FOCUS Plant City 06-08 Aug 2007 by Floyd Publications

LOCAL • REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS • SPOR TS • DINING • ENTER TAINMENT VOLUME 6 NUMBER 8 • AUGUST 15, 2007 - SEPTEMBER 15, 2007

FREE At 200+ Locations In Plant City

TA K E O NE PLANT CITY EDITION

Back to School Pamela Bowden of Durant High School

Melody Murphy of Cork Elementary

Colleen Richardson of Plant City High School

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TA B L E OF CONTENT S

ISSUE 6-8

50-54

MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Mike Floyd .......................... mike@ﬂoydpublications.com

114 dining & entertainment

The time of year that parents anticipate and kids all dread is here. The end of summer has arrived and anyone 18 or under immediately realizes what that means: it is time to go back to school. Gone are the lazy days of fun and frivolity, the break is over and it is time once again to buckle down and get to work. Homework, essays, math and more are all on the agenda, but there are a few changes in the works for the upcoming school year.

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The middle of summer 2007 was deﬁnitely not boring here in Plant City! Read about what our residents did to keep themselves busy, from publishing books, to winning tournaments to performing in entertainment numbers – no one had the chance to whine about not having anything to do.

CREDIT MANAGER Bob Hughens ...................... bob@ﬂoydpublications.com

From 50’s & 60’s style Doo Wop dinner shows to Sunday champagne brunches with live jazz, there is something going on every day of the week at the Red Rose Inn & Suites. Formally known as the Ramada Inn Plantation House, The Red Rose Inn & Suites, located at 2011 N. Wheeler Street in Plant City, provides guests with beautiful, theme style accommodations, fabulous food, entertainment and fun. In addition to regularly scheduled events, holiday happenings will give you the chance to celebrate the season in style!

spotlight

Once again, parents have come to that most precious of times; time to send their children back to school. And just as much as parents look forward to that moment, their children don’t. This year we wanted to speak with some of the area Principals to learn a little more about them, and what students can expect as they take on their next year of learning.

ART DIRECTOR Stefanie Burlingame GRAPHIC DESIGN Anthony Sassano / Phil Ransdell DISTRIBUTION Tony DeVane

STAFF WRITERS Brian West, Wendy Brown, Joe Bowles, Sherry Baldwin, Holly Mallalieu, Heather Wilson, Heather Davis, Cheryl Johnston, Ashley Baxley, Emily Allen, Ruchelle Owens, Daniel Sperry CONTRIBUTORS Sherry Nueesch, Gil Gott, Al Ruechel, Shelton Keely, Michael Cameron, Bruce Rodwell, Natalie Sweet, Robert Brown, Dr. Susan Ott, Vincent Herzog 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 ktoney@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.

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published by:

ﬂoyd publications, Inc.

on the cover:(Left to right) Pamela Bowden, Melody Murphy and Colleen Richardson.

PHOTO BY KRISTEN TONEY FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 4

SALES Tania Summers ............ tsummers@floydpublications.com Sophia Hyde .................... shyde@floydpublications.com Tammy Simpson ........... tsimpson@floydpublications.com Erica Snyder .................. esnyder@floydpublications.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Billy Friend

It was a game that we all learned sports to play in elementary school. It was not considered competitive, but merely a game that everyone in class could get involved in, even those with little athletic talent. But all that has changed today as the popularity of volleyball has grown in the past decade. With competitive beach volleyball being broadcast on ESPN, championships being played all over the globe, and with prep and college volleyball gaining a bigger audience every year, it was just a matter of time before local volleyball leagues would spring up.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Kristen Toney ................... ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com OFFICE MANAGER DeDe Floyd ....................... dede@ﬂoydpublications.com

120-131 feature

EDITOR IN CHIEF Linda Floyd .........................linda@ﬂoydpublications.com

101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 Phone 813.707.8783 • Fax 813.764.0990

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LETTERFROMTHEEDITOR “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.” Rabindranath Tagore I was shopping the other day, and stepped into a dressing room with a few maybes draped over my arm. As soon as the chime that announced my arrival ceased, I heard the unmistakable voice of a child, chattering away to her mom, accompanied by the sigh of a somewhat aggravated woman. Rounding the corner, I caught sight of a sweet little one dressed in pink and swinging her legs back and forth impatiently as she perched on the bench. I smiled. “Hi!” she exclaimed. “Hi, there!” I enthused, smiling wider. “I’m four, how old are you?” she chirped. “I’m 24,” I stated matter-of-factly. Her eyes grew big and she threw up her hands and cried, “Wow, that’s OLD!” I laughed as an embarrassed voice from the dressing room chided her in frustration, and shook my head a bit as I entered my stall and shut the door behind me. Having worked my way through college as a nanny for triplet boys and their baby brother, I had apologized my way through many a comment from their mouths to strangers. “Hey, boys shouldn’t wear earrings,” “Wow, you’re the fattest man I’ve ever seen,” and “What’s that big thing growing on your face?” are all statements that escaped from them in public, all too plaintively.

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�� Regan Whitehurst ��

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Avery Howard ��

Nevertheless, it’s almost time for school to start, and that’s what our issue is all about this month. Find out about a special set of classes for our young people curious about cosmetology in our Local section, check into our Feature for the latest news about the 2007-2008 school year, and read our Spotlight Interview with three of Plant City’s very own school Principals. These are the people who guide our children’s education each day during the school year, and their hard work and dedication to the lives of those who are most important to us is something we can never give enough thanks for.

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�� Ronald Stratton ��

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Malia Novack ��

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Sometimes I wonder if we are given children to teach or to learn from. I never would have guessed that a full-sized hammer could be ﬂushed down the toilet, a bulldozer could be turned on by someone shorter than a barstool, or a two-yearold could push a completely-clothed adult into the swimming pool. I never knew kids could actually climb walls, and I certainly never thought the force an 8-yearold could put behind a soccer ball would be enough to give me a black eye. Kids are a great learning experience, and all of the parents who have been home with their children this summer are in full agreement with me right now, I know!

So until next time, observe a child and see what you might learn from them. You may be surprised. You may be inspired. You certainly won’t be bored. With You In Mind, Kristen Toney Editorial Director

local TALKOFTHETOWN

STORY AND PHOTO S S U B M IT T E D BY T H E C O M M U N IT Y send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

TALK OF THE TOWN Congratulations to all the new and/or returning members of the Board of Directors of Plant City Entertainment: President Harold D. Brewer, M.D., 1st Vice President Tyler Hollis, 2nd Vice President Thomas Mitchell, Treasurer Judy Barta, Secretary Betty Roney. Other board members named were John Harrer, Jennifer Jackson, Josh Mange, Shirley Outen, Marsha Passmore, Kay Secord and Dodie White. Congratulations to Stanley and Jean Weber Schmitt on their 60th anniversary! The couple was married on August 23, 1947 in Cincinnati,

City. They also have three granddaughters: Dr. Holly Aldinger of Lexington, Kentucky; Sara Schmitt of Wellington, Florida; Bonnie Melson of Charlotte, North Carolina; and one greatgrandson, Luke Melson of Charlotte, North Carolina. The Schmitts will be celebrating their anniversary at Lake Dubourne in Ontario, Canada with family and friends. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Plant City. Before retirement, Stanley was a carpentry contractor and Jean was a secretary for the Florida Parole and Probation Commission in Clearwater. Congratulations to Jerry Hoover, son of Dr. and Mrs. James Hoover, who has published his ﬁrst book, “The Brotherhood of the Fin”. A

Ohio. The Schmitts moved to Floirda from Wyoming, Ohio, in 1973, and are currently living in the Plant City area. The couple has three children: Steven of Franklin, Ohio; David of Clearwater; and Sally Watson Keene of Plant

reception will be held for Jerry on August 25 from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Orange Blossom Tea Room. Visit Jerry’s website at www.thebrotherhoodoftheﬁn.com. Congratulations to Margaret (Margee) Burcham, who celebrated her 60th birthday and 44th wedding anniversary on August 3. A celebration was held in her honor at the Ramada Inn Red Rose Dining Room, in which she debued her ﬁrst CD of romantic love songs called “Aroma: From Margee With Love”. Brothers Sean and Tyler Howell both recently graduated from college and were commissioned

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STORY AND PHOTO S S U B M IT T E D BY T H E C O M M U N IT Y send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

TALK OF THE TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Focus Magazine wants to know what is going on in YOUR life. People have exciting things happen to them every day 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 couple box locations are at Grandpa Johnson’s and Natural Creations. 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 24. Focus Magazine cares about you and wants to share in your excitement. as Second Lieutenants in the Armed Forces. Sean graduated this May from the University of South Florida with a degree in Political Science. He was commissioned into the US Air Force and is currently stationed at Vandenburg Air Force Base in California where he is assigned to the Space and Missile Command. Tyler graduated Cum Laude from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee with a degree in Eastern European Studies and Russian Language. Tyler received the George C. Marshall Award as the top cadet in his class and designated as a distinguished Military Graduate. Tyler was commissioned into the US Army and will start his training at Ft. Rucker, Alabama as an Army Helicopter Pilot. Parents are Steve & Kathy Howell of Plant City who would like to thank all the relatives, friends, teachers and church leaders who played such a big part in their son’s lives.

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Congratulations to Tiffani Solomon, who has been nominated for the Distinguished Alumni Congressional Youth Leadership Council by the National Young Leaders State Conference (NYLSC). The organization seeks students who will be in the 8th or 9th grade during the 2007/2008 academic years, who have demonstrated scholastic achievement and leadership potential. As a student at Turkey Creek Middle School, Tiffani is: A member of the National Junior Honor Society, Holds a high recommendation from her Principal, Holds a high recommendation from her Language Arts teacher, Has been voted the girl with the Most School Spirit, Is a trumpet player for her school band, Holds an award for Outstanding Musical Ability from her school, Holds the Star Fish Award for outstanding achievement from

her school and holds an award for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement from her school. Mrs. Erin Beattie will join the faculty at Jackie’s Dance Theatre Clogging & Gym. Erin graduated from Royal Academy of Dance in London. She is currently a professional with USA Gymnastic, Dance Educators of America, Cheer LTD Nationally certiﬁed judge and personal trainer in the International Fitness Association and a Pilates instructor. David Chernault will be teaching clogging, and Robin Dawn will be choreographing duets, solos and the group competition team. We welcome these new team members to Plant City!

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All Units Are Cleaned After Each Use and Safe!! We Are Plant City Residents Licensed & Insured

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Why are insurance companies non-renewing your homeowners policies?

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If my insurance company cannot pay for my hurricane loss, will I be paid?

• The Florida Insurance Guaranty Asso ciation (FIGA) pays covered claims up to a maximum amount of $300,000; and for homeowners claims FIGA will pay an additional $200,000 for damage relating ro • Florida remains a money-losing proposition structure and contents. for most home insurers • 1992-2006: Florida home insurers paid an estimated $10.4 billions more in claims than they received in premium.

FLORIDA CANNOT AFFORD TO WAIT The time to act is now. Call your state representative and state senator to urge them to support a Hawaii-type plan for Florida TODAY!

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Is there a solution to the Florida property crisis?

• YES! • Hawaii found the solution after Hurricane Iniki struck in 1992. Most insurers were non-renewing business and were not writing new business. • The solution is a form of the Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund, which only wrote coverage for hurricanes as a separate policy. • All other coverages can be written by the industry, which will vigorously compete for the business.

813-752-4155

503 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 9

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SUBMITTED BY B RU C E RO DW E L L

THE GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS! Alday-DonalsonTitleAgency,Inc

Butcher Engineering

Desco Printing

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Law Ofﬁces of Joseph M Willims, PA

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Sweetbay Supermarket

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STORY AND PHOTO S BY K R I ST E N TO N E Y send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Cosmetology Rules AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL Over the summer, approximately 30 students, male and female, took advantage of the Adult Education Cosmetology class given at Plant City High School.

hard, and you guys have stuck with it this time around. You’ve done great!” It’s obvious to the casual observer that the students in these Cosmetology classes experience strict guidance, expert tutilige and lots of fun! Some of the awards given to this summer class

The school offers classes for those adults intrigued by career areas such as Welding,

The award for Most Enjoyable Project went to Keith Carter

Jennifer Greene took home the award for Service Dodger…

Certiﬁed Nurses Assistant, Art, Pottery, Chorus, Computer and Typing, giving young and old an outlet for deﬁning their interests and furthering their skills.

…and Clean Freak

Kathy was voted Teacher’s Pet

Lynn Connor and Patsy Campbell are the instructors for the Cosmetology class. Connor is a licensed professional cosmetologist, clinical estitician, make-up artist, and nail technician. In 1988 she completed her cosmetology training. She established Tip To Toe in 1992, providing Plant City with services such as massage, nail and skin care. “You all are to be commended,” Connor stated emphatically to her class. “Summer classes are

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included Plant City Poof, Service Dodger, Messy Molly and Bossiest Boss. Along with the fun came the academic awards, such as Perfect Attendance, Most Improved, Overall Best and Ranked #1 in Academics. By simply looking through a scrapbook Connor and Campbell have made over the time they have taught this class, expertise, perfection and beauty is evident in what these students have accomplished.

Kookai Jones won Most Improved, Just Overall Nice and Most Likely to Succeed.

For more information on the Cosmetology program, or other Adult Education areas listed above, contact Plant City High School at (813) 757-9370.

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752-5189 752-5189 ��

CALL TODAY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL CHECK-UPS ��

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1802 W. Reynolds (Just East of Fairgrounds) www.brownsﬂoralshop.com FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 13

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Try our convenient Drop Off service!

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local TELLYOURTALE

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STO RY A N D P HOTO BY HO L LY MALLALIEU send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Clayton Smith HE’S BEEN ALL AROUND, BUT PLANT CITY IS HOME

Plant City is not only home to generations who have grown up here, but it’s also a place where people have come from all around to live. Just one example of this is Clayton Smith, someone originally from the small, and far away, town of Waterboro, Maine, who moved to Plant City in 1961. At 17 years old, Clayton left his home in Maine to join the US Air Force, which he was in for four years with an intense job of working on B-47 airplanes. Stationed at the MacDill base here in Florida, he was set up on a New Years Eve blind date with Peggy Davis who, if you can guess where this story is going, became Clayton Smith Mrs. Peggy Smith only a short while later. The two were married on February 21st at what was then called Tampania Baptist Church, in Tampa. If you’d like to hear an interesting story, listen to this; Clayton and Peggy originally intended on tying the knot that February 14th, and because of that, decided to play their special number in the Lottery’s Fantastic Five. But, due to circumstances, the wedding date was changed to the following week, and so followed their Lottery number. As chance would have it, if they had played their original choice, 14 instead of 21, the newlyweds would have been millionaires! Clayton was a professional semi-truck driver for 38 years, 25 of which were spent with Cook Lumber Company. All together, he accumulated a total of 2 million miles on the road - all without having one accident. The Smiths’ son, born in 1973, now lives and works in Indiana. Three years ago Clayton retired and now spends his time with his wife, as well as staying busy with his hobbies of gardening and woodwork. He builds beautiful pieces, mostly chairs and birdhouses, which look, and are, as well crafted as you could ﬁnd from any manufacturer. He’s a real “Jack of all trades” who’s very helpful to anyone who needs him, and someone his neighbors greatly appreciate. We’re so glad Clayton Smith and his wife, Peggy, ended up in Plant City!

