FOCUS Plant City 13-02 by Floyd Publications

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY2014 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY2014 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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

Photography by Anthony Sassano

2014 FL Strawberry Festival Queen Jessi Rae Varnum

18-48 Local

It’s Strawberry Festival season, which means the parades are in session. On Monday, March 3, Plant City will host the Florida Strawberry Festival Parade, and on Saturday, March 1, the Youth Parade will be in full swing. Check out this month’s article on the Youth Parade Grand Marshals--standout students Jessi Rae Varnum of Durant High School and Austin Bruner of Plant City High School. We also feature an article on the Strawberry Distance Challenge, a wrap-up of the Florida Strawberry Queen Pageant, and stories on Leon McKelvin and Nancy Driscoll--two great community leaders.

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FEBRUARY2014 focusplantcity.com

February 2014 | Volume 13 Issue 02 | focusplantcity.com

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CONTENTS

Feature: Florida Strawberry Festival Preview Section

Our annual preview section highlights everything you need to know before heading out to this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival. From our What’s New page to our interview with Festival General Manager Paul Davis on headline entertainment, you’ll discover what can’t be missed at this festive 11-day celebration!

Business: SASSI

SASSI, one of downtown Plant City’s newest boutiques, had a hugely successful Christmas season, but they haven’t stopped celebrating the holiday. Glittering trees, life-sized Santas, and other Christmas-themed decor still fill the historic building. Whether you’ve already visited the store and have yet to, KeeLee Tomlinson and Roxanne Fulwood invite you to SASSI as the store is always changing and featuring new, unique items. Also, check out their new St. Patrick’s Day and Easter decorations!

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Dining: Farmer’s Wives Strawberry Recipes

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of driving around Plant City in search of the best strawberry treats, but this year we were able to visit the homes of the strawberry’s biggest fans-farmer’s wives. These lovely ladies were able to whip up some delicious treats featuring the juicy red berry and now we’re sharing those recipes with you! From Strawberry Bread to Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert, we invite you to try them all before the season ends!

See Also: Talk of the Town - 14-16 Real Estate - 82-90 Spotlight: Florida Strawberry Athlete of the Month - 96 Festival Queen and Court Team of the Month - 99 Get to know the 2014 Florida Strawberry Seniors of the Month - 103 Festival Queen Jessi Rae Varnum, First Maid Derek Maul Column - 108 Lindsey English, and Court Members Macaley Candy’s Corner - 110 Barrow, Kallee Cook, and Caitlyn Kent in our Wanda’s Words of Wisdom - 115 exclusive interview section. Recipe of the Month - 117 Event Calendar - 136 Crossword - 141

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER It’s berry time again, so obviously this month’s issue is chocked full of coverage on Plant City’s upcoming annual Florida Strawberry Festival® and other local events.

Beauty plays a big role in town this time of year also. Our art director, Anthony Sassano, always looks forward to the creative cover shoot for our new Queen and her court, and Deana Garrison makes sure she has the most important details The Focus staff loves the work that of the scholarship pageant’s lovely ladies goes into our February magazine included in her article. because everyone in town seems to have a dose of extra energy Businesses gear up and showcase their new and optimism as the big event stock for our “berry big bargains and deals” as draws nearer. well, with strawberry-themed products and promotions. Needless to say, it’s a great time to With approximately 800,000 shop local for everything from jewelry and tees visitors expected to experience to boots and hats. “Florida’s Best Family Recipe” with its exceptional So, “get your red on” and map out your entertainment, fantastic food, multiple visits now to include as much fun, fine and mesmerizing midway entertainment and fair food as you can handle. rides, is it any wonder! With your support and participation, the 2014 People always make the Florida Strawberry Festival should be the best difference! one yet.

More than 2,000 volunteers Enjoy the read, too! are preparing to become the ambassadors in red for which our festival is now nationally known. Folks of all ages donate time, abilities and money to make sure the Florida Strawberry Festival continues as one of the top family events in the country. And according to the festival’s Board president Jim Jeffries, “It couldn’t happen without them.” Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd

CREDITS Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990 www.focusplantcity.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.

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com Office Manager Christina DoVale cdovale@floydpublications.com Editorial Director Amanda Deck editorial@floydpublications.com Sales Jennifer Chamberlain jchamberlain@floydpublications.com Christina DoVale cdovale@floydpublications.com Art Director Anthony Sassano asassano@floydpublications.com Distribution Tony DeVane Photographer Anthony Sassano Photography Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston | Brian West Heather Davis | Joe Bowles | Amanda Deck Deana Garrison | Darcie Jarrett | Taylor Thomas Charlotte Thompson Contributors Gil Gott | Derek Maul | Jo-An Lusk Nate Davis | Candy Owens | Natalie Sweet Gail Jones

