FOCUS PC 05-03 March 2006 by Floyd Publications

LOCAL • REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS • SPORTS • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT VOLUME 5 NUMBER 3 • MARCH 15 • 2006- APRIL 15 • 2006

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PLANT CITY EDITION

PLANT CITY’S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR Matt Yarbrough raised over $1600 to beneﬁt the ABWA

BEHIND THE SCENES of the Florida Strawberry Festival FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 1

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 2

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 3

contents LOCAL 7-34

SPORTS 88

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.

The Plant City Raiders boy’s varsity baseball team took to the road on March 11th to take on the Sickles High School Gryphons at their home field in Tampa. The Sickles’ offense jumped out in front of Coach Kenny White and his men as the Gryphons put up eight runs in the first three innings. That proved to be too much for the Raiders to overcome.

FEATURE 41-44 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 48-50 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!

HOME GUIDE SECTION 57-81 This section is dedicated to buyers, sellers, and owners.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT 106-116 Many people going to the Florida Strawberry Festival this year were looking forward to two things: strawberry shortcake and Dierks Bentley. In place of the dining review this month, Focus takes you on a tour of several of the organizations that offer shortcake at the festival and what makes each one special. Also, there is coverage of the Dierks Bentley concert that brought women of all ages to come see the young, single and attractive Male Vocalist of the Year nominee at the festival.

ON THE COVER

Matt Yarbrough Plant City’s Most Eligible Bachelor who raised over $1600 for the ABWA Photo by Mike Floyd

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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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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 4

letter FROM THE EDITOR

“A special thanks to the thousands of volunteers from the community who have put forth the effort all year to make this 2006 Florida Strawberry Festival® the best ever” Excerpt from the ofﬁcial website of the Florida Strawberry Festival

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Wow, what a success the Florida Strawberry Festival was this year! According to the Festival’s official website, the event is ranked among the top 30 such events in North America. We have delayed the release of the March-April edition because we tried to cover as many of your stories from the Festival as we could. But with all the shows, competitions, pageants, parades and entertainment that make up such a large faction of the Festival, it’s a shame that we can only tell you about a few. Add to that the midway rides, games, exhibits and, of course, the strawberry shortcake, and it seems as if it’s only a matter of time before this great event becomes ranked in the top 10 in North America! Plant City has much to be proud of. Focus Magazine is also proud to have been a part of this community for the last four years. It’s hard for us to believe we’re into our fifth year already! The commitment and devotion to community that is displayed by the residents in our fine town makes us proud to be a part of it. The support from all our advertisers, many from day one when Focus Magazine was a virtually unknown “new man on the block”, truly humbles us and we wouldn’t be here without them. We truly appreciate your support and devotion to your community. In our local section we offer you a story on another type of devotion; the kind that won Felton Williams Plant City’s Citizen of the Year Award. Some of the criterion for the award is that the recipient has given freely of themselves for many years and has not asked for anything in return; that they have made a significant, positive impact on Plant City, and they should be considered on the basis of local community contributions above and beyond the functions of their jobs. With the commitment Felton Williams has shown this community, it’s easy to see why he won this prestigious award. Another local story this month covers another special individual, Charles S. White, who was honored as a Plant City Distinguished Citizen by the Boy Scouts under the Gulf Ridge Council. This honor goes to someone who has invested his life in scouting in some way, proven to be a community leader and who was committed enough to scouting to become an Eagle Scout. This is the highest honor in Boy Scouts, and any young man who earns it will always keep his title. Of course, most of the stories in our local section this month have to do with the Festival, and most of them have to do with the youth participation. After all, they are our pride and joy and our future. But one story you won’t want to miss has to do with Firm Foundation, a gospel quartet from Kentucky, whose van broke down in our fair town, and they learned that being able to “depend on the kindness of strangers” isn’t just a movie line. But as the subtitle reads, “That’s just Plant City”! As always, we at FOCUS thank you for your support and readership!

Linda Floyd.

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

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Do you know someone who deserves a makeover? If you know a man or woman who has worked their hearts out for others and deserves something given back to them, then let us know! Focus Magazine will be giving away free full-blown makeovers for two men and two women. If you would like to nominate someone then please send us his or her story along with your contact information. Please send nominations to Sophia Dedon at sdedon@ﬂoydpublications.com. You may also fax them to 813-7640990 or mail to 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd, PC, FL, 33563, ATTN: Sophia.

currently includes 250 photos and will run through April. The gallery is open Thurs. – Sat. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Lowe’s in Plant City gave the Barnyard Blessings 4-H club a discount on delivering materials to Clewiston to help Hurricane Wilma victims and they were able to bring supplies down there on February 24. Thank you Lowe’s and thank you Barnyard Blessings for both being willing to help others in need.

Alcoa’s Community Board would like all non-proﬁts to know that they are currently accepting applications for Alcoa Foundation funding. They would like to donate grants to non-proﬁts that will make the most impact on the community. Please contact Alcoa for more information.

The Plant City Photo Archives is also seeking photos of old Plant City barber shops, Henry Jefferson Ham, and a barber with the last name Mobley. All photos are scanned and returned. If you can help, please call 813-754-1578. Focus Magazine would like to congratulate Dawn Marie Simpson. This is the last issue for which she will be writing for us because she is the new Marketing Director for the Ramada Inn Plantation House.

The Plant City Photo Archives is now featuring an exhibit at the gallery on Collins called “The Way We Were.” It is a look back at Plant City couples when they were younger. It

Samantha Bell

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-oﬀ boxes and notepads located around town for your convenience. Right now, a few box locations are Fred’s Farmer’s Market, Grandpa Johnson’s, Natural Creations, The Whistle Stop Café, 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.

Congratulations to Alison Flannery and Dustin Grooms for the birth of their daughter, Skyler Brooke Grooms. The proud grandparents are John and Delores Flannery and Carl and DeeDee Grooms.

Congratulations to Aaron and Leslie Davis for the birth of their son Jackson Daniel Davis on January 10, 2006. He was born 7 lbs 9 oz and 20 _ inches. Congratulations to Jared Everidge and Sarah Lilly who will soon be having a baby boy, Dakota Brooks Everidge. Dr and Mrs. Charles Hollowell are celebrating 37 years of service at the Victory Baptist Church in Plant City. There is no other pastor in the area who has served as long as Pastor Hollowell. All four of his children and his grandchildren are members there as well. As local missionaries right here in the Plant City/Dover area, Passion for Prison would like to thank everyone who supports them.

out of his private pond on February 26. He was very excited and proud. He caught them on June bug worm.

Summer Merrill and Kevin Smith are getting married on March 25, 2006. Congratulations to them as they embark on the journey of a lifetime! Congratulations to David Poss who caught an 8.5 lb bass and 6.0 lb bass

Congratulations Katie Sharer, the 2004 Strawberry Queen, for winning Miss Tampa! Good luck as you prepare for the Miss Florida Competition!

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 7

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Steppin’ Out in Style for Steppin’ Stone Farm for Girls FIRST ANNUAL BENEFIT FASHION SHOW

Paris and Milan may have competition with Plant City’s first annual benefit fashion show. Planning for the event began two months ago under the direction and careful organization of Brigittia and Libby of “My Girlfriends Place”. A place we have all come to know and love for its unique, individual and sometimes outrageous clothing. All of this was on display in what was truly a feast for the eyes. Beautiful and polished models walked the catwalk to the music of “Dr. Spin”. Each outfit kept you in anticipation of what was to come next. Mistress of Ceremonies was none other than the world famous artist, Jules Burt, who kept the pace quick and lively. Clothing lines on display ranged from ready-to-wear collections for spring, to prom, pageant and formal wear. Also on display were many precious and unique children’s collections from “Berry Patch Kids”. The fashion show included

very special guests with an introduction to the 2006 Strawberry Queen, Hannah Hodge and her court, as well as entertainment provided by Sweet Spirit. It was truly an evening of the senses with taste not being forgotten. The Bake Shoppe provided us with a wide variety of scrumptious and tasty hors d’oeuvres and desserts. We were all hit with the winning spirit as many stood up to receive door prizes donated by local area businesses. That brings us to what this whole evening was about; local businesses pulling together to help local organizations in need. We were introduced to Cindy of Steppin’ Stone who shared information on her organization and program. Since 1973, Step-

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

pin’ Stone has provided help and guidance for girls ages 13-17 who are considered at-risk due to their behavior and life choices. It is organizations such as Steppin’ Stone which are not federally or state funded that need our assistance and support.

With this in mind, Brigittia stated that this is only the beginning and that she is planning another beneﬁt fashion show for this fall. So if you want a taste of Paris in Plant City, as well as the satisfaction of helping our local organizations, step out for the next fashion show.

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SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM Story By Bruce Rodwell

Chamber of Commerce How about that Strawberry Festival? Great time, great parade, great midway, great exhibits. And we must mention the students that do such a great job with their livestock and plants. All in all it was a super great show. And all right here in Plant City. Put next year’s date on your calendar… March 1 to March 11, 2007. This year’s theme was “Making Tracks to Fun”. Wonder what next year’s theme will be? It is always interesting to see what the Strawberry Festival Committee comes up with. ★★★★★★★ Congratulations to longtime Chamber member Felton Williams on being named Plant City’s CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 2006. Mr. Williams is very deserving of this truly great honor that was bestowed on him at the Annual Citizen of the Year Luncheon held on March 1 st. at the Ramada Inn ★★★★★★★ The new Pediatric Wing on 3 North at our hospital is now up and running. Known as ST. JOSEPH’S CHILDREN’S AT SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST HOSPITAL, this $700,000 addition has 23 rooms designed speciﬁcally for children with great added features. The unit is handicap accessible and can also accommodate patients that must be isolated. This is truly a great addition to our hospital here in Plant City. Next up…watch for the opening of the brand new Emergency Room. That will come about at the end of April. And to celebrate the opening of the new Emergency Wing, a fantastic Italian Buffet with entertainment and a silent auction will be held at the home of Dean and Mikie Snyder, 2504 Clubhouse Drive, Plant City. The date of this event is Sunday, March 26th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Hosted by Susan & Stanley Kolker, Marsha & Billy Passmore and Mikie & Dean Snyder, this FESTA ITALIANA will raise funds for the Foundation at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Direct inquires to 813-752-2505. This will be a real special event with special thanks going to Cassandra & George Banning

for the use of their lovely gardens. ★★★★★★★ Speaking of our South Florida Baptist Hospital, the annual Children’s Classic Golf Tournament will take place at the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club on Friday, April 28th. There are sponsorship opportunities available at several levels of participation. Space is limited to 288 players and this is one tournament in Plant City that fills up fast! You must register before April 19th. This promises to be a fun filled day with many activities including clubhouse lunch, access to the practice range, beverages, and a pool-side steak dinner with awards and door prizes. In addition, there are hole-in-one, closest to the pin, longest drive and putting contests. Call Jack Vasconcellos at 813-757-1286 to register and for additional details. ★★★★★★★ Thought you would like to know that at the Annual Walk For Life event which was held at Plant City Stadium on Saturday, February 11th the PREGNANCY CARE CENTER OF PLANT CITY raised over $12,000. Over 100 men, women and kids and yes, even a couple of dogs participated in this very worth while event. On Sunday evening, April 2nd, THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH will present the fabulous DIAMONDS in concert at the Wesley Centre. The Diamonds are best known for the rock n’ roll classic “Little Darlin”. This group offers tight harmonies, humor, and lively choreography, in a blast from the past celebration. Call the church office at 813-754-3519 for ticket information. The concert starts at 7:00 PM. This is the last show of the series and one you will not want to miss. ★★★★★★★ Don’t forget the 19th Annual RAINBOW BALL which will take place on Saturday, April 8th at the Ramada Inn. Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Di Lott at 813-267-3119. You will not want to miss this gala celebration for such a worthwhile cause.

★★★★★★★ The Plant City MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY is currently seeking Sponsors to host its 2nd annual dinner on May 6th at St. Clement Catholic Church. The dinner will be held in Cronin Hall at 5:30 PM. Together, with the help of close friends, they have created this annual community event, which not only raises money for this disease, but also allows them to inform people what sort of damage this “invisible monster” is capable of. All money raised at this event goes straight to research, in the hope that one day we will ﬁnd a cure. For information on sponsorship, call Carol Rodriguez at 813-757-6234. Remember to put this date on your calendar…Saturday, May 6th. ★★★★★★★ Have you visited MOSI? Now through April 1st they are featuring an Animal Grossology exhibit. This is a new science exhibition that’s disgustingly fun. Based on a popular series of books by science teacher, Sylvia Branzei, this is an educational experience grounded in the theory that the best way to get kids interested in science is to present it in terms they ﬁnd most appealing. MOSI in located at 4801 E. Fowler Avenue in Tampa. You can call them at 813-987-6000. ★★★★★★★ Mark the date of April 15th on your calendar. That’s when the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will host the 9TH ANNUAL STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW in historic downtown Plant City. You will not want to miss this great family event. It’s a real fun time to look over some real classic cars and hot rods.

March 18 – Florida Opry – 1914 High School. Call Myrle Henry for tickets 813-752-4094. March 20-24 – School Spring Break March 26 – Festa Italiana at 2504 Clubhouse Drive, Plant City. Call 813-752-2505 for tickets April 1 – Children’s Fun Fest sponsored by the Arts Council. Takes place from 11-2 PM at Hillsborough Community College, Park Road, Plant City April 1 – Bike Fest in downtown Plant City 5-9 PM April 1 – Little Miss Plant City contest. Held at Tomlin School. Starts at 6 PM Call Katie Sparkman at 813-757-2447 or Kathie Pagilaro at 813-967-3292 April 2 – The Rock n’ Roll group “The Diamonds” in concert at the Wesley Centre. Call 813-754-3519 for tickets and additional information April 4-10 – 32nd Annual Sun N Fun event at Lakeland Linder Airport April 8 – Florida Opry – 1914 High School. Call Myrle Henry for tickets at 813-752-4094. This is the last concert of the season and features the Southern Star Bluegrass Band. April 8 – Rainbow Ball at the Ramada Inn. Call Di Lott for tickets 813-2673119 April 12 – Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Contact Breakfast at the Ramada Inn. Starts at 7:30 AM. Call the Chamber ofﬁce to RSVP 813-754-3707 April 14 – Good Friday – Chamber ofﬁce closed April 15 – 9th. Annual Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Strawberry Classic Car Show in downtown Plant City. Note the time: 2 till 9 PM

★★★★★★★ DATE FOR YOUR CALENDAR:

April 21 – American Cancer Society annual RELAY FOR LIFE held at the Plant City High School athletic ﬁeld.

March 18 – Strawberry Classic Car Show in downtown Plant City 4-9 PM

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Specializing in braces for children & adults ��

Story and Photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

Life Has Gone To The Dogs FOR PATRICIA GIONET!

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atricia Gionet moved to Plant City from Colorado and quickly landed a job working as legal support. Due to company reorganization, her work week was cut to 20 hours a week. Although she’s adapting to more singlemom time spent at home, ﬁnancially she’s struggling on such few hours.

Patricia was forced to dig deep, ﬁnding her strengths to press on to make ends meet. With her love for people, nature and animals, combined with being an Avon Representative, she created a winning combination breeding dogs. Patricia breeds tiny shorthaired dogs standing about 6-8 inches in height with protruding eyes. These dogs are originally from Mexico and antedate Aztec civilization. The Aztecs were a Mesoamerican civilization with a rich cultural heritage, especially when it came to their pets. The adorable little yippers she breeds are “Chihuahuas.” Patricia didn’t just delve into the business of breeding; she studied it. She’s now educated on the origination of various breeds of Chihuahuas, hailing from the warm climate of Mexico and their temperaments. She believes they’re super pets for those living in tight quarters. These pups take up as much space as a Q-tip.

Gionet says Chihuahua’s are not only the smallest breed of dog in the world; they’re the only “natural” toy breeds. Unlike other small dogs, Chihuahuas aren’t intentionally bred to be a smaller version of a larger dog. Patricia has 9 dogs (2 which are mothers to-be). Her most recent acquisition, “Snow,” is a white 8-pounder that has the sweetest disposition. I thought Chihuahuas weighed in at 1-2 pounds. Not so. Chihuahuas can weigh up to 9 pounds, but they must be less than 6 pounds to compete in kennel shows. Chihuahuas have either smoothed glossy coats like her Alpha dog (Hannah) or long, wiry coats like Snow’s. They’re several varieties of coats diverse of solids and patterned colors. Even their heads and snouts vary. Gionet has one shorthaired gray named Sadie that is classiﬁed as an Apple head Chihuahua. Patricia’s home is nestled in the woods on a dead-end road affording the safety and privacy for her pups to prance about. Gionet says it’s hard selling the puppies because she easily gets attached. But sometimes it’s a dog-eat-dog world.

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�� The ﬁrst Chihuahua was exposed to the United States circa 1800’s. In the early 1900’s the American Kennel Club recognized the breed of Chihuahua.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 14

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Story and Photo by Sophia Dedon

Charles S. White

LIVING HIS LIFE ON SCOUT’S HONOR

n today’s society, just giving your word doesn’t always mean enough. However, when a male raises two ﬁngers and swears on his “scout’s honor” you have taken it to another level.