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STORY AND PHOTO BY W E N DY S. B ROW N send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Hats on for a New Playground AT THE WILLIS PETERS EXCEPTIONAL CENTER Kids love school recess, swinging as high as the sky and sliding as fast as the wind. It’s great to be a kid! But if you were disabled or in a wheelchair, you might ﬁnd it difﬁcult to even get on the playground, let alone use the equipment. The Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover has 120 students’ ages 3-22. Funds are being raised to build a specialized playground for the disabled. All kids deserve to play. Assistant Principal, Peggy Ferro, stated, “This specialized playground will include wheelchair

accessible ramps, soft padded flooring to prevent injuries, rock climbing wall, wheel chair swing, funky slides, and interior activity zones. Boundless Playgrounds motivate student involvement in physical activities, allow opportunities for people interaction, and will enable all children, including those with disabilities and support equipment, to experience self-directed play.” Benefits will also include increased self-esteem and better gross and fine motor skills. This wonderful playground costs $200,000, with concrete a majority expense. The Hillsborough Educational Foundation will match donations. Now how will this school raise that much money? Generously, Sunshine State Federal has already donated $25,000. According to President Floyd Hall, “Sunshine

State is enormously pleased to give back to the community, especially this playground which will increase children’s intellectual development.” Creative school district thinkers want to raise awareness in area VI schools. Why not turn the rule of DO NOT WEAR HATS into a moneymaker? Short videos will be shown at local schools to create excitement and participation. Kids and staff will be able to wear hats to school on Friday, September 7th, and Friday, November 16th, with a minimum donation of $1 to the playground fund. How can you help a kid play? Send checks made out to “Willis Peter’s Playground” to Dover Elementary, 3035 Nelson Avenue, Dover, Florida. 33527.

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STORY AND PHOTO BY AS H L E Y BA X L E Y send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

More than Medals

TWINS PLACE THIRD IN NATIONAL KARATE CHAMPIONSHIPS “Third in the nation” is the title that was recently bestowed upon Amy and Laura Booher at the Amateur Athletic Union National Karate Championships. These twin 13-year-olds competed in kata ( an event that focuses on the technique and intensity each competitor uses to complete karate stances), and sparring (a form of Japanese fighting). Among medals won at previous events, Amy received a bronze in both kata and sparring at the AAU competition. Laura placed fourth in sparring and sixth in kata at the national level, and has obtained two gold and bronze medals at other events this year. Medals are not the only acquisitions Amy and Laura have taken away from this sport; they feel that for them, it promotes discipline, respect, endurance, self-esteem, a connection with God, and an active lifestyle. Some may assume that such skilled athletes would be aggressive toward one another; in this instance the opposite is true. “I find them both to be exceptionally caring and fiercely protective of each other. They are each other’s fan club”, Mike Booher, their father and training assistant, explains. Clearly they receive nothing but support from each other, their family, and

Chris Welbon, who has been their instructor at the Family Karate Center for the past six years. When asked about his daughters’ recent achievements, an elated Mr. Booher remarked, “I am proud of them for their achievements, but more importantly, I am proud of what they have overcome, their fears and insecurities…”

National recognition is not the only achievement that sets these girls apart; both have participated on several school athletic teams and maintain a straight “A” average. These third stripe brown belts are now using their skills to assist fellow karate students.

Laura (left) and Amy (right) Booher are ready for kata as they proudly display their medals alongside their instructor Chris Welbon (center).

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STORY BY VINCEN T H E R Z OG / P HOTO BY SA N D R A H U D S O N send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Father Carlos WHOLLY PRIEST, HOLY ARTIST

Carlos Rojas

To be moved by Father Carlos’ art doesn’t require a creed; you need a heart. To admire his art is not to grasp something from the highest heights of theology or the farthest reaches of philosophy. He’s inspired by something much nearer to him, something near to us all. To look at his art, always so ﬁercely focused and essential, is to see with his heart. It is to see with love. No one is surprised that Father Carlos is a philosopher and a scholar. They don’t mind that he writes papers and articles, or that he gives challenging sermons. But they stumble over his being an artist. Isn’t he out of place conversing in those cool coffee shops, and why does he have to paint with all that color – and isn’t it wrong for him to see naked people? The difﬁculty goes beyond priesthood and art, into belief and beauty. Art invites us to see beauty, the very stuff of love, where we seldom look for it. Art challenges us to let our minds and hearts to be opened, and so it challenges what we believe, and that strikes people as un-priestly. Father Carlos knows the opposite is true. He’s supposed to love with all his being, and a love so great always challenges everything we think we know. When he painted St. Clement Catholic Church’s library, it was a challenge to the faithful not just to know truth, but to love it. When he paints from his angst, he challenges us all to love ourselves enough to let light shine on what’s kept hidden in our hearts. When he portrays you, he challenges you to love yourself and to behold the beauty you carry within. His every work is like the hands that made it, open for embrace. Father Carlos’ work will be available for viewing at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City during the month of August.

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STORY BY WENDY S. B ROW N / PHOTO COURTESY O F S H E R RY BA L DW I N

Backpacks Empower Children EDUCATION GIVES A PERSON POWER Summer time fun and vacation visions include white sandy beaches, touring theme parks, and visiting family and friends. Vacations mean taking care of US. While Sherry Baldwin and sister-in-law, Teresa Brockman, have planned a September vacation with great bonding experience, theirs promises to empower the lives of over 500 children with knowledge. “Seeing that the world is getting smaller, it is important to care about the whole world,” maintains Sherry Baldwin. The Catholic Diocese of Orlando and Give a Kid a Backpack volunteers will travel to San Juan de la Maguana in the Dominican Republic on a worthy mission with backpacks jam-packed with school supplies. DR parents pay for their children’s schooling. In addition to school costs, there are also expenses for uniforms and basic

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educational supplies. If a child does not have the required materials, that child is not admitted. Backpacks stuffed with school supplies means parents are one step closer to providing their kids a basic education and a way out of poverty. Theirs will be a short trip packed full of energy. Flying to the Dominican Republic on September 15th, then traveling by bus over primitive roads to the mountains. They will be hauling and delivering over 500 backpacks for someone else’s future, staying overnight in provided housing, then hiking to deliver more backpacks to designated children. Finally, they will be returning over pothole filled roads to the main city, and then flying to Orlando on the 19th. Children are identified by organizations such as Kiwanis or Lions Club,

which allows donated materials to get into the right hands of the needy, especially children in orphanages. A quick selﬂess trip to a foreign country carried out faithfully for families’ futures. According to Sherry, Give a Kid a Backpack believes “education gives a person power.” Want to help? Email www.givebackpacks.com.

Boys giving thanks for school supplies

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STORY AND PHOTO BY W E N DY S. B ROW N send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Downtown Merchants Unite IN MAKING DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY FUN! Historic Plant City is “Rich in History…Alive with Progress!” according to Plant City Chamber of Commerce brochures. The Historic Downtown Merchant and Business Association works closely with the chamber to offer activity destinations. President Dave Schultz, Vice President Ed Hampson, Secretary Claudette Rocha, Treasurer Ann Durlan, and Advertising Coordinator/Chamber Liaison John Davis continue leading year two. Starting with a six-member steering committee, current membership is forty-three united merchants wanting to promote downtown businesses. Dividing into specialties, antiques, restaurants, retail, and professional strengthens downtown merchants. John Davis “sees more buildings being remodeled as a good investment paving the future of Plant City.”

Brainstorming led to many accomplishments during year one. Every third Saturday during October to March, the Depot hosts an Antique Show. A reader friendly downtown map showcasing shops, restaurants, and destinations assists shoppers planning their day. Two sidewalk sales added more downtown trafﬁc. Downtown merchants even gave back to the community

during the Christmas lighting event by setting up hospitality stations offering free beverages. Objectives for this year include expanding the number of Antique Market vendors and piggy backing Chamber events to bring more folks downtown. Coming soon, Saturday mornings will be an Open air Green Market offering local farmer’s organic produce, fresh ﬂowers, artisan’s wares, homemade candles and other products. Casual and fun for the whole family, Central Florida Bluegrass will produce afternoon and evening events. Ed Hampson wants “people to realize that Downtown Plant City is growing and is fun.” A sense of community prevails with our Historic Downtown Merchants. For more information, visit their website at www. downtownplantcity.com.

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STORY AND PHOTO S C OU RT E SY O F T H E P L A N T C IT Y GA R D E N C L U B send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Become Involved IN THE GARDEN OF THE MONTH

award with those they feel have created an oasis in their own yard.

Accepting the award from President Cassandra Banning and Margaret Rodwell is Homeowner Maria Morales and her children, Luis Jr. and Jennifer.

Many in Plant City may have seen a sign in various yards around town, proclaiming a Beautiﬁcation Award presented by the Garden Club Committee. Each month, the Plant City Garden Club does their research and places this

July’s winner was Luis & Maria Morales on Aston Avenue. As you step into the front gardens you will feel as if you have stepped into a paradise garden on some tropical Mediterranean island nestled in Plant City. A four-tiered fountain is the focal point of the front gardens with orange blooms of Ixora,

Agapanthus, Zandu, Crinum, Schefﬂera and Fox Tail Ferns surrounding the fountain with color and texture. Taking a tried and true element in decorating and design, the back yard reﬂects the front. A smaller fountain holds court on the venation tile patio, surrounded by large urns of Boston Fern, Plumbago, Ixora and Zandu all inviting you to sit a spell with a tall glass of ice tea. True of good gardeners everywhere, Maria is always working to improve her landscape. The Morales’ gardens are truly beautiful with color, textures and design. For more information on the Plant City Garden Club, contact Cassandra Banning at (813) 759-1638 or visit http://web.tampabay.rr.com/ pcgarden/index.htm.

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TIRED OF YOUR OLD

MOWER? ��

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STORY AND PHOTO BY HO L LY M A L L A L I E U send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

A Good Deed

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER Two years ago, something happened to Barbara Powers that had the capability of going very wrong. Like any other time before, she pulled up to the Bank of America after running a few errands, slid in her ATM card, and made a transaction while chatting with her husband Matt in the seat to her right. After counting her money, she pulled out and headed home without another thought. But what made this different from every other time before is that on this day, Barbara left her card in the machine, ready to oblige any more money with the push of a button.

Barbara Powers

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As you can tell, it would have been very easy for someone to have pulled up next in line and drained her account of however much one is allowed to withdraw in one day (which is quite a lot). But what made Barbara want to share this story with Focus is that this is exactly what did not happen. With neither her nor her husband

having noticed anything wrong, they drove home. After a few minutes in the house, the phone rang. “Is this Barbara Powers?” a man asked as she picked it up. He told her he had found her card in the ATM machine and had it with him. A few minutes later they met at the bank and he returned it, both expressing how awful the situation could have resulted. Although she can’t remember his name now, she’s very thankful that he was the person to ﬁnd and return her card when anyone could have come along and done exactly the opposite. “You wouldn’t hear of this type of thing in Tampa!” she says about the good deed, which is why she encourages everyone in Plant City to share a time when you were helped by another who didn’t have to help you. From small selﬂess gestures to stories like Barbara’s, we want to hear about your “good deeds” at Focus!

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STORY AND PHOTO BY S H E R RY BA L DW I N send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

THOMAS A. DIGERONIMO, M.D.,P.A. BOARD CERTIFIED NEUROLOGIST

Prayer Garden

GLENN D. TURNER, A.R.N.P.

VISION BECOMES REALITY

A special dedication service was recently held at Northside Baptist Church in Plant City, unveiling their newly established Prayer Garden. The Garden had been the vision of Carol McQuaig Platt, and the church’s Prayer Ministry Team, of which she was a member. Sadly, a tragic accident last year would not allow Platt, or dear friend and member Florence Stringer, the opportunity to see the Garden come to fruition. As Rev. Wayne Roberts, the church’s Pastor explained, “The Garden had been in the planning stages for some time” before the tragedy. Following this terrible loss, the Garden became “a must do project,” for the church and its members. For those involved, seeing it through to its completion became a source of healing as well. What began with a vision, the new Prayer Garden includes beautiful plants and a large water fountain. The wheel chair accessible garden path is lined by posts inscribed with Bible scriptures and benches for seating. Randy Platt, son of Carol Platt, spoke on his family’s reaction upon seeing the completed Garden. “My brother Riley, sister, Rachel and I, could not have been more happy with the result…the Church did a wonderful job.” “It is beautiful and our Mother would have been proud of the way the Prayer Garden turned out.” Platt further expressed real gratitude to everyone who contributed to the building of the Garden. Church members, such as Sue Hale, are very happy with the outcome as well. She is hopeful that the entire community will make use of the new Garden. The same sentiment is shared by Rev. Roberts, who hopes visitors will find the Garden a place to “reflect, find encouragement and become in tune with what God has for their lives.” Rev. Roberts further expressed thanks to those whose generosity made the Prayer Garden a reality. Future plans include the sale of engraved brick pavers, scripture posts and benches. Proceeds will ensure that the Prayer Garden continues to grow and flourish in perpetuity. Northside Baptist Church is located at 1700 N. Franklin Street, Plant City, Florida. For more information please telephone: 813-752-2779.

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Northside Baptist Church’s recently dedicated Prayer Garden

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STORY BY JOE BOW L E S / P HOTO S C OU RT E SY O F DAV E RO B B I N S send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Building Champions FROM THE YOUTH UP

to duplicate the success of Little League baseball by providing a venue for boys to learn and play basketball at an early age. Plant City became one of Little Lads International’s first chartered basketball programs. With the help of Cunigan, Optimist Club president, Dan Gorman, and men Dave Robbins today and during his earlier coaching days such as Paul Wood, Carl Hinson, and Jack Clark, who assisted by coaching and refereeing, Little Lads Basketball Following Plant City High School’s state in Plant City became an instant success. As basketball championship in 1969, Dave the organization grew, the league expanded to Robbins, who had been assisting head included boys and girls from ages 8 through 16, basketball coach Larry Martin, looked for ways and it eventually affiliated with Florida Youth to sustain that level of quality play for the Basketball. future. Robbins knew that the key to providing consistent talent was to build from the bottom Today the Plant City Recreation Department/ up. Unfortunately, at that time, the first exposure Optimist Youth Basketball League has 36 teams for young men in Plant City to organized and has between 500 to 600 kids involved basketball was participation on Tomlin’s Junior every year. Registration begins in November High School basketball team as a seventh of each year and the season runs from early grader. That is when Robbins decided that he would organize a basketball program in Plant City that would serve as a training ground for future high school teams. In 1970, the inaugural year of basketball began for boys aged 11 through 13. It was simply called Youth Basketball of Plant City and current high school players and coaches served as referees and coaches. The following year, Robbins shared with fellow Optimist Club member, Brock Cunigan, who was also the Recreation Director for the City of Plant City, his plans, and Cunigan got the city and the Optimist Club involved. The basketball league then became affiliated with the Little Lads Basketball organization. Little Lads International began in 1969, trying

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 30

January to late February with games played in the gymnasiums of Tomlin and Marshall Middle Schools, as well as the YMCA. According to Robbins, the success and the popularity of the program has been built on “the high character of our coaches who share that character with the kids. We have parents who are involved, but the program is for the kids, not the parents. Today, we have many of our former players who are now coaching their own kids.” Many former players have gone on to play college basketball. Two of the more notable college players have been Eddie Lamar, who signed with Minnesota, and Horace Broadnax, who was an integral part of Georgetown University’s national championship team of 1984. Robbins has been the director for the past 38 years and his original idea to feed the high school with talented players has worked. Plant City High School has had a history of success on the basketball court with several conference, district, and regional titles since 1969, adding two more state tournament appearances and winning another state championship in 1982.

