FOCUS PC 05-04 April 2006 by Floyd Publications

LOCAL • REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS • SPORTS • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT VOLUME 5 NUMBER 4 • APRIL 15 • 2006- MAY 15 • 2006

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PLANT CITY EDITION

COLEMAN DAVIS

of Plant City’s Badcock & More, the city’s oldest retail business

Division I Fast Pitch Softball Championship to be held in Plant City FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 1

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

contents LOCAL 7-34 This month is full of exciting things going on, such as the announcement of our upcoming “Focus on You” makeover, the grand opening of the new tennis courts at Ellis-Methvin Park off of North Wilder Road and the patenting of a new invention called Tummy Comfort by a local resident. We also tell you about the Parish Nurse Program at the South Florida Baptist Hospital and all about the crowning of Caycee Hampton as Miss Heart of Plant City.

FEATURE 40-44 The International Softball Federation’s World Headquarters is right here in Plant City and they will host the National Junior College Athletic Assoc., Div. 1 Fast Pitch Softball Championships to be held from May 18th – 20th. The ISF’s Director of Communications, Bruce Wawrzyniak, says his group at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex is always working towards giving softball a greater world presence.

SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW 48-50 Coleman Davis has been working with the W. S. Badcock Corporation for more than 45 years and is the 4th dealer for the Badcock & More store here in Plant City. That particular store is the oldest retail business in our community and Coleman Davis gives us some insight as to what makes a business last so long with continued success.

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

SPORTS 88 Strong pitching and aggressive base running were the weapons Coach Kenny White and his Plant City High School varsity baseball team used at home on the evening of April 4th as they rolled over the visiting East Bay High School Indians team. Sophomore starting pitcher Evan Dell went the entire game for the Raiders as he retired the first nine batters he faced leading the team to a 6-3 victory.

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT 100-118 The Ramada Inn Plantation House’s Red Rose Dining Room is open for lunch and is an elegant treat for a very reasonable price. The youth department at First United Methodist Church in Plant City recently hosted a Black & White Affair. They planned the décor, promoted the event and sold tickets, with the help of one of the church’s youth ministry groups, Backstage Pass.

ON THE COVER

Coleman Davis, local Badcock & More dealer See his story on page 48 Photo by Sophia Dedon Photo by Sophia Dedon

FOCUS

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

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. Letters, Questions and Comments can be sent to us at sdedon@floydpublications.com. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed to 10,000 homes.

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

letter FROM THE EDITOR

“Procrastination isn’t the problem, it’s the solution. So procrastinate now, don’t put it off.” Ellen DeGeneres

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Well, I finally got my taxes done, but I certainly took Ellen’s advice, and have pretty much all of my life. From the early years of my adulthood, I have put them off until around the 14th of April. Of course, then it was fairly simple – I just filled out a 1040 EZ form, but I still put it off until the absolute last minute. After marriage and children, with child care and mortgage interest statements in hand, I’d trudge down to the local tax-preparer’s office on the 14th of April, have to wait three times as long, and have to make a return trip the next day to pick them up and get in the line at the airport post office at night (after work) just to make sure they would get postmarked by April 15th. It became somewhat of a joke around the office where I worked, right along with my starting Christmas shopping around December 15th after I got my tree up. Of course, if you’ve been reading these letters on a regular basis, I believe I’ve let you in on when I take the tree down. I don’t know why I’ve always been such a procrastinator. But there’s no telling how many times in my life that I’ve had to explain it by quoting my motto; “I work well under pressure,” when, if I didn’t procrastinate there would be no pressure. So I guess that’s one of those “catch-22” things, huh? On a more positive note, this is a pretty exciting time around here in the Focus office. Although our building renovations for our new office are taking a little longer than planned, they’re coming along nicely. We will be moving into temporary digs soon for the next couple of months until our new home is completed. What a great day that will be! This month our local section is full of stories that give all of us reason to be excited. There was the grand opening of the new tennis courts at Ellis-Methvin Park off of N. Wilder Road. We also tell you about the wonderful Parish Nurse Program introduced through South Florida Baptist Hospital, a part of BayCare Health Systems, in 2000. We introduce you to a new product invented by Tina Solomon called “Tummy Comfort”, which enables pregnant women, post-surgical patients and big and tall people to wear a seatbelt with comfort and ease.

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Our feature this month certainly gives us reason to get excited! It’s on the International Softball Federation’s World Headquarters right here in Plant City and their upcoming National Junior College Athletic Assoc. Division I Fast Pitch Softball Championship. These are to be held at Plant City Stadium, which is also known as “The Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex”. Well, I’d better end this letter here so the graphic artist can get it into the layout before press time. It was due on the 25th of March and today is April 3rd. Some things never change! As always, we hope you enjoy this issue and we thank you for your support and readership.

Linda Floyd.

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

LOCAL

TALK

of the

town

Lorraine Bennett of Century 21 Shaw Realty Group (center)

Congratulations to Lorraine Bennett of Century 21 Shaw Realty Group who earned the Master Award for 2006 Sales Production. She was considered one of Century 21’s top producers nationwide. Congratulations to Janet Kelly for her recent promotion to Stafﬁng Manager for Rita Stafﬁng of Plant City. If you are a Plant City resident who graduated from Lakeland

High School in 1986, you will be excited to know that they are planning the 20-year class reunion. For questions or to help, call 863-838-8066. Well-known Plant City artist Jules Burt is launching a new product line for the city of Tampa called “Sassy City.” The Plant City Lion’s Club is working with postal employees to pick up used glasses and discarded hearing aids from April 20-22.

Plant City residents looking to assist with the Eyeglass Recycle Drive should leave these items in their mailboxes for pick-up. For more info call Charles Harris at 813-719-3800.

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.

gagement to Lindsay Sue Bowles on Valentines Day. Lindsay is the daughter of Reverend Joe and Susan Bowles. Mr. Bowles is the senior pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church.

Congratulations to Stephanie Wiggins and T.J. Brannon for their engagement! The wedding will be May 20, 2006. Congratulations to the son of Drew and Jolene Barthle, Drew Alan Barthle Jr., for his recent en-

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�� Kelsey Meyers

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

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Story by Debbie Bowers Photo courtesy of Rolf Ericksen

Military Servants

FAMILIES MINDING THE HOME FRONT in the Naval Reserve, is always in prayer for her husband’s safety, a deployed Marine colonel. Kanewske stays busy rearing their three children, taking care of the ﬁnances, home, cars and lawn. Barbara is still considered active in the Naval Reserve and could be deployed within the next three years. “The Navy requires I have an implemented daycare system available if I am deployed. I know that God is in control of the situation and if that is where I need to be, He will protect me.”

Marine Brett Dawson, Beverly Ericksen’s grandson

everly Ericksen shares with pride a picture of her 20-yearold grandson Brett, a Marine who has been deployed to Iraq since January. “Every other week, I put together a care package provided to me by the post ofﬁce. I focus on sending healthy snacks, unscented body wipes, socks, Gatorade, instant hot water soups and

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

flea collars to put around his boots for sand flees. I am proud of Brett for his bravery and courage to step up to the plate to honor his country. Brett will always find a card expressing my love and concern for him, along with prayers from others, my husband and me.” Barbara Kanewske, a Commander

Mrs. Kanewske stated, “I don’t take my husband for granted as I might if he were home all of the time. I am responsible for all of the daily chores that he would usually do. Maintenance of our home, car, and mowing the lawn, things that most wives take for granted. It is difﬁcult raising my children when their father is not here, playing the role of both Mom and Dad, striving to help raise and discipline them. Once my children are in bed and my chores are done, I miss my husband greatly because he’s missed all of the kids’ daily activities. Still, I am proud to know we are here to protect the freedom of America, which often is taken for granted. I am proud of my husband and he is proud to do his part.” Lyzette Bryant’s husband, an Army National Guardsman, has been deployed since July. She is a Family Readiness Coordinator, whose job is to keep families

ready in case of deployment. The Family Readiness Program is a concept with early roots among Army families who banded together during war, tours overseas, or other isolated locations to provide information, moral support and social outlets to their members. Each month a meeting is held to assist everyone who has a relationship with a deployed service member. This encompasses spouses, parents, children, boyfriends and girlfriends. Many times the meeting will have a theme. Several deployed spouses continue furthering their education, others assume part times jobs, and many discover an inner strength. Lyzette shares, “My husband and I agreed 15 years ago we would make the military a career. It is o.k. to mourn your sense of loss when they leave. However, I’ve decided to allow myself only so many days to mourn and then I must keep moving forward. It is tough in the evening when their dad is not here to tuck the kids into bed. I want to have a fruitful and fulﬁlling life. So many times people think that when a solider is deployed life ends, it’s just a different life. I try to afﬁrm this with my children and to the other family members of our group. One way in which I cope is not to watch the news. It is depressing and I never hear the good things that are happening.” Like a tapestry, families of deployed military personnel have one common thread. That thread is a bond created between deployed military families who courageously stay behind and assist each other. The complex circumstances require families to accept and manage daily, consistent routines and live as examples of honor. The troops on the home front protect America’s freedom, too.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 9

LOCAL

AROUND TOWN

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

Chamber of Commerce A big event is coming to our city. You want to be sure and mark you calendars for the opportunity to watch 16 fast pitch softball teams compete for the ultimate honor of being named the top Junior College in the Nation. Known as the NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DIVISION 1 FAST PITCH SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, this event will take place at Plant City Stadium and the Randy Larson Four-Plex on May 1820. Look for further details about this event elsewhere in this issue of FOCUS. Make plans to attend. It’s a great family experience. ★★★★★★★★★★ The RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY OF PLANT CITY hosts numerous events and activities for various age groups throughout the entire year. You can log onto their web site www.plantcitygov.com/rec to learn about these events. An example of some of the programs and participation the Recreation & Parks Department hosted in 2005 were adult men’s basketball with 100 players and 10 teams and youth ﬂag football with 440 players on 44 teams. This year youth basketball had 46 teams with 530 players; adult softball ﬁelded 350 players on 24 teams; adult co-ed soccer had 90 players on 6 teams and youth soccer had 1544 players on 122 teams.

The American Cancer Society annual RELAY FOR LIFE will take place April 21st and 22nd at Plant City High School. This event attracts many people who come out to help in this ceremony of hope. One of the highlights is the lighting of the luminarias. When the sun goes down, hundreds of luminaria light the way under the stars and a moment of silence falls during the Ceremony of Hope. Each candle represents a person with a name and a story to tell. The American Cancer Society invites all to participate in this moving ceremony. Your donation will place a luminaria to memorialize or honor someone you love. The luminaria remains lit through the evening, reminding us that hope will light the way to a cure. For information call the American Cancer Society at 813-685-0670, extension 114.

★★★★★★★★★★ Have you visited THE DEPOT? It is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with extended hours when there is an event such as the Bike Fest or Car Show in the downtown area.

By 1920, many railroad cars of farm produce were being shipped from Plant City. Also of particular note, in 1938 the arrival of the very ﬁrst diesel powered passenger train, the Orange Blossom Special, arrived at the Depot with plenty of fan fare. The Depot is manned by volunteers from the community. Stop by and take a peek into the past of a bygone era. ★★★★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★★★★ Do you have eyeglasses or hearing aids that you no longer use? If so, the PLANT CITY LION’S CLUB, along with the help of the UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE LETTER CARRIERS, will be conducting a pickup campaign from April 20th through April 22nd. Just place your discarded eye glasses and/or hearing aids in your mailbox and the postman will pick them up. This very worthwhile program of your Plant City Lions Club will help those people who have a special need for your old eyeglasses or hearing aids. ★★★★★★★★★★

It’s about ready!!! The brand new EMERGENCY ROOM AT SOUTH FLORIDA BAPTIST HOSPITAL. On Sunday, April 23rd, a community open house will be held so you can see ﬁrst hand what a wonderful addition this is to our ﬁne hospital. The hours of the open house are 1:00 to 4:00 PM with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce cutting the ribbon at 1:30. Plan to be there.

Here is a date for your calendar….Thursday, May 4th. On that date, The PLANT CITY COMMUNITY EXPO will take place at the new John R. Trinkle Center, Hillsborough Community College, 1206 North Park Road (turn onto Cherry St. for entry). This event is sponsored by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, The Tampa Tribune, Hillsborough Community College and The Courier. Come and meet your local businesses. There will be food samples, door prizes and giveaways. See the latest in new products, services and information. This great community event gets underway at 2:00 PM and goes till 6:00 PM. For additional information, call the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at 813-754-3707.

On Saturday, April 29th the PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES will hold a black-tie event at the new John R. Trinkle facility honoring Robert Trinkle for his outstanding accomplishments to Plant City. Mr. Trinkle, a well-known attorney, will receive the Heritage Award for a lifetime of community service. The program includes dinner, entertainment and the award presentation. For additional information and tickets, call 813-754-1578. ★★★★★★★★★★

The Depot was completed in 1909 and was the city’s focal point. In addition to railroad passenger service it also housed the local Western Union ofﬁce.

The Bruton Memorial Library is located at 302 McLendon St. For additional details on these two programs, call 813-757-9215.

★★★★★★★★★★

★★★★★★★★★★ Plant City’s Recreation & Parks Department does an excellent job in planning programs for our young people and adults. Check out that web site and get involved with one of the ﬁne recreation programs they offer.

home. This program starts at 2:00 PM.

April 29 - Plant City Photo Archives event honoring Robert Trinkle, John R. Trinkle Facility, Hillsborough Community College. Starts at 7 PM. May 4 – National Day of Prayer. Breakfast: 7-8 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church, 1104 Cason St., Plant City Service at City Hall: Noon to 1 PM Evening Service: 7 PM at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, Plant City May 4 – Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Community Expo, John R. Trinkle Building, 2:00-6:00 PM May 5 – Unity in the Community Golf Tournament sponsored by Kash N’ Karry, Walden Lake Golf & Country Club. Registration at 12 noon. Call Joyce Jordan at 813-752-1275 for additional information. May 6 - Bike Fest in Historic Downtown Plant City. Great family fun. Starts at 5 PM. May 6 – Plant City Multiple Sclerosis Society annual dinner at St. Clement Catholic Church. Starts at 5:30 PM. Call Carol Rodriguez at 813-757-6234 for additional details. May 8-13 – Florida High School Athletic Association State Softball Championship at Plant City Stadium and Randy Larson FourPlex. May 10 – Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Contact Breakfast sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital at the Ramada Inn. Starts at 7:30 AM. Call 813-754-3707 to RSVP.

★★★★★★★★★★ DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR: April 18 – Plant City Lions Club prospective member get together at the Holiday Inn Express, 2102 North Park Road, Plant City. Starts at 7 PM.

What’s happening at the BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY? On April 25th the Tampa Recreation Department, as part of their Creative Arts Theater, will present a puppet show entitled “Eugene the Brave”. This puppet show is about a opossum who is afraid of the dark. It is for ages 3-12 and the show starts at 3:30 PM.

April 21-22 - American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Plant City High School athletic ﬁeld.

On Saturday, April 29th, Raquel Ache Leonard and her Marionettes will perform “America – A Continent”. There will be mariachi music, stories, crafts, refreshments and dance presentations by local high school children. The Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library will give each child, kindergarten age and younger, books to take

April 23 – Ribbon Cutting and Open House at the new Emergency Room, South Florida Baptist Hospital. Starts at 1 PM.

April 21 – All Night-Almost Gospel sing of the Florida Opry. First Baptist Church, Plant City. Starts at 7 PM. Call Myrle Henry at 813-752-4094 for additional information.

May 18 - Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Plant City Photo Archives. Starts at 5:15 PM. May 18-20 - National Junior College Athletic Association Fast Pitch Softball National Championship. Plant City Stadium & Randy Larson Four-Plex. Call 813-864-0100 for additional details. MAY 20 – GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MARGARITA BALL – RICK & DI LOTT’S RESIDENCE. STARTS AT 7 PM CALL THE CHAMBER OFFICE AT 813-754-3707 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

April 28 – South Florida Baptist Hospital Children’s Golf Tournament, Walden Lake Golf & Country Club – Call Jack at 813-7571286 for details.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 12

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Story by Kristen Toney Photo by Billy Friend

37th Annual Little Miss Plant City Contest CHERISHING THE OLD WHILE INTRODUCING THE NEW

he auditorium at Tomlin Middle School was packed to the brim. Small children waved and clapped, waiting to see their older sisters cross the stage. Proud fathers carefully inspected their video cameras, while moms wiped a few tears and grandparents smiled at each other. Once again, it was time for the Little Miss Plant City competition. Each year, the Junior Women’s Club begins a search for ﬁve extraordinary young ladies to represent their organization at various community functions and be an example that little girls all over Plant City can look up to. They are judged with an emphasis on their stage presence, instead of their beauty. Even the judges for this event are chosen with great consideration as to who will rule for character and personality, and not simply noticeable prettiness. The ﬁrst step on the evening of the

competition was a private interview with the judges for each candidate. This allowed the panel to rate their personality and interactive nature, giving them an idea as to how the girls would be able to perform their duties during the year if they were selected. Then the girls came to the stage and shared with the audience their name, age and what school they attended. With soft music playing in the background, swirls of rainbow-colored dresses and myriads of sassilybouncing curls pranced across the stage. As each new contestant was spotted, the auditorium erupted with applause. Shouts of, “You go, girl!” and screams of excited peers bounced off the walls repeatedly as the girls spun across the stage. Through all of this, the judges began to rank each young woman by her ability to speak and function in front of an audience. And although for some it was hard to

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concentrate after seeing their families and having camera flashes blind their eyes, the girls displayed amazing grace and decorum. After the first round, ten finalists were selected in order to narrow down the wide field of beautiful young women. More excited screams and a few downcast faces later, each of the finalists were asked a question. While the final tallies were confirmed, the award for Miss Congeniality and The Silver Sandal were given, as well as an opportunity for the current Strawberry Queen to come introduce her court. Several former winners of the Little Miss Plant City title were also introduced to the audience, and just before the final decision was announced, a presentation was given to honor the 2005 Little Miss Plant City and court.