Plant City has 13 scouting units under the Gulf Ridge Council Boy Scouts that all impact the lives of young men. The lessons that boys learn as scouts stick with them long into their adult years. There are certain special individuals who are committed enough to scouting to become an Eagle Scout. This is the highest honor in Boy Scouts, and any young man who earns it will always keep his title. On February 23, there was a luncheon held to honor a Plant City Distinguished Citizen. This honor goes to someone who has invested his life in scouting in some way, as well as

proven to be a community leader. This year it was Charles S. White that received the honor. White was born and raised in Plant City. He went on to earn a BA from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctorate degree from Florida College of Law. He also served in the United States Army Reserve, earning the rank of Captain. Since 1972 he has been practicing civil law in Plant City. He serves on several boards and committees, always willing to invest his time in others’ lives. Not only is he a member of Rotary International, but he has 29 years of perfect attendance. As a little boy, he entered scouting as a Cub Scout at Wilson Elementary. He eventually went on to become an Eagle Scout. His involvement in scouting did not stop there. He was District Chair of

the Timucua District (to which Plant City belongs) and has served as a council board member. He was Council President in 2004-2005 and is currently immediate past president. He has also received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award a volunteer can receive from the local council. The luncheon also was a fundraiser for Plant City scouting units. After all donations were totaled, they were able to raise over $44,000 that will go back to helping change the lives of the 800 scouts in Plant City.

Charles S. White was chosen as the Plant City Distinguished Citizen this year.

2005 Finalist SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Brandon Chamber

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Story by Holly Mallalieu Photos by Billy Friend

Crawl Your Hearts Out AT THE POPULAR DIAPER DERBY

here really is nothing more delightful than a baby. They are cute when they crawl, precious when they chatter and even adorable when they simply sit and do nothing at all. Plant City parents had a chance to show off their little bundles of joy on Sunday, March 5th, at our wellfamous Strawberry Festival. After strolling their way through the sights and sounds of the midway - sampling strawberry this and strawberry that - scores of new moms and dads headed for the entertainment tent for the annual Diaper Derby.

way around every part of the stage except for the arms of a jumping parent. But in the end, the winner of the smiling crawl-off turned out to be the lovely Kinsey Diane Ross. A proud mom and dad left with her and her ribbon in their arms.

The Diaper Derby is indeed a sight worth seeing. The competitors were lined up in a row as parents took their positions, about ten feet away. They came well prepared to make their babies crawl. Rattling keys were retrieved from purses, squeaky toys were placed in sight, wellloved teddy bears were pulled from bags and cameras were loaded and ready to go. Parents brought along anything that would capture the attention of their children just long enough to keep them interested in crawling a few feet.

Diaper Derby: 6-8 months: Colby Reed Brewington 9-12 months: Kinsey Diane Ross Fastest Crawling Baby: Colby Reed Brewington

“On your mark, get set, GO!” At ﬁrst the babies were not easily persuaded. Obviously much more interested in each other and in watching their mother and father on all fours make fools of themselves, the little ones just sat. And sat. Occasionally one would move forward a few spots, much to the cheering of the gathered crowd, but a moment later prop himself up once again and stare. The babies seemed to believe that they were the ones being entertained, not the gathered crowd. One mother knew what her tiny daughter would go for, and leaving all pride behind her, she ﬂipped her head over and ferociously shook her hair all around, hoping to intrigue her little one! Being of course, babies, the contestants were rather easily distracted. It seemed as if they found their

Although Plant City may not be home to some of the fastest-crawling babies, it is, in fact, the home of some of the cutest. No contest. The other winners of the Diaper Derby and Baby Contest were:

Decorated Diaper: Making Tracks to Fun: Katie Elizabeth Davis Funniest: Kristen Rose Davis Kids TV Cartoon Character: Jazmin Villa Most Creative: Ryan Scott Burdian Prettiest Girl: 6-9 months: Bailey Ann Brock 10-12 months: Gianna Grace Martin 13-15 months: Catalina Marie Palomino 16-18 months: Chay Torrie Lee Most Handsome Boy: 6-9 months: Zachery Austin Bourget 10-12 months: Virgil Calhoun Simmons 13-15 months: Hunter Leigh Miller 16-18 months: Austin Ryan White Biggest Eyes: Kenley Gail Connell Baldest Head: Bradley Ethan Schneider Chubbiest Cheeks: Austin Michael Perry Most Hair: Alyssa Renae Delagado Look Alike Twins: Katie Elizabeth & Kristin Rose Davis

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

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Story and Photo by Dawn Marie Simpson

Rebecca Elles SCENT GURU FLASHBACK: March 31, 2005 Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube was removed (again) and her frail state became a public sensation – citizens were outraged with grief and concern, feeling helpless. Two weeks after President Bush signed Terri’s bill into law, she passed away, dying of dehydration. Pope John Paul II received the last rites of the church on March 31st after suffering from “septic shock and a cardio-circulatory collapse” brought on by a urinary tract infection. He eventually succumbed to death at the Vatican 2 days later. Rebecca Elles felt sorrow not only for Terri and Pope John Paul, but also for the survivors who had to endure their private pain in the public eye. As a Christian, Rebecca believes God gives us peace for despair. Even though she felt the suffering was hanging heavy, she wondered what (if anything) she could do. Rebecca is a mastermind entrepreneur by trade. She develops and sells SCENTsational perfumes. Her creations are generated from essential oils derived by distillation of grasses, ﬂowers and plants. Ingredients such as pears, jasmine and magnolias are used frequently. After the death of Terri and Pope John Paul, a wild thought came to her mind! She felt compelled to create a signature perfume called “Blessings”. Rebecca felt wholeness and healing would come to those who used it, empowering their

grief with something positive and having an everlasting sweetness. Rebecca, a voracious reader, studied perfume creations developed in ancient Egypt. By the 14th century ﬂowers were specially grown for perfumes which remain the main ingredient of the European trade. Elles is self-taught in the industry of perfumes beginning four years ago. Through trial and error Rebecca has learned the secrets to success. It’s not just a matter of combining oils that make a perfume a winner, it’s a matter of art and science, says Rebecca. Fixatives, for instance, bind the various fragrances together. Through experimentation she found this included ambergris and secretions from the glands of deer and civets. The measurements are crucial to development because, for example, the amount of alcohol utilized depends on whether the potion will be a perfume, cologne, toilet water or eau de cologne. While Rebecca holds no reservation about conjuring up “toilet water”, she did mention that the markets for perfume are much more lucrative. Alcohol quickly evaporates and the scent remaining on the body is the ultimate creation. Tying the quality of all components used determines the intrinsic properties like tone and personality. Rebecca’s personal favorite scent is Asian Spice.

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Secretions from glands of civets are used to create many perfumes. Civets are mammals that secrete a musky aroma.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 17

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Story Debbie Bowers Photos by Billy Friend

The Biggest Appetite Wins Out ANNUAL 31ST STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE EATING CONTEST

en individuals with whippedcreamed faces focused on devouring four pounds of strawberry shortcake. The thirty-ﬁrst year of the Strawberry Shortcake-Eating Contest was held at the Florida Strawberry Festival, Thursday, March 9. Two of the contestants came from Pennsylvania and North Carolina with the other eight from Florida. The ten strawberry shortcake-eating

contestants were dressed in an apron and hat and faced a cheering crowd of approximately 250 people. The Strawberry Queen, Miss Hannah Hodge, and her Court participated by encouraging the contestants to keep on shoveling the shortcake in their mouths. Thomas “Tiny” Hawthorne ate and ﬁnished the four pounds of shortcake in 5 minutes and 40 seconds. Before

the contest started he told the audience he felt conﬁdent he would win the contest again. After all, Tiny has won the contest 3 out of four years. After winning he jokingly asked for more shortcake. The 26 year old, 300-pound winner is a resident of Plant City and is the Sales Manager for Aaron’s Sales and Lease Company. Tiny stated, “Success is sweet, just like berries.” Second place went to Howard Mumau of Pennsylvania, and third place to Frank Shiseﬁ of Clearwater Beach, Florida. St. Clement Church, the sponsor of the contest donated the products, including a bottle of water to wash the shortcake down. A scale was used to weigh each 4-pound shortcake. The artistic creation of Chef Tony began with large, round, moist shortcake, followed by juicy, sweet strawberries and heaps of whipped cream. The rules were straightforward.

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

Thomas “Tiny” Hawthorne

Shortcake could not be stuffed into their aprons, and each contestant had ten minutes to eat. A spoon would be used the ﬁrst ﬁve minutes, and the use of their hands and face the last three minutes. Barbara Caccamisi, Project Coordinator of St. Clements Church and Wesley Rounds, a former winner of the shortcake contest of 1972 and 1978, hosted the event. Ms. Caccamisi stated 58,000 strawberry shortcakes had been sold to the fairgoers as of Wednesday, March 8.

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Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Sophia Dedon and courtesy of Joanne Lima

Hillsborough Neighborhood Village AN ADMIRABLE ASPECT OF THE FESTIVAL

henever “Strawberry Festival” is said, most people think of strawberry shortcake, festival rides, country music concerts, livestock or the other common connotations. However, there is an entire other field of people that annually prepare for the Strawberry Festival. These people’s hard labor can be found in the exhibit hall. This year, the brand new expo building, which was only in its second year of operation, housed the Hillsborough Neighborhood Village. Throughout this section were the award winners of the many arts and craft competitions that were held. The first display was full of the youth entries that were submitted by 4-H students. Most people associate 4-H with raising livestock and agriculture. However, the 4-H organization seeks to teach youth skills that will benefit them in adulthood. Many youth who were 4-H members submitted their arts and crafts. Everything from sewn evening gowns to painted plates was displayed. Students could also enter food to be judged.

Whether one enters as a youth or adult, the placing still works the same. If given a 1st place ribbon, $10 was awarded. Second and third place ribbons were also awarded, but winners did not receive a cash prize. In each category,

everyone who one a first place ribbon was then judged again and a Grand Champion was awarded. One person is not allowed to win two Grand Champion awards in the same category. The Grand Champion also received a $20 cash prize. Most of the displays were filled with intricate, creative arts and crafts that were made by adults throughout Hillsborough County. Lining the walls were display cases filled with hand woven, sewn, carved, stitched, painted, or something else, crafts. It is remarkable to walk along the walls and view the hours of hard work and dedication invested into their projects. In the center of the floor were two other displays. One consisted of many amazingly decorated cakes. Because the individuals were judged on their

The Castle Cake was made by Joanna Lima and received Grand Champion.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 20

The Golden Anniversary and the Sunﬂower cakes were made by Joanne Lima.

decorating skills, the cakes actually had a Styrofoam base. Everything on the cakes had to be edible, which really showed the talent of the individuals. There was another display of all the award winning foods. There were cookies, brownies, jam and much more. Every year, Hillsborough Neighborhood Village takes the recipes from the ﬁrst place winners and the grand champions and makes them into a cookbook.

The “Circle of Love” cake was made by Kelli Frey, age 18, who lives in Plant City.

Just walking through and looking at the crafts adds another enjoyable aspect to the festival. If you would like to enter one of your crafts that you will make this year, information about Hillsborough Neighborhood Village can be obtained by calling the Strawberry Festival at 813-752-9194 or by visiting the website at www.FlStrawberryFestival. com and clicking on “Contest Rules.”

The Sunﬂower Cake was made by Joanne Lima.

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

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Story by Ken Lawrence Photos by Ken Lawrence & Holly Dedon

And the Winner Is…

FELTON WILLIAMS ADDS ANOTHER FEATHER TO HIS CAP AS PLANT CITY’S CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

he prestigious award of “Outstanding Citizen of the Year” has considerable value in this community, one reason being that no politician can ever make the list. Not that politicians are all that bad, but selecting someone who does not have any ulterior motive makes the Plant City’s Citizen of the Year Award that much more special.

Felton Williams, Citizen of the Year, with his wife and three children on the day it was announced that he was chosen.

That is why the Red Rose Ballroom at the Ramada Inn Plantation House erupted into loud

applause on the day that Felton Williams’ name was announced to the audience. The selection is a closely guarded secret, almost as much as where are the keys to Fort Knox. Felton Williams has all the ingredients to be Citizen of the Year. Starting in his father’s business, serving his country in World War Two, returning to continue in his dad’s business, then setting out on his own around 1955; Felton has found time to be a family man, church activist and philanthropist. People tell many stories where poor families have been given meat, produce and groceries by Felton and in several cases when they could afford it, they would insist on paying him back,

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 22

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because they respected him so much.

History of the Citizen of the Year Award

Now stricken with Parkinson’s disease, Felton Williams has left the day-to-day operations to his son Lee and daughter Karen, while his third offspring Jeff, is Publisher of Tennis Magazine in New York. However, when he’s up to it, Felton still heads over to the store on Maryland and Baker Streets and barely gets through the door when customers approach him with hugs, handshakes and genuine affection. Your writer has witnessed that on a number of occasions.

The award program was established in 1960 by the then First National Bank of Plant City and was later taken over by the local Kiwanis Club. The ﬁrst winner was Arthur Boring, a local bank president and whose name adorns one of the main buildings at the Strawberry Festival.

One anecdote that was related on the day of the Citizen of the Year ceremonies concerned a visit to Felton’s Market by locally born country music superstar Mel Tillis, a Williams’ family friend for many years. As customers gathered around the pair, some were not that much in awe of Mel Tillis, but rather wanted to know where such-and-such a product was. What did Felton do? Of course, he left Tillis to fend for himself and brought the customer over to the aisle where the item was located.

Since then, other organizations have jumped on board, such as Rotary, Pilot, Optimist, Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Junior Women’s Club, The Woman’s Club, Civitan and the American Business Women’s Association. In selecting Felton Williams as its 2006 recipient of Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the 47th person so recognized, the selection committee, comprising all of the above named clubs, says he has made a signiﬁcant, positive impact on this great town. Criteria for the Citizen of the Year Award Each service club is asked to submit the name of a potential

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recipient in mid-January. The rules committee says that person should be considered on the basis of local community contributions above and beyond the functions of their jobs and not necessarily be a member of any club. Whatever financial Felton Williams, Citizen of the Year, with the 2006 Strawberry Queen, Hannah Hodge contributions they’ve made in the community are not to fulfills that criterion and then be considered. The potential resome. While he was unable to say cipient has given freely of themanything more than “Thank You” selves for many years and has not to the audience, Felton’s son, Lee, asked for anything in return. The spoke on behalf of the family and person cannot be seeking politisaid that the family’s faith in God cal office or fulfilling job related has guided them throughout their duties. All voting is done secretly years in Plant City. To which we and persons who are dead cannot say, “Amen and God Bless Felton be chosen. Williams, a Plant City Icon”. Well, Felton Williams certainly

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 23

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Story by Daniel Sperry Photos by Daniel Sperry & Billy Friend

The Dairy Costume Ball WAS SIMPLY “MOO-VELOUS”!

ou do not need to ask Theresa Hardy or Mary Thomas why they devote so much time and energy into the annual Dairy Costume Ball at the Plant City Strawberry Festival. One look at their faces will tell you the answer: fun!

Brianna Smith won ﬁrst place for the Best Overall Costume as Strawberry Shortcake on her Strawberry Cow.

Jonathan Upthegrove with his Two Men and a Cow Moo-ving Company.

Devon Sanford as Pirate of the Cow-ibbean and his prisoner Bad Cow. Kayla Burlingame and Derrick Sanford are in the backround.

Each year, children from under three all the way up to eighteen years old ponder the question, “What will my cow dress up as this year?” It may not strike you as an issue which would be very important, but for Melinda Riddle and Forest Holden it was critical. Their decision was St. Patrick’s Day and the Luck of the Moo-ish. And it won them ﬁrst place in the Funniest Costume category. This year, the ball took place on Sunday, March 5th. The grandstands were packed and it was standing room only in the TECO Livestock Arena as the one o’clock start for the contest approached. In the stalls behind the arena, children and parents fretted over their cows and their costumes, adding a sequin here, a ribbon there, until the time arrived to parade out for the judges’ inspection. Applause greeted each contestant as they came into the sawdust-covered arena, but none louder than that for Devon Sanford. With his long black dreadlocks and captain’s hat, he was a miniature Johnny Depp. His cow was dressed in black and white stripes with a ball and chain attached to its ankle and the announcer introduced them as “Pirate of the Cow-ibbean and his prisoner Bad Cow.” A little early in the year, but always welcome, a young Santa and Mrs. Claus entered with their antlered cow pulling the Christmas Sleigh. They were shortly followed by a busty cow in short-shorts and her owner, Bo and Daisy Duke, of course.

Melinda Riddle and Forest Holden won First Place for Funniest Costume with Luck of the Moo-ish.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 24

Po-cow-hontas and her canoe, er, Camoo, were adorable, but ﬁrst prize for Prettiest Costume went to Stephanie Wilson as Dorothy with ruby red slippers and her Cow-ardly Lion. In spite of preschooler Brianna Smith’s trouble

with a cow who did not wish to be ridden, she still won first place for the Best Overall Costume as Strawberry Shortcake on her Strawberry Cow. The parade of cows continued without major mishap. A few cows seemed to be a bit reluctant to keep their costumes on, but their little masters kept things under control with a firm hand on the ropes as they led them around the arena. It did not hurt to have Most Original Costume winner Angel Baynard present with her police cow, demanding that every heifer “Respect My Moo-thority.” Any cows seeking relocation after the show needed to look no further than Jonathan Upthegrove with his Two Men and a Cow Moo-ving Company. They would be well advised, however, to use plenty of packing peanuts before strapping their boxes to that cow’s back. Trent Johnson, the Pattie Caddie for Miss Udder Putter, won first place for Most Colorful Costume. But just in case his caddie skills fall short, it might be prudent for you to take an earlier tee time whenever they hit the links. As the event wound to a close, everyone stayed to watch the Strawberry Queen and her court present the trophies and ribbons (provided by the event’s sponsor, Florida Mineral Salts and Agricultural Products) to the winners. They took time to greet and pose with each participant. A Strawberry Festival tradition for more than twenty-five years, the Dairy Costume Ball is a favorite with area locals and visitors alike. According to Theresa Hardy, Ball Chairman, their goal is to encourage creativity and fun in the children and to provide an opportunity for them and their parents to work together on a project. The day was a success, the costumes entertaining and fun. Parents and children congratulated one another back in the stalls and the cows contentedly chewed on fresh hay. Aside from a few indignant cows, it was clear that all present had, well, a ball.