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Serving up the Gold

THREE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS Most of us remember the rigors of P.E. class; missing baskets, the dreaded one-mile sweat run, and the jeering when making a mistake. While many of us never became jocks and may have lacked athletic ability, three from Plant City earned Gold Medals in volleyball while capturing the state volleyball title during Special Olympics finals. Sister and brother, Kristie and Kevin Rogers, and Matt Jones served up the gold and have medals as proof. Matt Jones reflected, “There is great camaraderie between us all.” The team practiced every Sunday for months, two to four hours, at our local YMCA. Mother Maria Rogers affirms, “The best part of Special Olympics is everyone is included and accepted for who they are, for their ability level, and everyone gets praise and acceptance.” According Kristie Rogers, Matt to dad, Larry Rogers, Captain of Operations for Jones, and Kevin Rogers show off their Plant City Fire Rescue, “the Special Olympics Olympic Gold Medals program has allowed his children to gain new friends, work together as a team, and has built immeasurable self-esteem.” The Special Olympics programs offer sports training and competition, which build confidence in children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and allow athletes to develop physically, socially, and psychologically. Local Special Olympics teams These positive wins Gold Medals in volleyball self-images carry over into the athlete’s daily lives. Sports competitions are held at different area levels and then culminate in State Games featuring Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the lighting of the “Flame of Hope,” award ceremonies and medals modeled after the original Olympic Games. Area VIII Summer Games were held at USF on March 3rd. While discussing their winning strategies, Kevin Rogers admitted, “I am stronger at serving since I have a better arm.” Matt said, “I was very excited and relieved that our team made it. The game was won fair and square.” Kristie agrees, “Since we played a tough team this year.” According to Tom Denham III, Hillsborough County Coordinator, “Special Olympics allow people to develop physical fitness, experience joy, and show courage while participating in sports.”

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STO RY BY S H E R RY BA L DW I N / P HOTO S C OU RT E SY O F M I K E ESPOSITO

Medical Thriller HAS LOCAL TIES

Mike Esposito

In a recent conversation with debut novelist, Dr. Michael Esposito or “Mike” as he prefers to be called, we learned about the long road from storyteller and avid reader to published author. Speaking candidly about the process, Esposito, a local physician, shared that he actually began working on his new medical thriller “Locked In,” about 10 years ago. Esposito added that acceptance of the manuscript by the publisher and the uttering of the words “it is good” by one of his business partners, (upon reading it) were among some of the highlights along the way.

Now on the shelf, “Locked In” has been described as “an intelligent, fast-paced thriller of deceit, greed, and murder set in Tampa’s medical and legal community.” (Somewhere in the story Plant City also gets a small mention). While it is a work of fiction, Esposito stated that there is plausibility to the plot. He further added that he hopes his readers will find the story “thought provoking and entertaining as it leads them down a maze” to an unpredictable end. Esposito also shared his gratitude to all who have supported him throughout – most especially his wife, Kay and children: Amanda, Lance, Dana, and Emily. Esposito is currently working with his publicist and has begun a book tour that includes book signings, television and radio appearances. Look for Esposito as he visits a book store near you! Esposito is also busy working on his next novel – a medical thriller - with a working title of Janus. Dr. Michael Esposito is a Board Certified Radiologist and partner in RIS - Radiology and Imaging Specialists with several locations including Plant City Imaging.

“Locked In” A Novel by Mike Esposito (Durban House, July 2007, pp. 430, $15.95 U.S.). For more information you may visit: www.mikeespositomd.com.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 36

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STORY AND PHOTO S BY W E N DY S. B ROW N send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Mr. Dive, Tom Gompf FORMER OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNER

many world doors to Mr. Gompf, who desires to use his expertise to make a better sport. “Tom just felt he wanted to give back to others,” grinned wife Joyce. Olympic careers include Chairman of the International Federation Diving Commission for 25 years, currently the Director of International Tom was an Olympic torch bearer in 1996 Judging School for Diving where he organizes training of judges programs, I don’t know about you, but I’m too scared to and chairman of the US Diving Foundation get on a diving board, but if I wanted instruction that allocates grants. President of US Aquatic on diving basics or advanced techniques, I’d Sports for four years, honorary official at two seek out Mr. Dive. Well you ask, who is Mr. Commonwealth games as a neutral official, and Dive and why is he considered an expert? NBC calling for line-up advice allows Tom to Local, Tom Gompf, earned an Olympic Bronze share his knowledge. Mr. Gompf has recently medal in 1964 for ten meter platform diving. traveled to Shanghai, Athens, Melbourne, I’ve seen a video of that awesome dive and I Tokyo, and Rio de Janeiro to train Olympic assure you, I wouldn’t climb to the top of the Officials. Helping organize L.A., Lake Placid, platform, let alone look that graceful on the Salt Lake and Atlanta Olympics was hard ground. work, but even allowed him to pick uniforms athletes could be proud of wearing while Tom went to Ohio State University on a they represented their country. “The swimming scholarship and earned many state reason I keep getting appointed is because and national titles. Coming from a broken everyone wanted to see Joyce,” beamed home, his coaches became mentors who Tom. helped shape his life and encouraged a piloting career. After the Air Force, National Airlines Always making the sport better, he wrote hired Tom as a pilot. While stationed in The Diving Officials Manual, Coaches Miami, Tom coached diving at the University Official Manual, Diving Judges video and of Miami, with his women’s team winning a course and travels and trains these diving National Championship. According to our safety courses. Tom says, “I discuss risk Olympic medalist, “Coaching got him back management, instruction, and maintenance into the sport of diving and then into the of equipment. Most rewarding is the administrative side of coaching.” Becoming position to influence the sport, modernize a competitive swimmer and diver has opened

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 38

rules, increase judging quality, supervise and monitor judges. There used to be only four events, but I lobbied to include four new events, including the much loved synchronized diving. I wrote rules, promoted with videos and we have doubled the diving medal count to eight events. It’s most rewarding to see more kids win medals,” explained Tom. His most remarkable memory was the L.A. 1984 Olympic Games where Tom was team manager, living at the village with athletes at the USC campus while Joyce and the family stayed at a fraternity house. Marching in with the team was emotional and so awesome to see and hear 80,000 screaming Americans waving the red, white, and blue. Excitement over the years includes being to ten Olympics, eight Pan American Games, every World Championships since 1973, and 12 World Cup Championships. Joyce and Tom go together. While Tom is slaving away working the games and making sure judging and administrative details are smooth, Joyce gets to enjoy the Games and play tourist. Each Olympic game is unique. Tom explains, “We now have friends from around the world and can keep the relationships going, which makes the world smaller, like a small club around the world.” Mr. Dive has walls of awards, but is incredibly humble of his accomplishments. He just wants to make the world a better place.

Tom and Joyce Gompf stand in front of Tom’s many Olympic medals and awards

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 39

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Tennis Center SHINES AT USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS SECTIONALS

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Plant City Tennis Center Dip-n-Rip 18-under Intermediate squad. Front: Stephany Sheekey, Madison Bulman, Jessica Barnes, Coach Valerie Kendrick, Valeisha Kendrick. Back: Tennis Professional C. Shane Johnson, Coach Jo Morton, Jonathan Morris, Sebastian Ray, Drew Charles, Kyle Madill.

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Recently the City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department’s Plant City Tennis Center entered teams into it’s first USTA Jr. Team Tennis sectional tournament. Four teams represented Plant City in different age divisions: 10-under Novice (beginners), 12-under Novice (beginners), 14-under Intermediate and 18-under Intermediate. The tournament was held July 27-29, 2007 at various locations in the Lakeland/ Auburndale area. USTA Jr. Team Tennis is a grassroots community level tennis program that is marketed to boys and girls ages 6 to 18. The skill divisions are broken down using a rating system designed for coaches, players and parents to rate their own children. Four of the five teams representing Hillsborough County were from Plant City. According to C. Shane Johnson, Tennis Professional at the Plant City Tennis Center, the local 10-under, 12-under and 14-under teams were “very competitive” in their matches. The 18-under Intermediate squad, Plant City Dip-n-Rip, won their flight level, advanced to the semifinals match and defeated The Gun Show of Lake Region Country Club. In the finals, they lost a close match against Hidden Talent of Miami 27-20. The Plant City Dip-n-Rip 18-under team will represent the State of Florida in the Florida-Georgia Challenge in Jacksonville in September. If for any reason Hidden Talent cannot attend Nationals, Dip-n-Rip will advance to the Nationals in Tucson, AZ in October. For further information on Plant City Tennis Center programs as well as further info on this tournament, please contact Tennis Professional C. Shane Johnson at sjohnson@plantcitygov.com or 813-707-7485.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 41

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STORY AND PHOTO S BY E M I LY A L L E N send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Summer Show is a Big Hit

PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS “THE MUSIC MAN” several weekends in July at the Hillsborough Community College’s Trinkle Center. This was Director Jonathan Douglas’ second time directing for Plant City Entertainment, Inc. since “Meet Me in St. Louis” in 2001. “[The Music Man] is one of the all-American musicals, and I was thoroughly happy to direct this summer,” says Douglas. The cast was made up of 37 actors and actresses; 30 of whom were new to the PCE stage and almost half of that group was new to acting altogether. “That’s one of the great things about community theatre,” says Douglas. “It’s there to give everyone a chance, get families involved (especially during the summer), and get everyone on stage, even the youngest. After auditions, everyone that was committed to the rehearsal schedule was in the show,” he says. John David Partain (front) stars as Harold Hill in Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man. Also pictured: Tessa Helmink, Chelsea Scourtes, Amelia MacGirvin, Debbie Scourtes, and Reggie Kirkland (photo courtesy of PCE)

Live community theatre is a rich and rewarding experience for the audience as well as the cast, especially during the lazy days of summer. This summer’s show brought to us by Plant City Entertainment, Inc. (PCE) was “The Music Man”, written by Meredith Wilson and was performed

Hall in 1998. Despite Harold’s money-making antics, he woos the lovely and dear librarian, Miss Marian Paroo, played by Lesley Ives-Payne. This was Ives-Payne’s ﬁrst performance with PCE, but she is already a regular and favorite performer with Theatre Winter Haven. The cast’s incredible talent was displayed in every harmony, playful (and funny) banter, dramatic monologue, and even Eulalie MacKecknie Shinn’s (Debbie Scourtes) interpretive dances. Since Plant City Entertainment is currently collecting funds to build its own performance hall, the musical took place for the ﬁrst time in the Trinkle Center Auditorium of Hillsborough Community College in Plant City. “There were several obstacles we had to get past from the stage to the sound system, but everyone pulled together and it was one of the best musicals in a long time,” explains Douglas. “I kept telling the cast and crew that ‘It will all be worth it when the lights go up.’”

The cast was made up of a wide range of individuals, young and old, some with years of experience, and for some, their very ﬁrst time on stage. The wily and charming Harold Hill was brought to the stage by John David Partain, a resident of Lakeland who studied music at Atlanta Christian College and has a long list of notable performances, including Carnegie

This quartet from River City discovers their hidden talent after Harold Hill comes to town! FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 42

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STORY AND PHOTO BY K R I ST E N TO N E Y send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Arriving in Plant City EVANGELICAL UNIVERSITY & SEMINARY When an idea comes to Les Keylock, he wastes no time in putting his thoughts into action. Approximately three months ago, Keylock, a former Professor at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and a current professor at Trinity College in New Port Richey and St. Leo University in Dade City, set his mind to providing a different kind of school to the Central Florida area: a university/seminary. After attempting the project with several organizations, Keylock came to Dr. Ron Churchill, pastor of First Baptist Church here in Plant City. Churchill was immediately interested, as it had long been a dream of his to establish a seminary. Now, with Keylock as the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Churchill

campuses have also been established in Bartow, Dover and Temple Terrace. Evangelical University and Seminary will offer a Bachelor of Arts Program, a Master of Arts Program and a Master of Divinity Program. The institution’s motto is: training leaders for tomorrow’s church. More degrees and classes will be added as time goes on L to R: Robert Westlake, Dr. Ron Churchill and Dr. Les Keylock

as the President and Bob Westlake as the Vice President of Finance, this team not only moves quickly, but holds the keys to building upon the foundation already set. Not only has Plant City received its own campus (at 105 East Baker Street), but

Classes begin September 4, along with the campus dedication at 11:00 a.m., with former mayor and Plant City resident John Dicks as keynote speaker. All are welcome to attend! For more information on Evangelical University & Seminary, call (813) 704-4404 or visit www. evangelicalu.org.

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STORY BY SHERRY BA L DW I N / PHOTOS COURTE SY O F T H E BY R D A L Z H E I M E R’ S I N ST IT UT E

Collaboration is Key

JOHNNIE B. BYRD, SR. ALZHEIMER’S CENTER & RESEARCH INSTITUTE In an ongoing effort to keep our readers abreast of the wonderful progress being made at the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute, Focus Magazine recently spoke with CEO and Scientiﬁc Director, Dr. Huntington Potter. Dr. Potter began by sharing the importance of the newly constructed research building. This new building will allow them to “grow in both clinical and laboratory research.” Dr. Potter further stated that “A recruitment drive is currently in place for researchers in both areas of research. This will ‘help move the entire program to the next level.’ Since we are a statewide Institute, this has implications throughout the State of Florida.” According to Dr. Potter, much of the research conducted at the Institute is done on a collaborative basis with fellow research scientists and organizations to coordinate the effort to ﬁnd a prevention and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

The Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute located in Tampa.

