FOCUS PC 05-02 Feb 2006 by Floyd Publications

LOCAL • REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS • SPORTS • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT VOLUME 5 NUMBER 2 • FEBRUARY 15 • 2006- MARCH 15 • 2006

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BIGGEST ISSUE EVER! INSIDE: SPECIAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL SECTION MEET PARKESDALE’S OWN JIM AND CHERYL MEEKS 2005 READERS CHOICE AWARDS

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contents LOCAL 8-28 All around Plant City there were a plethora of events. The First Presbyterian Church did an extensive golf tournament to raise money for the United Food Bank. The Florida Opry paid a visit to the 1914 High School featuring wonderful talents. In midJanuary, the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Festival was a huge hit. Plant City was excited to see the new pediatric wing open at the South Florida Baptist Hospital. Thanks to many people around the Plant City community who made donations, the HCC campus is underway to grow tremendously.

FEATURE 31-38 Over the past decade, Plant City has had beautiful young ladies to represent the town as the Strawberry Festival Queen. However, after their reign they drop out of the spotlight. Read this month’s feature section to find out what has happened to these young women and what they are up to now. They have made Plant City proud with their many successes.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW 40-42

STRAWBERRY SPECIAL SECTION 44-67 It’s that time of year again! There is an entire section of the magazine for you to get a closer look at the Strawberry Festival. Meet the new Queen and her Court. Read about the entertainers that will be at the festival to pick which shows you would like to attend. Make sure you look at the schedule as well to decide which days you will attend this Plant City tradition.

HOME GUIDE SECTION 59-81 This section is dedicated to buyers, sellers, and owners.

ON THE COVER

Hannah Hodge 2006 Strawberry Queen Hannah is a 17-year-old Durant High School senior and is excited about embarking on this new journey. Photo by Mike Floyd

Meet Jim and Cheryl Meeks, the owners of the famous Parkesdale Farms. Cheryl, the daughter of Roy and Helen Parke, took over her parent’s business in 1978. Her family has been in farming for five generations. When Cheryl met Jim, they were engaged in a month and married in four months. They were looking forward to starting their own business and rather than having two businesses in the family, her dad asked her to take over the market. Find out more about this wonderful company that provides some of the best shortcake in town!

FOCUS

PLANT CITY EDITION PUBLISHER Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com EDITOR IN CHIEF Linda Floyd linda@floydpublications.com MANAGING EDITOR Sophia Dedon sdedon@floydpublications.com OFFICE MANAGER DeDe Floyd dede@floydpublications.com CREDIT MANAGER Bob Hughens bob@floydpublications.com SALES Tania Summers tsummers@floydpublications.com Julie Colding jcolding@floydpublications.com AD ASSISTANT Terrie Cameron ART DIRECTOR Stefanie Burlingame sburlingame@floydpublications.com GRAPHIC DESIGN Anthony Sassano asassano@floydpublications.com DISTRIBUTION Tony DeVane PHOTOGRAPHER Billy Friend STAFF WRITERS Brian West, Kristen Toney, Tracy Everett, Lynne Warren, Ken Lawrence, Willa Warren, Laverne Stevens, Amy Ellis, Connie DuBois, Dawn Marie Simpson, Debbie Bowers, Devin Dygert, Brenda Paul, Sherry Baldwin, Holly Mallalieu CONTRIBUTORS Sherry Nueesch, Gil Gott, Jim Brown, Mac McGrath Shelton Keely, Michael Cameron, Al Cohen

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. Letters, Questions and Comments can be sent to us at sdedon@floydpublications.com. 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.FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed to 10,000 homes.

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ﬂoyd publications, inc. 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. • Plant City, Florida 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 • Fax 813.764.0990 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 4

letter FROM THE EDITOR

It is very strange that the years teach us patience – that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting. Elizabeth Taylor in “A Wreath of Roses” (Knopf)

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I think that is deﬁnitely one of the reasons that grandchildren are so much fun. When you’re no longer responsible for their everyday care, you can afford to sit there for an hour or more and just watch and appreciate all the little things they do. When I was the parent it seemed like I was always in a hurry and didn’t have that kind of time; the kind that you can just stop and smell the roses, if you will. And another thing that I’ve always heard which is also so true is that youth is wasted on the young. But when you’re there, how are you to know? Nobody can tell you to appreciate it while you can, because the young don’t tend to understand, listen to or even believe this kind of advice when given it by their elders. How can they? They don’t have the experience it takes to really understand what you’re talking about. But when they do get a little older, sometimes they can think back to something you told them and they can see that you were right. But isn’t it just too bad that people can’t really learn from other people’s experience? Think of all the mistakes and disappointments that could be avoided. On the other hand, could a lesson be learned as well as when you experience the disappointment, or the victory, yourself? I think not. In our local section this month we bring you a story on the celebration of a man’s life who should be an inspiration to us all as an ultimate role model, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We also celebrate with you the opening of a special place to take care of those grandchildren and youngsters when they are ill, St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida Baptist Hospital. This new pediatric wing is being touted as the “new star in children’s healthcare”. Being that this month is our Strawberry Festival issue you will ﬁnd it packed with interesting and useful information about the Strawberry Festival. We give you some history, run down the schedule of entertainers and have coverage of the Queen’s Pageant. Our feature is on some of the past Queens and where they are now.

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I have read decals and plaques on walls with the following, “A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” Shouldn’t that be the goal of us all? We hope you enjoy this issue and, as always, thank you for your readership and support.

Linda Floyd. Due to the dates of the Florida Strawberry Festival, the distribution of the March issue of Focus Magazine will be delayed.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 6

LOCAL

Focus Magazine is moving to 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd in beautiful historic downtown Plant City. Look for new and exciting things coming in March! Congratulations to Dr. David Provencher, the only allergist in Plant City, and his staff for their hard work and determination. They have moved into a bigger, better location in the Southern Oaks Plaza behind the Tooth Caboose. Congratulations to Stacey and Tommy Huston for the birth of their daughter, Destiny Jochelle Huston. Grandparents are Joann & Michael Tidwell and Darlene & Tom Huston. Great-grandfather is Jack Huston. Congratulations to Cecile & Louise Nelson on their 50th Anniversary. Coventry Adult Care Home opened a new facility in Plant City on 3101 N. Wilder Rd. Congratulations to Lou & Gail

Samantha Bell

town

McGrath who are expecting 4 grandchildren in the ďŹ rst 6 months of 2006. It began 0110-06 with the birth of Jackson Daniel Davis. Jaida Paige is due in March and the twins are due in June. The 3 sets of parents are Aaron and Leslie, Nate and Natasha and Mac and Lisa. Congratulations to Madison Alexis Becker, the 1-year-old Sunburst Pageant Queen. She won Prettiest Eyes, Prettiest Smile and Best Personality. She will be going to the state ďŹ nals in May. Her parents are Patrick and Sandra Becker. Kevin Bohne and Florida Gas & Electric sponsored the Jan Henrick Achievement Award for twelve deserving students at PCHS. The winners were: Lillian Artyamsoal, Kristopher Bellamy, Brenda Camargo-Garcia, Devonte Howard, Dennis Hoyos, Tabitha Long, Donald Rawls, Zenaida Rojas-Hernandez, Christian Rosa, Matthew Rowland, Hipolito Soto and Alexis Thomas.

The PCHS Quiz Bowl team competed at UF against 47 teams. They ended with a record of 9-1. Of the 300 students that competed, Ryan Napier scored the second most points. Becca Smith placed in the top twenty. The other four students were also successful in scoring points for the team. Their names are Michael Fekete, Chris Morley, Corey Mcfarlane, and Cindy Saldierna. First Baptist Church Plant City is sponsoring a Family Library E-mail Book Club. Members are emailed a 5minute sample from a Christian book each day. By the end of the week they would have read nearly the entire ďŹ rst chapter. If they like it, they can stop by and check out the book. For more info or to join go to www.fbcpc.com or email Library@fbcpc.com Plant City Photo Archives is seeking volunteers for their non-proďŹ t organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gallery

Focus Magazine wants to know what is going on in YOUR life. People have exciting things happen to them everyday and sometimes wish they could tell everyone. Well, now you can. If you have an announcement you would like to share with Plant City, tell us, and we will put it in our Talk of the Town section. There are drop-oďŹ&#x20AC; boxes and notepads located around town for your convenience. Right now, a few box locations are Fredâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market, Grandpa Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Natural Creations, The Whistle Stop CafĂŠ, Curves, and Manhattan Mortgage. More locations are to come, so keep your eye out for the Talk of the Town boxes. If you would prefer to call in your exciting news, the number is 813-707-8783 x 21. Focus Magazine cares about you and wants to share in your excitement.

located in downtown Plant City. Volunteers are needed ThursdaySaturday 10 a.m.- 4p.m.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 7

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All the Pediatric Services You Need IN A KIDFRIENDLY SETTING

f we could close our eyes and imagine a hospital wing designed just for children and their needs, what images would come to mind? On a recent visit to the new pediatric wing at South Florida Baptist Hospital any such visions I could conjure up were well exceeded. Aptly being touted as the “new star in children’s healthcare”, St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida Baptist Hospital opened its doors in Plant City on January 22, 2006. What does this “new star” mean for the healthcare of the children in our community? The new pediatric center links our children’s health care to the only hospital in Hillsborough County that specializes in child health care. Not only are there more than 15 pediatric and family practice physicians, one pediatric cardiologist, and three pediatric hospitalists on staff, but patients have access to more than 220 pediatric specialty physicians through a link to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital. “The opening of St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida is a tremendous step in the development of a network of children’s hospital care throughout the region,” said St. Joseph’s Children’s Administrator Michael Aubin. “Our commitment to

family centered care with pediatrics excellence will definitely be enhanced by this expanded outreach to the Plant City/East County region.” In the new wing at South Florida Baptist Hospital you will find all the pediatric services you need in a kid-friendly setting. This includes a team of 15 specialty-trained pediatric nurses and five neonatal nurse practitioners, including those with credentials as certified registered pediatric nurses (CRPN). These nurses have expertise in pediatric advanced life support (PALS), neonatal stabilization and more. It will also include ten pediatric patient care technicians, thirteen interactive pediatric patient rooms with accommodations for handicap-accessible and isolation needs, cardiopulmonary monitoring for children with heart and respiratory problems, and a pediatric code cart designed for young patients. Sickness or injury can be scary at any age, but as a child this can be even more so, especially if the sickness or injury leads to hospitalization. In addition to being sick or injured, hospitalized children face many challenges, such as being separated from their friends or school, becoming familiar with a new environment or adjusting to a

Manager of Radiology, Debbie Brightwell, shows Wyatt Davis (age 4) how to use the ultrasound sonogram.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 8

new routine. It is with this insight that South Florida Baptist Hospital has come up with a way to help children cope with the illness, pain and emotional challenges that come with hospitalization. Upon visiting, one can’t help but be impressed with the level of thought and planning that has been put into making this a special place for children. From the start, one is greeted with bright cheerful colors and brightly painted murals on the walls. The theme is aquatic and introduces you to the friendly characters of Toby the Turtle and Stella the Starﬁsh. Included in the new pediatric wing is an interactive playroom with painted murals, a widescreen TV, games, and other children’s activities, as well as 13 individual patient rooms fully equipped with videogames, LCD TVs on swing arms, and DVD players. Furthermore, a Child Life program is in place which provides a Certiﬁed Child Life Specialist who understands the needs of children and helps them understand and cope with their medical experiences. There is a Child Life team, as well, that provides support to children with illnesses throughout their stay, and a Child Life surgical orientation

program to help prepare children for any procedures they may undergo. Activities such as story time, arts and crafts and music therapy are offered as a way to focus on normalizing the lives of young patients and making hospital stays less stressful. South Florida Baptist Hospital serves Plant City and surrounding areas as a non-denomination, not-for-proﬁt community hospital. It offers all the high tech services of an acute care hospital, but in a small, warm, and friendly environment designed for personal attention and compassionate care. With the addition of the new Pediatric Wing it is clear that St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida Baptist Hospital has succeeded in combining state of the art pediatric care along with a kidfriendly environment.

Truly St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida Baptist Hospital is not only a “new star” in our children’s healthcare, but a “Shining Star”. For more information about St. Joseph’s Children’s at South Florida Baptist Hospital, call (813) 7578407.

Nurse Manager, Donna Washburn and Director of Pediatrics, Timothy Gompf pose with Stella the Starﬁsh.

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Chamber of Commerce This has been mentioned in this column before but is worth repeating. Call the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce ofﬁce at 813-754-3707 to have your organization’s event placed on the COMMUNITY CALENDAR. By doing so, you can determine if your date conﬂicts with other organizations. This process also lets of Chamber members know what is happening in our Community so we can promote your event.

n January 26th the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held its annual CHAIRMAN’S BANQUET in the Red Rose Ballroom at the Ramada Inn Plantation House. The gavel was passed from Rick Lott to Danny Coton who will serve as Chairman for 2006. Other ofﬁcers for this year are: Doug “Gibber” Gibbs, Chairman Elect; Rick Lott, Immediate Past Chairman; Paul Hackney, Treasurer; Mark Bullard, Vice Chairman Governmental Affairs Division; Steve Solomon, Vice Chairman Growing Businesses Division; and Chris Sparkman, Vice Chairman Membership. Directors who were sworn in at the Banquet were: Al Berry, Jennifer Closshey, Doug Driggers, Charles Harris, Dr. Felix Haynes, Fred Johnson, Kelleigh Klein, Tim Lopez, Jon Poppell, Bruce Rodwell, Tim Shuff, Ed Verner, Bill Ulbricht and Kimball Wetherington. The Chamber now has 720 members and under the leadership of Chris Sparkman, this total will certainly continue to grow. In addition to the Bike Fest which is held the 1st Saturday of every month, and the Strawberry Classic Car Show which is held on the 3rd Saturday of every month, the Chamber also hosts a Contact Breakfast on the second Wednesday of every month (except July) and a Business After Hours on the Third Thursday of every month. Shortly before the new school year begins in August, a New Teacher Coffee is held. All of the new teachers in the Plant City area are invited to this event. Other big events the Chamber sponsors are the Community Expo which will be held on May 4th.; The Margarita Ball which takes place May 20th.; The Economic Development Council Banquet which will be held on November 2nd and, of course, the fantastic Pig Jam which will take place on November 18th this year. Your Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce urges you to support our members by shopping and using the services available at their locations.

ow about the new Pediatric wing on 3 North at our hospital? It is known as “ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S AT SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST HOSPITAL”. This name came about because South Florida Baptist Hospital is a member of the BayCare Health System, a network of institutions that includes St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, all in Tampa, as well as Morton Plant Mease in Clearwater, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and New Port Richey and also St. Anthony’s in St. Petersburg. This $700,000 addition has 23 rooms designed speciﬁcally for children, with such added features as couches in the rooms for family members to use. The unit is handicap-accessible and can also accommodate patients that must be isolated. A great addition to our great hospital.

till bashful or scared to death about speaking in public? There is help! Join TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL. There is a club right here in Plant City that meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 AM in the Chamber offices, 106 North Evers Street. Toastmasters will give you the skills and confidence you need to effectively express yourself in any situation. Whether you are a student, professional, or retiree, Toastmasters is the most efficient, enjoyable and affordable way of gaining great communication skills. Everyone in a Toastmasters club was once at the level you are now. The program is friendly, supportive and lots of fun. Constructive evaluation is the heart of the Toastmasters agenda. Give Dean Snyder a call at 813-752-2505 for additional information. Guests are welcome, so stop by and check it out.

id you know that the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department has a JAZZERCISE PROGRAM? Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the Planteen Rec Center, 403 Dort Street, you can join in the fun way to ﬁtness. The program is for young adults through seniors and is co-ed. Each class is one hour. Cost of the program is $25.00 for new students. There is no long term contract required. Call Donna Breting at 813-986-4261 for more information.

f you have a child between the ages of 5-7 you can enroll them in the START SMART GOLF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. This is a parent participation program for young children who have never played golf. The program will be held on Tuesday and Thursdays in March. Contact Deborah Haldane at 813-757-9166 or by e-mail

at dhaldane@plantcitygov.com for more information.

ork on the new tennis courts at the Plant City Tennis Center, 120 Wilder Road, in Ellis-Methvin Park is progressing nicely. The City is looking for a February opening of the clay courts and an early March opening of the asphalt courts. Plans are underway for a grand opening celebration following the Strawberry Festival. The opening is tentatively set for Saturday afternoon, March 18, featuring a couple of professional exhibition matches. Complete details will be announced soon.

ou will not want to miss the Pied Pipers of Tommy Dorsey fame at 7 PM on Sunday evening, March 5th at the Wesley Centre, 303 N. Evers Street. This musical quartet joined up with Dorsey in 1940. Some of their big hits include “On the Sunny Side of the Street”, “Dream”, “Stardust” and Put Your Dreams Away For Another Day”. Tickets to this fabulous show are $20 and may be purchased by calling 813-754-3519. DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Feb. 17-18 – “Messugah-Nuns” presented by Plant City Entertainment at Hillsborough Community College. This is a funny musical and is the fourth in the Nunsense series. Ticket information at 813-7544929. Feb. 18 – Walden Lake Classic Run sponsored by the YMCA. Starts at 7 AM. There will be a 1 mile fun walk, a 5K run and a 15K run. For information call Lesley Jernigan at 813-757-6677. Feb. 18 – Strawberry Classic Car show. Downtown Plant City from 4 to 9 PM. Feb. 25 – Florida Opry at 1914 Community Center. Features Terry Dennis, Ken McWilliams & The Nashville Band, Tina Dallman and the Faithful Men Gospel Quartet. Start at 7 PM. Call Myrle Henry for ticket information at 813-752-4094. Mar. 1 – Citizen of the Year luncheon in the Red Rose Ballroom at the Ramada. Cost of lunch is $18 per person. To RSVP call either Matt Buzza 752-6193, Extension 202, or Ken Gibbs at 752-6171.

meet. New location this year….John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College. Call 863-412-3090 for further information. Mar. 5 – The Pied Pipers of Tommy Dorsey fame at the Wesley Centre, 303 N. Evers Street. Concert starts at 7 PM. Call 813754-3519 for tickets. Mar. 6 – Strawberry Festival Parade. Starts at 1 PM. Mar. 12 – Last day of Strawberry Festival. Mar. 15 – Contact Breakfast, Ramada Red Rose Ballroom. Starts at 7:30 AM. Call 813-754-3707 to RSVP. Mar. 18 – Strawberry Classic Car Show. Downtown Plant City from 4 to 9 PM. Mar. 18 – Florida Opry at 1914 Community Center. Tonight’s concert features Tugboat Jerry from Louisiana, Ken McWilliams & the Nashville Band, Laurie Harvley McCann and The Gospel Truth Quartet. Starts at 7 PM. Call Myrle Henry for ticket information at 813-752-4094. Mar. 20-24 – School Spring Break LOOKING AHEAD……… On Saturday, April 8th the 19th Annual Rainbow Ball will take place at the Red Rose Ballroom at the Ramada Inn. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Di Lott at 813-267-3119. This event always draws a large crowd and supports a very worthwhile cause. Mark your calendars for the South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Annual Children’s Golf Tournament. This great event will take place on April 28th at the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club with a shot gun start at 12:30 PM. This is another event that supports a very worthwhile cause. The Chamber’s Community Expo which will be held May 4th. Details in next issue. Do you like Margarita’s? You will not want to miss the Margarita Ball which will be held on May 20th this year. Watch this column for further details.

Mar. 2 – First day of Strawberry Festival. Opens at 10 AM. Mar. 4 – Bike Fest in Downtown Plant City from 5 to 9 PM. Mar. 4 – H. B. Plant Railroad Society presents their annual train show and swap

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MEMBERS. SHOP WHERE YOU SEE THE SIGN. MEMBER GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

SUPPORT OUR GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS. BUY THEIR PRODUCTS AND USE THEIR SERVICES. IT JUST MAKES SENSE!

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 10

Strawberries aren't all t h a t t h r i v e i n P l a n t C i t y.

We're Helping You Raise A Healthy Family. At South Florida Baptist, we're here to help keep your family healthy, day in and day out. With medical, education and outreach programs for every member of your family, we're meeting all your health care needs right here in Plant City – and that's just one more reason life here is so sweet!

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 11

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Story and photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

Never Give Up On Your Dreams ADAM SPIVEY

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hasing your dreams often comes with risk. For Adam Spivey, that risk involved breaking away from the security of a corporate structure and developing his own real estate company. But Adam canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait until he turns 50 because he dreams of retiring then â&#x20AC;&#x201C; at that time, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to relax and dedicate his hours to family bonding. Luckily for him, his wife and children share the same passions as he, such as golďŹ ng, hunting, hiking and traveling. Adam has 28 dogs whose breed is known as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walkers.â&#x20AC;? Adam adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know why they call them Walkers because my dogs never walk!â&#x20AC;? These are bona ďŹ de hunting dogs that track down deer and signal to the Spivey family where the deer may possibly run out of the woods.

excess of 300 lbs on one of the family trips to Kansas. But alas, hunting season is over and Adam isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite 50, so he must continue to earn a living. But you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hear him complain. The same passion he shares for the family he adores and for hunting is nearly equaled for making peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dreams come true. When asked if he had ďŹ ve minutes left to live what would his advice be to anyone listening, he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you dream of one day living a life of champagne taste and caviar dreams, just remember that whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s required is belief in yourself and taking risks in life.â&#x20AC;?

When it comes to caring for his dogs such as worming, rabies, grooming, etc, Adam doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use a traditional vet. Instead, he purchases his vet supplies from Doc Collins and he and his family tend to their dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. This self-made 41 year-old family man has extensive hunting stories to share, spinning his tales of great hunts. Adam was instantly hooked on the sport when his dad took him hunting at the age of 12; heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been passionate about it ever since.

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Believe it or not, Adam once bagged a 10-point buck that weighed in Adam was a rebel growing up, ask his Dad! But this family man has now settled down and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to retire.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 14

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Story & Photos by Holly Mallalieu

Florida Opry COMES TO 1914 HIGH SCHOOL

or being relatively small, Plant City works hard to nullify the idea that small towns are always “boring”. Multiple unique events and attractions are offered throughout the year for those seeking entertainment. One of the most looked-forward-to occasions is the Florida Opry - a fantastic performance of talented singers who appeared at the 1914 High School Saturday evening, January 28th. Merl Henry, previous president of the Historical Society, who is also responsible for our annual car show, is the one to thank for this, along with his righthand-man Jim Rogers. After seeing the Carolina Opry while vacationing in South Carolina, he was inspired to organize a group himself, and in the summer of 1998, the Florida Opry was born. Henry chose the old high school when he realized that it wasn’t being used, except for the spectacular 3-ﬂoor exhibit of Plant City’s history inside. The building’s antique aura was

perfect for the western-style concert. “It’s just a footstompin’, handclappin’ good time!” says Henry. Victoria K., only 14,

If you want to mesmerized the audience with her powerful voice. imagine you were there, just picture an auditorium ﬁlled upstairs and down, and an audience waiting in anticipation of a great show. And it was. The performers were fantastic. After opening with prayer and “The Star Spangled Banner”, Victoria K., only 14 years old, mesmerized the audience with her powerful voice, singing some of her favorites by Patsy Cline, Lee Ann Rimes and Dolly Parton. She has met several stars including Dolly Parton, Cletus T. Judd

Chapter III Trio, an enthusiastic gospel group, had the crowd singing along to well-know hymns.

and Charlie Daniels. Victoria worked the audience like a professional. Penny DeHaven, another star of the night, has appeared many times on “Hee-Haw”, had an acting role in Honky-Tonk Man, opened for Hank Williams Jr., and sang on a CBS Johnny Cash special, whom she has met, among others. DeHaven enthralled listeners Saturday night with old country hits, hitting all of the notes perfectly.

group, had the room singing along with the hymns everyone has grown up on, plus a few they wrote themselves, while Ken McWilliams and the Nashville band brought an upbeat act of six talented men on instruments from the steel guitar to the ﬁddle. The Florida Opry is currently in their ninth season, going strong. And if good old country music is in your liking, then this absolutely worth seeing.

Chapter III Trio, an enthusiastic gospel

2005 Finalist SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Brandon Chamber

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 15

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Story by Dawn Marie Simpson and Devin Dygert Photos courtesy of the Plant City Recreation Department

Some Kids Wormed Their Way To The Top!

Award winners and sponsor representatives (L to R) Front row: Peyton Ray, Clayton Patton, Andy Smrstick, Sonny Marsh, Austin Dempsey.Back row: C.J. Kenney (Bill Heard Chevrolet Tournament Fishing Team) , Zach Nedwick, Paul Thomas (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fisheries Biologist Project Leader), Steven Easters, Richard Speak (Harold’s Outdoor Products)

anuary 2006 rang in the New Year’s ﬁrst Fishing Derby event of the year with record-breaking wranglers. The Plant City Recreation Department hosted 241 rambunctious kids of all ages. Previously the record attendance of participants was 191 set back in January of 1999. The event was held at the city pond behind Plant City Stadium and was a great success, even though the clouds slowly rolled in and attempted to threaten the day. Along with the many records broken this year, the kids were able to come out and have clean competitive fun without hooking each other. Out of the 241 wranglers who participated in the event, the ages ranged from six to ﬁfteen years old. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has always monitored the pond location on a regular basis. The Commission is in charge of stocking the pond and after the Plant City Recreation Department’s event last week- - and the kid’s big catches of the day- - it will be restocked in the next week or so.

Some of the fish you could expect to catch in the pond were Mudfish, Bass, Catfish and Nile Perch. The Mudfish is a primitive bony freshwater fish with a long spineless dorsal fin. Most everyone knows what a Bass fish is, but did you know that the record Bass was caught back in the early 30’s weighing in at 22 pounds, 4 ounces? The Nile Perch is a cousin to the fish in your local pet store aquarium or maybe in your very own home; we’re referring to the Cichlid. The Commission mentioned that the pond would be stocked with a variety of fingerlings to enhance the future derby catch success, offering the chance for setting new records as a possibility. The kids had a great time despite the clouds of gray. Everyone waited with “baited” breath to hear the winner’s names called out for the catch of the day. Here are the results for the catches: Austin Dempsey, of the six to ten year-old age group, snookered the largest fish, setting the new record for

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 16

Fishing Derby Judge T.J. Vail with Clayton Patton and his record breaking 5 lb 4 oz Nile Perch.

the largest catfish caught. From the eleven to fifteen year-old age groups, Zach Nedwick and Steven Easters reeled in the most fish. Twenty-one fish were also caught that qualified for a Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission certificate, whose mission is “Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people.” The catchers of the twenty-one fish were awarded with “Big Catch” Angler Recognition Certificates. Each one of the fish weighed in at 2lbs or heavier or measured over 14 inches long. The next event will be held July 22, 2006 and everyone is welcome to participate or simply kick back, relax in their lawn chair and enjoy the excitement on the kid’s faces as they reel in their potential wins. Pre-registration is three weeks prior to the event, and if there’s room, last minute registration on the day of the event, which begins at eight in the morning. Hooks will be tossed into the

water promptly at 8:30AM, and you’ll be able to fish until the official time of 11:30AM. If you decide to attend the Kids All American Fishing Derby, be sure to bring your choice of line and bait. These fish love anything from worms to shiners to lures to bologna; your choice. There are many award categories to win and records to be set and broken. The Plant City Recreation Department was thankful for their many supporters such as Wal-Mart, Harold’s Outdoor Products, Bill Heard Chevrolet and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for their support in making this event a success. Let’s not forget Fishing Derby Judge T.J. Vail for his masterful weighing of the catches. Personally we think Judge T.J. had a stinky job. Neither Devin nor I would want to touch slimy fish, remove their hooks and be left with stink on our hands. (I guess Judge T.J. did it for the Halibut!)

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Story and Photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Woodâ&#x20AC;? You Believe It? O

n any given day youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ďŹ nd local artist, Mary Hill, diligently working on one of her intricate pieces of artwork using her scroll saw. She takes a raw piece of hardwood (usually oak, walnut or pine) and turns each one into a work of art, ranging from simple name cut-outs to time -consuming trains with hundreds of delicate designs. No two pieces are identical. Most of the time she uses a pre-designed pattern she purchases from a scroll saw magazine. But Mary also has the skill to design her own patterns or customize hand-made pieces for friends and family. You can tell that Mary truly loves this hobby; she takes a great deal of pride in her work, and it shows. When sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not working on her scroll saw, you will ďŹ nd her crafting lavish outdoor yard decorations out of plywood. She has a large selection of fabulous western creations (leaning cowboy/cowgirl; bronc rider; rearing horse; etc.) to greeting signs and everything in between. All the outdoor designs are crafted from pressuretreated plywood and primed and sealed to give many years of outdoor enjoyment.