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Modeling for a beneﬁt fundraiser at the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club.

Working on the set

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Story by Debbie Bowers Photos by Harry Jeﬀcoat

These Jumping Sheep Will Not Put You To Sleep THE LAMB JUMPING CONTEST

sk a person at the Florida Strawberry Festival what a Lamb Jumping Contest is and you will probably get a chuckle. It is quite amusing, but at the same time heart-warming, to see the bond between the youth and their sheep as they work together. The contest is strictly for fun, and each division is awarded first, second and third place ribbons. The object of the contest is to see how high a lamb can jump as a bar is raised. The short-legged sheep compete first, followed by the long legged. A harness is placed over the face of the lamb and attached to a lead rope that helps the youth guide the lamb over the bar. Each lamb has two opportunities to successfully jump at a required height. If the lamb cannot make the jump, the youth and lamb are disqualified. The height of the bar is raised until a winner is found. Once this is completed, three ribbons are given to the first, second and third place winners of each group. Lambs are naturally good jumpers. The sheep are divided into two groups. The long legged and short legged breed. The long legged sheep are usually black faced and are either a Hampshire or Suffolk breed. The short-legged sheep are white faced and are of a Southdown, Dorset or Texel breed. The gestation period of a sheep is approximately five months. Many are born in the spring and sometimes at the show, which is a wonderful experience. The young people are there to attend to the birth and continue to care for them. Eighteen-year-old Ashley Dixon of Valrico owns Brooke, an 11 month old, very noisy Southdown, whitefaced lamb. Ashley has been showing sheep for four years. When asked how she prepared Brooke to jump over the bar, she stated, “I

lift Brooke over a 6 inch bar two or three times, and then she jumps the bar by herself.” Dixon also stated a sheep should never jump when pregnant. The beauty of the show is to watch how the youth and sheep work together as a team. Each lamb has his or her own personality. Some sheep need very little coaxing; others will refuse the jump and some just plow through the bar. The audience was very supportive of each team as they cheered them on and you could hear a heartfelt sigh when a team was disqualiﬁed. Throughout the event the sheep spoke their minds with their own language of “baahing.” Once the awards were given, the youths and their sheep competed in a showmanship and breed contest. Tuesday evening, March 7, the youth and sheep dressed up for a parade. Twelve-year-old Brittany Coleman has been raising sheep for seven years. Brittany is showing Macy, a long legged two-year-old lamb. Brittany and her sheep have been competing in this contest for ﬁve years. Jesse Coleman and his one-year-old lamb, Cloey, will be in the contest, too. Jesse stated, “I have fun, and enjoy the opportunity of meeting other people and their sheep.” Kendal Reed from Lithia entered Daffodil, an 11month old lamb, in the contest. Kendall stated she lives on a farm and has eight sheep. Morgan Sistrunk with Pearl won the long legged division; second place went to Caleb Smith with Wendy and third place was awarded to Kennedy Dean with Sweetie Ashley Dixon with Brooke won the short-legged division, a second two-way tie went to Tiffany Lane

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

with Maple and Darby Hasting with Skylar, and third place went to Staci Reed with Chevy. Rhonda Burnette, Chairman for the Lamb Show stated “ This event

began in 1996 as a Youth Project. The project was to breed, raise and showcase the sheep. Youths learn responsibility and respect, and it builds self-esteem.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 27

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It’s easy to take the friendliness of our town for granted. Warm smiles, waves across the parking lot, kindhearted drivers…well, most of the time! But for those who are not as familiar with the small-town mentality, it comes as a welcome reprieve from the ordinary. Last month, Firm Foundation, a southern gospel group hailing from Kentucky, was in town to give a concert at Thonotosassa Church of God. They stopped at Sunshine State Federal Savings Bank on Jim Redman to cash a check, and then were headed to the Port of Tampa, booked to perform as the main entertainment on a soon-departing cruise. They encountered a problem, however, when they attempted to start their van for the drive to the ship. No response. So back into the bank they went, borrowing a phone book from employee April Mew, and attempting to ﬁnd help in a town they had never been to before. After listening to their plight, Mew called Plant City Church of God, where she attends. Within an hour,

the children’s pastor at the church, who also owns an automotive business, had offered to have the van ﬁxed for the price of the parts needed. Moments later, a van arrived from Eastside Baptist Church to take them directly to the port, so they wouldn’t miss their departure. By the time the group returned from the cruise, they were able to pick up their van…for about $600 cheaper than the original quote. Steve Bridgmon is the manager and lead singer of the group. “The thing was, none of these people even knew each other! But they were all there to help. This whole experience convinced me that there really are good people in the world.” One of the perks of living here is that we are surrounded by people who care and will assist in any way they can. Whether it’s helping someone we’ve known for years or an individual we’ve never seen before, we all do our part to make this community the place it is. That’s just Plant City.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 28

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 29

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Story and Photos by Peter D’Alessio

Odessa Wranglers 4H Club SWEEPS DAIRY SHOW SHOWMANSHIP Best friends and competitors Jessica James and Lauryn Foster of the Odessa Wranglers 4H Club swept the competition in the Florida Strawberry Festival Dairy Show Showmanship competition Saturday, March 4, 2006 in the TECO Livestock Arena. The primary focus of the Dairy Show Contest is to educate youth about the dairy industry, build sportsmanship, leadership, discipline and pride. It includes a quiz bowl competition, judging workshops and panels which cover all aspects of the dairy industry. According to the Dairy Competition Chair, Suzanne Churchwell, “It builds responsibility and gives them conﬁdence and leadership. They have a heck of a lot of fun.” Dairy Show Showmanship is about the exhibitor, not the animal. It is about how they best show the animal’s assets, follow the directions of the judge and their general knowledge about their animal. The judge watches the exhibitor with their animal and the additional competitors in the ring to make sure that the animal is being properly presented. The exhibitor works with the animal prior to the event and must have the skills to present the animal at its best. This includes making sure the feet are properly positioned to support the animal, as well as cleaning and grooming the animal to minimize any liabilities. They raise the animal on their own and feed and care for the animal until it is ready to be shown in competition. The cost of housing the animal, as well as veterinary bills, feed and show supplies quickly add up. Most competitors from Hillsborough and Polk Counties are from schools, Future Farmers of America (FFA) or 4H Clubs. The minimum age to compete is eight years old. All competitors must have a minimum grade point average of 2.0. The animal is registered in advance and the competitor must record the class of the animal. Competitors compete in three divisions. The Junior Division is for ages 11 and under, Intermediate Division includes ages 12-13 and the Senior Division is for ages 14-18. Winners in each division compete for the Premiere Showmanship Honor. Division winners receive cash prizes, trophies, halters and ribbons. The Premiere Showman is awarded with a showbox or cash prize. All competitors go home with a ribbon.

Travis Larson of Okeechobee, FL and a University of Florida graduate was the judge. He commented that the exhibitors did a great job and selecting the winners was not an easy task. He had the showmen switch animals to see if they could handle another animal as well as their own. A true showman should be able to show any animal, fully understanding the animal and make sure they take the time to size up the animal before grabbing the halter. Showmen are questioned about the animal, including its parentage, how it was raised, its breed and general questions that help the judge have a better understanding of the showman. Most competitors become involved because of family, clubs or school. In the dairy competitions, they can keep their animals longer which allows them more time to work with the animal. The animals aren’t pets. For some competitors, letting go is not easy. They learn to raise and nurture an animal from birth or from the time they purchase it and have to give it up or sell it when the time comes. This year’s winner is different; Jessica and Gabby plan on retiring together.

Jessica James of Odessa Wranglers 4-H Club with Gabby

Winners: Premiere Showman: Jessica James Junior Division: 1. Kayla Burlingame 2. Brandon Carey 3. Savannah Busciglio 4. Cassidy Hasting 5. Dalton McHenry

Stephanie Wilson of Getter Done 4-H Club with Dixie

Intermediate Division: 1. Stephanie Wilson 2. Holly Whetsell 3. Cameron Salter 4. Derrek Sanford 5. Christina McHenry Senior Division: 1. Jessica James 2. Lauryn Foster 3. Chanse Huggins 4. Austin Carey 5. Erin Carey

Special thanks to the Dairy Show Showmanship sponsors: Maiden Hill Dairy (Vernon and Sandy Blackadar), Friends of the Dairy Show and Clint and Tami Salter.

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

Kayla Burlingame of Getter Done 4-H Club with CloverBud

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Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Billy Friend

2006 Florida Strawberry Festival Baby Parade One of the most anticipated events every year at the festival is the baby parade put on by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club. Themed home-made floats filled the grand stands as babies and toddlers in costumes entertained the crowd with their cute smiles on Sunday, March 12. Many of the little girls dressed up in pageant wear and walked, rather than rode on a float, and some of the boys even wore little tuxedos. The children ranged in ages from one to four. The floats were wondrously decorated and displayed the amazing talent of the parents. But the floats would never be complete without the adorable children to complete the

show. It was extremely difﬁcult to pick the winners, considering the array of impressive ﬂoats and beautiful children, but it had to be done. The winners were: One Year Old Winners: Most Beautiful – 1) Erica Pedroza 2) Madison Gray 3) Zoee Lloyd Most Handsome – 1) Case Watson 2) Damian Rodriguez 3) Kolby Cash Brittain Healthiest – 1) Judson Wade Smith 2) Gerald Wayne Williams 3) Justin Franklin Most Personality – 1) Hannah Simmons 2) Kalyn Hansen 3) Harrison Kinney Best Costume –

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Most Beautiful Float – 1) Katie Davis 2) Paige Nicole Williams 3) Quiton Kahelin

1) Gisselle Gutierrez 2) Emily Linton 3) Carson Spears Most Creative Float – 1) Regan Esler 2) Emma Jayne Stephens 3) Kristin Davis

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1) Jacie Crabb 2) Alburney Taylor 3) Gabrielle Broeders Most Handsome – 1) Carson Simpson 2) Mathieu Whitt 3) Haydon Patrick

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BABY PARADE FROM PAGE 33

2) McKinley Baker 3) Avery Laverne Jones Best Costume – 1) Gracie Gillespie 2) Alexis Lembke 3) Kenneth Ratliff Most Creative Float – 1) Suzanna Mazariegos 2) Haley Courtney 3) Halie Marie Guthrie Most Beautiful Float – 1) Hunter Ethan Hitchcock 2) Jaden Deagan 3) Breanna McCubbin Three Year Old Winners Most Beautiful – 1) Megan Flowers 2) Alexa Kay Newman 3) Kamille Grace Long Most Handsome –

1) Kirkland Jacob Stutler 2) Coley Riley 3) Luke Wilson Williams Healthiest – 1) Grace Gainer 2) Dana Franklin 3) Raegan Taylor Most Personality – 1) Kellie Murrell 2) Ethyn Touchton 3) Phoenix Briaynne Mattair Best Costume – 1) Maddison Paige Westmoreland 2) Tre Ragan 3) Madison Leanne Reinhold Most Creative Float – 1) Emily Yvette Segovia 2) Sydney Renae Watson 3) Toby Michael Johnson Most Beautiful Float – 1) Tori Alyssa Lumley

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 34

2) Mary-Catherine Michelle Stephens 3) Rebecca Nicole Field Four Year Old Winners Most Beautiful – 1) Hannah Moisa 2) Shyla Canady 3) Katelyn Yarbrough Most Handsome – 1) Bradley Moisa 2) Easton Wade Shouse 3) Chantz McEver Healthiest – 1) Kaitlyn Whitt 2) Benjamin Gude 3) Alexis Brown Most Personality – 1) Lexus Ranae Yorks 2) Camryn Wineinger 3) Sarah Dusse

Best Costume – 1) Makenzi Deagan 2) Emmy Jane Shouse 3) Sierra Linton Most Creative Float – 1) Ian Hadley Keel 2) Hunter Cribbs 3) Brantley Hall Most Beautiful Float – 1) Haley Whitmore 2) Bailey Lemelin 3) Chelsea Woodard The ﬁrst place winners in all the fouryear-old categories make up the Baby Parade Court, with the winners in the “Most Handsome” and “Most Beautiful” categories as the “King and Queen”. Congratulations to all the children who participated in the Baby Parade. You are all winners!

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 35

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Behind the Scenes of the ® Florida Strawberry Festival THE MAGIC OF A COMMUNITY UNITED Story by Tracy Everett • Photos by Tracy Everett and Billy Friend

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT BREEANN HAMPTON, 4, WALKING CLOVERBUD DURING PEEWEE SHOWMANSHIP, PATSY BROOKS, GENERAL MANGER, HAS BEEN WITH THE FESTIVAL FOR THIRTY YEARS, SARA HURST, 16, GROOMS AND CARES FOR HER STEER, BUDDY, JUST MINUTES BEFORE THE SHOW BEGINS, JIM AND SARA LINDA RODGERS HAVE BEEN VOLUNTEERING AT THE FESTIVAL FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS Story continued on page 42 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 41

THE MAGIC OF A COMMUNITY UNITED The Florida Strawberry Festival. Its ambiance defines it. It is the lights of the midway and the vibrating rhythms of big name entertainment. It is the laughter of family, friends, and strangers. It is the smell of elephant ears and corn dogs and the thrill of a mechanical ride. It is the sweet taste of strawberry shortcake, strawberry milkshakes and of just plain strawberries There is no doubt that the Florida Strawberry Festival is a magical event to both young and old alike; an event that visitors return to year after year. But there is another magic not known to all, a magic that exists within the Florida Strawberry Festival. It is the magic of a community united and the magic of the volunteer spirit. It is the magic of months of hard work coming to show. It is the magic of behind the scenes of the Florida Strawberry Festival. BROOKS MAGIC The Florida Strawberry Festival has approximately sixteen year-round employees, according to Patsy Brooks, general manager for the last ten years. Brooks’ job as general manager is to oversee all aspects of the festival. She and seven more employees round out the office staff. Their positions range from publicity to accounting. In addition, there is a maintenance crew of eight to ten employees. Their job is to maintain and improve the festival grounds throughout the year. As the time for the Florida Strawberry Festival begins to draw near about three hundred and fifty temporary employees are hired. Deputies, ticket takers, stagehands and parking lot attendants are just a few of the positions that allow smooth daily operation of the festival. During the festival event, these employees work to maintain guest security and safety. Physically closing down the festival can take a month to six weeks. Opening the local streets to traffic usually requires one to two days. Then there

are tents, animal stalls, exhibition booths and more to dismantle and properly store. Finally, paperwork, payroll and bills are completed. By the time May rolls around, the current year’s festival is closed out. This simply means its time to start getting ready for next year’s festival. Securing entertainment, adjusting contest rules and improving the grounds are just a few of the tasks that year round staff members will carry out. COMMUNITY MAGIC Mrs. Brooks and her staff do indeed work a special kind of magic all year long. However, a larger group is the epitome of community spirit. They are the two to three thousand people who are the volunteers of the Florida Strawberry Festival. These volunteers join each year towards a common goal--another successful Florida Strawberry Festival and the promotion and celebration of King Strawberry. There are many levels of volunteers and it all begins with the Board of Directors. These community and business leaders meet regularly to govern the decisions and regulations of the Florida Strawberry Festival Association. There are sixteen directors, which includes four officers. This year’s officers are Johnny Dean Page, president; Gary Boothe, vice-president; Michael Sparkman, secretary; and Ron Gainey, treasurer Together with twelve associate directors, the board donates many hours each year to help organize and operate the many components of the festival. Each director or associate director has an assigned area of expertise. Most develop committees of volunteers to get the job done. According to the Florida Strawberry Festival website, there are fifty-one committees for the 2006 fair. Some of these committees have as many as twelve members to assistant with event operations. In addition to committee volunteers, there is a need for volunteers to work

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 42

on the fair grounds during the festival. Director Betty Chambers and associate directors, Kay Varnum and Danny Wilkes share this responsibility. Captains, who usually represent a Plant City organization or business, are assigned a festival date by the director. South Florida Baptist Hospital and the City of Plant City are just two participating organizations. In this way, the business community is a large part of the festival’s volunteer group. The captain schedules volunteers to cover the assigned date and positions and each volunteer usually works a fourhour shift. Chambers’ area, information services, includes the information booths. These booths are scattered throughout the festival grounds and in the exhibit hall. One to two workers operate each booth. Maps and event schedules are available to assist guests. Varnum is in charge of roving hosts. These volunteers are scheduled to work on the six busiest days of the festival. They assist guests who are waiting in long entrance lines, pass out special beads as guests enter, and move about the grounds offering assistance. Wilkes is actually in charge of two aspects of volunteer services: the parking lot bus service and the guest relations house. The bus service transports guests from remote parking areas directly to festival gates. The buses, which are a recent addition to the festival, are heated and air-conditioned. Volunteers answer questions and play an informational festival video for riders. Wilkes other assignment, the guest relations house, is known as “the rock house” for its construction. This building is designed for the comfort of volunteers and is managed by volunteers. These helpers, assigned by Mr. Wilkes, are in the business of maintaining the guest services house. Cold or hot beverages and light snacks are always available to volunteers completing a shift on the fairgrounds. Rock House workers also provide clean restrooms, the daily newspaper, and a relaxing atmosphere.

