FOCUS Plant City 07-01 Jan 2008

Page 1

NEWS TRAVEL SPORTS LOCAL DINING FINANCIAL

FOCUS

Volume 7 Number 1 • January 15, 2008 - February 15, 2008

Vol 1 Number 6 JUNE 15 - JULY 15

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YEAR IN REVIEW ADAM PUTNAM

Schools Out For The Summer Interview With

NEWS TRAVEL SPORTS LOCAL DINING FINANCIAL

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VOLUME 2 NUMBER 3 MARCH 15 - APRIL 15

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INTERVIEW WITH

ED VERNER BUD LEE

WORLD RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHER

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trawberry Festival RESULTS AND PICTURES

LOCAL NEWS • DINING • TRAVEL • FINANCIAL • HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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2003

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VOLUME 2 NUMBER 11 • NOVEMBER 15 thru DECEMBER 15 • 2003

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Plant City Edition

INTERVIEW WITH

BILLDODSON Meet Your New Mayor Interview With

INTERVIEW WITH

JENNIFER CLOSSHEY

BILL McDANIEL PLANT CITY POLICE CHIEF

PLANT CITY

LOCAL NEWS • DINING • TRAVEL • FINANCIAL • HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

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LOCAL NEWS • DINING • TRAVEL • FINANCIAL • HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

VOLUME 3 NUMBER 4 • APRIL 15 thru MAY 15 • 2004

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President of Crystals International Feature

PLANT CITY CIVIC CLUBS

FEATURE

Meet

THE PLANTEEN 60 YEARS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE

BILLY FRIEND

Household Name In Local Photography

6 Years of Positive Local Stories

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HE’S MORE THAN A STREET NAME JIM REDMANJUST

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BACK TO OUR ROOTS Focusing Focusing on on the the Founding Founding Communities Communities of of Plant Plant City City

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LOCAL • REAL ESTATE • BUSINESS • SPORTS • DINING • ENTERTAINMENT

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SPECIAL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL SECTION

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MEET PARKESDALE’S OWN JIM AND CHERYL MEEKS

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COLEMAN DAVIS

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

Matt Yarbrough raised over $1600 to beneďŹ t the ABWA

Division I Fast Pitch Softball Championship to be held in Plant City

of the Florida Strawberry Festival

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MARY ALICE HENDRICKS

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 2

tabl e o f co n t e nts

48-53

issue 7-1

feature

We give you an

information-filled report on the available retail space here in Plant City, all around the town. If you are looking to rent or buy office space locally, whether in the historic downtown, renovated complexes or brand new strips, we tell you what you need to know about each area, as well as letting you in on what city leadership has to say about the current

56-59

real estate market.

local

7-45

Each month we try to find more and more stories of people helping people, individuals and groups giving back to the community, and those who go above and beyond the call. From our little ones, to our youth and young adults, to our middle-aged and senior adults, there is no shortage of positive news in Plant City this month!

business profile

60

Each month we write about one of our advertisers, and their place in the community of Plant City. This month we feature a great part of Plant City: Ferman Jeep Chrysler Dodge.

sports & fitness

92-102

New in 2008, we bring you our regular sports page, but we have also added a new Sports Highlights page. Has your team won a championship? Does your coach need an assistant? Does your team mom go above and beyond the call of duty? Let us know! We want to hear about it so we can share it with Plant City!

dining & entertainment

118-130

This year we begin two Entertainment stories each month! There is so much going on in Plant City to cover, so we make our usual visit to the Red Rose Dining Room and Ballroom, and then we branch out a bit to Bluegrass Jam Session at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City. Check out the new format! FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 4

Edward Jones ........................... 63 Success ..................... 63-64

spotlight 2007 has come and gone, and with that, it marks the end of another reign for the Strawberry Queen. For the 2007 Queen, Summer Pippin, things weren’t much dif-

Real Estate Section ..................... 67-90 Walden Lake Review ........................... 78

ferent. She’s learned a lot as the 2007 Queen and will take these lessons with her through the rest of her life. You don’t want to miss this interview!

Real Estate Article ........................... 82 Local History ................. 104-106 Al Ruechel ......................... 108 This I Believe ......................... 110 Words of Character ......................... 112

cover design: Phil Ransdell

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 5

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ESTABLISHED 25 YEARS

I have mixed emotions about everything that comes with a new year. On one hand, I love the opportunity to have another year, a fresh slate, a new block of time in which to improve myself. However, like the majority of people, I’m sure, I normally begin each January with very good intentions, and when February comes around the corner, I’m up to my eyeballs in frustration over what I have yet to accomplish.

So I plan to take more time for the simple things in life. Time for some reading. Time for a walk in the park. Time to sit and sip tea on the porch. Time to let a balloon go and watch it float until I can’t see it anymore. Our Local Section gives you a bit of an overview of the activities people in our community are making time for, and our feature this month is all about the abundance of available retail space, right here in Plant City! If you’re looking to finally begin the business you’ve been talking about for years, we’ve got the information you need. Our spotlight interview is with Summer Pippin, our outgoing Strawberry Queen. The 2008 Florida Strawberry Festival is on its way, and you don’t want to miss this interview!

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Another event that signals the end of the old year and the beginning of the new is the anniversary of Focus Magazine; January begins our 7th year, and we are so excited to be celebrating with all of you! As you look through the magazine this month, you’ll see some new additions, and we would love to hear your feedback!

This year, the resolution I made is pretty general. I want to take better care of myself overall. Anyone reading who is a workaholic can relate! We tend to run ourselves into the ground, and then we’re pretty much good for nothing, right? Someone should start a support group. I’ll be the charter member!

JESS ANDERSON MODELS! The Ledger -Fashionwear Print Ad, T.V. Commercials Publix, Mariott, Geico

In one form or another, we are all breathing a sigh of thankfulness that the holidays are over. It’s such a joy while it lasts; family visits, constant cooking, extreme shopping and various parties and events must be attended, and we enjoy it all. Yet somehow, when it’s all said and done, it’s a brand new year, the kids are back in school and work is back to a normal routine.

So take some time to read through this issue. And take some time to enjoy the scenery in your life. Tiftin Lawson Print Ads, High Fashion Model

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 6

Kristen Toney Editor In Chief

local talkofthetown

story and photos subm itted by the commu n it y send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

TALK OF THE TOWN Over a dozen Plant City High School students volunteered to serve hot dogs, chips and drinks to over 1,000 Christmas Parade participants, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Plant City. Thanks to these students and the Rotary Club, for serving the people of Plant City!

Jarrett Scott Ford recently joined with Ford Motor Company in their support of the National FFA Foundation. Jarrett Scott specifically is sponsoring the Built Ford Tough college scholarship program for Plant City High School and Durant High School and has been a proud supporter for two years. For the 2007-2008 school year, they are helping two local students attend the college of their choice. “We’re pleased to be able to support the local FFA, as well as Ford Motor Company’s support of the National FFA Foundation,� says Jim Scott. “All of the FFA scholars we have sponsored have told us how grateful they are for the support, and how the FFA experience has changed their lives.� Thanks to Jarrett Scott and Ford for giving back to the youth of our community!

Three of our own from the Plant City Regions Bank (Gail Lyons, Kim Hutson and Jennifer Buswell) were recently having lunch at the Red Rose Dining Room, when their server, Joanie, mentioned how she would love to have a green Regions bike. The sweepstakes had just finished, so there were no bikes left, but Hutson commented that she had a chance to win one internally, and if she won she promised to give the bike to Joanie. Hutson did win the bike and it was presented as a huge surprise to Joanie on December 6! There are wonderful people of their word working at Regions, and they are excited to share with our community! Thanks to all!

continued on page 8

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New Mommy & Me Jamboree 2 years old now on Monday 11:45

Home of The Plant City Children’s Theatre “Annie� 507 N. Wheeler Street Plant City, FL www.jackiesdance.com

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 7

local talkofthetown

story and photos subm itted by the commu n it y send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

TALK OF THE TOWN Arie Fry held his ninth birthday party at the Kidz Bounce Zone on December 18, with a special goal in mind. His approximately 50 guests brought items for the United Food Bank here in Plant City, in lieu of birthday gifts. Thanks to Arie, for using his birthday as an opportunity to give back to our community, and thanks to all who brought items to support the United Food Bank!

The Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 honored our local police and fire departments with holiday meals on December 11. Plaques were given to the office and firefighter of the year for 2007, Detective Barry Maurer for the Police Department and Captain James Wingo for the Fire Department. The Lodge is very proud to support local officials each year with the annual events!

Plant City made national news on the morning of January 3, when the Today Show on NBC showed a live shot from Parkesdale Farms as the temperature across our town hit 24 degrees. Thanks to the folks at Parkesdale Farms, who had been up all night working to make sure we can all still have those beautiful strawberries!

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 9

Take some time to get to know the staff of Focus Magazine!

This month we share with you our New Year’s Resolutions.

Kristen Editor in Chief

Anthony Graphic Designer

Stefanie Art Director

Sophia Account Manager

Phil Graphic Designer

Not work myself to death

I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions

Take more time to relax

Get in shape

Quit smoking

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 10

MAGAZINE Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com Editor In Chief Kristen Toney ktoney@floydpublications.com Office Manager DeDe Floyd dede@floydpublications.com Credit Manager Lori Boyle lboyle@floydpublications.com SALES Sophia Hyde shyde@floydpublications.com Tammy Simpson tsimpson@floydpublications.com Jennifer Beste jbeste@floydpublications.com

Tammy Account Manager Take time to smell the flowers

Lori Credit Manager Make more money

Cindy Carson ccarson@floydpublications.com Art Director Stefanie Burlingame Graphic design Anthony Sassano / Phil Ransdell Distribution Belva DeVane Photographer Billy Friend Staff Writers Brian West, Wendy Brown, Holly Mallalieu, Heather Davis, Cheryl Johnston, Sherry Baldwin, Daniel Sperry, Janeel Shulmister, David Shulmister, Joe Lane, Joe Bowles, Ken Lawrence Contributors Sherry Nueesch, Gil Gott, Al Ruechel, Shelton Keely, Michael Cameron, Bruce Rodwell, Natalie Sweet, Sherry Mueller, Joe Merrin

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Story by Wendy S. Brow n Photo Cou rt esy of Jo el D. W ynkoo p

Joel D. Wynkoop King of B movies There’s a distinctive quote from the movie Forest Gump: Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get. We all have special talents, and what the average person does can be pretty amazing. You never know what great talent your water deliveryman may have! Picture Joel D. Wynkoop, water delivery and salesman by day, but a vampire slayer, gangster, or crazed zombie on the weekends! While a child, Joel’s neighbor made him a batman cape. With excessive imagination, this precocious child inspired to be a superhero that would battle large creatures and save the world from destruction. When his dad bought Joel a Super 8 movie camera and tripod the Christmas of 82, Wynkoop indulged and created an hour-

long film called “Cyclops� for his English teacher Mrs. Wiley’s class. Consequently, Joel became hooked on film making and acting and is now the “King of B Movies� where he’s following his dream and playing the most outrageous characters possible. Being an actor, director and producer can be tough. Most actors never make it big. With over forty projects under his belt, winning the Italian Film Festival’s “Best Actor Award,� and a frequent guest at Screen Fest, Tri County Comic Book Conventions, and Sci-Fi Conventions (where he’s treated like a movie star), Joel hopes to become famous. So look up some of his movies: “Twisted Illusions,� “Beasts of God,� “Creep,� or “Dirty Cop No Donut� to see a real guy zealously pursuing his dream.

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Sto ry by Ja n e e l C . S hul mist er Photo C ou rt e sy of C a ro l An n Mat his & Marg ie Men efee

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Margie Menefee’s eyes sparkled as she talked about her life in Plant City. “I really have had an interesting life. It’s just been a happy life!� It’s a life that began only a quarter of a mile down from where she lives now in Springhead, during a simpler time when the roads were dirt, and stores stayed open until the early hours of the morning. “We used to go to town late in the afternoon on Saturday afternoon. Stores stayed open till one o’clock Sunday morning and people would just meet up there and walk the streets, � Menefee remembered. Menefee’s memories reach far back into Plant City’s past and to a childhood filled with the love and support of her family and the Springhead Community. After her father’s death, it was this community whose men joined together and, in 1928, built Menefee’s mother and her six children a home. When the family moved in, Menefee was only seven years old; it is the same home she lives in today. Her mother grew strawberries and a variety of vegetables by faithfully following the Farmer’s Almanac. This lifestyle instilled in the family a solid work ethic, and a love of farming and adventure. “We had a happy life,� said Menefee. “We would work all week, she would take us different places on Saturday like Crystal Springs.� Today, this retired schoolteacher spends her time with family and friends, at church, working in her award-winning yard, volunteering and enjoying the town she loves so much. After living a lifetime in Plant City, she’s still happy here. “I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!�

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local AROUNDTOWN

Story by Ho l ly M allali eu Photo Cou rt esy of L i sa Carls en

Helping Migrant Families Adjust working With Others to Run Program at Knights Elementary Something is growing at Knights Elementary. Initiated this past year, a program instated to provide migrant parents with training in the social, educational, and emotional needs of their children has been running diligently for the past 5 months. Monthly meetings are organized, and this interaction with migrant parents helps provide them with some insight to fully appreciate what their children deal with at school every day. Lisa Carlsen, Guidance Counselor at Knights Elementary and the school’s License Mental Health Counselor, places together these monthly meetings with the help many people, and two of them are Janeatte Green and Denise Bermudez. Coming from another country and having to dive into a completely new language and culture is manifested in attending school for migrant

children. Carlsen herself had to face a similar situation as a young girl, so the project is something she can easily relate to. The monthly trainings at Knights Elementary work with parents to help them deal with many of the difficult areas they come across. “It’s very important for them to know what their children deal with,” says Carlsen. “They’re very motivated to be Lisa Carlsen in the midst of her presentation. here.” These hands-on classes provide the educational resources that parents Coming to live in a new area with another new to living here need. Under Linda Bailey, culture to embrace can be an extremely difficult the principal of Knights and potential president process, but it’s programs like this one at for the program next year, the organization is Knights Elementary that help to make the ordeal hoping to soon provide English lessons for the an easier situation altogether. parents, as well.

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 16

local artistofthemonth

story and photos by heather davi s send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Painting

in Times of Darkness Art is what gets us beyond what is real. It’s what art should do and is what Artist Keith Smith seems to accomplish, using his art to take us to a place where we can connect with ourselves on a deeper level of consciousness. But for Keith, as a recovering alcoholic and heroin addict, reality often was harsh and difficult. In recovery, Keith began painting on anything; old pieces of wood and even clothing. Acquaintances who admired his work encouraged him, comparing him to Jackson Pollack. Keith was given a book of Pollack’s work and felt immediately inspired. He began painting with passion and purpose, experimenting while creating his own technique, using only his hands. Word spread, pictures of his work began to circulate and his pieces began to sell. Galleries in Miami then began displaying his work, creating more publicity for Keith and his paintings. An artists dream, or not? Realizing that this was not the reality he wanted to create Keith began to search for a gentler place to live, create, and to be. This eventually brought him to a farm in Plant City, known as Eco Farms, where he is working with his hands learning a new craft – organic farming. For now painting is something Keith will turn to when inspired. But it is not something he is trying to do to make a name for himself. He is connecting to the earth; this is Keith’s reality and for now his art.

Keith Smith with his unique work.

Keith Smith’s work will be on display at Coffee 101 for the month of January.

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local AROUNDTOWN

Story by Kriste n To ney / Photos Cou rte sy of A bba P hotography

Love Story at Christmas Lane Volunteer Work Creates a Forever Relationship In 2004, Kendall Burnette began volunteering at Christmas Lane, a site created by the Wetherington family and located on their property in Dover. Burnette soon noticed fellow volunteer Scotty Jenkins, and although she had to make the first move in their relationship, Jenkins made the best move of all when he gave her a ring on Christmas Day in 2005. So it was only natural for the couple to tie the knot at Christmas Lane this Christmas. Those who attended the wedding described it as relaxed and happy, and commented that the celebration was “more about the marriage than the wedding�. The Burnette and Jenkins families fell in love with each other soon after their children did, which made for a fun and humorous event, with a recessional to the well-known song, “Hey, Good Lookin’!� Burnette is the daughter of Harold Burnette of Harold’s Feed in Dover, a graduate of Plant City High School and is currently attending HCC and working, along with Jenkins, at Harold’s Feed. The couple resides in Plant City.

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local AROUNDTOWN

Story and Photos Cou rtesy of Sh erri e Mu e l l e r send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Student News From Plant City High School The Plant City High School JROTC Drill Team participated in the University of Tampa JROTC annual Lisa Pauchey Drill Meet, December 1, 2007. The cadets captured the third place trophy on the squad armed drill competition and finished fourth and fifth in two other events. More than 1,000 cadets from more than 35 Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps programs competed in this tough event. Teams were evaluated on discipline, form, and execution.

Plant City High School Junior ROTC Drill Team brought home trophies recently after placing second and third in the 2007 Veterans’ of Foreign Wars Drill Competition held at Brandon

High School. Next stop for the team is the District Drill Competition at Hudson, Florida. The Hillsborough County Winter Math Bowl was held on November 28 at the University of

South Florida. This competition was open to all high schools within the county. Plant City High School was well represented with three students placing individually. In the Algebra 2 division, Chris Chen, a sophomore, placed 11th and Nathan Cruzado, a freshman, placed 15th out of 90 students. The Pre-Calculus team, comprised of 11th graders Lauren Clark, Jessica Glover, Andrew Orso and Justin Stewart placed 5th overall out of 23 high schools. Andrew Orso placed 9th out of 90 students on the individual

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Pre-Calculus test. The team will compete again in February at the Regional competition. Ray and Sue Henderson of Plant City celebrated Veteran’s Day this year by awarding two scholarships to Plant City High School Students. Mr. Henderson served 20 years in the Air Force and another two years in the Navy Reserve. He and six siblings served a total of 70 years in the Air Force, Army and Navy. Four years ago, Mr. Henderson initiated an essay contest for senior students. He said he had a concern that many students today do not understand the significance or meaning of a Veteran. After brainstorming with representatives from the school, he came up with the idea of the essay contest. The seniors were asked to write an essay on, “What is a Veteran and What Does that Mean to You?” Mr. Henderson and son,

James Henderson, appeared on the Raider Television Network at Plant City High School on November 9. Mr. Henderson announced to the school and to the unsuspecting senior winners his choices for the 2007 Veterans Day Essay Contest. Kevin Taylor won first place and $600 and Stephanie Barker took second place and $400. The students will be recognized again in April at the annual Awards Night Program.

but on February 4, 2004, Jan’s battle ended. She was 50 when she died. The award, sponsored by Kevin Bohn and Florida Gas & Electric Corporation, is given to 12 students from Wharton High School and Plant City High School. Potential award winners are nominated by teachers and then screened to meet the criteria. Award winners from Plant City High School included: Brittney Yates, Xavier Vega,

Twelve students at Plant City High School were awarded a $150.00 gift card to Wal-Mart on December 15. Mr. Kevin Bohn and his late wife, Jan Henrick, established the Jan Henrick Achievement Award in 2002 to honor students who had overcome obstacles to achieve better grades, attendance and maintain an overall positive attitude. Mr. Bohn, along with Rick Henrick, brother of Jan, presented each student the gift card and explained the program and why they were selected. Jan Henrick was a former guidance counselor at Walden Lake Elementary and swim coach. In 2002, Jan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought the long battle through treatments and medications,

Charles Lucas, Marissa Ordaz, Joaquin Torres, Sade Silverio, Yajaira Gasca, Pablo Monzon, Feda Shalabi, Jose Sanchez, Devon Brewster and Aciel Binzha. These students will be recognized at Plant City High School in May during the annual Awards Day program.

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Story By Daniel Sperry Photos Cou rte sy of the P lant City Cham b e r

Paul Hackney Succeeds Doug Gibbs Plant City Chamber Elects New Chairman For many years, the Plant City Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in the business community. More than just a resource for people who are considering moving to the area, the Chamber has taken an active stance in the city and has become a leading force in town. With 2008, the time has come for new leadership at the Chamber. Doug Gibbs has done an excellent job in his role as Chairman, but at the start of the new year, a new Chairman, Paul Hackney, stepped into the position.

networking that are developed as new people are met.

“I think the main thing is that I want to contribute back to the business community of Plant City that has been so good to me,” Hackney said. “I wanted to be part of the planning for our future.” As outgoing Chairman, Gibbs agrees that planning is a big part of the job. There are many meetings and much planning that goes into the Chamber events throughout the year. His advice to Hackney? “Keep an open mind and be prepared to attend an abundance of meetings and listen to the staff.”

Hackney has a lot to live up to as he assumes the role of Chairman this year. Because of the hard work and loyalty of the regular Chamber staff, along with the commitment of previous board members, the Chamber has become a true leader, not only in Plant City, but throughout the State of Florida. Hackney has nothing but respect for the job Doug Gibbs

Hackney is looking forward to the upcoming year. He wants to continue the process of making the Chamber one of the strongest in the state. “I really think that Plant City offers the best of America,” said Hackney. He hopes to be able to pass that message along to new businesses and people who might be considering moving into town. According to Gibbs, one of the best ways Hackney will be able to accomplish this will be through the business relationships and

When asked what he believes is the most important aspect of the Plant City Chamber, Hackney had this to say: “The Plant City Chamber, through the dedication of the staff and members, has taken a ‘quantum leap’ over other Chambers. Many are just meet and greet organizations. The Chamber through its many committees is directly involved in city planning and economic development.”

Doug Gibbs served through 2007 as Chamber Chairman.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 24

has done throughout 2007. “I knew he would be great,” said Hackney, “But sometimes you really do not know until they have had a role in leadership.” Hackney is impressed with the job Gibbs did in consensus building, which he believes can be difficult in a group with strong individuals. “I think his Chairmanship will go down as one of the best ever.” Without a doubt, there is much to look forward to as Hackney assumes the role of Chairman. Gibbs believes that the Chamber will continue to be a strong community influence. “I am honored that I had the opportunity to serve as Chairman and would like to thank the Chamber membership, the Board of Directors and Chamber Staff for the support that I received this year,” said Gibbs. “The qualified directors along with the professional chamber staff is a recipe for continued successful achievement.”