Among the news coming out of the Institute is their interest related to the consumption of caffeine and Alzheimer’s disease. Research has shown that long-term intake of caffeine reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s in mice that develop the disease. Researchers at the Institute would like to investigate this further by recruiting human subjects. In addition, a discovery has also been made regarding environment and the role it plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. “What we are seeing in this research is mice having the same characteristics as humans with Alzheimer’s able to perform well, even at the same level as mice without Alzheimer’s, if housed in a mentally challenging, cognitively enriched environment. Testing Alzheimer’s patients, using mentally-stimulating activities may stabilize or even improve their memory function. Living in a cognitivelyenriched environment may then result in these individuals living fuller, longer, more productive FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 46

lives. Finding a cure for Alzheimer’s will be accomplished in steps and research into mental exercises is one very important step,’’ said Potter. For more information on clinical trials, memory screenings, and their vitamin program, please call the clinic at 813-866-1611. The Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute is located at 4001 East Fletcher Avenue Tampa, Florida 33613 Phone: 813-866-1600, 866-700-7773 Fax: 813-866-1601 www.byrdinstitute.com. The Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute Grand Opening is September 15. This state-of-the-art Alzheimer’s Research facility opens to the public. 11:00 – 3:00 pm 4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, FL 33613 813-866-1600

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 47

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Time to Crack Open the Books School Starts A Little Later This Year ry Story by Daniel Sper

Photos by Daniel Sperry and Courtesy of Hillsborough County

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 50

Aa Bb Cc Dd Ee Ff Gg Hh Ii Jj

he time of year that parents

anticipate

and kids all dread is

here. The end of summer has arrived and anyone 18 or under

immediately

realizes

what that means: it is time to go back to school. Gone are the lazy days of fun and frivolity, the break is over and it is time once again to buckle down and get to work. Homework, essays, math and more are all on the agenda, but there are a few changes in the works for the upcoming school year. Probably the biggest change facing parents and students as the new term begins is the later start date for the school year. Without exception, parents and students interviewed for this story were excited about the later start to the school year. “It has been frustrating not being able to go on vacation in August,” said Mary Price, a mother of two high school students. “It just seemed like we didn’t really get a summer at all.” It is perhaps not unexpected that students would be thrilled to have an extra two weeks of summer vacation, but parents seem to be glad to have the extra time to spend together as a family as well. “Because of my work schedule, we haven’t been able to go on vacation for the past two years,” said Price. “This year we’re leaving August 1st for a week long trip. We couldn’t have done it if the school year hadn’t changed to a later start date.”

Gabby Smith is about to get her shot while her mom holds on to her during a recent event by Hillsborough County which provided free back to school physicals.

There has been quite a lot of controversy surrounding the start date for the school year. Parents have been raising questions about Florida’s early start date for several years as some school districts kept moving the dates earlier and earlier. One Miami area school started on July 31st in 2006. Educators have argued that the earlier start dates give the schools a better chance to prepare students for FCAT and other standardized testing. Time, however has not proven that the earlier start dates in Florida signiﬁcantly improve students’ learning when compared to other states that start closer to Labor Day. After much debate, legislators in Florida ultimately passed a bill that requires schools to start no earlier than two weeks before Labor Day. One local teacher still has some concerns. “One of the reasons we started earlier was to ﬁt most of our curriculum in before FCAT. Now we are going to be two weeks off, which is a pain,” said Brianne Wilson. “I’m not sure how it will affect our FCAT scores, but that is my main concern.” One group that is happy about the later start to the school year has nothing at all to do with education. The tourism industry has praised the move,

saying that it will bring more income into the state during the critical summer months. An employee at Dinosaur World, a popular attraction for Plant City residents, as well as out of state tourists, said that they will be able to retain high school age employees longer which will help them keep things running smoothly through the end of the tourist season. Lobbyists for the tourism industry pushed hard, along with parents, to facilitate legislation for a later starting school year. Regardless of their concerns, parents, students and teachers all believe that they will be able to have a successful school year. Change always makes ripples, but the attitude of the educators and parents seems to remain upbeat and they are prepared to partner together to ensure that the highest standards of education will be met. As one of the top 2000 high schools in the country, Plant City High in particular has a lot of expectations to live up to. Fortunately, the day school starts seems to be the only major change in the works for the school year. Bus routes remain largely unaltered and Plant City schools report that high percentages of students are returning for the new school year. Of course, with

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 51

Time to crack Open tHe Books the School Choice program, there are often some changes that are made, but this year they seem to be minimal.

they do this they see a great turnout of people who do not have insurance and cannot afford to go to the doctor to get these things done.

Most of the local schools in Plant City are full for the year, so there were not a lot of opportunities for parents to take advantage of School Choice. School Choice is a program that gives parents the right to educational choice. Basically, it allows parents to make meaningful decisions about where and how their children will receive their primary and secondary education. This allows parents to seek out the best educational opportunity for their children without ﬁnancial penalty.

Meanwhile, teachers have been gearing up to begin their school year with kickoff meetings and gatherings around the city. Outback Steakhouse hosted one such gathering near the end of July for the teachers from Walden Lake Elementary. Outback has long since built a reputation for community involvement and this luncheon was just one example. The teachers had the restaurant to themselves for the afternoon, while Outback servers brought them their meal. During the meal, the teachers discussed the upcoming school year and began making tentative plans about ﬁeld trips and activities that they would be doing.

School Choice has options for parents who are looking at public schools, charter schools, private schools and even home schooling. There are more than a few Plant City families who take advantage of the School Choice program. One mother said that she wanted to put her daughter into Walden Lake Elementary, but was unable to because the school was full. She ended up using the School Choice program to enroll her in Kindergarten at Lopez Elementary in Seffner, which is on her way to work. Regardless of where kids go to school, teachers are getting prepared for the school year and parents are getting ready for back to school shopping, doctors’ visits and all the other things that are required to get ready for the year to begin. A few things have already been happening around town to help parents and teachers alike. On August 4th, Hillsborough Community College hosted a free event to launch the back-to-school rush. The Hillsborough County Health and Social Services Department offered free physicals and immunizations were given to any student from K12th grade. One volunteer said that every year when

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 52

One of the teachers said that it was exciting to come together as a group and get to know each other individually before the start of the school year. “Sometimes once the school year gets going, it’s hard to ﬁnd the time to talk to each other,” she said. Of course, no school year would be starting properly without the requisite back to school shopping trips. Fortunately this year the price wars have begun early with Wal-Mart leading the way in the battle to lure in back to school shoppers. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is the world’s largest retailer and is counting on the back to school season to revive its sales, which have been slipping in recent months. As a result, the chain has reduced prices on more than 16,000 items by 10-50% in the hopes that parents will do all their shopping in one stop at their stores. The discounts went into effect on July 24th and are expected to remain until the end of August. Parents shopping in the store were very happy with the price tags they were seeing.

“I saw this notebook at another store for eight dollars more,” said Louise Cortez, who has four children she needs to buy supplies for. “I think I’m going to do alright now.” One of Wal-Mart’s biggest competitors is also active in trying to attract back to school shoppers. Target has a program which rewards schools when parents buy their supplies from a Target store or Target.com. If a parent uses their Target card, they can get 1 to ½% of their total purchase donated to the school of their choice. If many parents take advantage of this program, Target estimates that hundreds of millions of dollars will be put back into schools to help with things like improving playgrounds, updating computers and increasing ﬁne arts choices for students. Some other popular choices for shopping for back to school supplies are the Big Lots on James Redman, which always has discounted prices on their items and the local Walgreens and CVS stores have put their back to school displays out on the sales ﬂoors for parents to browse when they are doing their other shopping. When it comes to back to school shopping, it is not only supplies that are important, but also clothes. Wal-Mart, of course has a large selection of clothes on sale for the start of the school year, but Bealls is also a great option for quality clothes at reasonable prices. The most important thing when starting the back to school shopping is to get a list from your child’s teacher of what supplies they will need. But even if you do not have the list, there are basics that students will need which parents can pick up while they take advantage of the early sales in stores. Following is a list of basic necessities: continued on page 54

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 53

Common Elementary School Supplies • Glue sticks (at least 3 for the year)

• School box (for storing supplies)

• Scissors (blunt end for younger kids, pointy for older ones)

• Scotch tape

• Ballpoint pens • No. 2 pencils • Colored pencils • Pencil sharpener (hand held with a top to collect shavings) • Large pink eraser (Experts say these simple pink ones still do the best job erasing) • Box of crayons (16-pack for younger kids, more for older ones) • Water-based markers • Water color paints • 4-oz. bottle of white glue • Highlighters • Notebooks • 3-ring binder

• Stapler • Kleenex • Small bottle of hand sanitizer • A backpack (Note: Most Plant City schools do not permit rolling backpacks because of space considerations, so check with your school before considering this option.)

Middle and High School Items • A calendar for time-management and for scheduling assignments • 2 combination locks (one for the hall locker and one for the gym locker) • Binder dividers (the kinds with pockets are good for loose papers) • Several 3-ring binders (some teachers will require a binder to be used exclusively for their class)

• Loose-leaf notebook paper (Note: Teachers can be picky about paper. Schools usually supply specially ruled handwriting paper to help younger children with letter formation. Older children use wide-ruled paper. High school and some middle school students will need the college-ruled variety.)

• Folders to ﬁt into binders

• Pocket folders

• Index cards, ruled and unruled

• Computer printer paper (if you have a home computer)

• Calculator (Check with the math teacher ﬁrst before investing in an expensive calculator. Graphing calculators, for example, are required in some middle school and many high school math classes Math teachers advise parents not to buy a calculator with more functions than your student will use.)

• Printer ink cartridges (if you have a home computer) • Drawing paper • Construction paper

• A small notebook to record assignments • Pencil case to ﬁt into binder • Pens (get a few red ink ones too, because some teachers have students do peer editing)

• A ruler with English and metric measurements

Back to school shopping can be stressful and unpleasant if not handled properly. Just about every parent has experienced the dreaded last minute shopping trips just before school starts, picking through nearly empty bins of school supplies, kids complaining because the folders do not have the current popular character on them, and begging for an eighty dollar backpack with headphones when all they really need is the plain but functional twenty dollar one that is already in the cart. Here are a few tips to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable shopping experience.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 54

Get your child involved and make a list. Get the list of supplies from your child’s teacher and then sit down together and go over the list. This helps teach the child organizational skills and will help when you get to the store to keep everyone focused on the things they really need. Make an inventory of last year’s supplies and see what can be reused for the new year. Separate “wants” from “needs.” Basic school supplies stay the same year after year. Most kids will not be upset to use unsharpened pencils from the previous year or from a sibling. Try setting a budget for school

This family stopped at Wal-Mart in Plant City to take advantage of the back to school sales prices.

supplies and then allowing the child to be involved in the shopping process. In addition to limiting arguments about the latest and greatest pencil sharpener, you will also be helping them to learn valuable budgeting and money management skills. Be aware of when quality counts. You will spend more money replacing a pair of pants in which a cheap ink pen has leaked than you would have if you had purchased a slightly better pen to begin with. Backpacks, too, are often an item that is worth a slightly better investment. Zippers break and seams tear out in the cheapest backpacks, so try going middle of the road and you should be able to avoid having to buy another backpack halfway through the year. Buy basics in bulk. You know that you will be using lots of paper, so why not buy a case instead of a pack? There are several dollar stores in Plant City and warehouse stores like Sam’s and Costco in Lakeland or Brandon that are often a great place to ﬁnd good deals on supplies like these. Also, only send to school supplies as they are needed. If you buy four dozen pencils, only send three at a time and keep the rest in a safe place to send as the others are used. As usual, Plant City is greeting the arrival of a new school year where some things are changing and others are to remain the same. Regardless of the issues of school choice, dates of the school year, planning, shopping and preparation, the fact remains that Plant City schools, teachers and parents are ready for another successful year. With a majority of schools in Plant City with an A or B rating, parents and residents can feel conﬁdent that their children will be receiving the quality of education they need to go on and be successful with the rest of their lives.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 55

The end of the

Long Hot

Plant City students are headed back to school.

Summer Interview by Brian West. Photos by Kristen Toney

nce again, parents have come to that most precious of times; time to send their children back to school. And just as much as parents look forward to that moment, their children don’t. After all, for students, the return to school means no more lying around

the house without a care in the world, wondering, “What’s in the refrigerator?” and no more staying up without a bedtime. Yes, the beginning of the new school year signiﬁes a time of change for everyone in the home. This year we wanted to speak with some of the area

Principals to learn a little more about them, and what students can expect as they take on their next year of learning. We talked with Pamela Bowden of Durant High School, Colleen Richardson of Plant City High School, and Melody Murphy from Cork Elementary.

How long have you been involved in the education system and how long have you been at your current school (as a teacher and administrator)? Bowden: I have been in the educational field for 23 years and for the last eight years I have been at Durant High School. Richardson: I have been involved in the education system for 23 years; all at Plant City High School. I taught science here for 17 years. I was an AP1 (Assistant Principal of Student Affairs) for one year and an APC (Assistant Principal of Curriculum) for five years. I was just appointed Principal in January 2007. Murphy: I have been in education for 17 years. I taught for nine years and have been in administration for eight years. This will be my first year as the Principal of Cork Elementary. I was the APEI (Assistant Principal of Elementary Instruction) at Cork during the 1999-2000 school year. Have you had any staffing changes since last school year? If so, tell me about them. Bowden: This summer we hired one new

administrator, Tibor Kovacs, Assistant Principal, and 13 new teachers. Richardson: We have had several staffing changes in administration. Dina Langston went to Brandon as the APC and Trent Hobbs, who was previously in the Student Affairs office, is now our APA (Assistant Principal of Administration) and Athletic Director. Traci Durrance, who was an ART (Administrative Resource Teacher) with us last year, is now an Assistant Principal in the Student Affairs office. Both are graduates from PCHS, as is our APC, Preston Stewart. We are also in the process of hiring a new basketball and girl’s soccer coach. Murphy: Cork is a great school, teaching assignments have not changed much over the years. Due to class size reduction though, more teachers have joined the Cork family. What do you find most challenging with students these days? Bowden: Probably dealing with students having electronic devices at school. This includes phones, iPods, MP3 players, headsets, etc. Richardson: It is and always has been difficult to

impress upon the students the importance of their education today and how it affects their opportunities for tomorrow. Murphy: Students have many stimuli in their lives today, with gaming systems and many options with TV due to satellite TV and cable. Students need to be challenged and motivated by teachers who create a positive fun environment with high expectations for learning. What changes are in store for your students this coming year? Bowden: We are converting from a block schedule to a traditional schedule with eight periods. Richardson: This year will be an exciting year for us at Plant City High School because of a new three-year project called EXCELerator Schools. In recognition of the great work happening here, Plant City High School has been selected as a College Board EXCELerator School, a distinction currently shared by only 26 other high schools in the country. This project is made possible through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Murphy: Cork is going through renovations this FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 57

Plant City students are headed back to school.