However, there is more to this guest services house than meeting physical needs. Here, the community magic grows upon itself—getting bigger and bigger with each passing year. Volunteers arrive knowing they will meet, talk and laugh with old friends. They recognize that all who come here share a common love for their city and the Florida Strawberry Festival. Year after year, these volunteers donate their time--drawn to each other and drawn to this event. Two long-time workers, Jim and Sara Linda Rodgers, return each year to volunteer in a big way. The Rodgers’ have been volunteering at the festival for the past eighteen years. When asked why they volunteer, Jim stated, “We enjoy the people, visiting with everybody and seeing people we know as well as meeting strangers.” In fact, the Rodgers enjoy it so much that they serve as information booth co-captains all eleven nights of the festival. Marsha Passmore agrees with Rodgers. “We see people we only see one time a year and we really look forward to that”. Marsha and her sister, Dodie White, co-captain a team and have been volunteering at the festival for over 20 years. Additionally, Marsha feels that “giving back to the community is important and that this event is important to the community.” From information booth workers to the board of directors, volunteers at the festival allow its smooth daily operation. These thousands of people volunteer at the festival with an eye towards a common goal. It is proof of Plant City’s spirit. THE MAGIC OF THE FUTURE The magic of lights, volunteers and year-round labor are no match for a magic that builds the future. The community spirit that prevails throughout Story continued on page 44

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THE MAGIC OF A COMMUNITY UNITED the festival combines with youth and hard work to create this magic through youth agriculture shows. The first show each year is the Swine Show and Sale. This exciting event is open to Hillsborough County students in grades three through twelve. It is the culmination of months of hard work for the young exhibitors. Applications are due in early September and require evidence of a minimum grade point average. Acceptance of an application does not guarantee the student will show a pig. It only guarantees entry of the applicant’s name into a lottery-style drawing. About twenty days after the application deadline, nearly three hundred students gather at the Arthur Boring Building. When called, each student walks to the front of the room to place their number into the lottery cage. Chosen from the cage are just seventyfive numbers. These seventy-five lucky students have approximately one month to purchase a show quality pig. Then the real work begins. Exhibitors must carefully monitor the growth and health of their charge. Feeding and hygiene of the animals must be attended to every morning and every evening. To keep the animals healthy, daily cleaning of pens is necessary. It is important to monitor the hog’s weight and muscle tone as well. This requires weighing the animal several times throughout the next few months, which is no easy task. Training the pig to follow direction is also important because exhibitors will benefit from keeping their pig near the judge during the show. Besides caring for the animals there are other tasks that are part of the swine project. Students must maintain a detailed record book of all expenses and weight gain information. In order to increase their investments they should also visit local businesses in full official dress. Students speak with business owners or managers about their project and invite them to bid on their animal at the swine auction.

tions. In addition, the young people must keep a clean area and a clean animal. Exhibitors that do not properly care for animal stalls during the festival can be “red-tagged”. Three red tags will disqualify the exhibitor from the current competition and from the following year’s competition as well. Once the show begins, exhibitors and spectators wait nervously to see which pig will place first in each class. The highlight of the show is the selection of the Grand Champion, chosen from the class winners. Selection of the Reserve Grand Champion follows. Showmanship competition, with awards in three age categories, completes the show. A true spirit of community is evident the following evening at the swine auction. Community businesses leaders show up in full force to show support for youth in agriculture. Beginning with the Grand Champion, exhibitioners bring their animal into the arena one at a time for auction. Students may also receive donations, known as “add-ons”, from businesses and individuals. Festival officials require students to write a letter of thanks to buyers before any premiums are paid. Students report using money to build savings accounts for next year’s project, college and their first car. Most exhibitors agree though, that there is much more to the swine project than originally meets the eye, but the life lessons and earnings are

In early November, swine are transported to the festival grounds and tagged. Once home again, the daily labor, training and monitoring continues until “weigh-in,” held the day before the festival opens. Pigs weighing less than 200 pounds at “weigh-in” are unable to compete. Swine are presented for guest viewing during the ﬁrst four days of the festival. Students are expected to stay with their animals to answer guests’ ques-

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

worth the trouble. 2005 exhibitor Pace Everett states that raising a hog is “hard work and demanding” but left no doubt he plans to apply for the 2007 swine drawing. The Florida Strawberry Festival offers numerous other opportunities for Hillsborough County students. The Steer Show and Sale, the Youth Ornamental Horticulture Plant Show and Sale and the Lamb Breed Show are just a few of these opportunities. Most youth contests require a minimum grade point average and an application date that is several months before the festival begins. Most are open only to Hillsborough County students. The Steer Show and Sale, held several days into the festival, is a highly anticipated event. This competition requires the same dedication, hard work and planning needed for the Swine Show and Sale. No lottery drawing is required, but the format of the Steer Show and Sale is similar to the swine event. However, unlike the swine, all steer must be born and bred in Hillsborough County. In addition, exhibitors must apply and have ownership of their animal by a July deadline. This results in a bigger investment of time and money. The Youth Ornamental Horticulture Plant Show and Sale is open to Hillsborough County students ages eight through seventeen. A Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion are chosen as in the swine and steer shows. What makes this competition

somewhat different is that each plant category also has a champion. Plant City High School student Lonnie Coston is the 2006 champion in the Miscellaneous Plant category. Jane Bender, Lonnie’s Agriculture Education teacher, states that Lonnie began working on his natural planter entry last October. Bender guided him in caring for the plant during school hours. That magical community spirit was unmistakable when Lonnie’s plant went up for auction. As he stood by his plant, white cane in hand, plant nurseries throughout the show tent vied for the privilege of purchasing this blind student’s championship plant. They showed their support well. Lonnie’s plant sold for $700.00 to J&R Nursery. The Lamb Breed Show encompasses several contests and accommodates younger exhibitors. Hillsborough County students age six and up are eligible to compete in the Lamb Breed Show, the Lamb Jumping Contest and the Lamb Costume Contest. A showmanship competition includes a Pee Wee category allowing students under six to participate. In this contest there is no sale, but hard work and planning are still the order of the day. Exhibitor Kennedy Dean, 10, has owned her lamb since last October. Kennedy’s mother, Kristy, conﬁrms that Kennedy cared for her lamb daily and trained the animal for the showmanship competition and the lamb jumping competition. Youth agriculture shows provide valuable experiences for exhibitors. Even if students do not choose an agricultural career, their participation will serve in developing important life skills. The support provided by the community combines with youthful energy to concoct a formula that will transform these young people into community leaders. The Florida Strawberry Festival lasts just eleven days each year. Eleven days when nearly all else in this community is set aside. However, any Plant City resident can tell you it is more than just an eleven-day event. It is seeing old friends and making new friends. It is working and playing side by side with people you have known all your life--and people you have not. It is the childhood memories, the teenage memories, the adult memories and knowing your children can have the same memories. It is a community united--a community coming together to enjoy the eleven magical days that are the Florida Strawberry Festival.

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Looking for Love?

AWBA’s Bachelor Auction is Truly a Fun Night for a Great Cause Inter view by Brian West • Photos by Billy Friend

For the past several years, the American Business Women’s Association has been working very hard to raise money for the education of young women from our community and to help women in business. The ﬁrst years of the organization they sold coffee and hot chocolate at the Christmas parade, but for the past 3 years, bachelors have become not only their signature fundraiser, but one that far exceeds their efforts selling coffee and hot chocolate. This year the event was held at the Ramada Inn Plantation House on Friday, February 10, 2006. Yes, the group is completely aware of the timing: just before Valentine’s Day. For those who’ve never been to the auction, the event begins with a pre-auction social the club calls, “Mingle with Your

Focus: How did you get started with the American Business Women’s Association? Shannon: I think it was through Shannon Bond at the [Plant City] Chamber of Commerce. The Lakeland chapter contacted her. They were trying to get another chapter started because National (ABWA) rewards chapters if they help get another chapter started where there’s a need. They had an informational meeting that I went to along with some of the other charter members; Beth Player, Dolores Lowe, Courtney Paat, Veronica Prostko and Kelleigh Klein. We all went to the informational meeting and found it interesting. It was another opportunity for businesswomen to get together and network with women involved in similar functions within the community. So we went for it. We needed 30 members to charter the club. We got 30 women together and the hospital was kind enough to allow us to use one of their conference rooms as a meeting place. Focus: When was the Plant City chapter chartered? Shannon: Six years ago. Our club presidents were Dr. Lowe, Veronica Prostko, Beth Player-Tancredo, myself, Jodi, and now Gail. We will begin our 7th year in July. Focus: How many members do you hove now? Shannon: Our membership actually ﬂuctuates from about 30 – 35, depending on what everyone has going on in their lives and how active they are. And we have a lot of people in our group who are active in the community.

Focus: What are you looking for in new members? Shannon: You don’t have to be female. In fact, we started with a male member. Andrew Connell of Andrew’s on the Park was associated with the ABWA in Texas. I think his aunt was involved in it in Texas. And most of his clientele are women. We don’t have many gentlemen applying, but we do have gentlemen come as guest speakers for our meetings. So we don’t discriminate, but we want members who want to be involved and help the chapter. One of our primary goals is education, whether it’s with one of our young girls that we’re giving college scholarships to, or whether we’re helping a woman who may be trying to break into a career, or go back to school. These are the types of things our education committee is working on. Focus: When do you meet? Shannon: We meet the last Monday of every month. It’s a lunchtime meeting and what’s been nice is that we’ve been able to get sponsors for each lunch meeting from throughout the community. So the members don’t have to pay a lunch fee, which makes it easy for them to attend. Gail: Really their only ﬁnancial contribution is for their dues. Focus: How would someone go about getting help from the ABWA? Shannon: It depends. If they’re interested in membership and attending our meetings (because we try to provide an educational opportunity at each of our meetings),

Men.” During this time, the bachelors are serving hot hors d’oeuvres and champaign to the women. This provides an opportunity for the bachelors and the women to meet each other prior to the auction. Once the auction begins, women bid for the bachelor of their choice and some use their friend’s money to help fund their bids. Cynthia Petitjean attended the event and as we laughed together for a moment in the lobby she said, “I never pay for it [men]!” This was just one example of the fun attitude that ﬁlls the room throughout the evening. I recently spoke with Gail Lyons, ABWA President, and Shannon Mitchell and Jodi Smith, Co-Chairs for the event.

they should contact Courtney Paat at (813) 754-1725. Courtney is our Membership Vice President. If they are interested in scholarship opportunities, they should contact Beth Player-Tancredo at (813) 757-8387. Beth is our Education Committee Chairperson. If they are interested in doing a program; we’re in transition right now because our Program Vice President is about to leave us. She’s accepted another job that will often require her to be out of town, so we’re looking for a new Program Vice President. But if someone were interested in doing a program, the person in that role would be his or her contact. They could contact Courtney or Gail Lyons, our President, in the meantime. Gail’s number is (813) 659-2165. Focus: Let’s talk about the auction. How did you get started doing the auction? Jodi: Well, the ABWA from Brandon did it about 4 years ago this summer. I have a good friend who participated in the auction and said he was a nervous wreck about it. So he asked me to come to the auction. He said, “I want you to because if no one bids on me, I want you to bid on me.” And while I was there for the auction, I tried to watch what they were doing so I could bring the idea back here. Yvonne Fry is actually the one who got the whole thing started here. Yvonne was single at the time and so it was pretty easy for her. She has such a great personality for something like this. Shannon: And we were looking for a signature fundraiser at the time. We tried selling coffee and hot choc-

olate at the Christmas parade and that netted us about $300. But we never knew whether it was going to be hot or cold that day and whatever it was, we seemed to be prepared for just the opposite. So we were looking for something that would help define us as a group. And we really needed a fundraiser that was going to net us more money so we could do what we wanted to do, which was raise money for education. Focus: So is this the only fundraiser for the ABWA? Shannon: Yes. Right now it is because it’s working. It’s been very successful for us. Jodi: And it’s getting a little easier for us each year. We look back on our first year and think, “Oh my gosh! We were all a nervous wreck.” Focus: How many bachelors did you have the first year? Shannon: The first year I think we had 15 bachelors. Jodi: I think last year we had 17 or 18 bachelors and this year we had 18. But it’s always the last week before the event before the guys will commit. You know guys don’t like to commit. Shannon: 2-3 weeks out, I think we had 3 bachelors. We had a lot of guys that said they wanted to do it, but I don’t count them until I get their application.

Continued on page 50

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 49

AWBA’s Bachelor Auction is Truly a Fun Night for a Great Cause Jodi: There were many times when Shannon and I would go to the fax machine looking for something from one of the bachelors, but wouldn’t ﬁnd anything. Shannon: But they came through. And I don’t know why we worry because it’s been this way every year. It’s always the last week when they commit.

they’re interested. Word-of-mouth is also good. Someone will say, “I think this person would be good.”

next year it dropped off to about $9,000, but we think it was because we went to a different venue.

Jodi: What always gets me is that the day after the auction, guys seem to come from everywhere saying,

Jodi: The ﬁrst year we went to the Florida Studies building at HCC, but the last 2 years we held the event at

Yarbrough said of the event,

Focus: How do you get the bachelors? Shannon: The ﬁrst year we did it, Yvonne was our bachelor wrangler. She wasn’t afraid of anybody. She just wasn’t afraid to go up to a stranger and say, “Hey. Are you single? Would you be interested in participating in a bachelor auction?”

“I appreciate the opportunity to help a great charity raise money and I had fun doing it.”

Gail: Yvonne runs. And she’d see someone running and just stop and ask them, “Are you single?” Jodi: Yeah, I was on the phone with her once when she saw some guys running and I hear her say, “Excuse me. You, the cute one right there. Are you married?” Shannon: When we’re getting started, we tell all of our members to get out there and look for bachelors. So here I am, a married woman, out scouting for bachelors. And there’s no shame in it. You give them your card and ask them to call you if

“I would have done it.” So we’ve started to compile a list of potentials for next year. Focus: How successful has the event been as a fundraiser? Shannon: Every year we’re shocked at how well we’ve done. The ﬁrst year we raised about $11,000. The

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

the Ramada Inn. And this year we raised about $13,000. So we’re very pleased with how well the event has done for us. Focus: How are your funds dispersed back to the community? Shannon: We have contacts within the Guidance Departments at Plant

City High School and Durant High School that we work with to provide scholarships every year. As far as applicants, we look for someone who’s willing to work hard and who is interested in going into some type of job or career. But it doesn’t have to be professional. It can be vocational technology. But we want someone who is well rounded with the activities they’ve been involved in. We’re looking for someone who shows promise. We also want to try to continue our scholarships to girls who have received them over the past couple of years so that they can stay in school and can continue to work toward their degrees. When all was said and done, all 18 bachelors had at least one date each after the auction. Some bachelors had more. But one of Plant City’s own, Matt Yarbrough, the 33-yearold Vice President of Yarbrough Equipment/Land Development brought in $1650, the most money of the group. Yarbrough said of the event, “I appreciate the opportunity to help a great charity raise money and I had fun doing it.” Cledus T. Judd, morning show personality on 99.5 WQYK, was the next highest. Once Judd’s bids reached $750 and the emcees were asking for a bid of $800, Judd volunteered to pay for half of it if someone would bid $800. This quickly pushed his winning bid to $1300.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 51

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

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

HISTORY

DID YOU KNOW?

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story and Photos by Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

Plant City Photo Archives Celebrates Its 6th Anniversary At Its 4th Annual “AN EVENING OF PICTURE PERFECT MEMORIES” Just come into the exhibit gallery at Plant City Photo Archives and look at the photos. You’ll say – wow, how time flies! It’s hard to believe, but the Photo Archives was founded almost six years ago, in the summer of 2000, and set up operations in borrowed office space in the Lee Building. After collecting, digitizing and preserving many thousands of historic photographs from 2000 to 2005, and setting up a good number of traveling exhibits, the Photo Archives came into its own when it opened its storefront offices and exhibit gallery in October, 2005, at 119 North Collins Street, in Plant City’s Historic Downtown. It has been non-stop since then. The Photo Archives has just completed its special “Trains and Strawberries” exhibit at the wonderful Florida Strawberry Festival, and is now ready for its major production – the annual “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories”. “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories” This year’s event will begin with a Champagne Reception at 7PM on Saturday, April 29, 2006, at the John Trinkle Center at the Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College. As you enter the main hall, there will be a special exhibit gallery which will feature the new “When We Were Kids” collection, with a selection of Plant City residents years ago, along

with selections from other collections, including WWII, “The Way They Were” (couples and sweethearts of yesteryear), and several others. New This Year – Complimentary Photos! While enjoying the champagne and hors d’oeuvres in the exhibit gallery, you will be able to wander to the photo corner and pose on Reynolds Street, in the early 1900s, and have your picture taken. A complimentary 5x7 print will await you after the event is concluded. We extend our gratitude to the gracious sponsor of this special offer. The Imperial Symphony Orchestra The Photo Archives is also very proud to announce that this year’s gala entertainment will be provided by the outstanding Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s “Pops Ensemble” playing a selection of your favorite melodies. The ISO’s music director and conductor, Mark Thielen, will personally lead the musical selections. The Heritage Award – Will Go To: Robert Trinkle Plant City Photo Archives is very pleased to announce that the recipient of the Heritage Award this year will be Robert Trinkle, an outstanding attorney and a man noted for his long years of dedication to the community, its wellbeing, its history and its heritage.

