FOCUS Plant City 11-03 by Floyd Publications

We positively will not be undersold

Bartow 863.533.0777 1475 W. Main St. www.BartowChevrolet.com

Zephyrhills 813.782.1538 36822 State Road 54 www.SparkmanChevrolet.com

THE

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We have recently added the very best automotive professional managers available to both locations! We now have two locations to choose from with one large inventory! We now have a Business Development Center that responds to Internet requests on a -24- hour basis! Bartow Chevrolet finished December as the second highest Chevrolet dealership (out of 98 Chevrolet dealerships) in year over year sales increase in the Florida Zone! Bartow Chevrolet finished 2011 as the number ONE Customer Service Satisfaction Index ranked dealership in the entire state of Florida. Bartow Chevrolet is one of the ten largest Fleet and Commercial Dealerships in Florida! We have implemented value pricing at both locations.....we positively WILL NOT be undersold. Nobody can beat a Sparkman deal! We have added ‘events’ at Sparkman Chevrolet that includes free monthly concerts, BBQ, social events, breakfast gatherings, luncheons and car clubs. Event calendar available upon request! Sparkman Chevrolet is the newest and fastest growing Chevrolet dealership in Tampa Bay! Every customer that buys from a Sparkman dealership receives complimentary ‘Pit Stop’ services, priority sevice scheduling, complimentary vehicle detailing on each service visit, complimentary vehicle inspections upon request, complimentary lubrication, oil and filter services including tire rotations (for a period of -2- years on new and -1- year on pre-owned) and our General Manager’s personal cell phone number......we want our customers to be completely satisfied all the time! We call this the “Sparkman Advantage.”

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We want to be your transportation center and we do business the right way!

The Sparkman Way!

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MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Vol. 11 Issue 3 • March 2012

www.focusplantcity.com

2012 FL Strawberry Festival Coverage Watch our exclusive coverage of the FL Strawberry Festival online at focusplantcity.com

16-49 LOCAL

ON THE COVER

In addition to stories about the Outstanding Citizen of the Year, the Annual Daddy Daughter Dance, Celebrity Chef fundraiser, an award winning wedding video and a tribute to Gladys Jeffcoat, this issue is filled with reports of the various Strawberry Festival competitions, including those involving babies, animals and their owners, young and old.

52-55 FEATURE

Be sure to check in on the Readers’ Choice Awards winners and then plan your visits to eat and offer congratulations. Focus this month on dining local.

57-59 SPOTLIGHT

Meet orthodontist and pediatric dentistry specialist Dr. Dana Busciglio, who with her brother Dr. Derek Busciglio, welcomes new patients to their Busciglio Smiles office in Plant City. The siblings are focused on serving our community and your family’s dental health needs.

63 BUSINESS PROFILE

Curves of Plant City helps women discover that strength training is a key to losing weight and keeping it off. With the help of “circuit coaches” and personalized workout plans, women are changing their lives - 30 minutes at a time.

106 DINING PROFILE

Zaxby’s in Plant City is a local favorite because the service, fresh food, and family atmosphere is consistent. If you love chicken, Zaxby’s is your place.

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

DR. DANA BUSCIGLIO

PLANT CITY’S ONLY DUAL CERTIFIED PEDIATRIC DENTIST AND ORTHODONTIST

65 - FINANCE COLUMN 68 - HOME GUIDE 70 - REAL ESTATE 72 - WALDEN LAKE COLUMN 74 - MORTGAGE COLUMN 78 - SPORTS 82 - ATHLETE OF THE MONTH 84 - BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH 92 - AL REUCHEL COLUMN

94 - DEREK MAUL 98 - ARTIST OF THE MONTH 100 - AUTO REVIEW 107 - DINING GUIDE 110 - RED ROSE ENTERTAINMENT 114 - CLASSIFIEDS 116 - EVENT CALENDAR 117 - CROSSWORD

Braces and Invisalign for Children and Adults

Pediatric ediatric P Dentistry! Dentistry!

Plant City’s only Elite Invisalign Provider

Your Kids Will Love It Here!

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Dr. Derek M. Busciglio LICENSED ORTHODONTIC SPECIALIST

Dr. Dana M. Busciglio LICENSED ORTHODONTIC & PEDIATRIC DENTAL SPECIALIST

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Now scheduling Pediatric Dental Patients in our Plant City Location

NEW LOCATION

623 East Alexander Street • 813.759.9474 at Alexander Crossings Plaza

TWO LOCATIONS TO BETTER SERVE YOU! 515 Corner Street, Brandon 813-681-9473 FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

What fun it’s been this month to share our great town and bountiful berry harvest with visitors from all 50 states and many other countries! DeDe and I and the staff have enjoyed every minute of the Strawberry Festival and the events we’ve covered on Focus TV and in the written stories you’ll read inside these pages. A special shoutout goes to the Media Hospitality House, which enabled our Art Director Anthony Sassano and reporters Victoria Garren and Shana Mitchell to post two shows daily for your viewing pleasure online.

See why everyone is driving to Bartow to buy a car from TOM EDWARDS.

Perhaps the best part of our own adventure was mingling with the crowds and learning how much others enjoy Plant City’s ten days in the spotlight. Even now I smile when I think of all those folks, ourselves included, waiting patiently in those quick-moving lines to create our own bowl overflowing with sweet, juicy strawberries, on cake or biscuit, topped with whipped cream. The big question this year is - what kind of new “deep-fried” food did you try? Was it the pickles, the green beans, the Oreos or the butter? How about a doughnut burger or bacon dipped in chocolate or strawberry kettle corn? Our personal favorite was the Red Velvet Elephant Ear, coated in plenty of powdered sugar, naturally.

And of course, what festival would be complete without children and all the entertaining things for them to do - like rides and games and animals and competitions of every sort. Watching parents and grandparents enjoy the smiles on the kids’ faces will always be a reassuring sight. It’s then we realize that what always matters most in life are the simple things, like festival trips with family and friends and seeing everything new as if through the eyes of a child. We hope you will enjoy this issue’s stories and even check in at myFocusTV.com to view videos of events you might have missed. As always, it’s our delight to showcase what makes your world go ‘round.

Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563

Office Manager Dede Floyd dede@floydpublications.com

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Copy Editor Cheryl Johnston cjohnston@floydpublications.com

www.focusplantcity.com Credit Manager Angel Carter acarter@floydpublications.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

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Talk of the Town

Submit Your Talk of the Town info to: editorial@floydpublications.com

Sunshine State has a new Board Member November 19, 2011 10AM to 5PM

Mr. Bill Morrow is the elected board for BBQ Contest Plant City will newly play host to the Mostmember Spectacular Sunshine State Savings and Loan Association. Mr. is Don't Ever at the Randy Larson Softball Four-Plex Morrow Stadium. a Plant City his wifeFood, DianeLive have two children Local missnative, out onHe the:and Fabulous Entertainment, Tonya Lawson Chad Morrow and four Taverns,and Great Merchandise and ofgrandsons. course - thatHe finger licking is a member Plant City’s First Baptist Church where he good of barbecue! serves as deacon and Sunday School teacher. Bill is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Evangelical University and Seminary in Plant City. Thank you Bill for serving our community we are glad you’re here.

Spring Thing Debuts this Spring

Plant City Farmer’s Market Debuts with Spring Thing! A Family Event in Historic Downtown Plant City Kamdyn competed in the Harvest Queen competition at the 2011(9Hillsborough County Fair and in addition to Spring Thing am – 4 pm) features qualified appraisers who will assess antiques, fine art, winning the Queen in for heraage division, also collectibles, and jewelry nominal fee;Kamdyn antique dealers, local artists and hand-crafters, received Most Photogenic and Best outfit of Choice! musical entertainment, face painting and inflatable bouncy equipment for the kids. Congratulations Kamdyn we are very proud of you. Plant City’s Farmer’s Market (8 am -1 pm) will showcase local area fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other specialty items. Stay up to date on this weekly at www.facebook.com/ PlantCityFarmersMarket.

Kick off to Festival Week

Plant City businessman Earl Burkett was named as the new President of the Kiwanis Club of Plant City on October 5. Burkett moved to Florida in 2006 to take on the responsibilities of agency president for Strong Tower Insurance, Inc. which he now owns. A former member of the Kiwanis Club of Valdosta, Georgia for three years and Columbus, Georgia for three-and-a-half years, Burkett joined the Plant City chapter in 2009. “The Kiwanis Club of Plant City was able to impact the lives of 7,946 children last year alone,” he commented. “I’m looking forward to having even more opportunities this year.” Burkett resides in Lakeland with his wife of 30 years, Carolyn, and their children, Caitlin and Jacob.

Triple Crown Winner Congratulations Cole Hanson who won Grand Champion with his Ewe and Ram at Pasco County Fair and Dominated the Florida Strawberry Festival with Grand Champion with His Ewe and Ram then won Supreme Grand Champion over all with his Ewe! Thursday, March 1, 2012

3:30 pm The Oak Ridge Boys NRG (Next Radical Generation) kicked off Festival Week with Jr. Royalty at 7:30 pm Gretchen Wilson Announcing Johnsons Barbecue. NRG preformed and Jr. Royalty helped giving away Even in the Rain March 2, 2012 Conert Tickets, Gate Admission Tickets and Strawberry Bling from Tip these To Toe. New Girls came outtheFriday, 3:30 pm The Gatlin Prince andGayle Brothers/Crystal 7:30 pm Demi Lovato Princess of Saturday, Plant CiMarch ty 3, 2012 3:30 pm The JaneDear Girls Plant City High School Civinettes participated in the High Heel Hike to benefit Autism. Pictured Scho ol 7:30 pm Air Supply left to right – BACK: Jennifer Tharrington, Cynthia Tharrington, Virginia Bochy, Taylor Adams, High

to Support Autism Plant City High School Civinettes

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 3:30 pm Lee Greenwood/ Louise Mandrell 7:30 pm The Band Perry Thursday, March 8, 2012 3:30 pm The Charlie Daniels Band 7:30 pm Luke Bryan

Friday, March 9, 2012 3:30 pm Cornell Gunter’s Coasters Morgan Moody, Sara Brummer, Amanda Rodenmeyer, Brittany Butler, Crystal Johnson, Denna Plant City High School recently crowned the Prince and Princess of the Sunday, March 4, 2012 Bobby Hendrick’s Drifters Lemelin, Samantha Black, Amber Towles, Ashley Hahn. school. 3:30 Students were Owen encouraged to carry small canister around for Thea Platters pm Jake Left to right FRONT: Maddy Keene, Cassidy Wright, Nicole Parmley, Cassidy Dixon, Kelsey one week and collect money for the American Cancer Society’s “Relay 7:30 pm Hank Williams, Jr. 7:30 pm TobyMac for Life” and the PCHS Scholarship fund. On Valentine’s Day the top Moore, Laura Sarria, Alexis Lindsey, Karaline Hayes “Taking Back the Country Tour” fund raisers were recognized on the televised news show at the school. 10, 2012 The Prince and Princess were crowned onSaturday, the close March circuit television Monday, March 5, 2012 Top fund 3:30 pm received Allstar Weekend by Principal Colleen Richardson. raisers an array 7:30 Rodney Atkins pm Felix Cavalier’s of prizes3:30 including candy, stuffed bears and giftpm cards. All participants Rascals were invited to participate on a college tour to the University of Central Sunday, March 11, 2012 7:30 pm Josh Turner Florida in Orlando. Kids are invited to the RED CABOOSE to see SANTA on December 16th 3:30 pm Easton Corbin and 17th from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. Get a free picture and a treat - FREE March 6, 2012 7:30to pm RebaJackson McEntire PicturedTuesday, left to right: James Orso, Runner-up Prince; Hardee,3:30 PCHS Maddy ADMISSION - 908 Joe McIntosh Road, Plant City pmPrince; Brenda Lee Keene, PCHS Princess; Allyson Glover, Princess7:30 firstpm runner-up; Dhara Patel, Princess second runner-up. Vince Gill

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Talk of the Town

Submit Your Talk of the Town info to: editorial@floydpublications.com

Grand Prize Winner

November 19, 2011 10AM to 5PM Plant City High School Plant City will play host to the Most Spectacular BBQ Contest won the Grand Prize Ever at the Randy Larson Softball Four-Plexin Stadium. Don't the “Sweetbay Supermarket Supports miss out on the: Fabulous Food, Live Entertainment, Local contest. Taverns, Great Merchandise and of course Local - thatSchools” finger licking Plant City businessman Earl Burkett was named as The contest ran from good barbecue! September 7 through December 2011.President Shoppersof atthe Sweetbay had the opportunity to buy the6,new Kiwanis Club of Plant City specially marked products identified with a supports schools tag.to“School on October 5. Burkett moved Florida dollars” in 2006were to earned and turned into the store collection box indicating the school of choice to support. take on the responsibilities of agency president for Strong Tower Insurance, Inc. which he now owns. A Recently Plant City High School was presented with a check from Sweetbay Supermarkets former memberincluded of the Kiwanis Club of Valdosta, for $12,020.00. Taking part in the presentation (left to right): Georgia for three years and Columbus, Georgia for three-and-a-half years, Burkett joined the Plant City Cathy Erickson, Customer Service Manager chapter in 2009. “The Kiwanis Club of Plant City was Jasmin Harris, Marketing Specialist to impact the lives of 7,946 children last year Nancy Farley, Store Manager - able Wheeler Street Store alone,” he commented. Colleen Richardson, Principal of Plant City High School “I’m looking forward to All kids are invited to the Red Caboose to see the EASTER BUNNY. Attendees Henry Falcon, Store Manager -having Alexander Street Store even more opportunities this year.” Burkett can get a free picture and treat from the Easter Bunny as well as participate in Vivian Delgado - Marketing Specialist other fun activities. The event will take place the weekend before Easter on resides in Lakeland with his wife of 30 years, Kamdyn competed the-Harvest competition March 30th and 31st fromin2:00 6:00 p.m.Queen and is FREE to attend. The location Carolyn, and their children, Caitlin and Jacob. at the Hillsborough Fair andinformation, in additioncall to(813) 759is 908 Joe 2011 McIntosh Road, PlantCounty City. For more 3345. This event is in cooperation with Operation Lifesaver Highway-Rail Grade winning the Queen in her age division, Kamdyn also Crossing Safety Program. received Most Photogenic and Best outfit of Choice! Congratulations Kamdyn we are very proud of you.

Come and see the Easter Bunny!

Speech Winners

The Plant City Noon Rotary Club and the Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club recently held their annual speech contest for high school students. Casey Hamilton won 1st place and $100. Tricia Beck took 2nd place and won $75. Kaila Thomas was 3rd and awarded $50 and Rosa Puente was 4th and awarded $25. Jasmin Gomez won1,Honorable Mention. The theme of this Wednesday, March 7, 2012 Thursday, March 2012 year’s contest was “Embracing Humanity.” 3:30 pm The Oak Ridge Boys 3:30 pm Lee Greenwood/ 7:30 pm Gretchen Wilson Louise Mandrell Casey Hamilton and Tricia Beck are both students at Plant City7:30 Highpm School. They Perry will The Band Even in the Rain advance to the next level of competition to be be held at Florida Southern College in Friday, March 2, 2012 these Girls came out Lakeland. 3:30 pm The Gatlin Thursday, March 8, 2012 to Support Autism 3:30 pm The Charlie Daniels Brothers/Crystal Gayle Plant City High 7:30 pm Demi Lovato Band School Civinettes Pictured: Keith Smith, President of the Plant City Noon Rotary;7:30 Tricia Beck, Casey Hamilton, pm Luke Bryan Kaila Thomas, Rosa Maria Puente, Jasmin Gomez, and Doug Updike, President of the Plant Saturday, March 3, 2012 City Daybreak Rotary. 3:30 pm The JaneDear Girls Friday, March 9, 2012 Plant City High School Civinettes participated in the High Heel Hike to benefit Autism. Pictured 3:30 pm Cornell Gunter’s 7:30 pm Air Supply left to right – BACK: Jennifer Tharrington, Cynthia Tharrington, Virginia Bochy, Taylor Adams, Coasters Brummer, Amanda Rodenmeyer, Brittany Butler, Crystal Johnson, Denna IsisMorgan Ash andMoody, Jackson Sara Hardee of Plant City High School were recently recognized Sunday, March 4, 2012 Bobby Hendrick’s Drifters Lemelin, Samantha Black, Amber Towles, Ashley Hahn. by St. Joseph’s Hospital. Isis and Jackson were nominated for the “Kids are The Platters 3:30 pm Jake Owen Heroes” Contest. Left to right FRONT: Maddy Keene, Cassidy Wright, Nicole Parmley, Cassidy Dixon, Kelsey 7:30 pm Hank Williams, Jr. 7:30 pm TobyMac Moore, Laura Sarria, Alexis Lindsey, Karaline Hayes “Taking Back the Country Tour” Ashlyn was recently crowned the Isis is a senior and won Honorable Mention for her work at the Florida Blood Saturday, March 10, 2012 Bank. She conducted a month long blood drive and increased blood donations 2012 Miss University ofMonday, FloridaMarch 5, 2012 3:30 pm Allstar Weekend to the Plant City Florida Blood Bank by 52%. Enough to save over 200 lives. on Monday, February 27. 7:30 pm Rodney Atkins 3:30Ashlyn pm Felix Cavalier’s Rascals is the daughter of Roy and Jackson is in the 9th grade and won 2nd place over all in the Kids are Heroes Sunday, March 11, 2012 7:30 pm Josh Turner Robinson Contest. He conducted aKids letterare writing campaign collected over $1500 invited to theand RED CABOOSE to seefor SANTA onMamie December 16th of Plant City. 3:30 pm Easton Corbin the Wounded Warriors Organization. Congratulations Ashlyn!! and 17th from 2:00 - 6:00 pm. Get a free picture and a treat - FREE Tuesday, March 6, 2012 7:30 pm Reba McEntire ADMISSION - 908 Joe McIntosh Road, Plant City 3:30 pm Brenda Lee The “Kids are Heroes” dinner was held at St. Joseph’s Hospital. The contest 7:30 pm Vince Gill covered a six county area and over 100 students ages 5-18 were nominated.

Congratulation Isis Ash and Jackson Hardee

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Congratulations to Ashlyn R obinson

1505 South Alexander Street • Suite 102 • Plant City, FL 33563 • 813.717.7700

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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3 ANNUAL E RD

scorted into the bright and whimsical ballroom aglow with its Mardi Gras theme were smiling young ladies dressed in gorgeous gowns and Cinderella slippers. They dreamed of a magical afternoon with their best friend - their daddy. And on this day, dreams really did come true. The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department held its 3rd Annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Sunday, February 12 at the Trinkle Center. The afternoon was delightfully enchanting with feathered mask table decorations with bead-draped daddies and daughters.

The atmosphere and setting are important factors in this event. Jason Hargrove, PCRPD recreation supervisor explained, “If this is the only time all year that dad

DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE WRITTEN BY: DALE BLISS

and daughter can spend together, just the two of them, I want to make it a night they won’t forget.”

The generosity of more than 30 gracious sponsors helped to make everything just right. From flowers and necklaces to delicious food, lively music and a picture perfect portrait - this event will be one long remembered.

Hargrove continued in appreciation, “This event is a success because of the great generosity from all of our sponsors, Daddies, uncles, and grandfathers, donned the Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College, and the hard in their best attire escorted their lovely young date (and in some cases dates) under work from the Plant City Recreation the ceiling high archway framed in purple, Department staff and volunteers.” gold, green and black balloons. As each He continued, “The best part of tonight is lady entered with the man of her dreams, seeing the dads and daughters smiling and she received a pretty carnation in her delicate hand to commemorate the special having a great time just dancing.” date with the first love of her life. For information regarding future events at the Recreation Department, call 813-659Hargrove explained enthusiastically, 4256 or visit www.plantcity.gov. Plans “We wanted to have an event that gave are already underway for the 4th Annual daughters and their dads time together. Daddy Daughter Dance in February 2013. With a total of 293 guests (138 daddies and 155 daughters), the evening was a grand success.”

Sgt. Mike Carberg and daughter Hailee, almost 6, who has been “Looking forward to a date with Dad.”

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Cole Hansen was won the Overall Grand Champion in the Lamb Competition. Cole took many titles in the show.