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the Statue of Liberty with a tear coming from her eye. At the base of Miss Liberty are three ďŹ reďŹ ghters raising our countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ďŹ&#x201A;ag and under it, 9.11.2001. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an awesome commemorative piece. Mary is going to try her hand at Intarsia next. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where a variety of wood is used for one piece of art. To better describe it is to say; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a piece of art made out of wood thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s similar to a jigsaw puzzle. There are anywhere from ďŹ fty to two hundred selections of wood in one piece of art. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extremely time consuming but brings pleasure to those who purchase it and to Mary who jingles her reward to the bank.

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One would think these creations of hers were cut from fancy computer lasers; thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just how precise her work is. But I watched her in action and she pays attention to detail and does it all by hand.

Mary has displayed her creations at craft shows and ďŹ ne-art shows throughout the southeast. Word of her creativity has had far-reaching results with her receiving special orders from across the country. One of her magniďŹ cent pieces honors this great country of ours and was inspired by the tragedy of 9/11. It is

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 17

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Story by Dawn Marie Simpson & Rolando Cruz Photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

The Deep Roots of a Dream More than 32 years ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. He called his dream one that was “deeply rooted in the American dream”. The two intertwined in a nation whose creed is that all men are created equal. These ideals were alive and well at the Martin Luther King celebrations that took place over the span of a weekend in Plant City. One of the weekend festivities offered was a luncheon at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center that was attended by roughly 50 people, all with similar feelings and thoughts on this national holiday. To those at the luncheon, the celebration is not as much one of honoring a man as it is passing down the roots of their heritage; of teaching young Afro-Americans the great struggles of the past as well as the strides they have made in this country over the past forty plus years.

“better”, if not totally well, with the American dream that Dr. King envisioned so many years ago on the dawn of his great speech. Those same sentiments were exhibited at a parade that this year drew 58 different participants. The parade started on the corner of Walker and Martin Luther King Blvd and proceeded east up Martin Luther King Blvd and disbanded at the corner of Maryland Ave next to the MLK Recreation Center. Watching the parade also presented an opportunity to mingle with and speak to many of the people that are part of the roots of Dr. King’s dream. One of the unique individuals at the parade was a 20-year old college student from Canada. Her purpose for being at the festival

was a personal one. The offspring of a Swedish mother and an Afro-American father from California, she wanted to connect with a part of her past that she had not been able to connect with fully in Canada. She was enjoying the festivities and learning about part of Miss Sutton is an eighty-seven year old widow who strongly believes it takes a village to raise a child. her heritage from a different perspective catch the festivities at a few more than she had been able to in the places in the United States. past. “My dad was not one to talk about what issues he went through With such stories to its credit, it’s as a child, and living in a very libplain to see why the Martin Luther eral section of Canada doesn’t help King Festival in Plant City was an me much when it comes to this,” unabashed success. she said. She hoped that sometimes in the near future, she could

Amidst fried chicken donated from Wal-Mart and homemade side dishes, of green beans with bits of bacon, collard greens with onions, salad, rolls and yellow rice, a diverse group of people shared their stories of the past. A past that to them isn’t all that distant. They also shared their hopes and dreams for a future generation that has it much better than they ever did. Yet the weekend festivities weren’t all about connecting with the past. It was also a fun time, punctuated by a parade and a carnival. . The carnival featured an assortment of rides that delighted everyone. The carnival seemed to come alive with the sounds of children having fun and the sight of an older generation looking on with an air of satisfaction. It was a satisfaction that indicated that all was at least The kids took time out for some good eatin’ on the carnival grounds

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 18

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HOURS: MON-FRI 10AM - 8PM â&#x20AC;¢ SATURDAY 10AM - 5PM â&#x20AC;¢ SUNDAY 1PM - 5PM FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 19

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Story by Debbie Bowers Photo courtesy of First Baptist Church of Plant City

The University of Christian Training FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PLANT CITY ď&#x161;ť A SPIRITUAL HOSPITAL

here are times in our lives when we will face daunting situations that seem impossible to overcome. Financial, marital or related family issues may question your very being. If you have or are experiencing a crisis in your life, be still and know help is on the way. A large group of ministers and seasoned teachers have commenced with the help of Jesus to initiate the University of Christian Training facilitated by First Baptist Church of Plant City. Each semester a class may include a Beth Moore Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study or a Rick Warren series. How to Study the Bible, Parenting, Christian Money Management, Divorce Care and many other classes may be taught during a semester. Ongoing studies for men and women are also offered each week.

The University was created to educate and assist members of First Baptist Church and the community in the transformation of their lives through a personal relationship with Christ. The example of a baseball diamond illustrates the program called the Four Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of Christian growth. The Four Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s are identiďŹ ed as knowing Christ, growing in Christ, serving Christ and sharing Christ. Through teaching, mentoring and growing in the Word of God, a ďŹ rm foundation is created to assist individuals in coping and succeeding in life. The University is intended to reach the needs of Christians regardless of where they are spiritually. Kay Morris, Director of the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry, stated, â&#x20AC;&#x153;It amazes me that so many women of all ages are

eager and focused attending the indepth Bible study offered each week.â&#x20AC;? Equally as important are the summer youth and children programs attended by over 300 individuals, with an emphasize on a Vacation Bible School and SummerSalt, a Christian Arts

One of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in-depth Bible study groups facilitated by Kay Morris.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 20

and Sports camp. Questions related to these programs should be directed to Kay Morris, First Baptist Church at 813-752-4104. The University of Christian Training is devoted to individuals of all ages seeking a personal relationship with Christ and an opportunity to ďŹ nd peace in their lives.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 21

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Story and Photos by Sophia Dedon

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do Something Goodâ&#x20AC;? JUST TAKES A WILLING HEART

verything in which the YMCA is involved revolves around their motto to â&#x20AC;&#x153;build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.â&#x20AC;? Often times, a way to strengthen a community is to reach out a helping hand to those in need. A few months ago, a non-proďŹ t organization was ďŹ nancially strained and on the verge of going under. They approached the YMCA and asked them to adopt this program because they had the membership basis and frequency of branches to sustain it. The idea behind this outreach was to go into homes of people, mostly elderly and disabled, who were unable to help themselves. The YMCA jumped on the task and renamed the program, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do Something Good.â&#x20AC;? The Tampa Metro YMCAs began putting this idea into action back in

October 2005. The Plant City branch was notiďŹ ed of the ďŹ rst project in their area this January. An elderly man (who wishes to remain unnamed) was soon to have his home taken away if it were not cleaned up. His wife was disabled and at his age, he could no longer keep up with the necessities of maintaining a home. Six volunteers from the Y (Lane Austin, Aaron Black, Dan Black, Troy Carr, Rick Stone and Scott Warren) went to his home and ďŹ lled more than an entire dumpster with wood, metal and other materials ďŹ lling his back yard. Another non-proďŹ t organization, Eldernet, came to help as well, but mostly worked on the inside. They did not want this man to lose his home simply because he was not capable of maintaining it. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a situation that any of us could end up in. People need to help. One day it may be us in need,

Aaron Black helped by cleaning up the surplus of materials outside the house.

and I would like to think there would be someone there to help me,â&#x20AC;? said Scott Warren, Executive Director of the Plant City YMCA. There will be many projects to come, and their dream is for Do Something Good to grow so large that it requires more non-proďŹ t organizations to help as well. Being a YMCA member is not a qualiďŹ cation to volunteer with this project, just willingness. If you would like more information on this program please call Scott Warren at 813-757-6677.

Lane Austin, though small, was a big help.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 22

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Story by Brenda Paul Photos courtesy of Janet Maze

A Hometown Champion SPEC 4 PETE MAZE soldier as each one ďŹ ghts a war geographically and culturally many miles away. Each soldier represents a hometown that proudly praises the bravery of their own local champion. Plant City is one of those hometowns and SPEC4 Pete Maze is one of those hometown champions.

Maze, right, with his Commanding OďŹ&#x192;cer and lead thoracic surgeon, Lt. Colonel Grossman.

ccording to recent reports, approximately 160,000 United States troops are serving in Iraq. That could be converted to 320,000 mothers and fathers, hundreds of thousands of husbands, wives, sons,

daughters, other family members and friends that have a living, breathing connection to the war. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a sure bet that most of these people breathe a daily prayer for the safety and well being of their

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Maze graduated from Plant City High School in 2002. After spending a year in a typical college classroom he decided that wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t his strong suit and entered surgical technician training at Concorde Career Institute in Tampa. Here he found his forte and graduated as a surgical technician in 2004. Perhaps it was the parental mix of

Mazeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Michael, a 9-year Marine aviator, now a commercial airline pilot, and Mazeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mother, Janet, a parish nurse with South Florida Baptist Hospital, which brought him to his decision to combine military and medicine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going into the Army,â&#x20AC;? he proudly stated just a few weeks after his graduation from Concorde. With his surgical technician diploma in hand, Maze enlisted and headed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for boot camp. Because of his training, Maze was ranked as a third year private and assigned to the 101st Airborne Forward Army Surgical Team or F.A.S.T., an elite group of medically trained soldiers. He was deployed to Iraq in September of 2005 and according to his mother,

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 24

Janet, is very proud to wear the 101st patch. Maze is based at the Green Zone Surgical Hospital in Baghdad, which is the former palace of Sadaam Hussein. Maze is part of a team of four surgeons, one nurse, one anesthesiologist, two surgical technicians and a CPR instructor. Numerous medics, supervised by Maze, are also a part of the team. F.A.S.T. provides medical and surgical support to the Special Forces in the area as well as to front line combat units needing assistance from the mobile Combat Army Surgical Hospital. The team is on call around the clock and some members, including Maze, perform routine but dangerous patrols around Baghdad. When assisting during surgeries, Maze spends many hours conďŹ ned to a small space designated as the surgical area. At 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122;5,â&#x20AC;? this could certainly be an issue but when asked how he handled being conďŹ ned for long periods, he responded, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my space!â&#x20AC;?

Mazeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents and abilities are not limited to the operating room. As a talkative, outgoing individual, Maze isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t shy about occupying solo space on stage or in front of friends and comrades as an entertainer. He uses his skilled hands and ďŹ ngers as a talented guitarist and also plays the piano and sings. Maze sang the National Anthem at his boot camp graduation and performed at an Army generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retirement celebration at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

is proud of her sonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s accomplishments and bravery. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s found what he really cares about doing and is excelling and making his mark in it,â&#x20AC;? she said. Everyone else in Plant City can be just as proud of the hometown champion in the person of SPEC 4 Pete Maze.

To contact Maze and offer thanks and appreciation for a job well done, write him at: SPEC 4 Pete Maze 86 CASH 772 2nd MEDDET APO AE09348

Maze is scheduled to return from Iraq sometime this summer. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t clear where the Army will send him when he returns stateside. The Army has offered Maze the opportunity to attend medical school, study to be a nurse anesthetist or a physicianâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistant should he desire to continue his work in medicine. As a mother, Janet Maze Pete Maze, facing camera, assists during a successful surgery on a wounded soldier in Baghdad.

Some things really do last forever.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re called memories.

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2201 Thonotosassa Rd. â&#x20AC;˘ Plant City, FL FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 25

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Story and Photos by Ken Lawrence-Senior Writer

One More Step Towards Better Education A REPORT ON A MAJOR FUND RAISING PROGRAM AT HILLSBOROUGH COMMUNITY COLLEGE “Everyone in America should enjoy educational access and equity according to their ability to beneﬁt, in order that their talents, lives and careers are rewarding to both themselves and society”… American Student Association of Community Colleges.

he community college concept has been an integral part of North American education for many years and here in the Tampa Bay region, Hillsborough Community College has had a major impact in training students, in both full-time and in many part-time programs. In our area, HCC has operated a Plant City campus for several years. Located off Park Road on a 93 acre tract of land a mile from I-4, it offers a full range of courses that can lead to a better paying job or help a student enter a university. It has a large variety of continuing education courses on campus and in numerous locations throughout eastern Hillsborough County.

The campus also contains the college’s award-winning horticultural greenhouse and a unique program called The Florida Studies Program. The Florida Studies Program is located in a 28,000 square foot building, designed to examine the history, geology, paleontology, biology and ecology of Florida. Now is the time for expansion of the Plant City campus to meet needs for at least the next decade. So a major campaign has been launched. THE PLAN There is a need to expand the facilities at Plant City HCC to accommodate a local population of upwards of 60,000 people and that could come as early as 2010. Quietly, at least until now, fund-raising has been underway which has already garnered enough money to build a new facility on campus called the Trinkle Building, named after a well known local attorney. That $950,000 structure contains more than 21,000 square feet of multi-purpose usage that can accommodate convocations, city events, Chamber of Commerce events and even private weddings.

Chief HCC Fund-Raiser Ed Verner lines up donors.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 26

The annual Strawberry Festival luncheon, held at a hangar at the Plant City Airport, will move to the Trinkle Building this year, ending double shifts for lunch and presenting a more hospitable environment. There’s room for 1,600 diners and up to 2,400 with theater style seating. In addition, there are four classrooms and four laboratories to study veterinarian technology and water technology. Dr. Felix Haynes, President of HCC, Plant City campus, tells FOCUS that the building will now be known as “Plant City’s Community Center”. Other expansion plans will be announced soon when HCC submits its latest ﬁve year campus plan to the Department of Education in Tallahassee. A NEW WAY TO RAISE FUNDS As part of the overall Hillsborough Community College family, with main campuses on Dale Mabry, Ybor City, Brandon and Plant City, and smaller facilities scattered across the county, the matter of fund raising has been somewhat of a bone of contention in previous years. The man charged with leading the campaign to raise $2

million for the Plant City campus has succeeded in changing the previous system. Prominent local developer Ed Verner tells FOCUS that all money raised in the past for HCC, no matter in what part of the county, went into a general fund to be distributed according to a formula. At least for this occasion, Verner and his colleagues have convinced the HCC Board of Directors in Tampa to allow Plant City to keep every dime of the money it raises this time. That decision has gone over very well with some major donations already given, including $400,000 from Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan, $250,000 from the City of Plant City, and $100,000 each from Kimbell Wetherington-Construction magnate, Robert Trinkle-Attorney and Ed Verner. Other funds in varying amounts have also been received. The state government will match every donation on the basis of $2 for every $3 raised if the money is used for capital expenditures and $1 for $1 for whatever is used for scholarships.

Dr. Felix Haynes, President HCC-Plant City Campus.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 27

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GolďŹ ng for a Greater Good BRINGING AID TO THOSE WHO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY When Linda Lawson, Executive Director of the United Food Bank, was approached by Reverend David Delph of First Presbyterian Church with a fundraiser idea, she was absolutely beside herself.

to our community. The churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s idea for the golf tournament was one step closer to realization of the vision for those involved with the Food Bank; a larger facility and a Vocational/Technical center.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Oh, I was thrilled!â&#x20AC;? she exclaimed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one had ever offered to do something like this before. We have had help from many people in the community, but nothing quite like this event.â&#x20AC;?

The Missions board of the First Presbyterian Church moved into action immediately, rounding up sponsors, golfers, and any others who wanted to be of assistance.

The food bank has been operating in Plant City since September of 1999 with only two paid staff members, although many volunteers give aid to help the organization run on a daily basis. Their simple motto is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Hand-up, not a Hand-out.â&#x20AC;? By the end of 2005, over 33,000 individuals beneďŹ ted from that motto with over 1,050,000 pounds of food provided

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was really a labor of love,â&#x20AC;? commented Jan LaGrone, Missions Board member and head of the golf tournament project. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our heart was to have our church come together and do something to help this community, and I believe we have accomplished that.â&#x20AC;? At 8:00 on the morning of Saturday, January 28, 68 golfers lined their

carts along the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club green. As the sun rose and the wind blew gently, a sole bagpiper played a haunting melody, and golfers proceeded onto the fairways. At noon they would return for a reception and the drawing of rafďŹ&#x201A;e tickets to win prizes donated by the community; from restaurant gift cards to oil paintings. Reverend David Delph himself was among the golfers. Joking good-naturedly about his lack of

skill in the game, the conversation turned serious when the topic turned to the Food Bank. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You may not have the ability to meet the critical needs of people in our community, but anyone can support a wonderful ministry.â&#x20AC;?

From left to right: Brett Clancy, bagpipe player; Veronica Prostko, Linda Lawson, John McCaughey and Bruce Rodwell

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 30

Florida Strawberry 1 9 9 6 2 0 0 5 Festival Queens

For the young woman every year who gets chosen as Strawberry Festival Queen, it is a year full of joy and excitement. All of the attention is on her wherever she goes and the entire town keeps up with what is going on in her life. However, what happens to these beautiful ladies after the crown has been passed on? Many people wonder what happened to names such as Amy Norman or Jessica McDonald. Kayla Drawdy may have been seen on the cover of Cosmo or on TV as a Bucs Cheerleader, but there are still so many questions. Focus Magazine went back and tracked down the last 10 Strawberry Festival Queens so you could catch up on the girls.

Catching Up on the Queens. Revisit the Past 10 Queens. Story by Sophia Dedon • Photos by Mike Floyd and courtesy of the girls. Missing from photo: Alison Archbell (2000) and Katie Sharer (2004). FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 31

Florida Strawberry Festival Queens 1996 - 2005

Amy Maria Norman 1996 Amy finished her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications, with a specialization in Public Relations, from USF in 2000. She worked for the American Association of Kidney Patients for 5 years and after multiple promotions became the Program Director. In May 2005 she started with the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, which has over 350 member companies across the bay area. Amy is the program director and is responsible for developing and planning all the meetings and special events for the organization. She currently lives in Tampa but still comes home to Plant City to visit her family and friends and attend church at the First United Methodist Church.

Stephanie Ann Bikowski 1997 (Formerly Stephanie St. Martin) Stephanie was married two years ago to Scott Bikowski, a professional baseball player. She has traveled all over the country with him, going to his games, especially in the summer time. She finished her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education from USF in 2000. She is a 4th grade teacher at Burney Elementary and is in her sixth year of teaching. In April of 2005 she completed her masters degree in Educational Leadership. She hopes to one day be a principal of an elementary school, as well as have children. She prides herself in living a simple life in Plant City and enjoys traveling frequently. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Stephanie: My 19th birthday fell during the festival and the entire audience sang to me. It was amazing to have thousands of people sing “Happy Birthday” to me.

Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Amy: My most memorable moment being Queen was meeting and introducing all of the music performers, especially singing “My Girl” on stage with The Temptations. Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Amy: It had a very positive impact on my life. By doing so much for the community and public speaking I learned how to handle myself in many different situations. It helped to prepare me for scenarios that I have to deal with now. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Amy: The one year goes by SO quickly. Enjoy every minute of it. Take all of it in and enjoy the experience. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Amy: The Florida Strawberry Festival has grown immensely over the past 10 years, which has caused the responsibility of the Queen as a role model to continue to grow as well.

Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Stephanie: I was so touched by the lives of all the amazing people I met. I was born and raised a strawberry girl and always knew the agricultural side of Plant City. Being Queen, I was able to meet the heart of Plant City, the other neat people that make up Plant City. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Stephanie: Have a lot of fun. Stay away from the fried food at the festival because you’ll gain weight, and eat lots of strawberries because they help to keep your teeth white. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Stephanie: The biggest change, in my opinion, is the interview process. When I ran for Queen you only had three minutes with the judges, and it was about two weeks before pageant. Now the judges get ﬁve minutes with girls on the same day as the pageant. I think that is great! The extra time allows the judges to get to know the girl a little better, which is so important. Also, they get to see the girls transform from a one-on-one status to walking the stage in her most beautiful gown. This allows for them to see the girls the same day and have a fresh memory of them, but also to see their different sides. Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen?

Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Amy: Yes I will. If that is something she wants to do, I will support her 100%. It was such an incredible experience for me that I would certainly want my daughter to have it too.

Stephanie: I will probably tell her the same thing my mother told me, “If you want to do it, then do it for the fun. But if you don’t win, I do not want to hear you complain or pout.” It would also be ﬁne if she didn’t even want to run.

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Florida Strawberry Festival Queens 1996 - 2005

Jessica Eran McDonald 1998 Jessica is currently working full time for the Tampa Bay Convention and Visitors Bureau. She is able to help in marketing tourism and events all over the Tampa Bay area, including Plant City. She obtained her undergraduate degree from USF in advertising and is now working on her masters in Mass Communications. She is involved with Emerge Tampa, a networking group of young professionals. Jessica still lives in Plant City and just commutes to Tampa every day. In the future she hopes to move up with the bureau and maybe even pursue a PhD. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Jessica: I was able to go to Tallahassee to participate in the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Inaugural Parade. It was such a wonderful experience, being able to go up there and represent Plant City. Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Jessica: It had a huge impact on my life! It taught me responsibility and discipline. It has contributed to my success today. It helped me with my speaking skills and gave me more conďŹ dence in myself. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Jessica: Utilize every second you have, and ďŹ ll the year with as many memories as possible. Participate in as many events as you can, it will be worth it in the end. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Jessica: The pageant continues to become more and more competitive. Yet, the contestants continue to rise to the occasion. Everyone takes it so serious, which is important. The judges focus more on personality, speaking and intelligence. Every year they get better and better.

Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Jessica: Absolutely. It would teach her great self-conďŹ dence and how to be a leader. If you look back at the past queens, they have all been successful, and I would want my daughter to have the same opportunity.

Kayla Sheree Drawdy 1999 After high school, Kayla went on to attend USF, where she is studying communications. She is in her fourth season as a Buccaneer cheerleader and hopes to have one more to come. In March she is attending the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, which will set her up for every area of communications. Most of all, Kayla enjoys all of the community service work that she is able to do through the Bucs. She is constantly investing her time into the lives of children and others in need. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Kayla: As a little girl, I grew up with Jessica McDonald. We were best of friends. Our dream was to one day be Strawberry Queen, much like many other little girls in Plant City. We even were in Little Miss Plant City together. Our junior year of high school Jessica decided to run and she won queen. I ran the following year and she was able to crown me. That was such an amazing honor to have my best friend crown me as Strawberry Queen. Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Kayla: I really enjoy community involvement and think it is very important. Through being Strawberry Queen I was able to do a lot of community service in Plant City. It was so great being able to be a mentor to kids. Youth need someone to look up to. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Kayla: Embrace your year. It comes and goes. Being Queen is such a wonderful opportunity.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 34

Florida Strawberry Festival Queens 1996 - 2005 Seize it. Make as many friendships as you can; you will never have an opportunity to meet as many people. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Kayla: When I was Queen, I only received the 9 inch crown. I remember after some of those long days having indents in my head. Now the Queens get a smaller day crown so that she doesn’t always have to wear the larger one. Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Kayla: I will say just what my mom said, “If you want to do it, do it.” I don’t mind if she doesn’t want to, though. I don’t want to be one of those “pageant moms.” I think it actually inhibits the girls from ﬁguring out who they truly are. I will let her choose what she wants to do. I only have the two same requirements as my mom: do well in school and play an instrument. I hope to be half the mom she is.

Alison Dianne Archbell 2000 Alison graduated from USF with an undergraduate degree in biomedical science and is now in medical school at Nova Southeastern in Ft Lauderdale. Alison hopes to one day be a pediatrician and return to the Central Florida area. She is enjoying her time away at school as she learns to become independent and survive med school. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Alison: It was such an exciting honor to have George W. Bush come to the festival while he was campaigning for president his ﬁrst term. We got to meet him and take pictures with him. Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Alison: It made me more comfortable in different situations and conﬁdent in who I am. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Alison: Soak it all in. Take a minute at every event to enjoy your surroundings so that you can

remember everything when it is over. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Alison: There have been many positive changes in the festival as it has continued to grow. I think the girls are more prepared for what is to be expected of them as well. Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Alison: Deﬁnitely. It was an incredible experience and helped me to shape into the person I am today. I would encourage anyone to run.

Kellie Morrow 2001 (Formerly Kellie Anne Hinson) After being Queen, Kellie went on to cosmetology school and did hair for three years. She is now attending HCC and is pursuing a teaching degree. In October 2004 she married her high school sweetheart, Chad Morrow, and is expecting her first child in August. They currently live in Walden Lake. Kellie’s next goal is to become a Red Coat because of the influence Sandy Systma had on her. She wants to help every single person enjoy the Strawberry Festival. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what was your most memorable moment? Kellie: I will never forget being crowned. There is nothing like when they put that crown on your head. My mom was ﬁrst maid in 1974 and I have gone to the pageant every year. When I ﬁnally was able to go out for it and I won, it was unbelievable. Focus: What impact did being Queen have on your life? Kellie: I remember how much work it took and how

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Florida Strawberry Festival Queens 1996 - 2005 many sacriďŹ ces I had to make. It taught me that if you set your mind to a goal and pursue it, you can achieve it. It taught me responsibility and how to be a good mentor and role model. Eyes are on you at all times. Little children look up to you. They would even ask for our autograph!

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Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Kellie: Enjoy every single second. Before you realize it, you blink and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s over. Take it one step at a time and enjoy it.

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Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Kellie: There are so many changes in the pageant. The new contestants ďŹ&#x201A;ock to former Queens for advice, and I feel like I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even help them anymore because of how much it has changed. Focus:If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Kellie: Absolutely. I was just talking with my husband about how wonderful it will be to show them everything from when I was Queen. I would want my daughter to have the same opportunity.

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The summer after Shannon was crowned queen, she was selected as the Area V Florida FFA VP. During the year she served, she traveled the state of Florida and three other countries representing the agricultural industry. She then spent the fall semester attending UF and shortly after returned to Plant City. She completed her AA in Mass Communication at HCC and she is currently attending USF working towards her Bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Degree. Shannon is majoring in Mass Communication and Broadcast Journalism. She is also looking forward to attending Connecticut School of Broadcasting and completing their 16-week program this spring. After an eight-week internship with the news department at Channel 8 this past summer, she would like to eventually be a part of the WFLA team. Shannon also invests time volunteering at the All Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital in St. Pete. She is looking forward to continuing her education by earning her graduate degree from NYU. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Shannon: All of them are memorable; however, I truly enjoyed spending time at the local elementary schools. One particular event included a fall visit to Pinecrest Elementary School. Mrs. Stephanie Shuff organized this event with the help of the Plant City Jr. Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club. Approximately 300 pairs of shoes and socks were purchased from Payless Shoes and we were able to dress dozens of children with needed new shoes. The children were so excited and shared the biggest smiles. Focus: What impact did being Queen have on your life? Shannon: Being crowned Strawberry Queen allowed me to realize that with the combination of hard work and dedication anything is possible. I quickly learned to multi-task, keep an organized agenda, impromptu speaking and to always arrive early. Overall it had a successful and positive inďŹ&#x201A;uence on my life.

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Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Shannon: Just be yourself and smile all the time. Take the opportunity to make new friends and learn from the people you will interact with. I would encourage the girls to volunteer as much as possible. Above all be the best ambassador for our industry that you can be. Make your year count! R

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Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Shannon: DeďŹ nitely! This pageant opens many doors and opportunities to continue being successful. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not only an incredible experience but also helps fund a portion of your college education. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen? Shannon: The competition becomes more competitive every year. The young ladies are more conďŹ dent and eager to represent Plant City. I wish the new queen the best of luck!

continued on page 38 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 36

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Florida Strawberry Festival Queens 1996 - 2005

Erica Leann Der 2003 Since finishing her reign as Strawberry Queen, Erica has received her AA from HCC. She is currently a student at UF majoring in agriculture communications. However, in October she won the National Southern Region Vice President position of FFA. She is now traveling 300 days of the year all over the world and will serve until October 06. She is promoting FFA and agricultural education. On February 6th she left for a 10 day trip to Japan where she will be learning about FFJ (Future Farmers of Japan). Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Erica: It always amazed me how much little kids, especially girls, admired the crown. Most of the time they would be talking to the crown and not to me. One day I was reading to a little girl at a day-care and she asked, “How do you lay down and sleep at night with that crown on your head?” Watching the way girls interacted with me when I had the crown on showed me that I was much more of a role model than I realized. Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Erica: I have always been proud to be from Plant City, but it gave me a greater appreciation for this community. I felt so lucky to have grown up here. Being Queen made me more comfortable in my own skin. I realized I didn’t have to be anything other than who I was. Look at me! I’m just little ol’ Erica. There is no particular mold for who is Strawberry Queen. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Erica: The Strawberry Queen plays many roles, but it’s important to realize how much of an ambassador you are to the agriculture industries. Know as much as you can about the impact that the strawberry has on this town. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Erica: We had a trailer. We loved our home away from home. Now the girls are in a building. Also, the interview process changed and it is now the same day as the pageant. When I ran it was two weeks prior. I remember after that I felt so relieved that a huge part of it was over. Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Erica: If she had an interest then I certainly would. It’s a great way to build conﬁdence in girls. It’s such a great experience to have been a part of something that is so historical to Plant City. It’s something I have to look back on that allows me to count my blessings. I had opportunities to encounter things I never would have otherwise.