The big moment finally arrived with Denna Lemelin being crowned queen. Her first maid was named as Allyson Glover, and the members of her court Sara Brummer, Samantha Black, and Jamee Townsend. Congratulations to all of the girls who worked so incredibly hard for this special event. Keep your eyes out for Lemelin and her court through the coming year; they will be fulfilling duties all over Plant City. Good luck, girls!

PLANT CITY DOLPHINS YOUTH FOOTBALL & CHEERLEADING 2ND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT May 20th, 2006, Walden Lake Golf & Country Club Plant City, FL

CONTESTS: HOLE IN ONE * PUTTING CONTEST * CLOSEST TO THE PIN * LONGEST DRIVE MULLIGANS: 1 FOR $5 OR 3 FOR $10 (3 MAX PER PLAYER) RAFFLE: 2 FOR $5 OR 5 FOR $10 8 AM SHOTGUN START 4 PLAYER SCRAMBLE (PLAY BEST BALL) PLEASE MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE CHECK PAYABLE TO “PLANT CITY DOLPHINS”

SPONSORSHIPS:

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PLATINUM SPONSOR $600 4 Players Full Page AD in the PCD Yearbook Name and Link on the PCD Website Signage for a Hole Sponsorship 12 Mulligans and 12 Rafﬂe Tickets Lunch for 4

GOLD SPONSOR $400 2 Players Full Page AD in the PCD Yearbook Name and Link on the PCD Website Signage for a Hole Sponsorship 6 Mulligans and 6 Rafﬂe Tickets Lunch for 2

SILVER SPONSOR $200 1 Player 1/2 Page AD in the PCD Yearbook Name and Link on the PCD Website 3 Mulligans and 3 Rafﬂe Tickets Lunch for 1

INDIVIDUAL SPONSOR $200 1 Player 1 Rafﬂe Ticket Lunch for 1

FOR REGISTRATION INFORMATION, CALL BUDDY BENNETT: 813-752-7479 OR MAIL CHECK AND NAME AND PHONE NUMBER TO: PLANT CITY DOLPHINS * PO BOX 993 * PLANT CITY, FL 33564. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS MAY 15TH, 2006.

GO DOLPHINS!!! FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 13

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Story and Photo by Sophia Dedon

The Footprints of Jesus IN THE LIFE OF LUCILLE HALL

or Lucille Hall, life began similarly to a character in a heart-warming novel. She was born in rural Missouri during the great depression to strong Christian parents. Her childhood memories include getting in her dad’s truck to go to church on Sunday morning with his truck bed full of homemade benches that he used to pick up other church members. Usually he would make two or three trips in what would be considered an old-fashioned bus. Other days were ﬁlled with carrying water up the hill to a wash tub to do clothes, followed by a dinner of Navy beans and ham hocks followed by blackberry cobbler. ��

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

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However, her life really began Lucille Hall has lived a life dedicated to others as she has when she was nine years old. served next to her husband Elvin, a retired Baptist pastor. She realized that her life was incomplete and she needed JeIn Elvin’s last year of seminary, they sus Christ in it. She gave her life over adopted two daughters, Carol (1960) to him, surrendered to his will and her and Sheri (1961) when they were each life has never been the same. six days old. Four days after adopting Sheri, they moved to Lakeland to While attending Hannibal LaGrange pastor Gapway Baptist Church. While Baptist Junior College, she met Elvin there, Lucille was diagnosed with LuHall, a Plant City born and raised pus Erythematosus. Those were trying young man entering the ministry to days, but the Lord pulled her through. be a pastor. They were married within a year and began the journey on a Elvin went on to pastor a church road filled with many challenges and in Orlando, where he served for 22 triumphs. After pastoring one church years. They both retired in 1994 and in Missouri, Elvin and Lucille moved moved back to Plant City. Lucille to Texas to complete seminary. is currently supporting her husband while he serves as the interim pastor When they first moved there, Lucille at Eastside Baptist Church, as well as had not yet received her first payserving in several ministries at First check. Elvin’s registration fee was due Baptist Church. and they were $10 short. They had no idea where they would get the money. Lucille put it best when she said, “As That evening, a couple friends came I recall my past experiences and their over and a question was asked that outcome, I clearly see the evidence of no one could answer. Lucille grabbed God’s handiwork. My husband stated a nearby book and when she did in a sermon years ago, “God has given there was an envelope. It said, “For us a block of time and desires that we emergency use only.” She opened it carve out of it a likeness of Christ.” and inside was $10. The Lord always It is my prayer that others may see provides for his children! God’s fingerprints in my life.”

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Story and Photo by Kristen Toney

The Call to Serve

A MAN WHO STILL HEARS, AND TAKES ACTION

e began his career in the Methodist church in 1951 and ofﬁcially retired in 1995, yet traditional retirement is far from Reverend Ed Dinkins’ mind. “I can’t just play golf,” he stated. “Wherever I am, I’ve got to be involved.” Dinkins pastors Sunset Heights United Methodist on a volunteer part-time basis, a church composed mostly of retirees, although he certainly knows how to meet the needs of all ages of people. Throughout more than 50 years of ministry, he has served everywhere from the Navy, numerous churches, President of the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home and countless other positions in the Methodist denomination, to trustee of Florida Southern College, where he obtained his BS and Doctorate degrees and met his wife, Patricia.

As one of eleven children, ten of whom are still living, he holds the faith, values and priorities he was raised up in close to his heart, imparting them on to his son, two daughters and ﬁve grandchildren. A member of the Masonic Order and a past president of the Rotary Club, with 5 years of volunteer service to Habitat for Humanity under his belt, his commitment to his community is evident. He is conﬁdent his place in Plant City is not only a necessity for those older, but also a blessing for him personally. “Ed is open, helpful and friendly to all,” commented Fran Johnson, a member of his congregation. “Since he is a senior citizen, and so are we, we all can appreciate each other.”

Dinkins’ ﬁrst encounter with Plant City was in 1952, when he and his wife were assigned to Trinity United Methodist. During their two years there, they bonded with pioneers of Plant City, such as Judge James D. Bruton, Edgar Hull, Arthur Boring, Ben Rawlins and Bill Sharpton. He’s traveled the world over, yet he holds Plant City in great regard. “When this congregation at Sunset Heights needed some help nearly 3 years ago, we came back, and in a sense, came back home.”

77-year-old Reverend Ed Dinkins volunteers his time to preach to an elderly congregation at Sunset Heights United Methodist Church each Sunday

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 15

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Story by Linda Floyd Photos by Billy Friend

Announcing the Fourth Annual “FOCUS ON YOU” MAKEOVER

It’s that time of year again, when you need to start thinking about that special someone in your life you’d like to write us a letter about, telling us why he or she deserves a full day’s makeover. Or perhaps it’ll be you, wanting to take a day off to just pamper yourself. Either way, just write us a letter and tell us why you, or someone you know, deserve this fabulous day of luxurious pampering.

Shari Rounds, one of last year’s winners, is getting her make-up done at Merle Norman.

Keep in mind that this is for both MEN and women. Men enjoy TLC too, and most men are willing to take a day off to experience something new and be pampered. Your “FOCUS ON YOU” Makeover will be on May 26, 2006. The day will begin with breakfast, and then you’ll take a “before” picture. After breakfast, it’s off to pick out a brand new outﬁt. Next on the schedule is a massage, and if you’ve never had one, you’re in for a treat. Following that will be lunch and then you’ll be whisked away to a premier

Jr. Lane, last year’s male recipient, is receiving a facial from The Artistry.

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

salon to have your hair done, a manicure and a pedicure, and then a relaxing facial. Lastly, a makeup artist will give your face a new lease on life with all the latest colors. Finally, sporting your hip, new outﬁt and looking and feeling like a brand new you, you’ll be picked up by a limousine and taken for a romantic dinner with your honey. Two women and two men, aged 21 or over, will be chosen by the FOCUS staff to be our “FOCUS ON YOU” winners. All entries must be received by midnight May 18, 2006. Winners will be notiﬁed on May 29, 2006. We’ll call you and you will have one hour to contact us. If we don’t hear from you within one hour, we’ll move on and pick another winner. Be sure you or your nominee will be able to take the day off on May 26, 2006. Remember, tell us why your nominated person deserves this makeover and mail it to FOCUS Magazine, “FOCUS ON YOU” Makeover, 101 E. J Arden Mays Blvd, Plant City, FL 33563. You may also send your entries by email to sdedon@Floydpublications. com. Place “FOCUS ON YOU” Makeover in the subject line and send your entry in the body of the e-mail (no attachments, please). Be SURE to include name, address, home phone number and work phone number, and e-mail address, if you have one. You may also fax a nomination to 813-764-0990, Attn: Sophia. Letters and entries may be published in FOCUS Magazine and photographs will be taken throughout the “FOCUS ON YOU” makeover day and published in the following month’s edition. ENTER NOW!

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Story by Heather Davis Photos by David Dye

One Person’s Trash is Another Woman’s Treasure

SCULPTURAL METAL WEAVING ARTIST, MONICA NAUGLE

How do discarded objects of metal, wires, industrial coils, cables and copper turn into beautiful woven textiles evoking images of articles of clothing, basketry or tapestry? In the hands of Plant City artist, Monica Naugle, objects others would consider trash become thoughtful and provocative displays of art. Born in Manizales, Columbia, Monica moved to Florida in 1978 and then to Plant City in 1984. She discovered her talent in 1989 when she wove together copper tape strips and metal mesh from a construction site. Stuff people throw away is her treasure. Many of her pieces evoke contradictions combining hard man-made materials with organic objects found in nature, such as berries and vines. Images such as a skirt, a piece of tapestry, or a basket which would typically consist of soft material are constructed out of materials such as metal, lead, and copper. Many sculptures are formed using found perforated metal frames with embellishments added. While for other pieces, Monica uses a 60 inch countermarch loom. She utilizes the loom to weave a metal grid which is manipulated into a three dimensional armature or “skeleton”. Metal cables, found metal objects and wires are tied on to create sculptures. The only tools she uses are her loom and her hands. Lending itself to another contradiction, as many are accustomed to looms being used only

for ﬁber and textiles. Metal is her silk thread, with copper being her only constant chosen for its aesthetic value and for it’s changing of color. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Hillsborough Community College Ybor School of Visual and Performing Art Gallery is featuring contemporary metal artist, Monica Naugle, through March 30th with ‘Steel Crazy After All These Years’. One sculpture represented features a woman’s bra constructed of bullet casings. “It’s like women’s lives. There’s humor, sadness and survival instincts,” Naugle said of her inspiration for the exhibit. The contrast of the soft and feminine forms and the hard materials also bring to mind such topics as death and decay, rebirth and renewal. Her provocative woven metal sculptures address and confront issues such as women’s sexual identities, political oppression, religion and moral values. So take note next time what you throw out. It may end up becoming a part of Ms. Naugle’s woven metal sculptures, proving that one person’s trash is another woman’s treasure.

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

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Story Nathan Palmisano Photos by Carlton Benton, PCRPD

Anyone For Tennis? GRAND OPENING OF NEW COURTS

Left to right: Tennis Supervisor Shane Johnson, Tennis Center Coordinator Jo Morton and event emcee, Recreation & Parks Director Jack Holland.

What was once a green pasture filled with grazing cattle has now been transformed into a recreational development benefiting the Plant City community to a great extent. In 2002, the City of Plant City and Hillsborough County purchased forty-six acres of land known as Ellis-Methvin Park off of N. Wilder Road for 1.4 million dollars, and then in 2003, 700,000 dollars in county funds were given in order to develop the park property. Now beautiful new tennis courts occupy the grassy fields and are open to everyone who lives in or comes to visit Plant City. The tennis pro, Shane Johnson, says that recre-

ational tennis programs will be held for everyone starting at age four to senior citizens, but reservations can be made by anyone to use either of the courts. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on April 1st where Jack Holland, director of Recreation and Parks, spoke to the guests of the future of the innovative Plant City tennis courts. Various exhibition matches were also held after the ceremony. They included Rhett Rollyson, Jeff Davis, Lee Hurang and Jacquelyne Rosen. New parking lots for the courts will

Guests listen intently to the program.

also continue to be built alongside the tennis center, which was bought by Kenyans and Partners, as will the hard courts, which are free of pay, and will be ready soon after the ribbon cutting ceremony. Brett Gocka, the city engineer, went through a thorough explanation of what makes the new tennis courts so fresh. A complex irrigation system was established in 2004 to keep the soft courts from drying up and remaining moist for the visitors of the courts. The soft courts will require a small playing fee per hour. The new tennis courts are open all week at various times

and lessons by Shane Johnson are available upon request at the tennis center (813-707-7485). Annual passes beginning at 600 dollars are also available for constant players, allowing them such things as priority court reservations and unlimited court time. This new addition to the Plant City community is one that will be well kept up and beautiful. It will beneﬁt many of the city’s people and may even entice more people to become active and join in on the wonderful game of tennis.

Ribbon cutting - left to right: Recreation & Parks Director Jack Holland, City Engineer Brett Gocka, City Manager David Sollenberger, Former Mayor Michael Sparkman, State Representative and Former Commissioner Rick Glorioso, Mayor John Dicks, Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis, Commissioner Bill Dodson, Community Development Director Jim McDaniel, Finance Director Martin Wisgerhof, Tennis Supervisor Shane Johnson FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 18

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813-750-1061 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 19

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Story by Debbie Bowers Photos by Aimee Jeansonne-Becka

Singing a Tribute to America

THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY CHORALE SALUTES OUR MILITARY

The Christian Community Chorale.

Most people have at least one mission in life. For Richard Grant and Richard Pipas their mission was to blend individuals from all denominations to share in the musical celebration of their own Christian heritage. After hard work, with much praying and planning, the Christian Community Chorale was formed with the participation of nearly 60 members from various churches in the local area. Today the Chorale performs two concerts each year, one before Christmas and another before or after Easter.

The Chorale’s mission is to foster a stronger sense of Christian community within all the denominations. Secondly, they wish to offer choir members the opportunity to participate in the performance of major works and to provide a means for all choir members to attain a higher level of performance. The average age of the Chorale singers is between 30 to 65 years of age. However, the Chorale is not concerned about the age of the individual as much as with the dedication to the ministry of music. In order not to interfere with each church’s choir

rehearsal schedule, rehearsals are held on alternating Sunday afternoons at 3:00, and usually begin two months before the concert. The spring performance is being dedicated to all active, inactive and retired military personnel in the community area. The theme, Americana – A Tribute to America, will include special recognition and a salute to all men and women who have sacriﬁced so much for our freedom. The concert promises to be great fun; they will honor these special Americans who serve our country by singing patriotic favorites

that make us want to lift up our voices and “wave the ﬂag”. Some of the music the chorale will be performing includes The Star Spangled Banner, America the Beautiful, and The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Audience participation will be encouraged in several of the pieces. The Chorale will present its’ spring performance at the St. Clement Church in Plant City, Friday April 28 at 8:00 pm. Admission is free. Individuals interested in joining the Chorale should contact Joyce Nestor at 813-493-1979.

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

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Story by Kristen Toney Photos by Kristen Toney & Mike Solomon

What’s Your Comfort Level?