Dr. Brenda Dukes Chiropractic Physician

CHIROPRACTIC CARE: A PART OF HEART ATTACK PREVENTION

According to the Palmer Chiropractic College, chiropractic adjustments may prevent heart attacks, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, relieve chest pain and support the cardiovascular system. According to a report in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, during a study that examined systolic and diastolic blood pressure and anxiety levels before and after chiropractic adjustments, subjects experience a distinct drop in the levels. Symptoms can vary between men and women! Men can experience extreme pain and heaviness in the chest and have left arm pain. Women may experience the same, but they can also experience neck and upper back pain that is mild and annoying making it harder to diagnose a heart attack. Other symptoms are chest pains brought on by exercise or other strenuous activities, vague wandering pains extending down one or both arms, difficulty breathing with shortness of breath, fatigue and weakness. THE KEY TO PREVENTION IS AWARENESS! Most people are unaware of the state of their health until it is too late.

In our office we offer a very impressive, FDA APPROVED Digital Pulse Wave Analyzer that is IN-EXPENSIVE, non-invasive, painless and does not require blood testing. The report tells us the heart strength or weakness, hardening of the arteries, plaque build-up, poor circulation, biological age of the cardio-vascular system, the type of stress being experienced (mental or physical) and the reaction to the stress. Our office carries the necessary supplements to support the test results. While following a properly directed supplementation program, it is also vital to eat a healthy diet and follow a proper exercise program. Special Note: We would like to take a moment to THANK and PRAY for all who are involved with our Annual Strawberry Festival. We also PRAY that all attendees have a safe and fun-filled time. Blessing, Dr. Dukes and Staff

Dr. Brenda Dukes • Chiropractic Physician 752-2524 • 2401 Walden Woods Dr. • Plant City, FL 33566

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

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Talk Town of the

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The Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park

Plant City Armed Forces Memorials Foundation to dedicate newly engraved commemorative bricks. The public is invited to attend the unveiling of the latest group of commemorative bricks engraved to pay a lasting tribute to veterans. The event will take place at the Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park at Courier Field on February 24, 2014, at 11:30 am. The spirit of the park is expressed in the centerpiece monument, Freedom Rising, a bronze eagle with outstretched wings atop a six-sided, black granite pedestal. The monument pays tribute to veterans of all ﬁve branches of service: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. Freedom Rising is permanently stationed on a ﬁeld of approximately 8,000 red bricks laid in an interlocking pattern. Representing a key part of the project’s overall fundraising efforts, the goal is for each brick to be engraved in honor of a veteran. To date, approximately 750 bricks have

been engraved and installed. The engraved bricks can be purchased for a $150 donation, as long as supplies last. Order forms are available at the Park, Plant City Photo Archives, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, or on the website at www.veteransmonument.com. The Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park, which was dedicated July 1, 2010, was made possible through the generosity of a group of community volunteers in conjunction with the City of Plant City. For more information, or to purchase an engraved brick honoring a special veteran, visit the website at www.veteransmonument.com or contact Lisa Browder at 813-704-5028.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Talk Town of the

SUBMIT YOUR NEWS TO EDITORIAL@FLOYDPUBLICATIONS.COM. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/THEFOCUSMAGAZINE

PCHS Prince and Princess.

Plant City High School recently crowned the PCHS Prince and Princess. Students entered the contest sponsored by the Civinettes and carried around containers collecting money for the PCHS Relay for Life Team and the PCHS Scholarship Fund. Top Fundraisers were named to the Prince and Princess Court with the top male and female being named the Prince and Princess of Plant City High School. Bryson Keel was crowned Prince while Jana Watkins is the new Princess. Keel is a 9th grade student and Miss Watkins is a senior. Other court members, all 9th graders, include First runner up Kassie Case, Zoee Causey and Ashlyn Yarbrough. Twenty six PCHS students participated in the contest and raised over $2,000 for the charities. Pictured: Cassie Case (First Runner up), Prince Bryson Keel, Princess Jana Watkins, Zoee Causey and Ashlyn Yarbrough.

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FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

The BERRY best selection of Strawberry jewelry in town!

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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Photo courtesy of Stephanie Humphrey Photography

FOOD BANK 2014 CELEBRITY CHEF DINNER

n Friday evening, February 7th, the United Food Bank of Plant City presented their annual Celebrity Chef Dinner. This was the 6th year of the event, and highlighted the skills of Whitney Miller. Miller was the Season One winner of the FOX television show MasterChef. Miller won the competition as a 22 year old against people with far more experience and some more than twice her age. Today, Miller is just 26; still very young in the food industry. This year, Miller returned to Plant City for an encore performance after delighting the crowd at least year’s event.