The Heritage Award presentation was begun in the second year of the annual gala (or soiree), and has taken on a new signiﬁcance. It is presented annually to someone who has greatly contributed to the preservation of the community’s history and heritage. The ﬁrst recipient of the Heritage Award was David E. Bailey, Jr., who is a beloved former teacher and principal in Plant City, and who is the co-author of -Plant City; Its Origins and History, with Quintilla Geer Bruton. He continues to serve as an advisor to the Plant City Photo Archives. In 2005, the Heritage Award was presented to another of Plant City’s leaders over the years, James Redman, attorney, legislator and outstanding community servant. Jim Redman also continues to assist the Photo Archives as an advisor. Splendiferous Brain Stumping, Mind-Numbing Photo Trivia Quiz Again this year the annual gala will present the “Splendiferous Photo Trivia Quiz”, a selection of ten heretofore unseen photos of area events, people, or whatever, with questions about each. Although Dr. Hal Brewer and Jim Redman have led in the quiz in the years past, we have an entirely new set of photos that will stump y’all, and Stanley Kolker will be there to prompt you, as the Strawberry Queen and her Court, and a selected few volunteers,

A selection of photos from previous “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories”. FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 54

Robert Trinkle, circa 1966

move through the audience with visual displays, but, sorry, no hints. RESERVE NOW ~ OR FOR MORE INFORMATION The “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories” is Saturday, April 29. It is black tie optional, and the $125 per person admission will include the champagne and hors d’oeuvres reception, a complimentary photo, a full gourmet dinner, with complimentary wine and beer, the Imperial Symphony Orchestra’s Pops Ensemble entertainment, the Heritage Award presentation and the Photo Quiz. To reserve or for more information call the PCPA ofﬁce at 754-1578, or mail to PCPA, P.O. Box 1118, Plant City, FL 33564.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 55

INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE MARCH 2006

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

HOME GUIDE

For our community’s Buyers, Sellers and Owners

...because your move matters ��

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C E N T U R Y

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 58

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EXPECT MORE. COMING MARCH 2006

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

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

Shining Above The Rest! Barbara J. Kulyk

Davy Miles

Jackie Wyckoff

Janet Cavello

John Walmsley Donna Hodges-Keel

Barbara Laytoa Peter Murphy

Becky Bowdish

Carol J. Brassart

Stewart Angel Buzzy Berry, GRI

Nick Ganey

Mac McGrath, GRI CRS

Paul Lindsey Terri Carroll

Jill Moore

Lou McGrath

Our Walden Lake Realty Stars! “1st” in our community!

You Make A Diﬀerence... ��

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1607 S Alexander St. Suite 102 Plant City, FL 33563

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW WELCOME TO OUR NEW ASSOCIATE!! ASSOCIATE!! Paul Lindsey has joined Walden Lake Realty, Inc. as a sales associate. Paul recently received his state license and is entering the real estate industry following a 32 year career in the newspaper publishing business. He started his career with the New York Times Regional Newspaper Group and went on to serve in management positions at the Tampa Tribune and Winter Haven News-Chief. While in Tampa, he was selected to be the ﬁrst person ever to participate in the Tampa Tribune Executive Developement Program. He completed the American Press Instituteʼs “Metro Market Advertising Management Program” in Washington, D.C. and is a certiﬁed print advertising “Consulting Sales Trainers.” He and his wife, Raye, live in Walden Lake East.

PAUL LINDSEY, REALTOR Phone: 813-716-0180

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW ASSOCIATE!!

Terri Carroll, born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, has been a Plant City resident for the past 6 years. Married to husband John, we have grown twin sons also living in the Central Florida area. After several years in the medical marketing ﬁeld, I decided to embark on a new career and chose Real Estate. I will be happy to help you buy or sell your home and commit myself to do the best job for you.

TERRI CARROLL, REALTOR Phone: 813-508-1957 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • January 15 • 2006 - February 15 • 2006 PG 62

Nick Ganey joined the Walden Lake Realty team jus this past October. Nick was born and raised in Plant City, and a graduate of Plant City High School. He pursued a career as a mechanical engineer at the University of South Florida right out of high school. He decided that ﬁeld was to boring and changed his education to business management that led him into the exciting ﬁeld of real estate. Nick has done extremely well in this very competitive business in the short time he has been here. Being the youngest Realtor at Walden Lake might be intimidating, but donʼt let that fool you, he is very determined and driven to get the job done fast and accurate. No matter what your real estate need might be, residential commercial, buying or selling, Nick Ganey will take control.

NICK GANEY, REALTOR Phone: 813-967-6077

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • January 15 • 2006 - February 15 • 2006 PG 63

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • January 15 • 2006 - February 15 • 2006 PG 64

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • January 15 • 2006 - February 15 • 2006 PG 65

HOMES

REAL ESTATE

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

Are you “CLEAR” ON WHAT IS A GOOD DEAL?

o often beginning investors focus on real estate investing techniques that they lose sight of the important issue - is this a good deal? Learning to recognize a good deal takes research, education and, above all, experience. Here’s a good formula to determine whether a potential real estate purchase is a deal. It’s a simple acronym called “C.L.E.A.R.”

CASH FLOW Ask yourself, will this property cash flow? Well, that depends on a lot of factors, such as the strength of the local rental market, the interest rate on the financing and how much of a down payment you make. Also, it depends on whether it is a single family or multi-family dwelling. All of these factors considered, ask yourself, “Will this provide income for me?” Also, ask the question, “How will this property cash flow compared to other potential properties?” For example, a $150,000 house that rents for $1,000/month has a better income potential than a $300,000 house that rents for $1,600/month. A fourunit building that costs $400,000 may bring in $3,000/month in the same neighborhood.

Now, of course, whether the property will provide income to you begs the question of whether income is important to you. Is it? Do you earn other income? Do you need more income now, or is future equity growth more important? There’s no right answer to these questions, but are all factors to consider when looking at a potential purchase. LEVERAGE Leverage is important in investing because the less cash you put down on each property, the more properties you can buy. If the properties go up in value, your rate of return goes up exponentially. However, if the properties go down in value and you have a lot of debt on the property, this can result in negative cash ﬂow (see above). Since real estate is generally cyclical, negative cash ﬂow is only a short term problem and can be handled if you have other income or a cash reserve to handle the negative. “Nothing down” investing is very attractive for the high-leverage investor, but should be approached with caution. If you are a long-term player, leverage will generally work in your favor if the markets in which you invest appreciate in the long run

and your income from the properties can pay for most of the monthly debt service. EQUITY Does the property you are purchasing have equity? Equity can take a number of forms, such as: a discounted price, a potential fixer upper, a rezoning opportunity, a poorly managed property or a foreclosure. There are many ways to create equity, but buying INTO EQUITY is your best bet. Find a motivated seller who wants out of his property and is willing to give up his or her equity for less than full value. Or, buy a property that needs work that can be done for 50 cents on the dollar or less. In other words, if the property needs $10,000 in work, make sure you get a $20,000 discount on the price or better. APPRECIATION Buying in the right neighborhoods and in the right stage of a real estate cycle will result in appreciation and profit. However, timing a real estate cycle is difficult and can be very speculative. If you buy properties without equity or cash flow solely for short-term appreciation, you are engaging in a very risky

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investment. Buying for moderate long-term (10 to 20 years) appreciation is safer and easier. Look at long-term neighborhood and city-wide trends to pick areas that will hold their values and grow at an average 5 to 7% pace. Combine this tactic with reasonable cash flow and buying into equity and you will be a smart investor. RISK Risk is a consideration that too few investors consider. Ask yourself, “What if my assumptions are wrong?” In other words, do you have a “plan B”? If you bought for appreciation and the property did not appreciate in value, can you rent for positive cash flow? If you buy with an adjustable rate loan and the rates go up, will this put you out of business? If you have a few vacancies, can you handle the negative cash flow, or will it break the bank for you? Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Remember, whenever you look at a property to purchase, think “CLEAR”. Also, consult your Realtor for more information.

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Rental property with 3 units / approx. $300 per month. 10 acres with Oak shaded asphalt drive entering prop- 3/2 block & 1 acre in Springhead community. Modest 3/1 block home includes 900+ sf block Located close to North Alexander Street Extension erty. Very well kept 2-story block home - 4 br/2ba workshop with electric & water - all on 1 acre Close to school and park! 1600 sf htd - 2 car plan. Mobile homes are currently rented. Property - 3587 sf heated - Fireplace in formal living/dining garage - pine walls/ceiling in Den - formal completely fenced. Home is being remodeled with approx. 210x210 in size. Call for complete details. combo - crown molding thru-out & Plantation shutliving - eating space in kitchen - new carpet/ new paint - ﬂooring - new screened patio in back. $145,000 #B1 ters - 2 car garage - detached workshop - screened Lush landscaping in backyard, really deserves a paint. Neat & clean - Ready to move into. pool - Approx 6 acres fenced pasture...$712,000. Call preview. $229,900. Call today to preview. #B9 $249,000. Call today for directions. #A6 for more details and your appt to preview. #B6

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

�� REALTORS®

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As we celebrate our 19th ANNIVERSARY, we want to say a very special “THANK YOU” to all who have contributed to our success. WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOU!

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 67

E-mail: sales@millenniumone.net FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 68

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 69

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PLANT CITY HISTORIC HOME The Alsobrook/Smith House, Built in 1907 Spacious 3 story home, 5 BR/4Bath/2 Half Bath, with 4900+ sq ft of living area, Wainscoting, pocket doors, formal living & dining rooms, parlor, butlerʼs pantry, and more. A preservationistʼs dream home! Call Ron Johns 813-967-3315

EXQUISITE WATERFRONT LOT Fish the Canal from your Private Sea Wall or use the nearby Boat Lift for Easy access to the Gulf. The trees have been cleared from the Lot, so come and build your Dream Home on the Water. Call Cathy Martin 813-376-0891

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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.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 70

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

10 Acres - 10 Beautiful Acres Older mobile home very well maintaned. In-ground pool w/ lovely screened lanai. Non-deed restricted with plenty of room. Rent out mobile while waiting to develop rest of property. This property is adjacent to 18 acres that is also listed for sale.

Call Lisa Potter @ 813-857-4768

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In the hammocks of the marvelous community of Walden Lake in Plant City. Breathtakingly beautiful lakefront home, suitable for the most discriminating buyer. Professionally and tastefully decorated, you will want to stay and make this spacious showcase home your very own! Desirable amenities include: Cherry cabinetry, 18” tile, wood flooring in family room, private office/den just off the master suite, lots of closets & storage. 3 car garage plus mini golf cart garage, tile roof, separate leisure cottage (could be in-law suite) with hot tub & steam room, gorgeous patio with recent installed “pavers.” Impressive 2nd story bridgeway overlooking family room. Guest suite with private bath & dock overlooking exquisite water view. If you are “fishing” for something special, then this is it. #113 Offered at $599,000. Call listing agent Barbara Jean Kulyk @ 813-781-1915

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2 adjacent commercial properties previously used as a ﬂorist (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 “Pizzaz” 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 ﬂoor versatile “imagination room” that could be den, exercise or game room and guest or “in-law” suite! The family room is spacious and complete with wood burning ﬁre place and the “good morning” room is bright and inviting with a “triply” 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 • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 71

HOMES

HOME GUIDE

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story by Ken Lawrence-Senior Writer

The Walden Lake Review Y

ou’re tired of hearing about it and your reporter is getting tired of writing about it and still there is no resolution in sight to the ownership issue surrounding The Walden Lake Golf and Country Club.

that person, whom we cannot name just yet, does buy the club, it would be a good thing because that person (local businessman) does everything “First Class”. You’ll understand what we mean if that deal ever materializes.

The last courtship ended in yet another suitor walking away with “No Sale”. His name is William Blackerby, the Panama City businessman who wanted to build town homes where the present driving range is located off Clubhouse Drive. Whether an impending ﬁght from many homeowners and possibly the City Commission had anything to do with it is unknown, because no one is talking. So the golf course sale is still upin-the air with only one person said to be mildly interested. If

Roadway Blues Walden Lake residents, thinking that they would never have to put up with road construction again, especially since Timberlane Drive was resurfaced last year, better think again. The roadside along Timberlane, as you all know by now, has been torn up for the past few weeks and it really has nothing to do with Walden Lake. Larger water and sewer lines had to be installed for the community of Trapnell Ridge, located on

the south side of Trapnell Road, just across the road from the back gate. The builder, Lennar Corporation, whose subsidiary US Homes your writer once toiled for, is building some 200 plus homes between Trapnell and Lone Oak Drive to the south. Actually, the main entrance will be off Lone Oak. The easiest route to get water and sewer services to that community, which has been annexed into Plant City, was through Walden Lake. The builder has promised to restore everything to its original state and that includes new sod alongside Timberlane. It might work out for the better, because that grass along the roadside was not in the greatest of shape.

Speaking about houses, have you noticed the market has slowed considerably over last year, including Walden Lake? Homeowners wishing to sell will have to shave their “asking price” or the homes will be sitting for awhile. Several factors are at play, including rising interest rates, 100% ﬁnancing loans are harder to obtain and people are not willing to pay inﬂated prices. Some builders, including the aforementioned Lennar, have dropped prices by tens of thousands of dollars. Something to think about. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact Ken Lawrence at (813) 716-0187. Till next Month!

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WALDEN LAKE POOL HOME Extremely well kept 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home, Large Eat-in Kitchen with all new Appliances, Formal Living & Dining Room with Fireplace, Family Room, Lanai and Screened in Pool.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 73

HOMES

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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Story by Shelton Keely

For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Selling your home yourself can save you thousands of dollars in commissions. However, that doesn’t mean you should necessarily do it for the following reasons: DEMANDING WORK

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Selling your home yourself is demanding. What if you spend enormous amounts of time, energy and concentration in your business or profession? What if you have to travel a lot? Entertain a lot? Invest long hours? Do a great deal of study reading just to stay as good at your work tomorrow as you were today? People whose work life includes those sorts of demands probably don’t need another project that requires time and attention. My suggestion is that if your work is exhilarating, challenging and consumes large amounts of time, you will probably be better off working with a Realtor. Take the time when you ﬁrst put your home on the market to interview an agent or two. Ask how they market their listings. Ask if they keep their clients informed about the status of their property’s marketing. Ask for references. When you ﬁnd one you feel can and will do a good job for you, sign a listing agreement. A good agent can give you sound advice and save you a ton of time.

is true if it has been a number of years since the last time you bought or sold. Ditto if you have not bought or sold a home in this part of the county before. People who work for settlement agents, lenders and the like are probably exceptions to these general ideas about who shouldn’t go FSBO. You can get experience if you work in the industry without actually buying or selling your own home frequently. Older people are usually better off working with an agent. A typical situation is that they have owned their home for a number of years. The home has appreciated often more than the owner realizes. The owner now wants to buy something all on one level in a community in which the exterior and grounds maintenance chores are handled by an association. They need to sell one home and buy another. It’s often also desirable if they can add to their savings from the sale and have the operating expenses of the new home be lower than the old. The idea of making a big change and the multiplicity of accompanying concerns is daunting. A good agent can make a world of difference. If either of these situations describes you or your situation, going FSBO is probably not for you.

INEXPERIENCE You are probably a good candidate for working with an agent if you have never bought or sold a home before. The same thing

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 76

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National News Reports Home Sales Down For 3rd Straight Month This is Not the Time to Sell or Buy a Home using an INEXPERIENCED sales agent. Please Call Ken Lawrence-Multiple Award Winning Realtor at America’s and Plant City’s Number One Real Estate Company, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Not only will you receive the unsurpassed services of TAMPA BAY’S FIRST CLASS REALTOR but you will be surprised at how you will save from Ken’s “very generous” REBATE PROGRAM. I Guarantee it in Writing!

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3311 Nohlcrest- Walden Lake Offered at $415,000 Under Contract in 2 weeks

4204 Kipling - Parkwood- Sold to New Jersey family @ $29,900. Ken’s Team did all the work that Seller’s Agent failed to do and Received High Praise

For Sale - 4210 Kipling Gorgeous 4/2 1/2/ 2cg pool home in immaculate condition at $349,000. Worth every Penny. Contact Ken 716-0187

1724 Brookstone Way- Spring Meadow Absolutely Fantastic 2001 Home-4/2/2 Side entry garageBeautiful Lanai with in-ground spa and conservation. $325,000

609 Tuscanny-Brentwood Hills This Brandon Beauty has wood ﬂoors Neat as a pin w/ large back yd. 3/2/2. Offered at $269,000 Call Ken 716-0187

6612 Thonotosassa-near Cooper 3/2 Home on 5 fantastic acres with creek. Zoned Agriculture. Bring your animals, grow your veggies or possible Mini-Subdivision. $584,900 Call Ken Lawrence (716-0187)

4105 Eliot Place-off Thackery Possibly the least expensive home in Walden Lake-3/2/2 w-new roof, a/c updated and in Good condition with very large backyard Offered at $$229,900 Call Ken 716-0187

7515 S. County Line Road-Plant City—10 + acres of agricultural land with steel shed on slab (32’x60’) + pole barn. A2001 mobile home on property does not convey but owner will consider offers. This properyy would make an excellent horse farm and you can follow next door neighbors who built dream home on similar property. Great Price-$499,000

4123 Longfellow-off Thackery Corner home This home is hardly recognizable from original New roof, new hardwood ﬂooring, new Kitchen New pool, new this, new that, the List goes on Offered at very good price of $288,400

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 79

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 81

MONEY

INVESTING

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM Submitted by Edward Jones

Is Your Estate Plan in Place? M

any of us don’t like to think about estate planning, because the process reminds us that we are not going to live forever. Yet if you want something of yourself to live on, you should have a comprehensive estate plan. And the best time to start your estate planning is many years before it will likely be needed. A good estate plan can help you answer many key questions: Who will make financial decisions for me if I become incapacitated? Who will take care of my kids if I die prematurely? How will my money and property be distributed? How can I avoid probate? Can I reduce, or eliminate, the estate taxes my heirs may face?