A NEW INVENTION FOR THOSE WHO THINK DRIVING IS A PAIN! How many times during your day have you commented to yourself, “There’s got to be a better way to accomplish this?” or “I could have done better than that!” We all have our own ways of moving through life, but let’s face it: sometimes your ideas to make life easier really are better than those on the professional market. For Tina Solomon, a simple idea has turned into some-

thing she never expected. Halfway through Tina’s 3rd pregnancy, her husband Michael came home to find her working over the sewing machine. “I asked her what she was doing,” he remembered, “And she said, ‘I’m building something that will offer comfort to my stomach while I’m driving and wearing my seatbelt…because I haven’t been wearing it!” After weeks of working with different materials and styles, the idea finally became a reality. But Tina didn’t stop with her own comfort. “After I had figured it out and was enjoying my easy ride, I started to wonder…is there anything else like this out there for other pregnant women? So

I did a little research. I mean, I shopped every major baby store, car seat manufacturer, car manufacturer…you name it, I looked into it. And there was just…nothing.” After talking to other women who struggled with the same issue and hearing radio spots featuring police ofﬁcers speaking of the importance of seatbelts, she decided this product needed to be brought to the forefront. That’s where her husband stepped in. “You can spend ten thousand dollars and have your attorney patent something,” Michael stated. “Or you can spend three months reading up on the rules and regulations, and then just do it yourself! Anyone can do it. If you have an idea, somewhere,

New inventor Tina Solomon with her newest addition, baby Maximus

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Years ago, most contractors used small tiles in bathrooms, allowing more grout joints and adding problems to the consumer and the applications were performed over green board. Thankfully, the industry has moved toward larger tiles, eliminating excessive grout joints and replacing green boards with a better and more reliable product (Wonder Board). Also there is a beautiful line of listellos, tumble stones and inserts, to create an exceptional look to any of your rooms. If you need a free estimate for your bathroom or ﬂooring, please contact us or visit our showroom.

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somehow there is a way to get it done.” This product was accepted by the patent officials on the first attempt within 60 days, a virtually unheard of feat for a popular production company, much less one unknown and being run by an inexperienced couple out of their home! It was quickly labeled “the only one of its kind to be approved by the United States Federal Patent Office for pregnancy lower lap belt tension reduction.” The next step Michael took was to begin working with a company conducting head-on crash and rollover tests in order to prove for certain the complete safety of this product. Once again, Tummy Comfort passed with flying colors. Now, at age 36, Tina has just given birth to her 6th child, this time by cesarean. She used her product when driving and riding in vehicles directly after this operation. However, this product is not only for pregnant women. 69% of

people in the United States have recently undergone a surgery (such as the Lap-Band surgery that has become quite popular) or are classiﬁed as big and tall. For these individuals, seatbelt use is often limited due to the sensitive abdomen area or the discomfort of the belt against the body itself. The idea of this product is to allow those people to wear their seatbelt in comfort so they can maintain their safety while on the road. Although Mike and Tina are still fairly new to the roads of Plant City, they know they have come into a town their family can grow up in. The couple brought their family here from Montana so their children could be closer to their grandparents. “It was a hard decision at ﬁrst,” Tina said, “But once I really made the decision to ‘plant’ myself here, and we found a wonderful church home, everything changed. I believe God led us here, and I now think of Plant City as home.” For more information on Tummy Comfort and to view the product, visit www.tummycomfort.com.

Mike and Tina Solomon left their careers behind to put their family ﬁrst counterclockwise from top, Tiﬀani (12), Meadowe (5), Tempe (3), Garritt (6), and Maximus (now 6 weeks). (Not pictured is 14-year-old Bobby).

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

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Story by Brenda Paul Photo by Jim McMichen

A Journey Toward Wholeness THE PARISH NURSE PROGRAM

to the concerns of the soul. Once again, now in modern medicine, the idea of integrating the two as a means of caring for the whole person is gaining in relevance. The word “parish” is derived from the root word that means “to walk with” and the word “nurse” comes from a root word that means “to nourish the soul.” With the return to health and healing for the spirit and the body, parish nursing encourages whole person care. Parish nurses are spiritually mature, licensed registered nurses, operating under regulatory nursing guidelines and practices, who walk with members of various congregations and help nourish souls as they assist the faith community in attaining its healing mission.

Parish Nurse, Janet Maze, right, discusses health care issues with a client

Globally, whether through highly sophisticated diagnostic tools, surgical advances, newly discovered pharmaceuticals or through expanded and enhanced treatment protocols and preventative measures, progress in the medical ﬁeld in the last 15 years has afforded a better quality of life for many populations. One health care concept established locally within those 15 years and also adding to that better quality of life actually reaches back many centuries, however, for its foundation and focus. That innovative, yet age-old concept, is parish nursing.

During Biblical times, Phoebe, a deaconess and friend of the apostle Paul, ministered to the congregation of the early church and has been recognized as the ﬁrst nurse in a Christian setting. History’s most famous nurse, Florence Nightingale, was recorded as having ministered to spiritual needs as well as to physical ones. Over centuries of time, caring for the body became the responsibility of doctors, nurses and other health care providers, while pastors and priests ministered strictly

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

Parish nursing was established in the Tampa Bay area in 1991 and introduced in Plant City through South Florida Baptist Hospital, a part of BayCare Health Systems, in 2000. Throughout the BayCare Health System there are 125 parish nurses and in Plant City there are 20 parish nurses serving in 13 churches. Most of these nurses are volunteers and serve as health care advocates, health educators and health care promoters to the community through the churches. According to Beth Howe, Manager of Parish Nurse Services for St. Joseph’s-Baptist Health Care, these “Ministers of Health” assisted 2400 clients and volunteered 3388 hours in Plant City in 2005. This would

calculate to approximately $68,000 worth of health care in the form of resource education, health service referrals, visitation and counseling. The Parish Nurse Program coordinated by BayCare Health Systems and serving South Florida Baptist Hospital is set up through agreements between the neighborhood churches and pastors and BayCare Health Systems. The Parish Nurse Program provides the training and education of parish nurses as well as the liability coverage. The program is funded through grants from the Allegany Franciscan Ministries of Tampa Bay and includes two paid parish nurse positions for Plant City. Parish nurses administer spiritual care to the community through churches of all faiths in the form of visitation and prayer when needed, while also providing health related resources, referrals, screenings and wellness promotion. They do all of this with acceptance, compassion, dignity, hospitality, reverence and respect for the mind, body and spirit while administering healing to the whole person. Janet Mize, serving as a parish nurse in the Plant City area, said of her position, “Parish nursing’s most valuable reward, whether you are the nurse or the patient, is time. Parish nursing gives a time to connect, to really listen, to gain knowledge and to support the mind, body and spirit of a human being. It is not just a privilege to be a part of this team, it is a blessing.” For additional information on becoming a parish nurse or to get details on setting up a parish nurse program within your church, call Beth Howe at South Florida Baptist Hospital at 757-8006.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 25

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Story and Photo by Ken Lawrence

Cash in a Flash

A REPORT ON THE PAWN BUSINESS IN PLANT CITY

“The pawn industry in America dates back to the ﬁrst settlers and in the early part of the 20th century, pawn broking was regarded as the main source of consumer credit”…..Sam Houston Pawn-Texas While the pawn shop still plays a vital role in the area of consumer credit, it has been supplanted by the mega corporations, ﬁnance companies, savings and loan associations and credit unions. The days of seeing a pawn shop on practically every street corner, especially in small town America, are long gone, but the business still thrives. Pawn shops once had a fairly unsavory reputation, being in many cases, so-called “fences” for stolen goods. However, police have cleaned up the pawn business and coupled with honest business people, very few cases of dealing in stolen goods are now linked to pawn shops. One reason is a computer system whereby thousands of pawn shops nationwide report their daily transactions online to their local police. Plant City is part of a statewide system that is mandated by Florida law and two spokespersons for the local police say it works very well. In fact, they say there are fewer problems with pawn shops than with several other businesses and there is a good level of cooperation with the pawn businesses. Here in Plant City there appears to be fewer pawn shops than in many other similar size communities in Florida. For example, go over to the Gulf beaches in Pinellas County and you’ll see plenty. The two major players in Plant City are located on the same street, downtown Collins,

Randy & Sonya Polk-Pawn Express Owners

and not too far from one another. They are Money Source Pawn and Financial Service and Pawn Express. A new business has opened on James Redman Parkway and another that is a combination jewelry retail outlet and jewelry pawn shop is also located on James Redman in the plaza where Quiznos Sub sells its ﬁne sandwiches. We spent time at both major pawn shops and found the owners very helpful in telling us how their operations run. Debbie Cheshire, co-owner of Money Source with her husband Raymond, runs the shop located on what was once a used car lot for many years. They’ve been at the location since September of 2001, although Raymond has been involved in the pawn business for more than 25 years. Since opening their doors, the Cheshire’s have seen a “steady growth in business and have developed a clientele that returns year after year, especially

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

at Christmas and Valentines”, says Debbie Cheshire. Down the street at Pawn Express, a husband and wife combo also runs Pawn Express. They are Randy and Sonya Polk, who have been in operation longer than any other pawn dealer in town. In an interview with FOCUS, the Polk’s say jewelry is the number one item pawned by folks “down-on-their-luck”, followed by guns, power tools and a long list of virtually every conceivable consumer item. Over at Money Source, the same ratio of pawned items applies, but the Cheshire’s have a large paved and fenced-in lot where they have taken-in motor vehicles, cars, trucks, ATV’s, golf carts, etc. Pawning an item is not cheap. State regulations permit interest rates of as much as 25% per month. The pawn broker sets a price for an item, based on a number of factors. If it’s jewelry, the shop usually has a mi-

croscope to check for weight, clarity, color and size. The item is then held for a minimum of 60 days and if the owner does not return to claim it and pay the interest, plus what they received when they pawned it, the shop can then sell it to whomever. If the person pays the interest only, the shop can withhold the article from resale for another period of time, but is not obliged to do so. Debbie Cheshire says there are still a lot of buyers who are missing out on a good deal by not shopping for goods at a pawn shop. She says a piece of jewelry can be 50-60 percent cheaper for the same item at a retail store in a mall. Similar savings apply to guns, power tools and so on. So, when you’re driving down Collins Street someday and have “bargain hunting” on the brain, stop by Pawn Express and/or Money Source and check out what they have for sale. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the prices.

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

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Story & Photos by Holly Mallalieu

Something New

REDKEN PLATFORM ARTIST KEEPS THE ARTISTRY UP-TO-DATE

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on’t worry, almost everyone has done it - you’ve carefully cut a picture of a hairstyle you liked out of the latest edition of Vogue and brought it along to show your hairdresser…Well, there is no longer a need for that! The Artistry, a luxurious salon and spa in Plant City owned by Ron and Jana Evers, is doing everything it can to keep up with the hottest trends and latest looks in hairstyling. And they are getting their information from a very reliable source.

Shannon King, 32, has the love for doing hair in his blood; both his mother and father were in the business and passed the knack down to their two sons. Currently living in Chicago and working for Redken, as well as continually traveling nationally and internationally, Shannon sees ﬁrst-hand all of the most modern looks and knows exactly how to make them happen. His special talent lies in color and design, and he came to The Artistry with one goal in mind: to keep the team up-todate on just what is in demand right now. Along with King were two local artists, Sam Correa and Eric Ray, also Redken stylists, who assisted in the class. The Artistry also graciously welcomed other busi-

nesses to participate in their new education. Hair Carvers, The Maneteam, Salon 607, Next Generation Salon and Salon 705 were among them. Together the class readied their mannequin heads and followed the “Hear, See, Do” method, or, as “The King” demonstrated, they watched and copied his every move. He introduced two new highfashion cuts/styles, coached them on different techniques, let them in on a few hot tips, and even helped bring their “verbiage”, or words used to describe or explain the styles, up-to-date. For example, to ‘curl’ hair is now to ‘twirl’ hair, and a ‘curling’ iron has now become a ‘tonging’ iron. You’ve just got to keep up with the times… Shannon King did a fantastic job instructing the stylists, and you can be sure that at The Artistry you will receive the very best of treatment. The team works hard and puts genuine time and effort into making sure that they stay up with the times, and if you are curious as to what the newest ﬂares in hairstyles are, be sure to stop by. They are located at 1505 S. Alexander Street, Suite 102, and their phone number is 813-7177700.

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

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Story by Kristen Toney Photo by Shane Parson

Plant City’s Best Gifts for Mother’s Day 10 LOCAL IDEAS TO GET THOSE WHEELS TURNING BEFORE MAY 14TH

1-year-old Georgia knows how to make her mommy smile this Mother’s Day! What will you do for your mom?

his special holiday is just around the corner, and our mothers deserve all the gratitude we can show. Need some ideas? Check out what Plant City has to offer! For the creative mother, Scrapper’s Delight carries everything mom needs to design a book she can show off to all her friends. If you’re not exactly sure what to buy, the staff will be more than happy to help you in your selections.

If your mom loves being pampered, check out Plant City’s best indulgent spots. European Hair Design specializes in hair and nails. The Artistry is expecting new products in from Redken, just in time for a special purchase. The TanaCabana offers the all-exclusive UV-Free Spray Tanning, among other tanning packages, while Merle Norman is running a Mother’s Day Special: on May 13th, make an appointment for your mom to have a free makeover, including a free gift. Remember, this offer is by appoint-

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

ment only!

come directly to your residence.

Moms love a little bling for any occasion. J&G Jewelers is carrying the very popular Circle of Love pendants and earrings, in silver or gold. Brown’s Jewelers have plenty of Mother’s rings to choose from, while Joe Grimes Jewelers is promoting the past-presentfuture ring as a great gift idea. Stop by Sister’s & Company for their jewelry special: buy any Brighton brand necklace and bracelet and you’ll receive free earrings!

On the fun side, check into Pong Lai Martial Arts, offering a free introductory class. Also, Chris Welbon Karate Clubs specialize in family Karate lessons. Why not get everyone involved for a fun learning experience?

For the mother who loves to be in the loop, visit Cellular Unlimited. They offer the latest phone styles with a variety of usage plans. You’re sure to ﬁnd the perfect combination to keep your mom

connected at all times. Give mom a little extra incentive to take care of herself. Curves offers convenience in their 30-minutes-3times-a-week workouts, while Fem Fitness suggests month-to-month memberships, no men allowed at either location! The Athletic Club offers a variety of workout classes and exercise equipment. For a special treat, call Elite Home Fitness, voted Plant City’s #1 Personal Trainer; they’ll

Take your mom to the Red Rose Dining Room for a first class meal she doesn’t have to prepare! Make reservations for the evening of May 13 and enjoy the music of The Mystics while you savor your meal. Give your mother the best resources to make her home beautiful by contacting Walden Lake Art and Frame (boasting the largest selection of mouldings in Plant City), Tile Barn (with a brand new facility and free estimates) or Norwalk Furniture (complimentary in home design service and window treatment specialists). To help your mom simplify her life, bring in Fine Touch Cleaning; they’ll clean the house from top to bottom so mom will have more time for the activities she loves. Or if the house is already clean, invite Cynjoe Designs over; they’ll help with organization and show mom how to make the most of the space she has. Of course, all mothers love flowers, or would be thrilled with a corsage to wear to church on Mother’s Day. Check out Brown’s Floral Shop for a great selection of all things natural. Finally, for the mother who HAS HAD IT and needs to get away, send her off with help from Cruise One. With a huge variety of packages, they’ll work with you to match any budget or time frame you have in mind. When all is said and done, remember, it really is the thought that counts. Give mom something special to show how much you love and appreciate her! For contact information on any above locations, e-mail KToney@floydpublications.com.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 31

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or more than the past 25 years, Walden Lake Realty has been known as the home-town realty company. Keller Williams, a nationally based realty company, began serving the Plant City area just a few short years ago. Immediately, the two companies were going back and forth for number one in the market.

this really was the best situation for everyone. Kevin Chadwick, owner/operator of Keller Williams, said, “Our company believes that together we can achieve more.”

At the beginning of 2006, the idea was proposed that the two companies merge into one. It took just a few months to realize that

Keller Williams is a national real estate company with a local focus, which makes it the perfect ﬁt for Walden Lake Realty. The two together will operate as Keller Williams of Plant City. For now, they will still be operating out of two

This merge is a way to combine the down-home feeling of Walden Lake Realty with the national resources and tools of Keller Williams. Last year, Walden Lake Realty was the most successful residential realty company in Plant City, doing over 42 million in sales. By combining the two, it will create the largest real estate company in the history of Plant City.

Both Walden Lake Realty and Keller Williams Realty are excited about the new merge that will beneﬁt all the employees and customers.

ofﬁces. They are exploring the idea of building a new building to house both of the companies under one roof. It would be a two-story building with a minimum of 8,000 sq. ft. It would become a full service market center, housing up to 150 real estate agents.

Realty, said, “The beneﬁt is really for our clients because now the agents will have more tools to better serve them.” The agents of Walden Lake Realty now will have open doors to more training and education, which will assist them in better serving their clients.

Lou McGrath, owner of Walden Lake

The company will operate as a full

service real estate company. It will continue to serve in residential, acreage, commercial, industrial, new construction, property management and manufactured homes. “It will not change in any way, except that it will get better,” said Mac McGrath, partial owner of Walden Lake Realty.

This merge is especially beneﬁcial in preparing for the large growth that is continuing to come to Plant City. Being that Plant City still has the qualities of the small town it has always been, most of the agents are very familiar with one another and are looking forward to working together to help the residents of Plant City.