Katie Sharer 2004 Katie is attending The Paul Mitchell School to obtain her license as a cosmetologist. She will eventually move into a career with Paul Mitchell but would like to gain her salon experience in the Tampa area. She is a member of Bellshoals Baptist Church where she sings in the Celebration Choir. Katie will be competing in March for Miss Tampa with hopes of attending Miss Florida in June. Upon graduation from Paul Mitchell she plans on participating in the entrepreneurship program at the University of Tampa. Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what is your most memorable moment? Katie: It is quite a cliché to say that the whole year was one fabulous memory, but it was. We had the opportunity to enjoy a dinner at the end of our reign with all of our mothers, Ms. Sandee Systma and Ms. Katie Varnum. We went through many trials and triumphs throughout our year and it was great to sit down all together to reminisce and see how much we had grown as a group. I could not have been blessed with any better girls to spend my year with than Ashley, LeAnna, Lyndsey, Crystal.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 38

Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Katie: I’ve always had several guy friends and it wasn’t until Strawberry Queen that I had girlfriends. We have a very special bond and have all kept in touch with each other. Ashley, LeAnna, LouLou, and Crystal have all been such a blessing in my life. We have a monthly dinner together; we all have to keep up with one another’s lives! Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Katie: Take time away from all of the “hoopla,” makeup, outﬁts, chaperones, etc., to have fun and spend time together, just the ﬁve of you, before the Festival. You’re in such a whirlwind of events you’ll want to have a bond with the girls that you are going to be spending the year with. Focus: What changes have you seen since you were Queen to the present time? Katie: Well, we used to joke and say that we were trailer trash because we were always getting ready in our trailer. Now that the new building is complete, the girls actually have their own area, and it’s known as the Royal Palace. Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Katie: Actually, I don’t plan on having children, but God’s plan is always different and far greater then anything that I could ever dream up! So with that said we’ll just have to see...All boys would be great! However, God loves to teach you lessons by giving you challenges. So, if I do have a daughter, I would let her run if it was something she wanted to do. My parents always let us pick our own interests, hobbies and passions. They just supported us 100% in anything we did. If I have children, I will be the same way.

Ashley Rae Watkins 2005 Considering that Ashley was the 2005 Queen and just recently gave up her crown, not too much has changed. However, her eyes have been opened to how much more free time she has now that she is not Queen. She is playing tennis at Plant City High School where she is a senior, is actually starting her own company, and enjoys having time to hang out with her friends. After she graduates, she plans on attending Southeastern University in Lakeland, where she will double major in Communications and Interdisciplinary Studies. In the far future, she hopes to settle down with a husband and children right here in Plant City.

Focus: As Strawberry Queen, what was your most memorable moment? Ashley: I have several memorable moments, but my most memorable day was Grand Parade Day, which was March 7th, 2005, my seventeenth birthday. We had the Ag Breakfast where they sang “Happy Birthday” to me, and afterwards we had a makeover session to get us pretty before the Parade Luncheon. After the parade Mrs. Sullivan and Mrs. Warnock welcomed us off the ﬂoat with a birthday cake and goodies. It was wonderful! Focus: What impact did being Strawberry Queen have on your life? Ashley: I have learned to be conﬁdent and comfortable with who I am and I have had the chance to get to know people who I never would have known outside of my position. I also learned how to polka [smiling big]. Focus: What advice do you have for the new Queen? Ashley: Get lots of rest whenever you can, be kind and courteous to everyone, but most of all, be yourself. Focus: Seeing as not too much could have changed from last year to this year, what would you have changed if you could? Ashley: I would change my hair type so I wouldn’t have to roll it so many times a day during the festival! I hated having to do my hair 2 times a day. But seriously, the only thing I regret is not spending more free time with the court outside of our duties. I really love them so much. I hope we stay in touch. Focus: If you have a daughter, will you encourage her to run for Strawberry Queen? Ashley: ABSOLUTELY!!!! This is an honor to represent our famous Strawberry Festival and little town of Plant City. There is no experience quite like Strawberry Queen where the queen and court get to participate in so much together. The memories I’ve made are priceless, and I would love my daughter to have those experiences as well.

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• 1-800-754-9557 • FAX: 813-759-6938 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 39

Interview by Brian West â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by Mike Floyd

From Humble Beginnings

PARKESDALE FARM MARKET Serving fresh strawberries since 1968 There are many businesses in Plant City ﬁlled with history and tradition. But that list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Parkesdale Farm Market. Located just west of town on Highway 92, Parkesdale Farm Market has been serving fresh strawberries since 1968. The market began as a way for Roy and Helen Parke to sell fresh strawberries. They began selling berries from this same location, but from the back of their pickup, since at least 1965. In 1968 they bought the land and opened the market. In 1978, just ten years later, Jim and Cheryl Meeks took over the operation. Cheryl, formerly Cheryl Parke, is the eldest daughter of Roy and Helen.

Airlines and Jim was a Division Sales Rep. with Texaco. We were living in the same apartment complex on Davis Island. He lived in apartment 109 and I lived in 209.

Focus: Cheryl, your maiden name is Parke. Where did the name Parkesdale come from? Cheryl: Dad. We had a farm up north called Willow Tree Farm. There was a huge 100-year-old willow tree at the corner of the farm when you ﬁrst came in, so that was the name of the farm and that was the name of the little market we had. We moved to Plant City in 1957 and began farming here and dad didn’t just want to call it the Parke Farm. He had 10 or 12 different names and ﬁnally narrowed it down to 2 or 3 and Parkesdale was the one he chose. And it’s been that way since. Focus: How long has your family been involved in farming? Cheryl: For 5 generations. My dad’s family is from Ireland. My great grandfather was a farmer and my granddad and his two brothers came over from Ireland to earn enough money to bring their wives and families over. So Grandma and the three sons came over in a couple of years and they settled in Butler, which is near Pittsburg. Dad was 6 when they arrived in America. Everything they owned was in two trunks. Mom still has one of the trunks. They farmed with another family until they had enough money to go out on their own and that’s when they bought Willow Tree Farm. We also had a market; Willow Tree Farm Market on Route 22. I remember Mom, Dad, Sandee, Bobby, Colleen and I would work the market through the summer selling tomatoes, cantaloupe, peaches; traditional fruits and vegetables. I started working there as a cashier when I was 8 years old. Focus: What do you remember most about that time?

Focus: How long did he chase you? Cheryl: Our ﬁrst date was June 17th. We got engaged July 18th and we were married October 14th. [Laughing] But I would not recommend doing it that fast. It makes for a rather interesting ﬁrst year. But after that things got much better and this past October we were married 38 years.

Cheryl: Indignation. They were checking my addition. We didn’t have cash registers so we had to write it on the side of the brown bag. So I’d be writing the items they had and adding the total and they’d be looking over my shoulder checking me. The whole time I couldn’t believe it. All I could think is, “I can do this. Don’t you know I’m 8 years old?” Jim: I worked in a market with my family as a kid. I was about six years old when they moved to a bigger store. I was all excited because my uncles told me they would pay me 1 penny a piece for putting eggs in the cartons. But they would charge me 5 cents for every one I broke. Well you know the eggs come in already broken sometimes. So the ﬁrst time

they saw a broken egg, they told me they were going to charge me for it. I got so mad I told them I was going on strike and I stood outside the front of the store for 3 days telling everyone not to shop there. It was a small town and everybody knew everybody, and they’d laugh and laugh. Following in the family tradition, our son, Jimmy, started working at the market when he was six. He worked right beside us until he went to Florida State. His ﬁrst job was bagging the oranges and grapefruit…he and the Ginther brothers worked very hard, but they managed to have some rip roaring orange battles after we would close. Good memories! Focus: How did you and Jim meet? Cheryl: I was working for Delta

Focus: So how did you get involved in the family business? Cheryl: Jim got transferred with his job to Miami but we lived in Ft. Lauderdale. In 1977 Jim was going to be transferred again, either to Texas or somewhere up north. Jim always wanted to have his own business and said, “If we’re going to do it, we need to do it now.” So we talked with Mom and Dad and decided to open a second market. It took about a year and we were hunting for new sites in the Lakeland area because we wanted to be close enough to be able to get the berries from Dad. We ﬁnally found a site on Highway 98 in Lakeland and the family was excited because we were going to be moving back to the area because I was the only one who had ever been gone, and I was deﬁnitely homesick. Our son, Jimmy, was almost six and we wanted him closer to the family. Our grandparents were most important in our lives and we wanted that for Jimmy, too. But we noticed that Dad was just acting really funny about it all. So one day I said, “Dad, what’s wrong? Do you not like the site?” And he said, “Cheryl, one day this market is going

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 41

From Humble Beginnings

PARKESDALE FARM MARKET to be yours and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no way you can run both of them. Why donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we pool our resources? You and Jim can take over this market and just make it bigger and better.â&#x20AC;? So we sold our home and moved up in 1978. Focus: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve noticed the long line for the shortcake. Cheryl: The line from the road is very misleading. We have timed it and from the road to having the shortcake in your hand is only 7 minutes. You see, we have an assembly line of 7 people. Each person has a job to do. The order is placed at one window and as soon as they walk to the next window their order is waiting for them. We serve our shortcake several waysâ&#x20AC;Ś..with topping, or with ice cream. We also serve just ice cream and berries or just a big bowl of delicious strawberriesâ&#x20AC;Ś..we also offer no sugar berries for special diet requests. Each item has a number and our regulars enjoy ordering by the numberâ&#x20AC;Ś.and it is much faster that way.

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Focus: Do you have any plans to do anything differently? Jim: We are always looking for ways to improve the way we do things. We deďŹ nitely plan to put more emphasis on our on-line business. Our son, Jimmy, handles most of that for us. He helped design our website and he has a degree in the computer ďŹ eld, so we are in good hands. We now ship gift fruit, our strawberry cookies, dressings and preserves. He and our daughter-in-law, Xiomara, have been a tremendous help in this area. Check out our website at www.Parkesdale.com Focus: What do you enjoy most about working the market? Cheryl: Easy questionâ&#x20AC;Śit has to be the people. We have some of the nicest customers that come back year, after year, after year. There is a lovely couple from Canada that just called this past week. They are not able to come down this winter because of his health, so they just called to check on us and tell us

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 42

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shortcake. The wind was blowing and everything was shaking.

Jim: Oh, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll bring their grandchildren around and take them on a tour of the place. They want to introduce us to their grandchildren so theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll come over and say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;And this is Jim and Cheryl, they are the owners.â&#x20AC;? Some customers become such regulars that they become friends with other customers. Then theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll meet here from time to time. Sometimes weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear them giving each other a hard time about being late.

Cheryl: We were getting tornado warnings and the rooďŹ ng of the greenhouses was ďŹ&#x201A;apping all around. Our employees told us there was a lady still out in the dining area eating shortcake. Jim and I ran out to her and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Maâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;am, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting some bad weather and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been some tornado warnings so we need you to come inside. And the lady said, very seriously, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Well, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not leaving my shortcake.â&#x20AC;? People probably wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe that, but it really happened and we will never forget it. Focus: Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most common question you get from your customers? Jim: People always walk in and ask, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Do you have shortcake, yet??? Or, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When did you open back up?â&#x20AC;? So many folks think we close for the summerâ&#x20AC;Ś.. contrary to popular belief, we are open all year. We just close for the ďŹ rst two weeks in August for vacation. Cheryl: They also think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re part of the Strawberry Festival. Mom and Dad have been exhibitors since 1958 and Dad is now a Director Emeritus, so people just assume we have something to do with it. We answer festival questions all year long. We have the festival information posted for all our employees to see, so they can help answer questions, too. And many of our customers have met my dad at one time or another and want to know where he is and how heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s doing.

Cheryl: We have a sign hanging up that Dad had at our market in Pennsylvaniaâ&#x20AC;Ś..It reads: â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are no strangers here, just friends youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never met.â&#x20AC;? Focus: Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had some memorable moments over the years. Is there anything that has always stuck with you? Cheryl: Do you remember when the tornado came through, about 1984? It came across the area moving toward the northeast. It took part of mom and dadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house. Jim: People were in here eating

Jim and Cheryl are easily two of the nicest, hardworking, and down-toearth people Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve ever met. If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been to Parkesdale Farm Market in a while, or ever, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth the trip. Although the market started with Helen Parke selling berries from the back of their pickup, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grown to include many diďŹ&#x20AC;erent fresh fruits and vegetables that Jim brings in daily, the best strawberry cookies, great strawberry shakes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; trust me â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and of course, strawberry shortcake. If you do stop by, be sure to say hello to Jim and Cheryl. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy you came by.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 43

Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Billy Friend

A Dream Come True THE 2006 QUEEN HAS BEEN CROWNED

very little girl in Plant City that sees the Strawberry Queen dreams that one day it could be her wearing that crown. On Saturday, February 4, twenty-ﬁve girls competed for the honor. The girls began their day meeting the judges face to face in a personal interview. This interview is key to the pageant because not

only does it count for 30 percent of their score, but it is the ﬁrst time the judges get an impression of the girls’ personalities. When evening fell, it was time for the pageant. The Lion’s Club selected the 1993 Strawberry Queen, Ashley Moody, to be the Mistress of Ceremonies and honorable Judge James S. Moody, Jr. to be

the Master of Ceremonies. After the 25 girls, in addition to the ﬁve court members from 2005, performed a dance routine, it was time for the Public Speaking Competition. Every girl was assigned a sponsor and presented

Twenty-ﬁve girls competed for the title of Strawberry Festival Queen

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 44

Hannah Hodge, 2006 Queen

Amanda Mott, Top 10

Chelsea Rushing, Top 10

a 30-second commercial on stage. This part is pivotal in selecting a queen because she will frequently be placed in public speaking roles. Thus, this portion counts for another 30 percent of the ﬁnal score. Although it counts for the smallest portion of the contest, only 15 percent, the bathing suit competition is also important to the judges. It is not about skin or beauty, rather it is about conﬁdence, poise and

Hannah Hodge, Queen

elegance. The queen must show that she is confident and pleased with who she is in all situations. The final competition that all 25 girls competed in was the evening gown competition, which was a quarter of their final score. The girls took the stage in their most beautiful dress and presented themselves to the crowd and judges as the emcees read about their volunteer activities.

Ilene Rushing, First Maid

After the evening gown competition, it was time for the announcement everyone was waiting for. The hearts of the girls were racing back stage as they listened for who would be the top ten. Parents clinched their ﬁsts tightly to hear if their daughter would be chosen. Friends anxiously waited with screams prepared in their lungs to burst at the announcement of a particular name.

Jennifer Johnson, Top 10

Finally, the ﬁrst name was called... Megan Perry, and the crowd erupted! Then followed: Chelsea Rushing, Ilene Chavez, Hannah Hodge, Amanda Mott, Kayla Gaschler, Megan Shelley, Julie Boback, Tiftin Lawson and Jennifer Johnson.

Continued on page 47

The court, Julie Boback, Megan Shelley, Hannah Hodge, Kayla Gaschler and Ilene Chavez, wait to ﬁnd out who will be Queen and First Maid.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 45

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 46

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A DREAM COME TRUE • Continued from page 45

Julie Boback, Court

Kayla Gaschler, Court

The top ten were then judged on their answer to an impromptu question (35 percent), overall look (35 percent) and stage presentation (30 percent). Master of Ceremonies, Judge James S. Moody asked each girl individually, “As the 2006 Strawberry Festival Queen, you will be interviewed by many members of the media: radio, TV, magazines and newspapers. What would you like to tell everyone about Plant City?” The girls answers all varied but they certainly captured the best aspects of the town, including the family atmosphere, numerous volunteers, beautiful surroundings, quaint downtown area, and of course, the Strawberry Festival itself. While the scores were tabulated, a coronation ceremony was held to

Megan Perry, Top 10

honor the 2005 court and recognize Ashley Watkins as she abdicated her throne. Then, the ten ﬁnalists proceeded down the aisles to the stage and then backstage one last time. The Mistress and Master of ceremonies were handed the envelope with the winners and the top ﬁve were announced. The 2006 Strawberry Court is as

Megan Shelley, Court

follows: Kayla Gaschler, Hannah Hodge, Julie Boback, Megan Shelley and Ilene Chavez.

Cherica Brown, Miss Congeniality

First Maid 2005, Caycee Hampton, walked out on stage with ﬂowers and trophy as it was announced that Ilene Chavez was the 2006 First Maid. As the other four girls tightly held hands, Ashley Wat-

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Tiftin Lawson, Top 10

kins came back on stage and one by one held the crown over each girl’s head before placing it on... Hannah Hodge! The Durant High School Senior had her dream come true as she accepted the crown and took her ﬁrst walk as the reigning 2006 Strawberry Festival Queen. “We are very pleased with the judges’ selection,” said Brian West, General Chairman and First Vice President of the Plant City Lion’s Club. Congratulations to Hannah, the court, the top ten, and all the beautiful young ladies that graced the stage of Tomlin Middle School in this year’s pageant.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 47

Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Sophia Dedon and Billy Friend

The Royal Family AN UPCLOSE LOOK AT THE NEW STRAWBERRY QUEEN AND HER COURT Now that the new Queen and her Court have been announced, the town is ready to find out exactly who these girls are. As it turns out, prior to running for Strawberry Queen, they all already knew one another in some way. Because they already have an established friendship, this will be a wonderful experience for them. They are all Christians and are thankful that God put them together. Their already formed sisterhood will allow them to make a wonderful impact on the Plant City community. The entire court would like to thank the following: the Lion’s Club, Katie Varner, Sandy Sytsma, Brian and Jennifer West, Stephanie Shuff, Rick Lott, and all the sponsors of the event. They would also like Plant City to know they look forward to serving the community and said, “Look out, Plant City, because we are ready to be your best court!”

year will also be the last year she will show a pig and she gets to experience that as the queen, so that is very exciting for her.

Hanna Hodge Queen Hannah is a 17-year-old senior at Durant High School. She is very involved at her school, including NHS, FFA, Beta, Junior Civitan and Treasurer of Student Government. She loves to read, as well as show pigs. Her favorite pastimes are the annual beach trips with her family. She was born and raised in Plant City and has always lived on the same road; the same one where her grandmother and aunt live as well. She comes from a very close-knit family. Last year, Hannah was signed up to run for Queen, but not long before the pageant she was diagnosed with Bells Palsy. The entire left side of her face was paralyzed and she had to withdraw unexpectedly. She spent the whole year going through rehab. When the pageant rolled around this year, she was refreshed and ready to go. Hannah didn’t have a coach, but rather did everything by herself and with her family. They would ﬁnd anyone they knew to come to the house and do a mock-interview with her to help her prepare. She was so excited just to know that she had made court. When looking around at the other girls, she knew that she was going to have a fun year. Since she was just thrilled about getting to make new friends, she was really in shock when Ashley put the crown on her head. Considering the large height difference between the two girls, Hannah was so surprised she even forgot to bend down so that Ashley could reach her head. The shock of being queen is still sinking in. She is looking forward to meeting and introducing the entertainers. Also, this

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 48

Hannah would like to thank the following: her parents, Sisters & Co., especially Ms. Kathy and Ms. Devony, Lott Mather and all of her family and friends.

Ilene Chavez First Maid Ilene is an 18-year-old freshman at Hillsborough Community College. She was born and raised in Plant City and has gone to the festival every year. She serves as an interpreter in the community at Bryan Elementary, the San Jose Mission and at her church, St. Clement. She also works at Robyn Lynne and Millennium Homes & Development. To prepare for the pageant Ilene got a trainer to help her minimize her lisp and her Spanish tendency to speak quickly. She was able to greatly improve her speech communication skills. She was the last girl on the court to be called out. While waiting for the names to be called she was just praying and praying and didn’t even realize her number had been called. After that she was in shock and couldn’t realize anything else going on. Before she knew it, Caycee was giving her a sash and ﬂowers because she was ﬁrst maid. She couldn’t even believe it.

Continued on page 50

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 49

THE ROYAL FAMILY • Continued from page 48

She is looking forward to the entire festival, especially the parade when she gets to wave to the whole Plant City community, family and friends. Ilene has never been to a concert before, so she is very excited about not only getting to go to her ﬁrst concert, but getting to be onstage with the performers as well.

She studied Plant City so that she would have a thorough answer in case anyone questioned her on it. She said, “It’s a lot about making sure you are right for the job. You have to be conﬁdent in who you are and conﬁdent that you can represent Plant City well.”

Ilene would like to thank the following: her entire family, friends, her boyfriend, Deanna Rollyson, Ms. Debbie and Ms. Sylvia at Robyn Lynne, Joseph Rodriguez and his family, Billy and Carol Simmons, God and everyone that helped her get this far.

When she found out she had made court she felt a lot of relief, but at the same time suddenly thought, “What did I just get myself into?” Her mind was ﬂooded with excitement as she knew she would represent her hometown, have tons of fun at the festival, and make life-long friendships with four girls. She is ready to embark on a memorable journey ahead.

Julie Boback Court Julie is an 18-year-old Plant City High School senior. She is very involved in First Baptist Church of Dover, where she teaches the 3 and 4 year old choir. She plays tennis and swims, which she has been doing most of her life. She is in Civinettes, Best Buddies and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She works at the Tanacabana, a job which she loves. She greatly enjoys going to the beach and just spending time with her friends. She was born and raised in Plant City and has gone to the festival every year as far as she can remember. To prepare for the pageant, she trained with Jessica McDonald and practiced in front of the mirror and on video. However, she spent most of her time going around Plant City to learn more about the town she already loved. In the process, she learned more about herself. Julie was the ﬁrst girl announced to be on court and for her, it was an unbelievable experience. She was amazed when her name was called out. She was in complete shock. Ever since she was a little girl, she watched the top 5 run out on stage and always thought it was so exciting. She couldn’t believe when that was actually her. She is looking forward to the festival, especially meeting the entertainers. Most of all, though, she is excited about getting to know the other court members and building life-long relationships. Julie would like to thank the following: her family, Jessica McDonald, Ashley Showalter, her Aunt Sherry and God, because without him she wouldn’t be able to do this.

Kayla Gaschler Court Kayla is a 17-year-old senior at Plant City High School. She works at Fred’s Market Restaurant. She loves shopping, working out, hanging out with friends and volunteering at the hospital. She is Captain of the cheerleading squad, a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of Civanettes, on the Senior Executive Council, in Best Buddies, and also serves on the Prom Committee. She has lived in Plant City since she moved down from Pennsylvania when she was 6 years old, so she has been raised here since she was a little girl. In order to get ready for the pageant she prepared both mentally and physically.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 50

As the festival approaches quickly, Kayla is excited about meeting all of the entertainers, as well as the festival in general. She is ready to do everything from Polka dancing to walking the Midway. Kayla would like to thank the following: God, her family, Shannon Trice, the Cali family, Vicki Herndon, Lisa McGrath, Fred’s Market Restaurant, especially Vivian and the other employees, and her sponsor Farm Credit of Central Florida.

Megan Shelley Court Megan describes herself as passionate. She is passionate about agriculture and is very involved with FFA, as well as community service. She is an 18-year-old senior at Plant City High School. She is involved in the National Honor Society and the Leo Club. She was born and raised in Plant City. She has lived on the same piece of land her whole life, the very same land her dad grew up on and where most of her family lives. Looking back on the pageant, she realizes all the effort that went into preparing. Her fondest memories are of doing everything with her family. They helped her shop, practice her interview, coached her on her walk and everything imaginable. “I loved being able to share this experience with my family,” said Megan. Her preparation began months before the pageant, whether it meant ﬁnding a dress, altering a suit or whatever it may have been. It took much thought as to whether this was something she was really ready to commit to doing. When she found out she made court, she was extremely proud. She was mostly pleased that she had made both her family and her friends proud of her. Excitement ﬁlled her as her name was called and she knew her hard work had paid off. She is looking forward to the festival. She knows that being on court will be the highlight of her year. So many activities are waiting ahead of her. There will be so many people to meet and to share her knowledge with about Plant City. Megan would like to thank the following: her family above and beyond for everything, Carolyn Keith, Jenny Morgan, Tracey Goff, John Poppell, and God, the most.

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Schedule SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

SHOWCASE TENT SPECIAL ACTS The Florida Opry®: One Day Only -Fri., Mar. 10 - 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Rev. Art Jones, Elder Stephen Jones and the Bible-Based Fellowship Church Cathedral Choir: One Day Only - Sat., Mar. 11 -7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. FREE DAILY ENTERTAINMENT Stars of the Peking Acrobats: Daily at 11:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. in the Showcase Tent. Except there will be no 11:30 a.m. show on Sat. 3/4; no 2:30 p.m. show on Mon. 3/6 and no 8:30 p.m. show on Fri. 3/10 or Sat. 3/11. Dennis Lee: Daily at 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Except there will be no 1:00 p.m. show on Sat., 3/4; Mon., 3/6 and no 7:00 p.m. show Fri., 3/10 or Sat., 3/11. Located in the Showcase tent. Rowdy Rooster Puppet Show and Roadster: Stage Shows 11:30 a.m., 4:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Roving Vehicle Shows: 10:30 a.m.,1:30 p.m. & 5:30 p.m. Sponsored by: Safety Glass & Windshields, Inc. Southern Star Bluegrass: 5:30 p.m. & 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by SunTrust Bank of Tampa Bay in the Music Revue Tent. Robinson’s Paddling Porkers: Daily at noon, 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m. near the carriage house. Sponsored by Kitchen Craft. Runa Pacha: “Indian World” Folk Music from the Andes Mountains of South America. Performing Daily in the Music Revue Tent at 10:30 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. The 6:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m. show will be by the Carriage House.

$1.00 off the regular gate admission price of $9.00 (13 & up) or $5.00 (6-12) with a Pepsi Day Coupon.

the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price.

Moonlight Magic- Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $20 per person. All patrons entering the Midway for this event will be required to purchase a $20 wristband, 11:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m.

7:00 a.m.

10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 12:00 noon All Day Poultry and Rabbit Shows. Poultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition. New Expo Building 1:00 p.m. Dairy Contestant Judging Contest TECO Livestock Arena 4:00 p.m. Terri Clark- Stadium 7:00 p.m. Youth Swine Sale- TECO Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. Terri Clark Stadium 11:00 p.m. - Moonlight Magic Midway Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $20 per person.

Farm Credit Strawberry Salute Breakfast. Invitational 10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 10:00 a.m. All Day Poultry and Rabbit Shows. Poultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition- New Expo Building 10:30 a.m. Invitational Parade Luncheon. Invitation Only 1:00 p.m. Grand Feature Parade Begins Downtown Plant City 2:00 p.m. Grand Feature Parade Passes the Festival Grounds 4:00 p.m. Mel Tillis- Stadium 6:00 p.m. Lamb Jumping Contest- Lamb Tent 7:00 p.m. Lamb Show- Lamb Tent 7:30 p.m. Mel Tillis- Stadium Tuesday, March 7

Saturday, March 4

Ride-a-Thon Day

Kids’ Day • Youth Parade Kids thru high school age admitted free all day, with rides reduced until 4:00 p.m.

Ride-A-Thon from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $17 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price.

10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 10:00 a.m. All Day Poultry and Rabbit Shows. Poultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition. New Expo Building 11:00 a.m. 33rd Annual Youth Parade - Coordinated by Plant City Civitan Club (Awards following the Parade) 12:00 noon Dairy Show Showmanship- Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. Dairy Show Livestock Arena 4:00 p.m. Steven Curtis Chapman- Stadium 7:30 p.m. Steven Curtis Chapman- Stadium

10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 12:00 noon All Day Poultry and Rabbit Shows. Poultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition- New Expo Building 2:00 p.m. Strawberry Stemming Contest- Sparky’s Oil Company Entertainment Show Tent 4:00 p.m. Connie Smith (One Show only) Stadium 7:00 p.m. Lamb Costume Contest- Lamb Tent 7:30 p.m. Willie Nelson (One Show Only) Stadium Wednesday, March 8

Bikes, Boards, & Blades: A giant bicycle stunt show with the world’s top riders and competitors. Performing daily at 12:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Technology Competition: Daily in the new Expo Building Thursday, March 2 Opening Day • Senior Citizens’ Day Patrons 60 years of age or older get $1.00 off the gate admission of $9.00 all day. Ride-A-Thon from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $17.00 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. 10.00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 12 noon All Day Poultry and Rabbit ShowsPoultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition. New Expo Building 10:30 a.m. Jimmy Sturr and Orchestra- Stadium 11:30 a.m. Senior Citizens’ Drawing- Stadium (One drawing only-MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN) Noon Jimmy Sturr and Orchestra Stadium 4:00 p.m. Darryl Worley- Stadium 7:00 p.m. Youth Swine Show. TECO Livestock Tent Arena 7:30 p.m. Darryl Worley- Stadium

Sunday, March 5

Ride-a-Thon Day

Family Day

Ride-A-Thon from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $17 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price.