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 82

To address these and other concerns, you will need to work with your tax and legal professionals to create an estate plan that is appropriate for your needs. You will also need to work with a financial professional to select any investments that may be needed within your estate plan. While working with these people, you may need to consider the following: 1. OWNERSHIP TITLES - When it’s time for your estate to be settled, the ownership of all your assets - real estate, securities, retirement accounts, etc. - will be an important issue. Your tax and legal advisors can help you determine which forms of property ownership - such as joint tenancy, sole ownership and tenants in common - are suitable for your needs. 2. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONSIt’s obviously important to name beneficiaries on life insurance policies, annuities and other financial vehicles. But many people don’t review their beneficiary designations periodically - and that’s a big mistake. If you get divorced and remarried, or if you

have a new child, you will want to change or add beneficiaries. If you forget, your family could go through some major headaches when it’s time to settle your estate. 3. WILL - If you don’t have a will, your wishes may never be fully honored, because state law will dictate how your assets are divided. And if you have no living relatives, and you die intestate (without a will), your estate will go to the state. 4. LIVING TRUST - If you only have a will, your assets may have to pass through probate - which can be time-consuming and expensive. But with a properly established living trust, drafted by an experienced attorney, your assets can pass directly to your beneficiaries, without court interference, legal fees, lengthy delays and public disclosure. Also, a living trust can give you more precise control over how - and when - you want your assets distributed. 5. DURABLE GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY - When you create a durable general power of attorney, you can appoint another person to conduct your business affairs if you are physical or mentally unable to manage them yourself. 6. HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE/LIVING WILL - By establishing a health care directive or living will, you are providing evidence of your wishes regarding the administration of life-prolonging procedures when you are no longer able to communicate. Proper planning takes time. It can take months, or even years, to get your estate plans in the shape you want - and you’ll still probably need to make changes as you progress through life. So, don’t delay. Get started on your estate planning soon. It can be a lot of work - but it’s worth the effort.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 83

MONEY

BUSINESS PROFILE

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Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Sophia Dedon & Ronnie Monk

Summertime! TIME TO GET YOUR TAN

s the summer approaches, everyone wants to look hot in their swimwear. For some reason, wearing an “itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny, yellow polka-dot bikini” and having pale skin isn’t the ideal on the Florida beaches. In order to prepare for the quickly approaching summer, TanaCabana offers convenient and affordable options. For those in the midst of spring break who aren’t prepared for the beach, they can even help you ﬁx your problem in one trip. TanaCabana began years ago as an idea for Billy Herold and Sherri Taylor to invest in a few tanning beds to put in The Artistry, which is owned by Sherri’s cousins, Ron and Jana Evers. When it was decided that more room was needed, Billy and Sherri were going to open a tanning salon next door to The Artistry. Still, it wasn’t the perfect solution. There just wasn’t going to be enough parking.

As Billy and Sherri were traveling all over the United States researching what the most effective and top-of-the-line tanning equipment was, a solution came to them. Billy decided to open an import car business in addition to his truck lot. However, the property that he found was too large for just his business. Therefore, they had finally found the perfect fit for their tanning salon, TanaCabana, right next door to the import lot that would be on Alexander. They flew all over the country, literally, in an attempt to decide on the perfect beds for TanaCabana. They went to Los Angeles, South Florida and even Indianapolis, where the beds are made. Neither one of them had any experience in this field; it was just an idea that they felt was really needed in Plant City. When it came time to open TanaCabana, Sherri left a secure job she had held for 19 years to

Julie Boback in the Velocity.

put all of her time and energy into the salon. All of their efforts have surely paid off, and it is obvious the moment you walk in the door. There are 14 state-of-the-art tanning beds. Some beds are larger or have more features than others, depending on what the individual is looking for. “We have the Mercedes Benz of tanning beds,” said Billy, an expected analogy from someone who works in the car industry. They also offer My Mystic, a spray tan that lasts anywhere from 5-7 days. It is completely private. After receiving instructions, the individual walks into an enclosed room, steps into the My Mystic, and it will spray a tan coating. Many people prefer using the spray tan because it has no UV rays and it is quick if one wants to get a tan for a special occasion. One of the most commonly asked questions

Billy Herold and Sherri Taylor recently opened the new TanaCabana tanning salon.

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

is regarding the safety of using a tanning bed. The truth is, using these tanning beds is no different than sun bathing, it just takes less time. Some people even come by on their lunch break to get their tan. In simply 20 minutes you can pull into the parking lot, go into your room, undress, tan, dress and leave. It’s that simple. After repeating this process every day for only two weeks, you will be tan! People from ages 16-60 enjoy coming to TanaCabana. As of now, over 100 people a day are stopping in for a little sun. Sherri said, “We opened December 9th and business has doubled each month so far. We never expected it to grow this fast!” Obviously, TanaCabana offers something that Plant City not only wants, but loves. In the future, Billy and Sherri would like to open 3-5 other locations nearby as well. There are many other markets locally that are in need of a tanning salon with so many options. Not only do they have tanning beds and products, but also beachwear, such as sandals, beach bags, jewelry, lotions, and more to come! TanaCabana is located at 609 S. Alexander St, next door to Billy Herold Import Sales. They are open Mon-Fri 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun 1-5 p.m. For more information call 813750-1061.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 85

EDUCATION

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Story & Photo by Nathan Palmisano

Student of the Month EMMALEE MILLER

hen Emmalee Miller found out about being this month’s Student of the Month, she was pleased and ﬂattered to say the least. This ambitious sophomore displays many outstanding characteristics that qualify her for such an honor, as she is intelligent, determined, and one of the friendliest students at PCHS. Emmalee has achieved and maintained a 4.4 GPA throughout her high school career and is active in a myriad of extracurricular activities. Ms. Miller, the secretary of the high school’s Best Buddies program, says that she is a wonderful Buddy and participates in the Special Olympics soccer for that program as well. She also enjoys playing recreational soccer in her free time. Emmalee is currently a member of the National

Junior Honor Society and recently applied to become a member of the National Honor Society. She loves and enjoys being an important part of PCHS’s band. She plays ﬁrst bass drum. She explained, “I like participating in the band because I have a chance to play an instrument I love and teach myself self discipline and respect”. Emmalee loves music and says that it is a big part of her life. In her leisure time she goes to the various shows around Plant City and Lakeland, supporting a lot of different local bands. When asked what she planned to do with her life Emmalee responded, “I am torn between two things. I either want to go into interior

decorating or hair design. I like to try my best to express to other people who I am and what I’m about, so I think I can present that through these jobs. I can be creative on many different levels.” When asked where she wanted to go to college, she replied that she is pretty set on getting a degree in business management from the University of South Florida and then by that time she will be able to decide what she wants to do.

Emmalee is by far one of the most modest and mature students of PCHS. I know that whatever Emmalee decides to do in life she will excel at; she will remain grounded and stay as sweet and nice as she is today.

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813-300-4763 • 813-757-0140 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 86

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 87

SPORTS

BASEBALL

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Story and Photo by Bob Hughens

Gryphons Prove Too Much For Raiders to Handle The Plant City Raiders boy’s varsity baseball team took to the road on March 11th to take on the Sickles High School Gryphons at their home field in Tampa. The Sickles’ offense jumped out in front of Coach Kenny White and his men as the Gryphons put up eight runs in the first three innings. That proved to be too much for the Raiders to overcome. 1st INNING: The Raiders could get no offense started in the first inning while Sickles started the inning with a single and three straight walks. Before Raiders pitcher, left- hander Seth Varner, was able to settle down and get things under control, Sickles had jumped out in front with two runs. PC 0 – S 2 2nd INNING: After Terry Wells flied out and Phillip Beauchamp grounded out to first, Hoyt Bochy blasted a triple and Ross Kip walked. However, Jeff Reaume struck out leaving two men on base for the Raiders. This was the inning that crushed the Raiders. After a strike-out and a walk, the Sickles base runner stole second base and scored on the next play, after an error by the Raiders left fielder allowed a single. After another walk and a double, two more stolen bases and a wild throw by the catcher to third base, Sickles was able to put three more runs on the board. PC 0 –S 6. 3rd INNING: After Austin Kern grounded out to first, Adrian Romero got a single, Aaron Starkey walked and Evan Dell got a single. Before Terry Wells struck out, Romero scored from third on a wild pitch. Phillip Beauchamp flied out to left field to end the side. Coach White made a pitching change and brought in right-hander Ross Kip. After Sickles next two batters flied out, PC allowed a single due to an error from their right fielder. Their next batter blasted a two-run homer to bring the score to PC 1 – S 8.

4th INNING: PC led off with a double from Hoyt Bochy and Chris Boatwright pinch ran for him. Brent Butler got a single but Boatwright was forced out at second. An error by the short stop allowed Jeff Reaume to squeek out a single while Butler went to second. A sac fly by Austin Kern moved Butler to third base. Adrian Romero then flied out to center field to end the side. Sickles managed to put two runners on base when one walked and the other was hit by a pitch, but relief pitcher Kip managed to get out of the inning without any more runs being scored. PC 1 – S 8. 5th INNING: Aaron Starkey led off for PC with a walk and Evan Dell got a single before Terry Wells stepped up to the plate and blasted a three run homer to get the Raiders back in the game. The next three batters flied out, grounded out and struck out to end the inning. Coach White made another pitching change and brought in Ricky Morris for damage control. The righthander managed to take down the next three batters as Sickles went three up and three down. PC 4 – S 8. 6th INNING: Jeff Reaume got on base with a walk but was picked off at first base while taking too big of a lead. Austin Kern and Adrian Romero both grounded out to end the side. Sickles leadoff batter was hit by a pitch but the next three batters went down to end the inning. PC 4 – S 8.

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

7th INNING: The first two batters for PC were called out on strikes before Terry Wells managed a walk. Phil Beauchamp popped a single and on a wild pitch, made it to third base, but Hoyt Bochy grounded out at first to end the game. FINAL SCORE PC 4 – SICKLES 8. Plant City’s record drops to 3-7 while Sickles goes to 8-2. Atkinson (2-0) was the winning pitcher and Varner (0-1) was the loser. I spoke with Coach White after the game and he told me that despite the loss, he was encouraged by the play of several players that he had made changes in their positions. Those players put in a good performance having never played at those new positions. I’m sure Coach White will find the right combination on his roster very soon. He has a lot of

talent to work with and I think it’s just a matter of getting the right man in the right spot. The remaining schedule for the Raiders is: 3/28 Riverview Away 7:00 pm 3/31 Durant Away 7:00 pm 4/01 Brandon Home 1:00 pm 4/04 East Bay Home 7:00 pm 4/07 Riverview Home 7:00 pm 4/13 Blake Home 7:00 pm 4/18 Freedom Home 7:00 pm 4/21 Jeﬀerson Away 7:00 pm District Tournament 4/24 Durant 1:00 pm 4/25 Durant 1:00 pm 4/27 Durant 7:30 pm Let’s get out and support our Plant City Raiders boy’s baseball team. It’s great entertainment and you’ll be glad you did. GO RAIDERS!

Aaron Starkey (24) and Evan Dell (32) greet Terry Wells (18) at home plate after his three run homer.

Did you know that prior to April 17, 2005, most Americans were actually working for Uncle Sam? It’s true. On average, it took almost four months to earn enough to pay your 2005 income taxes. If you want to help make your personal Tax Freedom Day come earlier in 2006, consider: • Federal income tax-free municipal bonds1 • Tax-deferred traditional IRA contributions • Investments that pay qualiﬁed dividends, which are taxed at a maximum of 15%2 Pay yourself more and Uncle Sam less. 1 May be subject to state, local and/or alternative minimum taxes. 2 Expires Dec. 31, 2008. Dividends can be increased, decreased or totally eliminated at any point without notice.

Call or visit your local investment representative today about ways to help make your Tax Freedom Day come earlier this year.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 89

EXTRA

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

I Can Do It (PART 9)

have been a devoted fan of the NBC reality show “The Biggest Loser” since it began. Their incredible stories never fail to stir my emotions whenever I watch an episode. Why? I guess it’s because I see overweight people like me reach a point in their lives when they tell themselves that they need a life altering change. For those of you who don’t have a weight problem, I guess it’s hard for you to understand what it’s like. Why do people look for such a lifestyle change? It could be that in this world full of critics, they become inspired like I did. I saw people in the same shape as myself become tired of the way they looked and felt. They made the change for many of the same reasons. They did it to be proud of themselves. They did it for their spouses and children. They did it to live longer, feel better, look better and be healthier.

��

Why do I bring up the reasons why other people make the decision to change their lives? I talk about it because some of you out there haven’t made that decision yet. For whatever reason you are holding back, I think it is time to sit down and evaluate the shape you’re in. Are you really happy with the way you look and feel? If not, what would it take for you to begin a program right now? Do some of you say, “I don’t have the discipline or will-power? It’s too hard and I can’t stand to suffer the pain it takes to make a change. I don’t think I’m the type of person that a weight loss program would work on.” The excuses are endless. However, those excuses are very real in the mind of the person having those thoughts. It takes true courage to ﬁnally make the decision to start the program. I know a lot of you have already been on a weight loss program for a while and are experiencing a slow down in your weight loss. Remember your goal is not only to lose

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 90

pounds but also to lose body fat and change your body chemistry and metabolism so that you are not only healthier but your body will burn those calories quicker when you eat. This helps to prevent you from putting on pounds, even when you have a slow down in your training routine. I, myself, have experienced a slow down recently in my workout regimen due to changes in my schedule. I will be back on track soon, but for now I try to keep from putting the pounds back on by eating smaller portions and eating more frequently. I think it’s great that the word is ﬁnally getting out to the world that there is no magical secret to losing weight. With all the fads and diets there are out there, no one has come up with a substitute for hard work, exercise and proper diet.The weight doesn’t suddenly diappear overnight. But it can happen to you. So why don’t you make the decision to give it a trial period? See a personal trainer and get an evaluation of where you need to start and set some goals for yourself. Just give it two weeks and make the promise to stay on the program without cheating. The only thing that you have to provide is the motivation and discipline. Get a friend or relative on the workout program with you. You can provide support for each other. Try it for two weeks and see what a difference it can make. I would love to hear some of the success stories our readers out there have experienced on their weight loss programs. If you would like to share your story with me, please email me at bob@ﬂoydpublications. com. I applaude each one of you who are on a weight loss program today and for those of you who are thinking about it, make the decision today. Remember, what have you done today to make yourself proud?

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3702 W. BAKER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33563 • HWY 92 WEST OF PLANT CITY LIMITS OFF I-4 BETWEEN EXITS 17 & 19 • 9-6 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 91

HEALTH

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Submitted by Dr. Jeﬀrey Dunn

IPL Hair Removal:

LATEST TECHNOLOGY BRINGS SMOOTH RESULTS

In pursuit of smooth skin and a flawless complexion, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) hair removal is a welcome technology. Both men and women can find excess facial or body hair a nagging concern. Many find depilatories, shaving, plucking, waxing and electrolysis uncomfortable, time-consuming and yielding only temporary results. IPL hair removal is a thoroughly tested, clinically-proven method of hair reduction that is gentle, safe, long lasting and noninvasive. Q: What areas of the body can be treated? A: All areas of the body, on both men and women, may be treated, including the face, chest, arms, underarms, belly, bikini line, legs, back and shoulders. Q: Who is a good candidate for IPL hair removal? A: Basically anyone with unwanted hair is a good candidate, although the most dramatic results occur in patients with light skin

and dark hair. Individuals with light blond, gray or silver hair may be eligible for treatment with special preparation. Q: How does IPL hair removal work? A: A broad spectrum of intense light is emitted that painlessly passes through the skin. This light is attracted to and absorbed by the pigmented part of the hair follicle, the melanin. The light energy turns to heat energy, which loosens the hair and disables the cells responsible for growing new hair. Q: What is the difference between laser and IPL hair removal? A: IPL is the new technology that has superseded laser hair removal. IPL works in the same ways as laser but it emits a broader spectrum of light so it is very effective at lower ﬂuences (amounts of heat). This makes it much gentler on the skin than laser, reducing discomfort and redness and minimizing the possibility of over treating.

Q: How long do IPL hair removal treatments take? A: Small areas, such as the underarms or upper lip, can be treated in 10 minutes or less. Large areas like the back or legs can be treated in 30 to 60 minutes. Q: How many treatments are needed? A: An average ﬁgure for permanent reduction of hair, from the legs for example, would be 5 to 8 treatments. Due to hair growth cycles, multiple sessions are required for optimal hair reduction. Hair color, skin type, the area to be treated and the desired effect are also factors. Q: Is it painful? A: There is always some sensation involved in permanent hair removal but IPL is the gentlest form of treatment available. Most patients describe the sensation as feeling like a slight snap of a rubber band against the skin. No anesthesia is necessary, although a topical anesthetic cream may be

used when treating patients with sensitive skin and/or in sensitive areas. Patients may resume normal activities immediately after treatment. Q: What are the side effects? A: A slight redness and/or swelling may occur, but this usually fades within hours. On occasion, pigmentation or depigmentation marks can appear, although these typically fade within a few hours. While no method can guarantee complete and permanent removal of all unwanted hair, IPL and laser hair removal provides the most aggressive and effective treatment available today, and the majority of patients are extremely pleased with the results. Dr. Jeffrey Dunn, D.C. is the owner of Remedi Spa & Chiropractic Center. For questions regarding IPL hair removal, please contact licensed medical esthetician Julie Blecker at Remedi, (813) 7522440.