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Call now for additional information First Baptist Church, Plant City • 813-750-4878

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 33

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Story and Photos by Holly Mallalieu

Miss Heart Of Plant City

OURS WAS CAPTURED AS SHE WAS CROWNED

aturday Night, March 18th, ten lovely ladies competed vigorously for the title of Miss Heart of Plant City, each putting her best foot forward and crossing her ﬁngers, hoping that at the end of the night Holly Stein, the 2005 winner, would place the crown on her head.

personality, from ‘sporty’ to ﬂashy or everything in between. And what a gamut of looks there were! Each outﬁt was tasteful and very unique from the next. With every cut, color and “hip” look presented, it was a regular fashion show and nothing but fun to watch.

Before the curtain was opened, each girl was required a personal interview with the judges of the competition, which accounted for 35 percent of their overall score.

Between each category, as the ladies primped and preened for the next event, the crowd was kept entertained by wonderful performances from Ms. Dixie’s Aurora Music & Performing Arts, a dance number by Victoria Garren, the 2005 Miss Teen Heart of Plant City, and even Miss Heart 2005 herself, who combined her outstanding voice with her equally great skill at the piano.

Of the five categories the pageant was divided into, the infamous impromptu question was first in line. Wearing matching outfits, each girl took her place on stage and was asked to randomly select a sheet of paper from a basket. After hearing the question aloud, they received a minimum amount seconds to think of, organize and offer the best answer they could devise. For such a pressing amount of time, every contestant did rather well - leaving the audience still guessing just who would be crowned that night… The second part of the competition was titled “Casual Wear”. The girls were directed to select attire that would reflect their own style and

The night seemed to fly by, but what beauty pageant would be complete without a swimsuit competition? This was for the purpose of “lifestyle and fitness”- to see how well the girls took care of themselves physically. Judges noted the competitors on their confidence, energy and overall stage presence. What sets this pageant away from Strawberry Queen is the fact that it takes the competition one step

further and adds a section for talent. Each participator presented a skill, or talent, that they felt comfortable enough to perform live for the judges and audience. Lyrical dances were an apparent favorite among the girls; however, each dancer added a touch of her own to each performance, making them all fresh and engaging. A few of the girls also chose singing as their talent, and did wonderful jobs. One contestant, Keelee Tomlinson, even presented an entire song in sign language. Plant City can be very proud of its talented young ladies. As the night came closer and closer to an end, folks were turning around in their seats and whispering to their neighbors, swapping opinions on matters such as whose talent they had most enjoyed, who they felt was doing the best, and, of course, who they foresaw as the future “Queen of Hearts”.

Every contestant in the competition did a wonderful job, but a decision on the judges’ part had to be made. Finally, they announced that the new Miss Heart of Plant City 2006 was Caycee Hampton, and the ﬁrst runner-up in the pageant was Toinette Gerena! Caycee will now continue on to the Miss Florida pageant and has the opportunity to participate, eventually, in Miss America. It was an exciting night, but for no one more than Caycee, who worked hard to receive the title. She does, indeed, capture the good heart of Plant City.

The awards for “Miss Congeniality” and “Miss Photogenic” were presented ﬁrst, both going to contestant #8, Cherica Brown. The audience then

Caycee Hampton being crowned.

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

readied themselves, with cameras and cell phones, for the moment they had been waiting for, and all ten girls joined hands in anticipation of the next few moments…

Caycee Hampton is the 2006 Miss Heart of Plant City.

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

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 36

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 38

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 39

Back on the

World Softball

Stage

Photo by Jeff Fay/Hollowtree Images

A Report on the Upcoming National Junior College Athletic Assoc. Division I Fast Pitch Softball Championship to be held in Plant City.

Story by KEN LAWRENCE Photos by KEN LAWRENCE, JEFF FAY/HOLLOWTREE IMAGES, ERNEST OLDS JR.AND JOHN DUNAGAN FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 40

Between 1987 and 1996, the crack of the bat was heard regularly at this time of year at the Plant City Stadium, when the Cincinnati Reds called Plant City their Spring Training Headquarters. The affinity between the then owner of the Reds, Marge Schott, and Plant City City Manager, Nettie Draughan, had a lot to do with the National Baseball League Team coming here from Tampa, where they had been for many years previously. Both ladies have gone onto that great baseball park in the sky and the new Reds’ owners wanted a better known community to showcase their team to fans. They selected Sarasota, which built them a new facility and offered many other amenities that Plant City could not compete against. Many locals assumed the stadium would become a footnote in the history of Plant City, but others persevered and attracted a pretty good replacement for Major League Baseball. The main player in attracting a new tenant was Randy Larson, former City Commissioner and Mayor. It’s the International Softball Federation and while they don’t have the likes of Ken Griffey, Senior and Junior, Pete Rose and Deion Sanders to showcase their abilities, the ISF has given Plant City some global recognition that it otherwise might not have had. Besides, when the Reds left town, the city still had a debt remaining on the spring training facility that it built for Cincinnati. The International Softball Federation was formed in 1952, with four member countries, USA, Canada, Japan and Australia. It was the brainchild of a group of softball minded individuals, including Don Porter, a native Californian who was on board with the organization when it began in New Jersey, then moved to Oklahoma City and finally to Plant City in 2000. Today, Porter is the President of the ISF. The name Plant City, Florida as the International Softball Federation’s World Headquarters appears on all their literature and promotional material, which can only help the image of this community. The Plant City Stadium, which is also known as “The Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex”, is located on Park Road just two and a half miles from the interchange of I-4 and Park Road. (For any newcomers to Plant City) It sits an 75 acres and not only has the 6,700 well appointed and extremely well maintained stadium, but four other ball fields, all redesigned for softball. It also has offices for the administration. The fields all have lighting for night games, plus bleachers for the four-plex fields. The parking lot is also lit at night. It has attracted national TV attention when ESPN televised the first major event at the complex in 1999, the All-Star Game of the Women’s Professional Softball League. At the time, the stadium also was home to the Tampa Bay FireStix and the Florida Wahoos of the WPSL. The practice fields are also maintained in meticulous condition by the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department, whose Recreation Division supervisor is Carlton Benton, recruited from Lakeland last year. His staff not only maintains the stadium fields in top notch condition, but the offices likewise. The building containing offices is split in two, with the International Softball Federation on one side, and the Plant City Parks and Recreation people on the other. The proximity to one another is one more positive to add to the mix.

In addition to the ISF world headquarters, the Plant City Stadium also contains the International Softball Hall of Fame. What’s Been Going On? While right on our doorstep, the International Softball Federation seems to have become a forgotten commodity by many in our community. It is about to change. There are two energetic members of the rather small ISF staff, Bruce Wawrzyniak, Director of Communications and Laurie Gouthro, Director of Competition for the International Softball Federation. Gouthro once played shortstop for the professional Tampa Bay FireStix. They have been beating the bushes to create interest in events and they have two good ones coming up in the very near future, next month to be exact. They have been drumming up interest for the National Junior College Athletic Association, Division I Fast Pitch Softball National Championships to be held at the Plant City Stadium on Thursday May 18th through Saturday May 20th. Women’s teams from across the country will participate in the double-elimination tourney. In fact, Plant City has been awarded the Women’s Fast Pitch Championships for three years, through 2008. The City of Clermont in Lake County was the other major contender for the event, but they didn’t have anywhere near the facilities that Plant City has, especially the 6,700 seat professional stadium. This level of play is very close to that of the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association). Of course, Junior Colleges are two year programs, while the NCAA is four years (possibly a fifth). There will be 16 teams participating and there will soon begin a round-robin series in various states and regions of the country, to determine who comes to Plant City on May 18th. The athletes will be housed at the Ramada Inn Plantation House on Wheeler and I-4, which will be the tourney’s headquarters, with any spillover going to the Comfort Inn on Park Road and I-4, while officials will stay at the Holiday Inn Express, also on Park Road. Eating and banquets will be at the Red Rose Ball Room at the Ramada Inn Plantation House. The magnitude of the event will no doubt have an overall impact on the economy of Plant City. The teams will be around the area for at least five days and volunteer hosts will no doubt show the area to the visitors. Too bad the strawberry season will have ended by then. Bruce Wawrzyniak tells FOCUS that the ISF usually brings in at least two major softball events each year. In the past there was the first World University Softball Championships, in 2004, the Slo-Pitch World Cup and the Junior Girls World Cup. In January of this year, Great Britain and Canada’s National Women’s teams came to the Plant City facility for a week of training. Wawrzyniak says Plant City officials are happy to see the Plant City Stadium facility get used as much as possible. He says Plant City cannot host every ISF event because they must be spread around to other countries. What Else is Going On at Plant City Stadium? Just one week prior to hosting the National Junior College Women’s

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 41

Wo r l d S o f t b a l l S t a g e Championships, the stadium will welcome the State of Florida High School Softball Championships. Plant City can thank the City of Tampa Visitors and Convention Bureau for that gesture, as that organization put up the sponsorship money to have the event in this area. The High School Championship will run a week prior to the Women’s Junior College event and it, too, is slated for a multi-year play here, and also scheduled for 2007.

vision is already there and we haven’t stopped promoting softball,” says Gouthro. Wawrzyniak concurs, saying everything that is going on is a continuation of regular championship events and “we hope the IOC takes notice”. To Review the Junior College Fast Pitch Event The event is called The National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Fast Pitch Women’s Softball National Championship. It will be held at the Plant City Stadium and surrounding Four-Plex, beginning Thursday May 18th and will run through Saturday May20th.

Bruce Wawrzyniak points out that many things of an international nature go on at the ISF headquarters that people don’t see. They have Umpire Certiﬁcation seminars, whereby men and women come from around the world to sharpen their skills at umpiring.

The action at the III Jr. Girls’ World Cup (16-and-under fast pitch) last November in Plant City has a Chinese Taipei inﬁelder back on her heels. (Photo by Ernest Olds Jr.)

There are business meetings with ofﬁcials from such places as China and Japan, with coaching symposiums that result in “heads in beds” as the saying goes, all helping the local economy. (No wonder there are plans for more hotels in the I-4 corridor through Plant City).

The quality of competition is expected to be high and while northern states will have just come out of winter, Laurie Gouthro says they will have had time to get in shape and to have honed their skills. Michigan won the NCAA championship last year.

The International Softball Federation, Director of Communications says his group is always working towards giving softball a greater world presence (see bottom of this article about The History of Softball). Wawrzyniak says the success of the World University Softball Championships held here in 2004 helped to get softball added to the World University Games. “The more we can show the IOC that softball is on other international multi-sports venues, then they can admit that softball is of such widespread interest that it should be a regular Olympic event”, says the Communications Director.

The planning for this event has been extensive. Ticket prices are very modest…. A 3 Day Pass costs $20, and a 1 Day Pass is $10. Seniors and children under 12 will pay $10 for a 3 Day Pass and $7 for 1 Day. Parking will be free.

Here an Australian

Laurie Gouthro, the Director of Compitcher sends the ball toward home plate in petition at the International Softball a game against Japan.” Federation, tells FOCUS that the ISF (Photo by Ernest Olds, Jr.) has not simply made up more events in order to attract the International Olympic Committee’s attention. “We already have sanctioned events that people want to increase, not because of the IOC; rather the game of softball has become that popular.” “We’re not panicking, saying we’ve got to add so many more events. Our FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 42

Participants will be students from junior colleges across America. California is not represented because that state has operated its own federation for many years. Florida is guaranteed to have 2 teams in the competition.

There are plans to have other events at the championship games. Discussions are underway for possible hot-air balloon rides, an art show and other activities. Some merchandise will also be on sale. Concessions will be provided by the City of Plant City and all proceeds go to the Department of Parks and Recreation. The organizers are seeking local and regional sponsors and are asking any businesses who wish to participate to call the ISF headquarters at (813) 864-0100 and ask to speak to Laurie Gouthro. Not only will you be promoting your businesses, including signs on outﬁelds fences, you’ll help promote a very popular sport, not only in Plant City, but in many parts of the world.

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�� FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 43

Wo r l d S o f t b a l l S t a g e

Laurie Gouthro & Bruce Wawrzyniak of the Intl Softball Federation

Jot down May 18th through May 20th for the National Junior College Athletic Association Women’s Softball Championships at the Plant City Stadium and you’ll be sure to hear those hallowed words ring-out, “Play Ball”. THE HISTORY OF SOFTBALL

Carlton Benton, Supvr, Plant City Recreation Dept.

popularity in recent years has been with women, whether it be at high school, collegiate or local community levels. In fact, last year’s women’s collegiate championships on ESPN drew pretty good TV ratings. To “us guys”, we were amazed at the speed of the pitches and the power of the batters, not to mention an enthusiasm the women had compared to watching men’s professional baseball or softball. The game has even reached Olympic proportions, having been a medal sport at the 1996 Atlanta, the 2000 Sydney, Australia and 2004 Athens, Greece games. It will be played in Beijing in 2008 and that could be the last time for many years.

Back in 1887, a member of the Chicago Board of Trade was concerned that ﬁremen in that city were sitting around the station house too much and needed some form of recreation. His name was George Hancock and he tinkered with the game of baseball, which was and ofﬁcially still is America’s Pastime. (Note: Football today has a good argument to claim that title).

In its ever dubious wisdom, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted last year to remove both baseball and softball from the Olympics starting in 2012, in London, England. The decision was made in spite of having some 325,000 spectators attend the ﬁrst two Olympic Softball Tournaments in Atlanta and Sydney.

Hancock came up with a game using a ball larger than a baseball, changed the ﬁeld size and the rules a bit and called it…. now get this… “Kitten Ball”. It worked in helping to keep ﬁremen in shape and the game spread rapidly, especially throughout Middle America. In 1922, the name of the game was changed to “Diamond Ball” and in 1926 to “Softball”. It went on to become very popular across America and Canada. By the mid 1990’s, softball was being played in 85 countries and today has exceeded 125 nations globally. Its greatest increase in FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 44

A Great Britain batter goes through her swing at the II Slow Pitch World Cup last October in Plant City. (Photo by John Dunagan)

Massive lobbying by many sports ﬁgures around the world failed in an appeal to restore the two sports to Olympic status. The two sports can try again in 2010 to become recognized for the 2016 Olympics, but they’ll be up against other competitors, such as cricket, golf, hand-ball and others. No matter, the game of softball continues to grow considerably around the world, Olympics or no Olympics.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 45

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 46

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 47

More Than

80 YEARS

Community Service

Plant City’s Badcock & More is the city’s oldest retail business

Coleman Davis, a very community involved leader, donated $1,000 from Badcock to Meals on Wheels.

Story by Brian West • Photos by Sophia Dedon FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 48

The staﬀ at the Plant City Badcock work hard to help the residents of the Plant City area.