Colleen

year and that in itself is a challenge for students, parents and staff. What do you do at your school to help create a positive learning environment for the student? Bowden: We work hard to create a safe, orderly place that meets the needs of each individual student. Richardson: One of the goals of the EXCELerator program is to build stronger relationships both among educators and between educators and students. Murphy: It’s important for students to know what they are learning and why they are learning what is taught. Students who feel connected to the learning environment often have a positive outlook on the education process. I believe that keeping the tempo of the school upbeat and celebrating student successes lends itself to a positive learning environment. The FCAT has been in place for several years now, and your school has done well. How are teachers, parents, and students responding to it? Bowden: Positively! We earned a “B” letter grade and we are excited that we maintained our grade from the previous year. Richardson: We are very pleased with our results on FCAT, but we will continue to set high expectations for our students. Our goal has always been to earn an “A” grade with our FCAT results. Murphy: This question is difﬁcult to answer since I haven’t had the opportunity to truly interact and discuss this with the staff and parents. Tell me what your school does to prepare the teachers and students for the FCAT? Bowden: We use many strategies to prepare for FCAT. All of our teachers participate in in-service FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 58

Melody Pamela

trainings throughout the year. We have implemented “reading across the content areas” and use CRISS strategies in our classrooms. We identify our students with academic needs and offer them tutorial help, use FCAT explorer in our Success Lab, Silent Sustained Reading and the Cougar Challenge. We utilize the Academy of Reading and Read 180 labs and we emphasize the use of Quadrant D lessons within the regular classroom setting to help prepare our students for FCAT. Richardson: Reading continues to be an instructional focus in all classes. Every teacher utilizes reading strategies in their lessons. Murphy: Teachers work hard to prepare students for success in school. The Florida Sunshine State Standards outline the expectations for students in each grade level. So when we talk about student preparation, I hesitate saying we are preparing them for a test. I feel we are preparing them for success as a whole. Our goal is to prepare our students to be successful citizens, not just successful test takers. I know many schools have reward systems in place to recognize the student effort on the FCAT, and many schools can get creative with this. How do you recognize the efforts of the students in your school? Bowden: We offer many student incentives at Durant High School. Our students can win “Go to the Head of the Lunch Line” passes and special parking permits. They are also rewarded with gift cards to local stores and restaurants. We give away movie gift passes and mall shopping certiﬁcates. We also offer Wal-Mart gift cards which our students like because they can purchase gas with them. Richardson: We use a variety of rewards from movie passes to $500 gift cards. Murphy: I don’t necessarily believe that we measure student success solely on the FCAT. We

celebrate student success in many ways. Academics, citizenship and good attendance are all areas that we celebrate with our students. Dealing with children each day, I’m sure you’ve been exposed to some touching or maybe funny situations. Can you share one with me that you’ve always remembered? Bowden: I’ll always remember Sept. 11, 2001, when a student came into the office pale and dazed and said he had to make a phone call. He stated that his dad worked in the Pentagon right where the terrorist plane had crashed. He was trembling so badly I helped him dial the numbers and stayed with him. After several tries we finally got his mother on the phone and she told him that his Dad had called in sick that day and had not reported to work. When he hung up the phone I remember we both just sat there in the office and cried. I’ll never forget that day! Murphy: When I was leaving Bryan this year I received a note from a student stating he was sad I was leaving. He indicated that he thought I was a very good principal, even though I had to get on to him for misbehaving. But, he did deserve it (he said in his letter)!

Someone once said, “Children are our future.” To which someone once replied, “No. What children become is our future.” Thanks to all of our area Principals and teachers for all your efforts to make a positive inﬂuence in the lives of children. It may not be expressed often enough, but without you and your inﬂuence, who knows what our children would become, or what future that would bring. The work you do in our community is exceptionally important. Thank you.

Allen ��

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history DIDYOUKNOW

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The “First Lady” of Plant City BETTY BARKER WATKINS

Without ever having a music lesson, and never having learned to read the notes, Betty Barker Watkins played the piano before she was eight years old. She formed a harmonica band in elementary school, and played the glockenspiel in the Betty Barker Watkins Plant City High School in 1983 band. She would leave school at lunch time to go to the Hotel Plant to play the piano for the Lions Club, and later played for the Kiwanis Club for 25years. She also became the ﬁrst female member of the heretofore all-male organization. Betty Watkins was the musical leader for the First United Methodist, played the piano and organ, and sang in the choir. An outstanding student, cheerleader, ofﬁcer of the band, yearbook staff, Betty graduated in 1946 and worked for Tampa Electric until entering Asbury College in Kentucky in 1951. After receiving her B.A. degree, she moved to New York and worked for the Board of Missions of the United Methodist Church, then left for the Congo where she was a missionary, teacher, and performed many other tasks. Returning to Plant City in 1958, Betty taught civics, history, and speech at Plant City High School for three years. After a short stint as assistant registrar at Asbury College, Betty

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 62

Barker Watkins returned to her hometown. She taught over 34 years in the Hillsborough School District, all of it in Plant City schools. Also, she taught Sunday school at First United Methodist Church for many years.

pool, raising the level; the children loved it and so did she. She taught many of them how to swim; in her chin-strapped bathing cap, covered with ﬂouncy ﬂowers, she was the teacher all over again.

She was named Citizen of the Year in 1983. This Aunt Betty was the one who spent countless hours and effort opening the doors of opportunity for her students. She chaperoned them to local, state, regional, and national events. She organized the DCT, supervised the Purple Club, and organized their many events – banquets, employer-employee get togethers, musical performances, and the annual Veterans Day celebration.

Along with all the other awards, citations, etc., such as President of the Florida Cooperative Education Association, Jaycees “Good Government” award, Business and Professional Women’s Club “Woman of the Year”, Outstanding Personalities of the South, Florida Teacher of the Year Hall of Fame Award, Alumni Board of Asbury College, and many more, she was the ﬁrst woman elected to the Plant City Commission.

In 1987, Betty Barker Watkins was named the “Outstanding Vocational Teacher of the Year” by the Hillsborough Vocational Association, Hillsborough School District.

She also found time to help organize the East Hillsborough Historical Society, and she worked feverishly to aid the Plant City Photo Archives collect photos and stories for its World War II collection. For her efforts in the preservation of the community’s history and heritage, she was presented Plant City Photo Archives “Heritage Award” on April 28th, 2007.

As a cheerleader, she would turn somersaults that would make her the envy of other girls, and later, dressed as a clown, she could ﬂip and tumble with the best. And she could swim. It has been said that when she was ready to enter the pool, she would rare back and run and leap into the water, sending waves throughout the

She passed away in July of 2007; she will be remembered always as a loving teacher, leader, musician, cheerleader in life, and mostly as Aunt Betty.

Sources: Plant City Photo Archives, Plant City Photo Archives’ Oral History Project 2007, The Courier, October 2003.

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Spread out w/a 3-way split 4 bedroom plan plus ofﬁce, formal living & dining rooms w/new wood ﬂoors & family room. The gourmet kitchen features New GRANITE countertops, new tile, walk-in pantry, Center Island and so much more. Almost 2900 sq’ of living. Large lanai, pool & spa. You will LOVE this home!!! Only $419,900. Call Natalie at 813-758-9586.

You’ll love the colors in this wonderully decorated home. Over 2600 sq’ with 4 large Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths and huge bonus room. Recently pained outside, fenced & large screened lanai with gorgeous yard. Only $318,000. Call Natalie 758-9586.

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Live the ﬁne life in the prestigious Aston Woods neighborhood in Walden Lake. The lovely landscaped setting sets the stage as you enter this wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, great room ﬂoor plan with formal dining room and large kitchen w/center island. $319,900 Call Natalie 758-9586.

This Wonderful Pool Home is at the end of the cul-de-sac w/no back yard neighbors! Spacious great room with formal dining & large eat-in kitchen are just some of the features of this lovely home. This home is a MUST SEE! Call Angel 813-546-9586.

Exquisite home on gorgeous conservation lot. Enjoy privacy courtesy of mother nature with tranquil pond view. 3 way split w/expanded suite. Family room w/gas ﬁreplace & built-in entertainment unit. Air conditioned 3 car garage. Only $325,000. Call Natalie at 758-9586.

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Everything has been done! NEW kitchen w/all NEW appliances, New bathrooms, NEW windows, NEW roof, NEW air conditioner, NEW wiring, NEW plumbing, NEW ﬂooring, even NEW washer & dryer. Pack your bags and move right in to this convenient in town location. Offered for $159,900. Call Natalie 758-9586.

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Over 1 1⁄4 Acre Commercial lot with tons of potential in a growing area. Only $149,000 Call Natalie 813-758-9586

Custom pool home on 2.77 A. Designer kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, crown molding, ﬂexible ﬂoor plan allows privacy for teens or in-law suite. Fenced & irrigated pasture, Barn w/electric & water. $369,900 Call Angel 546-9863.

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4 bedroom, 3 bath custom Home w/large kitchen open to amily room w/ﬁreplace. Large master suite with walk in loset, jetted tub & double sinks. Formal living & dining rooms. Pool & Spa. Don’t miss this one! Newly listed for only $364,900. Call Natalie at 813-758-9586.

Gorgeous Pool Home on Lake Mango. Enjoy the water sports like skiing & boating. The view is incredible! This home is loaded with upgrades and should not be missed! $395,000 Call Natalie for a private showing 758-9586.

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Charming 3 bedroom 2 bath home with great room & 2 car garage on beatiful corner lot. Enjoy the screened lanai and the front porch with swing. Don’t let the price fool you, this is a great home! Call Angel 546-9863.

This beautiful 6+ A lot is in the exclusive community of “Alaﬁa Ridge Estates”. Offered at $299,000. Call FOCUS Angel MAGAZINE 546-9863.• Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 71

1607 S. Alexander Street Suite 102

CL O AS SIN SI G ST CO AN S CE T

813-752-2087 813-759-1200

�� 3 Bedroom 2 Bath -on golf course - remodeled with decorator tile - new appliances & roof only 9 years old. Great buy and owner is very motivated ��

�� Benefit from some closing cost assistance, great family space providing the quality Florida living you deserve! Appreciate 3 bd, 2 ba, formal living and dining rooms, open & flowing floor plan. Could be yours... ��

�� 1998 3/2/2 on 1.34 acres located in Lithia. Bring the family and pets! Ready to move in! $298,000. ��

�� 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath w/out deed restrictions in quiet neighborhood. Almost 1800 sq’ w/over sized screed patio w/brick pavers & heated spa. Large in town lot. ��

�� Pristine 3/3/3 with Pool on 1.13 acre. Custom kitchen with granite, Fireplace, Luxurious master suite, Hardwood ﬂoors, Front porch that stretches across front of house. Bring the rocking chairs. See additional pictures at www.BrendaSalyers.com. This house will Wow you. $395,000. ��

�� Beautiful, custom-built home in peaceful Sun City Center. Huge family room w/stone ﬁreplace, formal living and dining for special family gatherings. Eat-in kitchen and ofﬁce make this the ideal home. Only $165,000 Call Arita McFadyen (813) 892-9476

�� New Roof, Tile Floors,& Carpeting. Built in Queen size Murphy Bed in 2nd bdrm. Fireplace, $179,900 ��

�� This 3br/2ba is one of the largest in Fairway Villas. Bright kitchen, dining room, brilliant light spreads throughout with ceiling solar globes, Osmosis water system, and LARGE Florida room for year-round living. PRICE REDUCED to $195,000 ��

�� Custom Pool Home on 2.77 A w/over 2800 sq’. Spectacular features include designer kitchen cabinets, granite countertops, crown molding, a ﬂexible ﬂoor plan allowing privacy for teens or in-law suite. The pasture is fenced & irrigated, barn has electric & water. $469,000 ��

�� Beautiful 1.3 acre lot with hilltop view and small pond on highly desirable Varn Rd. Survey and deed restrictions available. Price reduced to $99,900! ��

�� 3 BR/2 BA home located on culdesac with conservation lot. Fenced backyard and heated pool, great room plan, tile ﬂoors, new a/c & more! $249,900 ��

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Everything you ever dreamed of is in this home. 5 br 3 ba plus family room, cafe off the kitcen and sun room. Upstairs is a ofﬁce with french doors to open patio and a complete Media room. Too many features to list. Call for you private showing $419,900 ��

...because your move matters

1607 S. Alexander Street Suite 102

813-752-2087 813-759-1200

�� 3 Bedroom 2 bath and BONUS room, is located near I-4, and close to Hillsborough Community College. This home includes a formal dining & family room, New roof, New Tile, New A/C, and New kitchen upgrades. This is a great starter home. A must see! ��

�� This 3/2 block home is located in a great Lakeland location. Don’t wait on this one! Home needs just a little tender loving care to make a perfect paradise. No Homeowners Association! ONLY $135,000 ��

�� Priced to sell and move in ready, this 3/2 block home is cute and spacious.Call Melissa Connell for your exclusive showing ��

�� WOW!!! $125,000, 3 bed 2 bath New construction ��

�� Owner is Motivated. Bring offers! All neutral colors throughout, Interior laundry, Garage door opener, Keyless garage entry, Alarm system, Sprinkler system, Split bedroom plan. Move in Ready. ��

�� 4 bedroom, 3 bath custom Home w/large kitchen open to family room w/ﬁreplace. Large master suite with walk in closet, jetted tub & double sinks. Formal living & dining rooms. Pool & Spa. Don’t miss this one! $364,900 ��

�� Bring the horses and relax in the country setting. 5 acres ready for YOU! ��

�� Ready to move in - 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage on .89 acre. Lots of tile. 1,420 sq. ft. of living. Priced to sell at $229,000. ��

�� Beautiful, nearly new 4 BR, 2 Bath pool home on over 6 acres with income producing groves! Extremely easy highway access yet total country setting! 700’ of rd frontage on Hwy 60! MLS #T2260964. Priced below appraisal! ��

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Well maintained 4br/2ba home has a formal living, dining room, and New Kitchen upgrades, and Two Bonus Rooms. Could be a 6 bedroom home. OVER 2100 Sq Ft. This is your HOME SWEET HOME! ��

Well Maintained, This cozy home has a bonus room, screened front porch, newer roof and A/C. Nice shady backyard, In a well established Community. Seller Motivated. ��

3/2 Block home in Plant City. Over 1500 sf located on three city lots. Priced to Sell. ��

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PRICE REDUCED $80,000 under appraisal. Hereʼs your opportunity to own a great 3BR 2BA ranch home with 3.75 Acres fenced & cross fenced. Approx. 1954 sq. ft of living space plus an open front porch and scrnd back porch. Barn & small pond w/ﬁshing dock. Donʼt wait, see it today! Itʼs yours for JUST $319,900. #718

This 3 bedroom 2 bath home has a great ﬂoor plan & is almost completed. Great room with ﬁreplace. Master Suite has his and her walk-in closets, garden tub & separate shower. Screened lanai. Home sits on a high & dry acre lot. PRICE REDUCED to $299,900. #607

BRAND NEW & WAITING FOR YOU!