2012 FSF T

Intermediate Division Showmanship winner, Greshem Stephens

LAMB SHOW WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

he Lamb Show held March 6th at the Strawberry Festival began with the Pee-Wee Showmanship for the younger children who are not quite old enough to be exhibitors yet. They “practiced” with an exhibitor’s lamb. Each Pee-Wee participant was awarded a stuffed animal lamb and ribbon for their efforts. Following the Pee-Wee Showmanship portion, the exhibitors displayed their own showmanship skills in the competition ring. The judge watched each competitor as they worked to make eye contact with the judge, walk their lamb with ease, keep the lamb’s neck extended with its head flat, and set the lamb’s feet square. It was a tough competition but the judge finally came up with a winner in each age division. Emily Linton, the firsttime winner of the Junior Showmanship competition said, “I am really happy.” The Senior Showmanship competition differed from the Junior and Intermediate groups in that senior division exhibitors were asked questions concerning the knowledge and care of lambs. The judge deemed this an important part of the contest because the exhibitors should have ample knowledge about the animal they are showing in order to provide adequate care. The 2012 Lamb Showmanship winners are as follows: Junior Division, Emily Linton;

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

FOCUSTV

Intermediate Division, Greshem Stephens; Senior Division, Cassidy Hasting. When the showmanship competition was over, it was time to judge just the lamb. The lambs were divided into different divisions according to blackface, whiteface, and crossbreed. Each division was then broken down into groups according to the lamb’s age and each age group was divided into ewe and ram groups. You could see the enjoyment on each competitor’s face. Cole Hanson, a member of the Antioch Critters, took many awards in the show with the top award being Overall Grand Champion. After the show, he said with excitement, “I am surprised. This is shocking.” The Grand Champions in each category are as follows: Black Face Ram, Jesse Coleman; Black Face Ewe, Morgan Sistrunk; Speckled Face Ram; Siera Linton; Speckle Face Ewe, Jennifer Wayman; White Face Ram, Cole Hanson; White Face Ewe, Cole Hanson, and Overall Grand Champion, Cole Hanson. The Reserve Grand Champions in each category are as follows: Black Face Ewe, Brandi Hines; Speckle Face Ewe, Emily Linton; Speckled Face Ram, David Squitiere; White Face Ewe, Darby Hasting; White Face Ram, Darby Hasting. The exhibitors in this year’s lamb show displayed skill and enjoyment. To see them perform with confidence is a reward in itself.

WATCH COVERAGE OF THIS EVENT ONLINE AT WWW.FOCUSPLANTCITY.COM

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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ADULT DAIRY SHOWMANSHIP WHAT THE ADULTS KNOW ABOUT SHOWING DAIRY COWS

WRITTEN BY: DALE BLISS

he adults enjoyed the chance to demonstrate their cattle showing abilities during the Adult Dairy Showmanship event on March 4 at the 2012 Strawberry Festival. Anyone who has ever tried handling a thousand-plus pounds of bovine energy will tell you, “It isn’t as easy as it looks.” The dairy cows in the competition ranged from one to six years old and weighed over a thousand pounds. Contestants marched their haltered partners around the ring as cameras flashed and crowd noise from the audience showed appreciation. Suzanne Churchwell, chairwoman of the Florida Strawberry Dairy Committee said, “I feel the adults need to get a feel of what the child is going through when they’re inside the ring. It’s harder and more strenuous than you might think when people are milling around and when they are in the arena with other people and cows.”

FOCUSTV

Megan Carey and her Holstein named Lucy won this event’s only trophy. Carey is a member of the Polk County 4-H Dairy Club. “I’ve been showing all my life. My family has a dairy farm and I really don‘t have a choice”, Carey said jokingly. Ryan Holcomb, the event’s judge, is a seasoned veteran when it comes to showing dairy cows. He explained, “I’ve been showing since I was about four years old.” Holcomb showed with the Hillsborough County 4-H Dairy Club for several years. During the judging process, he looked for the ease with which the adult handled and maintained control of their cow. Stance was also important for cow and contestant. Freda Carey, mother of winner Megan, enjoyed her experience. She said, “I‘ve been showing for a lot of years and I still enjoy it. In fact, my granddaughter is showing in the Pee Wee class today.” Obviously, showmanship is a family affair.

WATCH COVERAGE OF THIS EVENT ONLINE AT WWW.FOCUSPLANTCITY.COM

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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Fallon Murphy Collard won Prettiest Girl ages 13-15 months.

THE BABY CONTEST AT THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL T

WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

he Baby Contest held Sunday, March 4 at the 2012 Strawberry Festival proved to be exciting and full of fun. As each parent walked their child out on stage for each category, you could see pride and joy on their faces. The babies had a great time as well. Three judges had difficult decisions to make in every category as Bonnie Bullard announced each contestant. The diaper contest brought out many creative ideas including everything from a huge basket of berries to a diaper made into a boat. This contest is always entertaining because every idea is unique and sometime quiet humorous. Levi Coggins’ diaper, a decorative cow, won the category for funniest. Easton Goff, the winner for the most creative diaper, was seen popping out of his dual-purpose green fishing boat and diaper. Easton also took most handsome boy in the six-to nine-month-old category.

When the time came for the prettiest girl contest, every age division was loaded with contestants. This category took the longest and the judges had a tough time deciding

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

who would take the title. The same was true of the most handsome boy contest as well. This year the judges declared a tie in the Look Alike Twin competition. Each twin pair looked so much alike that the judges couldn’t make a decision for one over the other. So both sets took the title.

Everett Jake DelValle was the winner of the Theme Diaper.

Winners of each category are as follows: Theme Diaper, Everett DelValle Funniest Diaper, Levi Coggins Most Creative Diaper, Easton Goff Strawberry Diaper, Macie Lillans BarnesRich Prettiest Girl 6-9 months, Caylee Santiago Prettiest Girl 10-12 months, Madeline Harris Prettiest Girl 13-15 months, Fallen Collard Prettiest Girl 16-18 months, Valerie Calderon Most Hair, Mary McHale

Look Alike Twins, Brock and Blake Purkey and Cheyenne and Gracelynn Davis; Most Handsome Boy 6-9 months, Easton Goff Most Handsome boy 10-12 months, Caden Roberts Most Handsome boy 13-15 months Taylor Reid Hurriaga Most Handsome boy 15-18 months, Kiesen Swilley Biggest Eyes, Gracie Lynn Lopez Chubbiest Cheeks, Macie Lillians BarnesRich Diaper Derby, Addyson Donaway.

The organizers saved the very best event for last…the Diaper Derby. Excitement mounted as all the babies were lined up on one side of the race carpet. One parent stood behind their child and faced looking at the other end of the race carpet to the other parent. The first baby to get to the other side and pass the bright orange line wins the race. For some, that bright orange line distracted them and they wanted to play with it before crossing. When Addyson Donaway zoomed through to the finish line her family was thrilled. It was a great way to end the Baby Contest with a little cheering and yelling as the babies raced.

Addyson Donaway was the winner of the Diaper Derby contest where she zoomed across to the finish line.

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Photo by Blane Jesse

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I was raised Methodist. However, as many youth do, I dropped out of church as a teenager. I came to know Jesus as my Savior in a Southern Baptist Church after high school. God called me to serve Him, and I have since 1978. In 2003 I transitioned to the Anglican Church. Yeah, scary term—but not really. Anyway, I was ordained a Deacon, then a Priest. It’s funny that we somehow return to our roots. John Wesley was the Father of Methodism, even though he never became one—he was an Anglican Priest and died an Anglican Priest. My mother-in-law (God rest her soul) was a Southern Baptist also. As our family made the leap from Baptist to Anglican, my mother-in-law would continuously ask, “Ken, do Anglicans believe in Jesus?” “Well of course,” I would reply. I’m sure after hearing the term “Anglican” and after reading the articles I’ve been writing about a new church start, you probably have some questions, but maybe you’re too shy to ask. So, I thought I might just throw some things out there for you to ponder: • Anglicanism was birthed in England during the reign of King Henry VIII • Anglicanism is the 3rd largest Christian denomination in the world • Yes, we believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God • We follow the Christian Calendar emphasizing seasons (Advent, Lent, Holy Week, etc.) • The Clergy wear different clothes in worship, called vestments • Our worship is centered around both the Word and the Table If you have questions, please let us know by calling, visiting our web site, emailing, or visiting us on Sunday evenings. As always, let’s keep the conversation going. With Love, Fr. Ken Rushing

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LOCAL » FOCUS Bonanno’s friends, lost their lives that day.

2012 CELEBRITY CHEF DINNER RAISES FUNDS AND AWARENESS T WRITTEN BY: BRIAN WEST

he United Food Bank of Plant City held their 4th Annual Celebrity Chef Dinner on Saturday, February 18, 2012.

The dinner was the pinnacle of a three-day fundraiser to benefit those most in need of one of the most basic necessities – food. The three days of festivities began Thursday evening with Focus Magazine’s 10th Anniversary Party and annual Reader’s Choice Awards gathering at the Keel and Curley Winery. Guests made

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

donations and purchased live auction prizes with proceeds also going to the Food Bank.

several television shows, including Regis and Kelly and Martha Stewart. Bonanno’s story is even more compelling because he was working on the morning on Approximately 120 guests attended the September 11, 2001 when planes flew VIP gathering on Friday evening at the into the World Trade Center. He was home of Larry and Cathy Jiminez. Here just finishing his shift, which included a special guests and generous donors enjoyed live cooking demonstration as a segment for a local TV station, minutes before a more intimate setting with Celebrity Chef Joseph Bonanno before the big the planes crashed into the World Trade Saturday night event. Center. Bonanno’s Captain asked him to stay on and go on the call with the rest of the crew, but he chose not to, and his life Bonanno, a retired New York City was changed forever. Unfortunately, each Firefighter, has published two healthy eating cookbooks and has appeared on of the 13 firefighters that left for that call,

On Saturday evening, the signature event at the Trinkle Center began with a Pre-Dinner competition between the Plant City Fire Department and the Hillsborough County Fire Department. Each team had several representatives showing off their culinary skills by preparing an appetizer for guests to taste as they entered the room. The Plant City Fire Department made a beef tenderloin appetizer and the Hillsborough County Fire Department made a 3-part shrimp appetizer. Both were wonderful and something that could easily be featured on the menu in an upscale restaurant. When it was time to announce the winner, the majority preferred the beef tenderloin made by the PCFD. Both teams were given trophies as bragging rights. Plant City’s read “Winners” and the losing team’s trophy read “losers.” It was all in fun, of course. Not sure if Hillsborough County will be displaying their trophy, but for certain Plant City will be. For Saturday night’s main event, Chef Bonanno demonstrated by cooking the dish he’d made for the firefighters just before they went on that fateful call to the World Trade Center. As he cooked, he incorporated stories from his days as a NYC firefighter, and he even engaged Mayor Dan Raulerson and the crowd in a little fun, firefighter style. Through his appearances and cookbooks, Bonanna hopes to continue helping everyone remember the lives impacted by 9/11. Clearly, he helped Plant City make an impact for the United Food Bank as this year’s Celebrity Chef.

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LOCAL » FOCUS

THE BABY PARADE ADORABLE CHILDREN ON PARADE WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

Winner of Most Personality of the one year old division is Avalynn McClellan seen here with her mother Triana Trevino.

he Baby Parade, hosted by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club, is always a huge success at the Strawberry Festival. Proceeds from registrations benefit the “shoe project” sponsored by the PCJWC each year. As a result, the Club is able to provide a pair of shoes for many needy children at local schools. In this event, children from ages one through four have the chance to compete in five different categories in their own age division. These include Best Personality, Best Float, Best Costume, Most Handsome and Most Beautiful. The judges had difficult decisions on March 10th as many children competed in each division and some in multiple categories.

Olivia Abrams won the Best Costume in the three year old division. Her costume was handmade by her grandmother, Joan Bailey.

Strawberry Festival Queen Chelsea Bowden and Court as well as Little Miss Plant City Kiah Jackson and her court congratulated winners with ribbons and trophies. Each contestant paraded across the walkway in front of the judges. The Most Personality competition involved

Rayleigh Leathers was the winner of the Best Float in the one year old division.

Skyler Townsend was the winner of the best costume in the two year old division. Skylar was dressed in a hot air balloon costume.

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

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LOCAL » FOCUS one-on-one interaction with the judges beforehand to help in the decision process. When the winners were announced, Georgia Pippin, winner of Most Beautiful Two-Year-Old, smiled as dad Justin Pippin said, “This is the third year in a row she has won a Most Beautiful contest at the Strawberry Festival.” Skylar Townsend won the Best Costume in the Two-Year-Old Division dressed in a hot air balloon costume. Her mother Jennifer Townsend explained, “We searched online for ideas and tweaked the idea a little.” Three-year-old Olivia Abrams won her division dressed in the handmade waitress costume her grandmother Joan Bailey had created.

Three-Year-Old

Most Personality: 1st Place, Emily Nichols; 2nd Place, Kendell Drawdy; 3rd Place, Bella Bikowski Best Float: 1st Place, McKenna Davis Best Costume: 1st Place, Olivia Abrams; 2nd Place, Layla Rothman; 3rd Place, Brooke Browning Most Handsome: 1st Place, Blane Newman; 2nd Place, Emery Surrency; 3rd Place, Dalton Newman Most Beautiful: 1st Place, Madalynn Hardwick; 2nd Place, Brooklyn Vanstronder; 3rd Place, McKenna Davis

Four-Year-Old

Most Personality: 1st Place, Emma Simmons; 2nd Place, Dylan Abella Best Float: 1st Place, Jackson Trapnell; The Baby Parade Court is comprised of the Four-Year-Old Division winners. Most 2nd Place, Hannah Layton; 3rd Place, Levi DeGraaf Beautiful and Most Handsome become Most Handsome: 1st Place, Hayden the Queen and King and all first place Johns; 2nd Place, Caden Bryantp; 3rd winners in each category automatically Place, Brehham Hay become court members. Most Beautiful: 1st Place, Rachel Moore; 2nd Place, Jaylynn Ciccarello; 3rd Place, And the winners in each division are: Kendelle Wright

One-Year-Old

Winner of the Most Beautful girl in the three year old division, Maddie Hardvick poses with her mother, Melissa Hardwick.

Jackson Trapnell poses on his winning float for the four year old division.

Most Personality: 1st , Avalynn McLellan; 2nd Place, Jovee Tkach; 3rd Place Rylan Rollyson Best Float: 1st Place, Rayleigh Leathers; 2nd Place, Bella Deliz; 3rd Place, Jayden Vancamp Best Costume: 1st Place, Jovee Tkach; 2nd Place, Dylan Brewington; 3rd Place, Bryce Runkles Most Handsome: 1st Place, Noah Villanueva; 2nd Place, Luke Drawdy; 3rd Place, Malachi Horn Most Beautiful: 1st Place, Lilyana Pearan; 2nd Place, Jayden Vancamp; 3rd Place, Avery Pieczonka

Two-Year-Old

Most Personality: 1st Place, Alleigh Goff; 2nd Place, Angel Jarvis; 3rd Place, Jadalynn Driskell Best Float: 1st Place, Gage Knowles; 2nd Place, Trey Obrien; 3rd Place, Annie All Best Costume: 1st Place, Skyler Townsend; 2nd Place, Ivy Garner; 3rd Place, Carson Hattaway Most Handsome: 1st Place, Levi Newman; 2nd Place,Deacon Hay; 3rd Place, Harper Livingston Most Beautiful: 1st Place,Georgia Pippin; 2nd Place, Baylee Keys; 3rd Place, Olivia Jones

The 2012 Strawberry Queen and her court pose with the 2012 Baby Parade Court. Front row from left: Emma Simmons, Hayden Johns, Rachel Moore, and Jackson Trapnell. Back row from left: Erica Kelley, First Maid, Calli Jo Parker, Queen Chelsea Bowden, Chelsea Talavera, and Olivia Higgins. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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Taylor Stoy and her rabbit Chub Chub

RABBITS AND POULTRY COMPETITIONS W WRITTEN BY: TARA PARKER

hat do the names Ace, Princess, and Extra Crispy have in common? These are a few of the animals on debut at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

From what used to be a small event, the poultry and rabbit show has grown to be a much- anticipated competition by the youth of Hillsborough County. The record setting entries included 54 rabbits and 50 chickens. Each participant carefully unpacked their animal and all were eager to show off their prized procession to Festival attendees.

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Bryce Stanley and Extra Crispy

When asked why there are so many dedicated participants, Thomas Sturgis, chairperson of the event and Durant agriculture teacher, said, “It gives them opportunity to exhibit their hard work for a trophy and prize money.” A variety of breeds competed for seven cash prizes in this division: American Fuzzy Flops, Miniature Flops and Mini Rexes.

do it again next year.” According to Glenn, her American Fuzzy Flop, is more than just a showpiece. “She gets pushed around in a stroller and likes playing dress-up.” Taylor Stoy, a Chamberlain High School sophomore, was excited to see where her rabbit, Chub Chub, would place. This is Stoy’s second year showing rabbits and she said, “It’s a neat experience and fun to meet new and interesting people.” Stoy also explained that although a fun experience that teaches responsibility, she is saving any cash prizes for college. The poultry show competition is equally as competitive with seven cash prizes. Ron Keene and his son Ryan Keene were amongst the judges whose job is to rate the chickens on three criteria: type of animal, variety of color, and condition and silhouette. Ron has watched his son raise chickens and take home two Grand Champion prizes himself. “The Plant City competition looks really good and has come a long way from what is used to be,” said Keene.

Kyleigh Glenn, a second grader at Shiloh Charter, said she shows her rabbit, Ryan Keene said that it’s neat to be on the properly named Princess, because, “It’s easy other side and to be judging the poultry and a lot of fun and I’m already excited to

show. “I think it’s a really rewarding experience. It’s not heard to get into, yet it teaches responsibility and when you’ve brought home a prize or trophy it makes it all worthwhile.” These chickens are more than just show animals. They become pets for most of the owners. Extra Crispy, a Rhode Island Red, is amongst the chickens entered in this year’s poultry show. His owner Bryce Stanley, a 7th grader at Tomlin Middle School, explained that this is his first year showing after becoming interested through the FFA program and agriculture at his school. Stanley said, “He looked like a great rooster when I got him and I’m excited for the others to see him.” Thomas Stephenson entered his chicken “Ace”, which was named after Amelia Earhart., because he explained, “Ace thinks he can fly and tries frequently.” He also added that he is a little spoiled and his favorite food is raisins. Both of these exhibits will be on display through March 7th. When you’ re at the Strawberry Festival, head over to the Agriculture tent to visit these animals and see the results of the hard work the students poured in to this project.

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MAGICAL MOMENTS GLADYS JEFFCOAT- PLANT CITY’S PHOTOGRAPHER DELIVERED MAGICAL MOMENTS ON FILM WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES

here is magic in photography. Life happens to us in moving pictures, but a camera allows us to stop life, at least for a second. That captured moment can be relived in our memories forever, whenever we look at that picture. Gladys Prevatt Jeffcoat has captured thousands of those moments over the past 60 years. She delivered magic to us every time she developed a picture. We relive our weddings, anniversaries, grand openings, school portraits, and our history. We remember life as we once lived it and Gladys was the one person in our community most responsible for capturing our life on film. Jeffcoat passed away February 18 here in her beloved hometown of Plant City. She is survived by her son Harry, her daughter Becky Mitchell, her brother Roy, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and an entire community who are grateful for her magic. In 1941, at the age of 16, Gladys Prevatt was hired on at The Hollywood Studio in downtown Plant City for the whopping salary of $1 per week. Every afternoon, Gladys tirelessly worked as she learned everything about photography. She stayed busy primarily taking pictures of soldiers

stationed at nearby Drane Field. One of those soldiers, Dallas, eventually became her husband in 1946. Gladys opened her own studio in 1945, rare at that time for a teenage girl to do so, and gradually became Plant City’s photographer until she sold her business to her son in 1990, three years after the death of her husband. She was the high school’s photographer. She contributed countless photos to newspapers, covered sporting events, rodeos, and the Strawberry Festival. She photographed babies, brides, dignitaries, and entertainers. Nearly everyone in town knew Gladys. In 1985, she received the “Woman of Achievement Award” from the Plant City Business and Professional Women’s Club. In 2009, Gladys received the Heritage Award from the Plant City Photo Archives for her life’s work and for her donation of more than 45,000 photos chronicling life in our community from WWII until today. Ecclesiastes tells us, “God hath made everything beautiful in His time.” Gladys Jeffcoat has helped us capture that beauty… at least for a moment. Like her photos, she will always be remembered.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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t. Zion Assembly of God Church will host a very special chicken dinner fundraiser on March 31, 2012 from noon to 5 p.m. at 3005 Thonotosassa Road in Plant City. They and friends of Lee Pearce hope you’ll bring the family to enjoy a delicious meal for a good cause. The 37-year-old husband and father of two is battling ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Tickets are $10 for the meal, which includes ¼ chicken, baked beans, potato salad, roll, dessert and beverage. Jessica Pearce, Lee’s wife and full-time caregiver, expressed her appreciation for the help already provided by church members, Lee’s co-workers, and the staff and students of Nelson Elementary School where daughter Cheyenne, 11, and son Bryson, 7, attend. She said, “I appreciate everything that so many people have done to help us. This disease takes a big toll on your family with the medical bills, loss of income and lifestyle changes. We have become closer to God and are so thankful to Him for everyone who has helped us.”