Since at least the mid 1920’s, the W.S. Badcock Corporation has been trading furniture through a store in Plant City. Coleman Davis is the latest dealer for the business and just the fourth dealer in the store’s 80 plus years. Davis has been working with the W.S. Badcock Corporation for more than 45 years and shows no sign of slowing. But I wanted to find out what makes a business last so long and continue its success from year to year. You’ll find the answer is simple, and Davis is proud of the store’s success. Focus: Tell me how the W.S. Badcock store got started in Plant City? Davis: Mr. Badcock had his first store in Mulberry. It’s my understanding that in the mid 1920’s he wanted to expand his business. That expansion resulted in the Plant City store. Mr. Badcock’s father actually managed the Plant City store. We don’t know the exact year when the store opened, but we believe it was the mid 1920’s according to Maida Pou, who was Mr. Badcock’s daughter. She shared this with me. And I have receipts titled Mulberry – Plant City that shows that a fellow paid his account out in 1930, [meaning he had to open the account prior to that time]. And after doing a lot of talking with some of the old-timers here, we know that this store is the oldest continuing business in Plant City, which would make it over 80 plus years of continuous service to the community. That’s special. In the latter part of the 1920’s, Mr. Badcock decided to continue to expand his facilities and grant dealerships, and the Plant City store was the first Badcock Furniture dealership, and of course they’ve gone on to have over 280 plus dealers. Ed Cunningham was the first dealer here, making him the first Badcock Furniture dealer anywhere. Mr. Cunningham took over the management of the store from Mr. Badcock’s father, and after running the store for a while, he became the dealer. Focus: Do you know how long Mr. Cunningham had the store? Davis: Yes, from the early 1930’s to about 1958 or 1959. Then his son-inlaw, Horace Andrews, took the dealership over from Mr. Cunningham. Horace operated the dealership until October 1969, when Crea Beachamp took over the store. I was working for Mr. Badcock Jr. at this time and I came over as Crea’s managing partner in 1971. I had been at the W.S. Badcock Corporate office for 10 years prior to that. When I came over, Crea and I developed 4 stores in Tampa. Then in 1997, I asked Mr. Badcock if I could purchase the dealership in Seffner. I bought the Zephyrhills store in 1999. A couple of years later, in 2001, Crea retired as a dealer and I bought his interest in the Plant City store and became the Plant City dealer. Focus: How does the length of service compare to other businesses in Plant City? Davis: Willard McGinnes started McGinnes Lumber in 1935. Certainly,

Knotts Hardware has been around for a while. I think they’ve been in business for more than 60 years. That’s a third generation business. Andy and Johnny Knotts’ grandfather started that business, and Waller’s Hardware has also been around for years. Farris and Leon’s father started Waller’s Hardware in a store down town and then they built the building on South Collins in the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. Felton’s is another business that has been around for years. Focus: You’ve been doing this for more than 45 years. What keeps you here every day? Davis: It’s fun. It’s really fun. God gave me my health and a job where I could make a living and have fun interacting with people every day. I have a family that loves me, a wife that takes care of me. So many people go to work, clock in, and look forward to their break and lunch, and then go home. There are a few of us that are fortunate enough to have jobs and enjoy what we do. I just love people and the opportunity to help people. I’m particularly proud of the fact that we’re serving 4 generations of families here in Plant City. God has blessed me so very much. He graced me with Godly, hardworking parents that taught me to work hard and do the right thing. I haven’t always done right, but when I erred, my parents would forgive me; the same as my heavenly father continues to do. My hair is gray now, but one other reality is – what we do for others will last, but what we do for ourselves will be a memory that will die with us. Focus: Who are some of those families? Davis: Well, Jack Johnson’s family is a good example; the Newman’s in Dover, the Miley’s, the Ford family in Turkey Creek, and here in town there’s the Hicks family, the Phillips, the Smiths. Focus: What do you think it takes to make a small business successful these days? Davis: I think you need to have an owner with a strong work ethic and strong personal characteristics such as integrity and sincerity, and someone who is

Continued on page 50 FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 49

Plant City’s Badcock & More is the city’s oldest retail business

Coleman Davis with Ebbie Sue Blackmer, heir of the Badcock company and daughter of Wogan S. Badcock, the founder.

interested in the customer; someone interested in building a personal relationship with the customer and is concerned for their family. We try to do this every day. We want to know every customer by their name. [Jack Johnson, a long time customer to Badcock, stopped by to talk with Davis during our interview]. Davis continued: People like Jack Johnson are a good example of the kind of relationships we want to have with our customers. We spoke about 3 different people in just those few minutes, and that’s a common thing for us. Mr. Badcock said, “Above all else, treat the customer right.” I think that encompasses a lot. I also think the owner has to be there for the business to be successful. You can’t run a business like this from a satellite office and still be successful. The customer needs to know that when they come into your business they’re going to find you and they’re going to find the key people. It’s not like going into the bigger stores where you go in and find whoever happens to be working that day. I thought about this earlier this morning. From the old Grants Department Store [we used to shop in] when we were kids, to the K-Marts and Target and so on, those big-box stores come and go, but when you’re loyal to your customer, you can have a lasting business. I think that’s what makes us so successful; to know that the customer knows that we care about them. Focus: Tell me about your first 10 years at the W.S. Badcock Corporate office. Davis: I started working there when I was in high school and college and my mother and father worked there, too. Mr. Blue, the warehouse supervisor, let me come and go as I needed to so I could go to school. I went to college at USF so if there were a couple of days off for students I could go over to the warehouse and clock in and go to work. So it was just a natural thing for me to go from the warehouse to the office. I went into the auditing department and spent about 3 years doing external audits, and that was before computers. When we brought in the first IBM computers, I was selected to be part of the team to facilitate the conversion at the dealer stores. After about 3 years of that, I still enjoyed my work but I wanted new challenges. So I went to Mr. Badcock Jr. and told him I needed another challenge. At that time, Paul Buchman was doing all of our legal work. He was the city attorney for Plant City, but he also had his private practice. We had him on retainer to do all of our real estate transactions and that sort of thing. This was about 1968 and Mr. Badcock decided to open his own legal department in Mulberry. So when I told Mr. Badcock I needed a new challenge, he asked me to help the new attorney form the legal department. So that was a fun thing for a couple of years, but I still lived in Plant City and I decided I wanted a store.

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

The Plant City Badcock is now serving four generations of families in their 80 years of service here.

Focus: So how did you get from working in the corporate office in Mulberry to the Plant City store? Davis: Crea Beachamp bought the dealership in 1969 and Mr. Badcock Jr. told me that if I was interested in having a dealership, that I should talk to Crea; that if we got together, that we could develop the Tampa market and open as many stores as we could handle. So on July 1, 1971, after a couple of years in the legal department, I came on to the Plant City store as Crea’s managing partner. Focus: What was the competition for Badcock at the time? Davis: There were three other furniture stores here at the time; H & H Furniture, Plant Furniture, and a small store called Home Furniture. That was in December 1971, and that was the first month we hit $100,000 in sales, which was just unheard of. By 1974 or 1975 we were the number one store in sales for the company. Focus: How far away have customers come to shop at the Plant City location? Davis: Well, we made a delivery to Daytona a couple of weeks ago, but the majority of our sales are probably from within a 20 mile radius of the store. Focus: What was the reasoning behind the new concept – Badcock & More? Davis: In 1998 they came out with this prototype. All the stores seemed to have their own look and personality and the idea was to standardize that. They gave everyone 7 years to convert, but we’re in our 8th year and there are still 81 stores that haven’t made the conversion. We’re working really hard to get the message out about the remodel, but the core message is that we’ve upgraded the facility for the customer, but we’re the same people, and the same competitive prices. The W.S. Badcock Corporation has grown tremendously over the years. Plant City was just the 2nd location and today there are approximately 330 stores; 280 dealer stores and 50 corporate stores, all operating in the southeastern United States. Most days you can find Davis and Stephen Robert, Davis’ General Manager, still working in the Plant City store, still helping customers find what they need and catching up on each other’s family. If they’re not around, they’re probably just running an errand or getting lunch. And it’s a family affair for the Davis’. On the day I stopped by for the interview, both Davis’ wife, Sue, and daughter, Laura, were helping out in the store.

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

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

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

HISTORY

DID YOU KNOW?

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story and Photos by Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

A. P. Cooke’s Courier Field THE CITY’S PLAYGROUND Some of the Plant City residents with longer memories have proudly told the story of what’s known as Courier Field. We have found many photos of the various activities held there and are interested in any additional photos you may have. It seems that the Herring family owned the block of land bordered by Herring Street and Wheeler Street that had been used for civic activities and later for physical education. In earlier years there were educational programs such as lyceum under the Chautauqua tent.

Ms. Isom’s phys. ed. class on the court

After the Plant City High School was constructed in 1914-1915, the school used the land for its physical education classes. Mr. and Mrs. A. P. Cooke bought The Courier in 1944, and Mr. Cooke used his column to spearhead a one-man drive to raise money to purchase the land from the W. B. Herring Estate. The community responded to the fund drive and the land was purchased for $3,000 and then donated to the Hillsborough County School System. It was named for Mr. Cooke in recognition of his efforts.

Ms. Isom’s phys. ed. class at volleyball

The photos here date to 1941 when the popular Ms. Isom was the physical education teacher.

Sources: Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr. Plant City; Its Origin and History, and Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 54

Ms. Isom’s phys. ed. at Courier Field

Ms. Isom’s phys. ed. class - 1941, Courier Field

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

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

HOME GUIDE

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Plant City is Growing and so are we!!

To accomodate the many Housing Opportunities coming to Plant City, we have joined Keller Williams to meet the coming needs of our community. Our Walden Lake Team will continue to serve you with integrity alongside Keller Williams. Please stop by our Business Center.

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 62

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 63

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 64

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 65

HOMES

REAL ESTATE

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

Basics of the Real Estate Contract T

he real estate contract is the most often used, yet little understood tool in the real estate business. Whether you are a rank beginner or seasoned expert, there is no excuse for not knowing and understanding the real estate contract. Real estate contracts are based on common law contract principles, so it is important that you understand the nuts and bolts of contract law. Offer, Counteroffer and Acceptance. In most states there are standardized contracts used by real estate agents and attorneys. The contract is generally drafted in the form of an offer. The offer is usually signed by the buyer (the offeror). The contract is not binding until the seller accepts, creating a “meeting of the minds” (called “mutual assent”). An acceptance is made if the offeree (the seller, in this case) agrees to the exact terms of the offer. If the seller replies, “I’ll accept your offer if you agree to close ﬁfteen days sooner,”

there is no binding contract, but rather a counteroffer. The basic building block of a contract is that there is mutual agreement. If the offer is not accepted in the time frame and manner set forth by the buyer (offeror), then there is no contract. For example, if the contract speciﬁes that acceptance must be made by facsimile, an acceptance by telephone call or mail will not sufﬁce. Unilateral Contract vs. Bilateral Contract A real estate sales contract is a “bilateral” (two-way) agreement. The seller agrees to sell, and the buyer agrees to buy. Compare this with an option; an option is a unilateral (one-way) agreement in that the seller is obligated to sell, but the buyer is not obligated to buy - it is his option to do so. A bilateral agreement with a “liquidated damages” provision yields the same result if the buyer fails to close; the seller keeps the buyer’s earnest money and the deal is over.

Basic Legal Requirements of a Real Estate Contract There are some basic requirements that must be present to make a real estate contract valid: Mutual Assent - As stated earlier, there must mutual agreement or “meeting of the minds.” In Writing - With few exceptions, a contract for purchase and sale of real estate must be in writing to be enforceable. Thus, if a buyer makes an offer in writing and the seller accepts orally, then backs out, the buyer is out of luck Identify the Parties - The contract must identify the parties. Although not legally required, a contract commonly sets forth full names and middle initials (it helps the title company in preparation of the title commitment). If one of the parties is a corporation, it should so state (e.g., “North American Land Acquisitions, Inc., a Nevada Corporation”).

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 68

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

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 71

HOMES

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Story by Ken Lawrence-Senior Writer

The Walden Lake Review T

hat proposed sale of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club will simply not go away. The issue has resulted in hard feelings in some quarters, including unwarranted criticism from members of the Walden Lake Homeowners’ Association toward FOCUS Magazine and your writer. They were contained in a newsletter by the Homeowners’ Association and mailed to every home in Walden Lake. Such comments were made by the Association that recent articles we wrote were “misleading” , “inaccurately portrayed the Association as being a player in the sale of the golf course” and one article “written by Ken Lawrence is misleading and has several tidbits taken out of context”. The latter quote came directly from the President of the Clubhouse Woods Homeowners’ Association.

Your writer met the association at its last monthly meeting, presented them with copies of the articles in question and asked them where was anything written in FOCUS that prompted their allegations, as noted above. There was dead silence in the meeting room. Some of the association members admitted that they had not even read the FOCUS articles in question. Bob Williamson, veteran Board Member and a longtime past president of the Walden Lake Homeowners’ Association, addressed the meeting and said their newsletter “was poorly done” and suggested “let’s bury the hatchet”. While we at FOCUS don’t believe there is any hatchet to bury, we’ll go along with that. After all, this magazine was established some four years ago to report the “GOOD NEWS” around Plant City and in telling about the

golf course sale, all we wanted to do was to inform residents of Walden Lake and Plant City what was going on in their community. If there is any change in the golf course ownership, we’ll once again report it accurately to you. OTHER NEWS The annual meeting of the Walden Lake Community Association is tentatively set for Thursday, May 18th at 7pm in the golf course clubhouse. There are expected to be some changes to the Association Covenants, technical stuff we understand and quite possibly the golf course issue again. There will also be a vote for a couple of seats on the Board of Directors.

City Post Office to return the mail box that has been a fixture at the front entrance for years. Two private courier services see fit to have drop boxes there, but the “good old” USPS doesn’t. Go figure! There has been some concern expressed about general security around Walden Lake, especially gang activity. (Note the reappearance of graffiti sprayed on signs, fences and even playground equipment.) The Association is looking into the possibility of paying a Plant City Police Officer to patrol the community, especially on weekend overnight periods. The cost would be about $30,000 annually. That might be another item for discussion at the annual meeting on May 18th. Comments or questions? Call Ken Lawrence at 716-0187.

The Association has been asked by homeowners to plead with the Plant

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 72

Beautifully decorated 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home with 2 Car Garage on�� conservation lot. Formal Living & Dining Room plus Family room. Community Pool, Tennis Courts and Playground for the growing family. A Must See For Only $254,900

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

HOMES

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story by Shelton Keely

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 74

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS CHANGING Last year, multiple offers were common. Consequently, it took no time at all to negotiate a sale. In most cases, buyers had only one shot at getting the price right. The winning contracts were negotiated quickly with little, if any, bickering over prices and terms. If you missed the mark, you rationalized that it wasn’t meant to be and searched for another property. Multiple offers have declined. Instead, multiple counter offers are becoming the norm. Negotiation is back in play. Buyers are on more equal footing with sellers than they’ve been for years. Some of today’s homesale transactions require several rounds of counter offers to reach a mutually agreeable purchase contract. Also, there’s no guarantee that if you start negotiating that a deal will be made. Buyers are more willing to walk away from the bargaining table than they were a year ago. When multiple offers were common, negotiations were usually done when the contract was ratiﬁed. A ratiﬁed contract is one where both buyer and seller accept, in writing, all the terms and conditions. It was common for buyers to lift contingencies with-

out asking the seller to pay to cure any defects. In many cases, buyers simply skipped inspections altogether. This sometimes resulted in unfortunate consequences. What is a buyer’s market? For the past couple of years Plant City has witnessed a very strong seller’s market. Now the seller’s market is transitioning to a buyer’s market. Sellers are reluctant to drop their asking prices, but a lot of them might have to because the buyers now have a little more control, a little more power. A year ago there were only a couple of active listings at any given time in a buyer’s price range, so the options were limited. Today buyers have multiple homes to choose from, therefore giving them more bargaining power and sellers less ﬂexibility in demanding their asking price. Shelton Keely Broker-Realtor Keller Williams Realty 813-503-0999

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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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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 77

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 78

Spring Has Sprung and a Family’s Thoughts Turn to……………..Selling or Buying a Home This is Not the Time to Sell or Buy a Property 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,Inc.

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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For Sale-4210 Kipling Gorgeous 4/2 1/2/ 2cg pool home in immaculate condition Worth every dollar @ $349,000 Sellers are Motivated Home Warranty Contact Ken 716-0187 for Info + Rebate

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 7515 S. County Line Road-Plant City10 acres Possibly the least expensive home in Walden of agricultural land with steel shed + pole barn Lake. -3/2/2 w-new roof, a/c updated Can be excellent horse farm or build Dream Home. Offered at $$229,900 Call Ken 716-0187 Great Price-$499,000

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Edward Jones to Hold Financial Planning Seminar for Women ( Plant City, Florida) -- “Smart Women Finish Rich” is the subject of a seminar to be given on April 25th by Michael Cameron, Investment Representative, in partnership with Van Kampen Investments, Inc. The seminar will be given at 6:00pm at 2501 Thonotosassa Road. Admission is free, and reservations can be made by calling Darlene Schneck at 813-759-1491. “Smart Women Finish Rich” is both fun and educational, and was developed by Van Kampen on an exclusive basis with David Bach, the author of the New York Times best-selling book of the same name, Broadway Books, 2002. Bach also has written the best sellers titled “Smart Couples Finish Rich” (Broadway Books, 2001) and “The Automatic Millionaire.” Since its inception, the turnkey public seminar has been held in more than 1,000 cities nationwide. “Smart Women Finish Rich” also has been adapted into a PBS show hosted by Bach. “’Smart Women Finish Rich’ Provides women with seven simple steps to living a fuller, richer life,” said Scott West, Van Kampen’s director of marketing programs. “During the seminar, attendees learn how to start improving the quality of their financial lives right away by using proprietary tools such as The Values Ladder, The Latte Factor, and Financial ‘Baskets’ for their Retirement, Security and Dreams”. *** Please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the fund carefully before investing. The prospectus contains this and other information about the fund. To obtain a prospectus, contact your financial advisor or download one at vankampen. com. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing. Keep in mind this program is intended to be used as a guide and is no guarantee of individual results as it is possible to lose money by investing in mutual funds. Returns, however, on all investment products will fluctuate. Investment return and principal value will fluctuate, and your investment value may be more or less than the original invested amount.