10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 10:00 a.m. All Day Poultry and Rabbit Shows. Poultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition- New Expo Building 11:30 a.m. Adult Showmanship (Dairy). TECO Livestock Arena 12:30 p.m. Pee Wee Showmanship (Dairy). TECO Livestock Arena 1:00 p.m. Dairy Costume Ball- TECO Livestock Arena 2:00 p.m. Youth Ornamental Plant Sale. Plant Show Tent 3:45 p.m. Registration for Baby Contest Entrants 4:45 p.m. Sparky’s Oil Company Entertainment Show Tent (Hillsborough County Babies Only) 5:00 p.m. Baby Contest: Decorated Diaper Contest; Baby Features Contest; Diaper Derby 7:00 p.m. Sparky’s Oil Company Entertainment Show Tent (Hillsborough County Babies Only) 4:00 p.m. Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Brothers- Stadium 7:30 p.m. Larry Gatlin & Gatlin Brothers- Stadium Monday, March 6 Grand Parade Day

Friday, March 3 Pepsi Day • Moonlight Magic Night

Ride-A-Thon from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $17 will entitle

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 52

1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. Show 4:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

TO WIN) Jo Ann Castle- Stadium Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest Sparky’s Oil Company Entertainment Tent Debbie Reynolds (One Show Only) Stadium Dierks Bently (One Show Only) Stadium

Friday, March 10 Moonlight Magic Night Moonlight Magic - Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $20 per person. All patrons entering the Midway for this event will be required to purchase a $20 wristband, 11:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. All Day 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m.

Gates Open • Midway Opens at 12:00 noon FiTecSMCompetition New Expo Building Livestock Contestant Judging Contest TECO Livestock Arena Jo Dee Messina- Stadium Showmanship JudgingBeef Breed Beef Breed Tent 7:30 p.m. Florida Opry®- Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Jo Dee Messina- Stadium 11:00 p.m Moonlight Magic Midway Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $20 per person. Saturday, March 11 Youth in Agriculture Day 10:00 a.m. All Day 10:15 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Gates Open • Midway Opens at 10:00 a.m. FiTecSMCompetition New Expo Building Baby Parade Stadium Rhonda Vincent Stadium Youth Steer Sale. TECO Livestock Arena Rev. Art Jones, Elder Stephen Jones, Bible Based 10:00 p.m. Fellowship Church Cathedral Choir Showcase Tent 7:30 p.m. Rhonda Vincent- Stadium Sunday, March 12 Family Day

10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 12:00 noon 3:00 p.m Poultry and Rabbit Shows. Poultry & Rabbit Tent All Day FiTecSM Competition. New Expo Building 4:00 p.m. Lonestar- Stadium 6:00 p.m. Youth Steer Show- TECO Livestock Arena 7:30 p.m. Lonestar- Stadium Thursday, March 9 Senior Citizens’ Day Ride -a-Thon Day Patrons 60 years and older get $1.00 off the gate admission of $9.00 all day. Ride-A-Thon from 3:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $17 will entitle the wearer to ride mechanical rides for this one low price. 10:00 a.m. All Day 10:30 a.m 11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Noon

Gates Open • Midway Opens at 12:00 noon FiTecSM Competition- New Expo Building Jo Ann Castle- Stadium Senior Citizens’ Drawing- Stadium (One drawing only-MUST BE PRESENT

10:00 a.m. Gates Open • Midway Opens at 10:00 a.m. All Day FiTecSM Competition- New Expo Building 12:00 noon Youth Beef Breed Show- Beef Breed Tent 4:00 p.m. Trace Adkins (One Show Only) Stadium 7:30 p.m. Big & Rich (One Show Only) Stadium

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 53

Story by Brian West Photo courtesy of the Florida Strawberry Festival

Directors of the Florida Strawberry Festival ARE EASILY IDENTIFIED WEARING RED

n 1929, the newly chartered Plant City Lions Club wanted to celebrate the harvest of the strawberries and spearheaded the effort, and the Florida Strawberry Festival was born. Since 1930, the folks in Plant City and visitors from around the world have helped in the celebration and the event has grown to become one of the top fairs in the nation and is known around the world. Beginning in 1930, the Festival ran for 12 consecutive years, until it was postponed in 1942 due to World War II. In 1948, 6 years later, the Festival began again, this time lead by the American Legion. Each time, various civic organizations were involved, but efforts were made for a group of local businessmen and businesswomen – those recognized as leaders in the community who were also actively involved with the Festival – to sit as a board to oversee the operation of the Festival from year to year. Today, the group is affectionately known as “The Red Coats.” The group is made up of three different levels of directors: 11 Directors Emeriti (retired directors), 16 Directors (4 of which serve in the ofﬁce of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and 14 Associate Directors. Many of those involved at this level with the Festival are names quickly recognized to the people of Plant City; Al Berry (the voice of Plant City’s former WPLA radio), Gary Boothe (Hillsboro Bank), Carl Carpenter (former State Representative), Joe Newsome (Brown and Newsome Prescription Center), Roy Parke (Parkesdale Farm), Jim Redman (Trinkle, Redman, Coton, P.A.), Mike Sparkman (Sparky’s Food Stores) and Robert Trinkle (Trinkle, Redman, Coton,

P.A.) just to name a few. The only difference in the levels of directorship is that only the 16 Directors attend regular board meetings and have voting privileges. Those attending the Festival will often see the red coats throughout the Festival grounds. Typically, they’re wearing red windbreakers and a red hat, both complete with the Florida Strawberry Festival logo, and they’re usually actively involved in a project or assisting others with a problem. Throughout the year, these dedicated volunteers will attend regularly scheduled meetings and begin planning for the coming Festival almost immediately after the current Festival ends. Each director has speciﬁc responsibilities. Many are chairmen for different events surrounding the Festival and the President has the responsibility for determining each committee chair. The group is continually improving the Festival and every event associated with it; just one reason our Florida Strawberry Festival has continually been named one of the top 30 such events in North America. The directors are quick to give credit for the success of the event to the community and there are more than a thousand volunteers involved in the production of the Florida Strawberry Festival each year.

thanked me and said, ‘You saved me a lot of embarrassment.’ I’ll never forget that.” Then along came Patsy Brooks, Manager of the Festival. According to Brooks, in 1976, the Festival purchased maroon coats for the directors to wear during the Festival and various functions associated with it. But many of the directors didn’t like the color or the jackets. Brooks is credited with the move

from maroon coats to red coats. Brooks began frequently wearing red to coincide with her position and it quickly caught on. Once the Directors began wearing the red coats, when someone needed something, they were often told to ﬁnd someone wearing a red coat. So the term “Red Coats” caught on, and stuck.

Al Berry, a Director with the festival for the past 34 years, recalled helping a lady one Sunday about 5 years ago. Al said, “A lady approached me asking for help. She said she’d been stuck in trafﬁc on I-4 coming into the festival and needed to use the restroom but couldn’t stand to wait in line. I took her to the Directors lounge. When she came out of the restroom she gave me a big hug, Sandy Sytsma, one of the many Red Coats that represent the Florida Strawberry Festival well.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 54

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LAKELAND â&#x20AC;¢ PLANT CITY â&#x20AC;¢ RIVERVIEW TAMPA â&#x20AC;¢ TEMPLE TERRACE â&#x20AC;¢ VALRICO FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 55

All information on the entertainers was derived from their oﬃcial website or cmt.com

Entertainers

ENTERTAINERS

DARRYL WORLEY

a leap beyond anything he has done to date.

March 2 • 4pm & 7:30pm

When he ﬁrst appeared on the scene four years ago, Darryl Worley was in the vanguard of what became a full-ﬂedged back-to-country movement among newcomers in Music City. His supremely expressive honky-tonk phrasing on the steel-drenched “If I Could Tell the Truth” and the lonely, yearning “Find Me” prove that he still takes a back seat to no one as a traditional country singer. On “What Makes a Man Do That,” his baritone vocal dips are appropriately chilling. And there isn’t a performance on disc today that is as gut-bucket country as Worley’s is on the hilarious barroom yarn “I Love Her, She Hates Me.”

Countrymusic listeners probably think they know the music of Darryl Worley because of hits like “I Miss My Friend,” “A Good Day to Run” and “Have You Forgotten.” But the 6’6” Tennessee traditionalist is issuing an album that completely reinvents him as an artist. Darryl Worley, his 2004 DreamWorks Records collection, is a revelation in every way. The songwriting, his vocal performances, the sound quality, the energy level and the sheer musicality of this album are all

TERRI CLARK March 3 • 4pm & 7:30pm Graced with three Platinum Albums, Terri Clark is one of the most unique voices in country music. She is one of very few female country artists who is truly an accomplished guitar player, a rarity in country

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music. Raised in Alberta, Canada, it was a long road she traveled to reach the heights she has achieved today. Her next album, Life Goes On, will be released November 1st.

Clark was the ﬁrst Canadian female to be inducted into the prestigious Grand Ole’ Opry, and has been honored with CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of the Year nominations, as well as a string of hits that includes “Easy On The Eyes,” “When Boy Meets Girl,” “I Wanna Do It All,” “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” and “Girls Lie Too.” Clark is the only female solo country performer in more than three years with two #1 singles.

STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN

March 4 • 4pm & 7:30pm One of our country’s leading advocates for adoption, Chapman and his family have passionately committed themselves to helping orphans worldwide, especially in China where over 36 million children are waiting and hoping for a new life in a loving home, and in America where nearly one million await homes. To help, the Chapman family has established Shaohannah’s Hope, an organization to provide information and ﬁnancial grants to families who desire to adopt.

!LWAYS /UR 'IRL 4IFTIN ,AWSON Tiftin, We are so Proud of You!! Your positive attitude and gracious outlook are to be commended. We are Blessed to have you in our family. We Love You!!!

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 56

"RANDON 4OWN #ENTER

Mom, Ricky, Jared, Nana Pat, Gramma Sis, Papa Mason & Janelle, Uncle Rod, Missy & Kids, Nana Linda, Pop Daddy, Uncle Mark, Big Sissy & Blake, Dad, Michelle, Kay, Roxanne and Everyone Elseʼs lives you have touched.

With nearly ten million records sold in a career that began in 1987, Steven Curtis Chapman has recorded ﬁfteen projects with Sparrow Records, his most recent studio record titled All Things New, released September 21st, 2004. He’s received ﬁve GRAMMY awards, an American Music Award, 49 Dove Awards (more than any other artist to date), has recorded 43 No. 1 radio hits as well as numerous other honors. His platinum and gold albums include: Speechless, Heaven in the Real World, Declaration, Greatest Hits, Music Of Christmas, Signs Of Life, The Great Adventure, More To This Life, For The Sake Of The Call and All About Love.

national fame, their early roots in gospel harmonies were evident no matter how often their later hits crossed and criss-crossed into platinum on the pop and country charts.

In addition to his new Christmas album, he also appears on the inspired-by soundtrack for the upcoming Disney blockbuster, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.”

MEL TILLIS March 6 • 4pm & 7:30pm

LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS March 5 • 4pm & 7:30pm There’s a certain “coming full circle” quality in the knowledge that Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers have chosen as their latest musical project a collection of songs that are taking them back to where it all began, to the music of their heritage. Family Gospel Favorites contains the music the Gatlin Brothers grew up on back in West Texas when four decades of million selling songs and White House performances were still in the far distant future for Larry and younger brothers Steve and Rudy. As they skillfully mastered the art of perfect family harmony on Sundays at the little home church back in Abilene, seeds were forever instilled in the Gatlins’ music. As they grew into inter-

Best known in the ‘90s as the famous father of Pam Tillis, and the King of Branson, Missouri, he became one of country music’s great singer-songwriters and story tellers in a career that spans ﬁve decades. He wrote such classics as “Detroit City” and “Ruby Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” and recorded such big hits as “I Ain’t Never,”

“Coca Cola Cowboy,” and “Southern Rains.” Several times voted CMA Comedian of the Year, and once Entertainer of the Year, he’s done well for a man with a severe, lifelong stuttering problem. Tillis (b. Lonnie Melvin Tillis, Tampa, Florida, August 8, 1932) was raised in Pahokee, Florida, the son of a baker. He was just three when he began to stutter after coming down with malaria. “I also had a friend, LeRoy English, who stuttered, and I honestly don’t know whether I started stuttering from being around LeRoy so much, or from the malaria. I think it’s a bit of both,” Tillis surmises. In a way, his afﬂiction is responsible for his career as an entertainer. “I became a cut-up in school. I was always coming out with these ad-libs, because I didn’t stutter when I ad-libbed, only when I had to get up and say something in class or read something. The kids loved it when I had to stand up and read something. It would take so long for me to get through it, the class would end before it was their turn,” Tillis recalls. It was in school that one of his teachers discovered that he didn’t stutter when he sang, and that when he sang, it sounded real good. “When I’m in front of the microphone, I become Mel Tillis the singer, almost like another person, and that person doesn’t stutter,” he explains.

regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry, of which she has been a member since 1971. With Bob Ferguson acting as her producer, Smith cut several songs in the ﬁrst RCA sessions, among them Anderson’s tear-stained “Once a Day.” Released as Smith’s ﬁrst single, “Once a Day” entered the Billboard charts on Sept. 26, 1964, and went on to seize the No. 1 spot. And there it remained for eight consecutive weeks. It would be the only chart-topper of Smith’s career, but she had a string of singles that came close, including such Top 5 and Top 10 fare as “Then and Only Then,” “If I Talk to Him,” “Nobody but a Fool (Would Love You),” “Ain’t Had No Lovin’,” “The Hurtin’s All Over,” “Cincinnati, Ohio,” “Just One Time,” “If It Ain’t Love (Let’s Leave It Alone)” and “Ain’t Love a Good Thing.”

CONNIE SMITH March 7 • 4pm Although she’s been singing professionally since the early 1960s, when she was still in her early 20s, Connie Smith still possesses one of the most powerful, agile and recognizable voices in country music. Her exposure to audiences via recordings has been very much an on-and-off affair, but she has maintained a presence through her

Continued on Page

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 57

Continued from page 57

Entertainers

ENTERTAINERS

WILLIE NELSON March 7 • 7:30pm In a business built on changes in cultural fashion, Willie Nelson seems very much the same as he was when he rose to national prominence in the mid-1970s -- still the same sinewy, off-thebeat, jazz-inflected voice, the same benign countenance and the same hippie/thrift-shop costuming. The mileposts along his way tell a lot: He first charted in 1962 (with “Willingly”), had his first No. 1 in 1975 (“Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain”), scored 19 more

No. 1’s over the next 14 years and then returned triumphantly to the top again in 2003 via his duet with Toby Keith, “Beer for My Horses.” Nelson’s albums -- nearly 300 titles, including repackagings -- have sold millions. Stardust, his 1978 cover collection of the pop hits of his youth, exceeds 5 million in sales, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Three others have sold 4 million copies each, along with two double-platinum albums and nine platinum albums.

LONE STAR March 8 • 4pm & 7:30pm As the name implies, all of Lonestar’s members drifted into Music City from Texas. Dean Sams was working at the Country Music USA show at the Opryland Theme Park when he began rounding up musicians

catapulting the band to crossover stardom. “Amazed” also hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart the same week the band’s next single, “Smile,” held the No. 1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart. Lonely Grill was certiﬁed multi-platinum in 2000. Fueled by the No. 1 hit single “My Front Porch Looking In,” the band released its Greatest Hits in 2003.

for a band. After some near-misses, the band was offered a recording contract on BNA Records and its self-titled debut album produced a Top 10 hit, “Tequila Talkin’,” in 1995. Their second single, “No News,” hit No. 1 in 1996 and remained there for three weeks. The Academy of Country Music named Lonestar its top new group of the year for 1995.Their self-titled debut became a gold record. Lonely Grill was issued as the band’s third album, and the single “Amazed” ﬂew to the top of the charts and stayed there for eight weeks in 1999, breaking records and

DEBBIE REYNOLDS March 9 • 4pm Debbie Reynolds wasn’t a dancer until she was selected by Gene Kelly to be his partner in “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952). Not yet 20, she was a quick study. Twelve years later, it seemed like she had been around forever, but she was only 31 when she gave an Academy Award nominee performance in The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964). Having survived losing her ﬁrst husband to Elizabeth Taylor, she was becoming the un-

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sinkable Debbie Reynolds. Her second husband lost his fortune, and hers, too. She had to keep working and turned to stage musicals when Hollywood stopped making them. Now she has her own casino in Las Vegas, a home for her Hollywood museum. She’s as down to earth as Molly Brown and took time to personally write a long letter that is on display in the Judy Garland museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, and to provide that museum with replicas of Garland’s costumes. The originals are in the Las Vegas museum.

DIERKS BENTLEY

Bentley moved to Nashville, Tenn., at 19 and immersed himself in the local music scene, discovering that side of the city at a point when he was discouraged with the Nashville music business. It was a time of one cowboy-hatted, starched jeans-wearing singer after another. He took some of what he learned from bluegrass and applied it to the country music in his bones. As his songwriting improved, he recorded a demo, which led to a publishing deal. In 2003, Capitol Nashville released his self-titled debut album, which featured his successful ﬁrst single, “What Was I Thinkin’?”

JO DEE MESSINA

March 9 • 7:30pm

March 10 • 4pm & 7:30pm Originally from Phoenix, Ariz., Dierks Bentley (who was given a family name as a ﬁrst name) grew up listening to George Strait and Hank Williams with his dad. He moved from listener to player when he picked up an electric guitar at 13. He started out playing the music his classmates listened to; mostly rock, until a friend played him the Hank Williams Jr. song, “Man to Man.”

Jo Dee Messina is an award-winning, multiplatinum recording artist who has given her heart and soul to ﬁnd success. She’s had 8 #1 singles, has been honored by The Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music and The Grammy Awards and was the ﬁrst female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs from the same album.

Congratulations

2006 Court Member Thanks For Representing Us Well!

Julie Boback

But success aside, Jo Dee has faced more than her fair share of adversity. She’s battled some demons along the way and experienced the twists and turns that deﬁne all of our lives. If anything, these life experiences have re-invigorated her and given her a new perspective, which in turn has produced, in her words, her truest recording to date.

band as a child. After appearing on the TNN series You Can Be a Star, she was hired to play in Jim Ed Brown’s touring band. (Alison Krauss temporarily replaced her in the Vincent family’s band.) Throughout the 1980s, Vincent accepted numerous female vocalist honors from the Society of the Preservation of Bluegrass Music Association (SPGMA). Back Home Again arrived in 2000 and The Storm Still Rages in 2001. The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) awarded her its female vocalist award in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. She also captured the IBMA’s entertainer of the year award in 2001. One Step Ahead, which features many songs she co-wrote as well as a duet with Krauss, was released in 2003.

RHONDA VINCENT March 11 • 4pm Rhonda Vincent was born July 13, 1962, in Kirksville, Mo., where she still lives. Her musical career started in her family’s

Continued on Page

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 59

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 60

TRACE ADKINS

BIG & RICH

March 12 â&#x20AC;˘ 4pm

March 12 â&#x20AC;˘ 7:30pm

Tracy Darrell â&#x20AC;&#x153;Traceâ&#x20AC;? Adkins was born Jan. 13, 1962, in Springhill, La. He ďŹ rst began performing with a gospel quartet while still attending high school in the nearby town of Sarepta. He continued to sing gospel throughout his years at Louisiana Tech University, where he studied petroleum technology. After working on an oil rig for a few years after leaving school, he embarked on what he calls his â&#x20AC;&#x153;true musical educationâ&#x20AC;? -- playing one honky-tonk after another. While singing at Tillieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s & Lucyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub in Nashville, Adkins was spotted by a Capitol Records executive and was signed to the label. His early singles steadily climbed the charts, and 1997â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;(This Ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t) No Thinkinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Thingâ&#x20AC;? became his ďŹ rst No. 1 hit. After enduring a label shake-up at Capitol in the late 1990s, the 6-foot-6, 250-pound Adkins resurfaced with the Top 10 hits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moreâ&#x20AC;? in 2000, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Tryinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? in 2001 and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chromeâ&#x20AC;? in 2003. He released his Greatest Hits, Vol. 1 in 2003, a few months before being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.

Rest assured that being big and rich hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made the groundbreaking and multi-platinum duo Big & Rich any less freaky or fun. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Success hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t spoiled Big & Rich one bit, it just loosened the chain,â&#x20AC;? explains John Rich. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve experienced so far has just given us even more room to do even more stuff.â&#x20AC;? And as Big & Richâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much anticipated and mind-blowing second album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cominâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to Your Cityâ&#x20AC;? proves loud and clear, sometimes more really is more. The ďŹ rst album told the world who we are, and we are most deďŹ nitely A Horse of A Different Color,â&#x20AC;? says Big Kenny. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Now the second album tells you what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do next; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re Cominâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to Your City, every nook and cranny.â&#x20AC;?

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION โ ข February 15 โ ข 2006 - March 15 โ ข 2006 PG 61

Story & Photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

Promoting and Preserving Plant City AMERICAN LEGION POST #26 STANDS PROUD!

he American Legion is the largest civil organization of armed force’ veterans who honored their country and protected the land of the United States during wartime. This group has nearly three million members throughout the United States and approximately one hundred and eighty-three are right here in Plant City. The legion supported the first Strawberry Festival in honor of Private Norman McLeod of Plant City. McLeod was the first American soldier casualty who had his life taken July 19, 1918. He was a mere 19 years old. The American Legion Post #26 is a organization in Plant City that leads commemorative events and performs a great deal of volunteer activities in Plant City. They supported the very first Strawberry Festival and each year continue to support the festival by furnishing around 200 parking spots for visitors. The nominal fee for parking services is put directly back into the community in many ways. The Florida Strawberry Festival was born in 1930 and soon became a strawberry harvest celebration for many years. When World War II ignited, the Annual Strawberry Festival was no longer in the forefront of citizen’s minds, so the festival closed its gates, becoming inactive. After six long years of closure, Tom Gill served the United States while spending four years in the Korean War. He is the past Historian for The American Legion and enjoys spending time with all its members.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 62

Plant City’s citizens were itching to bring back life among its community and return profits to those growing bountiful strawberries and vegetables. The festival was then revived in 1949, in which the American Legion devised a great kick-off by raffling a 1949 Dodge sedan, pouring the funds back into the community. Some citizens from that era believe 1949 was the most interesting Strawberry Festival year because of the car raffle. Every year the legion members buy the plumpest berries and whip up the best Strawberry Shortcakes - - then deliver them to about three hundred veterans in the VA Hospital. Each Saturday, the community is invited to play Bingo at the American Legion on Baker Street. This smoke-free, alcohol-free enviroment is loaded with excitement! All the money raised goes back into Plant City by way of financial support in events such as Memorial Day Ceremonies, High School Athletics, Social Study Scholorships, Meals-on-Wheels, Toys for Tots and much more. A special thanks goes to Gayle, Reference Librarian of the Bruton Library, Tom Gill - Past Historian for the American Legion, Shelby Bender of the Community Historical Archives and Panky Snow -Historic Writer, for their efforts in supporting research for this article.

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w w w. P a r t n e r s I n W e l l n e s s . o r g FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 63

Story by Linda Floyd Photos courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives

History of the Strawberry Festival AN AMERICAN TRADITIONTHE COMMUNITY FAIR

ommunity fairs and harvest festivals are a long honored tradition, reaching far back into history when they were the method of uniting communities through celebrations of their harvests. It was only natural that Plant City would honor the strawberry, as its importance to the city had long been recognized and some ﬁtting tribute considered. As early as January 1, 1914, the Board of Trade had sponsored Strawberry Day. All residents were urged to mail postal cards to some distant friend

or relative telling them about Plant City’s great strawberry industry. But it was ﬁfteen years later at the Lion’s Club weekly luncheon on July 5, 1929, that then Lion Club President Albert Schneider challenged the members to sponsor a festival to celebrate the bountiful harvest of the strawberries, one that would involve not only Plant City, but also its surrounding communities. They accepted the challenge, and on March 12th through the 15th, 1930, the ﬁrst Strawberry Festival was held.

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The ﬁrst festival was staged on vacant property north of Baker Street between the Seaboard Railroad and Michigan Avenue. At that time, this vacant block, owned by I. M. Allen, served as a baseball park. The communities of Hopewell, Dover, Seffner, Trapnell, Lithia, Turkey Creek, Cork, and Springhead were enthusiastic participants, and each reserved an exhibit booth. The Woman’s Club and the Home Demonstration Club accepted the invitation to hold their third annual ﬂower show

in connection with the festival. Merchant response was so positive that requests for exhibit space continued to come in, even after all space was reserved. Car bumper stickers, lapel buttons, and a queen selection contest sponsored by the Future Farmers of America helped to advertise the festival. Charlotte Rosenberg, daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Sam Rosenberg of Plant City, won that ﬁrst contest. Strawberry growers kicked off that ﬁrst festival

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Farm Credit Isn’t Just For Farmers! FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 64

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American Legion at the Strawberry Festival in 1958

in 1930 by bringing to market, on opening day, 155,000 quarts of berries. On that opening day, farmers took home an estimated $40,000, based on the average price for the day of 26 cents per quart. Also on opening day, the newly elected queen and her court led a parade of elaborately decorated cars and ďŹ&#x201A;oats, some horsedrawn, which formed on Wheeler Street near Risk and moved south through the gaily decorated business section. Moving east to Michigan, the parade turned north to the exposition grounds, where the ďŹ&#x201A;oats were judged and prizes were awarded for ďŹ rst, second and third place.

Typical scene at strawberry ďŹ eld in 1952

Each year the festival grew in popularity, until World War II put an end to the annual event for six years. The Norman McLeod American Legion Post #26 is recognized for its effort in getting the Strawberry Festival revived in 1948. Since then, each year the programs and events have improved in interest and value to the entire agricultural community. Other crops and industries, such as citrus, cattle, poultry, timber, phosphate, and spring and fall vegetables have contributed greatly to the progress and prosperity of Plant City and this entire section of Hillsborough County. Mindful of this diversiďŹ cation, the name was changed in 1962 by a vote of the board of directors of the association to the Florida Strawberry Festival.

Congratulations 2006 Court Member

Megan Shelley

Today, the festival is ranked among the top thirty such events in North America. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s full of tradition, one of the American Legion at the Strawberry Festival in 1949 largest being the volunteer and rewarding experience for spirit that prevails. The Florida our local folks, as well as for the Strawberry Festival Association is thousands of visitors from all over a community-oriented organizathe world. tion that is governed by a board of directors from the community who The Florida Strawberry Festival annually devote many hours to serves to preserve and enhance the establishing policies and direction agricultural and historical legacy for the annual event. Thousands of the strawberry, while at the of volunteers from the community same time, preserving the heritage put forth effort all year long to of an American tradition â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the ensure that the Florida Strawberry community fair. Festival is a pleasant, fun-ďŹ lled

Congratulations 2006 Strawberry Festival Queen

Hannah Hodge Life is not measured by breaths we take but by moments that take our breath away.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 65

Story by Ken Lawrence-Senior Writer Photos by Ken Lawrence and Dawn Marie Simpson

Bringing in Beaucoup Bucks THE IMPACT THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL HAS ON LOCAL BUSINESS

“

The fabric of American life is woven into the Florida Strawberry Festival, with such traditions as social events, competitive contests, youth programs, top name entertainment, scores of glorious ﬂoats and high stepping marching bands”. So says the Strawberry Festival WEB site.

What it does not mention is the powerful impact the fair has on the Plant City community. It’s in the millions of dollars, from ticket revenue, to the food, the rides, the games, the parking, booth construction, banners, signs and on and on the list goes. Outside the grounds, business does very well, thank you very much. Take the hotel-motel trade. Rooms are booked months in advance, with such establishments as the Ramada Inn Plantation House enjoying extra revenue. Over at the Comfort Inn,

General Manager Robert Testasecca tells FOCUS that he easily sees a 50% increase in business with quite a few vendors staying at his establishment for both the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival, which are only a few days apart. Restaurants do a booming business as well. The Johnson Restaurant family not only has a booth very close to the main stage, but also caters to many of the performers. Owen Johnson, son of Freddy, operates Grandpa Johnson’s Barbeque and Fred’s Farmer’s Market Restaurant, plus the catering business. Owen tells FOCUS that every one of the family eateries has lines waiting to get in during the festival. One of the four major sponsors is TECO Energy, a long- time festival participant, and its spokesperson Ross Bannister says “The Strawberry Festival is very important to us”.