Diagnosis for ALS comes through a series of tests that eliminate other possibilities. In brief, this progressive neurodegenerative disease affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to the degree that motor neurons die and patient lose the ability to initiate/control muscle movement. Muscles atrophy and then harden to the point of paralysis. Jessica Pearce strives for public awareness, too. Lee’s “sporadic” type of ALS means it was not the “hereditary” type. Awareness of symptoms should trigger the need for testing and early diagnosis or even genetic predisposition to ALS. One benefit for the Pearces has been the increased closeness and reliance on each other - they are also increasingly more compassionate people. Jessica said, “We just take it a day at a time and with God’s help we’re learning to be more thankful. We want to help others, too.” To purchase advance tickets, call Melissa Roach at 813-752-1614 (this helps the church prepare plenty). Or, just bring your family to enjoy a good meal and meet the Pearces, a family that loves this community.

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LOCAL » FOCUS

Bailey Brock takes the Best Overall Winner as Charlotte with her “pig” Wilbur and little “rat” Templeton. Photo by: Otto Dippold

Lindsay Short and Stella pull of the Black Swan with grace and elegance! Photo by: Otto Dippold

LAMB COSTUME CONTEST A fter sitting through the Lamb Costume Contest at the Plant City Strawberry Festival, you realize that while Mary had a little lamb whose fleece was white a snow, the lamb’s fleece here consists of stripes, flowers, tulle, cotton balls or any other unusual combination of creative materials. And Mary has become Ambria, Jesse, Brittany, Taylor or a myriad of other contemporary names. From ages five through high school, girls and boys alike raise and nurture lambs for the competition at state fairs and festivals but look forward to this fun time of dressing up with their “little lambs.”

at Sickles High School in Tampa has three students preparing for the contest, Lindsay Short, Brittany Ritter, and Ambria Llauger. They each have chosen the high school elective as veterinarian assistants and have the responsibility of caring for a lamb. Karen Short, Lindsay Short’s mother, states, “The whole process of caring for, feeding and grooming Stella [Lindsay’s two-year old ewe] has brought a great sense of responsibility to her. She is at the school barn seven days a week. No matter what the weather or how she feels. Stella needs her care. I am very proud of her.”

While bathing, feeding, and nurturing the lambs is time consuming, it is the costume contest that requires an equal amount – if not more – time. Nichole Danley is a full time mom with three ambitious sheep caregivers, Donavan, 7, MaCayla, 10 and Dalton, 14. Nichole states that the costume event is the one they all look forward to. Dalton, with his tan ewe, Padme, said, “I’m not going to tell you exactly who I will be, [in the contest] but just think purple…big purple.”

An hour before the contest, the CF Industries Tent is a cacophony of animal noises, primarily the cry of sheep looking for their handlers, or calling for their babies, or just plain protesting the preparation. Bathing is done. Grooming is in process. But, the worse (I’m guessing in animal minds) is the transformation these creatures go through for their arena debut. The common-looking ram or ewe has now become creations of amazing proportions.

The contest is the culminating show with the focus on just having fun. Brandi Padgett Pickard, an agriculture teacher

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The parade begins. Shy sheep. Bleating sheep. Rebelling sheep. Sheep disguised as swans, tigers, pigs, dragons to only name a few. Despite the protest from the four

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AT THE PLANT CITY STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL WRITTEN BY: VIVIAN DIPPOLD

legged creatures, you cannot deny this is fascinating. Hours spent in preparation are now obvious. Thanks to the organization of Rhonda Burnett, chairperson, the show is a delight. Rhonda has been a part of sheep showing for over 12 years and states, “Each year it’s interesting to see what creativity will happen.” From Dalton Phillips’ and his sheep dressed as the “Lamburgler and Grimace” to the adorable Bailey Brock with her momma and baby lamb creating “Charlotte’s Web”, the 2012 Strawberry Festival Lamb Costume Contest proved a success. If you missed it this year, there’s always 2013!

MOST ELEGANT

1. Lindsay Short – The Black Swan 2. Ava Hasting – Rhinestone Sheep Girls 3. Bailey Brock – Charlotte’s Web

MOST CREATIVE

1. Ambria Llauger – The Tourists 2. Rachel Rosenfeld – Rams Football Player and Cheerleader 3. Amber Maxwell – Counting Sheep

MOST COLORFUL

2012 Lamb Costume Contest Results

1. Dalton Phillips – Lamburgler and Grimace 2. Brittany Ritter – St. Patricks Day 3. David Squitier – Calvin and Hobbs

MOST FUNNY

1. Jesse Coleman – the Blues Brothers 2. Eric Zimmermann III – Eric the Dragon Slayer and His Dragon 3. Grace Park – Cupid’s Messenger and Victim

MOST ORIGINAL

2. Donovan Danley – Fishing and Hunting Buddies 3. Jessie Squitieri – Flo and the Progressive Insurance

BEST OVERALL

1. Bailey Brock – Charlotte’s Web 2. Taylor Mirgle – Gypsy Girl and Flower 3. Kayleen Sweeney – Rub a Dub The Sheeps in the Tub

1. Macayla Phillips – Dorothy and the Tin Man FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

LOCAL » FOCUS

Cameron Salter stands with his 2012 Grand Champion steer and 56 buyers that pitched in to generate a total of 12 dollars a pound to purchase his steer.

THE STEER SALE AT THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL T

WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

his year marked the 40th anniversary of the Steer Show and Sale at the annual Florida Strawberry Festival.

Ray Clark, a retired Ag teacher at Plant City High School has been the event’s announcer for the past 32 years. This year’s sale proved to be a special one because it was held for the first time in the Patterson Company Livestock Arena located in the new Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr. Agriculture Show Center. Cameron Salter did not expect to win Grand Champion at the Steer Show and didn’t expect the 12 dollars a pound bid at the sale either. Fifty-six buyers generated this price by purchasing the steer together. The Durant High School senior has shown animals for many years, but this one caught him by surprise. His first thought was, “Incredible!” Then he added, “I just want to let each of the 56 buyers know how thankful I am for everyone who took part in the 12 dollars a pound for my steer.” Half of the fun at this event is watching the many generous individuals and

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businesses bid to support the efforts of our youth in the agricultural and livestock industries. Many of these buyers bought not just one steer, but several. When asked how he felt when his steer was announced as the Reserve Grand Champion, Jarrett Gillman responded, “I was thinking…I just might end up liking this steer a little bit better.” Jarrett’s steer sold for 10 dollars a pound at the sale.

Jarrett Gillman, Reserve Grand Champion, walks his steer around the ring as the price climbs up to 10 dollars a pound.

Thanks to the Patterson Company, the 2012 Steer Sale proved to be a great success with all 103 exhibitors making at least $2.50 per pound. If any exhibitor made less, Patterson Company added monies to bring that total up to $2.50/lb. At the end of the sale, exhibitors waited for the list of “add-ons” to be called out. These amounts are added to an exhibitor’s total. Anyone can add any extra amount. The additional money helps the youth earn even more. The obviously happy faces of each exhibitor proved this year’s sale to be a huge success.

Division 2 Grand Champion Steer

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STRAWBERRYBENEFITS DISTANCE 5K THE HUNGRY T WRITTEN BY: KELLEIGH KLEIN

he 4th Annual Strawberry Distance Challenge 5K hosted more than 300 runners in Plant City, a participation record. The race was routed on Saturday, February 18, 2012 through and around the Walden Lake residential community. The run provides a fun and competitive environment for runners and walkers alike. According to race chairman Bruce Baerwalde, “The race started four years ago as a fundraiser for Soul’d Out Youth Ministries and has since grown into a vision for a community event that can bring Plant City together each year just before the Festival to keep us active and enjoying our great city.”

Baerwalde was excited about the community’s response because, he explained, “Event proceeds now benefit Operation Compassion, whose mission is to serve families in need in Plant City with food and other services.” He continued, “We have seen the race grow every year from just under 100 the first year to 300 this year. Although we are never about just how big it can get, the increase in participation is part of our measure to know we are headed in the right direction for the runners that look forward to the race every year. “

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This 4th annual SD5K was a chip-timed event. For timing accuracy, athletes wear a small, lightweight chip that uniquely identifies them as they cross strategically placed electronic mats. In its most common form, chip timing electronically collects and processes results at the end of the race. Sponsors included Astin Farms as title sponsor, presenting sponsors I-4 Power Equipment and NewGeneration Tees, the Florida Strawberry Festival and Sourthern Grass Masters as gold sponsors, TECO as silver sponsor and In the Field magazine and Focus Magazine as bronze sponsors. The top winners of this year’s race include: Male and Overall Winner: Hunter McCann, 15, from Treasure Island with a course record time of 16:44. Female Overall Winner: Christie Raburn, 32, from Plant City with a time of 20:13 Male Master Winner: Sebastian Hernandez, 45, from Lakeland with a time of 19:02. Female Master Winner: Cindy Thomson, 48, from Davenport with a time of 21:59 For more race results, visit www. coolrunning.com.

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CIAO ITALIA W

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNING WEDDING VIDEO

WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

hen Katie Mullis and Dr. Derek Busciglio fell in love, they never dreamed they’d be stars in an international award winning film. They simply wanted a “something different” experience that would make memories for a lifetime.

The couple decided to marry in Italy because Derek’s father, John, is second generation American with family roots in Sicily. Little did they know when they planned their destination wedding with an intimate group of 31 family and friends that the video of their 15-day experience, produced by VHVIDEO.COM, would win an international wedding film award. In fact, “Ciao Italia” won THE award coveted by many a wedding cinematography company the world over. The international “Best of Show - Short Form Wedding” award from the Wedding Event Cinematographers Association (WEVA) is to this field as an Oscar is to the Academy Awards and Hollywood celebrities.

Based in Land o’ Lakes, Florida, VHVIDEO.COM is a partnership among three extraordinary filmmakers: Executive Producers - David Hohenthaner, Maureen Taylor and Dave Phillips. The awards displayed in their studio never fail to wow visitors. Since 2004, the company has earned 27 awards from WEVA International, with eight of those coming in 2011. According to Taylor, “This one for the Busciglio wedding is the biggest - from start to finish. Our goal is always to capture the natural, and with this family’s help, we did.” Hohenthaner added, “This was a game changer for us. We were already internationally recognized, but this stepped it up.” Taylor and Hohenthaner spent 10 days with the wedding party in Italy in order to capture the moments with high-end 35mm optic HD still cameras (1080i) that shoot HD video. To trim 10 days down to a 45-minute award winning film was no easy task. Post-production work totaled

(LtoR) Dr. Derek and Katie Busciglio appreciated the professional skills of Maureen Yaylor and David Hohenthaner of VHVIDEO.com

is three hours long. In celebrating this way, they were reminded why they couldn’t be more pleased with their decision to marry abroad and invest in a forever memorykeeper produced by VHVIDEO.COM.

approximately 280 hours on four tri-bites of footage. But to all involved, the investment was worth every moment now preserved forever. Beginning with Derek and Katie packing for the trip on August 31st of 2010, the couple’s joy is evident through the pre-ceremony shopping/sightseeing, the rehearsal dinner, the September 10th wedding day, reception and first trip through the hotel room door as man and wife. To celebrate and share with family and friends here at home upon their return, the newlyweds hosted the film premier of “Ciao Italia” with two showings, complete with film posters, at CineBistro in Hyde Park. Invited guests brought their golden ticket movie passes, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, danced to live music, and received a gift from the “Ciao Italia” film stars - a keepsake HD Blue Ray disc of the film. The Busciglios celebrated their first anniversary on September 10, 2011 by turning down the lights and reliving the wedding trip on film. Their personal copy

Katie encouraged others to consider using experts to preserve life’s significant moments. She said, “This film captures something so special and so intimate. We shared our wedding experience with people who will be in our lives forever and see our children grow up. We can show “Ciao Italia” to our future kids and grandkids. I think every bride could do this. The best wedding gift ever is to have a great wedding video.” Derek added, “Everything went off perfectly. We have no regrets, but we would have if it had not been filmed. This preserved a bond we’ll share forever. It brought our families closer together and those we met in the process, too. We can watch and relive it over and over.” For a sampling of “Ciao Italia”, visit VHVIDEO.COM or YouTube.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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Donna Ray leads a group of young 4-H Club members who have a specific interest in learning to judge dairy events. Pictured L-R are Kyleigh Glenn (7), Emily Linton (7), Donna Ray, Peyton Ray (12) and Nicholas Hammer (8).

Suzanne Churchwell, Chairwoman of the Dairy Contestant Judging Contest.

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL DAIRY SHOW JUNIOR AND SENIOR 4-H AND FFA STUDENTS LEARN TO JUDGE J WRITTEN BY: DALE BLISS

unior and Senior 4-H and FFA students, ages 7-18, were excited about their roles in the Strawberry Festival’s Dairy Contestant Judging Contest this year. Among them were novices and seasoned judges alike. This year’s official contest judges were Dairy Committee members Michelle Cook and Josh Churchwell. The youth were to judge the cattle on frame, dairy strength, rear feet and legs, and udders.

Jennifer Linton, leader of the 4-H Antioch Critters, was on hand to help her team members Chelsea Woodard, Coley Riley, Blane Rogers and Siera Linton with lessons on how to judge. When asked why they enjoyed judging, 10-year-old Woodard said, “Because we had to write reasons why the cow places the way it does.” Coley Riley, age 9, continued with, “I don’t

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

have dairy cows at my house and I like to be around them, so this gives me a chance to learn about the dairy cows.” I just like doing it,” commented Blane Rogers.

sidelines. They were instructed to move the animals so judges could see a full view of legs, udders and frames and at one point to keep the cattle still so the judges could analyze a little more.

Nathan Cox, a member of Riverview High FFA said, “I like it because it’s a challenge and I learn different aspects of the dairy cow.”

Suzanne Churchwell, chairwoman of the Florida Strawberry Festival Dairy Committee, said, “I like this aspect of the livestock contests because it teaches children there is more to raising animals than just a monetary reward. They care for the animal because they have a want of caring for animals.”

From Riverview High School, both Ty Hamilton and Michaela Gay said they do it because “It’s fun.”

Churchwell continued, “They learn more than just “What am I going to get out of this?’”

Siera Linton added, “It shows you how to care for them.”

Volunteers paraded the Holsteins, Guernseys, Jerseys, Ayrshires and Brown Swiss around the brand new indoor arena in the Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Agricultural Center while the judging contestants studied each animal from the

Michelle Cook, committee member and judge, explained why she’s involved. “I enjoy it because of the kids. Seeing them come and work so hard to learn how to judge and discover the reasoning behind the judging makes it all worthwhile.” The winners and their categories are as follows: Junior 4-H Individual - Michael Fioretto, Chas Waller and Hunter Fioretto Junior 4-H Team - Southside Crackers, First Timers and Gators Senior 4-H Individual - Caleb Allen

Junior FFA Individual - Corey Newcomb, Aaron Dunn and SarahAnn Sweeny Junior FFA Team - Mann Middle School Donna Ray, mother of Peyton, co-leads Senior FFA Individual - Molly Beck, a group of 4-H members that enjoy judging and want to learn all aspects. These Nathan Cox, and tied for 3rd place Ty children are Peyton Ray, 12, Nicholas Hamilton and Bryan La Cruz Senior FFA Team - Hudson FFA, Hammer, 8, Kyleigh Glenn, 7, and Emily Riverview FFA and Middleton FFA Linton, 7.

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2012 Swine Grand Champion Clayton Brock with buyer Dennis Der of Southside Farm & Pet Supply

2012 FSF T

SWINE SALE WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR FLUMERFELT

he 30th anniversary of the Florida Strawberry Festival Swine Sale was held March 2, 2012. This was the first year the sale, sponsored by Patterson Companies, was held in the Patterson Companies Livestock Arena in the Evelyn and Batista Madonia, Sr. Agricultural Show Center. To mark the special occasion, attendees have the opportunity to purchase $150 personalized bricks to be placed at the north and south ends of the new festival showplace. Before the swine sale started, emcee Ray Clark auctioned off flats of strawberries from several Plant City distributors. All proceeds help provide scholarships for students involved in agriculture. Fancy Farms was announced as the provider of the best strawberries in Plant City. Students who participate in the swine

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show and sale learn values such as dedication and responsibility. The show and sale are opportunities for students to further their education due to the contributions of those who financially support them by purchasing their livestock. And this year, the sales results were especially spectacular. Dennis Der of Southside Farm Supply paid $15 a pound for the 272-pound Grand Champion pig owned by winner Clayton Brock, who is a member of the Southside 4-H Livestock Club. Antioch Feed paid $12 a pound for the 246-pound Reserve Grand Champion swine owned by Daniel Paul, a member of Antioch Critters 4-H. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival competitions and event guidelines, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com.

2012 Reserve Swine Daniel Paul with the buyer Anitoch Feed

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Rayman Ritchie (Shortcake winner) poses with event chair Barbara Caccamisi

ANNUAL SHORTCAKE COMPETITION DRAWS CONTESTANTS WORLDWIDE WRITTEN BY: KELLEIGH KLEIN

he annual “Make Your Own” Strawberry Shortcake” competition, sponsored by St. Clement Catholic Church, was a highlight competition of this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival. Event chair Barbara Caccamisi said the event is in its 39th year and the cake, fresh berries and whipped cream for the contest come from the world famous St. Clement Catholic Church Strawberry Shortcake booth. Approximately 40 eager participants put their names in a barrel with hopes of being selected for the prestigious competition. Ten participants were randomly selected to take the stage and make an attempt to eat four pounds of strawberry shortcake within a 10-minute timeframe. As the contestants took their seats in anticipation of the shortcake feast, Tony D. (founder of Tony D’s Garage) began to build one-by-one each contestant’s shortcake. Ingredients included two layers of cake, strawberries and whipped cream totaling four pounds. Emcees Wesley Rounds and Barbara Caccamisi introduced

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the contestants, explained the rules and announced the start of the contest. During the first seven minutes of the competition, contestants were allowed to use a spoon. For the last three minutes, however, they served themselves using only their hands. Hundreds of spectators were on hand to cheer on the shortcake eaters. This year’s contestants came from around the world to visit the Florida Strawberry Festival and compete in the shortcake eating competition. The contestants were Jace Jedlicka, 18, of Plant City; Rayman Ritchie, 65, from Ireland; James Marshall, 18, from Bradenton), Jessica Peterson, 20, from Plant City; Elena Hackney, 38, from Inverness; Samson Walker, 24, from Bradenton; Alfie Brisben, 66, from Hudson; Richard Brown, 62, from Maine and Kameran Kilpatrick, 19, from Dallas. The Irish took the win this year, as Rayman Ritchie finished his shortcake first with a time of 9 minutes 44 seconds. Rayman was presented a trophy and a complimentary ticket to the St. Clement Strawberry Shortcake booth.

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B.M. Smith Jr. congratulates Dr. and Mrs. Humphrey.

THE EYES HAVE IT DR. DONALD HUMPHREY NAMED PLANT CITY’S 2012 OUTSTANDING CITIZEN WRITTEN BY: TERRIKA MITCHELL AND BRIAN WEST

he cat’s out of the bag on Plant City’s annual best-kept secret. On Feb. 22, 2012, Dr. Donald Humphrey unexpectedly received the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award at the 53rd annual luncheon. The noonday ceremony, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, was held in the ballroom of the Red Rose Inn & Suites. “I was very surprised and shocked to even get the award,” Humphrey admitted. “There are so many people who deserve it before I do, in my opinion. But the committee met and they voted on me and I’m very delighted they did that.” A blushing Humphrey realized the resume his friend and predecessor Marsha Passmore read before the audience was his own. The summary of his 40-year-long career in eye care includes extensive work with the local Lions Club and eye bank providing eye exams, surgeries and more at little to no cost for the community. His volunteerism is an extension of his own optometric practice with partner Dr.

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Michael Maggard. Humphrey, a Plant City native and optometrist, is the youngest of 11 children. His community involvement includes: membership at First United Methodist Church for 40 years; 32 years with the Plant City Lions Club (all leadership roles including president); 15 years with the East Hillsborough United Fund (serving as President and Board Chairman); American Cancer Society, serving as co-chair and area coordinator); member of Sons of the American Revolution - John Devane Chapter (past president); Plant City Jaycees, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Plant City Arts Council and Art Club of Plant City; Board of Directors for Steppin’ Stone Farm; and the Hillsborough County Mental Health Center. With this recognition, Humphrey joins the ranks of recipients like B.M. “Mac” Smith Jr. (1984), Sayde Gibbs Martin (1997), the late Rev. H. Richards Bills (2003) and more than half a century worth of other honorees.

