kitchen. Business casual attire.Tickets are $25 and reservations can be made through Phyllis Westlake at 813-659-1903.For more information on the event call Myrle Henry at 813-752-4094

The Somewhat True Tale of Robin HoodPresented by Plant City Entertainment, Inc.PCE Community Theater | 8 p.m.Doors open at 7 p.m.101 N. Thomas St.Tickets are $14 for non-member general admission, $12 for senior citizens and students through grade 12, and $10 for members and advance group sales. Other performance dates include May 4, 9, 10, and 11 at 8 p.m., and a Sunday matinee on May 5 at 2 p.m (doors open at 1 p.m.).For more information call 813-503-7993.

Cork Academy ReunionCork Elementary School | 1 to 4 p.m.3901 N. Cork Rd.Former students, teachers, and friends are invited to reminisce about the “strawberry school” that ran until

the 1950s. Unlike traditional schools which aren’t in session during the summer months, strawberry schools let out from December through April so children could help their families harvest strawberries. Light refreshments will be served and former students are encouraged to bring old school photos to pass around.For more information call Delores Townsend Tillman at 813-681-7935 or Lavon Brannen Dudley at 813-752-2047.

Strawberry Classic Car ShowHistoric Downtown Plant City | 4 to 9 p.m.For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce 813-754-3707

APRIL

MAY

19 FRidAy

02 thuRsdAy 04 sAtuRdAy 18 sAtuRdAy

05 sundAy

17 tuesdAy

03 FRidAy

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Duplicate BridgeA low-key bridge game for beginners, as well as skilled players, meets on Fridays at 1 p.m. at St. Peters Episcopal Church. You must have a partner. For more information contact Walt Arnold at 813-752-1602

The Republican Club of Plant City meets the 4th Tuesday of every month between 7:30 and 9 a.m. at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. The next meeting is March 27. Cost of breakfast is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Come network with your neighbors in the conservative group.

Strawberry Square4401 Promenade Blvd.A full schedule of Square and Round Dancing is happening everyday at Strawberry Square. Visit www.strawberrysquaredancing or call 813-752-0491 for more information.

ReCuRRingevents

d & e » event calendar


FOCUSObitUarieSalbert e. ColeMarch 25, 1924 - april 1, 2013

Albert “Al” E. Cole, age 89 and one week, of Plant City, left this life for the next April 1, 2013. Born March 25, 1924 in PA, he was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie Koscur Cole in 1995, his brother Melvin & sister Eleanor. He is survived by his beloved companion of 16 years, Betty Merritt; his daughters, Yolonda

Cole, Shireen Granger ( John), Cara Stare ( James), 5 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, brothers, George (Sharon) and Larry; as well as numerous nieces & nephews and their families.

He was a veteran of WWII, in which he lost his dear brother Melvin in the Battle of the Bulge. He was a 55 year brother of the BPOE at Plant City Lodge 1727. He came to Plant City in 1954 to start his business as a building contractor, A.E. Cole Inc. He treasured his career and most especially the variety of projects that he embraced, from fallout shelters in the 1960s, to private homes & housing subdivisions, to churches, banks & many other well-known businesses around our city. Always outgoing and gregarious, he loved his customers and many friends as much as he loved building. He closed out his career in commercial building. During his career, he was involved in the Plant City Homebuilders Assn., The Tampa Homebuilder’s Assn, & the Tampa Apt. Assn. In addition he built &/or owned his apts. LeBon, Devonshire, Eastborne, and Coronation Ct Apartments, as well as other rental properties under the name, Cole Properties, which will be continued by his family. He loved golf and played for many years at the Plant City Golf and CC before becoming a charter member of the Walden Lake Golf and CC.

Funeral Services were held on April 5, 2013 2:00 PM at Wells Memorial Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. At 3:00 PM a Celebration of life Service was held at the Plant City Elks Lodge.

Carolyn a. FryJanuary 3, 1935 - april 5, 2013

Carolyn A. Fry, age 78, passed away on April 5, 2013 at her home in Winter Haven, FL. She was born on Jan. 3, 1935 to George and Gladys (Hunter) Geraghty in East Rockaway, NY. She married Matthew Walter Fry, who is deceased. Carolyn worked for over 20 years as an insurance agent at CH Nelson Insurance in Pawlet, VT. She is survived by a son, Matt Fry (Lisa) of GA., a daughter, Jeanine Myer, two brothers, Burt Geraghty (Babs) of Plant City, George Geraghty (Lucie) of NC, and seven grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, 10:30 AM at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City. Burial followed at Florida National Cemetery.

James M. HamilSeptember 19, 1952 - april 9, 2013

James M. Hamil, age 60, passed away on April 9, 2013 at home. He was born in Baytown, TX on Sept.