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

MONEY

INVESTING

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

Don’t Throw Your Mortgage into “Reverse” If you’re like many homeowners in this country, you probably saw your house appreciate in value quite a bit over the past few years. That’s the good news. The notso-good news is that, during this same time period, your savings and net worth might have stagnated or fallen. What does this mean for you? It could mean that when you retire, you do what a lot of current retirees are doing: using the equity in their homes to fund a large portion of their retirement. And that is not a good thing. Before looking at how retirees are tapping into their home equity, let’s review a few statistics from a recent survey by the Federal Reserve. (The survey, released in early 2006, covers the years from 2001-2004.) • The typical American household’s net worth (assets minus debts) increased only slightly, from $91,700 to $93,100. • The typical family’s savings (including retirement accounts) fell from almost $30,000 to just $23,000. • The median value of homes rose from $131,000 to $161,000, a 22 percent jump. By looking at these numbers, you can easily see the problem that many retirees are facing: too few liquid resources available to comfortably support themselves during their retirement years. Consequently, an increasing number of retirees are taking out “reverse mortgages.” This is a special kind of loan that enables borrowers to convert their home equity into cash, either through a line of credit or installment payments. But if you ever decide to sell your home, you will have to pay back what you borrowed on your reverse mortgage. And if you were

to die and leave the house to your children, they would have to pay back the loan. Clearly, these are potentially big drawbacks to taking out a reverse mortgage. And that’s why, if you have many years to go until you retire, you’ll want to give yourself more options for boosting your retirement cash flow. Here are two to consider: • “Max out” on your IRA each year. Put in the maximum allowable contribution to your Roth or traditional IRA each year. And fund your IRA as early as possible every year; the more time you have on your side, the greater your growth potential. • Increase your 401(k) contributions with every raise. Each time you get an increase in salary, defer more money in your 401(k) or other employersponsored retirement plan. As you enter retirement, you may be able to boost your income by doing the following: • Delay taking Social Security. You can begin collecting Social Security at age 62, but your monthly checks will be larger if you can wait until your full retirement age, which can be anywhere from 65 to 67. • Purchase an immediate annuity. An immediate annuity works pretty much as its name suggests: You make a lump-sum payment to an insurance company, and you immediately start receiving an income stream, which can last the rest of your life. Make sure you purchase an annuity that receives high ratings from one of the independent rating agencies. You work hard for much of your life to own your home - so do whatever you can to keep it once you’ve retired.

��

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��

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

MONEY

BUSINESS PROFILE

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story and Photos by Sophia Dedon

Make a Woman Smile WITH SUCH A SIMPLE GESTURE

If you want to know how to make almost any woman smile, take the advice of Courtney Clark, the daughter of Brown’s Floral Shop owner Debbie Clark, “The best reason to buy a woman flowers is no reason at all.” The spontaneity of a bouquet or floral arrangement on an unexpected day will make most women’s faces light up. The best part about it for the clueless men out there is that you don’t have to do anything at all except make one simple phone call, fax, or web site visit. Brown’s Floral Shop opened in Plant City in 1928 when Mrs. Brown decided to sell flowers from her front porch. A few years later, her daughter Hazel opened the shop next door to their home on Reynolds St, where the store is

still located today. In 1988, Debbie Clark, who had been working at the shop for 5 years, bought the store and turned her passion into her career. Although the shop has progressed with time, one aspect never has nor never will change, and that is the friendly service. Whether it is a stranger or a dear friend, the staff at Brown’s will help anyone ﬁnd the perfect ﬂoral purchase for the occasion. Just a reminder...Mother’s Day is right around the corner! Mother’s Day is the busiest holiday of the year at Brown’s. Although one may presume it would be another, the fact of the matter is that everyone has a mother. Not everyone may have a Valentine. Brown’s makes it easy for

anyone wanting to buy their mother, or anyone else, flowers. If you order at least one week in advance, Brown’s will throw in a complimentary balloon just for thinking ahead. Whether you know the specific flowers and arrangement you want or you don’t even know where to begin, they can assist you. They have made every arrangement under the sun and never turn down a challenge. If you have no idea what to purchase, just call and describe to them the woman you are ordering for and your price range and they will help to customize the order for the special woman in your life. In today’s fast pace society, flowers can be purchased at

almost any location, whether it is Wal-Mart or the grocery store. However, if you put those flowers next to ones from Brown’s, it is obvious where they came from. Ms. Clark orders only the best flowers, shipping in 95% of them from South America on a daily basis. Not to mention, if distance is separating you from your loved one, that is no challenge to Brown’s whatsoever. They can have flowers delivered for you to anywhere in the world. Yes, you can walk into Brown’s and order flowers to be delivered in China, no sweat. They are affiliated with FTD and are ranked in the top 1000 floral shops in the entire country. The staff at Brown’s attends training school at least once a year to keep up with all the new trends. There are very few limits with the experienced florists there. The superior customer service makes everyone feel right at home when they walk through the doors. Planning a wedding? Call today and set up an appointment to meet with Debbie Clark and she will walk you through everything. Seasons, colors, prices and so many other factors play very pivotal roles in the process of wedding planning. Don’t stress yourself out, let someone help you! If you would like to put a smile on the face of a woman in your life, even if that is yourself, you can place your order today by calling 813-752-5189, sending a fax to 752-1520, going to www. brownsfloralshop.com or by stopping the shop at 1802 W. Reynolds St.

Tifaney Cothren and Courtney Clark, the two daughters of Brown’s Floral Shop owner Debbie Clark.

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

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

EDUCATION

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story & Photo by Holly Mallalieu

Student of the Month ARIANA GONZALEZ

There are so many people who grow up only to look back on their four years of high school with regret. They wish they had done this, or that, or worked harder in their classes. Although, of course, doing a mediocre job in high school does not completely halt your chances down the road, they are still four very important years in life.

a senior class council representative (Treasurer), and has, this year, been selected as a Tampa Tribune Scholar.

Ariana Gonzalez, an 18 year-old senior at Plant City High School, and our featured “student of the month”, has made sure that she will never be considered one of these people. She has, without a doubt, placed a high value on her education. With a weighted GPA of 5.8, Ariana ranks at a proud number 11 in her senior class of 416. She is a member of the National Junior Honors Society, is

The Civinettes Club has also been a large part of Ariana’s high school career. Not only is she a member; she is the current secretary, as well as Historian of the Junior Civitan, and has represented the Florida district of the Junior Civitan at an international convention in Alabama, and the Plant City Civenettes in Cocoa Beach, Florida. All work and no play is never a good thing. Ariana has previously been on the Plant City High School tennis and volleyball teams, and has excelled just as well outside of the classroom as in - obvious by

her number of awards, including Best Hitter in Varsity Volleyball and 1st place winner in Singles Tennis Regional and District. She has lettered in both sports. Ariana is also the President of SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving), a Venture Scholar, and a member of Environmental organizations such as Alaska Coalition and Environmental Defense Online. On top of all of this, she handles a part-time job as hostess at City Grill in Plant City. Just to emphasize how impressive she is, Ariana has a specialty in

classical pieces on the piano, which she has been practicing for 8 years. Graduation day is almost here, and when Ariana walks across the stage to receive her well-earned diploma, she will be able to look back on four fun and beneﬁcial years of high school. She is a wonderful student with a lot to be proud of.

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

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

SPORTS

BASEBALL

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story and Photo by Bob Hughens

Raiders Scalp the Indians Strong pitching and aggressive base running were the weapons Coach Kenny White and his Plant City High School varsity baseball team used at home on the evening of April 4th as they rolled over the visiting East Bay High School Indians team. Sophomore starting pitcher Evan Dell went the entire game for the Raiders as he retired the first nine batters he faced leading the team to a 6-3 victory. 1st INNING: The first batter for East Bay trickled a slow roller down the first base line and was tagged out on the way to first. Their second batter struck out and the third at bat grounded out to first base. The Raiders started off with a walk by Aaron Starkey, followed by a double from Austin Kern to score Starkey. Ryan Humphrey grounded out to first base to advance Kern to third base. Evan Dell walked and Joshua Kimbel came in to pinch run for him. A single from Phillip Beauchamp drove in Kern and Kimbel and Hoyt Bochy walked after Beauchamp stole second base. On the next pitch, Beauchamp then stole third base and scored when a wild pitch got away from the East Bay catcher. Bochy stole second base at the same time. Adrian Romero then flied out and Jeff Reaume struck out to end the inning. East Bay 0 - PC 4 2nd INNING: A three up-three down start for East Bay ended the top of the inning. Aaron Starkey was given a gift single when East Bay’s shortstop and third baseman let an easy popup drop between them. Kern then grounds out to first base, advancing Starkey to second. Humphrey then singles, scoring Kern. Dell strikes out and Beauchamp flies out to end the inning. East Bay 0 – PC 5 3rd INNING: Another three up

and three down inning for East Bay retires the side. The Raiders can’t get any offense going this inning as they go three up and three down as well. East Bay 0 – PC 5

ter Romero flies out when Reaume triples and a sacrifice fly by Starkey brings him home. Kern walks and Humphrey grounds out to end the inning. East Bay 3-PC 6

4th INNING: East Bay finally gets some offense going this inning when they start off with a walk. The next batter flies out when Jeff Reaume makes a great diving catch for the snag. A home run over the center field fence drives in two runs for the Indians, followed with a single. The next two batters go down swinging.

7th INNING: The Indians started the inning with a single. The next batter reached first base safely on a bunt when he beat the throw to first. However, he was picked off by Dell when he took too big a lead off first base. A force out at second base got the second out but a wild throw to first base allowed the runner to take second. The next batter was hit by the pitch but was forced out at second base to end the game. Final score East Bay 3 – PC 6

After East Bay makes a pitching change, Reaume grounds out, Starkey singles and Kern and Humphrey fly out to end the inning. East Bay 2 – PC 5 5th INNING: The Indians start out with a single, followed by a sacrifice bunt to move the runner to second base. After the next batter fans, Dell balks to send the runner to third base and then scores on a single from the next batter. A ground out to first base ends the side.

The remaining schedule for the Raiders is: 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!

The winning pitcher was Dell (2-1) and the losing pitcher was Menendez. The Raiders needed this victory to take their record to 5-14.

Dell starts the inning with a ground out, followed by a walk by Beauchamp. Bochy ﬂies out to the shortstop and Ricky Morris grounds out to end the inning. East Bay 3 – PC 5 6th INNING: East Bay still can’t get the offense going as they can only manage a single walk before ending the side. The Raiders continue to roll af-

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

Aaron Starkey beats the throw to steal second base.

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

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 91

HEALTH

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Submitted by Dr. Jeﬀrey Dunn

Spinal Decompression: NEW THERAPY RELIEVES BACK PAIN

“My back pain is excruciating...it stops me in my tracks!” “I can’t handle the pain. Can’t walk, can’t work & heck – I can’t even stand up when my back acts up!” If you, like millions of other Americans, have experienced back pain, then you are aware of just how debilitating this condition can be. The pain caused by simply getting out of bed can be unbearable. You may have taken pain relievers, visited physicians, tried physical therapy or even had surgery with no relief and foresee a future of having to live with the pain. The last few years, however, has brought about a revolution in effective back pain treatment: spinal decompression therapy. What have thousands of patients discovered about spinal decompression therapy?...that it works! With a 70-85% effective rate in many common back ailments, they have found relief from many low back and neck conditions such as herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative discs, muscle spasms,

facet arthritis and sciatica. Spinal decompression therapy is recommended by all types of healthcare providers, including neurologists, orthopedists, chiropractors and physical therapists. What is Spinal Decompression Therapy? It is a non-surgical, comfortable traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it. The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. First, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal conﬁnes of the disc can be pulled back in. Second, the vacuum effect within the disc increases the blood supply, stimulating the healing process. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site. Spinal decompression therapy is effective because it corrects the cause of the pain and not just the symptoms.

How Effective is Spinal Decompression Therapy? Recommended by the American Academy of Pain Management, the fast results and minimal side effects of spinal decompression make it the leading therapy prescribed by physicians. The overwhelming acceptance of spinal decompression therapy comes from the extremely high rate of success found by the FDA. FDA studies released noted that spinal decompression therapy was successful in a full 86% of all low back cases, without the need for surgery, injections, medication or pain. Who Can Beneﬁt From Spinal Decompression Therapy? Patients suffering from herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves) may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. Spinal decompression therapy is painless so patients with even the most severe pain can receive treatment. Each patient should be evaluated by a qualiﬁed physician

prior to undergoing care however, as individuals with certain conditions may not be suited for treatment. How Often are the Treatment Sessions? Each session includes decompression therapy and spinal stabilization exercises and takes about 1 hour. Spinal decompression is usually performed 3-5 times a week for 15-20 sessions. A patient will usually start to notice signiﬁcant pain relief within the ﬁrst 2-3 weeks. If you have back pain, spinal decompression is a therapy worth exploring further. It just may be the treatment youíve been looking for to relieve your pain and help you live, work and play like you used to. For more information or questions regarding spinal decompression therapy, please contact Dr. Jeffrey Dunn at Remedi Spa & Chiropractic Center, (813) 752-2440.

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

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Our Reputation is Excellent. Our Results are Even Better. Dr. Jeffrey Dunn has been entrusted with relieving Plant City’s aching backs for years. Certiﬁed in decompression therapies since 1997, his knowledge and experience is now combined with revolutionary technology for chronic back pain -

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1701 S. Alexander Street • Plant City

813.752.2440

Dr. Jeffrey Dunn Owner/ Chiropractic Physician

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 93

HEALTH

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Submitted by Sherry Nueesch

A Small Little Boy on the Beach and many other structures throughout their bodies. Kids need everything an adult needs, but in higher amounts in proportion to their size. They need vitamins and minerals to fuel their enzymes and energy production. They need essential amino acids to build tissue and synthesize more than three hundred thousand different functional proteins. They need water to keep their little bodies clean and to provide a moist environment for the enzymes to work. The children in this country need our help.

his month I want to write about our children. Children are vulnerable. No one can deny that. They depend on the adults in their lives to help them learn and to guide them into adulthood. I personally think that there are three very important things we desperately need to educate our children about. Children need to to be taught to love God. It establishes their spiritual life. A strong spiritual life guides them toward happiness. Children need to learn to fall in love with learning and reading. It will encourage a life long quest for knowledge and exploration. Who wouldn’t want their children to be successful? The third area we also desperately need to teach our children is how to take care of their bodies. Taking good care of their bodies gives them a healthy life. Children cannot be responsible for their diets because they have no idea about the health benefits of an apple versus a donut; that is, unless we teach them. Our children need to be taught that we are designed to eat to live, and not live to eat. We get hungry so we can supply our bodies with vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and water. Nutrients supply us with the building blocks necessary to build, repair and sustain our bodies. These nutrients come from old fashioned wholesome foods. The nutrients they need come from meats, dairy, seafood, fruits, vegetables, grains and wholesome fats. They do not come from Little Debbie’s, pop-tarts and most breakfast cereals. They do not come from white bread or boxed macaroni and cheese. And they most definitely do not come from sodas. Kids grow at an astonishing rate going from roughly twenty five pounds to well over a hundred pounds. They are building muscle mass, bone tissue

Everyone should be aware of the epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes in our country. This epidemic is caused by the bad dietary habits of our children. It is not their fault. They do not know any better. We adults are responsible for them. They do not know any better unless we teach them. We have got to learn to be responsible for their eating habits to protect them from a lifetime of health problems like diabetes, heart disease and behavior disorders, just to name a few. We have to take a stand for our children’s lunches in schools as well as in our homes. Sometimes when I am in a grocery store I feel like a lone wolf against the clout and advertising dollars of the processed food industry. I feel inadequate when I see how small the section for wholesome foods are and how much of our stores are ﬁlled with processed foods devoid of the essential nutrients our growing children desperately need to grow to adulthood. Sometimes I just want to shut up and just live in my own little world and say nothing. But I don’t, as you can see. I won’t shut up because children need our help. They are falling asleep in school. Children’s behavioral drug use is up 400%!! According to a report out of London, “Nearly half the children in North and South America will be overweight by 2010.” That is just four years away. In the same article printed in the Lakeland Ledger on March 6, they write; “This is going to be the ﬁrst generation that’s going to have a lower life expectancy than their parents. The wave of heart disease and stroke could overwhelm the public health care system. It’s like the plague is in town and no one is listening.” A plague in town! They aren’t writing about a “problem” or “matters of concern” or a “situation worth watching”. They are using words like epidemic and plague. I don’t have all the answers to the societal issues that

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

have turned us into a fast food nation, but it has to stop. We are harming our children. I just pray that you will begin to think about what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner in your own home. I pray for that for the children’s sake. No, I won’t be quiet. I won’t because of a small little boy on the beach. He was a small little boy who lived by the ocean. He loved the creatures of the ocean. He loved the creatures of the sea, especially the starfish, and spent much of his time exploring the seashore. One day he learned that there would be a minus tide that would leave the starfish stranded on the sand. The day of the tide he went down to the beach and began picking up stranded starfish and tossing them back into the sea. An elderly man who lived next door came down to the beach to see what he was doing. “I’m saving the starfish,” the boy proudly declared. When the neighbor saw all the stranded starfish, he shook his head and declared, “I’m sorry to

disappoint you young man, but if you look down the beach one way, there are stranded starfish as far as you can see, and if you look down the beach the other way, it’s the same. One little boy like you isn’t going to make much of a difference.” The boy thought about this for a moment. Then he reached his small hand down to the sand, picked up a starfish, tossed it out into the ocean and said, “I sure made a difference to that one.” You can also make a difference, one child at a time. You have to. By the way, the next weight loss class at Curves starts on Monday April 18. Come learn how to make better choices. What you learn will profit your whole family. You will all be healthier. Isn’t that what you want? Our classes are open to all women whether you are a member of Curves or not. Call for details. As always, to your health, Sherry Nueesch.