Honoree Don Humphrey with the 2012 Strawberry Festival Queen and Royal Court and Humphrey’s grandson.

“It’s my hometown. I grew up here,” Humphrey said. “The list is like a Who’s Who of Plant City from 1960 onward. A lot of them were friends and are friends of mine and have done a lot for the community for many years. They all deserve recognition.” Mary Humphrey knows she may be slightly biased but believes her husband of nearly 40 years has earned this appreciation. Their daughter Caroline Marie Masek, son Jonathan and two grandchildren would agree. “One night we got a call for some corneal tissue to Orlando and it was kind of last minute,” she recalls. “I can even remember him taking some of the tissue himself. That was when he was president of the eye bank. He’s just been active in a lot of things.” According to Mary, once the threemember committee has notified the family, it was collective effort to surprise her husband. But routing calls through their daughter and luring him under false pretenses was only half of what it took to pull off the shocker. For 53 years, tradition has been upheld as far as the nomination and selection process. Former Kiwanis Club president Anna Reitz has been involved with the Outstanding Citizen honoring for 10

years in “one way or another” and knows the secret to confidentiality. “There is a committee of three of us and we share the responsibilities of getting everything done,” Reitz explains. “We’re the only ones who know what that secret is. That’s the way it stays. That is one secret that is so guarded and we will not tell. It’s such fun.” Despite the tiring task of event planning, with the added surprise element, Reitz and other committee members have found satisfaction in admiring Humphrey and others. “Although it is certainly rewarding to have a successful and entertaining event, it is really all about honoring an outstanding citizen,” said committee chairman Ken Hawthorne. Dr. Humphrey says he is even more surprised that he will be featured in the Strawberry Festival Parade in an antique truck courtesy of Stingray Chevrolet. His wife and grandson will join him. “I usually walk the parade with the Lion’s Club. I just want to thank the entire committee for even considering me,” he said.

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LOCAL » DID YOU KNOW While most of the country were enjoying the boom days of the 1920s, the Hardees were barely able to make ends meet. The 1929 collapse of the stock market and the onset of the Great Depression left Winnie’s family struggling desperately to just hang on. At the end of September, 1930 young Cliff ’s formal education would end with the completion of grade nine. The autumn of 1931 ushered in the beginning of another strawberry season, with 15 yearold Clifford Hardee toiling away in the fields, planting seedlings. What he saw stretched out before him was not only his past but his entire future—season after season of planting and harvesting until he would join his father, the father he never knew, in Bethlehem Cemetery. Clifford was unaware that events were unfolding three hundred miles north in Moultrie, Georgia that would have a profound impact both on his future and that of Plant City.

Ethel and Clifford Hardee

JOURNEY STORIES:

STORIES OF AMERICANS, THEIR TRAVELS, AND EXPERIENCES SUBMITTED BY: PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES & HISTORY CENTER

ragging themselves out of the depths of the Great Depression, Cliff Hardee and wife Ethel brought jobs, industrial growth and prosperity to Plant City, while also spearheading many local charitable, church, and government efforts. AARP-card-carrying town-natives not only remember the remarkable couple, most have a warm personal story they’d like to share with you. What they don’t know, and what you’re about to learn, is how Cliff and Ethel came to our town. CLIFF’S FAMILY TRAVELS: Hardeeville, Beaufort County, South Carolina was the birthplace of Thomas Hardee in 1799. Their son Joseph, born there in 1820, would go on to have four sons who would call Hardeeville home. The third son, Louis L. Hardee, was born there on October 13, 1846. With the outbreak of the Civil War, fifteen-year-old Louis rode off on the family horse to enlist in the 3rd South Carolina Cavalry Regiment. After the war Louis migrated to Hamilton—a sleepy northern Florida county bisected by the Suwannee River. Over the years he would go on to serve as a Primitive Baptist minister, a farmer, a sawmill operator, and a producer of turpentine. In 1900, Louis was living two counties west in Taylor County. Three years earlier, the grizzled

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

old war veteran had married Winnie Lougenia Lewis, twenty-five years his junior. The Hardee’s marriage would prove to be fruitful, producing ten children. Their last child, Clifford Elexander Hardee, was born on September 9, 1916 in Hardeetown, Florida — a very small town about a mile north of Chiefland in Levy County. Sometime during the next three years the family moved south to Plant City. On Monday, December 1, 1919, Winnie Hardee and her children gathered in Bethlehem Cemetery in Dover, Florida for the burial of Louis, who had died in his sleep three days earlier at the age of seventy-three. The next few years would prove to be difficult for Winnie and the eight younger children still in her care. The older children worked with their mother as farm laborers while Clifford and the other younger siblings were cared for in their modest Plant City home by older sister Dollie. Monday, May 2, 1921 marked Clifford’s first day at Dover elementary school. Like a number of Hillsborough County elementary schools, Dover was a strawberry school. The school year ran from early May to the end of September, allowing students time-off to help during the strawberry growing season.

ETHEL’S FAMILY TRAVELS: Andrew Jackson Russell Smith was born in Canton, Cherokee County, Georgia in 1885. In 1911 Andrew married sixteen-year-old Clora B. Swafford. Cherokee and neighboring counties just north of Atlanta had been home to the couple’s ancestors for over a hundred years. Lillian, the Smiths’ first child, was born there in 1912. The family subsequently moved south to Ashburn, Georgia, where daughter Ethel was born on January 17, 1915. Following Ethel’s birth, the family relocated to nearby Moultrie where Andrew scratched out a living hauling produce. Smith children Edward, Juanita, and Louise were born there over the next eleven years. The Smiths’ sixth child, Mary, was born in 1928 but would die only sixteen months later after contracting measles and pneumonia. After the crash of 1929, money became harder and harder to come by. Andrew was forced to take out a mortgage on the house—the only house they’d ever owned. Things then really started to fall apart—Andrew’s markets dried up and the family was strapped for cash. Daughter Ethel, having completed the ninth grade, was forced to drop out of school and go to work as a sales clerk downtown at McCrory’s 5&10. The six dollars that Ethel brought home every week was enough to feed the family, but it wasn’t enough to keep the bank from foreclosing on their mortgage. They’d lost the house, and now it was time for them to move on. After Stella Duffy, Clora Smith’s sister, wrote telling them that they were doing well in Plant City, Florida, Ethel arranged a job transfer there to the city’s downtown McCrory’s. Andrew didn’t like the thought of leaving his native Georgia, but he had no other options—the family would head south. Saturday morning, December 5, 1931, forty-sixyear-old Andrew slipped behind the steering

wheel of the old Model-T truck he had used for hauling produce; all of the family possessions were now securely nested together and lashed down in the truck bed. Juanita slid in next to her father. Clora, holding little Louise on her lap, squeezed in next. The small passenger compartment was now quite full since there was no rear seat. Ethel wrapped herself in a quilt secured with a belt of clothesline and got on the driver side running board, scrunched between the spare tire and the rear fender. Edward, also clad in a quilt, stood on the passenger side running board, his left hand firmly gripping a table leg in the truck’s bed. Daughter Lillian and husband Dave Revels waved goodbye as the family pulled away. Clora worried about her outboard children— about the cold, the temperature having fallen to an overnight low of 45 degrees. She worried about the traffic—about the long, long journey ahead of them. It was 7:30 and still bitter cold; the sun was just starting to come up. Andrew headed east on SR 37 at a steady thirty-five miles per hour. The trip from Moultrie to Adel took nearly hour. Heading south on US 41, Andrew began the long drive to Tampa. At 2 o’clock the family pulled into a picnic grounds in Citrus Springs for a quick bite and rest stop. Ed and Ethel found a good spot to spread their quilts and let the sun’s rays warm their frigid bodies. Although the temperature had risen considerably from the morning low as they headed south, the wind chill coupled with the prolonged exposure had taken a toll on the kids. By the time they reached Tampa it was nearly 5 o’clock. Picking up US 98, the family headed east with the sun getting very low in the sky behind them. Forty minutes later Stella and Bob Duffy greeted them at their farmhouse, located to the south of Plant City just off Charlie Griffin Road. THE AMERICAN DREAM: Shortly after arriving in Plant City seventeen-year-old Ethel Smith, Southside Baptist Church’s new Sunday school teacher, would meet, and two years later marry, church member Clifford Hardee. After the birth of two daughters, they’d go on to start a little welding company, with Ethel as bookkeeper and Cliff as the one-man shop force. The Company, operating out of an East Baker Street garage, repaired damaged home-heatingoil and gas-station tanks, fixed farm equipment, and taught welding to prospective shipyard workers. The hard working family would see their enterprise grow into Plant City Steel Corporation, the largest steel fabricator in the state of Florida. Source: Cliff and Ethel’s story was excerpted from STRAWBERRIES & STEEL by Nicholas D. Brown, scheduled for publication in May, 2013.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

LOCAL » CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GREATER PLANT CITY

udos to Dr. Don Humphrey on being named this year’s OUSTANDING CITIZEN OF PLANT CITY. Very well deserved. Don is the 53rd. recipient of this prestigious honor, which was presented at The Red Rose Inn & Suites ballroom on February 22nd. The award was first established in 1960 by the First National Bank of Plant City and later assumed by the Kiwanis Club, to honor citizens who have made a significant, positive impact on our great community. The program has grown over the years with additional civic clubs joining in support. It should be noted this program is not a fundraiser for any of the clubs involved. The sole purpose of the event is to recognize and honor an outstanding Citizen. Each of the participating service clubs nominates a candidate in December. In early January, each club forwards their nomination to the Kiwanis Club with a brief biography of the candidate. A series of blind votes takes place until only two candidates are left. The results on the final two candidates are kept a well-guarded secret. On the date of the program, the winner of the Outstanding Citizen is announced at the luncheon. Congratulations again, Don - you certainly deserve this honor.

Kudos also to Fred Johnson, who was recognized by the Boy Scouts of America at their Annual Friends of Scouting Distinguished Citizen Dinner held February 9th at the Trinkle Center. Fred is a former Chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

Jim Chancey, Director of the United Food Bank of Plant City asked me to thank all who supported and attended the Fourth Annual CELEBRITY CHEF DINNER held February 18th at the Trinkle Center. It was a huge success and an event that just keeps growing. During the summer of 2011, 38,340 pounds of grocery support was given to 5,240 clients participating in the Annual Children’s Nutrition Outreach Program. This program is designed to provide breakfast and lunch to children at risk of going hungry when school meals are not available during extended school holidays. Your Plant City United Food Bank lives up to its vision statement to stamp out hunger in East Hillsborough County and raise the standard of living for the truly needy. Offering opportunities for self-improvement, education, job skills and enhancing life for individuals and families, thus affecting change for the community. The Food Bank is located at 712 East Alsobrook

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUBMITTED BY: BRUCE RODWELL

Street, Suite H. Their hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. The Food Bank relies on the generous support of businesses and individual donors. Clients are screened and come by referral only, thus insuring only the truly needy receive assistance. The Food Bank’s motto is “A Hand-Up, Not a Hand-Out”.

Don’t forget the STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW set for Saturday, March 17th. This month’s show will be featuring Corvettes all years and models. The show from 4 - 9 p.m. features ‘50s, ‘60s & ‘70s music and a drawing for a 50/50 raffle, plus plenty of vendors and crafters. The specialty shops and restaurants stay open late. Mark your calendars for the 15TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW on April 21st. This one promises to be the best of the year. One of the Chamber’s huge events is coming up on Saturday, March 24th… PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES will take place between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Road. This is the second year for this great event and it promises to be even better than the 2011 show ….is that possible? There will be planes, remote controlled planes, model trains, classic automobiles, police dog demonstrations, fly-overs, free flights for kids, a kids play area, DJ entertainment, vendors, scouting badge opportunities, and the list goes on. Admission is free and there is a $5.00 per car parking fee. You will not want to miss this special fun day. Last year it was a huge success and this year it plans to be even better.

The Plant City Recreation & Parks Department has announced it is time for ADULT SOFTBALL SPRING LEAGUES. Games are played at the Randy Larson Four-Plex and Plant City Stadium. Teams should be registered on the official form by March 30th at the Recreation & Parks offices, 1904 South Park Road. The season is slated to start April 9th and run through early June. Registration information is available by contacting Deborah Haldane at 813-659-4200 ext. 4302. Also, the YOUTH FISHING DERBY will take place on March 31st for youth ages 5-15. This free fishing derby allows youth to fish in the pond behind the stadium off Gordon Food Service Drive (formerly Albertson Drive). Preregistration is preferred and helpful. The contact is once again Deborah Haldane at the above telephone number. Plant City’s Noontime Rotary Club will host their Annual WILD GAME COOKOUT at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds on March 30th from 6 - 10 p.m. This is a great event and a chance to taste some delicious wild game. Log onto www.rotarywildgamecookout. com for additional information. For tickets contact Tim Kip at 813-759-2637. The American Business Women’s Association is holding a DIVA GETAWAY at the HCC Trinkle Center on Friday, March 30th from 7 - 11 p.m. Tickets are $100 and include heavy hors d`oeuvres, open bar, nail art, massage, hair play, make-up consultations, boutique shopping, girlfriend photos, blackjack and more. Proceeds from this great event benefit the ABWA scholarship and women’s education program. For more information, call Rebecca Williams at 813-376-4825.

A very special FLORIDA OPRY will take place Saturday, March 31st featuring Amanda & Scott Anderson, Silvertip with Jim Dunn, Austin Truax and Carolyn Dunn. Randy Scott will act as Master of Ceremonies. It all begins with a Bar-B-Q dinner at 4:45 p.m. for $6.50/person. Doors open at 5 for the show that begins at 6 p.m. Call for info and reservations to 813-757-9226 or e-mail info@ thefloridaopry.com.

You can take the kids to the RED CABOOSE located at 908 Joe McIntosh Road to see the Easter Bunny and get a free picture and treat March 30-31 from 2 - 6 p.m. each day. This all free/no donations event is held in co-operation with the Operation Lifesaver Highway-Rail Grade Crossing Safety Program. Call 813-759-3345 for additional details. The Plant City Downtown Business & Merchants Association will hold its second

Annual SPRING THING in downtown Plant City on Saturday, March 31st from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Qualified appraisers will be on hand at the Train Station Depot to assess your antiques, fine art, collectibles and jewelry. A nominal fee of $5.00 will be charged for each appraisal. PLANT CITY FRESH MARKET makes its debut as part of the ‘SPRING THING’. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meats and other items will be available. Plenty of free parking downtown is available in the 3 municipal lots. Come shop the Downtown stores, take advantage of the appraisers who can answer your “What’s it worth now?” questions. Bring the family and enjoy the activities, shop the brand new Plant City Fresh Market and even enjoy lunch at one of our restaurants. This event is a great way to kick off the spring shopping season and to introduce newcomers to the shopping and dining experience in our beautiful Historic Downtown. For more information, call Dave Schultz at 727-415-2081. A reminder…. the Chamber office will be closed on April 6th in observance of Good Friday.

Bring the family out for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce BIKE FEST on Saturday, April 7th in downtown Plant City. Lots of fun with great food from various vendors, live music, and a 50/50 raffle. Look over a huge selection of motorcycles…all shapes and sizes. The fun extends from 5 ‘til 9 p.m. and most shops stay open late. Hope to see you there. The Chamber’s CONTACT BREAKFAST will take place at the Red Rose Inn & Suites on Wednesday, April 11th at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $15. Call the Chamber office at 813-754-3707 to reserve your spot. Planning ahead…. the Plant City Garden Club will hold their Annual FUN WITH FLOWERS on Saturday, April 14th. For additional information contact Christie Linke at 813-752-5874. REMEMBER TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBERS. PATRONIZE and SHOP WHERE YOU SEE THIS SIGN: MEMBER GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CHAMBER RIBBON CUTTINGS

Hometown Banking at its best!

Come and bank with your friends and neighbors Race Trac 1202 Towngate Court, Plant City, FL 33563-1461 Contact: Sonia Vazquez Phone: (813) 764-0367 WebSite: www.racetrac.com

Dinosaur World, Inc. 5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL 33565-6101 Contact: Marlene Svensson Phone: (813) 717-9865 Fax: (813) 707-9776 WebSite: www.dinosaurworld.com Email: florida@dinosaurworld.com

509 West Alexander Street • Plant City (across from Plant City High School)

813-707-6506 1016 Bloomingdale Ave. • Valrico 813-657-8989

Isn’t it beautiful? Let’s keep it that way!

813-719-1822 1822 James L. Redman Pkwy. Plant City, FL, 33563 You must hurry! This ends soon! Located in The Strawberry Plaza Food or cash donation required to local food bank determined by club. Offer based on first visit enrollment, minimum 12 mo c.d./e.f.t. program. New members only. Not valid with any other offer. Valid only at participating locations through 3/25/12. © 2012 Curves International, Inc.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

Come Experience the Napa Valley Of Tampa Bay a p V a N a l e l e h t y e O c n f e i T r e a p m x p E a e Bay m o C Our Tasting Room & Gift Shop is open daily until 6PM Sample all our wines for just $6. Due to popular demand, we have brought back our ice wine for a limited time. Host Your Next Special Moment at Keel & Curley Wedding Ceremonies & Receptions Showers, Parties, & Corporate Events

March 17, 2012 from 12 to 7pm. Free to the public

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Friday Evening After Hours Wine Bar Happy Hour 6PM - 7PM Wine Tasting until 9PM Live Music 6:30PM - 10:30PM

813.752.9100 5202 W. Thonotosassa Rd., Plant City www.keelandcurleywinery.com

And The

WINNERS Are...

Over 500 attendees enjoyed a night of great music, food and fun at FOCUS Magazine’s 10th Anniversary Celebration and Reader’s Choice Awards on February 16th. The celebration was held at Keel and Curley Winery and was in partnership with the Greater Plant City Chamber’s monthly after hours social. Twenty two categories of restaurants were voted for by readers online. The winners of each category were announced at the anniversary celebration. Presenting the awards to the restaurant winners were local business and community leaders. On hand to emcee the event was Dave McKay with WQYK radio in Tampa. A special thank you to Keel and Curley Winery, Carrabas, Outback Steakhouse, Exclusively Yours, Red Rose Inn and Suites, and Parksdale Farms for helping to make this year’s Reader’s Choice Awards a huge success.

Best Cuban Strawberry Hut

1505 N. Wheeler St Plant City, FL 813.752.3379 www.thestrawberryhut.com

Best Hamburger

Chili’s

Best Asian

3001 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 813.764.8548 www.chilis.com

Best Salad

Red Rose Dining Room 2011 N Wheeler St Plant City, Fl 813.759.1888 www.redroseinnandsuites.com

Parkesdale Farms

Best Milkshake Parkesdale Farms

3702 W. Baker St. Plant City, FL 813.752.0502 www.parkesdale.com

813 Chinese

2204 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 813.752.6888

Best BBQ

Johnson’s BBQ 1305 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 813.759.0009 www.Johnsonbarbeque.com

Best Breakfast

Best Soup

1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 813.752.7763 www.fredsmarket.com

2909 James L Redman Pkwy Suite 113 Plant City, FL 813.659.0864 www.panerabread.com

Fred’s Southern Kitchen

Panera Bread

Best Italian

Carrabba’s Italian Grill 1205 Townsgate Ct. Plant City, FL 813.752.0760 www.carrabbas.com

Best Chicken Wings Beef O Brady’s

2418 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 813.757.0300 www.beefobradys.com

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Best Dessert

Red Rose Dining Room 2011 N Wheeler St Plant City, Fl 813.759.1888 www.redroseinnandsuites.com

Best Hometown Cooking Fred’s Southern Kitchen

1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 813.752.7763 www.fredsmarket.com

Best Strawberry Shortcake Parkesdale Farms

3702 W. Baker St. Plant City, FL 813.752.0502 www.parkesdale.com

Best Overall Service Red Rose Dining Room

2011 N Wheeler St Plant City, Fl 813.759.1888 www.redroseinnandsuites.com

Best Seafood

Red Rose Dining Room

Most Romantic

Red Rose Dining Room 2011 N Wheeler St Plant City, Fl 813.759.1888 www.redroseinnandsuites.com

Best Mexican Mi Casa

2613 Thonotosassa Rd Plant City, FL 813.752.0057 www.micasamex.com

2011 N Wheeler St Plant City, Fl 813.759.1888 www.redroseinnandsuites.com

Best Fried Chicken Maryland Fried Chicken 315 N Alexander St Plant City, FL 813.752.9200

Best Coffee Dunkin Donuts

2307 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 813.446.2975 www.dunkindonuts.com

Best Steak

Outback Steakhouse 1203 Townsgate Ct. Plant City, FL 813.759.4329 www.outback.com

Best Pizza

Olde Town Pizzeria 3011 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 813.752.5800 www.oldetownpizzeria.com

Best Server

Caitlin Zimmerman Johnsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s BBQ 1305 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 813.759.0009 www.Johnsonbarbeque.com For deals from the

BEST OF PLANT CITY Go to:

myfocuscoupons.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

Parkesdale Farms

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

strawberry hut

813 chinese

Illustration by Alan Rodriguez & Tony Cartagena FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Busciglio Smiles

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT

Orthodontic Practice “Busciglio Smiles”Welcomes Dual Certified Pediatric Dentist and Orthodontist, Dr. Dana Busciglio Story By Cheryl Johnston Photos By Anthony Sassano

Dr. Dana Busciglio has a new

reason to smile. After more than 12 years of specialized dental education and training, Dr. Dana now works with her brother, Dr. Derek Busciglio, in the family’s dental practice founded more than 40 years ago by their father, Dr. John Busciglio.