As the incoming Chairman, Paul Hackney is eager to do what he can to support the Chamber and the city.

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local aroundtown

Story by Wendy S. Brown / Photos Court e sy of the Sperling Fa m i ly & P eter Br azaiti s

Reptile Discovery Educating the WORLD

Where can you meet an experienced crocodile hunter and snake tamer or meet ‘Banana Boy,’ a sixteen-foot albino python slither? Well the answer is Plant City’s own Reptile Discovery: “Where crocodilians and snakes are king!” and animal conservationist Bruce Shwedick, who has shared his reptile expertise around the globe. As boys, Bruce and his older brother Michael loved to play outdoors. They enjoyed scouring the Maryland countryside and bringing home frogs and snakes. Their dad regularly took the boys to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and Washington Zoo to further their naturalistic interests. By age ten, Bruce knew what he wanted to do with his life: work educating people and raising awareness for reptiles. Bruce maintains, “We share the earth with reptiles on almost every continent and almost every sea. We coexist with most of them with hardly a notice, while all of them are an important part of the world we live in.”

Bruce Shwedick holding a critically endangered Philippine crocodile. Photo courtesy of Peter Brazaitis.

So what’s important about reptiles? Gopher tortoise burrows provide shelter and habitat for different species. Lizards are vital for controlling insects. Snakes eat rodents, which decreases pestilence and disease. Venoms are used in biomedical research and applications for coagulates and anticoagulants. Crocodilians are predators that maintain populations and the spread of disease while shaping their environment. Skins are legal trade in the fashion industry. Florida tourists expect to see gators, and yearly eat 400,000 pounds of gator meat as fried appetizers. Reptiles are essential to the ecology! Reptile Discovery has many educational programs and will customize one for you. Bruce has presented at zoos, aquariums, parties, schools, scouts, libraries, senior events, and summer camps. Programs include a twenty eight pound yellow footed Brazilian tortoisel, ‘Banana Boy’, twenty pound alligator snapping turtle, four foot rhinoceros iguana, four foot Chinese alligator (world’s most endangered species), and nonvenomous snakes. In 1999, he successfully bred tomistomas (slender-snouted crocodile from Malaysia/Indonesia) in captivity and hatched Pip. You’ll learn safe swimming practices, how to deal with nature in your own backyard, and snakebite first aid and prevention. Filmstrips of venomous snakes, travel slides from Africa and South America also add specialized interest to any format. Bruce hopes to “provide people an opportunity to better appreciate some of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.” Being an expert in his field, Bruce has traveled and studied on seven continents, regularly lectures on snakebites for the U.S. armed forces at Bethesda Medical College, does scientific lectures around the world, monitors captive breeding programs, teaches

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 26

a professional development course for zoo keepers and aquarium workers, and cares for endangered animals at his facility. Providing scientific advice for crocodile conservation across the globe, advisory boards, and the Tomistoma task force allow Bruce to put his handprint on our world while saving creatures whether great or small. As a service to the community, when in town Shwedick will assist in snakebite emergencies to identify and contain the snake, and provide advice on first aid. There are actually four species of venomous snakes in this area, with three of these easily capable of inflicting a fatal bite. Though bites are not common, fatalities are very rare. For venomous snake emergencies you can call (813) 486-0256. Reptile Discovery provides a wealth of fascinating information that’s truly educational and entertaining. Don’t be left out! You can call (813) 757-0807 or email through www.reptilediscovery.com.

Bruce Shwedick along with his albino python, helped celebrate Victor Sperling’s birthday during his wildlife-themed party. Photo courtesy of the Sperling family.

local aroundtown

Story and Photo by Kri sten To ney send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

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

Durant High School Students

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

Give from their Wallets… and their Hearts

Durant High School’s Student Government recently spent an entire day with the Head Start Classes at Robinson Elementary School. The high schoolers had been planning this event for months, and having saved up their money to buy gifts for the little ones, they arrived with arms full in anticipation of a day of fun with the 3, 4 and 5-year-olds in Rhenda Booth and Mary Barker’s classes. “It’s the sweetest thing,” Booth commented, as she pointed to a football player who was bent down, braiding a small girl’s hair. Booth explained that each high school student was assigned to one of the Head Start students; they were playmates for the whole day. Bedlam quickly ensued as children began to unwrap their gifts, and the older students jumped in to play along. Remote-control cars raced across the room, baby dolls were rocked and fed, and dress up clothes were donned with much applause. The room emptied out slowly, with little ones leading teenagers by the hand to the playground or the craft tables.

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The Head Start program is designed to give at-risk children a literal head start in life. From house visits to intensive time together in the classroom, Booth and Barker have their hands full, but it’s days like this that make it all worthwhile. This is the 4th year for this special gathering, which Booth says the kids enjoy so much. “You hear so much bad in the news about teenagers,” she commented. “This just makes you feel so proud of the kids here in Plant City. They’re really making a difference!”

Durant High School’s Student Government up close and personal with Robinson’s Head Start classes. FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 27

local aroundtown

Sto ry by Jo e L a n e / p hotos cou rt e sy of t h e put n al l family

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Six Year Old Surfs to the Top

He doesn’t listen to “The Beach Boys� but he is a real surfer boy. Joey Putnall is a normal kid during the week. He rides his bike, reads books, draws pictures and does well in school. On the weekends though, he is a surfer. He has been surfing in Hawaii, California, Sebastian, and all over Brevard County. His favorite spot is the pier at Coco Beach. He is already on the Surftech Grom Team and has three sponsors (SurfTech for his board, SurfCo for the blades and Xcel for his wetsuits). How does somebody practice surfing in Plant City? He does pushups, swims a lot, and also balances on an “Endo board�, which is a three foot long surf board balanced on a tube. He rolls back and forth on it while eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in front of the TV. He surfs every weeked with his grandpa, Bob Clark, also an avid surfer.

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Grandpa offers plenty of encouragement, and does not pressure him to keep practicing or to win the competitions. Joey is a tough kid, despite his age, and there is no pity from the tide. He has surfed four foot waves, and earned the nickname “The Ripper� because he rides fast and shoots a lot of spray. Joey’s future goals include collecting more trophies, surfing in the Pro Tour, and learning to write cursive so he can autograph like the pros.

!

S T R A C O G E AV H E W

3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33566 Phone: 813-752-2379 Store Hours:

-ON 3AT s AM PM FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 28

Joey Putnall

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 29

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Story and photo by Dani el Sperry send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Science Field Trip High Touch High Tech Brings Science to Life After demonstrating the moon’s phases with a light-up model, Amest brought out her surefire activity. Oreo cookies. “These are perfect for showing the moon’s phases,” Amest said. “And then you get to eat them!” The students were eager to open their cookies and scrape off the filling in various patters to show the crescent, waxing and other phases of the moon. The students formed groups and helped each other, laughing and using the correct terms. They were learning and having fun.

Anna Amest brings science field trips right into the classrooms of local schools in Florida. In December she carried her energy and enthusiasm into Lincoln Elementary school where the kids were thrilled with her demonstrations about outer space. She is with an organization called High Touch High Tech and their goal is to create a “living laboratory” in the classroom. She began her demonstration by getting the kids excited about space. She talked about the stars, planets and the moon and soon had the students excitedly asking and answering questions. Amest believes that this is one of the best ways to teach kids about science. “Through discovery style learning and inquiry based dialogue, children are engaged in

Anna Amest shows the 4th graders how to make the phases of the moon with Oreo cookies

exciting programs,” she said. “It encourages them to explore the many wonders of science.”

Robyn Lynne

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Central Florida’s #1 Pageant & Prom Destination Lakeside Village Lakeland, FL Ph: 863.682.1414 Fax: 863.802.3924 FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 30

Amest kept the attention of the students for the entire time she was with them, no small feat when working with fourth graders. At the end of the show, the room was filled with applause and every face had a smile.

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Recently at Billy Herold’s we had the opportunity to sell our new location at 611 S. Alexander Street. The decision was difficult given the facility was designed and built specifically for our car dealership. However, we have located ourselves back at 1607 W. Baker St next to Wendy’s. This is the best decision for our company long term. Our tanning salon will continue to operate and offer the same great services and products you are accustomed to. We still operate our dealership in Leesburg in addition to Plant City. Visit our website at BillyHerolds Online.com to view our entire inventory at both locations. Remember, if we don’t have it in stock, we can find it for you in seven days or less. Thank you for your continued patronage and on behalf of our entire staff we wish you and yours a great new year.

$14,995 FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 31

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Kiwanians Holiday Elves

The Christmas holidays are wondrous with splendid aromas of baking sugar cookies, roasting meats, and eggnog. There’s much happiness with family gatherings, Christmas parties, brightly decorated trees and tons of gaily wrapped presents. Sounds pretty typical, doesn’t it? But not everyone is so lucky to get presents under the tree. Many families in our community can’t afford the extravagance of beribboned packages, elaborate family gatherings, and five course meals. Our local Kiwanis Club has long contributed to our community with scholarships and programs aimed to better all children. The Christ-

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Robert Brown, Santa, Anna Reis, Ann Haywood, and President Bill Watkins enjoyed seeing smiles on the kids faces.

mas season certainly brings out Kiwanis elves. Christmas for an Angel, Stepping Stone Farm party and gifts, and Santa visits to our local Head Start programs at Alsobrook and Bealsville are three important projects aimed at bringing the holiday spirit to preschoolers through teens in our wonderful Plant City community. Wednesday, December 5th, Kiwanis Club had their regular meeting, but at Stepping Stone Farm with all twenty-four girls and seven staff

local aroundtown

kiwanians continued

members. After prayers, a delicious home cooked meal of pulled beef, potatoes, assorted southern style veggies, rolls, Jell-O, and either toffee pie, peanut butter pie, or pumpkin pie for dessert was prepared for eager eaters. Girls were each presented with a large stuffed animal. Whether brightly bowed teddy bear, glittery penguin, rolypoly polar bear, or charming moose, there were giggles in the audience and girls hugged and cuddled new soft friends. Girls also received a Bath and Body Works bag, then entertained singing Christmas Carols. Since 1985 Kiwanis has adopted Stepping Stone and completed many projects. Alsobrook and Bealsville Head Start children were surprised with a visit from jolly ole Nick himself with Mrs. Claus and Kiwanis helpers. Adorable three to five year olds, some shy and tongue-tied, others vocal with a list all got to sit on Santa’s lap and talk for a spell. Each precious child picked out a stuffed animal and were given crayons, color book, doll or car set. Member Robert Brown presents a doll to a precious girl. Anne Haywood presented books. Sweet Bay’s Henry Falcon graciously donates cookies and juice. According to Anna Reis or Mrs. Claus, “It is the love of the children that drives you!” Christmas for an Angel is their signature project. Commissioner Robert Brown started Sunrise Kiwanis Club and was looking for a unique project to help Plant City kids. When the Sunrise Club merged with the lunch club, Brown continued the program with eager helpers. Besides the annual shoe project by the Junior Women’s Club, there was no program to help needy kids who wouldn’t get much for Christmas. Talking with several school guidance counselors and a few local businesses, Brown started the Christmas for an Angel program with angel trees at the Ford dealer, City of Plant City, Sunshine State Federal, and Sun Bank. Kiwanians wrapped all gifts and distributed to five schools. Today, loyal businesses and citizens continue fulfilling angel wishes. Billy Herold yearly adds to the magic. As head elf, Anna Reis keeps meticulous records. In 2006, 3961 toys valued at $36,972.63 were given to 1480 kids at fifteen elementary schools and two Head Starts. Gifts are sent to United Food Bank, The Spring, and Boys and Girls Club. “I can’t fulfill the needs of every kid in the world, but I can try to fill the needs of kids in my own community,” emphasized Key Clubbers Nancy Vangay, Robert Brown. Kelsi Moua, and Tracy Thao select gifts for the Christmas for an Angel project.

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 33

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 34

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 35

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Story by Danie l S p e r ry / P hoto Cou rt esy of the Im provement L eagu e of P lant City

Courage to Live the Dream

MLK Festival Promotes Diversity in Plant City Everyone has dreams. Everyone has hopes. Everyone hopes that their dreams will come true, but the fact is that it takes courage to pursue and live those dreams. The Improvement League of Plant City has made its slogan for this year: “Courage to Live the Dream,” and nothing could be a more apt description of what the League is trying to accomplish. The League reaches into the lives of the residents of Plant City in many ways on a daily basis, but one of the most anticipated events is its yearly festival.

plans to award four college scholarships to local seniors, host a Teen Conference and upgrade the Computer Lab that provides free classes to youths and senior citizens. William Thomas, Jr. is excited about the move of venue to the Randy Larson Four Plex. “This move allows for more space, better accommodations for vendors and plenty of close parking,” said Thomas. “So far, there has been nothing but positive feedback on moving the midway.”

This year, there will be a carnival and midway featuring thrill rides and Live music performances are an important part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. cultural festival that takes place every year in Plant City. performances by the Busch Garden Sheiks. Other hip-hop and jazz The Plant City Stadium will host the annual Dr. concerts will be provided by various recording restored Bing Rooming House Community Martin Luther King, Jr. Cultural Arts Festival artists who are with AR Management. The popular Museum are a large part of how that goal is this year. The event will take place from January High School Step Show, City Freedom Parade and being accomplished. Drawing in more than 18-20 at the Randy Larson Four Plex and will Senior Citizens Luncheon will again be taking place 25,000 visitors, Henry Johnson, President of feature a unique guest speaker for the MLK as well. For more than 20 years, the Festival has the Improvement League says, “the Plant City Leadership Breakfast. John Dick, former Mayor been a big part of promoting the art, dance, music MLK Festival has helped to make the city more of Plant City will be the keynote speaker and and economic contributions by African American inclusive of its residents and a more attractive this will be the first time that a non-African culture in Plant City to the visitors who attend. destination for diverse populations.” American will be in that position. Dicks founded the John Dicks Foundation, which has partnered Visit plantcitymlkfestival.com to preview Each year, 35% of attendees at the festival come with the Improvement League to award college who is coming to Plant City this year and to from outside of the state of Florida and groups scholarships to local students every year. get more information about the many events like the Plant City Chamber and Tampa Bay that will be taking place. For additional Convention Center have helped promote the One of the goals of the MLK Festival is to information, call 813-757-6760. This year’s event and make it a draw to people from across actively engage in imparting knowledge of event is sure to be one that no-one should the United States. Proceeds from the festival help African culture and history. Events like the miss; it is an opportunity to have fun while operate various youth and family programs in city parade, leadership breakfast and the nearly benefiting the citizens of Plant City. Plant City. This year, the Improvement League FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 36

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Story and Photos by Cheryl Jo hnsto n send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Westside Baptist Church

Congregation Desires to Share Facilities and Resources During its 60-year history, Westside Baptist Church has experienced growth and transition. Now the members believe it’s time to maximize both facilities and resources, so more people are served for Christ’s cause.

Supported by unanimous congregational encouragement, Pastor James Jones has begun the search for another church to share Westside’s facilities. Presently, the sanctuary seats 250 during three weekly services. The church also owns property to the west where a larger, future gathering place is planned. “We’re convinced there is much more we can accomplish for our community. This church body’s heart is to do more for Christ and the people He loves so much that He gave His life for them.”

Youth Pastor Cole Dodd and Senior Pastor James Jones

Westside desires use to the fullest potential. They believe a church of like faith could harmoniously blend to pool resources, effort, and impact. They would also like to reinstate ministry to the Hispanic community.

Approximately 50 children ride their two busses to weekly services. Youth Pastor Cole Dodd also foresees more outreach through regularly attending teenagers. Pastor Jones recognizes that Jesus was a nonconformist and His ministry was not contained in buildings. “Our facilities should be tools for Christ, not shrines to ourselves or our traditions. The question becomes, what can these tools accomplish for God’s kingdom. According to Jones, interested churches need not necessarily be Baptist in name, but would be adherents to those tenets. Interested parties can contact the church at 2505 W. Granfield Avenue, online at www.westsidebaptistpc.com, or by phone at (813)752-1450.

CONGRATULATIONS

Austin Struth 2007 World Karting Association Florida Divisional Dirt Series Junior Sportsman 2 Heavy State Champion 8 – First Place State Wins 5 - Poles We are so proud of your accomplishments! Mom, Dad and Taylor FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 38

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 39

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Introduc t ion by Kri sten To ney Story and Photos Cou rtesy of Jo e M err i n

The W.F. Merrin Family Their History – From the Family Themselves Last month, our Feature article told the history of the individuals who’s names are listed on the windows of the Whistle Stop Café in downtown Plant City. We asked for anyone who had additional information on those who’s stories we told to share with us, and Joe Merrin was kind enough to bring us a history on the W.F. Merrin family and photos of W.F. Merrin. We appreciate you taking the time to share your family history with us, Joe!

The history of the W.F. Merrin family in Plant City begins with the arrival of his father, Francis William Merrin, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, July 19, 1827. Being an adventurer, F.W. Merrin left Ohio for Miss., where he became a school teacher. He married Mary Elizabeth Smith in Tifton County, Tenn. on Nov. 27, 18__. Through many years of labor he established his own printing business in Charlestown, Miss., and printed and edited the newspaper – The Tallahatchian. When the Civil War broke out, he helped organize an Artilery Company at Charlestown, where he was made First Lieutenant and later became a Captain. He took part in the spirited defense during the siege of Vicksburg, but was taken prisoner when the city finally fell. Later, he was released in a prisoner exchange and fought in the battles around Chattanooga.

Frank William Merrin, Founder of the Courier and charter member of First Presbyterian Church.

After the war, Capt. Merrin was looking to Fla. to relocate his family. The glamour and excitement of pioneering in Fla. was very appealing to him. He heard many stories of the new towns which held new opportunities, so after corresponding with Rev. Wallace of Plant City, he left his sons in charge of the printing business and

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 40

decided to see for himself what these stories were all about. Before coming to Plant City, Capt. Merrin visited friends in Orange and Putnam Counties. His friends tried to persuade him to relocate his printing business there, but he wanted to seek out a place where there were greater business opportunities, and also a greater need for a newspaper. After arriving in Plant City, Capt. Merrin was introduced to Ivy Register, who at that time was Hillsborough County Surveyor. He was shown around Plant City and later attended a meeting which some of the businessmen of Plant City held. After attending this meeting, Capt. Merrin was convinced of the need of a newspaper for this new town. Upon the promise of support from these local businessmen, he agreed to move his printing press to Plant City. Captain Merrin returned to Miss., and with the help of his sons, William and Jacob, packed the printing equipment and boarded the railroad to Jacksonville. From there they loaded it on to a steamer up the St. Johns River to Sanford. In Sanford they transported it to the railroad station by a horse drawn cart on to Plant City. Capt. Merrin and his sons arrived in Plant City, full of enthusiasm and ready to set up their printing press. An office was obtained and the first issue of what is now the Plant City Courier came off the press on Sept. 12, 1884. After Captain Merrin was settled, he found only Methodist and Baptist churches established. Being a Sunday school worker and an Elder in his former church, he sought out the Presbyterians and helped form the

W.F. merrin continued on page 42

James (Jimmy) Walter Gibson Born January 3, 1951 Deceased December 21, 2007 On December 21, 2007, Jimmy Gibson shook off his worldly troubles and left us all to ours. Jimmy gave us all that unforgettable smile. A simple smile that showed the apples of his cheeks and the stars in his eyes. God has known Jimmy for 56 years, so he won’t be surprised when the laughter in Heaven goes up a notch when Jimmy arrives. He is loved and will be missed by family and friends.

The Family of Jimmy Gibson would like to thank the many friends who provided support to Jimmy and his family during this difficult time. FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 41

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w.f. merrin continued from page 40

Presbyterian Church in Plant City. In the summer of 1885 the church was organized with Capt. Merrin as an Elder and Charter member. In 1891, along with other veterans, he organized the Hillsborough Comp. #36, United Confederate Veterans of the Civil War, and was its Commander until his death. He died September 17, 1900 at the age of 71. Children of Francis William Merrin and Mary Elizabeth Smith: James T., William F., Jacob K., Mary F., Philander A., and Elizabeth. James and William moved back to Memphis, Tenn. Jacob settled in Palmetto, Fla. Mary married W.H. Young of Plant City and had two children. P.A. Merrin remained in Plant City and was a Real Estate agent. Elizabeth married J.A. Burney and remained in Plant City. William F. Merrin married Florence Bibb Latting in Memphis, Tenn. on July 21, 1886. After living in Tenn., Texas, and Miss., they and their ten children returned to Plant City in Dec. of 1906. Upon his return, he leased the Courier from its owners and published it for one year. He served a short time as Postmaster and Superintendent of the Water Works. Later he set up his own printing shop (Merrin Printing).

William and Florence had ten children: William L. married _____ _____. He was a minister in Tacoma, Wash., now deceased. They had six children. Whitman H. was a chemist at Coronet Mines, now deceased. He married Ruby Keller, residence, Lakeland Fla. They had two children: Whitman Jr. married Mary Murphy, residence Plant City. Helen married George Cooley, Presbyterian minister in Brandon. They have three sons, William, Guy and Kenneth. Elizabeth, deceased, was a teacher in Hillsboro County for 48 years. Richard, civil engineer, died in Tampa. He was married to Almarine Maney, residence Tampa, Florida. Irene, residence Plant City, was the Society Editor for The Courier for over 50 years before retiring in 1974. James F. is a retired Presbyterian Minister living in Jacksonville. He was married to Hazel Cubberly, deceased. They had three

A reunion of Merrin’s Hillsborough Camp of Confederate Veterans held in Plant City around 1880. Those recognized include members of the Burney, Merrin, Wetherington and Jaudon families. FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 42

children: Edith, married to Ballard Simmons, living in Jacksonville. Their children are: Glenn, Virginia, Richard, Rebecca and James. Cynthia, married Rev. Gene Kirkman, deceased. Their children: James, Everritt, Fred, Samuel and Patricia. Mary Francis, married John Tribble. They have two sons, John and Holt, all residing in Atlanta, Ga. Joe, deceased, married Lois Burnett of Tampa. They had one daughter, JoAnn Lois, who married _____ King. George was an agricultural specialist in citrus, now deceased. His widow, Daisy Merrin, is a retired school teacher, living in Plant City. They had two children. Kay Irene married Robert Erwin, and they have two children, Robert Todd and Allison, all residing in Jacksonville. Joe A. of Plant City married Marlene Jirikowic of Wisconsin, and they have three sons, Jeffrey, Jason and Jeremy, all of Plant City. Philander of St. Petersburg, Fla., a retired postal worker, was married to Marie Howell, deceased. They had two sons, Walter of San Diego and Philander (Lanny), also of San Diego.