The other three main sponsors are Sparky’s Food Stores, Washington Mutual Bank and Pepsi. Sign-makers do a huge business leading up to the event, such as TM Signs, whose owner Todd McClernan has specialized equipment that many other companies don’t. He will even do wholesale work for those businesses as well. Real Estate also gets a spin-off from the fair. Mac McGrath Broker-Owner of Walden Lake Realty says he sees a special spike in sales of manufactured homes by out-of-the-area residents, such as Snow Birds, who visit Plant City for the ﬁrst time and fall in love with the area. Coldwell Banker Residential BrokerManager Robbie Parrish says her ofﬁce, close to the parade route, has many out-of-state people drop by and some eventually move to the area. The company also sells hot dogs and drinks at the parade to raise money for its charitable foundation. Retailers also get into the act, seeing their cash registers ring up extra sales. Wal-Mart Manager Kerrie Gafford says she sees a big spike at her Jim Redman store starting a couple of weeks before the festivities begin, from chairs being bought for the parade to sales of hundreds of special T-Shirts sold only at the Plant City store.

Owen Johnson-GM-Grandpa Johnson’s Bar-BQ & Herbie Glaros-Catering Director

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 66

Evelyn Madonia, owner of the Ramada Inn, will be expecting a large inﬂux of business during the festival this year.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has always policed the fair grounds while the Plant City Police provide traffic control and outside policing. The overtime budget gets a spike and the participating officers receive extra money, no doubt spending some of it at the festival. The people who look after all this money also get into the act. Banks, such as Sunshine State Federal Savings and Loan, have a lot of vendors bring in their money pouches every day. Manager Lea Sacco tells FOCUS that she has to bring in extra staff to count the money and do the deposits. Then there’s the health issue, from kids eating too much, to heat stroke, to people falling and cardiac problems. Shannon Mitchell, Marketing Manager for South Florida Baptist Hospital, says Strawberry Festival time is always busy at the hospital. All these people and all this activity must produce a lot of garbage. Money is made there, too, as Plant City Sanitation Department has to hire extra people to haul away all the trash. Kent Weitz, Senior Foreman, says last year his workers trucked away more than 300 tons of garbage from the fair grounds and he expects there’ll be even more this year. Anyone remotely connected to the Florida Strawberry Festival feels a little extra jingle-jingle of coins in their pockets, except, of course, the fair goers. However, that’s what free enterprise is all about, even at Strawberry Festival time.

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www.ﬂstrawberryfestival.com FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 67

HISTORY

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Story by William “Bill” Thomas Photo by Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

Mr. E. L. Bing “EDUCATOR AND LEADER” PART II OF 2

credit much of my own success over the years to Mr. E.L. Bing’s educational philosophy as I experienced it in my years at Marshall High School. And the reason for Mr. Bing’s overall success as a principal and educator was his ability to select the best and the most dedicated teachers. Mr. Bing’s ability to recruit teachers who demanded your best, and who gave their best, was responsible for creating the most well rounded educational experience a student of any color could have received. Here are some of the reasons for my conclusions. All students were required to attend six classes each six-week period. Some students could select up to three electives; however, the Green group (College Preparatory) continually had ﬁve of the six classes designated as part of a curriculum established by Mr. Bing. During our junior year we had no electives – we were told that Economics would be our elective, just as we had elected to take Typing, Spanish and other non-

traditional classes. (In conversations with graduates of other high schools I discovered that not only were they not required to take Typing, but they could not even take it if they desired to – there were no typewriters available.) One day during my junior year, while in Economics class, my classmates and I felt the teacher unfairly punished a student. We took it upon ourselves to right a grave wrong that we felt had been perpetrated against one of our classmates. We boycotted the class, including even the students whose personalities were docile. Mr. Bing was summoned back to Marshall, interrupting a meeting he was attending. Although not happy with our action, Mr. Bing applauded our togetherness and our willingness to stand up for what we thought was right. There were many great teachers and other faculty members who played a role in the Marshall experience, but it was Mr. Bing’s exceptional education expectations, his leadership skills, his ability to recruit and motivate

E.L. Bing with others at the Haines St. Rec Center.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 68

the faculty he needed to accomplish his goals, and his steadfastness as Leader in not allowing skin color to be an excuse for lack of achievement that made this outstanding educational environment possible. E.L. Bing speaking at the MLK Rec Center in 1961.

Mr. Bing’s tenure as principal at Marshall High School produced a multitude of professionals – doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers, business owners, pilots, outstanding military service men and women, and many white collar and blue collar professionals. All of these have made positive contributions not only to their communities, but also to their country and to the world. In 1965, Mr. Bing used education to break color barriers. He was instrumental in getting a student employed as a stock clerk at Winn Dixie Supermarket, and a former student hired as a clerk at the U.S. Post Ofﬁce in Plant City. By today’s standards that sounds small, but in 1965, that was monumental. Mr. Bing was also instrumental in getting students from Marshall High involved in an experimental criminal justice program whereby students sat on juvenile juries

in the Hillsborough County Court system to hear cases involving their peers and to make recommendations to the judges about appropriate punishments. A few weeks ago, the Haines Street Recreation Center, as it was ﬁrst known, celebrated 46 years of service to the children of Plant City. This facility was made possible through Mr. Bing’s leadership in community affairs. Mr. Bing’s tenure as principal at Marshall High ended in 1967, the year of my graduation, when he was appointed Director of Federal Projects for the county school district. His legacy, that of providing the best education possible, will live for generations to come. These memories and my appreciation of Mr. Bing, Educator and Leader, came rushing back to me as I viewed photographs of school and community activities before and after my days as a student at Marshall High. These photographs have been assembled for all to see and are located at the Plant City Photo Archives in downtown Plant City. After viewing these photos, I am convinced that Mr. E.L. Bing was an extra-special person who had a lasting positive effect on my life as well as many others who have attended Marshall High School. Sources: William “Bill” Thomas; Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 70

HOME GUIDE

For our community’s Buyers, Sellers and Owners

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We oﬀer you beautiful Plant City!!! “Strawberry Capital of the World”

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752-2087

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1607 S Alexander St. Suite 102 Plant City, FL 33563 WWW WALDENLAKEREALTY COM s /FFICE WALDENLAKEREALTY COM FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 73

E-mail: sales@millenniumone.net FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 74

CGC 1509892

Blackburn & Associates Realty LISTING HOMES FOR 2% or 4% !FTER BEING IN YOUR COMMUNITY FOR SEVERAL YEARS WE HAVE PROVEN THAT IT DOES NOT TAKE OR TO SELL YOUR HOME

(AVE IT ALL %NJOY THIS SPACIOUS "D "A HOME COMPLETE WITH AN IN GROUND POOL AND SPA 4HE SQUARE FEET OF LIVING SPACE OFFERS A FABULOUS mOOR PLAN AND IS SITUATED ON A QUIET CUL DE SAC #ALL 'EOFF TODAY

3TOP 3EARCHING HERE IS THE HOME YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR 4HIS DEN IS IN PICTURE PERFECT CONDITION "UILT IN IT OFFERS SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE (OME SHOWS LIKE A MODEL $ON T MISS THIS ONE #ALL !NGEL *OHNSON AT OR GO TO WWW !NGEL*OHNSON(OMES COM

"EAUTIFUL HOME IN 'ATED 2IVER (ILLS "$ "! LOTS OF BACK YARD 7ON T LAST LONG #ONTACT *EAN #ARNAHAN FOR MORE INFORMATION AT

Listing homes for 2% - 4%

4HIS IS ONE OF A KIND SPLIT PLAN HOME WITH VAULTED CEILINGS )N GROUND HOT TUB SPA WITH A PRIVACY FENCE SURROUNDING BACK AND BOTH SIDES OF THIS HOME 4HIS HOME ALSO COMES WITH AN IN GROUND SPRINKLE SYSTEM TO WATER THIS SPACIOUS WELL MANICURED YARD #ALL #URLEY -C+ENZIE AT

.EED 2OOM 4HIS 7ESTlELD BUILT OFFERS OVER SQFT OF LIVING AREA WITH AN OVERSIZED LANAI ,OCATED NEAR ) ) THIS HOME IS CONVENIENT TO 4AMPA /RLANDO AND ALL POINT IN BETWEEN 4O SEE ALL THAT THIS HOME HAS TO OFFER CALL !NGEL *OHNSON AT OR GO TO WWW !NGEL*OHNSON(OMES COM

!CT 1UICKLY 4HIS POOL HOME WILL NOT LAST LONG "UILT IN THIS HOME OFFERS SF OF LIVING SPACE #ALL !NGEL *OHNSON AT OR GO TO WWW !NGEL*OHNSON(OMES COM

,OOKING FOR PERFECTION ON A SMALLER SCALE 3EARCH NO MORE 4HIS 7ESTlELD BUILT HOME IS IN BRAND NEW CONDITION BUT WITHOUT THE WAIT OF NEW CONSTRUCTION (OME IS BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED AND SHOW PRIDE OF OWNERSHIP THROUGHOUT #ALL !NGEL *OHNSON AT OR GO TO WWW !NGEL*OHNSON(OMES COM

,OOKING FOR %LBOW 2OOM #HECK OUT THIS ACRES LOCATED ONLY MINUTES FROM ) 0ROPERTY OFFERS A BREATH TAKING (OMES OF -ERIT (OME &OR MORE INFORMATION CALL !NGEL *OHNSON AT OR GO TO WWW !NGEL*OHNSON(OMES COM

"EAUTIFUL &ISH HAWK 6ILLA ON PREMIUM LOT IN CUL DE SAC .O "ACKYARD NEIGHBORS MANY UPGRADES CORIAN COUNTERTOPS IN KITCHEN CUSTOM BLINDS &RENCH DOORS IN DEN INCLUDING DISTANCE TO POOL -OTIVATED TO SELL #ALL !NTHONY ,A-ATTINA

4HIS BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED HOME HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER 4HE DEN COULD EASILY BE CONVERTED TO AN IN LAW SUITE WITH PRIVATE EXTERIOR ACCESS 4HE DETACHED GARAGE IS A DREAM COME TRUE WITH PLENTY OF STORAGE SPACE 5PDATED KITCHEN CERAMIC TILE NEW A C UNIT lREPLACE WALK IN CLOSETS 4OO MANY UPGRADES TO MENTION -534 3%% #ALL 'EOFF

7ALDEN ,AKES DREAM HOME !S SOON AND YOU ENTER THE DOUBLE LEADED GLASS DOORS THIS SF WILL FEEL LIKE HOME 2ELAX IN FRONT OF THE GAS lREPLACE DURING COOL WINTER NIGHTS AND SPEND THE HOT SUMMER DAYS BY THE POOL #ALL !NGEL *OHNSON AT OR GO TO WWW !NGEL*OHNSON(OMES COM

2+ "UILDERS

&OUR ACRE LOTS IN A NICE QUIET COMMUNITY #ONVE NIENT TO (WY ) ONLY MINUTES TO ) #OME BUILD THE HOME OF YOUR CHOICE OUT IN THE COUNTRY "RING YOUR PLANS AND YOUR OWN BUILDER -INIMAL DEED RESTRICTIONS .O (/! 3IX STALL BARN ON ONE OF THE LOTS #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS

WITH CAR GARAGE lREPLACE FENCED IN BACKYARD IN #OUNTRY (ILLS SUBDIVISION IN 0LANT #ITY "EAUTIFULLY DECORATED W MOLDING MIRROR ACCENTS IN LIVING AREA 6ACANT READY TO SHOW BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE CALL AGENT -ELISSA "ROCK AT

2+ "UILDERS NOW ACCEPTING LOT RESERVATIONS 4HIS COMMUNITY OFFERS ONLY ONE ACRE HOME SITES 4HESE HOMES ARE SITUATED IN AN EXCLUSIVE COUNTRY SETTING 3EVERAL mOOR PLANS AVAILABLE (OMES RANGE FROM TO SQFT 4HIS COMMUNITY IS LOCATED ONLY MINUTES FROM 4AMPA CONVENIENT TO ) !SK ABOUT OUR LIMITED LOT RELEASE #ALL TODAY *IM OR 'EOFF

,OVELY 3TYLE HOME IN NICE COMMUNITY GREAT SCHOOL DISTRICT 4WO STORY SQFT HOME "$ "! ,ARGE SCREENED ROOM POND VIEW WITH AN OUTBUILDING THAT COULD BE USED AS SMALL OFlCE OR PLAYROOM FOR KIDS #ONVENIENT TO ) (WY 4HERE IS A ACRE LOT ADJACENT TO AND INCLUDED WITH THIS PROPERTY THAT HAS BEEN ALREADY BEEN PLATTED FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION OR CAN BE USED AS A 'ARDEN #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS AT

s WWW BLACKBURNANDASSOCIATESREALTY COM

Blackburn & Associates Realty LISTING HOMES FOR 2% or 4% .%7 #/.3425#4)/.

!T "LACKBURN !SSOCIATES 2EALTY )NC WE WORK CLOSELY WITH SEVERAL CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS 4HESE BUILDERS HAVE NEW HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION AVAILABLE THAT ARE NOT ALWAYS LISTED ON REALTOR COM OR THE -,3 SYSTEM 4HEREFORE WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW AND SELL THESE HOMES TO OUR CLIENTS "ELOW ARE SOME OF THE HOMES THAT ARE CURRENTLY AVAILABLE PLEASE CALL OUR OFlCE FOR MORE DETAILS

Listing homes for 2% - 4%

*UST ,ISTED "EAUTIFUL "$ "! HOME THAT SHOWS LIKE .EW .EW PAINT CORIAN COUNTERTOPS BRIGHT KITCHEN AND A BEAUTIFUL NEW HEATED POOL 4HIS WON T LAST LONG #ALL *EAN #ARNAHAN TO SHOW AT

#USTOM (OME "UILDERS OF -YSTIC /AKS 4HERE ARE LOTS TO CHOOSE FROM "RING US YOUR CUSTOM HOME PLANS SPECS AND THE BUILDER WILL CUSTOM MAKE YOUR DREAM HOME OR HAVE THEM BUILD YOU A HOME STARTING AT SQUARE FOOT &ORMAL LIVING $INING ROOM 'REAT ROOM WITH BONUS ROOM AND LARGE PORCHES #ALL NOW FOR MORE INFORMATION

4WO NEW CONSTRUCTIONS BY 0RO %DGE "UILDERS "$ "! SQFT LIVING ALL APPLIANCES INCLUDED READY EARLY -ARCH "$ "! UNDER ROOF READY BY *UNE "OTH ON LOTS IN TOWN LOW YARD MAINTENANCE NICE mOOR PLANS HOME IS "UY NOW AND YOU CAN PICK YOUR COLORS #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS

4WO "EAUTIFUL #ATLIN (OMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON ACRE LOTS ,OT TO BE COMPLETED BY !PRIL AND ,OT TO BE COMPLETED BY EARLY -AY 4HIS IS A 'REAT OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE YOUR NEW HOME IN THE COUNTRY AND STILL BE CONVENIENT TO ) FOR EASY COMMUTE TO WORK 4HESE ARE "$ "! HOMES SQFT WITH DEN GAME ROOM AND A CAR GARAGE "OTH HOMES OFFER HARDWOOD mOORS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEM INTERCOM SECURITY SYSTEM STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES MORE 0RICE INCLUDES HOME WITH WELL AND SEPTIC #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS

"EAUTIFUL ACRES READY FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION 3HADED BY GRANDFATHER OAK TREES #OME BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME HERE 4HERE IS A LARGE POLE BARN ALREADY BUILT AND THE PROPERTY IS FENCED READY FOR LIVESTOCK .ICE QUIET COMMUNITY GREAT SCHOOL DISTRICT $ON T MISS THE CHANCE TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME OUT IN THE COUNTRY WITH NO DEED RESTRICTIONS OR (/! "RING YOUR PLANS AND YOUR BUILDER #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS

1UALITY BLOCKS HOMES FROM #ATLIN #USTOM HOMES IN 6ALRICO AND ON 2IVERSIDE $RIVE IN 4ARPON 3PRINGS 6ALRICO HAS A "$ "! $EN AND GAME ROOM CAR GARAGE ON A BEAUTIFUL WOODED LOT !T 2IVERSIDE $R THERE ARE mOORS TO THIS EXCITING HOME -ASTER mOOR IS THE ENTIRE TOP LEVEL 'O TO WWW #ATLINHOMES COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS HOME "OTH HOMES OFFER HARDWOOD mOORS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS CENTRAL VACUUM SYS TEM INTERCOM SECURITY SYSTEM STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES MORE 0RICE INCLUDES HOME WITH WELL AND SEPTIC "UY NOW AND PICK YOUR OWN COLORS #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS

"EAUTIFUL 6ACANT LOT &OR A SF HOME -INIMAL DEED RESTRICTIONS #ALL *EAN #ARNAHAN AT

7E WORK EXCLUSIVELY WITH A LARGE GROUP OF #USTOM (OME "UILDERS IN THE 0OLK AND (ILLSBOROUGH #OUNTIES 7E HAVE AVAILABILITY TO PROPERTY THAT IS NOT LISTED IN THE -,8 AND WE COULD MATCH YOU TO THE BUILDER THAT lTS YOUR BUILDING NEEDS #ALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION ON LAND NEW HOME PACKAGES

s WWW BLACKBURNANDASSOCIATESREALTY COM

Blackburn & Associates Realty LISTING HOMES FOR 2% or 4%

Listing homes for 2% - 4%

1UALITY BLOCKS HOMES FROM #ATLIN #USTOM HOMES IN 6ALRICO AND ON 2IVERSIDE $RIVE IN 4ARPON 3PRINGS 6ALRICO HAS A "$ "! $EN AND GAME ROOM CAR GARAGE ON A BEAUTIFUL WOODED LOT !T 2IVERSIDE $R THERE ARE mOORS TO THIS EXCITING HOME -ASTER mOOR IS THE ENTIRE TOP LEVEL 'O TO WWW #ATLINHOMES COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS HOME "OTH HOMES OFFER HARDWOOD mOORS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS CENTRAL VACUUM SYSTEM INTERCOM SECURITY SYSTEM STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES MORE 0RICE INCLUDES HOME WITH WELL AND SEPTIC "UY NOW AND PICK YOUR OWN COLORS #ALL *AN 3TALLINGS

s WWW BLACKBURNANDASSOCIATESREALTY COM

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TOTALLY REMOLDED - LIKE BRAND NEW! Fabulous country location close to Plant City and Brandon. No deed restrictions. Plenty of room to park your boat, RV, or other manly toys! 4 Bed/2 Bath with 3 car garage and two large storage sheds.

Call Angel Miller 813-546-9863

BEAUTIFUL, SERENE 5 ACRE BUILDING LOT

NEW CONSTRUCTION. No deed restrictions. Just under 1 acre. Custom Built and Fabulous Floor Plan. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 3 car garage, family room with electric ﬁreplace, pool bath & loaded with upgrades. Kitchen features solid surface counters & 42” upper cabinets. Call Jasselle Savusdiphol 813-433-6028

Beautiful Home on 2 1⁄2 Acres MOL with pond and a separate Guest Cottage or In-Law Home. Main home features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spa and over 1800 sqʼ of living area. Cottage features wrap around porch, ﬁreplace, 1295 sqʼ and handicapped modiﬁed.

Just east of Plant City on a quiet countryroad with a small pond and well. Reduced to $195,000 Call Cathy Martin for details at 813-376-0891

Call Tammy Jenkins to see this beauty 813-478-9885

18 ACRES (MOL) Of Beautiful cleared pasture land w/ stunning 2 story home. Own a piece of quiet country or can be developed. Call Lisa Potter @ 813-857-4768

NEW CONSTRUCTION 1 Acre Land/Home Package. Waterfront & Conservation Lots available.

Call Nicole Adams for more details 813-967-1943

2ESIDENTIAL #OMMERCIAL #LEANING

FINE TOUCH CLEANING 7E WILL MAKE YOUR HOME 30!2+,% Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly Quality, Dependable Service

"ASIC 3ERVICES s 3WEEP s 6ACUUM s -OP s $UST s#LEAN "ATHROOMS s 7IPE #ABINETS $OORS 3ANITIZE s#LEAN 7INDOWS s 3WEEP 0ORCHES %NTRY 7AYS s-AKE "EDS s$O $ISHES s!NY 6ISUAL 3TRAIGHTENING .EEDED !DDITIONAL 3ERVICES s 2EFRIGERATOR s 3TOVE s #ABINETS 3TRAIGHTENED s#LEAN 7INDOWS 3ILLS s 7IPE $OWN "ASE "OARDS s 7ATERING OF ANY (OUSE 0LANTS s /UTSIDE 7INDOW #LEANING

s 7E /FFER /NE 4IME #LEANING s 2EFERENCES !VAILABLE UPON REQUEST s ,ICENSED )NSURED "ONDED

813-300-4763 • 813-757-0140 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 78

LOCALLY OWNED OPERATED OWNER ON SITE

Beautify Your Yard

Create Your Own Design Curves â&#x20AC;¢ Circles â&#x20AC;¢ Corners

&2%% %STIMATES 777 0%2&/2-!.#%#52").' #/-

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Serving Central Florida

s ,IFETIME DURABILITY

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 79

HOMES

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDONFLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Submitted by Shelton Keely

The Real Estate Bubble There has been a lot of talk lately about the “Real Estate Bubble”, and a lot of folks are asking the question, “When it is going to burst”? These folks have been conditioned to believe what they believe most likely from the experience of the stock market bubble of 2000. It’s human nature to feel this way. We all know the saying, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”. Or what about, “All good things must come to an end”? It’s how we react to almost everything that affects our well being and general safety. It’s a subconscious reaction at the gut level. Just like in the stock market, there are bulls and bears. Bulls are typically more optimistic about the market and expect it to go up, and bears are generally more pessimistic and expect the market to go down. They will always be there to provide free advice and “expert consulting”. Remember though, who you decide to listen to

will certainly have an effect on your decision making, and ultimately your success. Well, I’m here to say that there is no real estate bubble! There never was a real estate bubble. It’s a complete and utter fallacy. “How can I say that?” you ask. I can say that because the real estate market is in reality, a Wave. It’s a cycle, and we just happen to be riding the big swells, or the crest of this long, consistent, and fairly predictable pattern. There is no doubt that real estate has been a rock solid investment for decades and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, and for many reasons that I would like to demonstrate here and now. Because you, as a real estate investor, must be able to move forward with conﬁdence when deciding which projects and properties you want to buy and sell.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 80

REAL ESTATE IS CYCLIC Real estate has had its ups and downs over the years, but it is generally stable, with no drastic swings per se. If you were to look at the cycles on a chart you would see a clear pattern of gently rolling swells. This pattern is consistent across cities and regions all across the United States, although slightly varied in degree. In addition, the cycles tend to favor the ups rather than the downs. It is not uncommon to see large cycles of appreciation and much smaller downward cycles. In other words, the current double-digit growth we’ve all come to know and love in recent years will likely be followed by downturns of single digit growths. In the big picture you will still be further ahead than when you started. You may see slower growth, but it will still be growth.

REAL ESTATE IS A BASIC NECESSITY People need to live somewhere. They need a roof over their head and their children’s heads. Like food and clothing we must have a home. People don’t need stocks or bonds. Therefore, you can be sure that whether the market is high or low in growth, whether interest rates are up or down, people will be buying, renting, leasing, and selling homes. It is as perennial as the years. There is no real estate bubble, but there is a real estate wave. Like any dedicated surfer, when the surf’s up, get in the water and catch a wave! But watch for danger, be ﬂexible, and be smart. Invest wisely and you can prosper in any real estate market. Shelton Keely Broker-Associate Keller Williams Realty 813-503-0999

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The most important ingredient that a seller or buyer of real estate should have in their agent. Ken Lawrence-Award Winning Realtor at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, Plant Cityʼs Number One Real Estate Company, performs like no other, workingnight and day, plus weekends, to ensure that you receive the very best of service for the most important ﬁnancial transaction of your lives.

SAMPLES OF THIS MONTHʼS LISTINGS

1724 Brookstone Way - Walden Lake This 4/2, 2 car side entry garage is one GREAT Home in fantasic condition both inside and out. Back yard has screened spa with brick pavers overlooking conservation. Just ﬁve years old! Offered at $325,000. Call Ken.

4210 Kipling Ave. - Walden Lake Another spectacular pool home, with just about everyhting upgraded. 4/2, 2 car garage home. This home has been treated with the utmost care, including pool with new surfacing and fence + Jennaire grill. Offered at a very competitive $349,000. Call Ken.

Coming in next couple of days Large Pool Home w/Large Lot on cul-de-sac in Emerald Forest. Smaller home on Eliot Place off Thackery, also on cul-de-sac. Call Ken Lawrence for details and pricing.

2809 Spring Meadow-Walden Lake Not too many homes with 3 car garages and a large driveway with brick pavers. This 4/2/3 home has much more to offer, incl granite counters and back yard with no neighbors. Offered at $339,000 or Rent @ $1,400/month. Min 1 Yr Lease.

715 S Collins St-Plant City Large Commercial Property “For Sale” or Lease. Site of Pawn Business that plans to MOVE to a new location. Great Business Opp. Call Ken Lawrence. Very close to new project with more than 2,600 homes planned.

I-4 & Branch Forbes Rd One of the last pieces of vacant land on I-4 in Tampa Bay. 2.4 acres made up of 3 Lots on Glen Harwell Rd behind Sparkyʼs. Wonderful spot for Hotel-Restaurant-Ofﬁce, etc. Offered at $677,000. Call Award Winning Realtor—Ken Lawrence

In Honor of The Strawberry Festival, call Ken Lawrence for a “Free” – “No Obligation” Market Analysis of your Home and Ken will bring dessert: Strawberry Shortcake and Coffee. (813) 716-0187 ken.lawrence@ﬂoridamoves.com

WEB SITE With More Listings WWW.KenLawrenceTeam.com

Tampa Bayʼs First Class Realtor FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 82

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 83

HOMES

REAL ESTATE

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDONFLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM Submitted by Mac McGrath of Walden Lake Realty

Mortgage Tips And Information Your own Real Estate is your best investment. You probably have heard the concept of making extra principal payments to reduce interest and pay off your mortgage early. The concept may be simple, but it is often overlooked and rarely practiced. A typical promissory note amounts to incredible interest over thirty years. For example, on a thirty year $100,000 loan at 9%, you will pay over $189,000 in interest. If you have a positive cash ﬂow on your rental properties, consider using it to make extra principle payments. By making extra principle payments, even small ones, you can save signiﬁcantly on interest. This is because interest is charged on the outstanding balance owed. For example, if you paid an extra $50/month on the loan described

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above, you would save $49,000 in interest and pay off the loan balance six years earlier. If you paid an extra $100 per month, you would save over $75,000 in interest and pay off the balance ten years earlier.

Save Money on Late Fees. If you are in danger of paying your mortgage late, send your payment via overnight mail. The cost of doing so is probably much less than your late payment. For example, a 5% late penalty on a $1,000 payment is $50. Sending the payment via Federal Express will cost you less than $15.

A Few Tips if you are Holding a Mortgage in Default.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 84

2OBBIE 0ARRISH

These are just a few off-handed tips concerning the ﬁnancial side of real estate. Consult your Realtor for more information.

If you sold a property and took back a mortgage (or you bought

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an existing mortgage), you have an alternative to the foreclosure procedure . . . sue on the promissory note. Remember that a mortgage is security for a note, and you can always forego the foreclose proceeding and sue the borrower directly for nonpayment on the note. This may be desirable if the property has little equity and the borrower has other assets to attach. Keep in mind, however, that you have to elect one remedy or the other; once you choose to sue on the promissory note, you waive your right to foreclose the property (and vice-versa).