Orthodontics’ offices in Brandon and Wesley Chapel, the brother and sister dental experts have expanded the location here at 623 E. Alexander Street. In addition to treating orthodontics for children and adults, Dr. Dana Busciglio will now be serving the pediatric dental needs of Plant City’s infants, children and teens.

And families in Plant City have reason to smile, too. In addition to the Busciglio

There’s no question -- the Busciglio family knows smiles. In fact, this knowledge has

prompted a name change for their practice in all three locations - from Busciglio Orthodontics to Busciglio Smiles. It even sounds like fun. The doctors believe dental office visits should be something their patients look forward to because with proper care they can expect to have a healthy mouth for the rest of their lives.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

FOCUS SPOTLIGHT

trained at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. “Once you’re in dental school you have to feel out different specialties,” says Dr. Dana, who became a dentist in 2004. “When I was in my pediatrics rotation, I realized that working with children comes naturally to me and they respond well to my care. I enjoy it.” Following her training in Boston, the bi-lingual (English/Spanish) Dr. Dana completed her specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry at Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the prestigious Miami Children’s Hospital in 2006 and became Board Certified soon thereafter. Dr. Dana worked the next three years with her father before completing her specialty training in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, also at NSU. “Thankfully,” she added, “the interactive approach to dental care works beautifully. The Busciglios encourage young patients to upload photos of their smiles to the company website and to enjoy games in the office about making good choices.

Dr. Derek & Dana Busciglio followed their dad, Dr. John Busciglio’s footsteps

Parents and patients of all ages can take comfort in the team’s experience. Dr. Dana has been around her father’s dental offices all her life. Presently, she will be the only Board Certified Pediatric Dentist practicing in Plant City and one of only five dual-certified pediatric dentists/orthodontists in Florida. Both Dr. Dana and Dr. Derek credit their parents, Dr. and Mrs. John and Diana Busciglio, for their encouragement and support as they followed in their father’s career path. Their desire is to continually enhance the highly regarded reputation he built through Busciglio Orthodontics. Dr. Dana said, “Our father is a happy man because he has loved his work and we’ve maintained that positive environment. He created in both Derek and me a passion for dental health. We’re privileged now to be his colleagues and to carry on the tradition.” Dana and Derek both earned degrees and

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Many patients in Plant City have been traveling to the Brandon location for appointments and will obviously enjoy the convenience of the office here. Dr. Dana explained what they can expect. “Our facilities are state of the art with the most current technology, paperless chart files, and digital x-rays which mean less exposure to radiation.” Busciglio Smiles also provides orthodontic care for their patients. In addition to traditional treatment options such as braces, they also provide the most esthetic treatment option for straightening teeth called Invisalign. Moreover, Busciglio Smiles is the only Elite provider for the Invisalign system in eastern Hillsborough County. This denotes an extraordinary level of expertise with the system and should be highly valued when choosing a provider. "Offering Invisalign and Invisalign TEEN has been a tremendous service to our younger patients and their parents who desire the clear alternative to traditional treatment," says Dr. Derek. This good news also applies to adults. The Busciglios treat all ages from infants and children to teens and adults.

What Dr. Dana appreciates about her dual certification is that Busciglio Smiles patients benefit most. She explained, “Doing both offers our patients the best of both worlds. When we begin seeing them at an early age, the children become very comfortable in our offices. They have no fear and they’re excited about their dental health. It’s also nice to be the one-stop provider.” Pediatric dentistry involves learning dentistry of small teeth along with learning behavior management with children. Dr. Dana offered, “Basically it’s the art of distraction in three basic steps: You tell the child what you’re going to do, then show him what you’re going to do, and then you do it. What’s important to me is that there are no surprises for the child.”

ISSUES with CHILDREN and TEETH As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), Dr. Dana has advice for parents regarding their children’s teeth. ”Children should have their first visit to a pediatric dentist no later than one year of age,” Dr. Dana explained, “Many parents wonder why they should bring their child to the dentist so young. This early visit educates parents about providing good oral hygiene for the child and makes the child comfortable in a dental setting.” It’s a concept the AAPD calls “dental anticipatory guidance,” helping parents know what to anticipate at each age/stage. Informed parents will know the importance of caring for their children’s teeth and keeping their children as cavity free as possible. Dr. Dana follows AAPD in making recommendations for parents concerning children and dental care. Here are a few tips: Milk - “Yes, milk provides minerals and vitamins for the teeth and bones,” she says, “but milk can also have a negative effect on teeth if not cleaned properly. It’s important to clean the teeth with a soft toothbrush or a rinse of water to remove the sugar from the teeth.”

As a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD), Dr. Dana has advice for parents regarding their children’s teeth. ”Children should have their first visit to a pediatric dentist no later than one year of age”

Dr. Dana showing Proper oral hygiene to Lauren Lamoutte.

Candy and Sodas - Dr. Dana says it’s okay to have candy, and that it’s not so much what you eat, but how often you have it. “So let’s say you have candy at night and you brush your teeth. That’s okay. But if you’re sipping on a Coca Cola all day long, that sugar sticks on your teeth all that time and that’s where the bacteria grow.” Brush or at least have water afterwards to rinse the sugar off. Braces - The American Academy of Orthodontists recommends the first visit no later than age 7 to evaluate the child for any interceptive treatment necessary, such as crossbite and abnormal jaw growth. Dr. Dana cautions, “You don’t see a lot of things happening in the back of the mouth. If untreated, asymmetry of the jaw can cause further damage. Early Interceptive Orthodontics can prevent problems that lead to crowded teeth and poor bite relationships. “ Busciglio Smiles Tooth Fairy - Dr. Dana says, “Yes, absolutely, you should you have a tooth fairy at your house! And,” she continued, “be watching your child’s school news for the Busciglio Smiles Tooth Fairy coming soon.” (Reports say there will be a good tooth fairy and a

rotten tooth fairy to teach dental hygiene in area schools.) Happy to be Home Again Dr. Dana Busciglio is the youngest of six Busciglio children. The Brandon High School graduate (1996) and University of Florida alumni (Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition, 2000) is happy to be back in the Tampa Bay area with her large extended family. Community involvement also comes natural to Dr. Dana. She holds professional memberships in the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Society, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Association of Orthodontics. During college she volunteered in the Shands Hospital dental clinic, organized outreaches to underserved children in Boston, and served on missionary trips to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. At Tufts she was a voting member of the admissions committee and President of the Hispanic Dental Association. Upon graduation, she received the Massachusetts Hispanic Dental Association Student Community Service Award and the Esther Kaplan Colchamiro and Ralph Colchamiro

endowed prize fund for Community Service and Public Health. Obviously, Dr. Dana is a doer and a giver. Of her return to eastern Hillsborough County, she says, “I look forward to helping out in the local community.” In short, Dr. Dana is just happy to be a part of the dental practice her father started in 1972. What she’s learned is that the Busciglio Orthodontic offices are “still the happy places I remember them being when I was a kid. Derek and I are very close and we love working together as colleagues and mentors. We’re especially excited now about the opportunity to serve the families of Plant City.” Busciglio Smiles is now scheduling new patient exams for Pediatric Dentistry at the Plant City location and continues to provide orthodontic treatment at all three locations. Call 813-759-9474 today for a consultation appointment. Feel free also to the Tooth Fairy to visit your student’s school.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

The Premier Showplace for Talent in Florida Show Guests stay overnight at special rate!

Bob Ryman

The Jarmels

MARCH 17 “THE FIDDLER” BOB A ST. PATRICK’S DAY BALLROOM DINNER SHOW

RYMAN

Come celebrate the event! Ryman is a master of the violin and takes you through a magical journey of the classics to country favorites. The Las Vegas Sounds will also perform. Car show in the afternoon and deck party with a St. Patty’s tradition of green beer before the show. Pre-show at 7–Main-show at 8.

MARCH 17 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MARCH 23 thru 24 DOO WOP WEEKEND EXTRAVAGANZA VI STARRING - BARBARA HARRIS & THE TOYS THE MYSTICS • THE LEGENDARY TEENAGERS JIMMY GALLAGHER OF THE PASSIONS • DESTINY THE LAS VEGAS SOUNDS • BOB RYMAN The annual event is taking on its sixth year of fun, food, contest and great music from a bygone era. Friday night performances include: The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher (lead singer of the Passions), Barbara Harris & The Toys and The Las Vegas Sounds. Saturday night performances include: The Mystics, Jimmy Gallagher, The Legendary

Teenagers and The Las Vegas Sounds Band will perform in the Ballroom. Bob Ryman will perform in the Dining Room.

MARCH 30 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

MARCH 31 BOB RYMAN

Bob Ryman is a master of the violin. Ryman plays favorites from Bluegrass to Broadway, from Country to Classics. Destiny before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 6 BOBBY PALERMO

Bobby Bobby Palermo has been voted Tampa Bay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row. Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations and fabulously listenable and danceable music. Destiny opens and closes.

APRIL 7 TREY DEES AND

DESTINY

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 8 EASTER

BUFFET

Our chefs are preparing a fabulous feast for you! The Easter Bunny will drop by for photos. Call for seating times and reservations.

APRIL 13 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

APRIL 14 THE JARMELS

The Jarmels are a Doo Wop/R&B group. Their single, “A Little Bit of Soap,” reached number 12 in America on the Billboard chart. Destiny opens and closes the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 20 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

APRIL 21 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

APRIL 27 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

W W W. R E D R O S E I N N A N D S U I T E S . C O M

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Red Rose Inn & Suites

I-4 Exit 21 2011 N. Wheeler St. • Plant City, FL 33563 Mrs. Evelyn Madonia -Owner

Brian Roman

The Marcels Johnny Alston’s Motown Rock ‘n Roll Revue

APRIL 28 SIMPLY STREISAND A TRIBUTE TO THE ARTISTY OF BARBRA STREISAND Starring Carla DelVillaggio, this AWARD WINNING Tribute Artist has the look and sound of “the Greatest Star,” the incomparable Barbra Streisand. From the hair down to the trademark nails, she is “Simply Streisand” in every way. Destiny performs before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 4 BOBBY PALERMO Bobby Bobby Palermo has been voted Tampa Bay Entertainer of the Year two years in a row. Enjoy a night of humour, impersonations and fabulously listenable and danceable music. Destiny performs before and after the show in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 5 THE MARCELS In 1961 their first recording, “Blue Moon” sold over two and a half million copies. “Blue Moon” has been used in at least four major motion pictures and various TV shows, such as: Sha Na Na, Cheers, Moonlighting, Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days. Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 11 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

y l p m i S reisand St

MAY 12 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

MAY 18 BEAUTIFUL BOBBY BLACKMON & THE B3 BLUES BAND

Bobby Blackmon's career began in a small town not far from the Dallas, Texas area. His Texas blues influence is heard loud ‘n’ proud in his soulful guitar playing. He's worked with the likes of Barbara Lynn, Jimmy Reed, ZZ Hill, Johnny Taylor, Lavelle White and Lou Rawls. Destiny opens and closes in the Red Rose Dining Room.

MAY 19 JOHNNY ALSTON’S MOTOWN ROCK & ROLL REVUE Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room, plus Destiny.

MAY 25

BRIAN ROMAN One of Canada’s finest entertainers! Roman performs the classics – spanning the Golden Era, ranging from Sinatra to Tom Jones. Destiny also performs.

MAY 26 RALPH ALLOCCO & SECOND WIND

Performing in the Red Rose Dining Room.

Call 813.752.3141 for Reservations Today!

KEPES RADIATION ONCOLOGY & K E S Y E H (Formally Known as Plant City Cancer Center)

·· IMRT IMRT ·· 33- Conformal Conformal ·· HDR HDR (High (High Dose Dose Rate) Rate) ·· Prostate Prostate Seed Seed Implants Implants ·· Accuboost Accuboost HDR HDR for for Breast Breast Cancer Cancer ·· Leizip Leizip for for Skin Skin Cancer Cancer

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

HAYDE POT 20 HH 17, RC 201212 MA 17, IS Y RC DA MA ION IS Y IAT DA EC PR ION AP IAT ER EC PR OM ST AP CU ER OM ST CU

Door Prizes! SPCA and Tack Trailer will be on Site. Randy V. Heysek, MD FACRO

Kathryn L. Kepes, MD FACRO

Heysek & Kepes Radiation Oncology Center We have changed our name to show who we are and what we do. We continue to provide personalized and state of the art care.

Call 813-719-7705 for appts/consultations 303 North Alexander Street, Plant City, FL

$2.00 Off Manna Pro Feed.

WATCH FOR UPCOMING SPECIALS

(still located with South Florida Baptist Hospital)

COASTAL, ALFALFA, COMPRESSED ALFALFA, TNA, COMPRESSED TIMOTHY, PERENNIAL PEANUT, & PINE SHAVINGS

LOCAL OWNERS • LOCAL DECISIONS

1001 S. ALEXANDER ST. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563 (813) 478-1654 STORE HOURS: 7:00 AM TO 5:30 PM MON-FRI 7:00 AM TO 3:30 PM SATURDAY

Plant City Ofﬁce 1804 James L. Redman Pkwy., Plant City, FL 33563 Telephone (813) 659-1234 | Fax (813) 659-9134 Other Locations: Brandon, Lakeland, Tampa, and Winter Haven

Lobby Hours: Monday –Thursday 9:00am – 4:00 pm Friday 9:00am – 6:00pm Drive Thru Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am – 6:00 pm 24 hour ATM in the Drive Thru Member FDIC

www.platinumbank.com

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

BUSINESS » BUSINESS PROFILE fun and energetic workout that leaves you feeling great. CurvesSmart is a personalized program that utilizes the most advanced fitness technology in the world. Based on each individual’s own fitness level data, members are given instant moment-tomoment feedback during every workout. This system tracks all of your workout data, which includes overall muscle strength, calories burned, and how close you are to reaching your goals. Curves employees provide that personal attention you need to help you become the stronger, happier, healthier woman you deserve to be. You are considered a friend and the friendly circuit coaches go out of their way to help you achieve your toughest goal. They will stick with you every step of the way.

You must ask yourself…. “Am I ready to help myself become stronger, healthier, and happier?” If your answer is “Yes,” then Curves is your new workout spot. Although working out can be a challenge, you must take that first step. So, what are you waiting for? You deserve to treat yourself to a better you. Step on in and become a fellow “Curvette”. Call today for a free fitness assessment.

CRITICAL INFORMATION

Throughout the month of March, you can join FREE if you bring in a full bag of groceries. You will be enrolled in personalized fitness program and the food

CURVES W

you donate will go to a local food bank to help others in need. What a great feeling to help yourself while you help others as well.

1822 JAMES L. REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33563 PHONE: 813-719-1822 MON, & WED: 6:30AM-1PM; 3-7PM TUES., THURS., & FRI: 6:30AM-1PM; 3-6PM SAT 8-10AM; CLOSED SUNDAYS

GYM FOR WOMEN WRITTEN BY: DEANA GARRISON

omen in the Plant City area have discovered that Curves is the place to go for their own specifically designed workout. They can change their lives - 30 minutes at a time. Located at 1822 James L. Redman Parkway, Curves has just the right equipment and workout programs for an optimum strength training and cardiovascular exercise experience. Instead of a cardiovascular workout with treadmills, elliptical machines, or stair steppers, Curves focuses on strength training, which is key to losing weight and keeping it off. Women raise their body’s metabolism by adding muscle and tone. In the process, the body burns calories, even while at rest. Stronger bones also

result from this kind of workout, which is important to women as they progress in age. In addition to club’s upbeat atmosphere, Curves has certified “circuit coaches” to help clients learn how to maintain motivation and focus for at least 30 minutes a day for the best possible results. Also offered is Curves Complete, the most researched diet plan in the world. Bonnie Gwin, owner of Curves in Plant City said, “You can lose 20 pounds of body fat in just 90 days! I have been on the program for seven weeks and lost 23 pounds and still have five weeks to go.” With another program called Curves Circuit with ZUMBA, you can burn up to 700-800 calories in just 30 minutes! It’s a FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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BUSINESS » EDWARD JONES

TAXES DON’T HAVE A 5 THINGS TO SEASON: CONSIDER NOW SUBMITTED BY: EDWARD JONES

IRA provides benefits that could prove more valuable depending on future tax rates. But while your situation and the tax code may be anything but constant, one thing is certain: An important benefit of having money in different types of taxfavored accounts (i.e., tax diversification) is flexibility when it’s time to withdraw your funds.

oo often, the thought of how to reduce taxes only occurs during March and April as the tax deadline approaches. Your taxes are determined when a transaction is made, so potentially reducing your tax bill – and planning ahead – should be a year-round endeavor. Consider these five things to help you become tax-smart.

1. KNOW WHICH TAX DEDUCTIONS/ CREDITS YOU CAN TAKE.

3. FUND EARLY. If you wait until the tax deadline to fund your IRA each year, you miss up to 15 months of potential tax-deferred growth on your contribution. For example, many people will wait until April 15, 2013,² to contribute to their IRAs for 2012 when they could have funded them as early as Jan. 3, 2012. Although 15 months may not seem like a significant amount of time, it may considerably impact your retirement savings.

4. DIRECTLY DEPOSIT YOUR TAX REFUND INTO YOUR IRA.

When you work with your tax professional, Your 2011 tax refund is one way to help be sure to be aware of any deductions or add to your retirement savings goals. You tax credits you might be eligible to take. can instruct the IRS to directly deposit your tax refund into as many as three Examples of tax credits include: separate accounts. This includes any checking, savings and retirement accounts, Retirement savings contribution credit such as an Edward Jones IRA. Even if Education credit you use only a portion of your refund for Child and dependent care credit retirement savings, your 2011 tax refund Examples of tax deductions include: can help make it a little easier to work toward your retirement goals. IRA contributions Health savings account contributions Tuition and fees

2. “TAX-DIVERSIFY” YOUR SAVINGS. Different types of tax-favored accounts have different benefits. For example, with a traditional IRA, your contributions may be tax-deductible and can grow tax deferred. With a Roth IRA, your contributions are nondeductible but distributions you take during retirement are tax-free.¹ Each

5. SCHEDULE A COMPLIMENTARY PORTFOLIO REVIEW.

Lots of times, changes in life affect your investments. That’s why we encourage our clients to schedule a portfolio review at least annually with their Edward Jones financial advisor. We’ll talk about any changes in your life and help you decide whether it makes sense to revise your investments because of them. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

BUSINESS Âť SUCCESS

JOHN RICHARDS

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

and contracts with law enforcement, government organizations and loyal locals.

WHAT ARE YOUR ASPIRATIONS?

What do you have planned for the future? As long as the demand grows, I hope that I will grow with it.

To see something come together. I love to see something made from nothing. To have all the equipment/machinery to build complete firearms. To be the onestop shop for all the tactical needs - to be the Walmart of tactical firearms and accessories.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SUCCESSES? 66

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

AR TACTICAL

Started from small roll up storage to online store with an open showroom

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS? I grew up around firearms my whole life, in one way or another. And then Uncle Sam trained me even more. I saw a great opportunity to put my knowledge to use and do something I love doing.

BUSINESS » SUCCESS

SCOTT, LISA AND TONY D GARAGE JADEN PERRY DOORS

company and we are focusing everyday to provide the same quality of service to our customers that Tony provided. We also would love to build the business to a level that would allow us to bring on my brothers and expand our operations. Over the next few years our main goal is to become the “Small Business of the Year” in Plant City.

WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST SUCCESSES?