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Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce The new Officers and Committee Chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce are in place for the New Year. Paul Hackney will serve as Chairman of the Board. Paul succeeds Doug “Gibber” Gibbs who was Chairman last year. The Chair-Elect is Ed Verner, Treasurer Charles Harris, Vice Chairman of the Division of Growing Business is Gail Lyons, Vice Chairman for Community & Governmental Affairs is Kerrie Gafford and Vice Chairman for membership is Rick Lott.

pot. This staff is located at the Chamber offices, 106 North Evers Street. In addition, off site staff includes Ralph Ambrose and Fran Johnson

who coordinate the Tourist Information Center on Park Road.

New Directors for 2008 are: Al Berry, Rick Bunnell, Matt Buzza, Jimmy Carapezza, Jennifer Closshey, Hugh Gramling, Nate Kilton, Gary Pike, Bruce Rodwell, Chris Sparkman, Steve Nierman, Ed Verner, and Lee Williams. In addition to the Officers, Committee Chairs and Directors, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce is blessed with a terrific staff. Marion Smith is President, Amy Nizamoff is Administrative Coordinator, Nancy Benedict is Communications Director, Susan Wilson is Membership Director, Jane Gonzalez is Tourist Information Coordinator, and Al Collinge is Tourist Information Specialist and Coordinator of the Union Station Welcome Center at the De-

Anna’s Garden of Gifts/1601 North Wheeler Street

The vision of your Plant City Chamber is to foster the development of activities leading to an enhanced overall community pride and quality of life, and to be responsive and proactive to the business community. To serve as the primary resource to area businesses. To actively seed and develop opportunities for economic growth. To proactively influence governmental activities, which impact the local economic and civic environments, and to generate an active membership involvement in Chamber activities and projects. The Mission Statement reads, “The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce shall work for its members and be the leading force in promoting the commercial, industrial, agricultural and civic interests of Greater Plant City and East Hillsborough County.”

Sunstate Mortgage Solutions, LLC/1703 Thonotosassa Road, Suite B

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 44

The Chamber memberships now total more than 760 and we are growing every day. If you are not a member, you should consider joining. It’s one fine organization!

p lant city cham ber continued

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The Plant City Family YMCA would like to thank you for your support during 2007. As a not-for-profit organization, they rely on volunteers, donors and members to ensure they can continue to serve the Plant City area. On December 6th a brand new business was welcomed into the Plant City community. Outdoor Technologies, Inc., a major producer of vinyl fence, deck and rail products to the home building and remodeling industry, held its grand opening celebration at its extrusion manufacturing facility, located in the Industrial Park off Sydney Road.

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The facility is 70,000 square feet and the plant will employ 35 people with an annual payroll of over $900,000. Brian Hammerbacher, President, emphasized that the support received from Plant City government, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, and the Tampa Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 was instrumental in locating this facility in Plant City. HHHHHHHHHHHH

Kelleigh Klein, Executive Director of the Plant City United Food Bank & Services expresses her sincere thanks to all who donated canned goods and toys for the Christmas holidays.

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The Plant City Food Bank serves over 6,000 clients annually with foods that make well-balanced meals to ensure each member of the family receives proper nutrition. Their slogan is a “Hand-Up, Not a Hand-Out�. All clients are screened to determine need. If you would like to donate, they happily accept donations of food and toiletries as well as financial aid. Their address is 712 East Alsobrook Street, Plant City, Florida 33563. You can call them at (813) 764-0625. HHHHHHHHHHHH

If you are a member of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, we have added a “Job Listings� category to our website – www.plantcitychamber.com. For the nominal fee of only $25.00 a month for each posting, any member may use our website to list available employment opportunities. For more information on this great new feature, call Amy at (813) 754-3707. HHHHHHHHHHHH

A tip of the Chamber hat to GTECH Corporation. This fine organization recently presented an After School Advantage Computer Center to Plant City’s Wilson Elementary School. The program creates safe, fun learning opportunities to underprivileged students and is geared toward introducing children to technology early in life to prepare them for the future. FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 45

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 46

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Residential Real Estate is Not Alone

nless you have been on MARS for the past two years, you’re aware that the residential real estate market is suffering across America, especially in Florida. This state has seen housing prices drop by the highest margins, especially in Tampa Bay and even more so in the Miami area. However, this report is not about residential real estate. Commercial real estate has plenty of wounds as well and they may take much longer to heal than housing.

A Report About Commercial Real Estate in Plant City

Story & Photos By Ken Lawrence

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 48

Across America, commercial real estate vacancy rates have soared in recent years and with the generally “soft” economy, which some say is close to being in a recession, the oversupply of office and retail space has reached around the 17 percent mark. This is the worst since 1993, according to USA Today and if that number reaches 20 percent, the situation would start to take-on critical proportions.

Here in Tampa Bay, the vacancy rate is less than the national average, at around 13 percent. In the first quarter of 2007, more than 250,000 square feet of new office space came on the market in Tampa Bay, prompt-

ing the Tampa Business Journal to write, “You’re not going to see the huge increase in commercial property values like what has occurred in the past.” Anthony Chan, Chief Economist for Banc One, says commercial real estate will likely suffer for years to come before the glut of empty offices is filled.

How This Happened Here in Plant City, as elsewhere in Florida, there was a rush by home builders in 2003 through 2005 to buy land, draw plans, engineer the property, run over to city hall, present the project, get it approved and start hammering away. Close to 6,000 permits were issued to builders from mom and pop companies, to the biggest names in US home building. Most of them have not started and are on hold. Seeing all this housing activity, commercial developers realized there would be a need for more offices and retail space to provide amenities to the thousands of new residents coming to Plant City. So, they too bought land, drew plans, engineered their properties, ran over to city hall, presented their projects, received approval and began hammering away. Then they hung up the FOR SALE or FOR LEASE signs. Office rental space had begun to get out of hand for business tenants. In Tampa Bay, including Brandon and Plant City, an average lease rate has risen to about $20 per square foot, with some Tampa offices as much as $30 per square foot. Over in Orlando rental rates have risen to as high as $40/s.f. in some locations. At $20/s.f. rent for a 2,500s.f. office would run to more than $4,000 a month. A mortgage could be less. Rather than pay rent, which was becoming a rapidly rising cost of doing business, entrepreneurs fell in love about 10 years ago with the concept of Office Condos. They became popular with medical professionals, accounting firms, insurance companies, attorneys and others. They would buy the space in either multi-floor buildings, or in single story buildings, similar to retail strip malls. Rather than rent money basically going down the drain, the owners of Office Condos realized an appreciation in their properties’ values. By operating with deed restrictions, similar to most residential communities, the office condos have been well maintained and indeed, have appreciated in value. Some buildings have been sold with huge profits for the project developers, but that has all but ground to a halt with the weakening economy. Money can still be made, just not as much.

Lenders are cautious about providing money for new offices, usually insisting that developers prelease or pre-sell most space before building begins. Construction costs have had a bearing on preventing developers from flooding the market with new office space, thankfully preventing a bad situation from getting worse.

to help them,” says Marion Smith, whose family has deep business roots in this area.

Doctors and dentists, attorneys, accountants and other users of office space are simply staying-put, and while the retail business is doing reasonably okay, there’s a dearth of buyers or tenants in the local commercial market.

Trying to Fill Up Downtown

What Can Be Done? “Not much”, say most observers, other than to “tough it out”. Marion Smith, Executive Director of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce has been keeping watch on the “glut” of office space available in this community, which she says was created by the expected residential boom. “The economy did a flip-flop and now it’s obvious that people have over-built commercial space,” she tells FOCUS. Smith says there is really not much the non-profit organization that represents business in Plant City can do, because it has limited funds and uses them as judicially as possible. The Chamber has one billboard on I-4 inviting businesses to locate here but it cannot afford anymore. The Chamber of Commerce has received inquiries about space, as have real estate companies in Plant City, and help is provided in pointing the possible new commercial occupants in the right direction.

In related articles to this report, we’ll look at four major commercial developers and builders who have mostly empty Office Condos in Plant City. Please read-on.

He’s one of the best-known real estate developers and property managers in Plant City. His family (Prosser) goes way back in this area, and rather than sit back and cash-in on that name, Ed Verner has carved his own name on the Plant City landscape with management of ten of the largest office buildings in the downtown historical district. His company’s name is City Properties, with headquarters in the historical Lee Building on Reynolds, between Collins and Palmer streets. The glut has even hit the heart of Plant City, with a vacancy rate of about 20 percent, a high statistic. Verner says the Business-Professional space his company has in the downtown “is unique”. He says the vacant space is something that any businessperson in the Tampa Bay area should be after, given its low pricing and high value.

“Real Estate is a ‘hold-em’ business and you just have to be patient,” says Don Stine.

Smith says it is dismaying to see vacant office and retail space around the city, and one thing the Chamber is doing is building a Web site that will list all of the commercial properties and land that are available for sale or rent. The project has support from City Hall because it also receives inquiries and does not necessarily know what is available. The Hillsborough County ‘Committee of 100’ of which Plant City is a member, is a non-profit group that works to bring industry to the Tampa Bay region. It has such a Web site, and is assisting the city in producing its own. The launch date is expected soon.

“The Chamber, the City, we’ll do whatever we can to help businesses come to Plant City; in fact if they’re highly reputable, we’ll bend over backwards

Verner tells FOCUS of one individual living in Plant City who used to commute to Hyde Park, just west of downtown Tampa, close to an hour drive each way. That person did not realize what was available in his own hometown, and recently moved his business to one of Verner’s downtown Plant City buildings, more convenient and less costly. Managed by a longtime colleague of Verner’s, Philip Balliet, City Properties has developed a system where a business professional can rent as little as a single office in, for example, the Lee or Mann Buildings and be treated like an executive deserves to be. There is a receptionist handling calls for all the tenants, answering with that party’s business name, common kitchen and restrooms, shared access to FAX and Copiers and many other amenities, all included in the monthly rent.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 49

Ed Verner and Philip Balliet of City Properties

The old Bill Heard Location by Wal-Mart is a wealth of new retail space! Call them at (407) 248-9828 for more information.

The Mann Building in downtown Plant City

Verner says it’s a fallacy to say there is not enough parking in the downtown and dismisses the need for a parking garage, as some have suggested. “No one has to park any more than 250 feet from any building,” says the incoming President of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Paul Hackney. “Those who complain, don’t work here,” he says. “People may have to park a thousand feet from the front door of Wal-Mart, but perceptually they think there’s a parking problem in the downtown.” Verner says even the City Planning Commission had an incorrect opinion of the downtown parking situation. As for the vacant space elsewhere, Verner believes the problem is that the cost of construction for those facilities was higher than the builders expected, and that is reflected in the price they are charging. Call City Properties at (813) 752-5262 for more information.

Just Off the Downtown Located at the corner of Prosser and Evers streets, one block west of Collins Street is CITRUS LANDING OFFICE PARK, owned and operated by Custom Touch Homes, local builder of projects such as the very successful Citrus Landing subdivision, next door to the office park. It consists of 10 single story buildings, ranging in size from 2,400 to 3,400 square feet. The design is unique, with Chicago style brick frontages, and

here’s the most interesting aspect: the interior of nine of the buildings is totally unfinished, including the absence of a concrete slab. The reason is that the buyer would have the opportunity to have the interior designed in any way required for that business. For example, if it’s a dentist’s office and water and special electrical outlets are required in each room, that can then be done easily and more cheaply. The 10th building is being used by Custom Touch as an office, and it also shows a prospect the quality of workmanship that is provided. Custom Touch has built homes across the Tampa Bay region, including the very popular and upscale Fishhawk Ranch in Lithia, Lake St. Charles in Riverview, Wilder’s Pond Northeast of Plant City and a new community in

New Port Richey, called Rose Haven, a subdivision that eventually will contain 161 homes. At Citrus Landing Office Park, one building is under contract to a medical services business and others in the medical field are negotiating for space, which could even include half a building. Prices are $135 per square foot, plus a starting price of $30 per square foot to complete the interior. There is parking for 115 vehicles on a 3+ acre tract of land. Custom Touch President John Cordell tells FOCUS that he believes his project offers the best value for the money and is obviously disappointed that sales are not more robust than expected, but says he is patient and will ride it out until the slow market turns around. For more information, call (813) 716-0187.

Residential Real Estate is Not Alone

A Combo Office and Apartment Complex You’ve seen the colorful buildings on James Redman Parkway, just south of Wal-Mart, sitting perpendicular to the roadway. The facility is called “THE VILLAGES” and is owned and operated by Donna Jean Crocker, better known simply as Donna Jean. In real estate since the early 1970’s, Donna Jean has had a highly successful ca-

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 51

Residential Real Estate is Not Alone reer, highlighted by The Villages. Built as a rental facility off Jim Redman Parkway, Phase 1 of the project is very eye appealing. The design is somewhat reminiscent of Disney World’s Celebration Station. All that is missing is a daily Disney parade in The Villages parking lot. One would expect the site of The Villages along the bustling James Redman Parkway would have resulted in a quick filling-up of the spaces, both office and apartments, but such has not been the case; further showing how soft the real estate market is these days.

Donna Jean is not frustrated, having been through other difficulties in the real estate market, such as the late 70’s and early 80’s, when interest rates soared to the high teens and even hit 20% for a brief period. That situation ground real estate to a near halt, but it soon turned around. In other words, this is a very cyclical industry. Donna Jean says everyone is “just going to have to tough it out and the market will get better.�

John Cordell, President of Custom Touch Homes at Citrus Landing Business Park

If you are interested in The Villages, call Donna Jean Realty (813) 752-4137.

Centrally Located A newcomer to the Jim Redman corridor is a new office building on the site of the former Long John Silver’s restaurant. It’s a partnership between State Farm Insurance Agent Courtney Paat and builder

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Jimmy Carapezza. The two-story structure, expected to be ready by May, will have 10,000 square feet of space, of which Paat and Carapezza will occupy half. The entire second floor is available for rent. Courtney Paat tells FOCUS that she’s optimistic tenant(s) will be found soon because of the building’s location, with “great visibility�. For details call Courtney Paat at State Farm Insurance (813) 754-1725.

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 52

Alexander

built the strip mall at the corner of Alexander and Mendonsa, anchored by a Shell/Circle K facility.

Next to the James Redman/Collins Street corridor, the next busiest in Plant City is Alexander street from Baker through to James Redman. One of its ‘claims to fame’ is that of having the entrance to Walden Lake, along with several offices and commercial establishments, and South Florida Baptist Hospital. One commercial developer who has worked the Alexander corridor for many years is Don Stine, who

Don Stine Construction has earned a reputation as the builder of gas stations and convenience stores, not only in Tampa Bay, but throughout Florida and into Georgia. Locally, Don Stine has also been caught up in the glut of office space, with a project he also built at Mendonsa and Alexander, across the street from the Donna Jean Crocker at The Shell Station and called Villages-Office/ naturally, The Mendonsa Apartment Center. It consists of 4 Complex buildings, with only one of them sold. Prices run about $220/s.f. “We’re just going to have to ride out the storm”, Stine tells FOCUS as he reviewed his inventory of commercial projects, one of which is further down Alexander, towards James Redman. It’s a piece of land he partners with Dr. Barry Gaffney. It’s

4,800sf of vacant land waiting for a building, such as a medical facility. Stine also has an approved plan for 30,000sf at the corner of 574 (MLK) and Turkey Creek Roads. It would be a retail facility, but it too is on hold. “Real Estate is a ‘hold-em’ business and you just have to be patient,” says Don Stine, who indicates commercial property prices are not dropping like residential real estate. For further information about Don Stine’s projects, call (813) 752-9119. As far as the market goes, most signs point to the fact that we should soon come out of the woods. A recent Tampa Tribune article quoted real estate agent Mary Ann DeWitt: “We’re considerably busier right now than we were 60 days ago. I have a very optimistic outlook for the next year. Every month that passes, we’re another month away from the bottom.” Realtor and developer Gary Schraut commented, “Although the housing numbers are not good, they’re not as bad as people would want you to believe.” For now the opportunities for a new start in a new commercial location are numerous, and listed at great prices. Now’s the time to take advantage!

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 53

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 55

Interview by Brian West • Photos by Mike Floyd

2

007 has come and gone, and with that, it marks the end of another reign for

the Strawberry Queen. For the 2007 Queen, Summer Pippin, things weren’t much different. She’s learned a lot as the 2007 Queen and will take these lessons with her through the rest of her life.

Where are you from, originally? I have lived here in Plant City since I was 16 months old. I was born in Tampa. I understand you were adopted? Yes, I was.   Have you ever met your biological parents? Well, I vaguely remember my biological mom and never knew my biological dad. FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 56

Focus: How did your adoptive parents, the Pippins, decide they were interested in adoption? My mom and dad always wanted a large family. God opened the doors for me to be a part of this family and my mom and dad welcomed me in.   Who are your adoptive parents? My parents are Larry & Peggy Pippin. I don’t categorize them as adoptive parents, just as my mom and dad.   So how long have you been in Plant City? Well I’ve lived here in Plant City for as long as I can remember. My mom tells me that I was 16 months old when I came to them, but all I’ve known is Plant City.   So what was it like growing up with your family? I guess it was just like growing up in any other large family. You have your good times and bad times, but overall a lot of good memories, a lot of love and never a dull moment.   So tell me about the rest of your family. I have two sisters, and two brothers. My oldest sister is Buffy Pippin Astin. She is married to Sam Astin

and they have three daughters: Madison, Payton and Baylee. My older sister, Ashley Pippin Sloan, just gotten married to Chris Sloan, and they live in North Carolina. My older brother, Charlie, and my younger, brother Rusty, live here.   When did you become interested in becoming Strawberry Queen? For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be Strawberry Queen. My memories as a little girl being involved in Jr. Royalty include seeing the Queen and her court backstage. I used to say, “Someday, maybe I can wear a crown like that”, and after sitting in the Strawberry throne at the Parkesdale booth during the Strawberry Festival, I would just dream about it. Dreams do come true! The night of pageant, what was most memorable for you when you were crowned Queen? That night is full of wonderful memories. I remember when I heard my name and the crown was placed on my head; it felt like I was in a dream. I also remember looking around at the girls who would be in the court and being very excited that I would get to share the coming year with them.

During the Festival, you are exposed to many things that others never will be. What did you enjoy the most about that experience? Again, there were so many fun things I experienced during my reign. Meeting the entertainment was definitely a highlight. I mean, who gets to meet Big ‘n Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Martina McBride and Hootie & the Blowfish in their life? It was so neat! Also, getting to spend time and getting to know the Strawberry Festival Directors, Staff and their families. I came to appreciate their dedication to the Strawberry Festival. Meeting and visiting the Strawberry Festival patrons was also a great part of my Strawberry Queen experience. How would you describe the relationship that has developed between you and your court members? Like I said previously, I remember the night I was crowned looking over at the girls who would be in the court with me and being very excited. These girls have become a part of my life. The memories we share will last a lifetime. They all are truly amazing!   Now that you have spent the past year making appearances with them and spending time together,

how would you describe each of them to someone who has never met them? I have so many wonderful memories with my court. They are just a great group of girls. After spending time with them and getting to know them, I’ve come to realize that I can see a little of me in each one. Each of them reminds me of myself. Just like the way McKenzie loves to have fun! She loves to laugh and show off her beautiful smile. She makes others happy by just being herself. Kendall is very determined. She is motivated by what she wants to accomplish. Her poise accessorized by her beautiful red hair matches her vibrant personality. She is a charmer. Tara, no matter what she’s been through and the battles she has faced, she has come out on top. God has given her His favor and she truly is an inspiration. No matter what the world tells you, there is a Higher Power with a plan. Ali has been a great 1st maid. No one could ask for better. She has a good heart and is so talented. Her natural beauty

Summer Says Goodbye

is evident both in and out. Just like the way she can surf. I think that is so cool. She also makes balloon animals at various locations. My nieces love them and get excited when they see her. She goes out of her way to make others happy. As far as describing them to someone who has never met them, well, I guess the one word that would best describe all the girls would be, wonderful! So how would you describe your year as Strawberry Queen? It’s been fun and interesting. I’ve learned so much about Plant City and its heritage. It has been a privilege to represent our town. I’ve met many interesting people and have grown to appreciate the Festival staff, the Lions Club and most of all the Festival patrons. Like the saying goes, “To have a rainbow, you gotta stand a little rain”. I can truly say being the 2007 Strawberry Queen has changed my life. The lessons I’ve learned have made me a better person.   Was there a specific instance where things didn’t turn out like you wanted? Well we were on the radio once with Skip Mahaffey. Instead of introducing Ali Watkins as the 1st runner up, I introduced one of the other girls. I was embarrassed, but I didn’t make that mistake again.

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Summer Says Goodbye

Is there anything that you would have done differently? It is hard to prepare for a task when you are totally unaware of how it works but I think I would’ve prepared more for speaking events. I just wish that I would have known or had a better understanding

of the pressures involved in being the Queen. It isn’t about just having great hair and makeup but being ready and prepared and sitting on go at all times. It has definitely made me a better person and it’s something that I would do all over again.

What’s next for Summer? Presently I’m working at a Day Spa which I really enjoy. I have many different plans, things I’d like to do. I will start HCC in August to work on my Associates Degree.   Is there something you’d like people in Plant City to know about you? Well, I am just me, nothing more, and nothing less. I am not perfect, but who is? I appreciate the ones who have been an encouragement to me and who have been supportive of me. I would like to say, “Thank you, Plant City, for allowing me to be your Queen!”

What is your greatest learning from being the Strawberry Queen? As I stated previously I have learned volumes from this experience, but I guess I would have to say that I learned to always be the best I can be! I may not meet other’s expectations, but if I do my personal best, then I have accomplished what I needed to.