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4HIS BEAUTIFULLY APPOINTED CUSTOM BUILT MINE ESTATE OFFERS SOMETHING FOR EVERY FAMILY MEMBER .EARLY SQ FT LIVING AREA BOASTS "D b "A MILES OF CERAMIC TILE WALKWAYS FORMAL LIVING DINING AREA BEAUTIFUL STONE lREPLACE ENHANCES FAMILY RM &ULLY EQUIPPED GOURMET KITCHEN W BREAKFAST RM 7HEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE "RICK PAVERS ENHANCE SPARKLING HEATED POOL SCREEN LANAI (OME BOASTS CAR ATTACHED GARAGE AND CAR DETACHED GARAGE W HUGE X GARAGE IDEAL FOR ENTHUSIAST OR ANTIQUE CAR BUFF WOOD WORKER OR HOBBYIST "EAUTIFUL ACRE LOCATED IN DESIRABLE AREA -UST SEE TO APPRECIATE AT

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4HIS SPACIOUS LIKE NEW BUILT HOME IS READY FOR IMMEDIATE OCCUPANCY ON LARGE CORNER LOT FOR -O 4HIS INCLUDES YARD BEING MAINTAINED 0LEASE CALL FOR MORE INFO .ICE LOCATED ON ACRE IN COUNTRY CLOSE TO ) AND SHOPPING (OUSE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MOVE IN ON -ARCH ST FOR -O 0LEASE CALL FOR MORE INFO

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 87

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 88

HOMES

HOME GUIDE

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDONď&#x2DC;łFLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story by Ken Lawrence-Senior Writer

The Walden Lake Review T

he Walden Lake Golf & Country Club issue is becoming more confusing than trying to take a shot from the 10th fairway of the Hills Course, while an alligator sits on the bank of the lake within 50 feet of you. You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know whether to swing or turn and run. The latest in the saga of whether the course is about to be sold or not has a suitor back in the hunt to buy the two 18 hole courses, along with the clubhouse, tennis courts, ďŹ tness center and junior Olympic pool. As we have revealed in the past, his name is Robert Blackerby of Panama City. Mr. Blackerby has been interested in the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club for quite some time and as recently as this past Thanksgiving backed out of a proposed deal to

purchase the facility. Our sources say he is now back in, although we were unable to reach Mr. Blackerby in time to meet our deadline. It appears his interest is very serious and by the time you read this report, a contract might have been signed. Price tag has not been disclosed and quite frankly, for Walden Lake residents, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s irrelevant. The big issue is what will happen to the golf club and the land that comes with it. Apparently, Mr. Blackerby wants to build 150 town homes where the present driving range is located and some residents are concerned about the population density in that area becoming too much. Led by Mary Hamilton, member of the Tanglewood Homeownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Associa-

tion, which is virtually next door to where the town homes would be built, residents in that area are concerned with the proposal. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Walden Lake has been planned and builtout, in what was a well thought-out master planâ&#x20AC;?, says Mrs. Hamilton. In an interview with FOCUS, the Tanglewood resident says the issue is so serious that â&#x20AC;&#x153;every homeowner should have a say in whether the town homes are builtâ&#x20AC;?. Jan GrifďŹ n, President of the Community Association, disagrees and says at a recent meeting not one member of the directorship opposed the golf course plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mr. Blackerby does not want to close down any courseâ&#x20AC;?, she tells FOCUS. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He plans to upgrade the facility and make it what it should be and that

is the only concern the Community Association hasâ&#x20AC;?. Tom Daramus, Community Association General Manager, says Clubhouse Drive could be widened from the golf course to Timberlane to handle the additional trafďŹ c and, in addition, another access could be made onto Sydney Road, at the back of the driving range. As for city hall, Deputy Mayor Rick Lott says no formal proposal has been presented to the city commission, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premature for him to say anything. Rezoning would be required. Stay tuned! This one is just starting to warm-up.

" !

-PDBUJPO -PDBUJPO -PDBUJPO ON BEAUTIFUL HAMMOCK LAKE & GOLF COURSE This Home has it all! 5 Large Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, Formal Living & Dining Rooms, Family Room with Fireplace. The Kitchen features center island & corian countertops. Enjoy entertaining around your heated pool and spa in this huge lanai with an outdoor kitchen. A home with all of these amenities in Walden Lake rarely comes on the market!

Call Natalie to schedule your appointment. 813-758-9586

WALDEN LAKE IN PRESTIGIOUS ASTON WOODS! Move Right In to this gorgeous 4 Bedroom 2 Bath Home with Formal Living & Dining Rooms. Large Open Family Room New Kitchen with Corian Countertops. Roof only 2 Years. Large yard big enough for a pool! Only $334,900. Call Natalie 813-758-9586.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 89

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 90

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 91

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 92

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 93

GRACIOUS SOUTHERN CHARM!

/w^ÂŽ Â&#x2020;Â°^ÂĽÂ°>zÂ&#x2020;^ÂĽ lue Great Walden Lake Va

Step up on the front porch and gaze over rolling pastures. Nestled on almost six acres, with a canopy of grandfather oaks, this spectacular house ranch is palatial throughout. Gleaming wood ďŹ&#x201A;oors, crown molding, stone ďŹ replace and Corian countertops with pine cabinets adorn this 4 bedroom and 3,486 sf home. Horse lovers will appreciate the barn and tack & feed rooms. There is even an adorable, spacious apartment located above the barn. Call Rhonda today and see for yourself the home of your dreams. Property locations: 5501 Bailey Rd, Plant City, FL

The Entertainer -Beautifully maintained home in prestigous Forest Club of Walden Lake in Plant City! With newer roof, brand new plush carpeting and meticulous maintenance, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home is ready to move right in! Enjoy the luxury of space in all of the main rooms including living room, formal dining room, family room, kitchen, dinette and ďŹ&#x201A;exible bonus room with adjacent (relaxing) hot tub room! The beautiful backyard is handsomely fenced and the attached workshop/utility shed electric available) is a plus! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss this Walden Lake value. Offered at $339,500. Call Barbara Jean to sell 813-781-1915 #124

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2 adjacent commercial properties previously used as a ďŹ&#x201A;orist (1984) & a used car sales business (1957). Lots of potential bus./land uses, located on main thoroughfare of burgeoning Plant City, FL. The 2 combined properties are over 1/2 acre. Call Barbara Jean on her cell for more details. 813-781-1915. Listed at $550,000.

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Statuesque Golf Course & Lake View home located in prestigious and beautiful Walden Lake of Plant City, Florida! Fit for the most discerning buyer, this home (just a short 25 mile commute to Tampa) has it all! Extraordinary features include custom design with architectural â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pizzazâ&#x20AC;? such as an impressive entry and formal living room with soaring ceilings almost 2 stories high!, a romantic stairway leading to the upper level rooms including an elegant master suite and 2 wonderfully large rooms, a ground ďŹ&#x201A;oor versatile â&#x20AC;&#x153;imagination roomâ&#x20AC;? that could be den, exercise or game room and guest or â&#x20AC;&#x153;in-lawâ&#x20AC;? suite! The family room is spacious and complete with wood burning ďŹ re place and the â&#x20AC;&#x153;good morningâ&#x20AC;? room is bright and inviting with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;triplyâ&#x20AC;? superb view of a glorious pool, gorgeous golf course and tranquil lake! Offered at $525,000 #128 call Barbara Jean at 781-1915

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 94

C E N T U R Y

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2 1 S H A W R E A L T Y G R O U P

PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 95 C o n t a c t u s a t wo rld wid e re lo c a t io n @ c e n t u ry21.com FOCUS

SPORTS

BASKETBALL

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Story by Bob Hughens Photos by Mike Floyd

Raiders Muzzle the Wolves Jason Brown and Chyijuan Cooper exploded for 57 total points Tuesday night to lead the Plant City Raiders over the Newsome High School Wolves boy’s basketball team by a score of 69-61. Cooper hit 6-three point goals and Brown sank 4 threepointers in an oﬀensive explosion that set the Wolves back on their heels and Plant City never looked back as they led the entire game. Halftime saw the Raiders go into the locker room leading by a score of 4326 but a surge by the Wolves in the second half saw the Raider lead shorten as the Wolves outscored the Raiders 35 to 26 in the second half.

1ST PERIOD: The Raiders won the opening tip-off and for the ﬁrst 3:08 of the period, Cooper put on an explosive show that put Plant City up by a score of 12-2. Several turnovers by the Raiders helped Newsome stay in the game but solid rebounding and tough defense by the Raiders dominated the Wolves. At the end of this period, the Raiders led by a score of 22-12.

2ND PERIOD: This period began with an offensive bang that saw the Raiders build a 20-point lead midway through the period. Chyijuan Cooper hit for two of his 3-pointers and Jason Brown was the high scorer for the period with 11 points. Newsome had trouble with their shooting accuracy this period but despite giving up three turnovers and allowing the Wolves to score several easy baskets, the Raiders were able to hold off Newsome and take a 17-point half-time lead by a score of 43-26.

Continued on page 98 Jason Brown Drives past a defender for the 2 point basket.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 96

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 97

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Story by Bob Hughens Photos by Mike Floyd Continued from page 96

3RD PERIOD:

Channing Woodall takes the shot over the Newsome defender

This period started out with sloppy play from both teams. The ﬁrst minute of play saw four turnovers, two by each team. After that, Newsome settled down and put up nine unanswered points before the Raiders were able to stop their drive. The Wolves closed the gap on the Raider lead and at 3:40 left in the period, the Raiders only held a ﬁve point lead, 4540. Then Jason Brown hit two important 2-pointers within 21 seconds, grabbed a rebound and fed the ball to Nate Moore who hit a big 3-pointer to give the Raiders a thirteen point lead again. The outstanding play of the period was when Cooper

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 98

Denzel Drone gets his team ﬁred up.

swished a 3-pointer at the buzzer and Plant City ended this period leading by a score of 57-42.

Focus Magazine would like to congratulate Head Coach Gary Meyers and his Plant City Raiders boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s basketball team for a success-

ful season to date. For a thoroughly entertaining evening of sports for the whole family, I urge everyone to get out and support our Raiders as

they ďŹ nish the season strong.

Go Raiders!

4TH PERIOD: The Wolves came out in this period with some aggressive play to try and get back into the game and cut the Raiderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lead. Their aggressive play, however, sent Raider players to the free throw line seven times as fouls deďŹ nitely disrupted Newsomeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s timing and allowed the Raiders to put up 10 more points. The Raiders created some problems of their own as they committed seven turnovers, which allowed the Wolves to outscore the Raiders, this period, 19 points to 12 points. Newsome played tough the entire second half but the shooting accuracy of several key players for Plant City and some aggressive defensive play allowed the Raiders to come out on top of this one by a ďŹ nal score of 69-61. Total fouls on the night were 22 for the Wolves versus 14 for the Raiders. This win gives the Raiders a 1312 winning record while Newsome falls to 9-13. Coach Meyer discusses strategy during a time-out.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 99

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TECHNOLOGY

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7E -AKE "EAUTIFUL *EWELRY !FFORDABLE

Story by Jim Brown

Home Computing Tips DID YOU KNOW? I DIDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T THINK YOU DID. Did you know: Internet Explorer 7 for XP SP 2 Beta 2 is available now for preview and will be released for full public use in the fall of this year? It offers lots of eye candy as well as some security features that are currently missing in IE 6. Did you know: Spyware and viruses are still the biggest problems we see with computers in 2006? People are still not taking these threats seriously. People, please buy AntiVirus programs and keep them up to date. Also, buy Anti-Spyware programs such as Pest Patrol (by Computer Associates) to put on your computers for automatic Ad-ware, Mal-ware and Spyware protection.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 100

Did you know: You can ďŹ nd some very good older programs that you have come to love at www. oldversion.com. Sometimes upgrading to a newer version can be a good thing. Other times, your computer may not be compatible with the new version, the new version is bloated, or all the good options are no longer available. OldVersion.com has been supplying the online community with old versions of various programs since 2001. The service is utilized by thousands of users every day and has been featured in newspapers and magazines as well as on radio and television. OldVersion.com has several objectives. One is to discourage the use of spyware by software companies. Did you know: If your Computer is so old that all of your programs have to come from oldversion.com, then it is deďŹ nitely time to get a new computer J. Did you know: Has been ranked in the top 50 system builders in the U.S. right here in Plant City, Fl. In the March 2005 issue of CRN

Magazine. PCU ranked 46th by volume and 27th by growth. PCU is a privately held company and has no intentions of going public, which is what helps a tech company remain strong in our current economy. Did you know: Computers are intertwined with the strawberries that are grown right here in Plant City? Computers are now used in the development of new varieties of strawberries and new machines have been developed for harvesting that reduces the labor costs involved in picking the berries. If you learned something new from â&#x20AC;&#x153;Did you know?â&#x20AC;? Let me know and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give you more â&#x20AC;&#x153;Did you know?â&#x20AC;? articles in the Future. Until Next time, Happy Computing.

Jim Brown Product Consultants Unlimited, Inc. 601 N. Michigan Ave.Plant City, FL 33563. (813) 717-7717 E-mail: jimb@plantcity.com www.plantcity.com www.pcustore.com www.pcuvoice.com

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AL RUECHEL

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By Al Ruechel

Intellectual Honesty… NOT FOR THE RELIGIOUS!

loved Mr. Madson’s Biology class. He was a first rate teacher passionate about science and the scientific method and the pursuit of truth. He was also a good church-going man and a role model for many students who wanted to be scientists. I was one of those. Back in 1969 no one had even heard of something called Intelligent Design or irreducible complexity. What was made very plain to us over and over again was that evolution, as a mechanism to explain the state of the world today, was a theory, not a law. You could “test” some of its basic premises and observe its genesis through bones and tissue and the fossil record. But until scientists are able to create life in some primordial slug-pit triggered by flashes of lightning Darwin’s observations were simply that, one explanation of how man may have begun his existence from a collection of amino acids and carbon particles and changed and adapted to new surrounds. Mr. Madson was always careful to point out that evolution within a given species was a fact, but evolution between species was still replete with holes large enough to drive a universe through, which is why we always spent several days talking about alternative theories for the existence of life on Earth. We talked about God, aliens and other religious perspectives. We talked about those missing links. We always came back to the theory of evolution and talked about why it appears as the most logical explanation. Yet, Mr. Madson would lecture us

over and over again: if you set a theory in stone that can never be completely proven, you are effectively discounting that part of the brain that separates us from the rest of the animal world; the power to imagine and question. I kept my old Biology book, written in 1968, and went through it last night. I was pleasantly surprised it had one whole chapter dedicated to alternative theories to evolution. I don’t remember anyone protesting that book or demanding it be banned for even mentioning, in an intellectually honest fashion, the possibility that there could be other explanations for the origins of mankind. Fast forward to 2006: the state of Florida has approved a science textbook called Biology: The Dynamics of Life. Some teachers and editorial boards on newspapers want the book banned because under the heading “The Origin of Life” it contains two paragraphs on the belief that a supreme being created life. It goes on to mention that cultures throughout history have had their own religious explanations for the origins of life. Gee, it reads just like my old biology book! It also tosses in a quick reference to intelligent design. Here’s the biggest sin. It suggests the class engage in a debate on the origins of life. Discussion? Free speech? Opposing viewpoints? I can think of nothing more tragic than open-minded discussion. I hear it’s been banned on high school and college campuses of late. And what if the theory of evolution isn’t able to stand up to the ramblings of mere high school

students? Where is Charles Darwin when you need him? “This kind of discussion will only breed confusion,” says a local newspaper editorial (St. Pete Times, Monday, Jan 23, 2006). Confusion? Who is confused here? You don’t think high school students are capable of handling religious explanations of evolution? You don’t think they understand putting a gag order on speech and thought just because it happens to have a religious tone? Here’s my take. The fear from many members of the academic community is that new scientiﬁc explanations of the holes in Darwin are gaining ground among more in the scientiﬁc community itself. Even some professors and researchers who have spent their entire lives studying evolution have reversed course or are at least questioning their initial assumptions. Dr. Michael Behe’s book, Darwin’s Black Box, continues to send shock waves through academia with its thoughtful dissection of the biochemical challenges to evolution. He rules out evolutionary process as the only answer because, biochemically, they are “irreducibly complex,” meaning that if they are missing just one of their many parts, they cannot function, therefore cannot evolve in a Darwinian fashion. Why not? Because natural selection works on small mutations in just one component at a time. If dozens or even hundreds of distinct proteins, precisely fashioned, are required to make a functional cilium, how could natural selection slowly and pa-

tiently craft them, one at a time, while waiting for the complex function of ciliary movement to emerge?” You need to read this book. I can’t do it justice in one paragraph. In the end it is not important whether Behe and a growing list of scientists continue expanding their scientiﬁc research on Intelligent Design. For all I know, they could be wrong. At least they are open enough to examine other explanations for things we do not fully understand. I thought that’s what scientists were supposed to do? Since when is science afraid of the unknown? You can label those scientists who support Intelligent Design religious zealots if you wish. But at least they are being intellectually honest by admitting evolution’s ﬂaws and offering other explanations for consideration. Would that be a crime or unconstitutional? And does two paragraphs in a 700-page textbook equal government support of religion? Please??!!!! Intelligent Design supporters don’t want or need to have it etched in stone wiping out Darwin’s evolutionary matrix. They just want it footnoted in an honest fashion so if today’s young scientists happen to turn the stone over and it says, “Made in Heaven” they won’t be too shocked!

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 101

EXTRA

AUTO REVIEW

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Story by Brian West Photos courtesy of Chevrolet

2007 Tahoe Receives Facelift NEW TAHOE IS READY FOR THE ROAD AHEAD

he last time the Chevrolet Tahoe received a facelift was 2001. Six years later, Chevrolet decided to take the Tahoe under the knife for its 2007 debut. The results are very pleasing. The Tahoe received a new front end design, sleeker lines on the exterior â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the direction of the Range Rover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a much needed re-design of the dashboard. On the exterior, the ďŹ rst thing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re likely to notice is the change in the front-end design. The look is in-line with other Chevrolet models; the Silverado and Colorado pickups and the trailblazer SUV. But as you walk around the new Tahoe you should notice the styling has changed quite a bit. In fact, the lines of the new Tahoe are more slimming. Although the new Tahoe is just as large and roomy as previous versions, the new exterior makes the Tahoe look as if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been training for a marathon. Even the Tahoe badge got a new look. On the interior, the dashboard is drastically different from previous models. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve never been a fan of the dashboard of GM products. Chevrolet has ďŹ nally decided to move away

from the cheesy dash design theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve used for at least the past 15 years. The new dash faces directly to the back of the vehicle, rather than the slight tilt toward the driver in previous versions. Also, the center portion of the dash that contains all the interior controls is inline with the right and left side, rather than protruding out into the cab. This design not only looks better, but it makes the front seat area seem roomier. The Tahoe I drove even had wood accents. In addition to the new look of the dash; the controls are much more reďŹ ned. Nothing bulky, everything is sleek and slim. Even the dials for the speedometer, RPM and fuel gauges have a straightforward, no-frills look. The new dash design is so appealing to the next generation that it may be the best overall change to the new Tahoe. And in keeping with the competition, the new Tahoe comes standard with a stereo that includes CD/MP3 capability and an auxiliary audio jack for those that just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t function without their iPod. The Tahoe is available with an in-dash 6 disc CD changer, a rearview camera system and XM radio.

For those of you who are thinking about fuel economy and/or our constant dependence on foreign nations for fuel, pay close attention; the new Tahoe has something that may interest you. Chevrolet has developed a new engine; the E85 FlexFuel Vortec 5300 V8. This new engine comes standard in all 4x4 Tahoeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s but is available in 2WD models as well. The new engine operates on either traditional gasoline or E85, which is a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Because the ethanol in E85 is a renewable fuel made from domestic biomaterial (such as corn), it helps to reduce our dependence on petroleum altogether. In Florida, there are currently only 2 refueling locations available; Hurlburt Field and the Kennedy Space Center, but

neither is open to the general public. So it may take some time before this becomes a viable option for Florida residents, but at least itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a turn in the right direction. The Tahoe I drove had a factory sticker price of $40,739 but with dealer options it increased slightly to $42,532. I drove the new Tahoe at Bill Heard Chevrolet and it happened to be the ďŹ rst one they received. It is a wonderful change and a comfortable family vehicle. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re interested, stop by and tell them you read about the new Tahoe in Focus Magazine. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be happy to help you ďŹ nd the Tahoe youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 102

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 103

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TRAVEL

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Story by Brandon Hyde Photos by Kenneth Garrett

An Entirely DiďŹ&#x20AC;erent World ONLY A FEW HOURS AWAY

magine stepping into a world that thrusts you back in time nearly 4,000 years to the time of pharaohs, hieroglyphics and the pyramids. Imagine being face to face with artifacts that you have only seen in textbooks, magazines and televisions. The world has always been fascinated with the ancient culture of the Egyptians. The largest part of that fascination began with the discovery of King Tutankhamun in 1922 by British archeologist Howard Carter. Through that discovery, we have learned many facts about the ancient Egyptian culture. Now, the story of these antiquities continues with a new adventure in Fort Lauderdale. The King Tut exhibit has numerous artifacts to bewilder the imagination, and many that come directly from the tomb of

Tutankhamun himself. To forestall disappointment, I will say right away that the one thing the exhibition does not have is the large golden sarcophagus that wowed viewers in the 1970s, the last time these amazing objects made their way to the United States. The cofďŹ n used in promotional materials resembles it, but is a small cofďŹ nette that held a part of the kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organs, measuring 10 centimeters in height. However, what they do have is no less amazing to the museum goers. The items range from a beautifully sculpted death mask worn by one of King Tutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beloved aunts to a carved spoon that takes the shape of a woman used for the

issions To We Fix Transm

simple dinner. Everything the wealthier Egyptians used in their everyday lives is readily available for viewing. Even the young Tutankhamunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s royal crook and ďŹ&#x201A;ail he would have used as a young child in ceremonies are on display for all to see. Many of the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sections are gloriously decorated with varying types of artifacts. But it is the afterlife objects that fully capture the interest and imagination of the attendees to this once in a lifetime opportunity. Entering into the middle section of the museum, you are now face to face with an amazingly crafted cofďŹ n that once housed the remains of an individual of the royal family. Completely covered in

Photo from www.kingtut.org. ÂŠKenneth Garrett

gold, turquoise, and rubies, every inch has something signifying the afterlife. From the enfolding wings of the god Horus, to the snake and papyrus symbols of royalty, this exquisite example of ancient art is

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 104

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Photos from www.kingtut.org. ©Kenneth Garrett

worth a museum trip alone. The feel for the astounding things they are about to see is set-up excellently by the museum using sounds, ﬁlm, and immediate intimacy with objects that stimulate the imagination. A brief ﬁlm opens the show, after which curtains are drawn to reveal a bust of Tutankhamun. The choice of the statue even helps set the tone for everyone. It

differs from many antique statues because it has humanistic facial expression. It shows the intent of the show: to put Tutankhamun in context, to make him real to everyone that comes through the doors. The rest of the museum has every room decorated to create the optimal experience of what the room houses, whether it is a wooden boat that once was placed into King

��

Tut’s tomb to a full sized cofﬁn. All examples are viewable from every side, creating a real feel for what the Egyptians had to entertain and work with. Although Fort Lauderdale is only a few hours away for most, it takes you to another place. It is a place that none of us can imagine without fully understanding the people and how they lived. This is the

closest any of us can come to the past. This exhibit helps remind us that our appreciation goes much beyond the aesthetics of the ancient Egyptians, to respect the lives they lead and what they meant for their future. The exhibit will be at the Museum of Art in Ft Lauderdale until April 23. For tickets or more info, visit www.kingtut.org.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 105

HEALTH SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDONď&#x2DC;łFLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Submitted by Sherry Nueesch

DO IT NATURALLY is not as effective as is natural vitamin E found in butter, organ meats, grains, seeds, legumes and dark green leafy vegetables.

You know I am always â&#x20AC;&#x153;harpingâ&#x20AC;? at you guys to eat your fruits and vegetables and eat whole natural foods from a natural food supply. Thought I would take this opportunity to show you some of the reasons why. It is very important to get your nutrients from nature and not from artiďŹ cial sources. Nature gives us the nutrients in the right combination and with the right synergy. Italian researchers have found that centenarians (people over 100) have higher than average blood levels of vitamins E and A. Vitamin A in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s natural form is not toxic to the body as high levels of synthetic vitamin A is. Natural vitamin A is found in yellow butter, egg yolks, ďŹ sh, shell ďŹ sh and cod liver oil. Natural vitamin A is also found in the form of carotenes in yellow, red, orange or dark green fruits and vegetables. For carotenes to be converted into useable vitamin A they must be consumed with fat in the diet. Want some butter on your vegetables? Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant. One of its most important functions is that it deactivates free radicals. It has been shown to prevent cancer and heart disease. It has also been proven to slow down the aging process. Again, synthetic vitamin E

Of course to get to 100 you had better have some strong bones. Vitamin A and D are needed for calcium and phosphorous absorption which is essential for strong bones. Vitamin D boosts the immune system and controls cell growth. It has been shown in studies to decrease certain cancers by 50%. (Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot!) Like Vitamins A and E, vitamin D is not toxic in its natural state. Quality vitamin D found in foods comes from seafood, especially shrimp and crab. Vitamin D in food also comes from butter fat, marine oils and organ meats. Your body will also produce vitamin D out of cholesterol in the presence of sunlight. It is recommended 15 minutes a day of sunshine without sunscreen. There are many other uses of Vitamin D in relation to our health. Vitamin D reduces levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inďŹ&#x201A;ammation linked to heart attack risk. People with low levels of C-reactive protein rarely have heart attacks. People with high levels of C-reactive protein are three times more likely to get heart disease. Vitamin D has also been shown to reduce blood pressure and to help with cancer prevention as mentioned above. How it does it is by retarding cell proliferation, the out of control growth that marks cancer. In other words, it keeps cell growth on a normal track instead of the proliferation of cells needed to feed the growth of tumors. DeďŹ ciencies of vitamin D are almost always found in patients with hip fractures. Dr. John Jacob Cannell, MD, executive director of the Vitamin D

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 106

Council writes that he believes 85% of Americans are deďŹ cient in vitamin D. Vitamin Q, better known as Coenzyme Q10, is also a vital nutrient for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. CoQ10 is a nutrient that is needed for every cell in the body to produce energy. CoQ10 is found in animal products. Coenzyme Q10 levels are lower in women, people who use beta blockers and statin drugs, and those with periodontal disease or overactive thyroids. Researchers have known for years the relationship of gum infection to higher risk of heart disease. Smoking is one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. Could that be the link between smoking and heart disease? As I have written in previous articles, researchers are leaning more toward inďŹ&#x201A;ammation as the main source of heart disease and not cholesterol. Half of all heart attacks occur in people with â&#x20AC;&#x153;normalâ&#x20AC;? cholesterol levels. A couple of years ago Time Magazine dedicated the majority of their current issue to heart disease and inďŹ&#x201A;ammation. They also

reported links to cancer, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. I have my levels of inďŹ&#x201A;ammation checked at Dr. Carol Chandlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ ce in Lakeland. Her number is (863)709-9565. I hope this information helps you to have a better understanding of the connection between of food and your health. My goal is to help you make better choices in your diet in relationship to your health as well as your weight. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think many of us are â&#x20AC;&#x153;perfectâ&#x20AC;? all the time. I know I am not. Certainly before I became so interested in the diet-health debate I did practically everything wrong, I, too, listened to advertisements for information. Once I started doing my own research and gathering information I have learned to make better choices. Learning to make better choices is my wish for you. All of us want to be healthy. Hope this helps, and as always, to your health, Sherry Nueesch.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 107

HEALTH SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDONď&#x2DC;łFLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Submitted by Dr. Carrozzella

FRACTURE CARE Last month, this column reviewed the basics of fracture care. We talked about the injuries and their initial management. This month, I would like to discuss fracture care after the patient leaves the emergency room or walk-in clinic. Most fractures are relatively simple injuries to treat. These types of injuries are often a â&#x20AC;&#x153;hair-lineâ&#x20AC;? crack, or some other bone injuries that can be treated as it is. These fractures do not need to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;setâ&#x20AC;? or â&#x20AC;&#x153;pinned.â&#x20AC;? Once the injured person goes to the Orthopedistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ofďŹ ce, the doctor will examine the patient, review the x-rays to conďŹ rm the injury, and then recommend treatment. Initial treatment will often consist of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;temporaryâ&#x20AC;? cast for approximately one week to allow the swelling to subside. At about one week after the injury, the patient will return to the ofďŹ ce for a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fracture check.â&#x20AC;? Usually a new x-ray is taken, the alignment of the bones is conďŹ rmed and the swelling is re-evaluated. If everything looks good, the doctor will apply a

permanent cast. In most cases, the permanent cast will stay in place for another 4-5 weeks. Current cast materials are very comfortable and light weight. Fiberglass is often used as it â&#x20AC;&#x153;breathesâ&#x20AC;? to keep the injured part cooler than in the past when plaster was the usual type of cast material. In addition, high tech materials such as Gore-Tex can be used to line the cast, in effect making them truly water tolerant. Once the permanent cast is in place and the fracture has been shown to be in a stable good position, the Orthopedist will often allow the patient to be quite active. In the past, many doctors believed that injured parts should be kept quiet or the activity should be limited. However, doctors have learned that injured parts that are properly protected (such as those in a cast) heal better and recover more function when patients are encouraged to use them during the course of treatment. This is a new concept to many people who are often â&#x20AC;&#x153;afraidâ&#x20AC;? to use their injured

parts. Ultimately the time in a cast runs its course. At a point about 5-6 weeks after the injury, the cast is removed and new x-rays are taken by the doctor. If all is well, the patient is encouraged to gradually resume normal activity. Sometimes stiffness or dysfunction will prompt the doctor to order a course of physical therapy to overcome these problems. Usually these non-displaced fractures heal uneventfully, and patients will resume a full, normal and active life. There are more severe types of fractures that we will discuss in upcoming articles. Beginning next month, we will talk about fractures that need to be reduced or â&#x20AC;&#x153;setâ&#x20AC;?. As always, if you or a member of your family has a fracture or a complication resulting from a fracture, Dr. Ott and I would he happy to consult with you regarding your injury.