It depends on how you determine successes. To us our greatest successes involve giving back to the community and charities. Last October we were able to give back 15% of our gross profits to the National Breast Cancer Foundation in honor of our grandmother, Shirley Crum. We also have been able to help with the St. Clements Golf Tournament, which provides college scholarships to students in the church. As long as we’re able to provide and help with different events in the Plant City community, we feel we have achieved successes. This year we will be looking for more events in the community to help out and become a part of.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS YOU ARE IN NOW?

Tony did some garage door work for my Uncle and they started to talk about the company. Tony mentioned to my Uncle that he would like to sell his company. Well, one thing led to another and I was able to sit down and talk with Tony. After about six months we finally made the deal. However, none of this would have been possible without the help of Scott’s parents. We’re truly blessed to have their support and guidance with the whole process and the continued support they show us every day.

WHAT DO YOU HAVE PLANNED FOR YOUR FUTURE?

We have big shoes to fill. Tony did a great job starting and building a great

BENNY CASTILLO -

15 Years of Professional Baseball Detroit Tigers, Cleveland Indians, and Texas Rangers Manager in Minor League for the Florida Marlins and the Detroit Tigers Organization

5 years of Professional Baseball Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 3rd round of the 1999 MLB June Amateur Draft and then traded to Boston Red Sox in 2003

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Scott’s grandparents had a very successful RV dealership (Dusty’s Camper World). Scott aspires everyday to work and take care of his customers just as his grandparents did. Scott says “If I am able to provide the same level of service and hard work my grandparents did, then all our goals will be achieved and nothing will be impossible.” God and Family. Our son Jaden looks up to us every day, so it’s our responsibility to make sure he understands nothing is more important than God and Family. He is the reason we are driven to do our best and always will be. He inspires us to teach him how to be a man of God and to show him that working hard every day pays off.

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WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

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Team Wainoris ...Selling Hillsborough and Polk Multi-Million Dollar Producers

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Randall Wainoris 813-997-3000 REALTOR®/Attorney at Law

Kathleen Wainoris 863-608-1557 REALTOR® Notary

IS TIME RUNNING OUT FOR YOUR SHORT SALE? There are still large numbers of people who haven’t decided how to address their over-leveraged home situation....are you one of them? On December 31, 2012, certain tax advantages related to a short sale of your primary residential home officially run out due to the expiration the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act, passed back in 2007. Unless changes are made to the current law, homeowners may face significant additional tax consequences on sales of their primary residence even if they take advantage of a short sale with their lender.* Here at Team Wainoris, we have helped many homeowners who were upside down in their current mortgage and did not know what to do. If you know a homeowner struggling to save their home or if you are a distressed homeowner yourself, please call Team Wainoris today...let us help you.....before time runs out! *Consult your tax adviser for your individual tax consequences.

GREAT OPEN FLOOR PLAN Short sale: Great 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in wonderful location near Polk Parkway. Large kitchen and inside utility. Asking $74,900.

SANDPIPER GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB Immaculate 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2081 square foot home in Sandpiper Golf and Country Club is ready for you. Don’t miss this one! $169,000.

BANK APPROVED DREAM! Stunning 5 bedroom 4 bath home on beautiful secluded lot with no deed restrictions. Gourmet kitchen, real wood ﬂooring, volume ceilings and so much more. Call today to see this incredible home. Bank approved price of $287,900.

WALDEN LAKE TWO STORY Add your ﬁnishing touches and a little TLC to this beautiful home with vaulted ceilings, brick ﬁreplace and granite counters and so much more. Short sale: asking $150,000.

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Happy 6th Birthday Jaida!!

Numbers 6:24-26

• Daddy’s Little Girl

• Mommy’s Angel

• Sissy’s Best Friend

We love you so very much! xoxo - Daddy, Mommy & Paitlyn

I was shopping rates/fees with a couple of brokers and was not getting a clear picture of the true cost and fees. Nate was very honest and direct about the cost and how the processed worked. Nate and his staff were always available and quick to respond when I had a question. The process was very quick and did not take much of my time. There was nothing negative about working with Plant City Mortgages. The only negatives I had with the whole refi process was the runaround and hounding I got from one of the brokers from another company. My advice to my friends is to shop the rates/fees and see what is out there. Once they have a good idea what is available then call Nate and I think see what he can do. My expectation is he will win the business every time. Sincerely , Erik Walls

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REAL ESTATE » JO-ANN LUSK

Talk to me about Allstate Power Sports Insurance. I can help protect your recreational vehicles. Plus, the more you protect, the more you can save-with multi-policy discounts. Call me and I can help you find the discounts you may qualify for.

RALPH L. FEOLA, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF (813) 752 2556

POWERFUL TIPS SUBMITTED BY: JO-ANN LUSK

1. PRICE YOUR HOME AGGRESSIVELY 1003 S COLLINS ST PLANT CITY a026519@allstate.com Availability varies by product type and is subject to availability and qualifications. Discount amount may vary by state.Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company: Northbrook, Illinois © 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

Setting the right price for your home is the single most important decision you will make when you decide to sell. One simple but powerful technique for pricing your home aggressively is to spend the day looking at your competitors’ homes. By doing so you will be seeing the world through the buyers’ eyes. Be tough and honest with yourself.

FOR SELLERS

impression start from the outside first by working hard to improve your home’s curb appeal. Next move inside and stage each space by creating a focal point and a story for each room. A set dining table, a book by the bed, or a game in the kids room are all simple examples of staging.

5. USE A PRE-APPRAISAL AND PRE-INSPECTIONS

A pre-appraisal is an appraisal of the home before a buyer has made an offer. Not all listing agents are created equal. To By having this done early you will have an find an aggressive full time agent, take the objective voice that has provided a value time to research the market, talk to friends, for the property independent of your own opinion and may be a great tool in talking neighbors, and colleagues about who with buyers. In addition, many sellers do they recommend, and interview multiple agents before making a hiring decision. In pre-inspections of the home to provide addition, be sure to come to an agreement buyers with a clear whole home inspection or pest and dry rot inspection. (A word of about a specific, documented marketing caution: anything discovered during a preplan before signing a long term listing inspection will likely need to be disclosed agreement. whether you fix the issue or not).

2. HIRE AN AGGRESSIVE LISTING AGENT

Owned and Operated by Steve and Kathy Paul Thank you Plant City for 6 wonderful years of service!

Roaches • Ants • Spiders Carpenter Ants (inside & outside) Fleas and Ticks (inside and outside) Service tubes in the wall We’ll get the bugs moving in the right direction.

Steve with Walter Warren and Bud O’ Callaghan

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MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

3. OFFER INCENTIVES & PRE-PAIDS

A buyer who has narrowed their search down to two or three top choices may need a little push to motivate them to take action. To encourage buyers, many sellers offer incentives like buying the interest rate down on the purchaser’s loan, paying for closing costs, inspections or repairs, or providing allowances or credits for home upgrades after closing. In addition, many sellers prepay for services like internet services for a year, taxes or homeowners association dues, or even golf club memberships.

4. STAGE THE HOME & USE CURB APPEAL Buyers won’t pull the trigger unless they become emotionally invested in your home. To help build a stronger first

6. LEARN TO FAIL FAST

If something isn’t working, successful sellers have the strength to fail fast by making adjustments to their strategy quickly. For instance, if after implementing your marketing plan buyers don’t begin to view your home on a regular basis, this is a clear indication (a red flag) that the market is rejecting your price. There is only one solution: lower your price. On the other hand, if you have steady stream of buyers touring your listing, yet you aren’t receiving any offers, this is often a symptom of buyers rejecting, not the price, but the home itself. Something about the home is turning them off. Savvy sellers attempt to identify the problem and take proactive action to correct it.

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REAL ESTATE » WALDEN LAKE

WALDEN LAKE T

he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings, open to all Walden Lake residents, are held the third Monday each month at 6PM at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting will be March 19th.

Walden Lake’s next Community Garage Sale is set for Saturday, April 14th, 8AM 12PM. The homeowners association will advertise this event and all Walden Lake residents are invited to participate. Signage will direct shoppers to the neighborhoods with participating residents. For more information, visit waldenlake.org and click on the Garage Sale tab. You can also call Bette Guarino at 813-754-8999 or e-mail betteg@waldenlake.org. If you plan to participate, please pick up the free but required permit at city hall. In Plant City, citizens are allowed two garage sale permits per year.

The Association’s Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, April 12th at 7:00PM at the Walden Lake Country Club. Three directors are up for re-election: Jim Chancey, Jon Corson and Jan Griffin. There have been no other nominations to the Board at this time. Your proxy should arrive soon in the mail. If you do not plan to attend, please fill out the proxy and bring or mail it to the HOA office at 3035 MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

REVIEW SUBMITTED BY: NATALIE SWEET

Griffin Boulevard, Plant City, FL 33566. It’s frustrating for the community when folks have fun off-roading on our beautiful surroundings. It may be fun for those doing it, but repairs are expensive and those caught will be prosecuted. If you see anyone damaging our surroundings, call the police right away and if at all possible, get tag information or the vehicle’s make and model. The food drive continues for the United Food Bank of Plant City. Any nonperishable food donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off at the HOA office Monday through Friday from 9AM to 5PM. Walden Lake Golf & Country Club continues to serve wonderful dinners in the main dining room are on the 1st Thursday and the 2nd Friday of each month. A full calendar of events is posted on the website, www.waldenlakegolf.com. The Club also has updated membership fees and has great golf and swim specials for the summer. For more information on these specials and other events, call Sven Nelson at 813-754-8575, ext. 222. Come out and see all the improvements. Next month I will be reporting the real estate sales and statistics for the first quarter of 2012.

Your Walden Lake Specialists

Angel Miller Cathy Martin Natalie Sweet Natalie Sweet Angel Miller Angel Miller Cathy Martin Natalie Sweet 813-376-0891 813-546-9863 813-758-9586 REALTOR®

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HISTORIC PLANT CITY

PRESERVE CONDO ON GOLF COURSE

WALDEN LAKE AFFORDABLE

BRING THE HORSES & LIVESTOCK

Charming 3 Bedroom 2 Bath 2338 sq’ home on paved street with the charm of years gone by. Gleaming hard wood floors, high ceilings and so much more. $219,900

Move right into this wonderful 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo in this carefree gated community in Walden Lake. Move in ready for you to relax and enjoy. $115,000

You enjoy this 1632 sq’ home with 3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths, formal living and dining, family room & large fenced yard. Priced affordably at $129,900

Ranch style living in this quiet 8+ Acre setting. This Key West style home features wrap around porch, metal roof, gleaming floors, gas fireplace & more. $259,900

GOLF COURSE HOME

WALDEN LAKE WONDERFUL

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“BIG KIDS” TREEHOUSE W/BARN

As you enter through the glass doors you will notice the love & care this home has had. Quality remodeled kitchen w/Alder wood cabinets, huge lanai w/large bar, pavers, & beautiful pool w/a great view. $235,000

4 Bedroom 2 Bath home in the Spring Meadow neighborhood of Walden Lake. Featuring a living/dining room, real wood floors, and huge fenced back yard. A must see at only $137,500

Entertain in style in this lovely home set for large family gatherings & parties, featuring 4 large bedrooms, private office, sunken family room, huge pool & more. $325,000

Unique 2419 sq’ 3 bedroom, 3 bath home plus large office. This home is ready for your horses with a fabulous 3 stall barn & attached tack room w/water and electric, 3 paddocks & so much more. A must see at $259,900.

Inventory Homes Available Janurary 2012

New homes from the $160s

Fabulous ﬂoorplans Energy Savings Features

Sanctuary $197,990

3 Bedroom • 2 Bath • 3 Car Garage 2017 sq’ living area + 684 sq’ bonus space

Pinnacle $189,390

3 Bedroom • 2 Bath • 3 Car Garage 1936 sq’ living area + 713 sq’ bonus space

Walden Pointe FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

SEPTIC PROBLEMS? WE HAVE THE SOLUTION!

REAL ESTATE » MORTGAGE

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MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

Banks have better rates because they are direct to the consumer versus using a “middle man” such as a mortgage brokerage.

FACT: Mortgage companies work with wholesale lenders who typically are able to offer lower rates to the consumer since they do not have the overhead of traditional bank or lenders. These wholesale lenders are not burdened with the same overhead such as huge payroll expenses, offices across the state, and other overhead. Wholesale lenders only loan thru brokers and therefore have a significant cost advantage. They don’t pay the brokerages a dime unless the mortgage company issues a loan.

The mortgage company/brokerage can then in turn offer the lender’s retail rates to the consumer. These will still be less than the rate of the direct banks rate 95% of the time. There are also many other factors that support this cost advantage, including cost of capital overhead and required profit margins. I realize that that it is hard to digest that a “middle man” would offer lower rates than a direct lender, but it happens more than you would think. I would encourage all customers to shop around. Get a quote from a mortgage company while comparing rates, as you will often be surprised that a “middle man” can frequently offer “Direct Rates”.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

THANK Y OU to Mr. Kevin McLeod & Don Stine Construction Company for purchasing my swine project at the 2012 Strawberry Festival!!! Your gracious support of my project and the FFA & 4H students in our community, is so greatly appreciated! We also want to THANK Y OU for all the hard work that Don Stine Construstion put into making our brand new livestock arena the best facility around! It was such an honor to be the 1st class winner in such an amazing facility, built by your company. We are so proud to call you, Don Stine Constructon, one of Plant Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest!!!

Thank Y ou Mr. Sa m for buying my Swine. I appreciate your help with my project, you are awesome! Love, Kenneth

Sincerely, Madi Conrad & Family FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

SPORTS » BASEBALL proceeds collected were donated to the league. Raffle tickets were given to all ballplayers, and additional tickets were sold with all funds collected going to support league activities. Three $25 cash prizes were given to raffle winners along with four grand prizes: a $250 gift certificate to Dick’s Sporting Goods, an iPod Touch, a Nintendo 3DS, and a Sony Play Station 3. Steve Shissler, a coach for Brandon Pest Control in the majors division, and Plant City Little League’s Treasurer and Information Officer felt that this year’s opening day “was by far one of the most successful opening days that I have been a part of. Overall, it was pretty much the same as last year except we placed more emphasis this year on softball. There were so many volunteers who chipped in this year that it made everything run very smoothly.” Although no specific plans have been made, next year’s opening day is expected to be special as it will be Plant City Little League’s 60th opening day.

Focus Magazine’s Tee B all 5 and 6 year olds

PLAY BALL! P lant City Little League kicked off another season of baseball and softball with a full slate of activities on February 18 that included abbreviated exhibition games for all the teams involved. As the teams warmed up prior to the scheduled start of the first games at 9am, a heavy fog made it difficult to see across the diamond. By the time the first pitches were thrown, however, the fog lifted, the sun came out, and the crowds filled the stands surrounding every field.

For ballplayers from ages four through fifteen and their families, opening day signals four months of practices, games, concession stand food, and fun. Bryson Keel started things off by singing the national anthem followed by time-shorted games at all nine fields that allowed every player a chance to get rid of any butterflies before the league games begin. It also gave every player an opportunity to show off their new uniform, and their newly acquired skills in front of family and friends. Special guests were the newly crowned Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Chelsea Bowden and her court, who

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

OPENING DAY FOR PLANT CITY LITTLE LEAGUE DRAWS LARGE CROWD WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES threw out the first pitches and posed for pictures as a new season of America’s pastime fired up at Mike Sansone Park, the home of Plant City Little League. TSS Photography was on hand to take team pictures of the fifty-two teams comprised of more than 600 boys and girls in both baseball and softball. According to T.J. Messick, who coaches in the majors division and serves as a board member, this is Plant City’s 59th opening day. You see, in 1953, former Pittsburg Pirate and Plant City resident, Truett “Rip” Sewell, along with other local residents drafted a formal request that enabled Plant City to obtain the second Little League charter granted in the state of Florida. The first season of Little League in Plant City started the follow year with four teams. Sewell, a four-time all-star pitcher who invented the blooper pitch, passed away here in Plant City in 1989. Tents representing vendors, service clubs, and area business were erected between fields and all in attendance were treated to free hot dogs and beverages. Inside the board room, Collector’s Dream of Lakeland, held a silent auction of sports memorabilia and nearly $1100 of net

Morrow Steel’s Kyle Wright tees off in early action on Opening Day

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MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

IMPERIAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Mark Thielen Music Director & Conductor

presented by the Imperial Symphony Orchestra

April3 7:30pm Trinkle Center | HCC Plant City Campus 1206 NORTH PARK ROAD

$20 GENERAL ADMISSION ADULT (Includes 6:30 pm pre-concert reception)

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES

KIERSTA CASTAGNO P lant City High School’s girls soccer team had their best season in school history this year, if you count how far a team advances in post-season play. The Raiders, under second year coach Justin Thornburg had an impressive regular season posting a 12-5-1 record while going undefeated in their district with a mark of 5-0-1, capturing their first district title in six years. Their outstanding play continued, following the regular season, as they advanced after winning the district tournament to the quarterfinals in region competition before succumbing to a tough Seminole High School squad. One of the main factors for the Raiders’ success this year is four-year starting goalkeeper, Kiersta Castagno. Kiersta, a senior, finished with a formidable goals-against-average of 1.3 per game and pitched a shutout, so to speak, in the district tournament blocking every shot that came her way. At the age of four, Kiersta had her first experience on the soccer field playing in Plant City Recreation Department’s soccer program. From that beginning, the 5’3” dynamo has played for four different travel teams: the Plant City Lancers, the St. Pete Everton, the Tampa Fusion, and the Valrico Lions. Kiersta feels her mission in life is to “make other people happy, and to make their lives a little bit easier.” The youngest of four children (Chris, Cory, and Kyle are her older brothers), and the only girl sibling, Kiersta has pushed herself to be strong. “Kiersta gets her courage from having to deal with three older brothers, but her compassion comes from her heart,” said Joe, Kiersta’s father. “She has done some wonderful things on the soccer field, but she has done some wonderful things, as well, off the field in the Best Buddies

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

program and in her involvement with Special Olympics.” Castagno has also volunteered on the high school’s Prom Committee, was an officer in Interact, a member of the National Honor Society, Youth Alive, and was chosen for this year’s Homecoming Court. Joe, and Kiersta’s mom Tammy, have supported her athletic efforts throughout the years. “For years, my mom and dad have been traveling around with me taking me everywhere so I could play soccer,” Kiersta remarked. “This past year, my dad was working in Chicago in construction consulting and he hated that he had to miss some of my games. Sometimes he would fly home to watch me play. When he couldn’t make it back, he would call and get updates. My mom is a soccer mom who is learning the game. She knows when it’s time to scream.” Kiersta and her teammates have had a season full of highlights. Kiersta’s personal favorite came at the end of the district championship game when the Raiders eked out a 1-0 victory over East Bay. Although her soccer season has ended, Castagno ventured back out to the playing field to take on another challenge. She is now a member of the Raiders’ Flag football team, playing the position of center. It’s also a way for her to keep in shape until her college career gets underway. Kiersta, brings a 4.97-weighted GPA with her to Southeastern University where she will be a member of the soccer team, earning an academic scholarship her freshman year that will be converted to an athletic scholarship the remaining years.

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SPORTS » KAZBOR’S BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH 2212 James L. Redman Pkwy., (In the Publix Plaza) Plant City, FL (813) 752-2700 Daily specials include Tuesday night kids 12 and under eat free off the kids menu with the purchase of an adult meal. Thursday night is all you can eat wings

WRITTEN BY: JOE BOWLES has helped make our family a very close family. To me, it is important to spend as much time as you can with your kids as they grow up, to help mold them into wonderful adults.” Plant It Earth, being in the Juniors Division is made up of boys who have already been through multiple seasons of baseball and most of Dowdy’s players play at a higher level, which makes for an exciting brand of competitive baseball. Here is the process that Dowdy went through in selecting the eleven players for his team. In January, the league holds their annual tryouts. At the tryouts, Tim evaluated every participant in three categories: batting, throwing, and fielding. He then rated each player and gave them a numeric score. On draft day, Dowdy picked the highest rated player that was available in each round when it was his turn to pick.