RAISE A STEER OR Plant a garden..Thereʼs plenty of room on approx. 4.7 acres that surrounds this 3 bedroom 2 bath block home. Freshly painted & updated with new tile ﬂoors, new windows & new doors. Move-in condition! Check it out today.$330,000. #716

No deed restrictions on this beautiful 2.13 acs mol in the Springhead Area. Very nice 3/2 doublewide with bonus rm that could be used for 4th bdrm. Large back porch and above ground pool with deck. Plus a 20x24 2 story barn and a 12x18 shed. Bring your pets and have room to roam. Priced to sell at $189,900-#722

HERMITS HIDEAWAY Really want privacy? This unique 1BR 1BA cabin is tucked way back on 9.42 acres located in Southeastern Hillsborough County. Land is still in itʼs natural habitat with small creek running through it. Priced below appraisal at $284,900. Make your appt today to see. #726

BACKYARD FOR KIDS! This 3 bedroom home has been recently remodeled & has ceramic tile in foyer & living room. All appliances stay. Nice screened back porch. Located on a large country lot ideal for family fun. It can be yours today for $135,900. #725

NO DOUBT ABOUT IT This 2 bedroom bungalow needs a lot of work to bring it into shape or you can tear it down & build your dream home on this pretty city lot. PRICED REDUCED TO $65,000. Want to know more? Give us a call for the location. #713

GREAT STARTER HOME! Or investment property. This 2 bedroom block home has a spacious living rm with built in book shelves & a large eat-in kitchen. Inside utility rm & covered patio. Really nice corner lot. an excellent buy for $135,000. #724

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ENJOY THE COUNTRY LIFE

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UNBELIEVABLE

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 74

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ceived ence. We re cing experi was an e ﬁn at N re r . ey ou lot of mon eased with a pl d ve e ry er sa ve w e d “We wer ge rate an so glad we er percenta al. We are d family a much low eable and profession r friends an ou ll te to y dg pp le ha ow very kn we will be Nate, and referred to City, FL .” in the future ecca DeShong, Plant eb R d - Gary an

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wasn’t too sure about “Extremely helpful, I ss, but Nate exce the home buying pro e whole transaction plained everything. Th ul experience for a went smooth. Wonderf r.” ye first time homebu y, FL - TJ Romano, Plant Cit

“Exc e and w llent Em ail plan. e never f Commu elt T n - Ric hanks, N “in the ication. N hard dark” and N ate!” . Eve ate kept us rythin ia Ra mo, P g we infor med nt ac lant C cord ity, F ing t L o

�� st clo r es a s i s r n o rp estio o su y. N any qu u g this ble for t Plan with ila on, deal dily ava o t icati r t a b n e a a r w ys nd F “You nd alwa ng a a eldi W ” . ing B s ern ni, J conc Barbari �� - Joe FL �� , �� City �

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Purchase

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and available , e...Always back within ional servic u pt yo ce ll ex ca d an would “LOW rates ur call, he t answer yo if he did no the hour.” t City, FL nsend, Plan - Ryan Tow

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 75

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 76

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813-752-1960

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 77

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Blackburn & Associates Realty SAVING SELLERS AND BUYERS MONEY!!!

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 80

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657-6925 FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 81

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w o r r o M

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SHARON OURS

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813-763-0856 ��

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SO MUCH POTENTIAL

This great Lakeland home needs a little TLC to make it just perfect. 3/2 with big backyard and screened back porch. Storage shed, 2 car garage for plenty of storage. Close to everything! Priced to sell fast. $135,000.

BAC

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Your Family will love this well kept 3/2 home with inside laundry and bonus room. Formal living room, Family room with ﬁreplace, spacious eat in kitchen. Seller will contribute to buyers closing cost with full price offer...$168,000

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 83

homes HOMEGUIDE

SUBMITTED BY N ATA L I E S W E ET

Walden Lake Review The butterflies are coming! The new Butterfly Garden is in at the Walden Lake Park. It is a delightful spot with a bench along the lake near the playground where you can sit and rest or read a book. The Plant City Garden Club planned the design and the WLCA purchased the plants and planted them. It will take time for all these plants to reach maturity, but be assured, the butterflies will be here! Nuptials at the park? How about releasing some butterflies at the end of the ceremony? Marlene Merrin of the WLCA will be overseeing the deed restrictions for Forest Club. That neighborhood has chosen to take the master association up on their offer. There are no additional costs for the neighborhoods that accept the master association’s offer to have Marlene oversee their deed restrictions. The Board asked me to remind you that you must have approval from your Neighborhood

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 84

Association Board prior to painting any part of the exterior of your home, even if you are repainting the home the same color it currently is. If you have your home painted without approval, you may be subject to having it redone. It’s important that everyone keeps up their homes. The Master Association and the Neighborhood Boards get many calls from neighbors of homes that are run down or violating deed restrictions. They ask that you don’t make your

neighbors force you to keep up your home. It could cost you more if the Boards have to get involved. Walden Lake Golf & Country Club has a great Golf summer special offer through September 15th. After noon during the week, you can play golf for $20 and after noon on the weekends for $25, cart included. The new swim coach, Tom Schmelz, is also offering swim lessons and instruction. Billy Kagel is the director of special events and functions. He asked me to remind you to book your Holiday Parties early as the spots available ﬁll up quickly. Also, book your Fundraising Golf Tournaments and Special Events as soon as you have a date in mind. Members and nonmembers are welcome to book functions at the clubhouse, pool, golf course etc. Call Billy at 752-1171, extension 222, to book an appointment to discuss your needs.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 85

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 86

GETTING MARRIED? WON AN AWARD? DELIVERED? GOT A PROMOTION? Call 813-707-8783 Ext 24 To Share Your Good News

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Two Bedroom Pricing Existing Units Unit 273 Unit 271 Unit 269 Unit 267 Unit 265 Unit 263 Unit 261 Unit 259

3BR 2Bath 2BR 2 1/2BA 2BR 2 1/2BA 2BR 2 1/2BA 2BR 2 1/2BA 2BR 2 1/2BA 2BR 2 1/2BA 3BR 2Bath

Platinum Gold Gold Gold Platinum Gold Silver Gold

$199,900 $174,900 $174,900 $174,900 $184,900 $174,900 $164,900 $189,900

Silver - $164,900 Gold - $174,900 Platinum - $184,900 Three Bedroom Pricing Existing Units Silver - $179,900 Gold - $189,900 Platinum - $199,900 Future “to be built”

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2BR - $184,900 2BR - $194,900 2BR - $204,900

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3BR - $199,900 3BR - $209,900 3BR - $219,900

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MAGAZINE

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1406 W. Knight Grifﬁn Rd Planty City, FL

752-3306

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 87

homes REALESTATE

S U B M IT T E D BY S H E LTO N K EELY

POOL MASTERS

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Foreclosure Options The number one reason homeowners facing foreclosure lose their home is because they fail to communicate with the lender. Most people in financial trouble do the same thing; stop answering the phone, stop opening the mail while trying to stick their heads in the sand. THIS IS NOT GOOD! This does not make the problem go away. Don’t keep being in denial. Let’s face the problem head on. Now I know this sounds tremendously daunting, but it’s not as hard as you might think. The bank REALLY doesn’t want to foreclose on your home. But if they can’t get a hold of you, and your not responding to their correspondences. They don’t even know if you live there anymore. The first thing that you need to do is answer the telephone and have a conversation with your lender about what types of forbearance agreements that might be available to you. Forbearance is an agreement that banks make with homeowners in which they agree to not foreclose on you in return for you accepting a payment arrangement or some other alternative to being foreclosed on. The only way that you can get one of these forbearance agreements is to ask for it! Or at least be available for the bank to offer one to you. Forbearance agreements range from: 3 to 6 month grace periods with no payments and more importantly NO FORECLOSURE! (You get to keep your home) Loan modifications- they basically take the amount that you are behind and place it on the backend of your mortgage and extend your mortgage term. Monthly payment reduction. They’ll lower your monthly payments if you can’t afford the current one because you make less or your household income have been reduced. There are a few more plans available to homeowners with the right hardship situation. But remember that you have to make contact in order to get any help. Also, you must contact your mortgage companies loss mitigation department; customer services will do nothing for you.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 88

Mendonsa Commercial Center 1706 S. Alexander St. Plant City, Fl 33566 SALE OR LEASE Professional Office Space Available in a brand new upscale office park, located in the heart of Plant City’s Professional Community.

1,700 Sq Ft - 3,700 Sq Ft • Broker Participation GREAT LOCATION FOR: MEDICAL OR PROFESSIONAL SPACE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:

Don Stine at 813-752-9119 or Bob Garrett at 813-681-5796

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 89

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business & ﬁnance INVESTING

SUBMITTED BY E DWA R D JO N E S

Are You Prepared

TO HELP AGING PARENTS? If you have your parents during much of your adult life, consider yourself fortunate. As they age, however, you will need to become increasingly aware of added responsibilities you may have to assume. And by planning ahead, you can help make everyone’s lives easier. You can start by finding out if your parents have a simple will drawn up. If they don’t, urge them to get one. Even if your parents have a simple will, they may still need to take further action. If you think they have a sizable estate or want to give significant gifts to charitable groups, encourage them to consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning. You’ll also need to learn whatever you can about your parents’ savings and investments. Which banks and financial service providers hold your parents’ assets? Where are the records of these accounts? Do they work with a financial advisor? You’ll need to learn these things in case your parents become incapacitated or die unexpectedly. State treasurer’s offices regularly advertise “unclaimed” property, including investments - some of which have simply eluded the attention of family members.

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�� Diversification does not guarantee a profit, nor does it protect against loss.

Michael S. Cameron 2501 Thonotosassa Rd Plant City, FL 33563 813 / 759 - 1491

www.edwardjones.com Member SPIC

And, speaking of incapacitation, you may want to encourage your parents to create a durable general power of attorney, which allows them to appoint another person to conduct their business affairs if they are physically or mentally unable to manage them yourself. You can also ease some potential worries by having your parents create a medical power of attorney, which empowers you (or another relative or close friend) to make health care decisions for your parents if they get seriously injured or become ill and cannot make health care decisions on their own. Long-term care is another subject you might want to discuss with your parents. Of course, they may never need to enter a nursing home or require the services of a home health care worker. However, if they do, the expenses can be enormous. For example, the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is more than $75,000, according to the 2006 annual MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Home Care. If your parents needed to come up with this type of money, it could wipe out their ﬁnancial independence - and possibly place a burden on you or your siblings. Currently, Medicaid pays almost half the costs of long-term care, but, to qualify for this government program, your parents would have to “spend down” almost all their assets - an unattractive prospect. Consequently, you may want to talk to your parents about other ways of paying for these costs. FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 91

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Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith P.A. Attorneys at Law ��

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 94

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STEVE SHOUSE, AAMS 813-752-9400 Financial Advisor

MICHAEL CAMERON 813-759-1491 Financial Advisor

TIM SHUFF, AAMS 813-752-1071 Financial Advisor

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Member SIPC

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 95

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 96

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health DROTT

SUBMITTED BY S U SA N M . OT T, D. O.

Ankle Sprains Ankle sprains. Almost everyone who has participated in athletic activity has experienced this injury. An ankle sprain is the most common injury sustained in sports. Typically, the injury is sustained in an inversion type fashion, meaning the foot turns in, stretching the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. This is the most common type of ankle sprain and will be the focus of this article. Oftentimes the athlete will step in a hole on the ﬁeld, on another players’ foot or on a piece of equipment, sustaining the injury. The typical ankle sprain usually presents with pain and swelling on the lateral or outside of the ankle. A sprain is deﬁned as stretching or tearing of ligaments, in this case, of the ankle. Sometimes there is bruising as well. Bruising sometimes occurs because when the ligament is injured, it can bleed, manifesting itself as bruising. Typically, the injured athlete will not have pain over the bone. Fortunately the vast majority of these injuries heal without surgery. The principles of treating a sprain consist initially of R.I.C.E. Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. All of these modalities will help to decrease pain and swelling. Crutches may or may not be prescribed. Early weight bearing with bracing has become the usual standard of care.

on a pebble and roll your ankle again. The more times you sustain the injury, the more stretched out the ligaments can become and then the athlete is at risk for developing a chronic ankle instability which may be a surgical problem. Fortunately, once again, we can treat this conservatively with physical therapy for balance training to reestablish proprioception and strengthening. Return to play. The clock is always ticking for the injured athlete. It usually take 4-6 weeks to completely get over an ankle sprain, but usually the athlete can return to play much sooner. The athlete should be able to bear weight, run and cut on the injured ankle without difﬁculty. Usually the injury is protected with taping or bracing initially. Rehabilitation should continue until the injury is completely healed, and return to play should be determined by the physician caring for the injury, and/or the team athletic trainer. If you or a family member has an ankle sprain or a complication resulting from a previous ankle sprain, I would be happy to consult with you regarding your injury.

Now we all know someone who has sprained his or her ankle more times than we can count. Why does this happen? Basically, when you sprain your ankle, you lose the signal between your foot and your brain as to where your foot is in space. This is called proprioception, which means position sense. What happens when your proprioception is off is, because your brain isn’t sure where your foot is in space, you step

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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 MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 98

Certiﬁed: Board Certiﬁed D.O.

QUALITY ORTHOPEDIC CARE CLOSE TO HOME ��

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1601 W. Timberlane Dr., Suite 500 Plant City, Fl 33567

(813) 754-0817

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Member of ACSI Accredited: NPSAA

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 99

health SHERRYNUEESCH

SUBMITTED BY S H E R RY N U E E S C H

Crazy for Coconut I picked up a magazine from a local health food store recently and was overjoyed to see an article written called “Crazy for Coconut”. I am ever so happy that the health benefits of coconut oil are starting to become more talked about. I don’t have enough space here to talk about why this particular saturated fat is so healthy. I suggest that you buy the book by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. called “The Coconut Oil Miracle”. You can go to the website www. coconutresearchcenter.org for an accurate description of long-chain fatty acids vs. medium-chain fatty acids found in fats. I became interested in coconut oil when I started reading about the relationship between coconut oil and the prevention of heart disease. According to Fife, “If you were to travel the world looking for a people who enjoy a degree of health far above that found in most nations, a people who are relatively free from the crippling effects of degenerative disease, you couldn’t help but be impressed by the natives who inhabit the islands of the South Pacific. These people in their tropical paradise enjoy a remarkable degree of good health, relatively free from the aches and pains of degenerative disease that plague most of the rest of the world. These people are robust and healthy. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis are almost unheard of, at least among those who continue to live on the traditional native diets.” The main food eaten universally throughout the area is the coconut. Coconut oil has long been used by these cultures not only as food, but as medicine. It has been shown to reduce heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Fife writes, “Whenever coconut oil is mentioned, most people immediately think of saturated fat and therefore assume it must be bad. It is true that coconut oil is primarily a saturated fat. What people don’t realize, however, is that there are many kinds of saturated fat and all of them affect the body differently. The type of saturated fat found in coconut oil, a plant source, is different from the type found in animal products. The difference is dramatic and is fully documented by years of scientific research.” One of the great benefits of coconut oil is weight loss. Coconut oil actually has fewer calories than polyunsaturated vegetable oils. However, the main difference between the oils is the impact on thyroid activity. Polyunsaturated oils depress thyroid activity, thus lowering metabolism. This is the opposite of coconut oil. According to Ray Peat, Ph.D., and endocrinologist in the study of hormones, “Unsaturated oils (especially soybean) block thyroid hormone secretion. When thyroid hormones are deficient, metabolism becomes depressed. Polyunsaturated oils are, in essence, high calorie fats that encourage weight gain more than any other fats.”

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 100

Coconut oil is also excellent for your skin. It reduces wrinkles, age spots, protects from sun damage and premature aging. It is one of the best hair conditioners you can find. Below is a list of some of the most prolific problems in modern America that he says coconut oil can help: Prevents heart disease, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and stroke. Prevents diabetes Supports the development of strong bones and teeth. Protects against osteoporosis. Promotes loss of excess weight. Reduces chronic inflammation, a major contributor to heart disease. Protects the body from breast, colon and other cancers. Prevents liver disease. Relieves symptoms associated with chronic fatigue. I have taken 3 tablespoons of coconut oil daily for two years. I did my research first, so should you. Go online or order some of the great books available. My source of coconut oil is Tropical Traditions at www.tropicaltraditions.com. Before you go running to the store to buy coconut oil, get informed first. I’m glad I did. As always, to you health, Sherry Nueesch.