19, 1952 to Howard R. and Janet (Hariman) Hamil. James moved to Plant City, FL. 34 years ago and worked as a mechanic at several of the local chemical plants, CF Industries, Tampa Armature Works, and retired from Mosaic after eight years. James enjoyed NASCAR racing and his family. He is survived by his Dad,

Howard (Nancy), his mother, Janet Hamil, two sons, John H. Hamil (Kate), James M. Hamil Jr. ( Jennifer), daughter, Tina Hamil, one brother, Robert Hamil, and four grandchildren, Ashley, Aaron Hodges, Devin, Dylan Hamil. Visiation for Mr. Hamil was held on Friday, April 12, 2013, 6 - 8 PM and Saturday, April 13, 2013 11:00 AM at Wells Memorial Funeral Home. Burial followed at East Oak Lawn Cemetery.

Larry LongJanuary 11, 1941 - april 9, 2013

Larry Long, 72 of Plant City died April 9, 2013, at his home.

Born January 11, 1941 in Saginaw, Michigan, he was the son of the late Noah Long and the late Edna Wenger Long. He was the husband of the late Bonnie Shoemaker Long.

He was predeceased by brothers, Lamar, Bob, and Ken Long, and

sister, Eleanor Mann.Larry was a veteran of the US Army and will be

interred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

He was a welder, a published author, poet, writer, gem and gold miner, and a treasure hunter.

Surviving are sons, Joel (Samantha) Long and Christopher Long; daughter, Ponja (Rich) Hemphill; brothers, Don (Anna Mae) and Chuck (Pat) Long; sisters, Norma Richmond, Joyce Green, Shirley Yancer and Evelyn Perry; 12 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild.

A Funeral service was held at 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Shiloh Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com

Quyen Chieu LySeptember 26, 1933 - March 31, 2013

Quyen Chieu Ly, age 79, of Valrico passed away on Sunday, March 31, 2013. He was born in Vietnam.

A prayer service was held on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Wells Memorial and Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL.

Fred Mange Jr.august 16, 1934 - March 26, 2013

Fred Mange, Jr., age 78, of Plant City passed away on March 26, 2013. Survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce; daughters Becky (Randy) Rouse, Donna (Martin) DesCombes; son, Dana (Twalla) Mange; sisters, Delila Bennett and Thelma (Robert) Burr; nine grandchidren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 29, 2013 at 1:00 PM at Wells Memorial and Event Center.

toshiko Nakada MoldenMarch 21, 1932 - March 27, 2013

Toshiko (Nakada) Molden of Plant City, FL passed away on March 27, 2013. Toshi was born in Tokyo, Japan on March 21, 1932. As a young woman, she danced ballet primarily for the Jane Barlow company. Later, she served as a tour conductor and ballet instructor. After she married Daniel Everett Molden, Jr. she

moved to Kansas and was naturalized as a citizen of the United States. Always active, she played golf and taught aerobics while living in Topeka, KS. After Daniel retired, the couple relocated to Niceville, FL to enjoy their retirement years playing golf and going to the theatre. In 1997, they again relocated to Walden Lake in Plant City, FL where she was active playing golf and participating in many clubs and activities. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel Everett Molden, Jr. She is survived by her son Danny, Daniel’s daughter Frances K. Hudson, his sons Richard, James, Ronald, and Michael, their 13 children and 6 grand-children, and her sister, Teruko Nagai.

timothy “tim” PatrickJanuary 20, 1967 - april 10, 2013

Timothy “Tim” Patrick, 46 of Plant City, died April 10, 2013, at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Born January 20, 1967 in Tampa, Florida, he was the son of the late Edward Patrick, Sr. and Billie King Patrick.

Tim was a 1986 graduate from Tampa Bay Tech, an electrician with

MVP Fencing, played guitar, and loved woodworking.Surviving are sons, Joshua Tellado, Dalton and

Aaron Patrick; daughters, Tiffany Anderson, Jessica Patrick, Kayla Patrick; brother, Edward Patrick, Jr.; one grandson, Johnny Patrick.

A Funeral service was held at noon, Monday, April 15, 2013 at Sunset Memory Gardens.

The family received friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Plant City, Florida.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com

Jack V. Petermanapril 30, 1938 - March 24, 2013

Jack V. Peterman, 74, of Plant City, entered into rest Sunday, March 24, 2013. He was a retired small business owner and an animal lover. Jack is preceded in death

by his son, Van. Survivors include his loving wife of 55 years, Colleen; sons, Jack (Debbie) and Kurt; daughter, Patty Paul; brother, Ford (Esther); sister, Pat Springer (George); four grandchildren, Jamie, Justin, Joey and Colleen; and four great grandchildren, Gavin, Chance, Devyn and Remi. A celebration of Jack’s life was held on

Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Wells Memorial and Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563.