As an active member of the Plant City Lions Club, I knew Summer, but this was the first time I’d ever really talked to her much beyond, “Hello”, or “How are things going for you and your court?” I have to say, she really made a positive impression on me. I believe she has a good heart, and truly means well in her efforts. Considering she’s just 18 years old, she has a strong, dedicated work ethic and knows that mistakes are what people learn from, not their successes; a lesson many adults never learn. Thanks, Summer. And good luck to you in the future in everything you do.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 59

business & finance businessprofile

story and photos by kri sten to ney

send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Ferman of Plant City

A Tradition in Family and Customer Service It’s the start of a new year, and perhaps your resolution is to get into a reliable car, truck or SUV. Ferman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Plant City is literally the vehicle to make that happen for you and your family. One of the most important things for any carbuyer is to be able to believe in the company they are buying from, and Ferman is one of the most trustworthy names in the book. It was Fred Ferman who began building automobiles in his bicycle shop at the end of the 19th century, in 1902 beginning the first car dealership in Tampa, selling the Curved Dash Oldsmobile Runabout. The Ferman family of dealerships (Tampa, Brandon, Tarpon Springs, Palm Habor, Lutz, New Port Richey and Plant City) are now run by Fred Ferman’s grandson, Jim Ferman Junior, the Plant City branch being incorporated in 2006. Dennis Hall is the location’s General Manager, and although he has been at the Plant City branch for a little over a year, he has been with Ferman for seven years and in the car industry since 1986. “I started as a car detailer, and it was fun for me,” Hall remembered. “I’ve worked in lots of the different departments, 12 years alone in the

service department, so I’ve seen lots of aspects of the business. There’s not a seat I haven’t sat in, at least for a short period of time, in this industry.” Those years of experience make the car-buying experience for Ferman customers even more enjoyable, and not only does Hall make sure his customers are satisfied, but his employees, as well. In a recent survey the Plant City employees took, 90% of them saw themselves still employed with Ferman in five years.

Milo Rozehnal, Jr. keeps the Service Department at Ferman running smoothly!

Community involvement is also important for Ferman, from various community functions they sponsor to the Saturdays they open up their facilities for YMCA’s, churches and other organizations to use for fundraiser car washes. “We match up to $5 a car wash, and we give them the supplies to do it,” Hall explained. “Recycled spot-free water, shammies, brushes, soap; all they’ve got to do is bring their signs and their manpower.” Matching Ferman’s customer service and community-oriented nature are the deals available at this dealership. “Right now if you buy a brand new Chrysler, a

Anthony Mathews takes special care with each customer’s vehicle in the Service Bay.

lifetime power train guarantee comes with it,” Hall enthused. “The Dodge Ram Quad Cab has been a huge seller for us, as well as the Jeep Wrangler. The Nitro runs hot, and we’ve got the brand new Jeep Liberty now. The Chargers and the 300’s are really good sellers, too.” Ferman is constantly adapting to fit the needs of its customers, such as a recent change in the Service Department, allowing for later hours on two evenings per week, and extended Saturday hours, as well. “The biggest benefit to buying your vehicle at Ferman is that when our customers come in, they know we’re going to be here and that we’ll take care of them,” stated Hall. “Ferman has been in business for 110 years. We’re not going anywhere.”

Left to right Ed Mahoney (Sales Manager), Chris Holle (Salesman), Dennis Hall (General Manager) and Jason Smith (Salesman), all ready to serve you at Ferman of Plant City. FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 60

For more information on Ferman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Plant City, call (813) 752-1033, visit www.fermanofplantcity.com or visit their location at 502 East Park Road.

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business & finance investing

sub m it t e d by e dwa r d jo nes

Will Presidential Election Year Affect Investors? As you are no doubt aware, 2008 is a presidential election year. How does an election year affect the investment climate? From the perspective of an investor - does it matter who wins? To begin with, let’s examine how the stock market reacted in the past to the selection of a president. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose in nine of the past 11 presidential election years, with an average gain of slightly more than nine percent. Does the election or re-election of a president just make us more optimistic, leading us to invest more heavily and thereby drive up the markets? Probably not. In reality, many factors - such as corporate profits, geopolitical concerns, interest rates and inflation - drive stock prices. Consequently, stock returns from past presidential election years, while impressive, cannot serve as a reliable predictor of what the market might do in 2008. As an investor, how will the outcome of the election affect you? In the past, the stock market has performed well - and performed poorly - under both Democrats and Republicans. In short, no one can accurately forecast the effect of this November’s election on the financial markets, and that won’t change even after the nominees are known. Instead of pondering the “what-ifs” involved in a presidential election, you’re much better off following some tried-and-true investment strategies: Keep on investing. No matter what happens, the most successful investors stay in the market. Look for quality investments and hold them until either your needs change, or the investments themselves undergo some type of transformation. Know your risk tolerance. If you’re losing sleep at night over your investments, you’re probably taking on more risk than the amount with which you are comfortable. At the same time, if your investments are putting you to sleep, they may be too conservative, which could mean they’re not providing the growth necessary to help you meet your goals. Strive for a balance that fits your investment personality. Think long-term. If you’re constantly adjusting your investment mix in response to short-term events, you’ll probably rack up big commissions and you almost certainly won’t make the necessary progress toward your important objectives, such as a comfortable retirement. So, train yourself to ignore daily or weekly or monthly price fluctuations and keep your eyes on the far horizon. This November, don’t forget to vote. But before and after Election Day, cast your ballot for solid investment technique.

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 62

business & finance success

Aaron M. Davis The Closer // 32 // Vice President, Hillsborough Title Raised in Plant City, he’s now carrying on the family business at a higher plane. He admits he “can’t sit still” when it comes to investing and business opportunities, and is excited about 2008 because of the positive turns he sees in the economy. My Aspiration: Taking the business to another level. I’ve never wanted to be viewed as a kid who inherited mom’s business and just maintained it. We now rank in the top 10 of over 500 title companies in the county; that’s quite an accomplishment for a little Plant City company! My Inspiration: My inspiration is my family, my wife and 2 boys. They remind me of what’s important in life, and they provide me with motivation to “get the job done, get it right, and get home early so we can play” =) Why I’m a Success: My parents instilled a drive and work ethic in both my brother and I. Whatever task I take on, I can honestly say I give in 100%. My grandfather once told me, “The secret to success is hard work”. I believe that. How I Did It: Maintaining and building upon relationships that my mother and family have established, growing new relationships and being very service-oriented. I am a very “hands-on” person, and want to make sure each of our clients leaves with a smile on their face. What I’ve Learned: I think being a Plant City native has given me a very grounded and down-to-earth set of values. Treat each person with respect, listen to what they are asking, and do your best to assist them. Be honest--I don’t know every answer, but I know who to ask to get the answer. What I Know: The real estate market is getting better! Rates are low, prices are low, sellers are motivated, it’s a great time to buy! My new motto is, “Real estate is great in 2008”! What’s Next: I’m looking to add another office in the Tampa area. I think growth is good, but slow and steady is the way to go. People and businesses that I know who are successful today truly took risks in down markets, so I choose to create and lead the market rather than sit back and wait. Make it happen! FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 63

business & finance success

Johnny Knotts The Visionary // 47 // Owner, Knotts Trading & Supply A third generation owner of the store, he’s not your typical business guy! He has a lot to say about work and life, but each word is infused with a passion that only comes from a desire to be the best he can be. My Aspiration: To bring Knotts and myself up in the way Porsche runs their businesses, while competing well with larger retailers. I’m very appreciative of my customers for all they’ve done for us.

lNANCIAL SECURITY SMART SAFE INVESTMENTS MAKE YOUR MONEY WORK FOR YOU

,ET "LACK &INANCIAL (ELP YOU 3ECURE YOUR &UTURE

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FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 64

My Inspiration: First, my grandfather. He came from North Carolina with nothing, bought this property and started a business, all during the Depression. My other reason is people tell me I can’t compete against the big guys. I ask them if they want to make a bet! Why I’m a Success: When people walk through my office door and thank me for keeping the store going. If someone isn’t happy, I chase them down to figure out a resolve to the problem. I’m not about any kind of money aspect. I’m about you leaving here smiling after you’ve talked to me. How I Did It: Being here every day, working hard and treating customers right. I have to thank the former Mrs. Knotts, Katrina, who’s still my best friend; Brittany, who works here in the office with me; and Sam Astin, Winterford Harold and Chuck Struth, for their inspiration and advice. What I’ve Learned: So much from different business personalities! I’m always walking around “with my ears up�. I have learned more from other businesspeople in town than they’re aware of! What I Know: For a business to be at its best, the owner must be at his best. My personal trainer Amanda (www.armbandgirl.com) helped me realize this. What’s Next: Making sure Knotts is running as well as Porsche’s or Ferrari’s newest racecar!

3 !LEXANDER 3TREET s 3UITE 0LANT #ITY &, STEPHEN W. SHOUSE, AAMS 813-759-1491 Financial Advisor

MICHAEL CAMERON 813-759-1491 Financial Advisor

TIM SHUFF, AAMS 813-752-1071 Financial Advisor

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 65

FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 66

67

HOME GUIDE

90

This is a special advertising section

813-758-9586

Natalie Sweet Let us show you how

THE SWEET TEAM

can make a difference in the marketing of your home

Natalie received the Online Marketing Award of Excellence in 2007 #1 Sales Agent - #1 Sales Team in 2006 & 2007 at Keller Williams Realty of Plant City

Carrie Lang Larry Jimenez Angel Miller 813-767-3459 813-267-6740 813-546-9863 FOCUS Magazine plant city • January 15 - february 15, 2008 • Page 67

Sam Clark Realtor®

LAUREL LAKE

3 bedroom/ 2 bath /den in private gated condominium community located within Walden Lake. Unique detached single family “CONDO”. Spacious home with over 1800 sq. ft. Living/dining, eat-in kitchen, garden bath and inside laundry. New A/C, wood flooring, painted inside and out. Park like setting Offered at $249,000. MLS #T2276900. Call Maddie Alford at (813) 382-8382.

WALDEN LAKE

Carefree condo living at its finest. 2 bedroom, 2 bath home with a 2 car garage and 1496 square feet of living area. Backs up to a courtyard of oaks. Private gate for Laurel Lake Community. Offered at $269,900. MLS #T2275630. Call Jimmie Robinson, (813) 390-6441.

HISTORIC DISTRICT

Beautiful 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home with hardwood floors, central heat/air, two buildings for workshops and storage for boat or RV. Very clean, owner is downsizing from the 1980 square feet. Priced below recent appraisal. Offered at $197,500. MLS #T2274543. Call Jimmie Robinson, (813) 390-6441.

Robb Lusk

Broker-Associate

COUNTRY VIEWS

Brenda Herring Realtor®

Roger Burrage Realtor®

Covered RV parking, 4 car carport, workshop, beautiful landscaping and country setting are where you will find this immaculate 2,028 sq. ft. triple wide on 2.3 acres on a quiet cul-de-sac. Offered at $219,900. MLS #T2266191. Call Sam Clark, (813) 719-0414.

CUTE HOME - GREAT LOCATION!

You’ll love this darling 50’s home! 3/2 with hardwood floors, paneled family room, bright living room, 2 fireplaces, screened porch, fenced yard. Original tile in bathrooms! Quiet street with well-cared for homes; close to town but still private. All appliances, including washer & dryer. Offered at $174,402. MLS #T2285432. Call Lynne Halleran, (813) 763-1881

CUSTOM COUNTRY HOME ON 1 ACRE

Gorgeous 3/2 custom home in cul-de-sac. Immaculate inside & out! Details include brick hearth in kitchen, hardwood, tile & berber carpet, oversized screened lanai, oversized 2-car garage w/room for a workshop, attic w/ flooring, garden tub & walk-in shower in master bath. You’ll love it! Offered at $324,838. MLS #T2284607. Call Lynne Halleran, (813) 763-1881.

TAKE TIME TO LIVE

GREAT LOCATION

WALDEN LAKE

3/2 on 1 ¼ fenced acres. Convenient to schools and shopping. Sellers motivated, make offer. Asking $114,900. MLS #T2233508. Call Sam Clark, (813) 719-0414.

Beautiful villa with 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, over 1800 square feet with large lanai, completely air conditioned for true Florida living at its best. Minutes away from walking trails, parks, golf courses and lakes. Enjoy the leisure living of no yard work and relax on one of the two community pools. Offered at $209,000. MLS #T2227617. Call Jimmie Robinson, (813) 390-6441.

Entertain in comfort in this large open home on one acre with a pool. This newly built 4/2 with office features granite countertops, 42” custom cabinets, Viking cook-top, walk in pantry, 3 car garage and huge back yard just to name a few. All of this and more only $369,000. Call today, Malissa Crawford, (813) 967-0168.

COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE, PLANT CITY

Maddie Alford Realtor®

WELCOMES

HOWELL ESTATES

Lorrie & Terry Sobzak Realtor®

Great secluded location close to HWY 60. 1.89 acres with 28.70 Fleet Wood manufactured home and front deck. Lots of room in this Fleet Wood home with living room and family room. Back yard partially fenced. Small pit on property. Offered at $149,900. MLS #T2279300. Call Jean Bridgmon, (813) 478-3107.

Christine Weber

Please give her a call at 813-754-3586 today!

CORK AREA

Country Livin’! New construction! Pick your colors! Custom home on 1 plus acres in popular “Cork” area. Centrally located between Plant City and Tampa. No HOA or deed restrictions. Builder will work with buyers on upgrades and appliance package. Estimated completion date is April 2008. Great price at $249,000. MLS #T2286216. Call Maddie Alford at (813) 382-8382.

WALDEN LAKE Completely redone inside with new carpet, updated kitchen, tile flooring. Garage has tile flooring, work area and room for two cars. All appliances convey and some excellent furniture left for new buyer. Priced to sell. Offered at $219,900. MLS #T2265954. Call Jimmie Robinson, (813) 390-6441.

WALDEN LAKE

Great location, great community for carefree living. 2 bedrooms plus den (could be 3rd bedroom), fireplace in family/kitchen combination, very clean, enclosed Lanai for extra square footage and living area. Larger unit in Walden Oaks. Walden Oaks is a member of Walden Lake and has access to parks, trails, lake, dock, tennis and golf course for additional fees. Priced to sell. Offered at $179,900. MLS #T2254914. Call Jimmie Robinson, (813) 390-6441.

Jean Bridgmon, GRI, CRS Realtor® "ROKER !SSOCIATE

Malissa & Mitchell Crawford

Realtor®

NEW HOME

Well insulated 2 story home, on a corner lot, with tile and carpet throughout. Concrete block construction with stucco finish.1 year builder warranty. In good area - near Jackson Elementary School. Offered at $159,800. MLS #T2267827. Call Terry Speer, (813) 391-7366.

OAKWOOD ESTATES Gorgeous 3BR/2BA/2CG plus den, 2250 Sq. Ft. home in gated community. Home has all the upgrades you could want. PRICED $22K BELOW CURRENT APPRAISAL. Now $255,000. MLS#T2286966. Call Lorrie Sobzak at (813) 760-9574.

YOUR LAND SEARCH IS OVER!

his desirable property features well, septic, electric and satellite dish. Fenced pasture welcomes livestock. 2.53 acres offers a country setting that is ready for you to make it home. Priced to sell at $149,900. MLS #T2282505. Call Janet Moore at (813) 754-9890.

THE VILLAS OF WALDEN LAKE

You’ll love the carefree lifestyle in the villas. This 2BR/2BA/2CG, 1542 Sq. Ft. home is next to the pool and the golf course. Great all season lanai and much more. Now $209,000. MLS#T2285389. Call Lorrie Sobzak, (813) 760-9574.

IF YOU LOVE GRANITE, THIS IS THE HOME FOR YOU!

A tree lined drive leads up to 4.63 acres of pristine land. The large, unique main house has 5 BD/3 BA and offers floor to ceiling granite fireplace in family room. A granite garden tub with separate shower in master bath. Second bath marble, third tile. 2 BD/1 BA detached suite. Formal living/dining. Separate eat-in kitchen and breakfast bar. Sound system, front porch and patio deck. Home warranty included. Offered at $365,000. MLS #T2286589. Call Janet Moore, (813) 751-9890.

I’M GORGEOUS INSIDE!

This quaint home in downtown Plant City has been remodeled from head to toe, nothing has been left untouched. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, newer floors, roof, large fenced yard and so much more. You will not be disappointed in this cozy home located near downtown Plant City. Owners motivated call today! Offered at $169,000. Call Malissa Crawford (813) 967-0168.

YOUR PERFECT PARTNER • FULL SERVICE • CLIENT FOCUSED

Janet Lynn Moore Realtor®

Lynne Halleran Realtor®

Jimmie Robinson

Realtor® s "ROKER !SSOCIATE

Call us for your Residential and Commercial Real Estate needs

1513 Jim Redman Parkway, Plant City RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

813-754-3586

Ken Lawrence Realtor®

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h&!#43v 7E GIVE YOU 3TART AND #OMPLETION $ATES #USTOMER 2EFERRALS ON 2EQUEST 1UALITY #ONSTRUCTION #OMPETITIVE 0RICES 9EARS OF 0ROFESSIONAL 3ERVICE &INANCING !VAILABLE We have the Personal Desire and Experience to Solve your Home Improvement Needs.

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#!20/24 FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 70

POOL MASTERS

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813-752-1960

Come in to see our paint design center. Choose your colors and discuss our easy payment plans for residential customers!

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SARAH ZELLER-BADAT

PRICE

ED

REDUC

BRING YOUR GOLF CLUBS!!

This beautiful 3/2 bath home is in the gated golf community of Imperial Lakes and offers all the amenities. Well maintained and move in ready. Bring all offers seller is highly motivated. Price Reduced to 199,900

NEVER LIVED IN RENTAL

This 4/2.5 rental home in the beautiful Magnolia Green subdivision in Walden Lake is a must see. Offering a great floor plan, amazing community pool and a peaceful community this is a wonderful place to call home. Don’t let this one pass you by. More rental properties are available so please call 813-763-5676 and find your new home today.

N LOT VATIO

GREAT PRICE

R CONSE

This 5 bedroom 4 bath home is located in the desirable Walden Lake community. With over 3200 sq ft, this home is ready for a family! Featuring new paint throughout and all the upgrades, this house is one of the best in town! Price Reduced to 419,900

813.763.5676 1607 S. Alexander Street Suite 102 Plant City, FL

HORSES WELCOME

This absolutely breathtaking 3/2.5 home is located on 5 acres. The beautiful 4 stall horse barn and tack room is equipped with everything a horse lover needs and the land offers lots of room to ride. Located convenient to I-4, Hwy 60, Brandon and Lakeland everything you need is a stone throw away. So, if you are looking for peace and quiet this is the estate for you. Please call for more details.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 71

RENEE CORZINE Realtor

$185,000 WALDEN LAKE VILLA 3/2/2 villa. Ceramic tile and carpet. Air-conditioned Florida Room 33’x12’.

$144,000 PRIVATE BACK YARD

3/2/1, 1236 SF, Wood Floor, Fam Rm, Lanai, Fenced

$319,000 EXQUISITE WALDEN LAKE HOME 4/2/2, 2374 SF, Granite, New Roof, Fireplace, Lg Lanai

813-716-6007

GORGEOUS SUNSETS OVER POND

rcorzine@tampabay.rr.com

4/2/2, 1924 SF, Scrnd Pool, Conservation, SHORT SALE!

$209,900 POPULAR TWO-STORY PLAN

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

$225,000

$230,000 TWO-STORY ON AN ACRE

3/2.5/2, 1886 SF, 13’x12’ Loft/Bonus Room, 3/2.5 on 1 acre, 2064 SF, Bonus Rm/Den, FireHardwood, Lanai, Fruit Trees, Fenced place, Fenced, 20’x12’ Utility Shed

1607 S. Alexander Street Suite 102 s

DON

RT OF BRAN

PAT COMSTOCK

IN THE HEA

GRI, Realtor Multi-Million Dollar Producer

813-759-9449

patcomstock@msn.com

$159,900

$159,900

$199,900

ABSOLUTE DOLL HOUSE! SHORT SALE! UNBELIEVABLE PRICE! 3 & 2%-/$%,%$ +)4#(%. "2 "! S F HUGE POOL ACRE "2 "! S F CONSERVATION LOT IN "!4( mol. Make offer! 7ALDEN ,AKE REDUCED

3 !LEXANDER 3TREET s 3UITE s

See all my listings in detail at www.patcomstock1.com

$244,900 WALDEN LAKE POOL HOME S F LOCATED IN 7ALDEN ,AKE

$349,500

BUILDING LOTS

$68,900

ACRES ON PAVED CULDESAC WITH POND /2 ACRES WITHOUT POND "2 "! APPROX S F GRANITE COUNTERTOPS IN ACRES CORNER LOT ROAD FRONTAGE ON TWO ROADS KITCHEN AND BATHS v TILE HARDWOOD ACRE $69,900

COUNTRY LUXURY!

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 73

#1 Plant City Real Estate Company ...and still growing!

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY Duplex in Lakeland for $159,900, 2 2 BR/1 BA units. Fresh paint. And Ready to make you money. This is the perfect time to invest. Low maintenance, not a lot of up keep. Call and make an Offer, Let your money work for you. Close to I-4 and Short Drive To down town. Central AC/heat. Call Chris Robinson (813) 763-4513

PRIVACY ON YOUR OWN ACRE! 3/2/2/Office and Pool. Formal Living, Formal Dining, Kitchen overlooking Family Rm. Heated Pool and Spa. Interior Laundry. Garage door opener and Keyless entry. Alarm system. Mature oaks. Have it made in the shade! $349,900 Call Brenda Salyers @ 813-230-1120

GORGEOUS REMODELED BUNGALOW 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 Sweet 758-9586.