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

HEALTH

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Submitted by Dr. Susan Ott

HIGH TECH COMES TO PLANT CITY

COMPUTER NAVIGATED JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

otal Joint Replacement Surgery has become one of the most successful and widely performed procedures in the United States today. Well over 600,000 joint replacement surgeries are being performed annually. While complication rates are relatively low, one problem area that continues to present challenges to Orthopaedic Surgeons is that of component mal-position. Successful outcomes from joint replacement surgery are dependant on many factors. The skill of the surgeon, the type of implant used and the medical condition of the patient are all variables that can affect the success of the procedure. Mal-position of components has a direct correlation with the long term survival of the joint implant itself. Achieving satisfactory component position is a priority goal in each and every joint replacement performed. Yet until recently, large surgical incisions and significant surgical skill were required to get the best possible component position. The potential drawbacks to a large surgical incision include the possibility of a prolonged recovery time, more post operative pain and the potential for more blood loss during surgery. As a

result, there has been a move to make surgical incisions smaller. While smaller incisions have led to higher patient satisfaction rates and lower surgical complication rates, the potential for component malposition may have increased. Even the best surgeon has had instances whereupon seeing the post-operative X-ray he was disappointed to find that the components were not properly positioned. This mal-position can possibly lead to joint dislocation, fracture or early wearing out of the implant. All are unhappy consequences for the patient. The desire to properly position components with a higher degree of certainty and less variability has led to the development of computer assistive devices for component position. This field is known as Navigated Joint Replacement Surgery or Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery (CAOS). With CAOS surgeons are developing the ability to carry out joint replacement operations through smaller incisions. This allows their patients to enjoy the potential benefits of the smaller incisions and avoid the complications of component mal-position – the best of both worlds.

Joint Replacement surgery is most predictable when the components are positioned on the bones to exacting tolerances. If the variability of these tolerances is great, then complication rates go up. CAOS is designed to minimize variability in component positioning by providing real-time feedback to the operating surgeon while he is actually doing the operation. Now with the computer assistive device, the surgeon can see exactly how the joint implant components are positioned in the patient, right there in the operating room, decreasing the chance of malposition that up until now had only been detected on the post-operative x-ray. The Computer Navigation system functions like the Global Positioning Satellite System in common use around the United States today. Tracking devices are attached to the patient at the start of the procedure and the position of the patient’s body parts are ‘registered’ on the computer. The computer is then able to track every movement that the surgeon makes. By doing so, the computer can guide the surgeon as he positions the joint implants on the patient’s bones. Any deviations in alignment

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are easily seen on the computer screen and are then corrected in the patient. These computer navigation systems are very expensive. Only hospitals committed to developing high quality Joint Replacement Centers are able to afford this highly technical equipment. In Plant City, our local hospital has made such a commitment. In conjunction with the development of the Bone Joint and Reconstructive Center at South Florida Baptist Hospital, the administration and Orthopaedic Surgeons have brought this exciting new technology to our area. No longer is it necessary to travel to ‘The City’ to get the best available treatment for the surgical management of joint arthritis. Our new Stryker Computer Navigation System is currently being used at South Florida Baptist Hospital, providing our patients with the best available technology in Joint Replacement Surgery If you are interested in Navigated Joint Replacement Surgery, Dr Carrozzella or Dr Ott at Sand Hill Bone & Joint would be happy to discuss these exciting new technologies with you.

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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

116 N. Kings Ave. Brandon, Fl 33510

(813) 490-1393

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

Certiﬁed: Board Certiﬁed D.O.

�� 1601 W. Timberlane Dr., Suite 500 ��

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Plant City, Fl 33567

(813) 754-0817

EXTRA

LAW

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Story by Johnnie Byrd

Focus on Your Legal Rights

Well you took my wife And you took my kids And you took that life That I used to live My pride, the pool, the boat, my tools, my dreams, the dog, the cat Yeah I think that’s just about everything Oh I almost forgot Do you want fries with that? Tim was right about Florida law. Alimony could only be terminated upon the remarriage of a former spouse. Last June that changed when the Governor signed a new law that someone paying alimony may have it reduced or terminated if the former spouse is merely living in a ‘supportive relationship’ with a new companion. If a request for termination or reduction is filed, the trial court must consider the nature and extent of the new relationship, such as whether the former spouse and the new companion hold themselves out as a married couple, whether they have pooled their assets or income or otherwise support each other. Thus, alimony should not go to support the new significant other or to a former spouse who is being supported by the new significant other. Your Car Is Your “Castle” Now. Florida’s new “Stand Your Ground” law makes sense to most law abiding gun owners. The new law restores the right of a law-abiding citizen to protect himself and his family in his home. Now if someone breaks into your home or auto while you are in it, you may use force, including deadly force, to protect yourself and your family.

Looking For ‘Harmony’ Online? On-line dating services provide an opportunity for persons using the Internet to advertise themselves as available for dating, and to search for others similarly available. There are thousands of online dating services, including large generalized services and smaller specialized services. The largest services claim to have millions of subscribers each. If a bill pending in the Florida legislature passes, an online dating service provider who does not conduct criminal background screenings must disclose to all Florida members that it does not do so. This disclosure must be provided when an electronic mail message is sent or received by a Florida member, on the member’s proﬁle, and on the provider’s website pages used when a Florida member signs up for the service. Do Florida residents need to be informed when viewing on-line dating websites of the potential risks to personal safety associated with on-line dating? We’ll see what the Legislators have to say. Be advised that this article if for informative purposes and individual legal advice should be obtained from a licensed member of the Florida Bar.

Johnnie Byrd, former State Legislator, is a partner in the Plant City law ﬁrm of Byrd & Stitzel, P.A. practicing in the areas of personal injury, family law, and criminal defense.

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�� Baker ��

Reynolds

Wheeler

“And don’t laugh, this second job of mine Is paying both our rents You’re out here buying Happy Meals And I’m eating rice and pintos You so much as crack a smile at me, man I’ll come through this here window

Open

Davis

Tim McGraw laid out the plight of a divorced husband working a second job a McDonald’s to pay his alimony in the lyrics to, “Do You Want Fries With That?”

Believe it or not, up until now Florida law required you to retreat if accosted by a criminal. The new law removes the duty to retreat when you are under attack by a criminal. So the duty to retreat from any place that you have the lawful right to be has been removed. If you are attacked, you can still run if you want to. But if you want to protect yourself, you can in effect stand your ground and protect yourself – you just have to be there lawfully and have a reasonable belief that you are in imminent danger.

Alexander

Would You Like Fries With That?

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LOCATED BETWEEN DOWNTOWN AND ALEXANDER STREET

�� FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 97

EXTRA

AUTO REVIEW

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Story by Brian West Photos courtesy of Buick/GMC

LaCrosse is LaNice

FAST-PACED, PASSES WITH EASE AND SCORES

or years, General Motors’ production line was designed to appeal to our life-cycles; Chevrolet was the entry level vehicle marketed towards ﬁrst-time car buyers, while the Cadillac was the crown jewel, marketed for those in retirement years. All the other GM models were found in between. Of their many brands, Buick was always billed as a car for those in their “mature” years in life. But GM is working to change that – even though it may be a little change. And instead of having several good GM models, they seem to be striving for fewer models – all great models, and the Buick LaCrosse deﬁnitely meets this expectation. The LaCrosse was introduced in 2005 and was well accepted by consumers. It is a mid-sized sedan and it still has the traditional look of a Buick, but the styling is slightly more “youthful.” Buick seems to be targeting a family consumer; one where the parents are in their late 30’s and early 40’s which is quite younger than the traditional

demographic of the Buick. The lines of the LaCrosse look younger, and when you combine them with enhancements such as a more powerful stereo and larger wheels, the LaCrosse is slightly more “hip” and becomes appealing to a broader market. The 2006 LaCrosse hasn’t seen the marketing from GM that it deserves, but it isn’t spending much time on dealer lots either. This year the LaCrosse is being marketed as having “world-class power… a peaceful quietTuning… with an expertly crafted interior.” When it comes to power, the LaCrosse is more than adequate. The LaCrosse has 2 engine options; a 3.8L 3800 series III V6 producing 200hp and a 3.6L VVT DOHC V6 that produces 240 hp. The 3800 series is touted as the most proven power plant in GM’s inventory, while the VVT is GM’s terminology for fully variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust. This reduces emissions while

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

providing better fuel economy. QuietTuning was the term Buick developed to market the levels of quietness they were able to achieve with the LaCrosse. Buick introduced new ideas in several areas to accomplish this, including laminated front side-door glass, an acoustic laminate windshield, side-view mirror sound barriers, body bafﬂes and 18 strategically positioned acoustic panel dampers. These new implements work well to reduce noise in the cabin to exceptionally low levels. Buick also placed noise absorbers throughout the cabin. Ultimately, Buick engineers believed the best way to reduce noise was to eliminate it at its source and the sound level would indicate they accomplished their goal. I found almost no road noise and had to turn the stereo completely off to hear anything outside the vehicle. Buick did a wonderful job with the interior as well. Again, the LaCrosse has the same traditional overall look

on the interior as other Buick’s but with some subtle differences that make it more appealing to a broader market. The interior is available in leather, which has nice, tight lines. Wood accents, which are also popular with many drivers, are also available. The overall look is very simple, but also comfortable. One of the managers at the dealership said this was the ﬁrst car he’d driven that he could travel long distances without his back bothering him when he got where he was going. The LaCrosse I drove was a base model, but it was a Signature series with larger rims. The V6 engine performed very well and the passing gears are more than enough to help merging into Interstate trafﬁc. It had an MSRP of $25,145. If you’re interested in a Buick LaCrosse, check with Lott-Mather. They can get the one that is right for you. Just be sure to tell them that you read about the LaCrosse in Focus Magazine.

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AL RUECHEL

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By Al Ruechel

They’re all winners! W

ow. Talk about a tough job. This year I volunteered to judge entrees in the David Logan Scholarship competition. We had over one hundred entrees from aspiring athlete-scholars trying to land one scholarship each for an outstanding senior girl and senior boy. I have been brought to tears by many of the short essays detailing why these students think they deserve the scholarship money. One girl is maintaining a nearly perfect academic record even though she is working 35 hours a week to help her recently divorced mom care for her 3 brothers and sisters. There’s another applicant whose father recently died after a 3-year battle with cancer. Another girl recently lost a sibling to leukemia and dropped out of sports to take a job to help her family make ends meet. One of the guys lost his brother in a car accident and he wants to help fulfill his brother’s dream of attending college. Another applicant will be the first in his family to attend college if he can land enough scholarship money. Another star athlete has turned down out of state scholarships because he wants to stay close enough to home to help his mom with weekend chores. He lost his dad in the first Persian Gulf War.

These kinds of stories and dozens more just break my heart. I can see my own kids sitting down at the computer typing away, their dreams and hopes on the line, praying to say just the right words that might help them rise to the top in the ever competitive world of landing scholarships. I’ve seen the look on their faces when “the letter” arrives, the fumbling hands, the quick exit to the bedroom, the long silence, and the tears you know that are flowing. Rejection is a part of life. But compared to the overall experiences gained by trying to be the best, it is a mere whisper in the chorus of living. Reaching for the heights is risking, but taking those steps to get there builds character and resolve. Only one person wins the top scholarship. Some judge has had to filter through hundreds of applications trying to determine, even as I am doing now, who gets the prize. It’s agonizing for them, and me. The fact is, all of the applicants deserve to be awarded. They all have excellent academic records, have proven their athletic skills, have trained for hundreds of hours, and gone without sleep to keep up the good grades. If I had a million bucks they would all get their wish. When I finally do select my winners, those names will be submitted to three other judges who are going through the same

process. Thank God the decision will be a collective effort. I hope to send a letter along to all the applicants to thank them for pouring out their hearts. It will go something like this: Dear Thomas, or Diane, or Eric! You are an amazing person. Thank you for allowing me to read about your many accomplishments. I saw your sacriﬁce reﬂected in those superb grades. I’m glad I didn’t have to compete against you athletically because you would have kicked my butt.

have selected the same winners.

You faced some big challenges and didn’t let those obstacles turn you away or make you bitter. You are a winner in life and will succeed in whatever direction you travel. Personally, I am so proud of you I’d like to give you a big pat on the back right now. It may seem strange that I have to tell you that you weren’t chosen to win the scholarship. You didn’t do anything wrong, your record wasn’t lacking in a single category. Four judges spent countless hours and sweated bullets coming down to the two winners. We honestly think if you had been a judge you might

Be disappointed, be sad, and maybe cry a bit if you like. Now, get up and get back to the business of doing what you have done over and over again. The world needs more winners like you. We look forward to hearing about the wonderful things you will accomplish in the years to come. Sincerely, Al Ruechel. P.S. Now do me a favor. Go out and ﬁnd a deserving student who will be heading off to college this fall. Take a few bucks out of your wallet or purse, put it in an envelope and send it to that student with a note attached: “Just want you to know there’s someone out there who believes in you.”

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

EXTRA

TRAVEL

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Story by Brandon Hyde Photos courtesy of www.consciencia.org

Salvador Dali Museum WORLD FAMOUS PAINTINGS IN OUR BACKYARD

any years ago, in May of 1904, the world welcomed its newest addition to a new art culture that had begun to surface. If the world had only known what it was in store for during the next 85 years, it could have better prepared itself. Arguably the second most creative mind ever known to man (behind Da Vinci, of course), Salvador Dali would not only wreak havoc upon this unsuspecting earth with his antics and artistry, but he would also reap the benefits of being given one of the most amazing artistic talents ever seen. Dali found ways to awe his peers, parents and critics in every possible way. Now Mr. Dali’s amazing talents are on display at the Salvador Dali Museum, located in St. Pete, next to the USF St. Petersburg campus. The museum, founded in 1971 in Cleveland, Ohio, then later moved to St. Petersburg, houses many of Dali’s incredible artworks, including Spain. The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete is set up to take you through Dali’s life, year after year. In the first gallery of the former marine warehouse-turned art museum you can see some of the first paintings by Dali. The influence of the surrounding environment in which he grew up can be seen in almost every

painting that had to do with the outdoors. This outside influence would also creep into his surrealist style. Also visible in this section of the museum are the time periods in Dali’s life when he was trying to find his own style. Paintings such as Figure Between the Rocks portray strong cubist influences. Others which show the influence of such masters as Monet are displayed.

such as the Venus de Milo and Michelangelo’s The Creation of Adam, Dali created exactly what he wanted, a stirred audience that knew his name. Metamorphosis of Narcissus

The next section really begins to focus in on his real style of art. The vast landscapes, only spotted with ﬁgures that are small in comparison to their environments, but strangely make the painting complete. Paintings such as The Fountain, Average Atmospherocephalic Bureaucrat in the Act of Milking a Cranial Harp, and Meditation on the Harp can be seen, with small information tablets to the right of the paintings explaining what you don’t see in them.

The following gallery houses what may be some of Dali’s most amazing painting of all time. The Ecumenical Council, Christopher Columbus Discovers America, Galacidalacidesoxyribonucle idacid, and Hallucinogenous Bullﬁghter are all of mammoth size, measuring nearly 20 feet in height and 20 feet in width. These colossal paintings show Dali’s amazing ability to pair technique with different styles to create a complete well-composed masterpiece.

Entering a transitional stage in his life, Dali began to mix his classical inﬂuences with his own, unique style. This can be seen in the small gallery section of the museum. The original Bust of Voltaire, Geopolitical Child Watching the Birth of the New Man and others can be seen. By mixing classical artworks

In 1982, only 10 years after Dali seemed to be at his highest peak, his loving wife of 53 years passed away, and so did his passion. Dali only painted once more during the 7 years he survived following her death and that was completed in 1983 and titled The Swallowtail. Dali and his antics are gone. However, his legacy

Geopoliticus Child Watching the Birth of the New Man FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 100

Persistence of Memory

will continue to live on as one of the most creative painters of the 1900’s; maybe ever, but that is to debate. The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Pete solidifies what Dali stood for. They portray his life work in a manner that one cannot help but appreciate not only his skill as a painter, but also his ingeniousness as an engineer with his hands. Dali once said, “My art is handmade photography of extra-fine, extravagant, super0aesthetic images of the concrete irrational.” Find the meaning of that in St. Pete. There are tours available with guides describing and explaining some of the hidden meanings and things that Dali prided himself on in his paintings. The museum is located at 1000 3rd Street South in St. Petersburg and their phone number is 800-442-3254. You may also find information from their website at www.

Dali, self-portrait

COMING SOON

EXPECT MORE.