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sports VOLLEYBALL

STORY BY JOE BOW L E S / P HOTO S C OU RT E SY O F P H I L I P S N Y D E R

send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Today’s Volleyball IS A DIFFERENT BALLGAME

According to Larry Langston, the City of Plant City’s Athletic Program Manager, adult co-ed volleyball teams are comprised of a maximum of six players, age 16 or older, with four players on the court at a time. If possible, two players of each gender should be on the court. The cost per team is $125 per season, which is a bargain because the only other equipment needed to play the game is a volleyball. Each match consists of three games and two points are awarded to the team that wins the match. Linesmen are in place each game and the YMCA’s Doug Barnett has served as referee for every game this season.

Games in full swing for the City’s Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League

It was a game that we all learned to play in elementary school. It was not considered competitive, but merely a game that everyone in class could get involved in, even those with little athletic talent. But all that has changed today as the popularity of volleyball has grown in the past decade. With competitive beach volleyball being broadcast on ESPN, championships being played all over the globe, and with prep and college volleyball gaining a bigger audience every year, it was just a matter of time before local volleyball leagues would spring up. Three years ago, the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department teamed up with the Plant City Family YMCA and started an adult co-ed volleyball league. This year, Plant City’s Summer Co-ed Volleyball League began play on June 27th with games played each Wednesday night at the YMCA gymnasium. Last season’s city champion was the Lightning, who defeated the Panthers in the ﬁnals of the city championship tournament. The Lightning are set to defend their city championship again this season against three new opposing teams, FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 102

the Misfits, the Replacements, and the Jarochos (minstrels). The competition is evenly matched this year and at the end of the first six games, the Lightning, Misfits and Jarochos have identical 4 -2 records. League play will end on August 1st and the city volleyball tournament will be played the following Wednesday.

This is a sport that is gaining in popularity and Langston feels that an increased level of participation will be forthcoming as more people hear about the league. A Fall Adult Coed League is already being talked about. Today’s volleyball is a whole new ballgame. League play does not resemble the volleyball played in elementary school with 15 players on each side of the court and no one moving more than a few feet to hit the ball or duck from it. Instead, it is a fast paced competitive game that requires loads of skill and produces a lot of fun.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 103

sports ATHLETEOFTHEMONTH

STORY AND PHOTO BY HO L LY M A L L A L I E U

send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Shon Shoemake It’s still summer, but the new school year is creeping up on us faster than we realize, which will bring with it new athletes in every sport at our schools. Before that happens, we want to take the time to recognize those students who have been part of a high school team for some time now, like 16 year-old Shon Shoemake, an upcoming Junior at Durant High School, who is coming into his second year of playing the position of running back for the Cougars. Before high school, Shon played for the Plant City Colts until the age of 15, when he entered as a freshman at Durant. That ﬁrst year he decided not to play for the team, but his sophomore year is when he got started, and has been under the same head coach, Mike Gottman, ever since. Shon really enjoys taking part in football, and has a great time with all of the guys on his team. “I get a lot out of it - it teaches you things in and out of the sport.” Last year he received the MVP award for the team. During the summer Shon works out to stay in shape, with the motivation that he is considering taking up wrestling on top of football next year. And it may be early, but he says he can see himself one day playing football for Florida State University after high school. After a great last year being part of the team, he’s looking forward to another go, and we wish him good luck and another successful season playing for the Durant Cougars.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 104

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 105

extra ALRUECHEL

SUBMITTED BY A L RU E C H E L

Our Kids

ARE CHANGING THE WORLD There’s a new younger generation of caring and loving kids that are breaking the mold of what it means to get involved. My wife of 31 years and I have been blessed with four kids, now all young adults, whose greatest joys have been in serving others. They’ve traveled to Central America, the Islands spreading the love of God in word and in deed. They’ve worked with terminally ill children at Boggy Creek north of Orlando and held the hands of dying Hospice patients. They’ve worked with high school kids teaching them how they can make a difference in their state government. They are all involved with the health care industry and believe the greatest gift they can give this world is their talents of healing and helping.

There’s a new younger generation... breaking the mold of what it means to get involved. FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 106

Am I bragging? Well, of course I am. But my kids aren’t the only ones. They are part of a new generation of kids that think nothing of flying around the world to meet and live in other cultures. They bake cookies, walk dogs, mow lawns or baby sit. They pool their resources, not to buy a car or even more expensive clothes, but to buy plane tickets to see people they’ve never met. They hug kids with AIDS who’ve never been hugged before. They help build homes and orphanages and do art projects with children who treasure a single crayon as if it were gold. They put together huge suitcases filled with clothes they’ve outgrown. Their collection of beanie babies are stuffed into another bag to give to kids who’ve never had a stuffed toy of their own. They travel to Muslim countries and ditch their American “digs” and music just for a chance of a brief one-on -one conversation about a loving God. They bring a message of acceptance and hope to a world that at times seems to generate only hate and fear. Pinning down the actual numbers of those changing the world is hard. I’ve read upwards of 100-thousand kids from the USA travel abroad each year involved in organized youth missionary movements with names like YWAM, Youth Encounter, Youth for Christ, Campus Crusade, Missionary Ventures, Voice of the Martyrs, World Aflame, just to mention a few. And that doesn’t count all the local churches that are sending more and more of their youth groups out into the world. And lest you be skeptical that this is some kind of brainwashing or just religious fanatics attempting to wrestle more converts into the kingdom, you need to hear what these young people have to say. They talk about feeling guilty that we in America have so much stuff while the rest of the world just gets by. They talk about how unfair it seems that so many children are born into poverty through no fault of their own. They talk about how joyful so many people are who have nothing just because they know Jesus loves them. They talk about being changed forever and how they want to go back and do even more in the future. You don’t see these stories on TV very often. But trust me, as someone who spent some time in East Africa as a missionary years ago, these stories are more common than ever all over this country. These young adults see things differently than most. They are not satisfied with the status quo. This isn’t politics to them or a contest where the one with the most votes or money wins. They are filled with hope and optimism and are ready to roll up their sleeves and get it done with or without the rest of us. Some call it revival. I call it…life!

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 107

extra FROMTHECOMMISSIONER’SDESK

SUBMITTED BY RO B E RT B ROW N

send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Recently, Mayor Rick Lott took his family to Europe for vacation. His trip kept him out of town for the Plant City Commission meeting held on July 23, 2007. As Vice Mayor, I had the opportunity to run my first commission meeting, so I wanted to share my experiences as acting Mayor. I convened the meeting and we opened as we always do with a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Our prayer was offered by the new priest with St. Clement’s Catholic Church, Father Thomas Anastasia. Father Tom interned at St. Clement’s as a deacon for a short time back in the late 1980’s, and told me he is happy to be back in Plant City. The Commission meeting had a fairly short agenda, but included several important items in the consent agenda. Probably the most important was that in keeping with the direction of the State of Florida, we voted to decrease the Plant City tax rate for the first time in 18 years. (It had stayed at the same rate during that entire period.) The reduction reflected last year’s rollback tax rate, less 5%, resulting in an overall decrease of approximately 13% from 4.7 to about 4.1 mills. (A mill is $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of tax assessed value of the property.) The Commission was able to tighten its belt without any decrease in the level of services provided to citizens.

...we voted to decrease the Plant City tax rate for the ﬁrst time in 18 years.

A major discussion item was the $30,000 of additional money that CSX required the City to pay (with very little notice) to complete the repair of the railroad crossing at Alexander Street near Ball Street. In addition to the $150,000 the city had already paid them for the repair, CXS determined the street needed an extra three inches of elevation leading to the crossing. Folks, that’s a lot of asphalt at $179 per ton! Because the railroad crossings are a right-of-way owned and controlled by CSX, they get to set the rules. Commissioner Dodson was absolutely correct to question the expenditure, but it didn’t change the outcome. The City needed the crossing repaired, so we agreed to pay, since the alternative would have been an unacceptable prolonged closing of Alexander Street. Speaking of trains, the recent accident involving Amtrak and the truck driven by Michael Dale Hill was tragic. There were over 20 injured on the train, and Mr. Hill lost his life. The tremendous effort by the Plant City Fire Department kept the devastation from being any worse than it was. The City provided one of our public busses to transport the injured to South Florida Baptist Hospital. I spoke with hospital representative, Bob Dexter, who told me that he was very proud of the work of their staff. Many stayed past midnight to ensure all the injured were treated. He commented that although the hospital staff trains for many different types of disasters, they had never practiced for this type of an emergency in their planning. The only regularly scheduled agenda item for the meeting was a public hearing on Phase 2 of Magnolia Green, which includes 141 residential lots on 36 acres at Trapnell and Drawdy Roads. After a brief staff report, and no public comments, the Commission voted 4–0 to approve ﬁnal platting. As with all meetings, I opened the ﬂoor to anyone in the audience wishing to address the City Commission about any issue. Although there are usually a few topics brought up for discussion, no one came forward on that night to address the Commissioners. And with a light hammer of the gavel, I adjourned the meeting.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 108

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 110

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dining & entertainment DININGPROFILE

STORY AND PHOTO S BY W E N DY S. B ROW N

send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Hong Kong Buffet

A PLACE FOR QUALITY HOME-COOKED CHINESE CUISINE!

Owner Paul Lo and Manage Jenny Zhang proudly show off their delicious buffet

When you’re in the mood for the ﬁnest Chinese cuisine, whether eat-in or take-out, I have the perfect place to recommend. At Hong Kong Buffet, a bountiful buffet of freshly made, homecooked Chinese food awaits. Besides quality ingredients, Hong Kong Buffet offers friendly and clean surroundings where everyone is treated like family. Doug Lillie, a frequent lunch customer, believes, “they have the best Chinese in Plant City.” In the mood for egg foo young, sweet and sour chicken or even fried wontons, Hong Kong Buffet is the place. Paul Lo has owned and operated Hong Kong Buffet for over ﬁve years, while his friend Jenny Zhang manages his operation. Both owner and

manager have many years of restaurant business under their belts. Paul is a youthful looking 35 year old who grew up in Hong Kong. His family helped him immigrate to Philadelphia 10 years ago. Paul is now an American citizen who identiﬁes with the hard work ethic of our Puritan founders. While working in several Philadelphia Chinese restaurants, Paul learned he loved the restaurant business. He decided to learn the restaurant trade and worked his way to being a future small business owner. Being friends with Jenny’s father, Paul was given family handed down recipes Mr. Zhang had used in his own Chinese restaurant for over 60 years. So you can be sure your lunch or dinner items have been prepared with an authentic tried and true Chinese recipe. While being ready to start his own restaurant, a Plant City friend knew of the Alexander Street location near Sweet Bay and persuaded Paul to move south to our small town. So Paul Lo relocated to Plant City to try his luck. There are only four employees at his Hong Kong Buffet, so the staff stays really busy and must optimally know many different jobs and work hard to keep the customers coming back. It seems most customers are regulars for either lunch or dinner. Jeff Coughlin maintains, “Hong Kong Buffet is convenient and fast for lunch.” When I asked manager Jenny Zhang, “What would you tell Plant City about the Hong Kong Buffet?” She quickly responded, “We are very nice people here who run a family style restaurant. We only use fresh, quality ingredients and make all our own homemade sauces.” Jenny also mentioned, “We cook everything ourselves.” Paul runs his buffet restaurant with the ideology of “constantly cooking and replacing small batches of buffet items at a time, which will please the customers, since all menu items will always be as fresh as possible.” Of course, this business acumen keeps the cook extremely busy by constantly preparing over a hundred different buffet items.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 112

Customer favorites are the sugary Chinese donuts, bourbon chicken, spicy chicken on skewers, and the crispy crab Rangoon, my personal favorite. You will always ﬁnd different items on the buffet, even if you come every day. Another loyal customer, Bill Drafﬁm believes, “The food is always very consistent with the same great quality. You get quick service, value pricing, friendly employees, and this is a great lunch place since you can get in and out quickly.” Hong Kong Buffet is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. You may order off the menu, choose the buffet and they also have take-out. HONG KONG BUFFET 213 Alexander Street West Phone: (813) 764-8255 Hours are Sunday: 11:30-9 p.m. • $6.95 Monday thru Saturday lunch: 11-3 p.m. • $5.25 Monday thru Friday dinner: 5-9 p.m. • $6.95 Friday and Saturday dinner: 4:30-9:30 p.m. • $7.95, or with crab legs • $12.95

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Golf Tournament Sign up today as a sponsor or individual player to support the Plant City Lion’s Club and its efforts to help end preventable blindness for adults and children. Your sponsorship will not only reserve your spot for a beautiful day of golf, prizes, great food and fun, but will show that you have the heart of a lion when it comes to helping to restore sight to individuals in need. Plant City Lion’s Club Mission Statement: To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 113

dining & entertainment ENTERTAINMENTSTORY

STORY BY JANEE L S H U L M I ST E R / P HOTO S C OU RT E SY O F T H E R E D RO S E I N N & S U IT E S

send questions and comments to ktoney@ﬂoydpublications.com

Red Rose Inn & Suites A PREVIEW OF UPCOMING EVENTS From 50’s & 60’s style Doo Wop dinner shows to Sunday champagne brunches with live jazz, there is something going on every day of the week at the Red Rose Inn & Suites. Formally known as the Ramada Inn Plantation House, The Red Rose Inn & Suites, located at 2011 N. Wheeler Street in Plant City, provides guests with beautiful, theme style accommodations, fabulous food, entertainment and fun. In addition to regularly scheduled events, holiday happenings will give you the chance to celebrate the season in style! Ralph Allocco and Second Wind are currently performing just about every Saturday night. “They have a fantastic Vegas style show,” stated Mark Johnson, Guest Services Manager. House Band Destiny is also playing on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as for Singles Night Out on Thursdays. A Seafood and Prime Rib Buffet is served on Tuesdays and Wednesdays with live jazz throughout the evening, and ballroom dance lessons with Susan Stanton are held on Monday nights in the Polo Club Lounge. Upcoming special events include a dinner show

Destiny FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 114

Rose Ballroom. “This place is extraordinary on the holidays,” said Johnson.

on Saturday, September 15th, performed by the Doo Wop group The Mystics in the Red Rose Dining Room. A Rock ‘n Roll Extravaganza on Friday, September 21st will be the ﬁrst big event held in the newly renovated Red Rose Grand Ballroom. Along with a phenomenal dinner, this three and a half hour event includes the musical talents of Joey Dee, The Legends of Doo Wop, and Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge. Be warned; just announced a short while ago, this Rock ‘n Roll Extravaganza is already half way sold out. “This is going to be incredible,” enthused Johnson. Starting right after Thanksgiving, Santa will be a regular guest at the Sunday brunches held in the Red Rose Dining Room. Children are encouraged to be a part of the festivities and may visit Santa at his special chair in the dining room. Light Rain, a string quartet of young performers from Disney World, will be performing soft classical music in the lobby throughout the season and a wonderful Christmas dinner will be served in the Red

When talking about the Red Rose Inn & Suites New Year’s Eve activities, Johnson is ecstatic, “This is literally the place to be for New Year’s Eve!” There are two events scheduled, each designed to make the night a memorable one and accommodations are available. For a more intimate atmosphere, you can opt for a sit down dinner in the Red Rose Dining Room. If a big party is more your style, then there is the Red Rose Grand Ballroom Event which is held every year and is a much larger celebration; the choice is yours. Along with an incredible dinner buffet, Gary Lewis and The Playboys will be the evening’s entertainment in the ballroom. Lewis, a popular performer from the 60’s is the son of legendary comedian Jerry Lewis. A New Year’s Eve package is available that includes dinner, shows, and party favors. There are many other upcoming events scheduled at the beautiful Red Rose Inn & Suites. For a complete listing of events through the beginning of 2009, please visit www. redroseinnandsuites.com or call (813) 752-3141 for more information.