JUST RIGHT FOR YOU THE PERFECT STARTER HOME 2BR/1BA WITH BONUS ROOM. Totally Remodeled, new roof, new A/C, new wood floors, new appliances, new tile and new carpet in bedrooms. Orange trees in big backyard, plus 6 ft wood privacy fence. This is a great gift for the holidays. $134,900 Call Chris Robinson (813) 763-4513

SPLIT BEDRM WITH MASTER BEDRM DOWNSTAIRS Grand two story foyer. Living room with fireplace stretching to second story ceiling. Loft overlooks living rm & foyer. Pool & Lanai. Guest house; 16x50 motorhome shed; 20x30 shed; Office; Loft. Lots to see! $379,000 Call Brenda Salyers @ 813-230-1120

EAST WALDEN LAKE Incredible price for this spacious 3 bed/2 bath home with 1594 Sq.Ft.La. Nicely shaded and fenced yard, screened lania, great landscaping and sprinkler system. Wood laminate flooring, wood burning stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. Awesome value in Walden Lake and priced at only $178,900. Shelton Keely @ (813) 503-0999

THE PRICE IS RIGHT $89,900 2BR/1BA With detached 2 car garage or workshop. Needs some TLC FROM YOU. Garage has a new roof. Lots of new plants in the front and backyard. Home is priced well below appraisal; Don’t miss this opportunity to buy a great home. MOTIVATED SELLER, MAKE AN OFFER Call Chris Robinson (813) 763-4513

FRONT PORCH PERFECT FOR ROCKERS! Pristine 3/3/3 with Pool on 1.13 acres. Custom kitchen with granite. Fireplace. Luxurious master suie, Hardwood floors, Front porch that stretches across front of house. See additional pictures at www.BrendaSalyers.com. This house will Wow you! $375,000.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS This 3/2 one-owner home has been lovingly cared for. It boasts new laminate & tile floors. Spacious EAT IN kitchen. Walk-in closet in master bedroom. Storage, storage w/pull-down stair attic access.Conveniently located to downtown Plant City. Call Jayne Rawnsley (813) 763-0495

PARADISE IN WALDEN LAKE You will just love this Great Room Home with 3 Bedrooms plus a Den/Office on a quiet Conservation Lot. This home features an enormous screened and paver patio with a beautiful spa with waterfall for that outdoor living, large Bedrooms and 2 full Baths. Priced to sell at only $254,900 Call Angel Miller (813) 546-9863

HOMES FOR LEASE Condo’s 2br 1-1/2 ba starting at $750.00 Almost new home 3/2 $1150 Country Home 2br /1ba $850.00 Walden Lake Homes 3br/ 2ba $1200 Walden Lake Condo 2br /2ba $1200 Cedar Run Condo 2br/2ba $875.00 Looking for a property manager for your home? Call Becky @ 813-376-2100

297K HOME

his one has it all. Pool, fire place,huge lot, new roof, fresh paint , new carpet and owners who care. Den could be 4th bed room, make appt. today, located close to all things Plant City/ Brandon. T2276952. $297,000 Call Davy Miles @ (813) 376-4444

1607 S. Alexander Street

813-759-1200

Call Brenda Salyers @ 813-230-1120

Nicole Adams

Team Leader / Managing Broker

Lorraine Bennett Becky Bowdish Carol Brassart Joe Bryant Janet Calvello Terri Carroll Cathy Casey

Sue Daniels C.W. Davis Charles Davis Eva Driggs Valrie Dunkley Nick Ganey Brenda Garwood

Ron Johns Shelton Kelly Carrie Lang Barbara Layton Darla Little Cathy Martin Dena Martin

Angel Miller Bobbie Ehrenfeld Sharon Ours Jayne Rawnsley Bobbie Revels Amy Reynolds Chris Robinson

Nancy Stephens Dan Stratton Natalie Sweet Tracey Thompson Paolo Vargas John Walmsley Jackie Wyckoff

WALDEN LAKE CHARMER …at an affordable price! Bright and cheery 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. Great Room plan, volume ceilings, tile and wood floors in living areas. Large, shaded, and fenced back yard! You gotta see this one! ML # T2270387. Great price at $170,000. Call Bob Adams (813) 817-4829

BEAUTIFUL 1996 FLEETWOOD MANUFACTURED HOME acre in the rural community of Holloman Branch Estates. Home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, new carpet, new tile, covered front porch and is fenced. It’s a great place and ready to move into!! Call Joe Bryant @ 813-967-1875

DISTINCTIVE AND SPACIOUS GOLF COURSE HOME IN BEAUTIFUL WALDEN LAKE IN PLANT CITY, FLORIDA! WONDERFULLY MAINTAINED HOME WITH 2610 SQ FT UNDER AIR CONDITIONING, 3 BEDROOMS AND A VERSATILE STUDY/DEN/GUEST ROOM...EXPERIENCE AND APPRECIATE DISTINCTIVE”RUTENBERG BUILDER” DESIGN THAT IS NOT ONLY IMPRESSIVE BUT FUNCTIONAL AS WELL. BUYER WILL NOTE VAULTED CEILINGS, NEWER DESIGNER TILE, FRENCH DOORS FROM THE GRAND DINING ROOM LEADING OUT TO A SEPARATE AND PRIVATE GARDEN/COURT YARD AS WELL AS MANY LIGHT INVITING SLIDING DOORS OPENING UP TO A WONDERFUL “L” SHAPED POOL OVERLOOKING A VERDANT GOLF COURSE VISTA! Offered at $364,900 Call Barbara Jean Kulyk @ 813-781-1915

LOWEST PRICE IN EMERALD FOREST! Model perfect 3 BR/2 BA, 1,874 s/f, French doors, lots of tile, spacious master suite with 2 walk-in closets, garden tub & sep. shower, meticulous landscaping $225,000 Call Pat Comstock (813)759-9449

MAINTENANCE FREE LIVING IN A GATED COMMUNITY Convenient to Plant City & Brandon. New appliances and upgraded granite countertops in kitchen with separate dining and living rooms. Growing area with retail shops and daycare within walking distance. Call Cathy Martin @ 813-376-0891

VACANT LAND Two adjoining lots totaling approximately 2 acres in the Seffner area. $139,000. Call Cathy Casey (813) 727-4131

TWO MASTER SUITES! Custom built home with hardwood flooring, Large front porch, screened covered back porch. Has 3 bedrooms but could be 4 or 5 with a few walls. Two car garage And a 3 car carport with enclosed section for workshop! Custom kitchen. $460,000 Call Brenda Salyers @ 813-230-1120

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL!

79K HOME One of a kind. 1 acre with trees 145’ x 290’, Build your dream home on this beauty of a peice of land. T2286438. $79,000 Call Davy Miles @ (813) 376-4444

DO YOU NEED A REALTOR??? I am available to assist you in buying or selling. Relocating to my “roots” I have returned to the area to be nearer family and friends of a lifetime. Plant City native of six generations. Call for an appointment to review your needs. Experienced professional through the up and down markets over 28 yrs. Call Sue Daniels @ (813) 751-4035

Pat Comstock Melissa Connell Renee Corzine

Trenda Gude Tammy Jenkins Larry Jimenez

Gorgeous new home, 4 BR/2 BA, 2700 (mol) s/f living area, granite countertops, 18” tile, 42” wood cabinets, 3 car side entry garage, 1.01 acres. No homeowner association. Priced more than $45,000 under recent appraisal! $349,500 Call Pat Comstock (813) 759-9449

00

ED

REDUC

$184,9

COME TO THE COUNTRY! 1998 3/2/2 on 1.34 acres located in Lithia. Bring the family and pets! Ready to move in! $289,900. Call Darla Little (813) 478-4317

Arita McFayden Mac McGrath David Miles

AFFORDABLE PRICE…TERRIFIC NEIGHBORHOOD Newer 3/2/2 in PC features beautiful ceramic tile, cathedral ceilings, drinking water system and new 30-year roof. Very well cared for home! Call Lorraine Bennett @ (813) 716-3997

Brenda Salyers David Scruggs Patricia Smith

Barbara Jean Kulyk Lori O’Hearn Smith Sarah Zeller-Badat

2007 SALES 3720 3412 102 103 111

Abraham Acres Lane Ace Lane Alafia Estates Ln Alafia Estates Ln Alafia Estates Ln W Alexander St 3530 Amity Avenue 31301 Anniston Drive 100 N Anoka Avenue 1025 Apollo Beach Blvd #1 2224 Arch McDonald Dr 2909 Aston Ave 1837 Atlantic Dr 3010 Azelea Blossom Dr Azelea Blossom Dr 3210 Baroness Court 4221 Barret Ave 4221 Barret Avenue 3403 Berry Blossom Ln 3404 Berry Blossom Ln 3407 Berry Blossom Ln 3414 Berry Blossom Ln 6009 Bob Head Road 33413 Brisk Dr 1762 Brookstone Way 2422 Brownwood Drive 1108 N Anoka Avenue 1606 Cason Rd 401 Charlie Griffin Rd 401 Charlie Griffin Rd 8795 Christie Drive 2222 Christy Lane 1316 Church Street 1319 E Church Street 5109 Clarence Gordon Jr Blvd 2305 Clubhouse Dr 2705 Clubhouse Drive 2816 Clubhouse Drive 108 S Collins Street 3215 Concord Way 5636 Connell Road 3614 Coronet Pit Rd

4620 3648

N Country Hills Ct Covington Lane Crystal Dew St 3002 E Curtis Street #B 401 E Devane St 104 Dorado Ct 104 Drake St 5618 Driftwood Dr 4638 Eastwind Drive 3903 Fairlea Cir 2309 S Fairway Drive 2701 Forest Club Drive 2510 Fritzke Road 1976 Fruitridge St 2706 Golf Lake Drive #35 1806 S Golfview Drive 2110 N Golfview Drive 907 N Gordon Street 1830 Grey Fox Drive 3405 Grove Blossom Ln 6815 Guilford Crest Drive 2916 Hampton Place Court 2919 Hampton Place Court 3719 Harrogate Dr 6021 E Hilltop Lane 1802 Hitching Post Pl 4515 Holloway Creek Drive 4402 Holloway Meadow Lane 332 Holloway Road 605 Holloway Road 2908 Holloway Road 20010 Holly Lake Place 4705 Hunts Court 8501 S Hwy 39 3601 Joe Sanchez Road 5911 June Street 7925 Kaitlin Circle 3505 Keene Rd 3312 Kilmer Place 6728 Kinard Road 414 Laguna Mill Drive 3533 Lazy Lake Drive

108 W Lee Street 10409 Leland Hawes Road 1315 Lindsey Road Magnolia Green Street 101 E Mahoney Street 10713 McIntosh Road 603 W McLendon Street 702 N Merrin Street 703 N Michigan Avenue 3816 Misty Landing Drive 4436 Mossy Creek Avenue 1303 Oakdale Street 1729 Oakwood Estates Drive 3709 Old Mulberry Road 1703 N Orange Street 5104 Pandora Place 3044 Park Ridge Avenue 3001 Paul Buchman Highway 4413 Paul Buchman Highway 2701 Pine Club Drive 4407 Platt Road 2219 Preservation Drive #2219 3606 Ralston Road 807 E Reynolds Street 3508 W Reynolds Street 2505 Ridgetop Way 1730 Rotary Drive 515 Schuette Road 28717 Seashell Court 408 Seminole Lake Blvd 3404 Silver Meadow Way 3336 Silvermoon Drive 4108 Silvermoon Drive 3303 Silverpond Drive 3306 Silverpond Drive 3424 Silverstone Court 3430 Silverstone Court 3444 Silverstone Court 4405 Smith Ryals Road 2104 Sparkman Road 2804 Spring Vista Court 6202 Stafford Road

All properties in red italics denote both listing and sale

9610 3319 3328 3332 3808 4608 4613 3425 2913 3048 1303 2202

Starline Drive Steinbeck Place Steinbeck Place Steinbeck Place Sugar Creek Court Summer Wind Court Summerwind Court Sunrise Villas N Court Sutton Oaks Court Sutton Woods Drive W Terrace Drive Thonotosassa Road Thonotosassa Road 309 Thrasher Road 4118 Three Oaks Drive 703 Tillman Place 1912 E Timberlane Drive 4512 Tower Ridge Lane 3602 Trapnell Grove Loop 3604 Trapnell Grove Loop 3606 Trapnell Grove Loop 3613 Trapnell Grove Loop 3616 Trapnell Grove Loop 3618 Trapnell Grove Loop 3444 Trapnell Ridge Drive 3517 Trapnell Ridge Drive 2401 E Trapnell Road 3517 Tuten Loop 11434 Tuten Loop 11535 Tuten Loop 1002 N Vermont Street 2326 Village Green Blvd 217 N Webb Road 2211 Wedgewood Court 1112 N Wheeler Street 5951 White Tail Loop 1013 Whitelaw Road 2918 Wilder Creek Circle 802 Woodlawn Avenue 3125 Wren Lane

See Your Property on our list in 2008.

813-759-1200

*All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 76

For “Another Sweet Sale” Call 813-758-9586. Call Us For All Your Real Estate Needs! GATED HAMPTON PLACE

STUNNING GOLF COURSE HOME

ASTON WOODS CUL-DE-SAC

Stretch out with over 2900 sq’ on the golf course. 4 large bedrooms & office, gorgeous master suite with sitting room. The kitchen features a huge pantry, granite countertops, 42” Cherry Cabinets & wrap around breakfast bar. Bathrooms have upgraded tile. $417,900. Call Natalie Today to see this BEAUTY! 758-9586

The minute you walk in, you’ll notice the pride of ownership in this well maintained 2800 sq’ 4 Bedroom 3 Bath Home w/3 Car Garage. Kitchen & Baths all have Granite Countertops. Larger Family Room w/Fireplace, Heated Pool & Spa and lush Landscaping frame this marvelous home. $405,000 Call Natalie 813-758-9586

3 Bdr. 3 1/2 Bath home w/2884 sq’ living area. Featuring custom crown molding, woods floors, fireplace and so much more. Master and 2nd Bedroom have office/sitting rooms. Lots of counter space in the huge kitchen with a center island & pantry. The huge lanai is perfect for entertaining. This home with pool & spa & huge yard make this the perfect home. $385,000 Call Natalie 758-9586.

WALDEN LAKE ASTON WOODS

CHARMING GOLF COURSE HOME

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

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! Newly listed for only $325,000. Call Natalie at 813-758-9586.

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. $309,900 Call Natalie 758-9586.

WALDEN LAKE MODEL PERFECT

MOVE IN READY

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. $274,800. Call Natalie 758-9586.

You’ll fall in LOVE w/this beautifully remodeled home. Master Suite features a built-in window seat & designer Master Bath w/gorgeous tile. Huge Great Room, all new Tile & Appliances in Kitchen. Huge Lanai for entertaining. Fenced Yard. Truly a MUST SEE! $210,000 Call Carrie Lang 813-767-3459

GREAT HOME GREAT LOCATION

WALDEN LAKE FOR $175,000!

Welcome to this 3-4 Bedroom Home w/2 Baths, Huge Great Room, Nice Yard w/Utility Shed & almost new Roof. This home has been very lovingly cared for by it’s owners. $189,900 Call Natalie for more details!

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 house blows away the others! Priced to sell & competes for your attention in this market! Over 2700 SW’ Featuring 4 large Bedrooms, 3 Baths, enormous Kitchen w/Granite. The Custom Trim & Woodworking is worthy of only the finest homes. $300,000 Call Angel at 546-9863

GREAT HOME CLOSE TO EVERYTHING

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. $190,000 Call Natalie Sweet 758-9586.

GREAT STARTER HOME

3 Bedroom 1 1/2 Bath Home on nice lot in convenient location for easy commute and shopping. New tile floors. Price to sell at only $150,000. Call Natalie for more details 758-9586.

ALMOST 2000 SQ’ UNDER $100,000!

Don’t let the price fool you. This is a Great Opportunity to own a nice home w/a pool in a great quiet location. Featuring 3 large bedrooms, 2 baths, formal living & dining rooms, plus family room. Screened porch & pool w/large deck. Ready & waiting for YOU!

homes homeguide

su bmitted by n ata l i e sw e et

Walden Lake Review The Neighborhood Decorating Contest was challenging because of so many beautiful decorations this year! Taking 1st place in the category of large entrances was Laurel Lake, followed by Emerald Forest and Walden Oaks, with Honorable Mentions going to Aston Woods and the Paddocks. For the small entrance category, 1st place goes to Silverlake, followed by Hampton Place and Fairway Estates, and Honorable Mentions to Wedgewood and Westwood. I had the opportunity to go to the Walden Lake Master Association Board meeting on Monday, December 10th, and Steve Mercer from the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club was at the meeting speaking to the board. He began with the history of the purchase and their current loan, which the Partnership holds at a high interest rate. Steve said the Partnership could run a 36-hole golf course with 18

for the members and 18 for public use. The Partnership is looking for capital to come from the property to use for improvements to the course, the club and its other amenities. In order to raise capital, they would need to have the restrictions released that WCI put in place in 1991 and are set to in place for 25 years from that date. In order to re-zone a portion of the Club’s 340 acres, he would need the HOA and the city with them and he was there to ask for the Board’s support.

The Board received a letter from Verizon that they will begin installing the lines for FIOS in several weeks. The first neighborhoods to get FIOS will be the Hammocks, Sutton Woods, Silverwood and Walden Lake East.

Other business covered was that the gatehouses have been redone and they look great. There is still $16,000 in association dues that are due. Liens have been placed on all homeowners that have not paid their association dues. Statements for 2008 should be received by this printing. Any delinquent homeowners do not get stickers and their balance that is due will be added to the 2008 dues.

It appears that WCI still holds property within Walden Lake. The Board held a vote to accept a quitclaim deed from WCI for the 100’ on Griffin Boulevard. The vote passed without any opposition. A newsletter will be out in January and will be included in the Sunday Tampa Tribune, which will be delivered to all residents even if they do not subscribe to the Tribune.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 78

Tom Duramus is getting quotes for 2 lights to be installed at the Polo Field. They will be similar to the lights at the Park. Dick Shiller has agreed to head a committee on the dog park for the Polo Field.

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w nothing from Plant City who kne n buy one. “I am just a simple guy a house or if I could eve ing buy of s ces pro Nate about the ect. exp to t wha and didn’t know ing I was very intimidated made good on everyth and I and ily fam my made it easy for e.“ he said. Thanks Nat - Brian Doty, Plant City “With the mortgage cra sh this summer we tho ught we would have lost our dream hom e. Not with Nate on our side. This man works wonders. He was able to find the type of mortgage at the rate we needed. Nat e worked well over wha t you would call overtime to make sure we got our mortgage. I recommend him to anybody, anytime.” - Butch and Susin Tipp ie, Plant City

“I have done business with Nate in the past. I continue to do business with him because I know that he will do what is in my best interest and not just his own. As a matter of fact, I called Nate for a loan last month and he advised me of a better alternative to obtaining a piece if property that did not require his loan! This is why I feel 100% confident with his suggestions. Nate looks out for the customer’s best interest and not just his own. I wish there were more business professionals with this type of uncompromising integrity.” - Mark Phaneuf, Lakeland king this a pleasant first

with your help ma “Thanks you so much ” home buying experience nt City - Amanda Martinez, Pla

CALL NATE DAVIS Mortgage Consultant

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www.PlantCityMortgages.com

GO TO WWW.PLANTCITYMORTGAGES.COM AND REQUEST YOUR COPY OF A FREE REPORT THAT REVEALS THE FACTORS THAT ARE CONSIDERED WHEN DETERMINING YOUR INTEREST RATE.

GETTING MARRIED? WON AN AWARD? DELIVERED? GOT A PROMOTION? Call 813-707-8783 Ext 24 To Share Your Good News MAGAZINE FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 80

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 81

homes realestate

sub m it t e d by s h e lto n k e ely

What is a Short Sale? You will likely come across dozens of properties in foreclosure with little or no equity. In these situations, lenders are sometimes willing to accept less than the full amount due, commonly referred to as “short pay” or “short sale.” Negotiating a short sale with the lender is a difficult process, generally because it is a daunting task finding a bank officer who has the authority to accept a discount. You will have to call around to locate the lender’s “Loss Mitigation Department.” Once you get in touch with the right person, then the negotiating begins.

Nate Kilton REALTOR®

(813) 732-3113 Cell

DOLPHIN REALTY

208 Apollo Beach Blvd. Apollo Beach, FL 33572

Hate Income Taxes? Contact me for a free, no obligation

consultation about the income tax implications of your real estate transaction E IC ED PR UC D RE

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTSMANS STYLE 2,592 sq ft 3 bedroom 2 bath nome located on about .44 acres in the Historic District of Plant City. This home has a spacious unfinished attic with loads of potential for additional living space. There is a fireplace in the living room, detached garage, and front and rear porches. Asking $279,000 Adjacent .80 acres under folio #20760630-0050 is being sold separately.

GREAT LOCATION!! 1 acre mol zoned C-1A w/ ELU multifamily on the corner of Thonotosassa Rd and Mobley St in Plant City. Perfect for a medical facility given close proximity to South Florida Baptist Hospital. City water and sewer close by. Buyer should confirm details with city. Asking $400,000 (http://mid-floridahomes.com/373288) 5.2 ACRE MOL PROPERTY This 5.2 acre mol property is located on Colson Rd and is just minutes to Plant City, shopping, and dining yet still provides seclusion and privacy. Asking $225,000.

LOCATED ON A CONSERVATION LOT with fresh exterior paint and brand new landscaping including a 450 sq ft paver patio. Wood floors in living and dining areas. Tile in kitchen and master bath. Open floor plan. New carpet being installed. Owner is a licensed real estate agent. Asking $269,000 THIS IS TRULY AN EXCEPTIONAL PROPERTY located just off Forbes Road near Plant City. A large portion of the property is covered in oaks and is densely wooded. This parcel is a dream location for a ranch or would make a great investment for current or future development. Asking $1,800,000.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 82

From the lender’s perspective, a short sale saves many of the costs associated with the foreclosure process. In a short sale scenario, the lender gets the property back faster, so it is able to cut its losses. Your job as the investor is to convince the lender that it will fare better by accepting less money now. In addition you will want to offer as much specific negative information about the property as possible. Also, include some relevant information about the neighborhood and the local economy if things are bad (copies of newspaper articles with “bad news” may help). A contract’s bid for repair estimates should also be submitted, which, of course, should be the highest bid you can obtain! The lender will also ask for financial information about the borrower. This process may involve as much, if not more paperwork than an original mortgage application! The borrower should submit a “hardship letter”, which is basically a sob story about how much financial trouble the borrower is in. This may require a little literary creativity, and some help on your part. Don’t lie, just paint a picture that doesn’t look good. Finally, the lender generally wants to see a written contract between you and the seller. A preliminary HUD-1 settlement statement is often requested, which can be difficult, since many title and escrow companies simple won’t prepare one in advance of closing. You can prepare your own HUD-1, and simply write “preliminary” on the top. Don’t be surprised if your short sale bid is rejected. Many short sales fall through if the BPO comes in too high, which is often the case. Shelton Keely Broker-Associate Keller Williams Realty 813-503-0999

BEFORE YOU CLOSE YOUR NEXT TRANSACTION, ASK THESE QUESTIONS BEFORE SELECTING A TITLE COMPANY - Do you file Homestead Exemption at closing at no additional cost? - Do you digitally save documents after closing and keep in house for quick and easy document retrieval? - Does your website have a selection of FREE downloadable forms and other useful items to assist you in selling your own home? - Can you close at a location and time convenient to me? - Am I entitled to a reduced rate of title insurance, EVEN IF I closed elsewhere before?