Kenneth Virgil Simmons Jr.November 11, 1978 - March 24, 2013

Kenneth Virgil Simmons Jr. passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2013. Mr. Simmons was a stock associate for WalMart and worked security for the Tampa Improv Comedy Club. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1998. He was actively involved in sports while in school. He was on the wrestling,

track and football teams.After high school Kenneth graduated from

McMurray College with a teaching degree in 2002. Kenneth began his career teaching at Tomlin Middle School and Bloomingdale High School. He volunteered his time for his passion of coaching football at Bloomingdale High School and Plant City High School. Kenneth spent his childhood practicing Karate, and as an adult, trained extensively in the art of Jujitsu.

Survivors include his mother Carolyn S. Mock; brother, Jerry Dewayne Skidmore; two sisters: Lisa Marie Evans and Angela Diane Skidmore; three Aunts: Sheila Perryman, Tina Cole and Tammie Rodriguez; two Uncles: Thomas Perryman and Warren Cole. A Celebration of his life was held on Monday, April 1, 2013 at Wells Memorial and Event Center.

Lindy L. SizemoreMarch 30, 1929 - March 23, 2013

Lindy L. Sizemore, age 83 of Plant City, Florida passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013. He is survived by his wife Donna. Funeral services were held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at Wells Memorial and Event Center at 10:00 AM. Interment followed at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In LovingMemory


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ACROSS 1. Sheep’s cry 4. Excited 8. Post-wedding

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whistler?19. Golfer’s favorite

National Park?22. Tumor zapper23. Equal status24. Carousel, for

one25. Go skyward27. Fruity desserts28. Astaire & others30. Duplicate33. Piece of chicken35. Tram car loads36. Golfer’s favorite

1956 movie?42. Capital city44. Secret meeting45. Tried47. High-fiber food50. Ghana’s official

lang.52. Connector54. Plentiful55. Political system57. Darted60. Prefix for noun

or life61. Dr. Scholl’s

product62. Tolerate63. First-century

statesman65. Colo. or Miss.67. Rather, for one68. Golfer’s

rejection?72. Yak75. Entire76. Statements of

faith77. Trunk tire79. Tiny hole84. Honeymoon

forerunner86. Cath. or Episc.87. Snoopy, for one88. Items in Indira’s

wardrobe89. Santa __, CA90. Mary __

Cosmetics92. New Mexican

resort93. Red95. Sam or Tom

100. Sport102. Trustworthiness

in a golfer?105. First to hit 60+

homers 3 times108. Snakelike fish109. Gave up110. Self-assurance

112. Boyfriends117. “__ cock-horse

to Banbury...”119. Twiddling one’s thumbs121. By way of122. Value estimator124. Golfer’s afternoon

cookies?128. Golfer’s utensils?129. Hole-making tools130. Low club131. “...__, whatever will be

will be...”132. Switch positions133. Need a bath134. Put in position

DOWN 1. Carrier 2. Mrs. Romney 3. Talk to 4. Like Lazy Mary 5. Balkan nation 6. Not safe 7. Classic Pontiac 8. Piddling 9. Ransomed10. __ mask11. “__ boy!”12. Recipe direction13. Story line14. Elected officials: abbr.15. Noted museum17. Numerical prefix18. Polish off

19. Avg. at the acad.20. Poet’s contraction21. Household employee26. Followers of 29 Down29. Mr. Brezhnev31. Permit32. Boatman’s item34. Family docs36. Not upside-down37. Wise Men’s guide38. Wise __ owl39. Aberdeen accessories40. Prefix for dermic or thesis41. Get loud43. Trevino or Marvin46. Fourth in a series47. Actor Garrett48. “Queen of Country Music”49. Opposed to, hillbilly-style51. Mischief-maker53. Virginia port56. Hombres58. Nonspecific one59. Colorful candy wafer60. Morning delivery61. Common contraction63. Missouri airport luggage

tag letters64. Stray66. “__ a deal!”69. Cereal grain70. Song to Billie Joe71. 90° from NNE72. Lady __73. First name in folk singing

74. Queens & workers78. Policeman’s duty79. PC exit key80. Play area81. Southernmost of 582. Not firm83. Latin I verb85. Smudge87. Parting word89. Actor Harry __91. Floor94. 3/7 and 4/796. Kindhearted97. Shoe sole feature98. Top99. Printemps follower

101. Views103. UFO pilots104. Fit for consumption106. Part of USSR107. Friendship110. Gore & his dad111. Univ. degrees112. Night fliers113. Dull sword114. Unoriginal one115. __ Minor116. Exhaust118. Many AMA folks120. Old floppy123. Five score125. Anvil site126. Female animal127. Suffix for moist or

text

ON THE LINKS by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

d & e » crossword

on the linksCreated by Calvin R. and Jackie Mathews

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813-757-6429

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FOCUS Plant City 12-04

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