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Team Physician for Florida Southern College National Healthcare Referral Network for USA Gymnastics & USA Swimming American College of Sport Medicine CertiďŹ ed: Board CertiďŹ ed D.O.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 108

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HEALTH

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Story by Bob Hughens Voted Plant City’s #1 Personal Trainer

I Can Do It (PART 8)

ell, the physical ﬁtness craze continues to grow in popularity as people of all ages have made the personal commitment to get started on their own physical training programs. Evidence of this is in the continued increase in the audience of the popular NBC program, “The Biggest Loser”. Producers of the program have added some new twists each week to include family competitions and other themes as the network enjoys the growth in popularity of the show.

Even in our own area, the fitness movement has started in our local NBC affiliate, WFLA Channel 8 in Tampa. The channel has started an in-house competition between popular news co-anchor Gayle Guyardo and sports announcer J.P. Peterson. They will be competing to see who can record the largest weight loss during their rivalry. As some of you may know, Gayle just experienced the birth of her third child and as Channel 8 tells us, J.P. has been eating “too many hot dogs” during his coverage of sporting events and so the two of them have decided to do something about their weight increase. They will be competing for the title of the prestigious Channel 8 “biggest loser”. We’ll keep you posted on how they are doing or you can tune in to the program several times a week to check out their progress. For those of you who decided after the New Year to get your bodies back in shape, I hope you are starting to experience the rewards of your hard work by beginning to see your weight drop and feel those clothes start to get a little looser. As a rule, you experience larger weight losses at the beginning of your regimen and then your weight loss starts to slow down. Hopefully by now, your muscles have started to tone up and not be as sore as when you first started working out.

As for myself, I continue with my workouts and try to stay on track with my dieting. I went to my personal physician, Dr. Brian Korte, last Friday for my check-up and based on my blood work, he made changes to my blood pressure and diabetes medication for the second time. Evidently, the effect the workouts and dieting has on your body requires that you have regular checkups to keep track of your body chemistry changes. I hope each one of you who has started a new workout and diet routine has been checked out by your physician to ensure the fruits of your hard work don’t cause you more serious problems. If you haven’t been checked out by a physician yet, I urge you to do so right away. This is very important and it just makes good sense to do so. For all of you out there who have started a ﬁtness program, congratulations to you for taking the ﬁrst step to a healthier lifestyle. Keep up the good work, stay committed and we will see you next month! Remember, “What have you done today to make yourself proud?”

��

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 109

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Submitted by Dr. Jeﬀrey Dunn

Aging Gracefully: SKINCARE THROUGH THE YEARS Last month, this column addressed the changes and concerns of skin in your 20’s, 30’s and 40’s. Entering the 50’s, the effects of a half century of living are now reﬂected on your skin for all to see. During the 50’s and beyond, antiaging products and procedures become increasingly important as the attempt to “turn back the clock” on the visible signs of aging continues. FANTASTIC FIFTIES As menopause begins, your hormonal levels begin to change. When estrogen levels drop, the skin starts to lose tone as the collagen ﬁbers weaken, resulting in increased loose, sagging skin. Additional changes are the overproduction of oil, enlarged pores, pigmentary discolorations, and facial hair growth due to the presence of testosterone. If you haven’t already, introduce your skin to “sun damage repair” and “collagen boosting” treatments such as corrective skin peels. Usually available in light, medium and deep, chemical peels can improve skin tone

and texture by softening ﬁne lines and wrinkles, reduce symptoms of oiliness and diminish the appearance of skin blemishes. While licensed estheticians may perform light peels within a salon setting, medium and deep peels must be performed under a physician’s supervision. Due to hormonal changes, hair can begin to appear in areas such as around the mouth and chin. IPL laser hair removal is a convenient solution, providing the permanent reduction of unwanted hair so that you can discontinue shaving, tweezing and/or waxing. Microdermabrasion physically exfoliates the skin with the use of crystals. This process can help diminish ﬁne lines and wrinkles, lighten age spots, accelerate cell renewal and minimize acne blemishes and scars. Sun avoidance is critical, and consistent use of moisturizers and products containing anti-aging staples like retinoids, AHA’s, antioxidants and humectants will help to reduce the signs of aging

skin on the face and neck and the ravages of hormone loss. SIXTIES PLUS The changes in the skin you experience in your 50’s will continue through the 60’s, 70’s and beyond. By now, the skin is starting to thin out a bit and the capillaries are more fragile now. Broken capillaries may be found around the cheeks, nose, chin, mouth and forehead. Some women may develop a condition called rosacea (facial redness). After years of sun damage, other skin problems such as age spots, ﬂushing, freckles and uneven pigmentation also become more prominent. These skin imperfections on the face, hands, arms, chest, back, legs and other areas of the body may be diminished with IPL photofacials and skin rejuvenation, resulting in a clearer complexion and more youthful looking skin. Tired skin can also beneﬁt with treatments designed to increase circulation such as facials, and added moisturization is critical. A wide variety of

facials are available and a skin care consultation with a licensed skin care professional is necessary to determine the ideal facial for your skin type and condition. BOTTOM LINE The better care you take of your skin in your 30’s, 40’s, and 50s, the better your skin will look in the 60’s and beyond. No discussion of an anti-aging regimen would be complete without some mention about the daily use of broadspectrum sun protection year round. Sunscreens are not the only answer, but they are a critical element in combating and minimizing the effects of aging throughout your lifetime. Dr. Jeﬀrey Dunn, D.C. is the owner of Remedi Spa & Chiropractic Center. For questions regarding skin care and/or skin care consultations with licensed medical esthetician Julie Blecker, please contact Remedi at (813) 752-2440.

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PLANT CITY Plant City Crossings 2621 Thonotosassa Rd. 752-6631 APOLLO BEACH ................................Apollo Beach 220 Apollo Beach Blvd ..............................645-1499 BLOOMINGDALE ..... Royal Oaks Shopping Center 3248 Lithia-Pinecrest Rd ........................... 654-8113 BLOOMINGDALE ...... Just S. of Bloomingdale Ave. 3513 Bell Shoals Rd. .................................645-9292 BLOOMINGDALE ..............................Village Center 4344 Bell Shoals Rd. .................................689-9176 BRANDON ....................................In Front of Publix 913 W. Brandon Blvd. ................................684-4499 BRANDON ............................. Lake Brandon Village 11393 Causeway Blvd. ..............................643-6944

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SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDONď&#x2DC;łFLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM Submitted bt Edward Jones

Financial Focus PUT YOUR TAX REFUND TO WORK !S IMPORTANT AS IT IS TO PUT YOUR MONEY TO WORK WHEN YOU DO IT REALLY MATTERS 4HE SOONER YOU OPEN OR CONTRIBUTE TO AN %DWARD *ONES )2! THE MORE TIME YOUR MONEY HAS TO GROW !ND BY CONTRIBUTING THE FULL AMOUNT NOW FOR AND FOR YOUR MONEY COULD GROW FASTER FOR RETIREMENT 9OU MAY ALSO BE ELIGIBLE TO MAKE AN ADDITIONAL CATCH UP CONTRIBUTION FOR EACH YEAR !T %DWARD *ONES WE SPEND TIME GETTING TO KNOW YOUR GOALS SO WE CAN HELP YOU REACH THEM 4O LEARN MORE ABOUT WHY AN %DWARD *ONES )2! CAN MAKE SENSE FOR YOU CALL OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL INVESTMENT REPRESENTATIVE BY !PRIL TH

Michael S. Cameron 2501 Thonotosassa Rd Plant City, FL 33563

813 / 759 - 1491

Now that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the midst of tax season, you may be anticipating a tax refund, if you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t already received one. Of course, not everyone receives a refund, but, among those who do, the amount can be sizable. In fact, in 2005, the average tax refund was about $2,125. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get a refund, start planning now on how to use it. By making the right moves, you can help speed up your progress toward your ďŹ nancial goals.

these rates are hypothetical only and do not reďŹ&#x201A;ect the rates of any investment currently available.

So, what should you do with your refund? Here are a few ideas:

â&#x20AC;˘ Pay down high-rate debt. Short-term interest rates have been rising over the past few months. This could mean that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be paying a higher rate on your credit cards - which probably carried a fairly high rate to begin with. If you use some of your tax refund to whittle down this debt, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be making a wise move, as this debt is typically not tax deductible, and, therefore, of no beneďŹ t to you.

â&#x20AC;˘ Put the money in your IRA. To achieve a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you will need to draw on a variety of ďŹ nancial resources, one of which may be an IRA. In 2006, you can contribute up to $4,000 - or $5,000 if you are 50 or older - to a traditional or Roth IRA. So, if you received a $2,125 refund - last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average - youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be well on your way toward â&#x20AC;&#x153;maxing outâ&#x20AC;? on your IRA contribution. If you think that this amount canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really make that much of a difference to your long-term savings, consider this hypothetical situation: If you put that $2,125 in an IRA that earned 7 percent a year and you never invested another dime in your account, your money will still grow to more than $16,000 in 30 years. Not a fortune, to be sure, but nothing to scoff at. And in all likelihood, you would not just make a one-time contribution to an IRA. (At the end of 30 years, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to pay taxes on your earnings, but by then, you may be in a lower tax bracket; even if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not, you might be able to spread the tax burden over several years. And if you had invested in a Roth IRA, your earnings will grow tax-free, provided youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had your account for at least ďŹ ve years and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begin withdrawals until you are age 59-1/2.) Keep in mind that

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 112

â&#x20AC;˘ Contribute to a Section 529 plan. Many people contribute to Section 529 plans to save money for their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (and grandchildrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) college education. You can put in large amounts each year to a Section 529 plan, and your earnings will grow tax-free, provided withdrawals are used for qualiďŹ ed higher education expenses.

â&#x20AC;˘ Build up your â&#x20AC;&#x153;rainy dayâ&#x20AC;? fund. You might want to use your tax refund to build your emergency fund. Generally speaking, you should set aside six to 12 monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of living expenses to pay for expenses such as car repairs, new appliances and unexpected medical bills. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always count on a tax refund - but when you get one, make the most out of it. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be glad you did.

53 (WY 3 s $ADE #ITY &, - & AM PM s 3AT AM PM s 3UN PM PM

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 113

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Story & Photo by Sophia Dedon

Built on a Firm Foundation VALRICO STATE BANK Built on a foundation of courteous, friendly service, it is no wonder why Valrico State Bank has been a successful local bank in Plant City for the past 10 years. Valrico State Bank was founded by a group of 13 local businessmen from varied backgrounds, ranging from doctor to farmer, 17 years ago. Those men now serve as the Board of Directors. The main philosophy behind their bank was that they wanted it to be personal. All decisions are made locally, a quality that allows for the banks to be able to most appropriately serve their local area. Many corporate banks today lack an up-close-and-personal aura. If you call into many banks you get an automated machine with a directory; it may take several minutes before you speak to an associate who can help you. Details which sound insigniﬁcant to many mean a lot to Valrico State Bank. An automated answering phone

system is a feature you will never encounter at this bank. When you call, a staff member will always answer and know exactly with whom you need to speak to have your question answered. Valrico State Bank cares about individuals. As customers walk in, the staff almost always can greet them by their first name. Rarely will you ever find a long line or a filled waiting area when you walk into the bank. This personal approach allows the customers to build relationships with the staff and feel more trusting of where their money is going. Janet Wilkerson DoVale, a Plant City native, Assistant VP and Plant City Branch Manager, said, “It is so hard for me to not help the person on the other side of the desk.” They care about their customers. At larger banks you may be just a number, but they plug in your financial history and then it’s a straight up yes or no. With Val-

rico State Bank, you are much more than just a number. They care about helping you and serving your personal financial situation. To show how much their care about the community, Valrico State Bank hosts an annual fall festival. It is completely free for anyone attending. They feature antique cars, pony rides, dancing, bull frog races, face painting and many other exciting activities. They also do a 50-50 raffle and half of the money goes to the winner, the other half to a charity. Not only is it a traditional home-town bank, but they also offer modern conveniences. Online banking is available to all customers, which allows them to view checks, transfer funds and manage their accounts. They even offer a Children’s Saving Club that allows for youth to begin saving early in life. There are currently four locations and a fifth one on the way. The original

Janet Wilkerson DoVale, Assistant VP and Branch Manager, with Michael Gottesman, Senior VP.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 114

one was obviously located in Valrico. In the past 17 years, other branches have been established in Plant City, Brandon and Riverview. This summer a bank will also be built in the Fish Hawk area. Bank President Jerry Ball is focused on making sure all facilities are providing local, personal attention to every community and customer. Customers walking in feel right at home when they stroll around the building to ﬁnd historical Plant City pictures hanging on virtually every wall. The bank is not about growing nationally and rapidly increasing proﬁts, but rather to come into a community and be able to provide down-home service to anyone walking through the doors. “We are a full service bank without a big attitude,” said Michael Gottesman, Senior Vice President. Valrico State Bank is composed of a humble, friendly staff that is just here to serve Plant City residents.

9OU VE SPENT YEARS SAVING AND INVESTING FOR THE DAY WHEN YOU CAN PUT WORK BEHIND YOU AND ENJOY THE THINGS YOU LOVE "UT THE ONLY THING THAT SHOULD CHANGE ON THAT DAY IS YOUR STRATEGY !T %DWARD *ONES WE CAN CREATE A PLAN TO HELP ENSURE THE MONEY YOU VE SAVED WILL BE THERE FOR YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR RETIREMENT 3O YOU MAY LOOK FORWARD TO A STEADY STABLE INCOME FOR YEARS TO COME 4O lND OUT WHY IT MAKES SENSE TO TALK WITH %DWARD *ONES ABOUT YOUR RETIREMENT SAVINGS CALL TODAY

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 115

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Story & Photo courtesy of PCHS

Aaron Sullivan BANK OF AMERICA STUDENT LEADER Plant City High School was recognized twice at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bank of America Neighborhood Excellence Initiative. This program was designed to recognize, nurture and reward organizations, local heroes and student leaders who are helping their neighborhoods achieve excellence.

the World Affairs Youth Seminar at Auburn University. Sandy Denham, a teacher at Plant City High School, was selected as a 2005 Local Hero. Mrs. Denham is the sponsor of the Best Buddies Club, which matches mainstream students with those with special needs. The

Plant City High School club is the largest of its kind in the nation. Mrs. Denham was also recognized for her work with the Special Olympics. She received a $5,000 check to go to the charitable organization of her choice. She will contribute to both the Best Buddies and Special Olympics organizations.

Attending the event at the Tampa Theater were family members of both Aaron and Sandy, along with representatives from Plant City High School.

Aaron Sullivan, a senior at Plant City High School, was recently selected for the Bank of America Student Leaders. Five students from the Tampa Bay area are chosen for this honor. Aaron was chosen based on his volunteer activities at his school and in the community. As part of this program, the ďŹ ve students will participate in a paid summer internship with the Boys & Girls Club to experience ďŹ rst-hand how they can help shape their communities, now and in the future. Each student will be assigned a mentor from the bank to provide guidance and support during the course of the program. Aaron was the captain of the Raider football team this year. He was selected by the American Legion as a Florida Boys State Representative. He was also selected by the Plant City Rotary Club as a delegate to

Pictured left to right: Barbara Franques, Area 6 Director Hillsborough County Schools; Patrick Sobers, Hillsborough President, Bank of America; Aaron Sullivan, 2005 Student Leader; Sandy Denham, 2005 Local Hero; David Steele, Principal of Plant City High School

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES WE ARE LOOKING FORâ&#x20AC;Ś

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3ANTA 3WEETS )NC IS IN SEARCH OF HIGHLY MOTIVATED INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM 7E HAVE EXCELLENT BENElTS AND COMPENSATION )F YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ADVANCEMENT AND A FAST PACED ENVIRONMENT 3ANTA 3WEETS )NC IS THE PLACE FOR YOU

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Shipping & Receiving Clerk

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Please fax resumes: Attention Human Resources to 813-759-9485 or mail to: 4006 Airport Rd, Plant City, FL 33563 email to: jobs@santasweets.com

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 117

Thank you, Plant City, for voting us #1 BBQ and Best Overall Service

Lunch Dinner •

Family Style Meal Packages Dine In • Patio • Drive Thru • Catering

759-0009 • Tues - Sat • Closed Sun & Mon Located on the Florida State Farmers Market • I-4 exit (Alexander St.) South One Mile

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 118

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Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Sophia Dedon and Bob Hughens

Bringin’ Down the House AT THE 2005 FOCUS ANNIVERSARY PARTY It seems like yesterday that Focus Magazine opened its doors to the community. It all began with Mike and DeDe Floyd selling ads out of their car and has evolved into four magazines, covering much of the Central Florida area. On Jan. 14, Focus hosted its Fourth Anniversary Party and 2005 Reader Choice Awards. There was much to celebrate considering that in 2005 Focus went from publishing the Plant City magazine with a 15,000 circulation, to also printing magazines in Lakeland, East Pasco County and Lake Wales. In 2005, Focus printed its one millionth book, 665,000 of

which were printed in ‘05 alone. Although the magazine has grown, it still has not forgotten its purpose. Focus is a community magazine that prints only positive, uplifting stories to show the community everything going on around them. The magazine serves the people. The event was held at the Ramada Inn Plantation House in the Red Rose Ballroom. Emcee of the night was none other than Plant City’s own Bruce Rodwell from the Chamber of Commerce. The evening began with the “meet and greet” at 6:30, followed by a wonderful dinner. After everyone made

their way back to their seats from the dessert table, it was time for the awards. The annual Readers Choice Awards are presented to restaurants that the readers felt needed to be recognized for what makes them stand out. The categories ranged from Best Milkshake to Best Overall Service. The presenters of the awards were several community leaders, such as the mayor and State Representative Rich Glorioso. The 19 winners of the awards were all very excited to have been chosen by their customers (see following pages to ﬁnd out who won).

One of the biggest highlights of the night was JT Curtis and the Silver Eagle Band. Following the awards, they took the stage and brought the party to life as everyone piled onto the dance ﬂoor to show off their moves. The evening was full of laughter and fun as everyone celebrated to the music. The band was even joined by one of the ladies up on stage to have a try on the instruments and sing along. Overall, it proved to be another anniversary party not to be forgotten.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 119

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2005 Reader’s Choice Awards

WINNERS BEST MEXICAN

BEST HAMBURGER

Mi Casa

Kazbor’s

Mi Casa is now a three-time winner of this award. They are located at 2613 Thonotosassa Road in the Publix Shopping Center. The beautiful restaurant is owned by Pat and Guillermo Gama. They opened the restaurant in September 2003. They feature authentic Mexican and Southwestern cuisine. Menu items include fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, chili relleno and other house specialties. Mi Casa also has a full service bar offering all of your favorite drinks. Daily lunch specials start at $5.95 from 11a.m. to 4p.m. Regular hours are 11a.m. to 9p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11a.m. to 10p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Their number is 813752-0057.

Kazbor’s has been in Plant City since September 1999. They are located at 2212 Jim Redman Parkway. It’s a sports bar, but with a family atmosphere. There are TVs all over, small TVs everywhere and four big screen TVs. There is also a game area for kids to play in. They offer wings, steaks, seafood, pasta, wraps, sandwiches, and obviously hamburgers. Their year round specials are: 35 cent wings on Sundays; on Tuesday is kids eat free; Wednesday is 2 for 1 burgPresented By Jeﬀ Simmons, 2005 Small Business of the Year Award Winner ers for $7.95; Thursdays are all you can eat wings with a side for $8.95. They are open 11 a.m.-10 p.m Sunday-Thursday and 11 a.m. – midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. They offer both take out and dine in. For more info call 813-752-2700.

BEST ITALIAN AND BEST SALAD ABC Pizza For three years in a row now ABC Pizza has won Best Italian, but this is the ﬁrst year it is bringing home Best Salad as well. Serving ﬁne Italian cuisine in Plant City since 1977, the restaurant offers a casual dining atmosphere with great menu selections like pizza, grinders, gyros, pasta, salads and Presented By Danny Coton, Plant City Chamber desserts. Their Greek salad of Commerce Chairman of the Board is a common favorite among customers. The restaurant continues to offer daily specials including their “All you can eat” special all day long on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and from 11a.m. to 5p.m. on Sundays. ABC Pizza is located at 114 N. Alexander St in Plant City. Tracey Phaup and his crew are ready to serve you from 11a.m. to 11p.m. every day, seven days a week. Call ahead to 813-752-5146 to place your carry out order.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 120

MOST ROMANTIC Red Rose Dining Room Red Rose Dining Room has once again won this award. Owners Batista Sr. and Evelyn Madonia have transformed the hotel into a world class dining facility with a European ﬂair. The Red Rose CONTINUED ON PAGE 122

Thank you, Plant City, for voting us #1 Down Home Cooking & Best Breakfast

Now at 2 Locations Serving You! Breakfast Lunch Dinner - Buffet or Ala Carte Catering •

•

Mon - Sat Closed Sun •

2120 Harden Blvd. .EW Lakeland, Fl. ,OCATION 863-603-7080

1401 W. Dr. MLK Blvd. Plant City, Fl. 813-752-7763 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 121

KNOTTS HARDWARE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your Hometown Hardware Storeâ&#x20AC;?

7: 7:3 30-5 0-4 :30 :00 WE SA EKD TU RD AYS AY S

SPRING IS ALMOST HERE Irrigation & Sprinkler Supplies

314 S. COLLINS ST. PLANT CITY, FL

PVC Pipe Fittings and Other Related Items

752-3497 3 #OLLINS 3T s 0LANT #ITY &, s 813-707-1450

â&#x20AC;˘ Serving Breakfast & lunch â&#x20AC;˘ Party Trays Available â&#x20AC;˘ Call for Weekly Specials &2%% ,5.#( $%,)6%29 ./7 !6!),!",% 7%%+$!93 /.,9 -).)-5- /2$%2 0(/.% /2 &!8 /2$%2 "9 !-

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 122

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RCA WINNERS Dining Room is open for lunch from 11a.m. to 2p.m. Monday through Saturday. Dinner hours are 5p.m. to 9p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5p.m. to 10p. m. Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours feature brunch from 11a.m. to 3p.m. Reservations may be made by calling 813-7591888. Enjoy â&#x20AC;&#x153;Free Time Jazzâ&#x20AC;? from 6-9p.m. and a variety of entertainers on the weekends. Show reservations may be made by calling 813-752-5452. Presented By Jules Burt, World Renowned Pop Art Artist

Voted Best Italian Food & Best Salad By Focus Magazine/Readers Choice Awards %JOF JO PS 5BLF 0VU $BMM "IFBE GPS %SJWF 5ISV

4VO 5IVST BN QN 'SJ 4BU BN BN t "MFYBOEFS 4USFFU 1MBOU $JUZ â&#x20AC;&#x153;THE TASTE IS RIGHT IN EVERY BITEâ&#x20AC;?

CHICKEN & SEAFOOD Fresh Chicken - Never Frozen, Pressure Cooked in Pure Peanut Oil. COMPLETE DINNERS â&#x20AC;˘ EAT-IN OR TAKE OUT â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Difference is Deliciousâ&#x20AC;? call ahead for fast take-out Corner of Thonotosassa & Alexander Street (Just North of Hospital) Mon-Sat 11am-9pm â&#x20AC;˘ Closed Sunday

813-752-9200

3ERVING 0LANT #ITY 3INCE

FOCUS MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;&#x153;READERS CHOICE AWARDSâ&#x20AC;? - VOTED BEST FRIED CHICKEN

BEST CUBAN Normaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s YBOR City Cuban Shop

Presented By Larry Kiernan, Lakeland Thunderbolts General Manager

It was nearly 20 years ago that Normaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s migrated over from Ybor City to be the ďŹ rst Cuban restaurant in town. Two decades later, they are still loved by the people of Plant City. Whether you want a Cuban sandwich or just a turkey or roast beef one, they are here to meet your needs. They also offer deviled crabs as well as stuffed potatoes. If you are planning a party or get-together, you deďŹ nitely want to call Normaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to order either the party platter or a mini dev-

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 124

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 123

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For the month of February there is a brownie sweetheart milkshake. Sonic wants to do everything to meet everyone’s needs. Don’t forget that Sonic also offers a wonderful breakfast menu that many people don’t realize is there. March marks the new season of 99 cent Junior Banana Splits. For more info call 754-0300 or pull up in the drive in at 2901 Jim Redman Pkwy. They are open Monday-Thursday 6 a.m.-11 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 6 a.m.-12 a.m. Sundays they are open 7:00 a.m. - 11 p.m.

RCA WINNERS iled crab platter. However, they need a 24-hour notice on platters, so call 754-6557 to place your order today, or to call in your lunch for pick-up. They offer a fun, casual atmosphere with Bucs memorabilia covering the walls and oldies music always playing. This family owned business is opened Monday-Friday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and is located at 1305 E. Bakers St.

BEST MILKSHAKE Sonic Drive-In Presented By Gail Lyons

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Aluminum is Lighter & Stronger than Steel

719-7197

1312 E. Baker St. • Plant City, FL • HITCHES • GOOSENECKS • FIFTH WHEELS •

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 124

HITCHES • GOOSENECKS • FIFTH WHEELS • ELECTRIC BRAKE CONTROLS

Since August 28, 2003 Sonic Drive-In has been bringing back the 1960’s concept of great food, great service and roller skating to Plant City. There are over 9,876 different combos of soda favorites, whether you want flavor or your favorite ice cream added. Their milkshakes are all made from scratch using real milk. No one has even attempted to count all the different types of milkshakes offered because not only do they have milkshakes using real fruit or candy, but you can also have the Blast flavors added. Not to mention, new flavors are constantly arriving.

BEST PIZZA Westshore Pizza Two and a half years ago Westshore Pizza opened their doors to Plant City. However, they are not just a pizza joint; they offer their trademark

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SPECIAL GUEST TRENT WILLM0N

APRIL 1 • 8 PM

THE LAKELAND CENTER 701 W. LIME STREET • LAKELAND, FL 33815 BOX OFFICE: 863-834-8111 • GROUP SALES: 863-834-8137 www.thelakelandcenter.com Tickets available at the Lakeland Center Box Office and all TICKETMASTER locations Charge by phone: 682-5300 or online at www.ticketmaster.com Box Office: Monday - Friday • 9:30 am - 5:30 pm Shows, dates and times subject to change

Philly cheese steak, pastas, salads, and even a coffee shop. Everything is hand tossed and fresh daily using stone brick ovens. If you walk in you will feel the down home atmosphere and friendliness. Many customers come in just to sit down and chat while drinking their coffee. The ownership recently changed to Jeff and Kelley Dick who are excited about carrying on all the aspects that Plant City loves about Westshore Pizza. Stop by Sundays-Thursdays 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or Fridays-Saturdays 7a.m.-10p. m. Call in your pizza for carry-out at 813-754-7600.

Presented By Doug â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gibberâ&#x20AC;? Gibbs

1969. Roy and Helen Parke, the original owners of the business, handed the responsibilities over to their daughter Cheryl and her husband Jim Meeks. Not only are they known for their wonderful strawberry shortcake, but they also sell strawberry milkshakes and a variety of fresh produce. They are the largest strawberry and citrus market in Florida! Stop by any day of the week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and taste it for yourself. During the festival they are open an extra hour. Call 813-752-0502 to ďŹ nd out more!