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Plant City

1605 S. Alexander St. Suite #102 • Plant City, FL 33563 Ph: 813-754-4440 • Fax: 813-754-0915

Brandon

350 E. Bloomingdale Ave • Brandon, FL 33511 Ph: 813-655-4000 • Fax: 813-655-4110

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 83

MODEL NOW OPEN

Single Family Homes from the Low $200’s 1,467 to 1,950 s.f. of living space Standard lot 60’ x 110’

INVENTORY HOMES AVAILABLE

Walden Pointe PRE-CONSTRUCTION PRICING

Single Family Homes starting from the $260’s 1,963 to 2,704 s.f. of living space Standard lot 75’ x 120’. Larger lots available

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NOW SELLING

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“Your Quality Home Builder”

Contact Paula and Abby today at 813-752-8607 paula.meyers@freemarr.com • www.freemarr.com Broker Participation Welcome PRIME PLANT CITY LOCATIONS

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813-754-6898 1407 E. Baker, Plant City FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 84

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 85

813-764-0840

208 W. Baker St. • Plant City, Florida 33563 www.PlantCityRealty.com • 1 ACRE MOL – 4 sites to choose from – Plant City (L7-L10) • 1.69 ACRES – Conveniently located in Plant City – (L-3) • 17 ACRES MOL – Commercial potential – Plant City (L-4) HISTORIC DISTRICT HOME 3 Bedroom – 2 Bath. Beautiful treed lot. This home has unlimited possibilities. (R-17)

COUNTRY FARM HOME -

3 Bedrooms – 1 Bath. Peaceful 10 acres, with possible income producing opportunities. (R10)

HOME ON 1 ACRE - 2 Bedroom – 1 Bath – 936 Sq. Ft. – Convenient to Schools, shopping and major highways (R-18)

BRING THE HORSES - 3 Bedroom – 2 Bath – 10 mol Acres – set up for the horse lover. (R-31)

• 45” x 450” – Bring your Mobile Home – (L-11) • 40 ACRES – Income producing – conveniently located in Plant City (L-2) • 292 ACRES MOL – Working cattle ranch with many other opportunities (L-5)

COUNTY LIVING AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE - 3 bedroom 2 bath home on 5 plus acres with beautiful oaks and hardwood trees. CALL TODAY (R-2)

WALDEN LAKE - 2 Bedroom – 2 Bath – 1596 Sq. Ft. – Home Warranty included (R-9)

AFFORDABLE - 3 Bedroom – 2 Bath – 1396 Sq.Ft. – Bonus room – Nice sized yard (R-1)

We Hope Everyone Has A Wonderful New Year

• INCOME PRODUCING – Mobile Home Park in Lakeland. 6 existing units, 8 potential rentals. Great opportunity! (C-4)

PROFESSIONAL REALTORS - WORKING FOR YOU!

We Build On Your Lot Or Ours

We Build Your Floor Plan Or Ours

Hurry in...ONLY 7 lots left in Southern Meadows to choose from.

SPRINGFIELD OFF SPARKMAN RD $69,900

SOUTHERN MEADOWS OFF TURKEY CREEK 1 Mile From Walden Lake

89,900

1+ ACRE HOMESITES AVAILABLE IN BOTH SUBDIVISIONS

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#ALL .ATALIE 3WEET s 813-758-9586 #ALL !NGEL -ILLER s 813-546-9863 ££äÊ7°Ê,iÞ `ÃÊ-Ì°Ê-Õ ÌiÊ£ä{ÊUÊ* > ÌÊ ÌÞ]Ê ÊUÊ* i\Ên£Î ÇxÇ ÇÓÇÊ ÀÊn£Î ÎÈÎ Óä{Ç ÜÜÜ° i Õ iðL â License #CBC1251837 FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 86

ADVANTAGE YOURS

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Custom Window Products & Home Accessories

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 87

PARK PLACE PROPERTIES REALTORÂŽ

813- 752- 5804

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PICTURE PERFECT Theres lots of space for a growing family in this 4 Bedrm 2Ba home surrounded by 2.13 acres . Screened back porch & above ground pool with deck. Plus a 20 x 24 two story barn & a 12 x 18 shed. PRICED REDUCED TO $179,900. #722

WELCOME HOME! You’ll feel cozy in this 3 BR 2BA family style home with great lay out for family living. Split Plan. Family Rm w/ Fireplace. Scrnd front porch. Tucked away on 1.4 acres completely fenced at the end of a private lane. PRICED BELOW APPRAISAL! $230,000. # 728

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WE’RE PUTTING YOU ON‌ to a great opportunity to own this 3 bedrm 2 bath ranch home w/1954 sq ft of living space on 3.75 acres. Fenced & Xfenced with a barn & small pond w/ ďŹ shing dock.. PRICED $80,000 BELOW APPRAISAL. Yours today for $319,900. #718

HERE’S THE KEY to your happiness. Move into this brand new 3BR 2BA home on an acre in Springhead. Great Room with ďŹ replace. Spacious master suite w/ two walk-in closets, garden tub & separate shower. An excellent price of $279,995. #607

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BEGINNERS LUCK

Ideal for family. This 2 BR block home is surrounded by a pretty acre lot. At the end of a long day you can relax & enjoy the nice covered patio. Don’t let this one get past you. It can be yours for an affordable $134,900. # 731

OFFICE BUILDING FOR SALE

Just south of downtown Plant City on a large corner lot. 5508 Gross Sq. Ft.block building with onsite parking. Priced below current appraisal! Now you can be the landlord for just $325,000. #732 t t t t t

HERMITS HIDEWAY 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 it’s natural habitat with small creek running through it. Priced below appraisal at $284,900. Make your appt today to see. #726

WALDEN LAKE RENTAL

Nice 3 Bedroom 2 Bath home in East Walden Lake. Available immediately. Good Credit Required. No Pets. $1100 Per Month. Call for Details.

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 88

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FREEDOM –

THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND –

RARE OPPORTUNITY WITH HILLSBOROUGH RIVER FRONTAGE…

NEW DOESN’T LOOK THIS GOOD!

CLASS AND COMFORT -

SWEETHEART STOP THE CAR!

4Bd/2Ba, 1650 SF on corner lot. Beautifully remodeled kitchen w/appliances, great floor plan, huge Family rm, large MB w/whirlpool for parents’ Get-A-Way! Fido & kids will love fenced yard and shed! Priced at only $179,900.#23

Spread your wings & all your things in this 3 BD 2BA, huge FR, LR & office w/2432 SF, 5 gorgeous ac in Lithia, minutes from Fishhawk! Beautiful new gourmet kitchen w/granite counters, upgraded appliances, custom cabinetry, tile floors & dining area. Enjoy Sc Lanai, workshop & Dbl C CPT. The manicured land offers a retreat from the hustle of it all! A must see! $494,900. (adjoining 5ac w/hm avail) #83

CHEERFUL ATMOSPHERE

3Bd/1Ba is conveniently located & minutes to Polk County Expressway. The seller’s has taken pride with remodeling of new roof, new interior and exterior paint, new kitchen cabinets and countertops, wood fence, new tile, and new bath rm. $159,900.#41

Impress your friends, 3137 SF, on ½ AC cul-desac home. Enjoy 4Bd/3Ba plus office, LR, DR, FR w/ Fireplace & built-ins. Generous Master suite, ceramic tile in traffic areas. Huge screened lanai w/sparkling pool offers summertime retreat. REDUCED!! - MAKE OFFER! - $459,900. #78

Five beautiful acres surround this charming, 2 BD, 1.5 BA Home in Lithia! Located on quiet deadend road this secluded hideaway offers huge GR 19x24 & MB 24X16! Spring fed pond loaded w/ fish, 2 sheds makes this a great value at $349,900. (adjoining 5ac w/home also avail) #84

SUMMER WAS MADE FOR THIS POOL & SPA HOME -

This 3Bd/2Ba home in Walden Lake boasts of cathedral ceilings, FR, DR & LR. Remodeled kitchen includes all appliances. Enjoy ceramic tile walk ways, heated pool & spa are perfect for entertaining family & guests, w/fenced backyard. This price can‘t be beat! Price Reduced to $248,900.#72

Just minutes over County Line Rd in Mulberry, you‘ll find a gem! 1512 SF, 3Bd/2Ba, nicely maintained on 1.30 acre on corner lot. A steal of a deal at $110,000! #87

CB - 2Bd/1Ba with formal Dining rm boasts of hardwood floors. Step out back door with pole and go fishin! Priced at only $274,900. #45

4Bd/2Ba, 1444 SF home located in desirable Royal Hills. Home features soaring cathedral ceilings, bright & cheerful living/dining rm area. The kitchen includes, range, microwave, & refrigerator. Separate dinette, inside utility, porch, and fenced yard. Big Value, Little Money For the Growing Family. Price reduced to $189,900. #3

RENTALS:

ACREAGE AND COMMERCIAL:

WALDEN LAKE POOL HOME FOR RENT

16 gorgeous 1+acre lots located in desirable Cork - Priced to sell from $85,000 to $128,000. Call to stake your claim on these wonderful country sites. #120-135

CEDAR RUN CONDO FOR RENT -

2Bd/2Ba - great condition, split bdrm plan, easy access to I-4, new Publix & more. $965/Month.

This well cared for 3/2 Homes of Merit home is located on beautiful 1.20 acres. Almost 1900 SF includes separate living rm w/bay window, formal dining rm with arched entryway, large family rm with custom plant ledges. Kitchen has large pantry, center island, w/ all appliances included. Master bath has his/her sinks, separate garden tub/shower. Detached workshop and single car garage and separate RV/boat parking. The kids will love the pool with pool deck. Priced at only $165,000.#50

This 3/2 doublewide mobile home located on 1.13 acres. This is a perfect location for country living with convenience to County Line Road and I-4. Separate living rm, family rm, dining rm, and inside laundry room. Includes refrigerator, range, microwave, washer and dryer. The large fenced yard has above ground pool with deck and shed. Priced at only $120,000 #31

SIX BEAUTIFUL BUILDING LOTS -

HILDA’S HEAVENLY ACRES…

4BD/2BA, like new! Completely remodeled 2400 SF (mol) new cabinets, new carpet and new appliances. Must See! $1950/Month

You‘ll get your money‘s worth in this lovely 2Bd starter home! Quiet cul-de-sac living, completely chain linked & wood privacy fenced makes this open patio & BBQ area a delight! Wood cabinetry, newer carpet & newer ceramic tile are only a few amenities to discover for only $119,900. Must see before it‘s too late! #29

IDEAL COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL!

Hwy 574 - 1.33 AC, this highly visible corner site is perfect for retail, business office, warehouse, etc. Priced right @ $399,500. Please call for more info. #60

Awaits your dream home. Located minutes from Plant City & Lakeland, sites offer 1.25 acres. Motivated seller says Bring Offers! Priced at $480,000 for 7.55 acres or $80,000 per 1.25 acres. Please call for more info. #107

US 98 NORTH...

2.35 acres MOL, busy highway frontage, great visibility, over 45,000 trips/ day. Zoning has multitude of uses - convenience store, storage bldg, bank, and more. Call for more details. $575,000. #40

ENTRY TO WALDEN LAKE!

Don’t miss this opportunity! 8.92 Ac, ideal for church, development, south of new YMCA, is pretty, high and dry! Additional sites adjoin parcel and are available. $895,000. #65

1514 S. Alexander St., #203, Plant City, FL 33563

813-659-3306 www.vogelrealtyservices.com

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 89

Randall & Kathleen Wainoris

REALTORÂŽ / Attorney at Law

REALTORÂŽ / Notary

Selling Plant City and Lakeland

813-997-3000 863-608-1557

Multi-Million Dollar Producer

sellmyhome@tampabay.rr.com

863-688-2822

TOLL FREE: 888-488-2822 • FAX 813-659-0196

PLANT CITY WITH NO DEED RESTRICTIONS

PLANT CITY GOLF COURSE HOME Wonderful 4 bed/3 bath pool home in beautiful Walden Lake. Very open split plan w/ volume ceilings, formal living room and dining room, family room with ďŹ replace and large island kitchen. Spread out in 2746 feet of living area for just $375,000.

WALDEN LAKE DREAM HOME

COUNTRY VIEW ESTATES

PLANT CITY GATED COMMUNITY

PLANT CITY MANUFACTURED HOME

ADORABLE 3 BEDROOM COUNTRY HOME ON 1.18 ACRES

PLANT CITY GOLF COURSE COMMUNITY

4.84 ACRES....BRING THE HORSES!

LAKELAND 3 BEDROOM 2 1/2 BATH CONDO Newly renovated two story condo. New carpet and paint throughout. Totally new hall bath, new exterior door, and freshened kitchen. Nice end unit with private patio and large side yard. Community pool. Great for 1st time buyer. Only $129,900.

INVESTMENT INCOME!

Over 4100 sq. foot, 4 bedroom 2 story home on 1/2 acre. Dramatic entry, living room with wood burning ďŹ replace. Downstairs master suite, separate hobby/computer room, and separate family/game room. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Beautiful property. Asking $474,900.

Delightful 3 bed/2 bath condo home in Laurel Lakes section of Walden Lakes. Formal living and dining rooms, Florida room with lots of windows. Over 2000 square feet of living area! Maintenance includes lawn care. Move in and relax at only $259,900.

PLANT CITY GREAT FAMILY HOME

Three bedroom, 2 bath split plan. Large back yard; perfect for the kids! Convenient location, close to I-4 and shopping. $5,000 allowance for closing costs/decorating allowance. Motivated sellers...bring offers! Price just reduced to sell at $147,500.

Affordable two bedroom, two bath manufactured home in the Meadows at Countrywood. Enjoy your morning coffee from the sun porch overlooking the water. Quiet dead-end street. Wonderful 55+ gated golf course community. Lot rent includes sewer and water. This home is furnished and won’t last at just $26,000.

Beautiful 3 bedroom with many upgrades including ceramic tile, upgraded appliances and cabinets, drywall and paved driveway. Additional den/nursery off of master. Very open oor plan, large master suite, and family room with ďŹ replace. $229,000.

MagniďŹ cent 5 Bedroom, 4 bath golf course pool home. Over 3600 square ft of living area. Volume ceilings, separate living room and family room with ďŹ replace, formal areas, separate workshop/study, and a huge outdoor patio surrounding pool. Gourmet kitchen w/ granite counters and stainless appliances. Motivated seller: Price reduced to just $449,000.

Huge country kitchen with wood burning stove. Formal dining room and living room with brick ďŹ replace. Large 28 X 10 outdoor porch and new detached 30 X 22 workshop/ garage. Beautiful country property with no deed restrictions. Great location close to shopping. Priced to sell at just $174,900

Beautifully maintained 3 bed/2 bath home with tremendous master suite that includes a huge bath and enormous walk-in closet. Huge island kitchen opens to dining room and living room with ďŹ replace. Large outdoor deck with pool is perfect for the family or entertaining. Asking just $119,900.

Bright and cheerful home with beautiful skylights throughout. Two bedrooms, two baths, newer roof and windows with ďŹ nished Florida room overlooking peaceful canal. Double car port, updated dining room with laminate ooring. Don’t miss this one at $40,000.

Two unit duplex in Tropical Acres area of Auburndale. Each unit has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths. Newer roof. Great rental area with solid rental history. Wonderful investment opportunity. Asking just $135,000.

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l Library, Inc. of the Bruton Memoria Published by the Friends PLANT CITY Number - Ask Vol. 13 anyone2in donĘźt know is the story behind Spring 2005 Plant City for a good place the days were spent in to eat name and who Grandpa Johnson biinto with getďŹ elds andthe and, odds are, youĘźll be directed in Tampa hisout father. Elton still smiles. as characters hang really is. he to FredĘźs Market Restaurant own backyards This right in our shouting or zarre scrapes remembers “hawâ€? and Tribune Tampa Grandpa JohnsonĘźs Barbeque. former “geeâ€? Dorsey, at the Tim is mule, and Ninety author laughs years ago, in the little town hereasin right Even out-of-towners are familiar will be speaking he remarks and he that kids today donĘźt of Opp, Alabama, Elton reporter, on May with these Plant City originals. Johnson ty know what those Room words mean. was born on April 28th. As own Moody Communi ourthe The Johnson family name has 7pm. oldest son among 8 children, 5th at become synonymous with he EltonĘźs father was a musical good quickly learned the value to southern cooking and classic of hard movedman sawin toIndiana, it that every washeborn work. By the time he wasTim Dorseyand barbeque. But what most a small 7 or inchild played and grew up an 1, instrument. people age of 8, old enough to hold a plow, the Sunday Florida his at afternoons wereof Miami called on the front town about an hour north spent from Auburn Riviera Beach. He graduated in Transportaa B.S. University in 1983 with of the editor was he Auburn, tion. While at Plainsman. student newspaper, The

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Thank you for joining us at Grandpa JohnsonĘźs Barbeque, we hope your experience has been enjoyable! Each day we strive to serve the best barbeque in the best way possible. Our sauces and rubs are the product of countless hours of testing, tasting, and reďŹ ning recipes. Our menu items have been carefully selected to give you a true barbeque experienc e and good southern cooking. A few of our items are offered because they are regional favorites such as strawberry shortcake - others are family recipes, passed down through the generations. We are “smokinĘź proudâ€? of our restaurant, food and service but above all, we are barbeque fans and appreciate any comments you may have. We are glad you stopped by and look forward to seeing you again soon.

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porch practicing together. This was especially hard for Elton, who – like most young boys – would have rather been running and playing games with his friends. Even so, those Sunday afternoons instilled a strong family bond in the Johnson clan. In 1932, at the age of 17, Elton moved south with his family.

They had heard through friends that there were good opportunitie s in Central Florida. They settled in the Coronet area and worked together picking strawberries to make a living. Over the next few years, Elton spent time at a CCC Camp (Civilian Conservation Continued on Page 3 “History of Grandpa JohnsonĘźs BBQâ€?

he was a police and courts From 1983 to 1987, Journal, the now-dereporter for The Alabama Montgomery. He r in funct evening newspape in 1987 as a genjoined The Tampa Tribune also worked as a He eral assignment reporter. e TribuneĘźs Tallahasse in political reporter the editor. From 1994 to bureau and a copy desk night metro editor 1999, he was the TribuneĘźs He left the paper r. and night news coordinato time. He lives in full in August 1999 to write He daughters. two and Tampa with his wife is 44.

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send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

sports & fitness racing

Story by joe bow les / p hotos courtesy of t h e va r n a do r e fa m i ly

Left to right: Gwendel, Minerva, Travis, Mavrick, Dean, Aaron Dodd (Travis & Mavrick’s half-brother), Earl Miller (family friend) and Bobby Hansen (mechanic).

Racing Is What We Do

Love for Family and Love for Racing Go Together When Gwendel Varnadore took his two young sons to East Bay Raceway the very first day in opened for practice runs in 1977, it probably never entered his mind that one day his boys would be the owners of the track. But that is what happened in 2002 when four friends, Al and Dean Varnadore, Fred Lay and Todd Hutto, pooled their money together and purchased the 1/3 mile oval dirt track and all that goes with it. After a few years, another friend, Mike Dezarn, bought Fred Lay’s interest and the four owners share the responsibilities of running the East Bay Raceway Park. East Bay Raceway stays busy most of the year with races nearly every Saturday night that average 1200 in attendance to the hectic Winter National events that begin the last of January and run through the month of February, when the track is busy for 20 out of 30 days and attendance averaging close to 3500 each evening. For Dean Varnadore and his family, it is more than a monetary investment; it is what they do as a family. His dad and mom, Minerva,

his wife Robin, and his two sons, Travis and Mavrick are at the track nearly every time it is open. In fact, Dean met Robin at a racetrack years ago when he was behind the wheel at Auburndale Speedway. “Robin goes to all the races but she has never raced herself,” Dean mused. “It is what we do as a family. I have always loved being around cars, building them, and racing them and now I’m able to spend time at the race track with my family.” Travis, age 16, started racing go carts at the age of 8 and Mavrick, age 14, started when he was 5. They both have had a lot of success. Travis was the track champion in 2006 in the Outlaw 4’s classification (mini-stocks) and Mavrick placed fifth this year in the same class. Dean’s fondest memory was when Travis won his first feature last year. “Winning was good, but watching Travis win last year was the best.” Each Saturday drivers compete in eight different classifications. Each class has 8 lap heats where drivers jockey for position to race in the 25 lap feature. Points are awarded and a track

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 92

champion is recognized at the end of the season.

From left to right: Dean, Travis and Mavrick in Victory Lane

East Bay Raceway Park has been a memorable place through the years. Often up and coming drivers come to East Bay to hone their skills. NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon competed in his first race at East Bay when he was 13 and NASCAR favorites Tony Stewart, Kenny Wallace, and Ken Schrader have also been a part of the history of the track. Travis loves to race. “It’s fun. It keeps me busy. I love to be around cars and the competition.” Travis believes that driving a race car for a living may be unrealistic, but you never know. Local favorite Dave Reutimann is now on the NASCAR circuit so nothing is impossible especially if you are successful like Travis and happen to have a racing family like his that provides lots of support.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 93

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 94

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nation’s top hospitals for heart attack care is only a heartbeat away.