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

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2104 Henderson Way, Plant City FL 33563

Hard Working, Self-Motivated Employees Needed To Work Rotating Shifts! International Paper-- Plant City Entry Level Production workers needed. Starting wages up to $11.50+ per hour. Candidates with 3 years+manufacturing and production experience are preferred. Experienced Litho Printing Operators needed who understand basic concepts of process control, such as maintaining color, register, and other process parameters for Offset Web Press Operation. 8 to 10 years+ experience preferred. Able to function in high pressure environment. Starting wages at $18.25+ per hour. Experienced Tool and Die Technician/Machinist needed. Starting wages up to $18.25+ per hour. 5-8 years+ experience preferred. Written assessment required. Experienced Maintenance Technician needed with excellent mech./electrical skills. 5-8 years+ maintenance experience in mfg. preferred. Starting wages up to $18.25+ per hour. Written assessment required. All hourly positions include a beneﬁts package of health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance,401 K with company match, retirement savings and gain sharing bonus. Interested candidates should fax a resume to Human Resources at (813) 707-1278 or apply at the local Tampa Bay Workforce Alliance (Job Service) located at 2001 E. Cherry Street, Plant City, FL 33563.

We are proud to be a Drug Free Workplace. E/O/E MFVD. Background Check and Drug Screen required. FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 93

HEALTH

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Submitted by Sherry Nueesch

The Incredible, Edible Egg

ggs are perhaps one of the healthiest foods we have available to us. They are inexpensive also. Eggs have every nutrient known to man except vitamin C. Properly produced eggs are full of the fat soluble vitamins A and D. They are rich in EPA and DHA that play a vital role in brain development in infants and mental acuity in adults. To quote Sally Fallon in her book Nourishing Traditions: “An unpublished study carried out at the University of California at Berkeley proves the folk wisdom of the Orient-that eggs are a brain food. Researchers studied men in their eighty’s, dividing them into two groups: those who were senile and required constant care, and those who were able to care for themselves. All men were given dietary surveys. Researchers found only one difference between the dietary habits of those who required care and those who were mentally alert-the latter group ate at least one egg per day.” In the Orient, traditionally pregnant women eat up to a dozen eggs a day to insure that their babies are born intelligent. It is heavily ingrained in their beliefs. The best of all eggs to eat are eggs from chickens that eat only grass and worms and bugs. (Better them than

me!) The second best are eggs from chickens that are fed flax. These eggs have a better fatty acid profile than commercial farmed chickens that are fed grains. The difference is in the omega-3 and the omega-6 fatty acids. In the grass fed and the flax fed chickens, the eggs ratio between omega-3 and omega-6 is almost one to one. Grain fed chickens produce eggs with the omega-6 ratio as much as 19 times higher than omega-3. The fatty acid profile is very important for brain development and brain acuity. When buying your eggs, look for the ones that say high omega-3 profile. Look around for local farmers that let chickens “free range” and feed only flax grains. The protein in eggs is considered to be the most complete protein source in food. Eggs are an excellent source of carotene and vitamin A, B1 and niacin. They are one of the only viable sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for the prevention of osteoporosis. Eggs are high in the most absorbable form of iron and are high in calcium and phosphorous and trace minerals. Egg yolks are the most concentrated source known of choline, a B vitamin found in lecithin that is necessary to keep cholesterol moving in the blood stream and not deposited in the arteries. Eggs are one of the best foods on the planet. Dr. William Douglas in his book, “The Milk Book”, quoted a study by the American Cancer Society that was done on a convincing 800,000 people. Their findings were that non egg users had a higher death rate from heart attacks and strokes than egg users. Eggs are a rich source of nutrients. That is “rich” sources, not just good sources. So eat your eggs, real eggs and not the artificial

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 94

processed poo-poo the food industry tries to sell you. Eggs are nutrient dense foods. That means that for a small amount of food, you get a lot of nutrition. The average egg contains only 70 calories. Boiled eggs are a good snack food for kids. They do not lead to diabetes as do sugary snack foods and breakfasts. Eggs are nourishing where sugary foods not only are not nourishing, they deplete your body of nutrients. Start your day with a good old fashioned omelet made with eggs high in omega-3’s and throw in some good vegetables. Make sure you cook it with some real butter. You will do your body well. I like to make egg muffins. I sauté mushrooms or broccoli and put it in muffin tins. Grease the muffin tins with some butter or olive oil. I

sprinkle a little cheese (real cheese) on top of the vegetables, then I beat the eggs and add real sea salt and pepper and pour it over the vegetables and cheese. I then bake it at 350. Baking time depends on the size of the mufﬁn tins. These are great for breakfast or snacks. They can be made ahead and heated in your small oven (not microwave). They make a great quick breakfast as you can heat them while you dress. You can even freeze them. They will last in the fridge for a week. You can get real creative with these egg mufﬁns by using a variety of vegetables. You can add bacon, ham or sausage if you wish. They are great before your workout. Enjoy your eggs and as always, to your health, Sherry Nueesch.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 95

HEALTH

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Submitted by Dr. Susan Ott

ATHLETIC SHOULDER INJURIES A

thletic shoulder injuries usually fall into two categories. Overuse injuries or traumatic injuries. Traumatic injuries are usually either fractures or dislocations. Overuse injuries can fall into a variety of categories. The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. A dislocation occurs when the ball comes out of the socket. This could occur due to something such as a football player being tackled or a baseball player falling onto an outstretched hand going to catch a ball. The athlete will know something bad has happened and will be unable to continue. Sometimes the shoulder will spontaneously reduce (go back into place) but more often it needs medical attention. Treatment for this injury depends on the age of the patient, their activity level and the level of damage to the shoulder. There is a cartilage in the shoulder called the labrum. It acts like a chock block in front of a tire to prevent the joint from dislocating. It is

often damaged when the shoulder dislocates. The ligaments in the shoulder are usually injured as well. Treatment may be as simple as rehabilitation or may need surgery. Sometimes the shoulder may not completely dislocate but may subluxate, or come part of the way out of place and then slip into place. This problem can usually be treated nonsurgically. Oftentimes athletes have a lot of natural looseness to their shoulders that can predispose them to this problem. If the shoulder is slipping, all the surrounding structures can become sore. Usually this results in weakness which causes more soreness. A subluxating shoulder can easily fall into the overuse category. Swimmers cycle their shoulders 100s to 1000s of times per training session and typically have generalized laxity to their shoulders. Often when swimmers vastly increase their yardage over a short period of

time they have resultant shoulder pain. This too can usually be treated conservatively. Baseball pitchers often have overuse injuries to the shoulder as well. Little League pitchers, in particular, are at risk. Organized Little League now limits pitch counts. This was a result of research showing little league pitchers were throwing more pitches than professional baseball players. It is important to limit the amount of throwing done outside of practice as well. Little league aged players are at risk for little leaguers shoulder which is a stress fracture of the proximal humerus (upper arm bone). Fractures to the shoulder often happen in sports as well. Falling from a bicycle is a common way for this to occur. The clavicle or collar bone is frequently injured in football and skating sports. It can almost always be treated without surgery. Other fractures that occur could be a fracture of the proximal humerus. These

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too can usually be treated conservatively. One last common shoulder injury is an acromioclavicular joint sprain or AC joint sprain or shoulder separation. This too commonly occurs in football and cycling. Usually this injury occurs when the athlete falls onto the point of his or her shoulder. This too is usually treated conservatively and very rarely requires surgery. Shoulder injuries occur commonly in sports, but overall most can be treated without surgery. Working with your sports medicine team can get you back on the field as soon as possible. As always, if you or a member of your family has a shoulder injury or a complication resulting from a previous shoulder injury, Dr. Carrozzella and I would he happy to consult with you regarding your injury.

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Fellow: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons Fellow: American College of Surgeons Member: American Society for surgery of the Hand Certiﬁed: American Board of Orthopedic Surgeons

Team Physician for Florida Southern College National Healthcare Referral Network for USA Gymnastics & USA Swimming American College of Sport Medicine

• General Orthopedics • Total Joint Replacement • Partial Joint Replacement • Mini Incision Joint Replacement

• Sports Medicine • Fracture & Injury Care • Arthroscopic Surgery • Ligament Reconstruction

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

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TECHNOLOGY

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Story by Jim Brown

Home Computing Tips

BUY LOCAL CAMPAIGN FROM MICROSOFT Microsoft launched the Buy Local PC campaign that I alluded to in an article I wrote back in January. has been picked by Microsoft as your Buy Local Campaign Center here in Plant City. Microsoft has pulled out all the stops in the second round of this campaign. Beginning March 15th, Microsoft will be rewarding customers handsomely for purchasing their PC’s from system builders who are in the Buy Local campaign. When you buy your PC from a local system builder in the program, you will receive over 1200.00 in Bonus pack offers from D-Link, T-Mobile, New Horizons, Accessline Communications, Cinema Now, Content Watch Internet Protection, PixelMill and much, much more. In an introduction session, Microsoft told us that any person who purchases a PC from a system builder in the program for the duration of the program will receive a massive amount of online training on just about any program you can think of for free. This in itself is a tremendous opportunity for anyone who may be in the market for a new PC. The great thing about purchasing a PC from a local system builder is that you can have it built to your speciﬁcations as well. You can get a good power supply and quality parts that you may not get on a machine you haven’t had built for you.

You also will get technical support that is based right here in the U.S., no language barriers. I have a tech. who tells people all of the time: “If you want to buy a machine, call the company’s technical support line and if you don’t like the accent, then don’t buy that machine.” In this age of rapidly moving technology, you need to be aware that your local system builders also build laptops and other smaller devices. In the past this wasn’t something that was very common, but it is very common within our organization. We in the PC channel recognize that we are now “solution providers” and larger companies like Microsoft recognize this as well. We do much more than just build PC’s. We may build your PC, but we may also network it for you, design your website, host your website, repair your laptop, train you how to use a speciﬁc program and much more. So you should recognize that your local system builder has become more than just that, we are solution providers as well, taking care of all of your technology needs. Until Next time, Happy Computing.

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e rienc e p x No E Training Free 88-9939

863-

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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

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

EXTRA

AUTO REVIEW

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Story by Brian West Photos courtesy of Pontiac

Fun, Fun, Fun!

THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE 2006 PONTIAC G6

n 2005, Pontiac introduced the all-new G6: a sporty compact with a V-6, producing plenty of bang-forthe-buck. I thought this might be a great vehicle to review since our local Pontiac dealer, Lott-Mather, has supplied this car for the past 2 years for the use of the newly crowned Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. Each year, Lott-Mather provides the use of the vehicle for the Queen for the 30 days immediately following the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant, in which the Queen is crowned. This year, Hanna Hodge, a senior at Durant High School was chosen as the 2006 Queen, and has the pleasure of driving the car. If you haven’t seen the G6, it may be because it passed you before you realized what it was. The G6 is available with a 3.9 liter V-6 engine that produces 240hp, which is more than enough for a vehicle this size. The G6 I drove was equipped with

the V-6, and the power seemed to be the perfect combination for the size and weight of the vehicle. It’s very quick without seeming as though the car has too much power, which might be an oxymoron in car terms – too much power. The G6 is also available with your choice of a 6speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The automatic also offers the driver the ability to shift like a manual transmission. At a glance, the G6 GT looks much shorter than it really is. From the rear of the car looking to the front, the styling gives it a look of a clam shell with the hinge at the rear: a simple, short diagonal line from rear to front along the hips and tops of the doors, with a short clam shell dome top. The wheel base is 112.3” with an overall length of 189.1”. It’s a short car with a short wheelbase, but the ride would never give you that impression. The ride was exceptionally smooth for a vehicle of

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

this length, in this range. For those with teenagers in the house, if you’re thinking of purchasing a new car, Pontiac is getting more aggressive catering to current trends with teens by offering accessories such as exhaust tips, door sill plates and spoiler kits. These are the same types of accessories you see that many teens are purchasing from after-market dealers. Even the wheels are targeted to these current trends. The G6 is available with 18” wheels and P225/50 R18 tires. These are low-profile, large-rimmed, fairly wide tires; and they look great. The interior of the G6 isn’t flashy. The dials on the dash are about the most exciting element: they’re not flashy, but nicely styled and practical for the vehicle. There are bucket seats in the front and a small back seat. There is also an 8-speaker Monsoon sound system available, which was pretty impressive. I found

myself looking for different CD’s to listen to just to experience the sound in the car. Unlike many factory stereos, I found this one very easy to operate. I quickly learned how to program the stations and change the bass, treble and fader settings. I spoke with Hanna after she’d had the car for a couple of weeks. She said, “I love the car. It’s so much fun to drive. I have a Mustang and it’s so much nicer.” Enjoy it while you have it, Hanna. And special thanks to Lott-Mather for their continued support of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Scholarship Pageant. It’s the businesses like yours that make our community a great one. If you’d like to get behind the wheel of the new G6, please stop by Lott-Mather and tell them you read about the G6 in Focus Magazine. They’ll appreciate your business.

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AL RUECHEL

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By Al Ruechel

How to Lose Weight… fast! OKAY. I KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING. RUECHEL DOESN’T HAVE A WEIGHT PROBLEM. WE’VE SEEN HIM ON TV. HE’S MR. SKINNY. WHAT DOES HE KNOW ABOUT LOSING WEIGHT? True confession - after my son’s wedding I hit the scales and topped 208 pounds. I didn’t have a gut but I was developing a couple of extra chins. Worse yet, all my suits were too tight in the waist. I had expanded to a size 36, which was ridiculous for someone like me. Then I get the e-mail. It’s a sports psychologist who believes all of what you are or will become has to do with what’s rattling around inside your head. He challenges me to lose weight by developing my own diet and posting the results on a web site. I don’t know why this challenge rang a bell in my head but something went pop. Here I am at age 54. Did I just give away my age? It’s time to rejoin the land of the skinny where I have lived nearly all of my life, save the last two years. I took the challenge and I beat my own set goals not weeks, but months, ahead of time. What’s my secret? Read my new book, “Lose Weight by doing… Nothing!” It’s just $19.95, which you can send me in three easy payments. Nah, I’ll give you my secrets free. 1. Tell someone you are going on a diet. That’s right. Let as many people as you can know you are going to lose weight. Better yet,

publish it on a web site for the world to see. It’s called peer pressure. Nobody wants to fail, especially when everyone is looking. 2. Burn more calories than you take in! Our metabolisms slow down as we age. It is imperative; if you are going to lose weight YOU MUST reduce your intake. Do the math for the first couple of weeks and you’ll get a ballpark figure of where your current diet fits in the total calories scheme. Read the labels but don’t get hung up on counting a calorie here and a calorie there. Folks get burned out very quickly if they are trying to keep a log of what they’ve eaten each meal. 3. Exercise, exercise, exercise! YOU MUST burn off calories before they have the opportunity to hold a party around your waist, legs, chin or cheeks, both upper and lower. I started biking. First, it was just a mile or two here and there; later I increased it to 20, 30, even 40 miles or more at a time. I used my son’s mountain bike with some smaller tires and recently bought a new road bike that I ABSOLUTELY LOVE. I started playing basketball again with a great mix of young and old guys once a week. My wife and I also bought a great elliptical machine from Proform. What a great piece of machinery. It allows us to exercise without regard to the weather, doesn’t destroy your knees and works up a good sweat in less than ten minutes. It’s a weight burner supreme.

4. The scale is your friend. At first it was a bit depressing because I couldn’t lose any weight. But after two weeks of regular exercise, the pounds started falling, and falling and falling. The scale keeps me in line, especially after weekends and speaking engagements. I set my target weight at the beginning of each week and NEVER allow myself to go up more than a few pounds at a time. If I go up too much… I increase my exercise activity within 24 hours. 5. Changing my eating habits. I still eat lots of vegetables and fruits. I cut out most of the bread. Sweets are okay now and then. I drink ONLY diet soda, my one and only vice… so far. I also eat a cup of oatmeal EVERY morning and a Slim Fast Shake at noon to curb my hunger. At night I try to keep all portions no larger than my fist. Yes, I’m hungry at times but keep a ton of carrots in the refrigerator. I’m not big on drinking a ton of water, but I’ve heard that helps, too. Those are my rules; now a few tips. Develop your own diet by discovering what works for you. The key is your metabolism. If you have an office job with little activity you are likely to put on extra weight because you body is not in the burning calories mode. Make exercise a daily routine that takes care of the extra weight. Also, make sure it’s an activity you enjoy. Daily walks count if they are at least 30 minutes in length and at a rapid clip.

Weigh yourself at the same time each day. Your weight may vary as much as 5 to 7 pounds from morning to night. Learn what your weight patterns are to better control your weight. Finally, the problems you will face. None of my pants fit anymore. I keep a packet of safety pins handy which work great on those pleated pants. The weekends and evenings are the real killers. Avoid snacking after 7 at night. If you get hungry drink a big glass of water or even a diet soda. And get used to people calling you skinny or asking you about your health. You’re doing fine. In fact, better than fine. You are adding years to your life, improving the quality of your resting and exercise time, and just plain feeling better about yourself. Bottom line: nothing tastes as good as skinny feels! I don’t know who originally made that statement, but I’ll bet they weren’t a size XL.

OH, AND BY THE WAY. I LOST 26 POUNDS IN THREE MONTHS! YES, I’M BRAGGING!

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 99

EXTRA

TRAVEL

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Story by Brandon Hyde Photos courtesy of Inkandblood.com

Ink & Blood

THE DEAD SCROLLS ON DISPLAY

In late 1946 or early 1947, in an area of the world known as Bedouin, a discovery was made that changed the face of history as we know it. For thousands of years, hundreds of jars filled with scrolls lay dormant in caves near the city of Qumran. Discovered by a young boy throwing rocks, over 12 full scrolls and countless fragments have been uncovered to produce some of the most amazing insight into the world that people lived in at the time of Christ. The Dead Sea Scrolls were not only scriptures about the life of Jesus Christ written by his disciples, but also a record of how the population lived their everyday lives. Now, fragments of these magnificent pieces of the past have traveled to Florida, right in our own backyard. Accompanying them is an exhibit that follows not only the Dead Sea Scrolls through its course in history, but the overall bible itself. From cuneiform to the King James, the adaptations of biblical translations are proudly displayed by the Florida International Museum in its exhibit, “Ink and Blood.” One of the things that make this exhibit unique aside from its spiritual forms is the personal touch that goes out to each and every one of us. We stand only a few inches from some of the most influential pieces of writings ever.