BEST STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Parkesdale Farms

Maryland Fried Chicken

One of the only recipients to win an award four year in a row, Plant City still thinks Parkesdale Farms has the best strawberry shortcake in town. Located at 3702 W. Baker St., they have been in business since

For the third year in a row, Plant City has accredited Maryland Fried Chicken for having the best fried chicken in town. They are

Presented By Catie Walker, 2005 Strawberry Queen Court Member

CONTINUED ON PAGE 126

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 125

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RCA WINNERS

award of Best Overall Service. The waitresses are always smiling and the food is always deliciously ﬁlling. Lunch specials are available daily. If you call ahead at 813-759-0009 they will have your meal waiting for you as soon as you arrive at the drive-thru. Located on W. MLK next to Fred’s Market, their hours are 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. TuesdaySaturday.

next door neighbors to the hospital and are located at 315 N. Alexander St. Since 1969, the owners, Beverly and Bill Naset and Kim McElveen, have been bringing the delicious ﬂavor to Plant City. They always use fresh, rather than frozen, chickens and pressure cook them in pure peanut oil to bring the best ﬂavor. They offer complete meals for dine-in or carry out. They are open 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday. Call 813752-9200 to order your chicken today! Presented By Plant City Mayor John Dicks

BEST DOWN HOME COOKIN’ AND BEST BREAKFAST Fred’s Market Once again, it looks like the readers felt no other restaurant held to the standard set by Fred’s Market. This is the third time they have Presented By Rick Glorioso, State Representative for District 62 been voted best in the two categories. Located at 1401 Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd, the restaurant has been here since the 1960’s and was purchased by the Johnson’s in 1998. They specialize in classic southern cooking, buffet style. Their menu covers just about anything a true southerner may be craving. They are open Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

BEST BBQ AND BEST OVERALL SERVICE Grandpa Johnson’s BBQ The Johnson family opened Grandpa Johnson’s BBQ at this location in 2003 and as the years have progressed, it has become a Plant City favorite. This is the third year it has been voted Best Barbeque by the Readers Choice Awards. Due to their personal touch and care for their customers, they have also earned the FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 126

BEST SOUP Courtyard Café New to Plant City, Courtyard just opened in May 2005. It is the sister business to Sister’s & Co. Boutique’s and Gifts. It is the perfect restaurant to visit during your mid-day shopping. There is a very relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. There is certainly no rush; many people come here to catch up with old friends and will sit and Presented By Michael Cameron talk for hours. All the food is very light, whether it’s chicken or tuna salads, wraps, coffee or dessert. Their authentic soups are loaded baked potato, stuffed bell pepper, corn chowder and vegetarian chili. They are located at 106 E. Reynolds and are open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday- Saturday. This family owned business also offers get-togethers or parties for girlfriends. If you want to make a reservation or would like more info, call 754-0990.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 128

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 127

D&E FULL-TIME PLANT CITY OB/GYNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S %S "OB . 7FSEFKB %S $BSMPT -BNPVUUF

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Board CertiďŹ ed OB/GYNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Over 14 years experience t "EWBODFE -BQBSPTDPQZ t *ODPOUJOFODF t $PNQMFUF 1SFHOBODZ $BSF 4F )BCMB &TQBĂ&#x2014;PM Specializing in Pregnancy & Female Care of all Ages

WOMEN FIRST CENTER

719-3380 1601 W. Timberlane Dr. Suite 600 Plant City, FL 33566

Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Air Conditioning Inc. 3ALES s 3ERVICE s )NSTALLATIONS &REE %STIMATE ON .EW ! # 5NITS &INANCING 7!#

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 128

BEST SEAFOOD Chancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s This family owned business has been in Plant City since the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Although they won Best Seafood, this is not the only item they offer. They also have wonderful sandwiches, hamburgers, desserts and more. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, but the rest of the week it is a great place to bring the family for either lunch or dinner. Presented By Mike Floyd, They are open 11 a.m. to 9 Publisher of Focus Magazine p.m. Conveniently located at 2509 N Park Rd; they are right off the interstate and in close proximity no matter where you live in Plant City. For more information on this Plant City favorite call 813-754-3433.

BEST DESSERT AND BEST STEAK Outback Steakhouse When driving down I-4, it is nearly impossible to miss the Outback Steakhouse sign near the Thonotosassa exit. At the same time, your stomach may begin growling for that famous steak or blooming onion. Considering they won Best Dessert, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to say which one it is Plant City loves. They offer the Chocolate Thunder from Down Under, Sydneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sinful Sundae, Cheesecake Olivia and the Chocolate Chocolate Tower. Open Monday-Thursday 4-10p.m., Fridays 4-11p. m., Saturdays 3:30-11p.m., Presented By Lee Williams and Sundays 12-10 p.m., they of Feltonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Meat Market are a great stop for dinner any night or an after-church lunch on Sundays. To place a curb-side order, call 759-4329 and pick it up at 1203 Townsgate Court.

FLORIDA’S LARGEST STRAWBERRY & CITRUS MARKET

# 4 YEARS IN A ROW BY Voted #1

OPEN YEAR ROUND

FOCUS READERS CHOICE AWARDS for Best Strawberry Shortcake

THANK YOU! Red Ripe FloridaTomatoes

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3702 W. BAKER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33563 • HWY 92 WEST OF PLANT CITY LIMITS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 129 7 DAYS A WEEK PM OFF I-4 BETWEEN EXITS 17 & 19 • 9-6FOCUS

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;¢ February 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;¢ 2006 PG 131

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Story and photo by Sophia Dedon

Home Style Country Cookin’ COLLINS STREET RESTAURANT Plant City is known for being a small, southern, country town. Thus, many people want some good ol’ country cookin’. If you are looking for a restaurant that can fulﬁll your desires, try the Collins Street Restaurant. Many years ago there was a Whataburger located on Collins Street. As time passed, other restaurants came through the building. Then one day, the children of a past employee at Whataburger decided it was time to put a restaurant there that Plant City would love, and what do they like more than down-home cookin’? Thus, they opened Collins Street Restaurant in honor of their mother, Elizabeth “Betty” Caraway. When I walked into the restaurant, I immediately knew I was going to feel right at home. The atmosphere alone makes you feel comfortable. I looked around and not only did the waiters and waitresses know many of the customers by name, but they would frequently sit down at the table and take a minute to chit chat with them as well. It was obvious that they cared about their customers and treated them like family.

mashed potatoes because who eats meatloaf without mashed potatoes and gravy? I also ordered collard greens because they are a personal favorite of mine. My meal was so good, and ﬁlling as well; I ended up leaving with a to-go box in hand. My guest ordered chicken ﬁngers, mashed potatoes and green beans, which also comes with the salad bar. Needless to say, she didn’t need a to-go box because it was too mouth savoring to leave for later. With her meal she had sweet tea; she remarked that she would have to come back more often just to have the tea! Not only does Collins Street Restaurant offer wonderful home-style country meals, but

While looking through the menu to decide what I wanted to eat, I chose the meatloaf, which comes with two sides and the salad bar. My logic was that if this was a homestyle restaurant, then every family has a deliciously unique recipe for meatloaf, and boy was I right! Every bite was full of ﬂavor, and the meat was cooked to the most precisely perfect degree. For one of my sides I ordered

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 132

they offer an array of sandwiches as well. They have everything available from the simple BLT to “The Big Mikester,” a sandwich loaded with ham, chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo and mustard served on a Hoagie. All sandwiches are served with fries. If you are looking to cut the calories, they also have salads available. They are open for all meals of the day and have a buffet available for all three. Everything that is served at the restaurant is homemade, including the cakes and desserts. On Friday nights they offer a seafood buffet; they are known for their catﬁsh, whether fried or grilled. To a limited area, they will deliver any order of $10 or

more. To view the menu from home or work, visit mymenuonline.com and place your order today!

CRITICAL INFORMATION Collin Street Restaurant 712 S. Collin St 813-752-0126 Accepts all major credit cards Entree Price Range: $4.35-10.15 Open 24 hrs on Friday and Saturday Sunday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Mon-Thurs 6 a.m.-8 p.m.

Home-made chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans can always be found at the Collins Street Restaurant.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 133

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Story & photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

Everyone Rocked and Rolled In Plant City B

ack in the day….before CD technology came about, we listened to tunes on flat disks made from a petroleum-based plastic called “vinyl record albums.” It was during the height of album rock popularity and the age of vinyl that Eddie Money arrived on the scene. Money made his niche in music with catchy, blue-collar rock & roll, which he delivered with finesse. Born on March 2, 1949 in Brooklyn as “Eddie Mahoney”, he found himself by day hitting the books attending the Police Academy in New York. By night, he was singing in rock & roll venues under the name “Eddie Money.” Several years later, after following in his father’s footsteps, walking the beat as a cop, he decided to pursue rock & roll as his full-time career. He felt he would find himself financially more secure at retirement if he chose the music industry and he really did enjoy the rush of endorphins racing through his veins as the crowds screamed his name and sang his artistic tunes. It was Money’s blue-collar crisp sounds that the crowds came out to hear at the Ramada Inn Plantation House’s Red Rose Ballroom, where Batista Sr. and Evelyn Madonia went to extremes to book the exciting talent of Blind Ambition and Eddie Money. Batista Sr. and Evelyn Madonia didn’t overlook any detail to give Plant City a hot ticket of talent. They not only had VIP seating, which included scrumptious food like stuffed mushroom caps, fresh fruit and veggies, sweet and sour meatballs, skewered teriyaki chicken and so much more - but they also secured bleachers for everyone to sit upon to enjoy the venue.

There were well over 400 people of all different ages anxiously waiting for the concert to begin. Peter O’Malley and Bobby Roberts worked together to bring Blind Ambition to the stage ﬁrst. The Lakeland group (Blind Ambition)’s music is fresh and exhilarating. While every one of the band members was phenomenal, it was the lead keyboard player and singer whose voice is unmistakable, one which you couldn’t get enough of.

promoter Bill Graham back in the 70’s, he might not have struck it rich at such an early age. It was Bill Graham (not to be confused with Billy Graham) who signed Eddie Money to his management team. Graham also secured him a contract with Columbia Records. And from then on - - the rest is history. Everyone was impressed with the

concert, the facilities and the great array of outside entertainment offered to all. I thought I heard talk of more cutting-edge favorites coming soon. If you’d like to see the schedule of upcoming singers and entertainers, please visit my favorite website and make a reservation at http://www.ramadaplantation. com/page9.htm.

After Blind Ambition wooed the crowds, they headed over to the Red Rose Dining Room to entertain those having a late night dinner, leaving Nia Jordan, Director of Sales and Marketing, Dennis Hoag (Destiny fame) and Dave Wright (The Right Voice) to warm up the crowds with a ﬂashing carousal of lights and tossing T-shirts. While the guys’ enthusiasm could hardly be contained, Jordan kept the order. Moments passed and then the chanting began… “Eddie! Eddie! Eddie!” Coming out from under a light mist of lavender fog appeared the celebrity dressed in casual brown duds and a silk shirt. The one and only Eddie Money! While Eddie Money has a string of hits and albums, he is most notable for songs that landed on the Top 40 like, “Baby Hold On” and “Two Tickets to Paradise.” He knew the crowd was waiting to hear the most popular ones, so he led into his two-hour concert with “Two Tickets to Paradise”. The crowd went crazy. Money has been playing for over twenty-ﬁve years. Had he not grabbed the attention of Eddie Money proved to the crowd that being 57 years old isn’t too old to rock!

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 134

Whether you own a house or mobile home, our experienced staff will provide you with quality merchandise and expert service at a fair price.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 135

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Grand Opening Beautiful Prices For Beautiful Nails â&#x20AC;˘ Acrylic Full Set â&#x20AC;˘ Gel Full Set â&#x20AC;˘ Pink & White Full Set â&#x20AC;˘ Manicure â&#x20AC;˘ Pedicure â&#x20AC;˘ Silk Wrap â&#x20AC;˘ Skin Care â&#x20AC;˘ Waxing Service Available

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 139

Historic Downtown Guide SHOPPING

•

BIKE FEST 1st Saturday Of Every Month “Voted #1 BIKE FEST in Florida”

Bike Nights Magazine

CAR SHOW 3rd Saturday Of Every Month Enjoy Food, Great Atmosphere & Tons of Old Cars

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 140

FOOD

•

BUSINESS

NEXT TO NEW

We Buy, Sell & Consign Nearly New Ladies Fashions Knick Knacks & Collectables, Small Furniture & Misc. 109 W. REYNOLDS PLANT CITY, FL 33563

Kim A. Allen (813) 719-8922

Historic Downtown Plant City

To advertise your hometown business here call...

813-707-8783

ANTIQUE ANTI TIQUE UE DISTRICT ICT Frenchmanʼs Flea Market 102 N. Collins St. 754-8388

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302 South Collins Street in Historic Downtown Plant City

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Spring & Strawberry OutďŹ ts starting to arrive

Located Downtown Plant City 201 S. Collins Street â&#x20AC;˘ (813) 764-9797 Hours: Tues - Sat â&#x20AC;˘ 10:00 to 5:00 â&#x20AC;˘ eve. appts upon request PHOTO BY: CHERYL TURNER PORTRAITS

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 142

The Best Little Pharmacy in Zephyrhills â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where youĘźre not just another number.â&#x20AC;?

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ITĘźS TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE PCD 2006 FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING SEASON. All registrations are to be completed at the PCD Field House (off of Cherry Street, behind HCC/next to the Big Strawberry Tower) at the following dates and times:

February 25,2006 April 1, 2006

9am - 2pm 9am - 2pm

All 1st Time Players need to bring their parent/guardian & birth certiďŹ cate. Physicals are required by the ďŹ rst day of practice.

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If you would like to be a corporate sponser or if you would like to purchase an ad in our end of the season program, please contact us

FLORIDA MATTRESS

301

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,ITICIA 4URNER OF :EPHYRHILLS WAS THE WINNER OF THE FOOT SHEEP !LL PROCEEDS WERE DONATED TO THE !MERICAN "REAST #ANCER &OUNDATION

PLANT CITY DOLPHINS YOUTH FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING

813-757-1666

info@plantcitydolphins.com www.plantcitydolphins.com President: Buddy Bennett 813-752-4749

GO DOLPHINS!!! FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION â&#x20AC;˘ February 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 - March 15 â&#x20AC;˘ 2006 PG 143

D&E

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By Brandon Hyde

McPhee. Set in a place somewhere between the early 1900’s and the land of make-believe, the story of the father, seven children and an ugly nurse come together. Families across America are in need of this type of movie. A movie that shows the strength of what being together means. A movie that shows children that their parents love them, no matter what the circumstances are. Universal’s rendition of Emma Thompson’s original screen play brings back memories of the old, great classics that have endured the ages, minus the singing, of course. Overall, a great effort, a good story and a few good actors make this a great family movie for anyone that has gone through a rough time. Rating: 4 stars

End of the Spear Nanny McPhee Rated: G Family and Children, Comedy Starring: Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury, Kelly MacDonald

One kid spells trouble, dirtiness and disorder for fathers that have just lost their loving wives. Imagine that same task with seven rowdy children. Not easy! Who is there to take care of the children? Nanny

2ESTAURANT also Owners of Lavender “N” Lace

Homemade Pies & Deserts • Try Our Crunchy Chicken Business Luncheons • Social Parties Open Monday thru Saturday 11am - 4pm

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EXPECT MORE. COMING MARCH 2006

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Rated PG-13 Drama Starring: Louie Leonardo, Chad Allen, Chase Ellison, Sara Kathryn Bakker

Based on a tale of the human heart, End of the Spear is much more than a story. It is a movie that speaks to

the mind and the emotions. Missionary families living in Ecuador in the 1970’s having been trying to contact the Waodani tribe for many years now. The Waodani are known for their aggressiveness, labeled the most ferocious group of people in history. The aggressiveness is displayed when the tribe takes the lives of the male group that is trying to bring the words of the Christian religion to the tribe. Instead of packing up and leaving the country, the families see no choice but to continue the work of their husbands and fathers. They go to live with the Waodoni tribe. The sheer fact of living with the people every day that killed someone you loved is mind-boggling. Amazingly enough, friendship and happiness are found. Being a low budget ﬁlm, the director (Jim Hanon) did well with what he had. Some of the native actors are extremely talented, and the script is one that is capable of being Oscar-worthy. This is a good movie for the heart and mind, a deﬁnite go see. Rating: 4 stars

Underworld: Evolution

Big Mommaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House 2

Rated R Horror, Science Fiction, Action Starring: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy, Tony Curran

Rated PG-13 Comedy, Action Starring: Martin Lawrence, Nia Long, Emily Procter, Zachary Levi

Continuing the saga began in 2001 by Underworld, Evolution brings nothing new to the table. The last movie ended with a lot of questions balancing in the air. A sequel was a no-brainer. There is a point when questions left unanswered are ďŹ ne. There doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a whole second movie about the werewolves and vampires and other things that go bump in the night. Yes, seeing Kate Beckinsale in a tight leather suit for the length of two hours is ďŹ ne for some people. But, if that is all a movie offers, you can bet a lot is missing, such as character complexion, or even dialogue that penetrates deeper than surface conversation. This has become an age of action movies that has only action and nothing else. For that type of movie, Evolution is great. However, every action movie of this day and age just lack a lot to be desired. Rating: 3 stars

In the tradition of sequels, Big Mommaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s House 2 ďŹ ts right into that mold. Just as so many movies in the past years that have had a blockbuster for their predecessors, this one fails not only to recreate what made the ďŹ rst one good, but, it also fails to make a good movie at all. Undercover cop Malcolm Turner (Martin Lawerence) goes through the process of becoming a very large, southern lady. His procedures and antics are enough to crack a smirk at the most. The crude humor is great for its directed audience of teenage boys. Other than that, no enjoyment can be pulled from this movie. Not really knowing where to put the blame for this disaster of a movie, my tongue will be held. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll just let the viewers decide on why this movie lacked so much and fell so short. Rating: 2 stars

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DINING GUIDE

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ABC Pizza 114 N Alexander St 752-5146 Alexander’s Café at S Fla

Baptist Hospital 301 N. Alexander St. 757-8451 Anna’s Restaurant 3410 Baker St W 754-6215 Apple Tree 2218 Jas Redman Pkwy 707-8109 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar 1204 Townsgate Ct 719-1500 Arby’s Roast Beef Restaurant 1909 Frontage Rd S 719-3321 Arby’s Roast Beef Restaurant 201 Alexander St W 754-4881 Baker St. Café 1801 W Baker St (Hwy 92 W) 717-9785 Beef O’Brady’s Sports Pub 2418 Jas Redman Pkwy 757-0300

Collins Street Restaurant 712 S Collins 752-0126 Chancy’s Catﬁsh Shack 2509 N Park Rd 754-3433 Checker’s 2405 Jas Redman Pkwy 759-0151 CiCi’s Pizza 211 Alexander St W 659-3400 China King Restaurant 2410 James Redman Pkwy 754-8098 China One 1862 James Redman Pkwy 707-8898 China Palace 1106 Collins St S 754-0990

Bogey’s Restaurant 2001 Clubhouse Dr 752-1171 Brooklyn Bridge Deli 1309 S Collins St 659-3621 Branch Ranch Dining Room 5121 Thonotosassa Rd 752-1957 Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant 1101 Goldﬁnch Dr 754-5120

Long John Silver’s Seafood Shoppe 1805 Jas Redman Pkwy 752-1717

El Rincon Mexicano 4109 State Rd 574 754-0620 Fred’s Market Restaurant 1401 W Dr MLK Blvd 752-7763

Manatee Bay Café 119 S. Collins S 707-1450

Frontage Sports Bar & Grill Days Inn 1301 S Frontage Rd 752-0570 exit 168 & 169 Grandpa Johnsons BBQ 1305 Dr MLK Jr Blvd 759-0009 Heavenly Sinsations Inc. 1803 Jas Redman Pkwy 717-7512 Hong Kong Buﬀet 213 Alexander St W 764-8255

Church’s Fried Chicken 106 E. Reynolds 754-5200

Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs 208 N Alexander St 752-6113

Courtyard 106 E Reynolds St. 754-0990

Hungry Howie’s - #200 2424 Hwy 92 E 764-0363

Curbita Inc. 4109 State Rd 574 754-0620

Joann’s Country Kitchen 12650 McIntosh Rd Thonotosassa 982-0739

Dairy Queen 1902 W Reynolds 752-2236

Kazbor’s Grille 2212 James Redman Pkwy 752-2700

Denny’s Restaurant 2001 Frontage Rd S 752-3338

Kentucky Fried Chicken 2305 Collins St S 752-0437

Domino’s Pizza 202 Alexander St W 759-9424

La Esperanza Mexican Restaurant 113 Prosser Dr W 659-3940

(Only speaks Spanish)

Bobs Sports Grill 226 Alexander St W. 719-8187

El Mirasol Bakery Cafeteria 1419 Collins St S 752-2108

El Buen Gusto Michaocano 3414 Baker St W 759-6635

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 146

Linda’s Crab Shack 202 Reynolds E 754-0492 Lin’s Express 2307 Thonotosassa Rd 719-6066

Maryland Fried Chicken 315 N Alexander 752-9200 Norma’s Ybor City Cuban Shop 1305 Baker St E 754-6557 Orange Blossom Tea Room 106 Evers St S 759-2247 Outback Steakhouse 1203 Townsgate Ct 759-4329 Papa John’s Pizza 1829 Jas Redman Pkwy 719-7300

Snellgrove’s Restaurant 109 S Collins 752-3652 Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q 1102 Goldﬁnch Dr 757-3118 Strawberry Hut Sandwich Shoppe 1505 Wheeler St N 752-3779 Strawberry Paradise 4511 James L. Redman Parkway (813) 737-3866 Subway 2305 Thonotosassa Rd 754-4550 Subway 2403 James Redman Pkwy 754-4878 Subway 2209 N Park Rd 659-0288

Pesos Mexican Restaurant 2006 Reynolds St W 752-8841

Taco Loco Restaurant 14672 Dr MLK Blvd 659-0916

Pizza Hut 2316 James Redman Pkwy 752-8222

Tim’s Café 10903 Lithia Pinecrest Rd 737-4026

Plant City Restaurant & Drive-in 2005 W Baker St 752-9202

Twistee Treat 2301 Jas Redman Pkwy 707-9303

Ponderosa Steak House 1914 Jim Redman Pkwy 754-1129 Popeye’s Famous Fried Chicken & Biscuits 2005 Frontage Rd S 757-9742 Quiznos 1818 James Redman Pkwy 719-2999 Ramada Inn Red Rose Dining Room 2011 N Wheeler St 752-3141

Waﬄe House 1201 Townsgate Ct 707-0190 Westshore Pizza 1701 S Alexander St 754-5600 Whistle Stop Café 102 S Collins 752-7340 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 203 Alexander St W 754-3229

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 147

D&E

EVENT CALENDAR

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February 15, Wednesday A Mainstreet/Plus level square dance and workshop with Roland Blanchette will be held from 79:30 p.m. at the Strawberry Square located at 4401 Boot Bay Rd. For more info call 752-0491 or visit their website at www.ﬂoridadanceweb.com/strawberry. February 16, Thursday The First Presbyterian Learning Center Parent-Teacher Fellowship will host its annual fund-raiser dinner from 5-7:30 p.m. at 404 Reynolds St in the fellowship hall. The cost of each dinner is $7. Dine-in, take-out, and drive-thru are available. For more info call 752-6874. February 17, Friday The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation House’s Red Rose Dining Room at 2011 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City. The show will start at 8:00 pm. For reservations, please call 813752-5452, or visit their website at www.ramadaplantation.com. February 17-19, Friday-Sunday Strawberry Square located at 4401 Boot Bay Rd is having Strawberry Weekend with prizes and strawberry shortcake. Friday is an A-2 level square dance from 7-9:30 p.m. with Marty Van Wart calling squares and Ruth Cunningham doing round dances. Saturday is a plus level square dance from 7-9:30p.m. with Art Springer calling squares and Pat Hagan doing rounds. Sunday is Strawberry Afternoon Plus Square Dance with Don and Loretta Hanhurst from 2-4 p.m. For more info call 7520491 or visit their website at www. ﬂoridadanceweb.com/strawberry.

from 7-9:30 p.m. For more info call 752-0491 or visit their website at www.ﬂoridadanceweb.com/ strawberry. Tennis in the Park is hosted by the PC Parks and Rec at the Dort Street Tennis Courts from 5-6:30p. m. The event will stress tennis fundamentals, exposing kids ages 8-14 to the game. It is a free clinic open to everyone. Pre-registration is required by Feb 18. For more info visit www.plantcitygov. com/rec or call Shane at 659-4200 x 4309. February 23, Thursday The Hillsborough County Gardening Program will have Marina Pryce to host a workshop on landscaping design from 6-9p.m. The workshop will be at the Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 CR579, Seffner. Pre-registration is required. Call 813-744-5519x144 for more info. Berry Patch Kids & My Girlfriends Place Boutique are cohosting a Spring Fashion Show at 7p.m. at the Walden Lake Country Club. This event is to raise money for Steppin’ Stone Farm, an organization that does amazing work with at-risk teenage girls. Jules Burt is the Mistress of Ceremonies. Single ticket prices with no reserved seating are $25. For more info call 719-6103 or 764-9797.

February 24, Friday

February 22, Wednesday Strawberry Square located at 4401 Boot Bay Rd is having a mainstream/plus level square dance and workshop with Dick Duckham

The Florida Opry will feature Terry Dennis from Nashville, Ken McWilliams & The Nashville band and other performers at the 1914 High School Community Center at 7p.m. Reserved seats are only $12.50. For more info call 7524094. February 28, Tuesday Strawberry Square located at 4401 Boot Bay Rd is having an all position plus square dance lesson followed by Intro to Advance Dances with Sam Dunn from 7-9:30 p.m. For more info call 752-0491 or visit their website at www.ﬂoridadanceweb.com/strawberry. March 1, Wednesday Strawberry Square located at 4401 Boot Bay Rd is having a mainstream/plus level square dance and workshop with Marty Van Wart from 7-9:30 p.m. For more info call 752-0491 or visit their website at www.ﬂoridadanceweb.com/ strawberry. The Citizen of the Year banquet will be held at the Ramada Inn Plantation Red Rose Ballroom. The cost of lunch is $18 per person. To RSVP, call either Matt Buzza at 752-6193 x 21 or Ken Gibbs at 752-6171. March 2-12

The Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts of America will host its annual Friends of Scouting fund raising luncheon at the First United Methodist Church in the Wesley Center at noon. It will honor Charles S. White, a local attorney and Eagle Scout as a distinguished citizen. The guest speaker is Mike Alstott of the Tampa Bay Bucs. For more info call Dean Snyder at 752-2505.

February 18, Saturday The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be in Downtown Plant City from 4-9 p.m.

February 25, Saturday

The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation House’s Red Rose Dining Room at 2011 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City. The show will start at 8 pm. For reservations, please call 813752-5452, or visit their website at www.ramadaplantation.com.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 148

The Florida Strawberry Festival is in town! Turn to page 52 to see a schedule of events.

752-5452, or visit their website at www.ramadaplantation.com. The Bike Fest will be in beautiful downtown Plant City beginning at 5 p.m. For more info call 7543707. March 10, Friday The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation House’s Red Rose Dining Room at 2011 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City. The show will start at 8:00 pm. For reservations, please call 813-752-5452, or visit their website at www.ramadaplantation. com. March 13, Monday The Hillsborough County Gardening Program will have Master Gardener JoAnne Whale to speak about wildﬂowers and native plants at the Bruton Memorial Library. For more info call 813757-9216 March 26, Sunday “Festa Italiana” is an exciting fund-raiser for the South Florida Baptist Hospital. All funds raised will go to help build the new emergency wing. This festive party will include dining and entertainment in the beautiful gardens at the Snyder and Banning home. The party starts at 1p.m. and everyone is invited. Tickets are $100 per person. For reservations or more info call Dean Snyder at 752-2505. WEEKLY EVENTS:

March 4, Saturday The 16th Annual Train Show and Swap Meet sponsored by the H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society will be at Hillsborough Community College in the John Trinkle Center. Admission is $5. Children under 17 are free with a paid adult admission. For more info call 813412-3090. The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation House’s Red Rose Dining Room at 2011 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City. The show will start at 8:00 pm. For reservations, please call 813-

Every Friday the Overeaters Anonymous has a support group meeting at 301 N Dort St, PC, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more info call 813-716-5000.

To all organizations, churches, clubs, sports teams, lounges, businesses: If you would like your happening or event to be listed in this column, please e-mail to: sdedon@ﬂoydpublications.com, or fax it to 813-764-0990, Attn: Sophia – Event Calendar.

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Photos for illustration only. Not responsible for typographical errors. FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • February 15 • 2006 - March 15 • 2006 PG 151

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