3OUTH &LORIDA "APTIST (OSPITAL IS PROUD TO RECEIVE THE COVETED 02%-)%2 !7!2$ FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEART ATTACK CARE -ORE THAN A REWARD FOR US IT S ASSURANCE FOR YOU THAT WE OFFER THE MOST ADVANCED TREATMENT OPTIONS RIGHT HERE IN YOUR COMMUNITY 7HICH IS ANOTHER REASON WHY WE RE THE .5-"%2 /.% HOSPITAL YOU SHOULD TURN TO n IN A HEARTBEAT

. !LEXANDER 3TREET 0LANT #ITY &, L L WWW SOUTHFLORIDABAPTIST COM FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 95

send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

sports & fitness sports

Story by kriste n to ney

Larry Langston at llangston@plantcitygov. com or (813) 659-4200 X 4302. The 2007 Holiday Classic Tennis Tournament for ages 14 and 16 was held at the Plant City Tennis Center on December 8-10. 29 youth participated in the USTA sanctioned event. Tennis Professional C. Shane Johnson stated, “Plant City had a great showing of participants this past weekend at the tournament. It’s encouraging to see the community come out and support our local events.” There’s a new park coming to Plant City that will benefit soccer, baseball and softball teams!

Youths ages 4-18 (as of 06/01/08) register for the 32nd season of PCRPD/Optimist Youth Soccer at the Recreation and Parks Administration Office. A true grass-roots program; basic soccer is the goal, definitely not a competitive program! The seven-game season is played at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, starting in late March and running through early June. One practice a week during the season – practice dates are set by the coaches after teams are formed in early March. The registration fee is only $22, which includes their game jersey and accident insurance. A copy of the birth certificate is required if we have not seen it already for flag football or basketball. A registration form and more information are available at www. plantcitygov.com/rec - click the Youth Soccer

link. Information can also be obtained from Danny Smith at dsmith@plantcitygov.com/rec or (813) 659-4200 X 4313. On January 17, the USF Baseball Clinic will be held at Mike Sansone Park, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Come out and participate in a baseball led by USF Bulls Baseball staff and players. $20 camp fee includes instruction and clinic tee shirt. For more information, contact Larry Langston at llangston@plantcitygov.com or (813) 659-4200 X 4302. Adult Softball Umpires are wanted for games being played at the Randy L. Larson Softball Fourplex and Plant City Stadium. For more information, contact

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 96

Ellis-Methvin Park will hold 2 soccer fields, 1 baseball field, 1 softball field, 2 temporary practice fields, over 4,700 linear feet of sidewalk trails, paved driveways, grass parking, and stormwater infrastructure to support the entire park. Construction is in progress on the East side of town at 2401-2601 East Cherry Street, bordered by Cherry Street on the north and Wilder Road on the east. (The location is just south of the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex on 46+ acres where development began in 2005. The Plant City Tennis Center is on the southern 8 acres and is now open at 120 North Wilder Road.

Chiropractic A Primary Health Care Provider

The above was the heading of a July 1, 2005 story appearing in The Daily News Central from Las Vegas, Nevada. The story reported that a Consumer Reports survey of more than 34,000 of their readers were asked to rank the treatments that worked best for them. According to those who responded to the survey, hands-on treatment, such as chiropractic, worked better than conventional treatments for such conditions as back pain and arthritis. Chiropractic was ranked ahead of all conventional treatments, including prescription drugs, by readers with back pain. Respondents also noted that chiropractic provided relief for neck pain as well. In addition to chiropractic, people who responded to the survey also used such non medicinal services as deep tissue massages and herbal remedies, but reported that these were less effective than chiropractic. Gray’s Anatomy 29th Edition page 4 states that- “Nervous system controls and coordinates all organs and structures of the human body�. Many chiropractors however, resist being labeled as alternative, maintaining that chiropractic has become a mainstream service. According to the Center for Studies in Health Policy, “The Doctor of Chiropractic can provide all three levels of primary care interventions and therefore is a primary care provider. Therefore, start the New Year in better health- Contact us for answers to many health conditions. Special Note: We would like to wish everyone a Happy and Blessed New Year!

Dr. Brenda Dukes • Chiropractic Physician s 7ALDEN 7OODS $R s 0LANT #ITY &,

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

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Children’s Backpack Injuries

Facts: With increasing backpack weights, students are at an increased risk for muscle strains and related injuries. Not all that long ago children’s injuries due to muscle strains were almost nonexistent. Due to increasingly heavier loads that children today are required to repetitively lift and carry throughout the day there has been an increase in muscle strains and related injuries. Kids will complain of tension headaches, neck, mid and lower back pain without incident. They will have increased difďŹ culty concentrating at school as a result of the pain they are experiencing. Backpacks should weigh less than 20% of the student’s body weight. Straps should ďŹ t comfortably and not cut into the students shoulders. The bottom line is that backpacks need to be lighter (the lighter the better) and children need to be more active. Risk Factors: Risk factors for back pain include repetitive lifting/carrying, highly repetitive sports related activities that involve spinal rotation (for example swinging a baseball bat), poor physical ďŹ tness, adolescent growth spurts, poor posture, and increased time spent on sedentary activities (watching television and sitting in front of a computer for extended periods of time). Treatment: At Allcare our highly trained and experienced team has been treating headaches, neck, mid and lower back pain in Plant City for over 17 years. Dan Manfre, PT is the president of Allcare and has been a physical therapist successfully treating spine patients for over 20 years.

Tips: 1. Use backpacks that ďŹ t the child appropriately. Find backpacks with wide, padded, adjustable straps and ensure the children use them correctly over both shoulders. Watch for awkward posturing. 2. Adjust loads so that the heaviest items are carried as close to the center of the back as possible. This will make the burden easier to carry and will prevent sagging that can bang against the lumbar spine.

3. Children should be taught how to properly lift their backpacks onto their shoulders to avoid injury. They should use their legs and now twist or stoop over excessively. 4. Help children weed through papers and books to lighten the load, keeping only the items needed for each school day in the backpack.

5. Consider collaborating with teachers to explore options including online books, photocopying key pages instead of toting the entire book around or using CD-ROM technology to ease the transport of homework between school and home.

6. Know how much your child weighs and routinely weigh their backpack to assure that it is not getting too heavy (greater than 20% of the child’s body weight).

7. Improve your child’s ďŹ tness level by starting them on an appropriate exercise program while decreasing television/computer time. This will help reduce fatigue and muscle strains. FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 99

sports & fitness athleteofthemonth

Story and Photo by Ho lly M allali eu

send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

high school athlete of the month

Collisha Walker Great athletes are in large supply at Plant City High School, and one of them is certainly Collisha Walker. A 17-year-old in the middle of her junior year, Collisha, or, as she’s more commonly known, “Neka”, has been playing for the Lady Raiders basketball team since she started out as a freshman. Now, with three consecutive successful seasons under her belt, the time is more than right to recognize her as this month’s highlighted high school athlete. “She has a very high ‘basketball IQ’”, said her coach, Ginger Forte, and after playing AU for 2 years, the city league for 3, and the team at Marshall Middle School, that comes as no surprise at all. As her coach for the past three years, Forte knows her pretty well-“She’s a quick, aggressive player and a great student academically and athletically.” Besides basketball, Collisha’s number one sport, she keeps busy with flag football, and this coming season will be her second year playing. Collisha really enjoys playing basketball with all of her friends. The Lady Raiders are a great team altogether, but wouldn’t be the same without this athlete. Her position this season is point-guard, so be sure to look out for #12 at the next basketball game! FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 100

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sports & fitness sherrynueesch

submit ted by s herry nu eesch

Saved by the Bell Bell peppers are a great source of vitamin C. If you thought citrus fruits packed a powerful punch when it comes to being a good source of vitamin C, peppers have them beat. Green peppers have twice the amount of vitamin C by weight than citrus fruits, and this powerful punch of vitamin C is an antioxidant that may be effective in preventing certain cancers. Red bell peppers have three times as much vitamin C as the green varieties and are a good source of beta carotene. Bell peppers can be found in a rainbow of colors and can vary in flavor. The variety of the pepper plant and the stage of the ripeness determine the flavor and color of each pepper. For example, a red bell pepper is simply a mature green bell pepper. As a bell pepper ages, its flavor becomes sweeter and milder. Red bell peppers contain eleven times more beta carotene than green bell peppers. A whole cup of red pepper only has 24 calories. As you can see from the chart below they pack a powerhouse of nutrients and will not wreck your New Year’s Resolution.

Drain peppers and remove most of the black scarring from the roasting process. Place all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Season to taste. This also freezes really well so you can use the amount that you need and freeze the rest. Bon appetite!

Peppers are called the Christmas ornaments of the vegetable world Amount

DV (%)

Nutrient Density

World's Healthiest Foods Rating

vitamin C

174.80 mg

291.3

211.1

excellent

vitamin A

5244.00 IU

104.9

76.0

excellent

0.23 mg

11.5

8.3

excellent

dietary fiber

1.84 g

7.4

5.3

very good

molybdenum

4.60 mcg

6.1

4.4

very good

vitamin K

4.51 mcg

5.6

4.1

very good

manganese

0.11 mg

5.5

4.0

very good

folate

20.24 mcg

5.1

3.7

very good

potassium

162.84 mg

4.7

3.4

good

vitamin B1 (thiamin)

0.06 mg

4.0

2.9

good

vitamin E

0.63 mg

3.1

2.3

good

0.01 g

3.1

2.3

good

Nutrient

vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

tryptophan

Peppers are in season copper 0.06 mg 3.0 2.2 good right now so enjoy them. Most local markets sell them this time of the year two for a dollar. Eating nutrient dense food is your best insurance policy. As always, to your health, Sherry Nueesch.

Bell peppers are available and are in good supply all year, but they are more plentiful and less expensive during the winter months here in Florida. Fresh peppers come in variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, but when selecting them, they all follow the same guidelines. Their skin should be firm without any wrinkles, and the stem should be fresh and green. They should feel heavy for their size. Avoid peppers with sunken areas, slashes or black spots. Here is one of my favorite recipes for red peppers. I use this as a sauce for meatloaf and for crab cakes. It is good enough to eat as a soup. I think you could use this for a variety of meat dishes. I am going to leave the same two garlic cloves as is in the original recipe. I, however, use at least six cloves. I like garlic and I don’t like vampires! The original recipe calls for roasting 9 large bell peppers. For the sake of time I use two jars of roasted peppers instead. Red Pepper Sauce Makes 4 cups Two 12 ounce jars of roasted red peppers 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar One third cup sun dried tomatoes packed in olive oil Sea salt and pepper

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 102

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FOCUS Magazine โ ข January 15 - February 15, 2008 โ ข Page 103

local history didyouknow

submit ted by P lant City Photo A rc hi ves

send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Colonel James Laurens Young

Attorney, Politician, Businessman, and More Born in 1847 in Laurens County, South Carolina, named for statesman Henry Laurens, James was one of six children and at the age of four moved with his family to Mississippi. When the Civil War broke out, the Young family responded. James Young was but fifteen when he enlisted; he served with a Regiment of the Mississippi Cavalry until the war ended. Young returned home after the war then pursued his education, receiving his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 1869. He established and operated a successful law practice in New Albany, Mississippi, from 1870 to 1885. He married Mississippi-native Jennie F. Thompson during that time and they had two children, Roy L. and Calvin T. Young. Now widely known as Colonel Young, he settled in Plant City in 1886. For 13 years he was the legal representative for the Florida Central and Pacific Railroad. He was a Mason, member of the Mystic Shrine, an elder at the Presbyterian Church, and an active member of Hillsboro Camp No. 1, Confederate Veterans. Col. Young was elected to the city council in 1889 and in 1890 became chairman of the council. He served on the committee that established Oaklawn Cemetery and promoted public works and city improvement. Elected to the Florida House of Representatives, Col. Young served the district in Tallahassee in 1897-98 and again in 1901-02. With his friend, Moreau Estes Moody, and a number of other prominent civic leaders, Young was an organizer of the Hillsboro State Bank in 1902. He served as the first president and continued until his death in 1928. Under his direction the bank constructed the prominent large bank building at the southwest corner of Collins and Reynolds Street in 1914. Col. Young took the lead in establishing the Plant City Granite Brick Company in 1906. The brick company constructed a large modern

plant and began producing high-quality granite bricks. Many of the brick buildings constructed in Plant City following the devastating fires of 1907, as well as the power plant at Coronet mines (1908), were built with bricks from this plant. Ironically, the brick plant was destroyed by fire in 1911. In 1923 Col. Young and his son, Dr. Calvin T. Young, teamed up with Moreau Estes Moody and the Young & Moody Building opened to fanfare in 1924, with the Capitol Theatre occupying much of the building. The Young & Moody Building has recently undergone an extensive renovation and once again is a real gem in Plant City’s historic downtown. Col Young remained as president of the Hillsboro State Bank until his death in 1928 at the age of 80 years. His wife passed away in 1933. Of their sons, Roy Young had moved to New York, and Dr. Calvin Young and his wife moved into the Young homestead on Reynolds Street. Dr. Calvin T. Young practiced medicine in Plant City for awhile, then served as an officer of the State Board of Health, was president of the Florida State Board of Health for a period, then retired from medicine and returned to Plant City to become president of the Hillsboro State Bank, following Thomas Edwin Moody, who died in 1948. Dr. Young served as bank president until his death in 1955. Mrs. Young had died in 1938; they had no children. Sources: Plant City Photo Archives, Inc., Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr., Plant City; Its Origin and History, 1984.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 104

Hard Working, Self-Motivated Team Members Needed! Printing & Sealing Production Technicians needed. Starting wages up to $12.45 per hour. Candidates with 2 yrs mfg. and Production exp preferred. Experienced Maintenance Technicians needed with excellent mechanical & electrical skills 5 +years maintenance experience in manufacturing/industrial facility preferred. Salary range $18.95/hr to $24.95/hr. Written assessment required. All hourly positions include a benefits package of health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, 401 K with company match, pension and gain sharing bonus. Interested candidates should apply in person at Evergreen Packaging located at 2104 Henderson Way

813-752-2150 or fax a resume to (813) 719-3108. We are proud to be a Drug Free Work Place. E/O/E MFVD. Background Check and Drug Screen required.

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 105

local history yearbook

Looking Back Some of Plant City’s Finest in the Early Years!

Buddy Johnson

Plant City High School’s Class of 1970

David Galloway Plant City High School’s Class of 1970

He was Class President his Senior Year, a Senior Superlative, Co-Editor of the Yearbook, member of the Basketball Team, National Honor Society, Key Club, FCA and Letterman Club.

He was a Senior Superlative, Yearbook Photographer, member of the Golf Team, National Honor Society, Key Club, President of the Student Senate, FCA Member and Letterman Club Member.

In his “grown-up” years, he co-founded Buddy Freddy’s restaurant, spent three terms in the Florida House of Representatives and is now the Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections

In his “grown-up” years, he owns his own law firm here in Plant City.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 106

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 107

extra alruechel

submit ted by al ru ec hel

The Problem With “Things”! Like most Americans we have more things than we need. Okay, Christmas is well over and we are into a New Year. But this thought struck me as I was going through our family videos of past Christmas celebrations and birthdays. All of the “things” we gave each other, all of the gadgets and gizmo’s, all of the Easy Bake ovens, all of the toy trucks and roller blades and special shirts and skirts and sweaters are either broken or have fallen apart or are stretched out, stained, or sitting on the bookcase gathering dust. Like most Americans we have more things than we need. Yes, some things do last longer than others, and they bring us a certain amount of joy, though it’s not as much as we probably envisioned before we received the item. The fact is, things do not last. The principle of “entropy” correctly suggests that everything is in a state of decay or coming apart. It has nothing to do with how well you care for it or try to preserve it in a special box or picture frame. Things have a shelf life and it’s darn short. Some obsolescence is defiantly planned, while most is just the nature of time. Fads fade, trends topple, styles stagnate…need I continue? What has lasting significance, what matters the most are things seen with the heart. That’s what Christmas and the New Year and holiday celebrations should be about. I look at each Christmas ornament and remember the past moments of our family history. I see us tramping through a Christmas tree lot looking for “the perfect tree”. Hey, any tree that ends up in our living room, its branches graced with our hundreds of ornaments, becomes the perfect tree. I look for the pictures of our kids in their handmade ornaments from elementary school. We’ve got a piece of an orange peel that one of my sons put on the tree as a joke years ago. I don’t remember why he put it there, I just know everyone in the family expects

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 108

it to be there each year. If I close my eyes in the colored hew of the twinkling lights I can almost hear voices from the past: “Daddy, that bike is just what I wanted.” “A high school letter jacket, Mom, how did you know?” “It’s a Barbie Castle. Can I sleep in it?” “We got a puppy! Look it’s a puppy!” Sheila, our Australian Sheppard, is now 17 years old. There’s a pretty good chance she won’t be here next time we put up the tree. Two of our four children will likely be moving up north this next year to follow their dreams. Things will not be the same next year, no matter how hard we’d like to keep them that way. Yet, there is one gift that never fades. It’s a gift that grows richer every day, which distance and time cannot tarnish. It is the gift of faith. In our family that treasure we carry disguised in an earthen vessel is the belief that Jesus Christ is all He said he was. The baby Jesus isn’t myth or a nice story that competes with Santa. We believe Jesus was born, killed and miraculously rose from the dead to prove to creation that the only thing that lives forever is our soul. That simple statement is the cement that holds the Ruechel clan together, not just at Christmas, but 364 other days of the year. It’s not up for debate. It doesn’t matter if we are Republicans, Democrats or Independents. It doesn’t matter if I’m on TV or pushing a broom at the Salvation Army. It isn’t affected by fads, or styles, or what’s considered to be politically correct. It isn’t a copycat faith of mom and dad but an individual, very personal relationship we all have with a living God. It doesn’t even matter if you agree with me or are following some other belief system. It is fact driven by faith, fed by the Word of God, lived out through daily experiences sometimes filled with painful struggling, other times bursting with incredible joy, peace and contentment. I’m telling you this because I’ve seen and talked with so many people who are mesmerized by “things” of this material world that they miss the whole point of living. I seem to run into them more at Christmas than any other time of the year. It’s sad to me that we are all so busy rushing around filling our moments with total fluff we miss the point of those quiet moments of reflection around the Christmas tree, or maybe out in the backyard, or on the beach under a full moon. It would be easy to preach a sermon here, but I won’t. Let me instead challenge you this 2008 to make it your best year ever. I challenge you to put aside the “things” and look at what’s inside of you, the things that really matter, whether you believe we are just a collection of dust or might be created for a kind of greatness we can never fully understand in the flesh, whether you believe your purpose in life is gathering things and accumulating as much money or fame as time will allow, or considering the well fare of all mankind to be your business, as Charles Dickens so aptly writes in “The Christmas Carole”. Now that is excitement that won’t fade once the last ornament is put in its box and tucked away in the attic until next year.

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www.CamelliaRose.com FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 109

extra thisibelieve

By Joyc e N e st e r send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Coffee 101 is hosting a monthly community event called This I Believe. Modeled after the series on NPR reviving an Edward R. Murrow radio program from the 1950’s, This I Believe is a national media guide project engaging citizens in writing, sharing and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their daily lives. Each month Focus will choose a This I Believe Essay to highlight and publish. Come join the group of This I Believe right here in Plant City every first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m. held at Coffee 101. For more information call (813) 659-0101.

I’m OK

with Being my Mom I moved away from my childhood home when I went to college, and I never lived there again. My adult life has been spent two thousand miles away, and for 30 years I only saw my mother twice a year. Yet the 17 years I spent with her were more powerful and influenced me more than my experiences the other 30 years. I understand why I look like her. I catch a glimpse of her in all the mirrors and store windows every day. But how is it that I have her mannerisms, views on the world, and manner of speaking too?

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This year, we spent the Thanksgiving holiday with my siblings at my childhood home, which is now the home of my older brother. I have four brothers, two sons, and two grandsons. When speaking about one of them, I did the exact same thing my mother used to do, and that is to go through a litany of all names, as though we cannot pull one name by itself up in our brains. And not just that, I talk with my hands like my mom, I crease my forehead when I’m deep in thought, I purse my lips the same way when I read – things that should not be hereditary but yet seem to be. It’s not that I mind how her influence impacted me; there is no one I’d rather be like than my mom. I don’t understand why I’m exactly like her, but I believe in the power of her influence. She was the single most important person in my life, and I’m proud of who she was, and how she lived her life, which was to always do what was best, at that given point in time. I’d like to think I try to do that too.

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 110

I believe my mother’s influence transcended 30 years and two thousand miles to influence me in so many ways, and therefore I thank her for the positive traits; my work ethic, empathy for others, love for my country, love for reading and music, and dedication to my family. I forgive her for the ones that aren’t so positive. Knowing all this, I try to be careful how I influence my sons. They don’t have a two thousand mile buffer. I believe no influence is as great as a mother’s, as is no love greater. I believe I will always miss my mother in an indescribable way, every single day, for the rest of my life.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 111

They’re called memories.

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 112

By Ma ry Pat F it z g i bbo n s send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

extra tips

Some things really do last forever.

7 Tips

to Keeping New Year Resolutions New Year Resolutions! We make ‘em, and then we break ‘em. Did you know that 2008 is a beginning year of a 9-year cycle in numerology? This is a great time to make some changes. However, many of us have grand ideas about personal change, only to find that it is all forgotten by the second weekend of January. Here are my suggestions to setting successful New Year resolutions. First off, make them. New Year’s can be a good time to evaluate last year’s goals and set new goals. Your birthday can be another great time to set yearly goals and resolutions. The definition of insanity is to keep doing what you have always done, expecting different results. So, make a goal, set a New Year’s resolution. Next, keep it simple. You might need to lose 100 pounds, but start with 10 pound weight loss goal. This is called the salami method. You can’t eat a whole salami at once, but you can eat it, one slice at a time. Once you have made your mini goal, set a new one. In line with keeping it simple, pick 2 or 3 small changes that move you towards your goal. Here are some examples for this weight loss theme. If you have not been exercising, commit to walking 15 minutes 3 times a week or park farther away and walk. Pick something doable for your diet changes. This could be eating breakfast or not super sizing your lunch. The point is, pick something small that you can commit to and do it. Write down your goal. Most folks fail to reach their goals simply because they did not write them down. Get a notebook for your goal, write it down and log your progress. Next, tell a friend about your goal. Better yet, get a friend to share your resolution with and help each other stay on task. Check in regularly with each other. That could be by meeting at the gym one day a week or a phone call. It is harder to make excuses; your friend will not let you off the hook. Important.... As the Nike ad says “Just Do It!� People will do what they really want. You can fit these small changes into your life. Why? You are worth it. You are worth being healthier, physically fit, slimmer, richer, happier, or whatever you want. You will not get there, unless you do it. So “Do It!� Lastly, make a commitment on your calendar to review your progress. Weekly is good. Look for the times you where able to keep the change and the times you choose not to keep the change. What do you need to do to keep implementing this small change in your life for the next week? If you need to change something, do it. This will keep you on your goal track.