Even the oldest known numbered page is in this exhibit. Yes, the oldest page to Isaiah Fragment of Dead Sea Scrolls ever be found that was be printed in a year compared to numbered. And, not to be topped, only a few hundred books that the oldest known writing of the would be handwritten by monks. name God can be seen by viewing the oldest known papyrus writing First edition bibles litter the containing the word Elohim, museum floor. First edition meaning God in Hebrew.. Martin Luther, First edition William Tyndale and even a first There was a point in the history edition King James Version are of man when we no longer all on display. Even the first produced scrolls and put our edition bible that was printed writings into book form. Some on American soil, approved by of the oldest forms of these books congress, is out there for every can be viewed along with several eye to view. artifacts from the empire of Rome, the first empire to embrace Some of the most beautiful bibles Christianity. ever created by man can be seen at “Ink and Blood.” While only a Among the other great artifacts few of these “Illuminated bibles” of biblical history, there is a were ever created, we can see the complete replication of the craftsmanship that the artists had famous Gutenberg Press. With to produce these bibles for the daily demonstrations of how this rich and famous. Only royalty machine works by the museum could afford to have color printed curator, Dr. William H. Noah, bibles before the invention of the the importance of this machine is Gutenberg. put out for all to see. Dr. Noah explains that with this invention “Ink and Blood” represents more several thousand books could

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 100

Genesis Fragment of Dead Sea Scrolls

than just how a book has evolved. It brings you up close and personal with the men and women that brought the Holy Bible from just carvings in hardened clay to scrolls to books. We see their life’s work laid out before us. We see what some of them sacriﬁced their lives for. We see where we as a country founded in the trust of God’s name have come from. The hope of this exhibit is not only to educate every one of us about the best selling book in the world, but, also to make us realize the importance of what it means and does for us every day. The Florida International Museum is located at 244 Second Ave North in St. Petersburg. For further information you may visit their website at www. ﬂoridamuseum.org or call them at 727-341-7900. You may also visit the website www.inkandblood. com.

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�� FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 101

D&E

DINING REVIEW

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Story and Photos by Brenda Paul

Strawberry Shortcake VARIATIONS ON A STRAWBERRY THEME

t may be the high tourist season around the Sunshine State but a high season of a different nature runs from December to April in Plant City every year. The “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World” celebrates its peak season by honoring the bright red fruit with its own special occasion, the Florida Strawberry Festival, and by serving up the strawberry’s crème de la crème, strawberry shortcake. Three strawberry shortcake-making experts are in close proximity at the Florida Strawberry Festival each year. With over 80 years of strawberry shortcake-making experience among the three organizations dishing up shortcake delight at the festival, it is obvious they are all doing it right. One organization, the relatively “new kid on the block” of Florida Strawberry Shortcake vendors, has served up shortcake for approximately 20 years. The East Hillsborough Historical Society offers a choice of either a biscuit or sweet vanilla cake underneath a load of strawberries, juice and whipped cream. The EHHS also offers unsweetened berries. Proﬁt from the EHHS’s shortcake sales supports the 1914 Community Center, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each year, the St. Clement Catholic Church runs a “Make Your Own Strawberry Shortcake” booth at the festival. The do-it-yourself method of building the strawberry dessert using a biscuit covered with juicy berries and whipped cream has been successful for St. Clement for 33 years. The shortcake booth is St. Clement’s largest fundraiser each year and the funds generated go toward payment on the church mortgage. The Turkey Creek Assembly of God has been operating a shortcake booth at the Strawberry Festival for

28 years. Generally, strawberries are served over a vanilla sponge cake with whipped cream to top it off, but Turkey Creek Assembly of God can add a bit of chocolate to the mix if the customer so desires. They also offer chocolate marble cake as the strawberry shortcake base and ﬁnish it off with chocolate shavings sprinkled over the whipped cream. The proceeds from their annual shortcake endeavor go to support missionaries and church projects. Strawberry Palace oﬀers an array of strawberry sweets.

The Florida Strawberry Festival regulates the price of strawberry shortcake so the $3.50 price for shortcake this year was uniform at each booth at the festival. Since the festival is a twelve-day event and the craving for strawberry shortcake lasts much longer, the feeding frenzy is assuaged by other strawberry shortcake experts in Plant City. Parkesdale Farm Market, located at 3702 U.S. Hwy. 92 West, dishes up strawberry shortcake throughout the season and uses a lightly sweetened vanilla cake as its base. The price of regular shortcake is $2.50. Served with ice cream, the price is $3.25. No-sugar berries can be requested. Parkesdale’s also serves strawberry cookies, strawberry milkshakes and strawberry sundaes. Operating hours are based on the season and can be obtained by calling 754-2704. A relative newcomer to the strawberry shortcake market is the Strawberry Palace, located at 206 E. Hwy. 60 just east of Hwy. 39 South. The Strawberry Palace opened in December 2004 and serves strawberry shortcake made with angel food cake for $3. Also available are strawberry milkshakes, strawberry pizzas, strawberry cookies and chocolate dipped berries. Call 650-8554 for additional information on hours of operation. There is no better time of year to

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 102

At its Strawberry Festival booth, Turkey Creek Assembly of God oﬀers a touch of chocolate- chocolate marble shortcake with chocolate shavings.

scout out the various purveyors of the sweet, juicy dessert and do in-depth research into the many ways strawberry shortcake is served up in Plant City than during King Strawberry’s high season. The locations vary, as do the shortcake styles but the results are all the same: a lip-licking juicy dessert sure to please any discriminating palate. Regardless of the preferred method of delivery, strawberry shortcake certainly satisﬁes the sweet tooth of thousands of strawberry lovers in the Central Florida area. It’s a good thing there are a lot of strawberry growers around.

Parkesdale Farm Market oﬀers strawberry shortcake for $2.50 during Plant City’s strawberry season.

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 104

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

EXTRA

ENTERTAINMENT

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story by Sophia Dedon Photos by Billy Friend

Dierks Bentley

STOLE THE HEARTS OF WOMEN IN PLANT CITY

or many women in Plant City, the Dierks Bentley show was one of the most anticipated of all the concerts at the Strawberry Festival this year. The 30-yearold hottie has captured the hearts of countless women across the country with his combination of vocals, looks and dance moves. The show began with the 2006 Strawberry Festival Queen, Hannah Hodge, and her court introducing the performer. After entering the stage, they all opened their hands and showed the crowd their palms. Hannah said, “See these hands? They just touched Dierks Bentley!” The crowd responded in two ways. Some people laughed at the amusing joke the girls played, while hundreds of other women sighed in jealousy. Then, it was time for Dierks to come out and start his show! The crowd erupted in excitement! It was such an honor to have Dierks at the festival, especially since the day before his performance he found out that he had been nominated for CMA Male Vocalist of the Year! He expressed to his audience what an honor that was and the thrill of the news was still beaming from his face.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 106

Throughout the performance, women and teenage girls were screaming their lungs out while Dierks danced in his tight jeans and played his guitar. At one point, the band came together to the front of the stage and entertained the crowd with two bluegrass songs. Finally, he played the song that everyone had been waiting for, “Come a Little Closer.” Immediately following that song he went into his other #1 hit, “What Was I Thinkin’” and the crowd was uncontrollable. Women from all seats, front to the back, ran down the aisles up to the front of the stage. The excitement could be felt in everyone that was at the concert as the entire audience stood and danced along to Dierks’ voice. The clapping, cheering, screaming and excitement never ceased until the end of the show. After the encore, Dierks came back and entertained the crowd with a few more songs, including a cover of Hank Williams. Overall, Dierks certainly pleased the women with his show. Every girl that ﬂed to the front of the stage is probably still daydreaming that Dierks would have reached out and took her hand and carried her away.

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

Historic Downtown Guide SHOPPING

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 108

FOOD

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

D&E

MOVIE REVIEWS

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

By Brandon Hyde

Maya to Old Jack, the screenwriters and animal trainers team together to highlight the personality of every one of the dogs. The actors, namely head man Paul Walker, deliver heartfelt portrayals of their characters. Yes, I said Paul Walker did a good job. Since the “Fast and the Furious”, that is a quote one hasn’t seen very often. Nonetheless, the team of Artic researchers and the visiting doctor, accompanied by some talented canines, a great story line and an intelligent production team, is a story that makes the skin cold and the heart warm. Rating: 4 Stars

Eight Below

Rated PG Drama Starring: Paul Walker

In the frigid, frozen landscape of Antarctica, some of the world’s most groundbreaking discoveries have

been made. “Eight Below” starts with this thought and ends with the thought of courage, not by humans, but by our best friends. A heart wrenching story for dog lovers and non-dog lovers alike, Disney has set a standard for dramatic storylines involving animals. From Max to

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 110

Curious George Rated G Family and Children, Animation, Action and Adventure, Comedy Starring: Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, David Cross, Eugene Levy, Dick van Dyke

Skeptical was my frame of mind when I ﬁrst saw previews of a

movie that followed Martha and H.A. Rey’s beloved monkey, George. Can George’s great curiosity and unusual predicaments be reproduced in that same manner in a full-length feature ﬁlm? That question is answered with a resounding yes. With the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Drew Barrymore, Eugene Levy, and the evergreat Dick van Dyke, along with the music of Jack Johnson, Curious George is brought to life. With a unique style of meshing computer graphics and animation together, “Curious George” displays not only ascetically pleasing scenery; it also enfolds and embraces you so that you feel like you are part of George’s world. With creative ideas and a quirky, yet humorous storyline, “Curious George” piqued my curiosity and persuaded me to encourage the reader to take a stroll down memory lane as George and the Man in the Yellow Hat follow

some of George’s greatest adventures. Rating: 4 1/2 Stars

16 Blocks

Rated PG13 Action and Adventure, Crime and Mystery, Drama Starring: Bruce Willis, Mos Def, David Morse, Cylk Cozart

The work day is long, the job stinks, and the desire to reach home is almost overwhelming. Now, the boss gives one last assignment before the day is done. Transport a prisoner 16 blocks in 118 minutes. Sounds easy enough. Sounds like a good movie, too. Wrong. Bruce Willis shows his age and Mos Def shows his ability to grate on your last nerve in “16 Blocks”. The movie could have been done much better. With the team of Willis, Def (is that his real name?) and David Morse, the casting was good enough to create a mega blockbuster. The story was set up perfectly. Yet, something lacked; something that makes every suspense movie great. No, not Jodi Foster. The music. In this ﬁlm, the music doesn’t create suspense or even the slightest inkling of emo-

tion for that matter. It seems most likely the director tried to ﬁll in this void with the ramblings of Mos Def. Not a good move. Overall, the ﬁlm is not bad, yet the room for improvement was a vast and very large 16 blocks to cover. Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

Medea’s Family Reunion

Rated PG-13 Comedy Starring: Tyler Perry, Blair Underwood, Lynn Whitﬁeld, Boris Kodjoe

Put on your laughing pants. Yeah, the ones that are large enough around the waist to allow those belly laughs. The mad, black, large southern lady from Atlanta is back. With the success of “The Diary of a Mad Black Woman”, America’s recognition of Tyler Perry’s talents has ﬁnally begun. Combining fresh new ideas and comical routines, Tyler Perry mixes his profound messages of life, family and relationships to produce a new story focused on what our genera-

tions are and what they will become. With a complicated story of emotions between sisters, mothers and daughters, foster mother and foster daughter, brother and sister and great-grandparents and their grandchildren, “Medea’s Family Reunion” prompts us to reﬂect on our own relationships. And yet, at the same time, it shows how to bring humor into them and our everyday lives. However, there is only so much a great script can do for a ﬁlm. The

actors, Tyler Perry aside, are limited in what they can achieve. Many scenes that are meant to be emotional come out ﬂat and uneventful. But they do what they can to portray the emotions people feel every day. A great family ﬁlm, and a great one to discuss at the dinner table, we can all enjoy the antics and message of a large southern black lady. Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 111

D&E

DINING GUIDE

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

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 703 Collins St S 754-5200

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 • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 112

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

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 113

�� HOME COOKED MEALS ALWAYS PREPARED FRESH

OPEN SUNDAYS Drive-Thru All-U-Can-Eat Salad Bar 109 South Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563

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

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Walker Plaza, 617 N Maryland Ave. • Plant City, FL 33563 ATM Available at Customer Service TECO Payments Accepted

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 115

D&E

EVENT CALENDAR

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

March 18, Saturday The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation Houseʼs 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. The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be in Downtown Plant City from 4-9 p.m. The Florida Opry will be in performance at the 1914 High School Community Center at 7p.m. Reserved seats are only $12.50. For more info call 752-4094. Kids Night Out will be hosted by the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department from 6-9p.m for ages 5-12. It is $5 at the door and includes music, crafts, food and fun while the parents get a night to themselves! For more info call the PCRPD at 659-4255. March 19, Sunday Lord of Life Lutheran Church would like to invite you to join them for Sunday morning worship. 8:30 a.m. is a contemporary worship service, 9:30 is educational hour, and 10:30 a.m. is a traditional worship service. For more info call the church ofﬁce at 813-752-6064. March 25, Saturday The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation Houseʼs 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. March 26, Sunday Lord of Life Lutheran Church would like to invite you to join them for Sunday morning worship. 8:30 a.m. is a contemporary

worship service, 9:30 is educational hour, and 10:30 a.m. is a traditional worship service. For more info call the church office at 813-752-6064. March 29, Wednesday The Rat Pack Too will be appearing at the Ramada Inn Plantation Houseʼs Red Rose Dining Room at 2011 N. Wheeler St. in Plant City. The show will start at 8:00 pm. Donʼt miss this special performance that includes the new 18-piece orchestra set! For reservations, please call 813-752-5452, or visit their website at www. ramadaplantation.com. March 31, Friday The Black & White Affair, a youth dance to benefit the One Life Revolution will be at the First United Methodist Churchʼs Wesley Center in downtown Plant City. The dance is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets may be purchased from Backstage Pass or from The Loft, the FUMC youth group. Call 813-754-3519 for more info. April 1, Saturday The Bike Fest will be in beautiful downtown Plant City beginning at 5 p.m. For more info call 7543707. The Little Miss Plant City Pageant will be held at Tomlin Middle School at 6 p.m. For more information on the pageant, contact Cathy at 757-0108 or Katie Sparkman at 757-2447. April 2, Sunday Lord of Life Lutheran Church would like to invite you to join them for Sunday morning worship. 8:30 a.m. is a contemporary worship service, 9:30 is educational hour, and 10:30 a.m. is a traditional worship service. For more info call the church office at 813-752-6064.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 116

April 8, Saturday

April 13, Thursday

The Lord of Life Lutheran Church will be having an Easter Egg Hunt at 9:30 a.m. Pre-K to 12 year old children are invited to participate. Parents are invited to watch, take pictures and enjoy! You can get your photo taken with the Easter bunny from 9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Bring your own basket for the hunt. Afterwards, enjoy refreshments while discovering what is inside your eggs! For information, please call the church ofﬁce at (813) 752-6064 between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Lord of Life Lutheran Church will be having a special service in observance of Maundy Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For information, please call the church ofﬁce at (813) 752-6064 between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The 19th Annual Rainbow Ball will be at the Ramada Inn Plantation House from 6:30-11:30 p.m. and is presented by Sunshine Federal Savings and Loan. There will be an open bar as well as wine tastings presented by ABC Fine Wines & Spirits. There will also be dinner and dancing, of course. All proceeds of the ball go directly to benefit the Child Abuse Councilʼs Rainbow Family Learning Center Program. Tickets are $125 a person. Sponsorships are available. For more info call Child Abuse Council at 673-4646 or Dianna Lott at 754-8870. April 9, Sunday In addition to the regularly scheduled worship services on Sunday morning, Lord of Life Lutheran Church invites the Plant City community to the cantata, For God So Loved the World: A Celebration of the Saviorʼs Sacrifice on Palm Sunday. The Easter story is poignantly told through scripture and song in this original musical work by Lloyd Larson. For God So Loved the World will be performed by the combined choirs of St. Peterʼs Episcopal Church and Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 4:00 p.m. A covered dish supper will be provided by the church after the cantata. For information, please call the church office at (813) 752-6064 between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

April 14, Friday The Lord of Life Lutheran Church will be having a special service in observance of Good Friday at 6:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., prior to the service, there will be a “quiet meal.” For information, please call the church ofﬁce at (813) 7526064 between 1:00 and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. April 15, Saturday The 17th Annual City Wide Easter Egg Hunt will be at the Otis M Andrews Sports Complex off of Cherry Street. The stage act starts at 10 a.m. There are free hotdogs and drinks for all the kids! You can also take your photo with the Easter Bunny! (Polaroids $3, Digital $5) There will be an inﬂatable spacewalk, rock climbing, trackless train, airbrushing, and much more! So, all children ages 3-11, bring your Easter basket and come search for eggs! (Children will be divided into 4 different age categories). For more info call the PCRPD at 659-4255.

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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2 GREAT EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN LAKELAND ��

Spring

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Friday, March 31st

6pm-9pm

Businesses Open Late Music & Entertainment Horse & Carriage Rides Kiddie Train Rides Pictures with the Easter Bunny Face Painting Kid Activities City of Lakeland Public Works Celebration in Munn Park

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For more information visit our website: www.downtownlakelandﬂ.com or call 863-513-3669. FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • March 15 • 2006 - April 15 • 2006 PG 118

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