Plant It Earth Team- Back Row (L to R): Coach Jim Wingo, Coach JB Baxley, Wyatt Rogers, Steven Hunt, Jacob Baxley, Dalton Dowdy, Garrett Brown, Coach Steve Hunt, Manager Tim Dowdy Front Row (L to R): Andrew Swinson, Michael Harris, Devin Rhodes, DJ Wingo, Garrett Deshong, Brandon Melanson

BASEBALL TEAM OF THE MONTH PLANT IT EARTH - JUNIOR DIVISION TEAM T he Little League baseball season is here again. There are no scores to report or championships to be claimed or All Star teams to be named. It is the beginning of the season. So far, every team is in contention and every player is an All Star. Expectations are high, but there is more involved at this level than winning a championship. Longtime Little League coach Tim Dowdy understands what is expected of him, and he delivers. “I go out with the intention of helping all

the kids learn the game and to have fun. I also expect them to succeed as a person. I would love to have a winning team that we could take to the Tournament of Champions to represent Plant City, but most of all, I hope that I’m able to help the kids learn to play as a team, respect one another, grow within themselves, and with their game.”

addition to Plant It Earth, he coaches Baskin Robbins in the Majors Division (10-12 year-olds) and a 10U travel ball team, the Central Florida Cutters. Three of his sons play baseball and the other is on a soccer travel team. So, it’s pretty obvious that Tim and his wife Kimberly, spend a lot of time at the ballpark, but for him it’s a family thing.

Dowdy coaches the Plant It Earth team playing in the Juniors baseball division (13-15 year-olds). He has coached Little League for the past ten years and is presently coaching two other teams. In

“My wife is very supportive of the boys and I, and she really loves the game. She keeps score, and helps with the administrative duties. Because we spend a lot of time together with baseball, it

The draft is unpredictable and each year the draft fields a team with a different personality. Although the season is just beginning, Plant It Earth already has a personality that is loaded with talented pitching. Dowdy feels that pitching and speed on the base paths maybe their forte while the team may struggle early at the plate. Plant It Earth may reward Tim with a championship. But if not, for Dowdy, there are other more valuable rewards. “The game of baseball at the Little League level is exciting and rewarding in many ways,” said Dowdy. “You get to know and love so many kids and teach them the fundamentals of the game. I enjoy seeing kids that I have previously coached that have become great ball players. Our job is to also help mold them into good young men.”

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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2012 KHALIFA WHITE EXTRA » SENIOR OF THE MONTH

What would you pay for a night out with the girls?

SENIOR OF THE MONTH WRITTEN BY: JEREMY MINAYA Executive Council, Inter Club Council and the Drama Club.

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Since her freshman year White has been a member of Student Council. Through Student Council, she has mentored for Big Brothers Big Sisters, planned the Homecoming Dance as junior vice president last year, and planned many other events such as pep rallies, Black History Month, and Relay for Life.

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Community involvement is very important to White. She has volunteered for Relay for Life, the United Food Bank, and Planteen Recreation Center’s summer camp. Khalifa recently volunteered also at the Regional Cheerleading Competition and at the Citadel Church of Christ.

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In her tenth grade year Khalifa played the character of Sour Kangaroo in the ver the years Khalifa White has had a production “Seussical: The Musical,” fierce drive to be a strong individual which is based on the books of Dr. Seuss. and a humble friend. Embodying The success of this production served as a various commendable abilities and talents, catalyst for her induction into the National White has proven to be an outstanding Thespian Society. leader inside and outside of the classroom. Khalifa is graduating with 5.16 GPA (3.2 unweighted). This put her in the top 13% of her senior class. To get a headstart in college, White has taken college courses through the dual enrollment program at Hillsborough Community College.

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White has been a member of the Track team since 9th grade. She has proven to not only be a fierce competitor, but a leader to her teammates as well. Just in her freshman year, Khalifa went to the state championship and won the outstanding underclassman award. She is expected to do very well this season. On top of preparing for track season, Khalifa was also a member of the 2011-2012 Varsity Cheerleading Squad. She stays very busy with the various extracurricular activities. Currently White is secretary of Black Pearls, Public Relations officer for both the Jr. Rattlers club and the Interact Service Club, Vice President of the National Honor Society and head of the Prom Committee. White has also been member of the iwait club, Student Government Association,

Outstanding only begins to describe Khalifa’s singing. Throughout her high school career, she has sung for countless athletic events and assemblies. Her niche in singing has won her the Gong Show Talent Competition her freshman and the Most Talented award at the Brandon Showcase. Recently she was accepted into the BFA Musical Theatre Program at University of Central Florida; she is still waiting to hear back from other Universities. Last year Khalifa was crowned Queen in the Miss In Living Color Pageant. She was a PCHS Calendar Girl winner as Miss February in 2012 competition. White was also voted on Homecoming Court both her junior and senior year. Next year Khalifa hopes to attend the University of Florida pursing a double major in Business and Musical Theatre. In the future she plans to sing, become an entrepreneur, and start a mentoring program. No matter what lies in Khalifa’s future, it is certain that her voice will be heard.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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EXTRA » SENIOR OF THE MONTH

KENT HUMPHREY SENIOR OF THE MONTH WRITTEN BY: JEREMY MINAYA

Over the years Humphrey has had an active membership in the National Honor Society (NHS), Future Farmers of America (FFA), Life is Good Club, Best Buddies, Students against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the Junior Civitan Service Club. As president of junior Civitan this year, he has organized and facilitated countless service projects. These include the Team Santa (CoFounder) Yard Sale, Meals on Wheels, Relay for Life, United Food Bank, and projects at Metropolitan Ministries. In just a few years, Humphrey logged more than100 hours of community service.

W HE

Kent is a devoted Christian as well. He attends Plant City’s First Baptist Church, participating in youth group and Sunday School services.

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From the baseball diamond to possibly the

Oval Office, Kent Humphrey is constantly leading and setting an example for others. This more than deserving senior is the perfect example of a role model. Humphrey has played PCHS baseball since his freshman year. He played junior varsity ball in ninth and tenth grade and has since played on the varsity squad. When asked about his role as Team Captain this year Kent answered, “I’ve worked very hard for this title and continue to set a good example for the rest of my teammates.”

Humphrey’s current weighted GPA is 4.82 GPA (3.45 unweighted). This positions him in the top 21% of his senior class. Consistent hard work has earned Kent many awards, including the Scholar Athlete Award and the Optimist Outstanding Youth Award. In September 2011, Humphrey participated in the Congressional Classroom. This program took Kent to Washington D.C. for a week to get handson experience in our nation’s government. “Through this amazing experience, I was reassured in pursuing a future in politics,” explained Kent.

In the future Humphrey plans to attend Santa Fe University and pursue a major Humphrey took his love for baseball and in Political Science. With leadership skills decided to use it to assist others. He served and the great government experience as the Bullets Travel Ball assistant coach, as already under his belt, Kent has a very a Little League umpire, and he also played bright future ahead. on the Florida Baseball Heaven team. How does President Kent Humphrey Additionally, Humphrey played varsity golf sound? in both his 9th and 11th grade year.

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EXTRA » AL REUCHEL kids to a private school, keeping that vacation home in the Adirondacks, and getting that new car every two years. It would be easy to say “tough luck.” No tears for anyone making that kind of money. You might want to rethink that. When Mr. Banker doesn’t make what he used to it trickles down to the car dealership, the travel agent, the lawn folks, the waiters at the restaurant, the department stores where he buys his suits, the fundraiser at the private schools that pay teachers salaries, the bus drivers, etc. Don’t mistake this as class warfare. We are all affected when the economy suffers- and suffer it does despite the turn around we are beginning to see. We are all working more hours than ever—an extra 11.2 hours per week uncompensated, according to the labor department. We are taking second jobs to keep our homes. We aren’t taking those vacations and it does hurt every time we fill up our cars or buy that gallon of milk. Which is why the economy is such a big issues this election cycle for the Wall Street bankers and for the middle class. Our lifestyles and expectations may be as different as night and day, but we are all looking for some thing better. That’s what the 2012 election is all about, is it the better the guy in the White House or the guys that want to be in the White House?

WHY THE ECONOMY MATTERS! T WRITTEN BY: AL REUCHEL

he economy is taking its toll on a lot of Americans. In Florida our unemployment rate is still above ten percent. It’s estimated as many as 300,000 Floridians have just given up looking for jobs, frustrated with the door slamming in their face or just no doors even open to get an interview. The average income for a family of four is now $48,200. It has finally leveled off after dropping for the past three years. The amount of money we spend for gas each month currently is the highest

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

percentage of our total income we’ve seen since World War II---as much as 11 percent. A box of cereal is almost $5.00 --and the amount of money we are able to save each month is at an all time low. But here’s the story that grabbed my eye recently from the Bloomberg website. Bankers are suffering sticker shock. It’s not from buying a new car or a house. They are in a state of “malaise” because, as one banker put it, they can’t survive on their $350,000 a year salary. FYI, that puts Mr. Banker in the top one percent of earners.

“People who don’t make money don’t understand the stress,” says one accounting firm partner. “It’s a disaster,” says another investment manager. “The entire construct of compensation has changed.” The problem is that Mr. Banker, and others on Wall Street aren’t getting their yearly bonuses that used to average $250,000 or more. And what really stinks is that Mr. Banker is now having problems sending his three

The bankers, the middle class, and everyone else can’t wait for November.

“The amount of money we spend for gas each month is now the highest percentage of our total income we’ve seen since World War II---as much as 11 percent. ”

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EXTRA » DEREK MAUL it’s the value that drives the dreams and the policies of people like Lord Crawley.

URGENCY:

I don’t know about you, but I believe my life should not, cannot, be the same as it was a couple of months ago - especially having launched 2012 in the manner that we did. A few weeks ago one of my friends said that he has observed a real shift in my wife Rebekah’s preaching in terms of urgency. I pray that the same evidence is plain to see in my work too. There are other factors at play, of course. There are life-and-death struggles, critical uncertainties regarding some of my writing commitments, constant questions as to what’s next for me professionally, and hard to read variables in the mix when it comes to plans for the future.

LIFE EQUALS CHANGE:

But life, the irrepressible urgency of being, must not only be ready for change, but oft-times resident at the steering end of the equation. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” - Luke 6:38 The past is interesting; but life necessarily involves change…

FIGHTING TO AVOID CHANGE IS A STRUGGLE AGAINST LIFE T WRITTEN BY: DEREK MAUL

he other day I was sorting through some of the memorabilia from our Middle East trip. I turned to Rebekah and made some remark about landing in the USA and getting back to, “Life as normal.” But it’s not life as normal. Life as normal would assume that nothing had changed. Real life is defined by change - that’s what makes it life. Trying our best to, “Keep things the same” is actually a struggle against life.

MARCH 2012 focusplantcity.com

DOWNTON ABBEY:

This idea is beautifully illustrated in the PBS Masterpiece Theater series, Downton Abbey. We miss a few installments here and there, but generally keep up with the storyline. During a recent episode, and with World War One behind them, Lord Robert Crawley tells anyone who’s willing to listen that he wants life to return to “The way things were before....” Beyond the day-to-day drama that plays out in the lives of the characters, the overarching conflict that drives the

Downton Abbey narrative is a shift in the social fabric. There’s a move away from the Victorian/Edwardian Age and into the “Modern World.” It’s change with the inevitability of continents shifting. The change is incremental at first, barely registering yet irrepressible; it’s an undercurrent of motion that builds and builds until cracks start to appear and foundations begin to crumble. There’s no putting things back together again after that. But at the same time certain characters own a commitment to calculated inertia;

God’s faithfulness is a constant, something that will never change… Our challenge - in the truth of that unremitting promise - is to live with both urgency and integrity. “The way things were before...” is always the wrong direction! Because, the promise of faith is the New and Living Way. If we need to do anything to share the Good News of transformational love and redemption in this world, then what we need to do is to demonstrate that we are ALIVE! “Life and light to all [God] brings,” the carol reads, “risen with healing in his wings....” Life... and light - A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over

SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW! focus on you makeover Many people know someone who is selfless, someone who always seems to be helping others. Now think for a second about someone you know like that. Who was the first person that came to your mind?

Sometimes those people need a break, and they need a day where they aren’t concerned about helping those in their lives. It is not a selfish thing, just something well-deserved. Well, fortunately, FOCUS is offering a day like that for four lucky people. It is the magazine’s annual “Focus on you Makeover,” which rewards people with a day of pampering.

So if you know anyone who deserves a makeover, FOCUS is here to make it happen with the help of other businesses in the community. To nominate someone, send a 300-word letter describing why he or she deserves a makeover. It can be submitted via mail, e-mail, or fax. All nominations must be received by midnight May 15. Four winners will be chosen and notified on May 16. The Makeover will be held on May 18. Letters should be titled “Focus on you Makeover” and mailed to 702 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant 33563. Entries can also be e-mailed to editorial@ CIty, FL 33563 floydpublications.com. Write “Focus on you Makeover” in the subject line and send the entry in the body of the e-mail – please, no attachments. Entries should include the name of the nominee and the nominator, along with the nominees address, home phone number, and work phone number. For faxing, call (813) 764-0990, Attn: DeDe.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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NOT HERE.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

EXTRA » ARTIST OF THE MONTH

ART WITH VISION AND IMPACT F

WRITTEN BY: HEATHER DAVIS

E C I R P -ONE

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or artist Katy Moreno, creating art is as natural to her as the air we breathe. She lives to create and creates to live.

Growing up in a family of artists in what she refers to as an “art centric home” gave Katy the foundation that now supports her increasingly continued growth as an artist.

Katy’s passion lies in the creative process where she strives to create one-of-akind and unique pieces. She is also very passionate about supporting the community and giving back or paying it forward to others. Many of her thoughts, ideas, and creative endeavors are in fact grounded by her giving and expressive heart and spirit. Katy truly is free in her freedom of expression and opens both her hands and heart wide open as she shares her art with others for the better good.

Ever evolving, Katy has explored many different mediums throughout her life. These include music, clay sculpting, drawing, watercolor, acrylic painting, home Katy is one of the newest members at the décor, Garde Manger (the art of decorating Art Lounge Gallery, where her Paper Tole with food), chocolatier and confections, and jewelry are currently on display. graphic design, jewelry and most recently, the lost art of Paper Tole.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

EXTRA » AUTO REVIEW

AGENESISGREAT BEGINNING FOR HYUNDAI WILL BRING THE HYUNDAI NAME TO THE FOREFRONT H SUBMITTED BY: BRIAN WEST

yundai isn’t a new car company, although it may seem relatively new to folks in the US.

Hyundai Motor Company, which also owns Kia, was founded in 1967 in Seoul, South Korea. It is currently the fourth largest automobile manufacturer, by volume, in the world. And although Hyundai has sold a lot of vehicles, I think it’s safe to say that at least within the U.S., they’re really not thought of as a major player in the automobile industry. That will change over the next few years, and the Genesis will help Hyundai do it.

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The Hyundai Genesis is one of the flagships in the Hyundai lineup, and rightfully so. The styling is similar to the latest products rolled out by Mercedes and Lexus, but the price point is even more favorable. More importantly, Hyundai models are proving to be dependable vehicles in every class.

everyone would be comfortable for hours.

Under the Genesis hood, things get really interesting. Three options are available: a 3.8L V6 with 333hp, a 4.6L V8 with 385hp and a 5L V8 with 429hp.

Not wanting to sacrifice anything for the sake of the review, I chose the latter; the 5L V8 with 429hp. That’s right, 429hp The lines of the Genesis are sleek, elegant and refined. They’ve also incorporated at the base of my foot. The car really LEDs to enhance the look of the front responds well. 429hp is plenty for this sedan, and the overall feel and balance is grill and for the rear brake lights. Open excellent. The handling is great and the the doors and you’ll find a stylish interior. steering very responsive. The 8-speed In a word, the interior is balanced. The automatic transmission is smooth and controls are ergonomically sound with everything in easy reach and the layout noise level in the cabin is almost nonreally works. The seats are very comfortable existent. In fact, the noise level in the interior of this Hyundai Genesis may be and the rear seat is roomy. You could easy fit 4 six-footers in the Genesis and the lowest I’ve experienced.

And did I mention this Genesis has 429hp? It really moves. Merging onto the Interstate is a breeze when you need that extra horsepower under the hood. The Genesis can jump from 50 – 70 in almost nothing. If you’re in the market for a well-priced, stylish, 4-door sedan, you’ll be making a mistake if you don’t give the Genesis a look. There are many competitors in this market segment, but the Genesis is definitely near the top of the list. And you never know, this Genesis may be your beginning to a long relationship with Hyundai. Hyundai is here to stay, and the brand is going to get even stronger over the next few years.

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PLANT CITY DRIVE-IN

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PARKESDALE

WE’RE MORE THAN JUST SHORTCAKE

Open Daily! 9-6

Voted best Strawberry Shortcake and Best Milkshake

December-April Voted Best Milkshake in America from the Food Network (#3 Best Dessert overall)

813-752-0502

3702 W. Baker Street • Plant City, FL Hwy 92 West of Plant City Limits off I-4 between exits 17 & 19 Open 9-6pm OPEN 7 DAYS • www.parkesdale.com

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A M ERI CA N B U S I N ES S WO M EN ’ S A S S O C I AT I O N

A S c hol a r sh ip & Women’s E du c a t ion F u nd r a i si n g Event

Heavy Hors d'oeuvres Open Bar

Diva Spa & Salon: • Nail Art • Massage • Hair Play • Eye Make-Up

Friday March 30th @ The HCC 7 - 11 pm Trinkle Center

* Diva Dance Off Boutique Shopping

“Girlfriend” Photos Blackjack & More ! Tickets $100

2012

getaway

For more info or to purchase tickets visit www.abwapc.org

each

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ENTERTAINMENT » DINING PROFILE CRITICAL INFO 2901 SOUTH JAMES REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33564 813-752-1971 WWW.ZAXBYSPLANTCITY.COM HOURS: MON-SUN 10:30AM - 10PM soon,” said Box, himself a ’94 PCHS graduate. Other menu favorites include fried items such as pickles, white cheddar bites, spicy mushrooms, onion rings and Tater Chips. Diners also rave about the Chicken Salad Sandwich on honey wheat bread. For those who love to fire up their taste buds, five of the 10 available sauces are ranked in increasing degrees of hotness - from “Wimpy” at one flame to “Insane” at four flames. With teriyaki, BBQ, hot honey mustard, sweet & spicy, and honey sesame, there is a choice for everyone’s taste.

Nora Castillo brings her children (L-R) Alexa Martinez, 9, Gracie Martinez, 14, friend Illiana Alvarez, 11, and Eloy Martinez, 11 to Zaxby’s on a regular basis for the favorite meal Chicken Fingers (with Zax and BBQ sauces, of course)!.

ZAXBY’S O

INDESCRIBABLY GOOD FLAVOR FOR 20 YEARS WRITTEN BY: CHERYL JOHNSTON

n a regular basis, local students, families, area employees, school groups, sporting teams and church attendees show up at Zaxby’s in Plant City for their favorite meal - Chicken Fingers!

service is good, the food is very good, and the prices are very reasonable. We eat here a couple of times a week. Our granddaughter, Alexus Redd, loves it, too.” Their favorite - you guessed it - the chicken fingers.

On this particular day, five athletes on spring break from the Illinois State University baseball team were anxious for their first Zaxby’s experience. Local players recommended they would enjoy great food on a tight schedule for affordable prices. The results: “We loved it,” said Adam Maus. “Wish we had a Zaxby’s near ISU.”

Box also commented on the restaurant’s success here. “We are very pleased with the community’s response and support. Favorites are the Zalads©, the wings, and of course, the Chicken Fingers. Families love the Sunday special, too, when four can eat for $21.40, tax included.”

Zaxby’s is a national franchise and favorite of locals here. But what most diners may not realize is that the company “shops local” for vegetables served in their meals. Store manager Charles Box, Jr. explained that Zaxby’s purchases locally grown produce from Artis Griffin at Blue Ribbon Farms and from “Mike the produce man.” Box said, “One of the reasons people enjoy eating here is because the food is very fresh and healthy. Seniors appreciate that, too.” Plant City residents for 20 years, Shirley and Lee Eaker definitely agree. “The

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Local mother Nora Castillo agrees with the Eakers. “We come often. We love the Chicken Fingers and the sauces - Zax and BBQ. Along with her children Alexa Martinez, 9, Gracie Martinez, 14, and Eloy Martinez, 11, Castillo brought a young friend from Winter Haven, Illiana Alvarez. Alexa and Eloy attend Tomlin Middle School and have participated in the fundraising dinners hosted at the restaurant for their school. Box said the community has embraced that idea. In fact, he said, “The Tomlin families and staff really turned out to support the cause. We were packed that night. We like to give back.”

Zaxby’s participates locally with the Christmas in the Park event, sports organizations and schools such as Bryan Elementary, Tomlin, and Durant High School. “We’d like to do more with Plant City High School as well. Hopefully

Zaxby’s also offers box lunches and party trays for large group gatherings - an affordable way to feed a crowd. He also expressed appreciation for the loyal customers. “We’re happy that so many people enjoy our food and we’re pleased to be a part of such a giving community. This is my home and it’s great that folks love to eat here.”

» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

CHILI’S

hili’s has been spicing things up since 1975. There is something for everyones taste. From sizzling chicken or beef fajitas, fired grilled classic burgers or the new honey chipotle baby back ribs that are slow smoked over pecan wood so they’re “fall-off-the-bone” tender with a bold new honey-chipotle flavor that’s impossible to resist. Call in or come in, your always welcome at Chili’s.

3001 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33566 813-764-8548 • WWW.CHILIS.COM

COWBOY’S SALOON AND STEAKHOUSE

owboys Steakhouse and Saloon features a restaurant for meat-loving southerners to enjoy southern cooking and a connected saloon to line dance in afterwards. Inside everything is wooden from the floors to ceiling. Come in and enjoy juicy steaks,but don’t forget about our fresh baked sour-dough bread, and other appetizers and entrees that are sure to make your mouth water.

106 STATE ROAD 60 E. PLANT CITY, FL 33567-9253 813- 650-8888

KIM’S KAFE

ome visit Kim’s Kafe downtown from 11:30am-230pm Freshly Home made cooking with a variety of fresh soups, salads, sandwiches, and signature dishes with a little touch of love to get your day started.

Located In the heart of Plant city, Kim’s Kafe downtown is your next hot spot for lunch.

109 W. REYNOLDS ST PLANT CITY, FL 813-719-8922• WWW.NEXTTONEWFL.COM

MI CASA

i Casa Mexican Restaurant is a family-owned restaurant dedicated to serving the finest foods and atmosphere of Mexico and the Southwest. We serve lunch and dinner, and proudly feature Fajitas, Enchiladas, Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas, Chiles Rellenos and Chimichangas, as well as other specialties of the house. In addition, we offer a wide variety of margaritas, beer and drinks to accompany your favorite meal. And best of all, at prices that are affordable to almost anyone. We’ve been voted Best Mexican by the Focus RCA awards five years in a row!

2613 THONOTOSASSA RD PLANT CITY, FL 813-752-0057• WWW.MICASAMEX.COM FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

OLDE TOWN PIZZERIA

f you love deep-dish pizza, Olde Town Pizzeria is the only place around to find it. The cheesy Chicago-style pizza is a popular item on the menu, as well as the Award Winning Strawberry Walnut Salad and thin crust pizzas. In addition, they have an array of delicious pastas, salads and sandwiches to satisfy all taste buds. This family owned and operated restaurant is a Plant City favorite for those who love high quality food and friendly service.

3011 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33566 (813) 752-5800 • WWW.OLDETOWNPIZZERIA.COM

PLANT CITY HOMETOWN BUFFET

lant City Hometown Buffet is a family owned and operated business started by Elaine Vo, a resident of Plant City for the last 24 years. They offer a wide variety of items spanning the five buffet bars, including seafood and steak. There is certainly something to fit every taste preference, especially if you’re looking for seafood with their catfish, stuffed crab, buttered shrimp and much, much, more.

1914 JAMES L REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-754-4488

THE RED ROSE DINING ROOM

he Red Rose Dining Room is the only 5-star rated restaurant in Plant City. Mrs. Evelyn Madonia invites you to help her welcome back Executive Chef Riccardo Ciabatti! Enjoy an elegant setting and beautiful atmosphere for lunch or dinner. On Tuesday night we have a “Southern Buffet”, and on Wednesday night it’s “Seafood Buffet”! On the weekends you can catch fabulous entertainment (visit the website for upcoming shows).

2011 N WHEELER ST PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-752-3141 • WWW.REDROSEINNANDSUITES.COM

ZAXBY’S

axby’s offers its guests indescribably good prepared-at-order Chicken Fingerz, Jumbo Buffalo Wings, sandwiches, Zalads, Zappetizers and milkshakes along with a variety of sauces.

Zaxby’s also offers Party Platterz and catering which are perfect for any size event. Visit Zaxby’s location in Plant City at 2901 1/2 James Redman Pkwy. to find out for yourself how delicious and flavorful Zaxby’s is.

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2901 1/2 JAMES REDMAN PKWY. PLANT CITY, FL 33564 (813) 752-1971 • WWW.ZAXBYS.COM

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ENTERTAINMENT » RED ROSE As guests dined they enjoyed relaxing yet upbeat pre-show music by The Las Vegas Sounds. This six-piece, tuxedo-dressed group played Big Band songs for a touch of nostalgia. Songs included: “Girl from Ipanema,” ”Kansas City,” and “Under the Boardwalk.”

EVELYN AND BATISTA MADONIA, SR. BRING WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT TO THE RED ROSE E WRITTEN BY: SHERRIE MUELLER

very day is a great day to dine at the Red Rose, but a recent Saturday evening was exceptional. The Fabulous Hubcaps took the stage in the ballroom and entertained the crowd by mixing nostalgic hits with pure talent. The group has been performing 38 years and has performed at every major venue across the country. In one night this fantastic group wowed crowds in both the newly built Evelyn and Batista Madonia Center at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds and the Red Rose Ballroom. The generous Madonia family sponsored The Fabulous Hubcaps for the Strawberry Festival Media Party, a kickoff event for the yearly festival. The Hubcaps kept their show at a high energy level by varying hits of well loved artists with occasional costume changes. The group’s Lorraine Allen opened the show with well known songs from Connie Francis including “Lipstick on your Collar,” “Who’s Sorry Now,” and “Where the Boys Are.” The group is composed of seven members with two electric guitarists, a drummer, an electric organist, a saxophone/flute player and two soloists. Following Allen’s solos, the band performed Willie Nelson’s classic “On the Road Again,” during which time one member donned long pigtails and the notable red headband. Song after song of entertaining hits delighted the audience throughout the evening.

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The audience consisted of very talented musicians as well. Brian Roman who performs monthly at the Red Rose, and is a star in his own right, attended the Hubcap show. He exclaimed, “I love what they do! They are perfectly polished. Each member is multi-talented. They are exciting and entertaining . . . They are awesome!”

Dick Bray, a local musician who plays trumpet in a Big Band as well as in a trio had a rare night off. He selected the Red Rose for dinner and entertainment with his wife Judy. Dick commented, “The food is great and the entertainment is very good. This is such a value package to get quality food with exceptional entertainment. A package like this would cost over $150 per person in Vegas. We are fortunate to have this quality in Plant City.” Judy Bray added that the Red Rose caters to her food allergies by varying preparation of menu items to suit her dining needs. She went on to say, “We love the Red Rose!” To go along with the dinner club atmosphere, the Red Rose Ballroom followed a black and red color scheme. Guests were seated promptly at private table tops for two around the dance floor. Larger parties were also accommodated in ideal locations with fantastic views of the show. Images of the performers were projected on two large screens. The professionally dressed servers wore black with red bowties. A dinner menu on each table offered guests a choice of entrée

including Chicken Marsala, Blackened Cod and Grilled Ribeye. Each guest was also served an Antipasto appetizer and House Salad with an assortment of breads. Following the entrée, they enjoyed a Mixed Berry Tart consisting of delicious short pastry with Chantilly cream and fresh mixed berries.

Guest after guest of the Red Rose comment, “Plant City is so fortunate to have a venue that offers world class entertainment.” Evelyn and Batista Madonia are to be applauded for their success in bringing quality dining and entertainment to the Plant City area. The Madonia family is also recognized for their generous contributions to charitable events in the community. Special dinner club shows are offered often at the Red Rose Ballroom. To view a calendar of upcoming events go to www.redroseinnandsuites.com. The Red Rose Dining Room has a new menu to accommodate most dining budgets from a casual meal to a 5-star dining experience, offering a wide range of options from hamburgers to fish to steaks. Visit the Red Rose for either your next simple meal or special occasion and enjoy musical entertainment, too. The Red Rose Inn and Suites is located off I-4 Exit 21 in Plant City. For reservations call 813-7523141.

inTrOduCing

the new brownie

A freshly baked, deliciously tempting brownie made with chocolate chunks. Hurry, it’s only available for a limited time. Stop by our Customer Appreciation Open House on Tuesday, March 20, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and enjoy food and fun!

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(813) 707-9303

2301 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE

Any Cone

Any Milkshake

2301 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City Expires 4-15-12 (813) 707-9303

Were not just Pizza, Come try our Hambugers and Chicken and Steak too! Lunch and Dinner specials every day! and View our Printable Menu on Abcpizza.com

813-752-5146

114 North Alexander Street â&#x20AC;˘ Plant City, Fl. 33563 BRING THIS AD IN AND RECEIVE 15% OFF

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

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ENTERTAINMENT » EVENT CALENDAR

PLANT CITY

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

If you have an upcoming event and would like us to add it to our calendar of events please email the information to: editorial@floydpublications.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 15 » Plant City Toastmasters

7:30-9:00 AM International Speech and Table Topics contest Plant City Chamber of Commerce Open to Public For more information: Stan Reynolds 813.406.7000

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 » St. Patrick’s Day » HB Plant Train Show

9:00 AM HCC’s Trinkle Center 1206 North Park Road For more information: Call the Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707

» Strawberry Classic Car Show

4:00 PM Downtown Plant City McCall Park For more information: Call the Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 » Second Annual Hillsborough

Cattlewomen & Hillsborough Junior Cattlemen’s Spring Fling 5:30 - 9:30 PM The Home Place Barn, 3740 McIntosh Rd. Dover Beef Brisket Dinners & Live Music Adults $15, Kids (12 & Under) $5 For more information: Call Stephanie 813.393.8695 or email amsshorthorns@ yahoo.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 24 » Planes, Trains and Automobiles

10:00 AM Plant City Airport 4009 Airport Road

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Mt. Zion Assembly of God Church Chicken Dinner $10 per plate, includes ¼ chicken, bake beans, potato salad, roll dessert and beverage. All proceeds go to Lee Pearce who is a 37 year old father of two battling ALS often referred to as Lou Gehrig Disease. 3005 Thonotosassa Road For more information or advance tickets call 813.752.1614

Real plane displays, model plane displays and flight demonstrations, model train displays, car displays, vendors, music, and free young eagle flights. For more information: Call the » Good Friday Chamber of Commerce 813.754.3707

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

» To Blessed to be Stressed.

9:45-11:30 AM Evangelical Presbyterian Church presents Inspirational Speaker, Humorist and Award-Winning Author Debora M. Coty Tickets are $3 1107 Charlie Griffin Road For more information: 813.759.9383

» Alderman’s Ford 5K

8AM Presented by: Keeping Kid’s Fit. Join us for a 5K at beautiful Alderman Ford’s Park & help fight against childhood obesity. Registration deadline: March 22 100 Alderman Ford Park Drive, Lithia For more information: tracy@ keepingkidsfit.org or www. keepingkidsfit.org

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 » First Baptist Church Easter Egg

Drop 10 AM First Baptist Church South Campus Located at 3309 Jim Redman Pkwy For more information: call the church office 813.752.4104

SUNDAY, APRIL 8 » Easter

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 » Relay for Life

seafood including lightly battered fried shrimp. Succulent steamed crab legs, even tender prime rib au jus with all the trimmings! All this plus salads and desserts to tempt the most demanding palates! Music from Free Time Jazz. Red Rose Inn & Suites- Every Thursday Singles Night Out Happy Hour, Dance Contest, Bottle of Wine and $50 Gift Card giveaway PLUS music from Destiny and either Melissa Malone or Tony Johnson! Red Rose Inn & Suites Sunday Famous Champagne Brunch Enjoy complimentary mimosas with prime rib and Georgia peach glazed ham. Sweet potato casserole, crisp salad creations and a host of fanciful desserts! Red Rose Inn & Suites-Weekdays Sensational Southern Style Lunch Buffet Weekdays 11AM to 2PM $13.95 The Republican club of Plant City meets the 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:30 -9:00 am, at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive, Plant City. The next meeting is March 27th. Cost of breakfast is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Come network with your neighbors in the conservative movement.

6PM to 11:30 AM Saturday, April 21 Plant City High School Track For more information: www.relayforlife. org Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City A full schedule of Square and » Plant City Rotary’s Wild Game Round Dancing is happening every Cook out Red Rose Inn and Suites Ongoing day at Strawberry Square. We have 6PM to 10PM Events: many callers and cuer’s on the Strawberry Festival Grounds schedule. Visit our website: www. For more information: Red Rose Inn and Suites- Every strawberrysquaredancing.com or call the Tim Kip 813.759.2637 or Monday office: 813-752-0491 rotarywildgamecookout@verizon.net Learn to Dance with Susan 7 to 9 pm. Learn and easy, fun, and » ABWA Diva Getaway fast method to start dancing with any 7PM TO 11PM partner on any dance floor. No partner Trinkle Center HCC needed. For more information: www.abwapc.org Call: 863-604-5060 (Small fee)

FRIDAY, MARCH 30

SATURDAY, MARCH 31 » Benefit for Lee Pearce

12PM -5PM

ONGOING EVENTS

Red Rose Inn & Suites- Every Tuesday Prime Rib & Seafood Buffet Enjoy baked, broiled, steamed, and fried

WATCH ALL OF THE 2012 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL COVERAGE ONLINE AT

WWW.FOCUSPLANTCITY.COM

ENTERTAINMENT » CROSSWORD

MEET MY MATE CREATED BY: CALVIN R. AND JACKIE MATHEWS MEET ACROSS 1. Store away 5. Bag before home 10. “Kemo __”; trusty friend 14. Biblical motherin-law 15. Indian queens 17. “Phooey!” 20. Rough & clumsy, but female? 23. Forty thieves’ nemesis 24. Islanders’ org. 25. One sponsored at Baptism 26. Pretty color 28. Nod’s indication 29. “__ Believer”; Monkees hit 31. Gloria’s ma 34. Stretch of years 35. Princes’ school 36. Wife to Sinatra and Woody 39. “__ be in England...” (Poet Browning) 40. Shocked sound 41. Furious, but male? 48. Harvests 49. Mike user 50. See 46 Down 54. Leave 55. Draw back 58. Half an actress? 60. With 65 Across, look over, but as a female? 61. Second-largest ocean: abbr. 62. Prefix with center or gram 63. Tim Daly’s sister 65. See 60 Across 67. Skedaddle 70. In __; facing a dilemma 72. Of the East 75. Reason to bathe 77. Up till today 78. Prof. figurer 81. Congestion spot, often 82. Dr. payer, often 84. Comes up 86. Took off 87. Put on 88. Helpful modern car device 90. Released 91. Wake up screaming, but as a male? 97. Use an egg 100. Christmas __ 101. Literary initials 102. Imperial, for one 103. Time lived 104. Sticks around 106. Worn-out animal 107. Floor

110. 112. 117. 119. 120.

MY MATE

by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

Irving Berlin hit Chooses Word with cave or fire Close relation Get rid of weeds, but as a female? Cleansing processes “Paradise Lost” poet Embankments Preservative Tries to lose Sulky mood

27. 30. 32. 33. 35. 36. 125. 37. 126. 38. 127. 40. 128. 41. 129. 42. 130. 43. 44. 45. DOWN 46. 1. Warm refreshments 47. 2. Gout site 51. 3. Oil-exporting nation 52. 4. City in Kansas 53. 5. Credit record agcy. 6. U. S. Sec. of State in ’81 55. 56. 7. __ uncertain terms; 57. emphatically 59. 8. Teacher’s advice 64. 9. 1/1 forerunners: abbr. 66. 10. Personal ID no. 67. 11. Discoverer’s cry 68. 12. Big name in beer 69. 13. Canyon sound 14. Gnus’ watering place 71. 16. Monopoly piece 72. 18. “M*A*S*H” setting 73. 19. Sail supports 74. 20. Nonprofessional 21. Actor Edward James __ 76. 78. 22. Not out in the weather 1

Baby’s favorite seat Santa __, CA “__ a Small World” Little one Bradley and others Earned European boot Gallery display Hit Broadway play Section Midday prayer hour Send To the point Try to get the love of Flows out slowly Prevent legally __ out a living; get by Tiny green edible Part of every wk. Do followers Holocene or Pliocene AFL-__ Say okay Tell Dobbin’s dinner Actor Robert Adrift "...Do what is just and right, for __ will save you.” (Is. 56:1) Mr. Young’s namesakes Burro Remain idle One __ million Sworn statements Egyptian queen, for short 6

10 16

115. 116. 118. 121. 122. 123. 124. 11

40 47

74 82

87 92

103

120

121

125

122

107

108

109

114

115

116

117

118

123 126

128

106 113

102

105 112

101

111

78 86

104

110

100

83 88

39 46

62 67

49 55

31 36

48 54

35 43

113. 114.

25 29

96. 97. 98. 99. 104. 105. 107. 108. 109. 111.

Hammer part Inserts Rich Apr. addressee Part of TGIF Cpl.’s superior “Alice” spin-off Pooch doc Perón, for one 907.18 kilograms Mission to remember Tales Hoover, for one Astonished “R” in “TV Guide” __, Alabama Close noisily Valuable Problems English letters Quebec’s __ de la Madeleine Woman’s name Middle of the fifth century Beret’s place Opening German refusal Suffix for text or event Oreg.’s time Border patrol, for short __ lift

79. 80. 83. 85. 86. 89. 90. 92. 93. 94. 95.

119 124

127 129

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D A A G M A P E

R E R U N

I L E S

A S M A R E A P E X I T A T L V A S I A S I N U S T A G H N N L I A L Y E

S E L M A A T S E A

R E C E P I M O O I C H M O V E N E V E T A Y E U P D A S L T

S T OW A O M I K E A C I N H S I E T D A S

T H I R D R A N E E OW I N A C L G O D S M A O N M I A S A W E T R O R A T O I L T Y N S E A O D O R O A R N S T A I G H T T S E S L E C T A N D E M I L T D I E

S A S S H H I N A O N E D I T O T O O O S T O R Z S A E G O S C R A Y E T I S E S R S T A L O L E N A G S M E L I O N O N D T S S

Meet My Mate

B E U C K S S H O P C O R A L H E R A G A S P E R S E E P S T A K E A O S E A T P E C P A F L E D F R E E D L I O N S O A W E N S O N E S S E S I K E S N I T

CONGRATULATIONS

to the 2012 Strawberry Festival

FFA LIVESTOCK SHOW PARTICIPANTS

WE ARE PROUD OF YOUR HARD WORK!

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Your Exterior Home Spring Cleaning Starts With Us!

Dinner for Two just for the Estimate

$100.00 Gas Card with Purchase!

60% off Labor for a Limited Time!

Hurry This Offer Ends 4/15/2012

Morgan Exteriors is committed to providing the most innovative, energy efﬁcient and highest quality products available

Energy Efﬁcient Replacement Windows Solid Core Insulated Siding Products Door’s of all types Room Additions Stucco, Painting and much more.

www.morganexteriorsinc.com Morgan Exteriors is committed to providing the most innovative, energy efficient and highest quality products available

License CRC-057210

(813) 931-4663 • (727) 502-5300

*Some Restrictions Apply and cannot be combined with any other offers

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2012

119

Life is better in the Quick Lane. Auto service just got better!

813-757-6429

Quick Lane® at Jarrett-Scott Ford provides all the services your car or truck needs most. All our services are performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. No appointment necessary and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends. We’ll take care of any make or model, using quality parts from trusted brands like Motorcraft® and name-brand tires from Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and more.

MOTORCRAFT PLUS BATTERIES

89.95

Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and installation extra

THE WORKS PACKAGE

19.95

after $10.00 mail in rebate

Includes up to 7 quarts of synthetic blend oil, 31 point VCU inspection, Check and top off all ﬂuids, Tire presure check, Balance check, Four Tire rotation

Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and tax extra. Most cars and light trucks excludes diesels. Expires 4/30/2012

2000 East Baker Street Plant City, FL 33563 Service Hours Mon-Fri 7am-7pm Sat 7am-3pm

50.00 OFF PARTS AND SERVICE.

Cannot be used for parts only, collision work or tires. Savings not to exceed 10 percent of total parts and labor Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Shop supplies and tax extra.

ALL MAKES AND MODELS! WE’LL BEAT YOUR BEST TIRE PRICE GUARANTEED!

Southern Ford Dealers

1912

“RUSH TO ZERO” advertising begins March 5th and runs through April 1st

• 2011 F-150 XLT 4x2 Super Crew 5.0L V8 Convenience/Chrome/Tow: 0% for 60 + $4,500 Total Savings or $6,500 Total Savings • 2012 Escape XLT 0% for 60 + $1,000 Bonus Cash or $199 per month RCL • 2012 Fusion 0% for 60 + $1,000 Bonus Cash $2,000 Cash Back • 2011 F-150, Ranger, 2012 Escape, Flex, Expedition, Taurus, Mustang V6, Mustang GT, Fusion 0% for 60 months

800-545-2018 2000 East Baker St,.Plant City, FL 33563

www.JarrettScottFord.com

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