Ralph Allocco and Second Wind

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www.newlifeplantcity.org • Inquire@newlifeplantcity.org The Oaks Mall Suite #202 • 1514 S. Alexander St. • Plant City, FL FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 115

Antioch Bill’s - 115 W Reynolds St (707-1090) ..................G6 Antiques & More - 102 -105 S Evers St (719-6336) ........... J1 Antiques & Treasurers - 107 N Collins St (752-4626) ......G3 Brooks Land Surveying - 115 S Palmer St (754-6620) .....K5 Byrd & Stitzel, PA - 206 N Collins St (759-1224) .............. D3 Camellia Rose Tea Room - 120 N Collins (659-8287) .......H6 Century 21Shaw Realty - 105 S Collins St (719-2727) ...... J4 Chicano’s Tex-Mex - 101 E Reynolds St (754-5093) ......... D4 City Properties Company - 101 E Reynolds(752-5262) ... D5 Coffee 101 - 101 E J Arden Mays Blvd (659-0101) ...........K4 Collins Street Junction - 117 N Collins St (659-2585) ......G2 Contractors & Small Biz Support - 103 E Dr. MLK Blvd. (752-3070)....N2 Coyotees/Cuzzins - 111 S Palmer St (759-2955) ................K2 Downtown Deli - 111 W Reynolds St (719-8922) ...............G7 Family Treasures - 107 1/2 S Evers St (659-3121) ............. I1 Floyd Publications - 101 E J Arden Mays (707-8783) .....K6

ANTIQUES & TREASURES ��

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Frenchman’s Market - 106 E Drane St (754-8388) ..........H3 Genies Consignments - 101 S Evers St (719-1047) ............ I3 Gro-Mor Co., Inc. - 307 S Evers St (754-3577) ................. L1 Harold’s Outdoor Products - 201 E M.L.K (752-3314) .. R1 Home of the Better Buys - 111 S Evers St (707-1241) ........ I2 Linda’s Crabshack - 202 E Reynolds St (754-0492) ......... E1 Marion Jone’s Accents - 107 E Reynolds (754-3377) ......H4 Martin’s Place - 110 E Reynolds St (759-1023 X257) ....... D1 Ms. Dixie’s Aurora Music - 206 S Evers St (717-9575) ... M2 Next to New - 109 W Reynolds St (719-8922) ....................G5 Olde Floridian - 203 S Collins St (754-3625) .................... M1 Orange Blossom Tea Room - 106 S Evers (759-2247) ....... J2 Patricia’s - 108 E Drane St (752-6085) ...............................H2 Pieces of Olde - 113 W Reynolds St (717-7731) ................G1 Plant City Photo Archives - 119 N Collins (754-1578) .....G4 Plant City Realty - 208 W Baker St (764-0840) .................S1

Power Shop Gym - 114 E M.L.K.Jr. Blvd (757-6038) ...... K1 Pressed Penny - 116 N Collins St (707-1417) .....................H5 Silver Dollar Saloon - 107 E M.L.K.Jr. Blvd (764-9811) .. N1 Sisters & Company - 104 E Reynolds St (754-0990) ........ D2 Snellgroves Restaurant - 109 S Collins ST (752-3652) ...... J3 Sub Club - 101 E Reynolds St (707-8606) .......................... D6 Sun Trust Bank - 201 W Reynolds St (754-7809) ............. ST Whistle Stop Restaurant - 102 S Collins (752-7340) ........K3

ANTIQUE SHOPS RESTAURANTS/BARS RETAIL PROFESSIONAL

813.759.1224 206 N Collins St. In Historic Downtown Plant City

Opening Soon

www.byrd-stitzel.com

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107 E. Reynolds Street Plant City, Fl. 33563 (813) 754-3377 Cell: (813) 416-0096 www.mjaccents.com

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110 E. Reynolds Street, Suite 200 Plant City, FL 33566

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Historic Photographs 119 North Collins Street In Historic Downtown Plant City

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(P.O. Box 1118, Plant City, FL 33564)

(813) 754-1578

Photo Exhibit Gallery Hours: Th. *Fri. *Sat. 10am - 4pm

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Pressed Penny ��

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Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner Mon - Thurs: 6am - 8pm Fri - Sat: 6am - 9pm • Sun: 7am - 2pm

Whistle Stop Café (It just doesn’t get any better)

Drive-Thru • All-U-Can-Eat Salad Bar

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109 South Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563

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Commercial • Residential Tenant Selection • Property Maintenance

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Collins Street Junction

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Dining Guide Bobs Sports Grill 226 Alexander St W. 719-8187

Kazbor’s Grille 2212 James Redman Pkwy 752-2700

Orange Blossom Tea Room 106 Evers St S 759-2247

Camellia Rose Tea Room 120 N. Collins St. 659-8287

Linda’s Crab Shack 202 Reynolds E 754-0492

Panera Bread 2909 James L Redman Pkwy 659-0864

Coﬀee 101 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. 659-0101

Maryland Fried Chicken 315 N Alexander 752-9200

Red Rose Dining Room 2011 N Wheeler St 752-3141

Fred’s Market Restaurant 1401 W Dr MLK Blvd 752-7763

Munchies 1707 James Redman Pkwy 757-5900

Snellgrove’s Restaurant 109 S Collins 752-3652

Grandpa Johnsons BBQ 1305 Dr MLK Jr Blvd 759-0009

Olde Town Pizzeria 3011 James Redman Pkwy 752-5800

Strawberry Town 3161 Paul Buchman Hwy 754-8265

Sub Club 110 E Reynolds St, Suite 500 707-8606 Whistle Stop 102 S. Collins St. 752-7340 Woody’s Bar-B-Q 203 Alexander St W 754-3229

We Celebrate Friendship, Fine Teas, and the traditional English tea time with a Southern Flair ��

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�� FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 118

Our Special Gift Lines Include: Archipelago, Caldrea, & Chamilia Jewelry

Grandma always says, “Better eat your veggies!”

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

•

Mon - Sat Closed Sun •

2120 Harden Blvd. �� Lakeland, Fl. �� 863-603-7080

1401 W. Dr. MLK Blvd. Plant City, Fl. 813-752-7763 FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 119

dining & entertainment CROSSWORD

C A LV I N R . & JAC K I E M AT H E W S

Call Mike at 813.707.8783 ext. 26 to inquire about obtaining a FOCUS Licensed Territory

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 120

Facial Expressions

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 121

Event Calendar AUGUST 16, THURSDAY Fall Registration for Jackie’s Dance is being held from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 752-1683.

AUGUST 17, FRIDAY Drum Circle will be held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City, beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101. Excerpts from Grease will be performed at the 1914 High School at 10:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The performance is free! For more information call (813) 752-1683.

AUGUST 18, SATURDAY Family Childbirth Center Education Programs presents a Childbirth Class at the South Florida Baptist Hospital from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the ER Conference Room. Registration is required, and the event is free. For more information, call (813) 754-4444. The Plant City Family YMCA will celebrate the start of the new school year with a community celebration from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. The event will include kid’s activities, games and information about the YMCA’s fall programs and sports. This event

is free and open to the public. During the event, the YMCA will also be collecting school supplies and backpacks to be donated to children in need at local elementary schools. Needed items include backpacks, pencils, pens, crayons, lined paper, rulers, protractors, notebooks, pocket folders and binders. The YMCA also welcomes cash donations of $25 to purchase an entire backpack ﬁlled with supplies. All donations are tax-deductible. Donations can also be dropped off at the YMCA prior to the event. For more information, call Sarah at (813) 263-6097. The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held in downtown Plant City from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 754-3707. Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform an evening concert at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

AUGUST 22, WEDNESDAY A Blood Drive will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. in the Community Conference Room of South Florida Baptist Hospital. All life saving donors will receive a T-shirt, a wellness checkup, including a cholesterol screening, and a buy-one-ticket-get-one-free admission (good for up to two

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 122

August 15th - September 15th

free tickets) to Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Orlando. For more information, call (813) 757-8507.

AUGUST 23, THURSDAY The Bereaved Parents Group meets at 7:00 p.m. at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room. For more information, call Anita Pippin at (813) 362-6972.

AUGUST 24, FRIDAY Teen Night will be held at the Planteen Recreation Center for ages 12 to 15 from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Teens can hang out with friends in a fun, safe atmosphere, with $5 at the door to cover pizza and soda while it lasts. For more information, call Steve at (813) 659-4200 extension 4311. Musical Guest Pedro Santana will be at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City, beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101.

AUGUST 25, SATURDAY A drop-in book signing and reception will be held at Orange Blossom Tea Room for Jerry Hoover, author of “Brotherhood of the Fin” from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The reception is given

by the author’s parents, Dr. and Mrs. James Hoover. For more information, visit www.thebrotherhoodoftheﬁn.com. Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform an evening concert at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

AUGUST 26, SUNDAY Sunday Brunch will be offered at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101.

AUGUST 27, MONDAY Infant and Car Safety Checks will be performed at South Florida Baptist Hospital in the main lobby from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Appointments are required, and the event is free. For more information, call (813) 754-4444. A Strategic Marketplace Breakfast will feature Pat Williams, the Senior Vice President of the NBA’s Orlando Magic. Also one of America’s top motivational, inspirational and humorous speakers, he has addressed employees from many of the Fortune 500 companies and the Million Dollar Round Table. Pat helps teach an adult Sunday School Class at First Baptist church of

Event Calendar

August 15th - September 15th

Orlando and hosts a weekly radio show. In the last 11 years, he has completed forty marathons, including the Boston marathon 11 times, and also climbed Mt. Rainier. He is a weight lifter, Civil War buff, and serious baseball fan. Pat and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted from four nations, ranging in age from 21 to 34. For one year, 16 of his children were all teenagers at the same time. The breakfast will be held at the Red Rose Inn & Suites’ Red Rose Ballroom, from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Tickets are $12.50 each or a sponsored table for $125.00. For more information, call Norm Blanton at (813) 7524671. Somebody Cares Plant City is sponsoring the event, an organization that is transforming the greater Plant City Community for Christ through the partnerships of churches, businesses and para-church ministries.

will be held in honor of Rick and Di Lott at the Red Rose Inn & Suites’ Red Rose Ballroom, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are now available. For more information, contact Scott at (813) 757-6677.

will perform an evening concert at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

AUGUST 29, WEDNESDAY

Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform an evening concert at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

AUGUST 28, TUESDAY

The Friday Night 101 Jam Session will be held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City, beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101.

Cholesterol Screenings (Total, HDL and Glucose) will be held at the South Florida Baptist Hospital from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Community Resource Center (main hospital lobby). No appointments are necessary, and the event costs $20. For more information, call (813) 754-4444. The Plant City Family YMCA’s Strong Leader Award Dinner

Infant and Car Safety Checks will be performed at South Florida Baptist Hospital in the main lobby from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Appointments are required, and the event is free. For more information, call (813) 754-4444. Wilson Elementary will hold a ribbon cutting for their new technology center at 2:30 p.m. on their campus. For more information, call Tifton at (813) 967-0463.

AUGUST 31, FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 1, SATURDAY Bike Fest will be held in downtown Plant City from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 754-3707. Ralph Allocco and Second Wind

SEPTEMBER 7, FRIDAY

SEPTEMBER 14, FRIDAY Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform an evening concert at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

SEPTEMBER 15, SATURDAY The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held in downtown Plant City from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 754-3707.

TUESDAYS Heart Health Screenings and Blood Pressure Checks are held at the South Florida Baptist Hospital from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Community Resource Center (main hospital lobby). There are no appointments necessary, and the event is free. For more information, call (813) 754-4444.

WEDNESDAYS A Knitting Group is held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City at 6:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101.

THURSDAYS Open Mic Night is held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101. Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will give an evening performance for Singles Night Out, featuring special guest Ralph Allocco. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

FRIDAYS Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will give an evening performance. For more information, call (813) 7523141.

SATURDAYS Tai Chi is held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101. Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will give an evening performance. For more information, call (813) 7523141.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 123

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 124

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FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 125

WE’RE NOT LIKE THE OTHER SPORTS BARS. LUNCH SPECIAL

$5.49

Delivered in 15 Minutes or Itʼs FREE

NFL SUNDAY TICKET

Every NFL game shown every week

KARAOKE

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Every Thursday Night 8:30PM

Now Serving Full Seafood Menu Steak Specials Every Weekend

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Family Feasts for 2, 4 or more

Happy 25th Anniversary to Joey & Polly Wiggins from their loving family. From back then to now, and from now until forever it will always be... an Endless Love.

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We Will Cater Your Next Party

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All-You-Can-Eat Spare Ribs With the purchase of a beverage 203 W. Alexander Plant City • 813-754-3229 With this coupon. Not valid with other offers Offer Expires 9/15/07

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Alexander

J. Redman Parkway

(1 child per adult entree)

Lunch or Dinner

Woodyʼs BBQ spare ribs, Chicken & Pork with Fried Corn on the cob, French Fries, BBQ Beans and Garlic Toast

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Side portion: Your choice of Onion Rings, Fried Squash, or Chili Cheese Fries with the purchase of two regularly priced entrees and two beverages

Purchase one lunch or dinner entree and two beverages and receive the second lunch or dinner entree of equal or lesser value 1/2 off.

203 W. Alexander Plant City • 813-754-3229

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Feast for 2 Feast for 4

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers Offer Expires 9/15/07

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 126

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With this coupon. Not valid with other offers Offer Expires 9/15/07

Their children Stephen and Kayle invite family & friends to join in on the drop-in celebration. August 25, 2007 3:00 ~ 5:00 p.m. Cork United Methodist Church 4815 Sam Allen Rd. Plant City, FL 33565 Renewal of Vows will begin at 4:00 p.m. Please call Kayle with any questions ~ 763-2145.

FOCUS MAGAZINE • Issue 6 Volume 8 • PAGE 127

ROOFING DIVISION When Quality And Honesty Count

�� NEW ROOFS RE-ROOFS SHINGLE ROOFS TILE ROOFS METAL ROOFS FLAT ROOFS WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS

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