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extra WordsofCharacter

sto ry a n d p hotos by k r i st en ton ey send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Springhead Elementary School Shares What They Know About Caring

The Hillsborough County Public Schools Guidance Counselors have announced the Character words for 2008, and we wanted to be a part! Each month, Focus Magazine will profile several students from a Plant City area school and ask them for their personal definitions of that month’s character word. We promise, you will be inspired by their answers!

Back row, left to right: Karlie Reed & Hannah Spivey. Front row, left to right: Eric Ugarte, Jackson Padgett & Jarondi Collins.

This month we stopped by Springhead Elementary School, and with the help of their counselor, Annette Kilgore, we interviewed five students for their views on January’s word: Caring. Hannah Spivey – 2nd Grade – Age 7 (“about to turn 8”) “Caring means to me it means that I just give respect to people, co n t in ued on pag e 116 FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 114

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extra WordsofCharacter

spr i n g h e a d e l e m e n ta ry sc hoo l continued from page 114

and the people who are nice to me I care for them, and the people who think I’m nice to them, I’m sure they care for me, too.� Jackson Padgett – Kindergarten – Age 5 (“about to turn 6 on February 21�) “If my mom tells me I’m having a bad attitude, that’s not caring. And if I’m nice then I’m caring.� Jarondi Collins – 4th Grade – Age 9 “To love people and like other people and be nice to them, and if you feel bad for other people to help them.�

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“That means to help people and stuff like that and to help other people that are hurt, and to respect your moms and your dads and everybody that’s in your family.� Sometimes the words of a child are the most profound of all. Thanks to Hannah, Jackson, Jarondi, Karlie and Eric, as well as to Annette Kilgore, for all she does for our children.

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dining & entertainment diningprofile

Story and Photos by W endy S. B row n

send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q Slow-cooking at its best

Specialties St. Louis Ribs, BBQ chicken, sliced pork with fries and garlic bread.

Mmm mm! When my taste buds are just yearning for sliced pork and hot crispy fries, I head to Sonny’s Real Pit Bar-B-Q. Sonny’s serves succulent meaty St. Louis ribs, tender sliced pork, beef, turkey, moist smoked chicken, golden corn bread, crispy garlic bread, and their famous beans. In 2004, Sonny’s for the third consecutive year was voted #1 in the Southern Living Magazine Reader’s Choice Award for the best Bar-B-Q in the South. Sonny’s Bar B-Q has been in Florida since 1968, with the first store in Gainesville, and in Plant City for ten years now. They began franchising in 1977. The Plant City location offers catering, a drive thru lane, and according to customer James Thornhill, “Very friendly and nice waitresses.” This company prefers smaller

Mike Didiano holds St. Louis Style ribs.

communities. Theresa Randall, Vice President of Sonny’s in Charlotte, North Carolina tells the origination of this restaurant chain. Sonny Tilman, the original owner of Sonny’s Bar B-Q was a good ole farm boy who started a local BBQ joint which later became a franchise. Sonny was basically a small town boy trying to make a living. Ed Tubel owns all eight Sonny’s restaurants in Hillsborough County. He is the president of fourteen stores that employ five hundred people, who are all treated like family. Ed, a native of Jacksonville and Gator graduate, actually met Sonny Tilman in Gainesville and gave him his first catering job. These men became friends and when Ed decided to change careers from Exxon, Sonny offered him a franchise in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to Theresa, a twenty-five year employee, Ed Tubel’s two favorite things about running this business are providing a living for his five hundred employees and providing service to the community. The secret to Tilman’s success is leadership and the ability to forecast. For forty years, Sonny’s has used time tested recipes and authentic slow-smoked barbeque while offering

Customers, Robin Levensky and Brittany Akers.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 118

homey hospitality and generous portions. All meats are smoked on the premises and all salad bar items are prepared fresh daily from scratch. Your meat order is even cut to order. Great sides are corn on the cob, French fries, baked or sweet potato, garlic or cornbread, macaroni and cheese, BBQ beans, coleslaw, green bean or potato salad. If you have any room left after your meal, fruit cobbler, banana pudding or the daily dessert await. Most people order pork whether ribs, pulled, or sliced with the world famous beans and crispy fries. Sonny’s wants to be a family destination offering a pleasant atmosphere for all generations. They offer a variety like diet items, more green veggies, salads, appetizers, steak, shrimp, catfish, and chicken tenders so there is something for everyone. You can choose from several sauce selections, sandwiches, and sides. There is even a feast for four! Customers Robin Levensky and Brittany Akers love Sonny’s pork and ribs plate so much they come for lunch once a week. So come out to Sonny’s for fresh quality at a reasonable price! Sonny’s Real Pit Bar B-Q 1102 Goldfinch Blvd. Plant City, Florida. 33565 (813) 757-3118, FAX: (813) 759-0719 Hours: Sun-Thurs. 11-9:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 11-10 p.m. Credit Cards accepted Children’s menu Price range: $5.49-$14.99 with lunch specials and BBQ to go

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 119

dining & entertainment entertainmentstory

Story and photo by Dani el Sp erry

send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

The Christmas Spirit Reigns

An Ozark Mountain Christmas Comes to Town It was a Christmas treat in Red Rose style at the ballroom in Plant City. The Yearys’ Ozark Mountain Christmas came to town direct from Branson, Missouri. Denny and Sheila Yeary have been performing in Branson for the last six years and have created a spectacular performance that has to be seen to be believed. It is not as easy as it might seem to capture the magic of the holiday season while bringing quality music and vocal performances to the stage, but this year’s Christmas show at the Red Rose Ballroom did exactly that. The audience was a blend of young and old and the atmosphere at the Red Rose was full of Christmas spirit. As people arrived for the performance and took their places at the candlelit tables in the ballroom, an air of expectation filled the room. P.J. Leary opened the performance with his band’s usual panache and set the tone for the headline group to come. When the Yearys’ took the stage and began performing their Christmas show, a hush fell over the audience and it was clear that everyone was enraptured by the way the music and lighting brought the feeling of Christmas to the hall. The performance was reminiscent of big-budget “Opry Christmas Shows” that take place up and down the eastern seaboard in South Carolina and Georgia. And no one had to wonder whether the true meaning of Christmas would be lost, because with their Gospel roots, the Yearys made sure that the birth of Jesus was never far from the audiences mind. When Sheila Yeary performed her rendition of the amazing “Mary, Did You Know,” many in the crowd had tears in their eyes. Her singing was so sincere and heartfelt, it was impossible not to understand how important the role of the Nativity is and was for the holiday that we all celebrate each year. The Yearys are known nationwide for their award winning shows. Their performance in Plant City brought love, laughter, harmonies, incredible production values, dance and amazing vocals into the hearts of all who were present. The Red Rose outdid itself with the food and drinks that were a part of the evening’s experience and the staff was professional and personal throughout the night. A representative for the Yearys said that they continue to have sell out audiences everywhere they go. Wherever this show appears, people cannot stop talking about how much they enjoyed it. Mark Johnson was at the performance and loved every minute. “I was just so touched by the show,” he said. “I really hope that they come back next year, this was the best Christmas show I’ve ever seen.” Joining Dennis and Sheila Yeary was their daughter McKayla. She brought her musical skills along with championship clogging talent to the stage and lit up every number that she was part of. Also joining the Yearys was the legendary Everette Reece. Reece is affectionately referred to as “Grandpa” by the group and he honed his piano skills and gentle humor during his years with the Oak Ridge Boys.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 120

McKayla Yeary demonstrates her newest skills on the guitar

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 121

dining & entertainment entertainmentstory

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send questions and comments to ktoney@floydpublications.com

Bluegrass Meets Modern Day Java

Thursday Night Jam Session Draws Crowds On Thursday night, downtown Plant City lights up with the sounds of classic bluegrass. Following the sounds brings one into the new coffee shop, Coffee 101, where as many as 20 musicians may be sitting in a circle playing their fiddles, guitars and banjos. The Bluegrass Jam started just a few months ago, but it has progressively grown each week with more and more people showing up to participate as well as to drink coffee and enjoy the music. “I come every week,” said Mike McGee. “I could sit here all night, just tapping my feet.” The sounds are magical. Many of the musicians do not play together regularly, yet somehow when the playing begins, everyone seems to find the same rhythm and the harmonies fill the air. When asked how they know what to play, one of the musicians just smiled. “It’s all stuff we’ve known our whole lives,” he said. “One of us just starts playing and the rest just join in naturally. We don’t even have to think about it.” There is no age requirement to join the Jam. There was a young man in his teens playing the banjo and a man in his seventies playing the guitar. The most incredible thing about this weekly event is how much the participants seem to enjoy themselves. “It’s a bit like stepping back in time,” said Amanda Warren as she watched. “It’s like sitting on your grandpa’s back porch thirty years ago.”

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 123

dining & entertainment localband

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Casey Stidham Rocks O’Briens

Local Man Brings Music to Plant City

What is it like to live your dream? Casey Stidham would say that it is hard, very hard. Stidham is a Plant City musician who has been pursuing his dream for almost ten years. “I’m the sixth generation in my family to be born in Plant City,” said Stidham. “This is a way for me to branch out and see more of life.” But every Wednesday night, O’Briens on Alexander Street welcomes his unique talent as Stidham performs in the restaurant. “It’s great to be able to perform in your hometown,” said Stidham. “I’ve gotten to the point where this is my only job and I can support myself with it.” Stidham played for the first time in a local bowling alley when he was fifteen. Now he performs at various locales throughout Tampa as well as private bookings. He does a lot of parties and other individual events, which he enjoys because it allows him to branch out. One of Stidham’s dreams is to write and record his own music. “Sometimes it is hard,” he said. “Writing music is a really organic process and I can lose myself in it.” So far, Stidham has written ten songs. But for the most part, for now, he covers other artists’ music when he plays, mixing a song of his own in, here and there. Some of the music he loves to play the most is Dave Matthews Band, Keith Urban and John Mayer. Stidham can be reached at stidhamcasey@yahoo.com for more information and bookings.

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 124

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 125

Event Calendar January 15, Tuesday – February 13, Wednesday Youths ages 4-18 (as of 06/01/08) register for the 32nd season of PCRPD/Optimist Youth Soccer at the Recreation and Parks Administration Office. A true grass-roots program; basic soccer is the goal, definitely not a competitive program! The seven-game season is played at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, starting in late March and running through early June. One practice a week during the season – practice dates are set by the coaches after teams are formed in early March. The registration fee is only $22, which includes their game jersey and accident insurance. A copy of the birth certificate is required if we have not seen it already for flag football or basketball. A registration form and more information are available at www.plantcitygov.com/rec - click the Youth Soccer link. Information can also be obtained from Danny Smith at dsmith@plantcitygov.com/ rec or (813) 659-4200 X 4313. January 17, Thursday The USF Baseball Clinic will be held at Mike Sansone Park, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Come out and participate in a baseball led by USF Bulls Baseball staff and players. $20 camp fee includes instruction and clinic tee shirt. For more information, contact Larry Langston at llangston@plantcitygov.com or (813) 659-4200 X 4302. January 18, 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. Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

January 15th - February 15th

January 18 – 21, Friday – Monday

or Irene Farmer at (813) 759-2188.

The Martin Luther King Festival will be held at the Randy Larson 4Plex, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. each day. Opening ceremonies begin Friday at 11:30 a.m., as well as a Senior Luncheon at 12:30 p.m. A Step Team Competition will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Marshall Middle School, as well. For more information, contact (813) 757-6760 or visit www.plantcitymlkfestival.com.

Plant City Chapter of Habitat for Humanity is having a “little house” Bank Building Contest, sponsored by Lowe’s and Hillsboro Bank. Kids ages 6-12 are welcome to come build and decorate. There will be three prizes awarded for best decorated “little house” bank by age group. The prize for each age group is a $50.00 Savings Bond donated by Hillsboro Bank. The contest begins at 10:00 a.m. at Lowe’s in Plant City. The banks will be distributed around local area businesses, and there will be another $50.00 Savings Bond for the most money collected for Plant City Habitat for Humanity. For more information, visit www.plantcityhabitatforhumanity.org.

January 18 – January 19, Friday – Saturday The Tom Jones Watercolor Workshop will be sponsored by the East Hillsborough Art Guild at the GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The cost is $90 for members and $100 for non-members. Two artists may split the fee and each attend a different day. There will be a door prize given each day, and each attendee will receive a print signed by the artist (a $65 value). For more information, contact Leo Watson at (813) 719-6533 or plawatson@ verizon.net. January 19, Saturday Musical Guest Billy Needs a Beard will be performing at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City, beginning at 7:00 p.m. For more information, call (813) 659-0101. “Little Italy Night” will be held at St. Clement Catholic Church, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The complete spaghetti dinner, including beverages and home-made desserts will be held in the church’s Cronin Hall. Entertainment will be provided by Richard Pipas and Paul Hetrick. The event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus and the Council of Catholic Women of St. Clement, offering tickets at $8 for adults and $4 for children. For more information, call Tom Salvato at (813) 659-4400

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 126

Plant City Photo Archives’ second annual Progressive Tea, Tour of Historic Homes and Hat Contest will take place, beginning at the home of Jimmie Dan and Karen Robinson at 11:00 a.m. After registration, the opportunity to purchase Raffle Prize tickets, a viewing of a special Photo Archives Exhibit and a tour of this historic home, the attendees proceed to the home of James and Barbara Cain for sandwiches, a Southern special punch and a tour of this recently restored home. The finale is at the “Colonel Roux” home of John and Sally Verner for tea from the Camellia Rose Tea Room, desserts, music provided by Teo Kulyk, the popular Hat Contest, with our celebrity judge panel evaluating the best of “Vintage”, “Classic” and “Outlandish”, a “Most Dapper Gentleman” contest and Raffle Prize Drawings. Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased from Plant City Photo Archives. For more information, call (813) 754-1578 or visit www.plantcityphotoarchives.org. The Martin Luther King Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. (starting at Waller

Street and heading east down Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.) Entertainment featuring Hip Hop Artist “Miss Netta” and the Busch Gardens Sheiks will be from 2:30 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. at the Randy Larson Four-Plex. For more information, contact (813) 757-6760 or visit www.plantcitymlkfestival.com. The Strawberry Classic Car Show runs from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in downtown Plant City. ‘83 and older cars and trucks will be featured, along with Entertainment & Vendors. Dash plaques go to the first 200 registered vehicles. Free registration and admission on Drane Street from Palmer to Evers. For more information, call (813) 754-3707. Chicago Blues Night will be held at the Red Rose Dining Room, featuring The Blues Brothers Review, with a tribute to the Blues Brothers, Aretha Franklin & Tina Turner & The Blues Brothers Band plus P. J. Leary & The Las Vegas Sounds. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. January 20, Sunday Evangelical Presbyterian Church will hold its first Remix Service: A New Spin on Worship, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Remix is a contemporary worship service, geared towards but not limited to the youth and young adults of he community. For more information, visit www.epcpc. org, or call Ben Schreffler at (813) 657-4620. The Improvement League of Plant City, Inc. is holding their 22nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Breakfast, beginning at 7:30 a.m. at the Red Rose Inn & Suites. This years theme is “Courage to Live the Dream”, and tickets are $25. For more information, call (813) 757-6760 or (813) 767-4374.

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 127

Event Calendar January 22, Tuesday Cholesterol Screenings (Total, HDL & Glucose) will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Resource Center (main hospital lobby). No appointments are necessary and this event is $20. For more information, call (813) 754-4444. The Bereaved Parents Group meets at 7:00 p.m. in the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room. For more information, call Anita Pippin at (813) 362-6972. January 24, Thursday WILD about Watershed will be held at Bruton Memorial Library, beginning at 7:00 p.m. and running until around 8:00 p.m. Kids ages 6-12 and parents will eat pizza, learn about the animals found in the Florida watershed and make a neat animal track replica. The class is free, but space is limited and preregistration is required. For more information, call Shawna Everidge, Environmental Education Coordinator, at (813) 757-9289 X 2249. The HAWKS (Happy Active Wise Knowledgeable Seniors) travel season is underway! Active Seniors trips include admission and transportation costs. Trips originate from and return to the Planteen Recreation Center. Guys and Dolls will be viewed at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Ft. Myers, at $60 per person. Depart time is 8:30 a.m., return time is 6:00 p.m. For more information or to add your name to the HAWKS mailing list, contact Deborah Haldane at dhaldane@plantcitygov.com or at (813) 659-4200 X 4343. January 25, Friday Friday Night 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. January 26, Saturday The annual Strawberry Ball will be held. For more information, call (813) 754-3707. Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. February 1, Friday In a Supper Club Atmosphere in the Ballroom at the Red Rose Inn & Suites, The Bachelors - Memories of The Mills Brothers & A Touch Of Motown will perform, plus P.J. Leary and The Las Vegas Sounds Before and after the show. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. February 2, Saturday Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. February 5, Tuesday The Diabetes Support Group meets from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information and to register, call (813) 757-8202. February 7, Thursday The Bailey-Eastman Group (the Plant City Photo Archives Young Professionals Division) will hold “A Party in Black and White” from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m., featuring a special black and white exhibition, champagne reception, wine tasting, hors d’oeuvre buffet, live jazz provided by the Plant City Photo Archives Jazz Ensemble, door prizes and a special prize drawing.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 128

January 15th - February 15th

Admission is $10 for members and $25 for non-members. Along with the Ansel Adams-esque theme, decorations will be in black and white and all attendees are to wear some combination of black and white. For more information, call (813) 754-1578 or visit www.plantcityphotoarchives.org. The HAWKS (Happy Active Wise Knowledgeable Seniors) travel season is underway! Active Seniors trips include admission and transportation costs. Trips originate from and return to the Planteen Recreation Center. Rivership Romance Luncheon Cruise on the St. Johns River is the outing, at $67 per person. Depart time is 9:00 a.m., return time is 5:00 p.m. For more information or to add your name to the HAWKS mailing list, contact Deborah Haldane at dhaldane@plantcitygov.com or at (813) 659-4200 X 4343. February 8, Friday The “Be My Valentine” Bachelor’s Auction will be held in the Ballroom at the Red Rose Inn & Suites, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event benefit a college scholarship for local “Young Women of Promise” high school students from Plant City and Durant High Schools and also the professional development of businesswomen from the Plant City area. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Fine food, fun music and bidding will make up the evening, and Master of Ceremonies will be Tampa Bay’s WQYK 99.5 Radio Jock, Chad Brock. To be a bachelor, or obtain more information on the event, contact Jodi Smith at (813) 757-8574 or jodi.smith@baycare. org. Company sponsorships are also available. Planteen Teen Night will be held for ages 12-15 at the Planteen Recreation Center, from 7:00 p.m. until

11:00 p.m. A fun night of music, food and friends where teens can hang out with friends in a fun, safe atmosphere. A live on-site DJ takes your requests and plays the hits at the Planteen Recreation Center. Only $6 at the door covers the fun and food (pizza and soda while they last). For info, check the PCRPD web site, www.plantcitygov.com/ rec - click the Teen link, or contact Steve Rossiter at srossiter@plantcitygov.com or call 813-659-4200 ext 4311. February 9, Saturday Ralph Allocco and Second Wind will perform at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. February 11, Monday The Plant City Tennis Center is hosting the Local Junior Challenge. Deadline to enter is February 6 for boys and girls in the 12 & 14 divisions. Consolation match for first round losers. Fee is only $28 per person for this USTA event. Register on line at www.plantcitygov.com/rec/tennis, look for the Junior Challenge link. For more info on this program and other Plant City Tennis Center offerings, go to the PCRPD web site, www. plantcitygov.com/rec - click the Tennis Center link, or contact Tennis Professional C. Shane Johnson at sjohnson@plantcitygov.com or call (813) 707-7485. February 12, Tuesday The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at First Baptist Church. For more information, call Linda Bryant at (813) 754-3761. February 13, Wednesday Backyard Birdies will be held at the Public Works building, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Kids ages 2-12 and

Event Calendar parents will make bird feeders and learn about Florida’s native and migratory birds that can be found right outside their home. Class is free, but students may contribute to the class by bringing an orange or grapefruit. Pre-registration is required. Call Shawna Everidge, Environmental Education Coordinator at (813) 757-9289 X 2249 for more information. February 14, Thursday Happy Valentine’s Day! The annual Valentine’s Day Reception will take place from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will feature the timely “The Way They Were” exhibit, featuring Plant City area couples and sweethearts. There will also be roses for the ladies,

January 15th - February 15th

wine and cheese, live piano music and a special video presentation. The reception is free for members and is $10 for guests and nonmembers. For more information, call (813) 754-1578 or visit www. plantcityphotoarchives.com.

p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Resource Center (main hospital lobby). No appointments are necessary and this event is free. For more information, call (813) 754-4444.

February 15, Friday

Free Time Jazz begin performing at 7:00 p.m. at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

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

Recurring Events: Tuesdays: Heart Health Screenings and Blood Pressure Checks are held from 1:00

Wednesdays: Knitting Group is held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City. For more information, call (813) 659-0101. Free Time Jazz begin performing at 7:00 p.m. at the Red Rose Dining Room. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam Session is held at Coffee 101 in downtown Plant City. For more information, call (813) 659-0101. Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will perform for Single’s Night Out with special guest Ralph Allocco. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. Fridays: Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will perform. For more information, call (813) 752-3141. Saturdays: Destiny, the House Band of the Red Rose Dining Room, will perform. For more information, call (813) 752-3141.

FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 129

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 130

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FOCUS Magazine • January 15 - February 15, 2008 • Page 134

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