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 101

D&E

DINING REVIEW

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Story and Photos by Sophia Dedon

Lunch in the Red Rose Dining Room AN ELEGANT TREAT

they eat.” Chef Venus shared that her desire is that everyone in Plant City at least come try the lunch buffet one time. You may drive by the Ramada Inn Plantation House 100 times without realizing there is an elegant-styled lunch inside. All it takes is stopping in one time to fall in love with the Red Rose Dining Room.

Everyone loves variety in their desserts!

rom the moment you step into the room, the environment of the Red Rose Dining Room alone sweeps you off your feet. The common fare of lunch usually includes sandwiches and salads. Although those items may be ordered off the menu, it is not what most people eat for lunch there. The all-you-can-eat buffet is by far the most popular choice.

two tables are only half of the fun. Around the corner is where the “real” food is. Items change daily, but on this particular afternoon, the menu consisted of corn chowder soup, fresh green beans, quiche, sliced turkey breast in gravy and tender spare ribs falling off the bone. Now, who can complain about such a meal for a mid-work day?

Beginning with the salad bar, a variety of salads, fruits, and pastas are available. Especially since it is strawberry season, there is a large bowl full of strawberries next to another bowl of whipped cream. For those who love the taste, but not the results of sugar in your body, there is an alternative. There are bowls right next to the sugared ones that are sweetened with Splenda.

Even with such a variety of foods, they are all cooked with delicious flavor. Sous Chef Venus Watson has been working there since the Red Rose Dining Room first opened. She said, “The best part about my job is that it provides instant gratification. As soon as the meal is cooked, I get to see the satisfied expressions on the customers’ faces while

Few eyes can escape the temptation of staring at the array of cakes and pies available for dessert. Mouths salivate as the mind attempts to decipher which one will be most appealing to the taste buds. Different desserts are available on a daily basis, never allowing for boredom to occur. Hopefully your plate hasn’t already been ﬁlled, because those

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

Being that the combination of elegance, convenience and succulent food usually means a high-priced bill, it is even more tempting to stop by for lunch knowing that it is only $11 for the all-you-can-eat buffet. The Red Rose Dining Room is a gold mine waiting to be discovered by many residents of Plant City and surrounding communities. Lunch is not the only thing in which they specialize. Dinner at the Red Rose Dining Room is also quite a treat. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays they offer a seafood and prime rib buffet from 5-9 p.m. A jazz band provides subtle entertainment beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays

and Fridays are also ﬁlled with great food and exciting entertainment. The Sunday brunch from 11a.m.-3p.m. makes a wonderful after-church meal. So, the next time that you are sitting at your desk and your tummy rumbles before you have decided where to eat lunch, swing by the Red Rose Dining Room and treat yourself to one of the best lunches offered in town!

CRITICAL INFO The Red Rose Dining Room at the Ramada Inn Plantation House 2011 N Wheeler St 813-759-1888 Lunch hours: 11:30a.m.-2 p.m. Buffet- $11 Menu Items- $4.95-11.95

The salad bar is full of delicious, healthy options.

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2006 Game Schedule

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�� FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 103

EXTRA ��

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

by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

EQUIPMENT FIT FOR A QUEEN AND HER COURT

Posing on the KUBOTA M125X, The 2006 Florida Strawberry Queen, Hannah Renee Hodge (above) and her court, Megan Renee Shelley (below).

Joe Wiggens, General Manager and The 2006 Florida Strawberry Queen, Hannah Renee Hodge.

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

EXTRA

ENTERTAINMENT

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

Story by Brenda Paul Photos courtesy of First United Methodist Church Youth

A Mission in Black and White AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Today’s youth face a myriad of choices as they make their way into adulthood. The media and fast-paced society teens live in bombards them with opportunities, both positive and negative, never afforded their previous generation. As life experiences and pressure to conform influence their personality, character, morals and lifestyle, the line between good choices and not so good choices is often blurred and not always clear. Many times, it is that vague “gray area” that clouds the decision making process for teens. Based on what they see happening around them, they may choose a self indulgent journey rather than make the choice to live a selfless life dedicated to changing the world around them. At First United Methodist Church in Plant City recently, the gray area disappeared and the choice to make a difference locally and globally became as clear as black and white. The first fundraising youth dance, a “Black & White Affair” was held on Friday, March 31st to benefit One Life Revolution, an international, non-denominational Christian-based project to raise funds for the AIDS stricken African nation of Zambia. One Life Revolution is sponsored by World Vision and Youth Specialties and promotes the idea that “You have one life-Do Something!” The youth department at FUMC, consisting of 6th through 12 graders and dubbed “The Loft,” an acronym for The Lord Offers Forgiveness Today, decided to do just that by hosting the Black & White Affair. The teens came up with the idea for the black and white themed dance and concert and with the assistance of one of the many of the church’s youth ministry groups, Backstage Pass, planned the black and white décor, promoted the event, sold tickets and no doubt, searched the malls for the perfect black and white outfit to wear. Sacred Covenant, an original Christian rock/alternative band fronted by Plant City’s Church on the Rock’s youth worship leader, Nathan

Drawdy, was invited as the featured band. Two bands from FUMC, Lifeguard and the Loft Praise Band also performed worship inspired offerings that kept everyone on their feet during the evening. The bands donated their time and talents to the beneﬁt dance. Fundraising was certainly the main goal of the Black & White Affair but according to Bryant Johnson, Director of Youth Ministries at FUMC, there is another important element in hosting events of this nature. “Our goal is to help our students be in ministry. We don’t simply want to tell them about it but we want to help them make it an active part of their lives,” Johnson said.

Members of Backstage Pass, the FUMC Ministry Group responsible for coordinating the Black & White Aﬀair, share in the success of the event.

In keeping with that aim, the FUMC youth group was also successful in the collection of health kits for those located in areas affected by last season’s devastating hurricanes. The effort netted 2000 kits consisting of soap, wash cloths, toothbrushes, combs and other necessities. It could be said that “friend-raising” was also a goal of the Black & White Affair. It is hoped that by inviting teens from the Plant City community, others will be drawn to the group and become a regular part of it. Currently, the group consists of nearly 90 active youth. Obviously, as more and more teens become a part of the group, more will understand and learn the importance of becoming life-long, compassionate contributors to society and therefore humanitarian mission projects such as One Life Revolution can continue to be successful in its endeavors.

Sacred Covenant was one of the bands at the beneﬁt concert.

Besides Backstage Pass and the Loft Praise Band, other ministry groups at FUMC include a video ministry and a drama team so there is plenty of room for all who want to make that positive choice to make a real difference in today’s world. For additional information about the Youth Ministries at First United Methodist Church, contact Bryant Johnson at 754-3519 or via email at youthmin@tampabay.rr.com.

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

The Loft Praise Band helped to raise funds for the One Life Revolution at PC FUMC.

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

Historic Downtown Guide SHOPPING

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BIKE FEST

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Enjoy Food, Great Atmosphere & Tons of Old Cars

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

FOOD

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BUSINESS

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

D&E

MOVIE REVIEWS

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

By Brandon Hyde

V for Vendetta

Rated R Action and Adventure, Crime and Mystery, Drama Starring: Natalie Portman, Hugo Weaving, Stephen Rea, John Hurt

Every once in a great while, a movie that strikes a nerve in your mind comes out. It’s a good strike. One that compels you to seek something that is outside of you; one that stimulates you to ﬁnd something to stand up for. V for Vendetta is that movie. From the makers of “The Matrix” comes a new tale of revolution, change and outright disregard for the opposing force you feel is pressing on you the wrong way. With lead woman Natalie Portman, she gives an air of niaveness and innocence to her character. Things have gone wrong for her, but nothing she talks about, until she meets V. The masked lead man known simply as V makes her face her past and

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

fears, while at the same time leading a revolution of the ﬁctional England the story takes place in. With a government in place much akin to George Orwell’s classic 1984, the Wochowski brothers have created a world that may not be so distant in the future for many countries. The movie has no word for what it stands for and what it can mean. People have to see it to understand the importance of the ﬁlm and how creative movies can be. Rating: 4 _ stars

Inside Man Rated R Drama, Crime and Mystery Starring: Denzel Washington, Clive Owen, Jodie Foster, Christopher Plummer

Ever see a movie that starred the queen of suspense, Jodie Foster? Ever see one that stars Jodie Foster that was not suspenseful? Here’s your chance. Inside Man boasts the best bank robbery ever, right from co-starring Clive Owen. “Steve”,

as he is commonly known among his gang, has spent many months planning the robbery of Manhattan Bank. While this is taking place, we are introduced to the other costar, Denzel Washington, who plays the smooth-talking, but risky hostage negotiator. The bank’s owner now calls in Jodie Foster to help him do something that he won’t tell her. So, here’s the characters, and action? Not so fast. In most films, this is the point when suspense begins to build, ending in a cleverly directed sequence of events. Not so much for Inside Man. The story itself drags. Just like Mr. “Steve’s” plan. Yet, is that what director Spike Lee was going for, boredom, slowly lulling Mr. Washington and his audience to sleep trying to plan ahead of “Steve?” A well-crafted storyline; not so well directed. Those are the two points that make up the film. Honestly, a keen viewer could see the lack of emotion by the film’s greater stars. It

was as if they were going through the motions to put out this ﬁlm. Where are the days when Denzel cried on screen during Glory? Or when Jodie put on the headphones and gleams at the sound she hears in “Contact?” Those are the great movies. Bring them back. Rating: 2 1/2 stars

Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

Rated PG Family and Children, Animation, Comedy Starring: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary, Queen Latifah

Hilarious! Fox 20th Century has hit the nail on the head with Ice Age 2. With the success of the 2000 ﬁlm, my hope for The Meltdown was that it could pull within reach of its predecessor. Never once did I suspect this, however. Returning Manny, Sid, and Diego to the cast, the jokes keep on-a-coming. Oh, and let’s not forget my second favorite animated character of all time, Scrat.

The quirky little squirrel-slash-rat creature breaks up the movie and gives major comic relief from an already hysterical movie. The additions of the almost cuckoo minded Ellie (Latifah) and her two “brothers” add more to this movie than the ﬁrst could have hoped to achieve. Moments of love, suspense and pure enjoyment are followed, one after another, by jokes that put you on the ﬂoor, howling. Not very often does

a movie come along that is so great. A do-not-miss! Go now, you won’t be sorry. Rating: 5 stars

She’s The Man

Rated PG-13 Comedy Starring: Amanda Bynes, Alex Breckenridge, Channing Tatum, Vinnie Jones

In She’s the Man, Amanda Bynes

pastes on sideburns and a shaggy bowl-cut wig and struts around in a prep-school jacket attempting to pass herself off as a boy. But, let’s be honest. Bynes, with her chipmunk cheeks and googly eyes, is almost too girly to even begin to understand what her male compatriots are like. When she tries to talk ‘’masculine,’’ squeaking out lines like ‘’Hey, bruthuh!’’ with a rare mix of inner-city Ebonics and broken English, it’s so horrid you stare with a mix of fascination and horror. She’s The Man, in which Bynes has to pretend to be her brother to play competitive soccer, is a role-reversal comedy that has too much slap stick and not enough comedy to be considered a comedy. As an actress, Bynes is faulty. She will only ever be a teeny-bopper-but-still-somehow-became-famous-actress. If you don’t believe how bad this movie is, think about this; Amanda Bynes impersonates a teenage boy yet never gives him a dirty thought. Yet, it is an A+ movie; the best example that Hollywood produces for the young teenage crowd. Rating: 1 1/2 stars

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

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

D&E

EVENT CALENDAR

SEND COMMENTS TO SDEDON@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM

April 16, Sunday The Lord of Life Lutheran Church at 2104 Mud Lake Road is having two special Easter services. 8:30 is the contemporary service and the traditional one is at 10:30 a.m. Come celebrate the joyous news that Jesus Christ has risen today! For more info call the church at 813-752-6064. April 21, Friday The First Baptist Church of Plant City is hosting an All Night-Almost Gospel concert by the Florida Opry. The event begins at 7 p.m. For more info, contact Meryle Henry at 813-752-1286. April 21-22, Friday-Saturday Relay for Life will be held at Plant City High School. Relay For Life is a fun-ﬁlled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs of your American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times. Relay For Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated. For more info call the American Cancer Society at 813-685-0670 ext 114. April 23, Sunday The brand new Emergency Room at the South Florida Baptist Hospital will have a grand opening open house from 1-4 p.m. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will do the ribbon cutting at 1:30. Attend the “Prevention Convention” event so that you can learn certain ways to avoid even having to go to the ER and save lives. For more info call the hospital at 813-757-1200. April 25, Tuesday The Tampa Recreation Department will be presenting a puppet show entitled “Eugene the Brave” at the

Bruton Memorial Library as part of their Creative Arts Theater. It is about a possum that is afraid of the dark. It is for ages 3-12 and begins at 3: 30p. m. For more info call 813-757-9215. April 28, Friday The Wilson Elementary Spring Fling will begin at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity for great fun for all children. It will be held in the school parking lot. For more info, call the school at 813-757-9307. Golfers are invited to tee-up for the Annual Childrenʼs Gold Classic at the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. The tournament begins at 11 a.m. Lunch is provided by Fredʼs Market. Shot-gun start is at 12:30 p.m. There is plenty of room for sponsorships and golfers. For more info call Beverly Littlejohn at 813-554-8268. April 29, Saturday The Plant City Photo Archives will hold a black-tie event at the new John R. Trinkle facility to honor Robert Trinkle. Mr. Trinkle will receive the Heritage Award for a lifetime of community service. The program includes dinner, entertainment, and the award presentation. For additional info call 813-754-1578 The City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department annual Teen LockIn at the Plant City Family YMCA is Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 7:00 to 11:00pm. It is for ages 12-18 and the cost is $7 at the door. Pizza and drinks are provided. There will be swimming, racquetball, volleyball, soccer and more. For more info contact Stephen Rossiter at srossiter@plantcitygov. com or 813-659-4200 ext 4311. Raquel Ache Leonard and her Marionettes will perform “America-A Continent” at the Bruton Memorial Library. There will be mariachi music, stories, crafts, refreshments and dance presentations by local high school children. The friends of the library will give each child, six and under, books to take home. The program begins at 2. For more info, call the

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

library at 813-757-9215. May 4, Thursday The Plant City Community Expo will take place at the new John R. Trinkle Center on the HCC campus. Come meet your local businesses. There will be food samples, door prizes and givea-ways. The event is from 2-6 p.m. For more info, contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at 813-754-3707. This is the National Day of Prayer. In honor of this day, Plant City has three activities planned. First is the breakfast at Shiloh Baptist Church. It is from 1-8 a.m. and is $5 per person. Tables of 8 can be purchased for $40. Proceeds beneﬁt Somebody Cares Plant City. From noon to 1 p.m. there will be a prayer at City Hall for all government employees. Finally, there is an evening service at the Plant City Church of God on Mud Lake Road beginning at 7 p.m. For more info, contact Norm Blanton at 752-4671. May 5, Friday Teen Night at the Planteen is hosted by the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department. For only $5, middle school students can have pizza, drinks, dancing and games. It is 7-11 p.m. For more info, contact Steve Rossiter at srossiter@plantcitygov.com. Kash N Karry is sponsoring a golf tournament to beneﬁt Unity in the Community. It will begin at noon at the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. For more info, contact Joyce Jordan at 813-752-1275.

Kids Night Out is open to children ages 5-12 to provide a night for the parents to get away and pay only $5 per child. It is from 6-9p.m at the Planteen Center. Activities include watching movies, playing games, doing crafts and eating pizza. For more info contact Jaci Jenkins at 813-757-9166 or email at jjenkins@plantcitygov.com Bike Fest will be held in Downtown Plant City from 5-9 p.m. It is fun for the whole family. For more info, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 813-754-3707. The Multiple Sclerosis Society Plant City Chapter is hosting a dinner and dance with a 50ʼs theme. The goal of the dinner is to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research to end the devastating disease. Sponsorships are available. Tickets are $10. To purchase tickets or for more info, contact Carol Rodriguez at 813-757-6234 or email at Crab333526@yahoo.com. May 13, Thursday The Mystery Dinner Theater will be hosted by Ms Dixieʼs Aurora Music and Performing Arts, Inc. From 4-6:30 p.m. there will be spaghetti dinners that are available for carry out for only $5 per meal, which includes spaghetti, salad, a roll, and dessert. At 7 p.m. will begin the CSI Mystery Dinner production. The cost to attend both the show and dinner is $10 per person, $8 for children and seniors. A group discount will apply to groups of 6 or more for $7 per person. For more info, call 813-717-9575.

May 5-6, Friday-Saturday Students from Jackieʼs Dance Studio will be performing excerpts from Cats at the Cornerstone Community Center. All tickets are $5 in advance, $10 at the door. Children 10 and under are free. The event begins at 8 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Saturday. For more info, call Jackieʼs Dance Studio at 752-1621 or 752-1683. May 6, Saturday

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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�� FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 117

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 118

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FOCUS PLANT CITY EDITION • April 15 • 2006 - May 15 • 2006 PG 119