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Article by Brian West

Miller’s visit was short and sweet, but she always makes a lasting impression. After a morning breakfast at Fred’s, Miller visited the Trinkle Center while the Celebrity Chef committee worked to prep the room for the evening. Next up, a quick lunch at the Corner Store for a visit with Di Lott. The Lott’s were the high bidders at last year’s event and brought Miller back to town to cook for the Strawberry Festival Queen and Court.

prepare appetizers for the VIP reception – enough to feed 100 guests. Miller, with the help of her mom and the great people at Gordon Food Service, made four great items; a bite-sized cornbread topped with a slice of okra, shrimp pesto, a bit crostini topped with a mixture of ricotta and feta cheese spread, tomato jam, bacon crumbles and arugula (mmmm), and finally a coco, Nutella and oat crisp topped with strawberries. Everything was great, but my personal favorite was the bit crostini. The tomato jam was excellent. Who would’ve thunk it? Tomato jam? Really? Miller said the recipe would be in her next cookbook, which should be available at the end of this year or the first quarter of 2015. Miller received the contract just before leaving to come to Plant City.

the Community. John Riley, representing Gordon Food Service, and Linda Lawson, representing Unity in the Community, both came to the stage to share a few words about the work of the food bank and the interaction of their organizations. Then Miller returned for a demonstration of the strawberry salad she created after being inspired during her visit to Plant City last year. She had lunch at Olde Town Pizzeria and felt she had to create her own version.

When everything was complete, Miller once again, graciously offered her cooking skills for a dinner for four to the highest bidder, with all the proceeds going to the food bank. The Brownlee’s came out on top, and will have a great meal and some great times with some great people at the location of their choice. If you didn’t make Then it was time to get to work. Miller The food bank recognized their major it to this year’s event, we hope you can make headed off to Gordon Food Service to donors: Gordon Food Service and Unity in it next year.

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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COACH LEON MCKELVIN

temptations and difficult family situations. His wife of 25 years, Verna, is his “very best These teachable athletes want to excel, so friend” and she reciprocates the sentiment. we need to offer our support.” “It was a God thing and love-at-first-sight. I was a widow with two young sons, Joe and He is extremely thankful for the exceptional Chris Rodriguez, who needed a strong man help of “the best defensive coach around,” in their life. Leon stepped in to become Randy Wall, and former player, now team Dad and baseball coach and earned their statistician, Robby Jordan, as well as others. love and respect.”

UYFL NATIONAL CHAMPION ANDArticle ENCOURAGER by Cheryl Johnston

eon McKelvin doesn’t consider himself especially qualified to coach young athletes, but he definitely feels called. This phenomenal 21-1 season for the Plant City Dolphins Varsity Squad and their head coach resulted in the 2013 Turkey Bowl and SuperBowl wins, along with the United Youth Football League National Championship, which was broadcast by ESPN. The Lombardi-style trophy now has a prime spot in his home’s memento-filled sports room and the prized ring fits nicely on his right hand.

“We couldn’t have accomplished all we have without their help,” he said. “They are dedicated and serious about their “When I see all the trophies our boys have calling, too. Most on our team don’t have earned over the years, I think of the qualities children playing football, so their sacrifice that made each young man unique,” he said. is definitely a labor of love.” “I hope I’ve been a good influence.” The coach also appreciates the “awesome Actually, he has. McKelvin, who has been job” our Plant City Parks & Recreation involved in Plant City and Antioch since Department does. “PCRD is the best. It’s 1987 with youth baseball and since 1989 evident when you compare other fields with football, has kept every letter, card and and facilities to ours here. The community photo sent by appreciative team members should be very grateful.” after they’ve moved on to college, careers McKelvin’s “mentally exhausting” day and their own young families. job as a Hillsborough County School bus In humility, McKelvin shared: “I’ve tried driver keeps the issues young people face to step away from coaching a number of constantly on his mind. His weekday route times, but God won’t let me quit. Kids need involves trips between inner city Tampa and people to guide them in the right direction. eastern Hillsborough County schools, so he So many young students struggle with sees how caring adults can impact through compassionate discipline.

For similar reasons, Verna doesn’t mind that Leon coaches three nights of practice and Saturday games. “We agree he should do this, because he truly cares about every kid he coaches.” The couple enjoys their spare time together doing everything from home repairs, to golfing and cheering for the FSU ‘Noles, to visiting favorite theme parks. Late last year, a health scare caused McKelvin to reconsider his priorities. “I wondered if I’ve done what God called me to do. It’s a serious thought.” He hopes for the affirmative, that through his faith and prayer, for and with his team members, he’s made a difference. “I’m here for them, in whatever capacity I can help, because these young people are worth the effort and they want to win - on the field and in life.”

Leon McKelvin’s

Coaching Accomplishments Overall Record 179-44 (80% win rate) Championships include: 1 UYFL National 8 Super Bowls 3x @Raymond James Stadium 1 Turkey Bowl 1 Rattler Bowl 8 Conference (best overall record)

Coach Leon McKelvin, holding the prized United Youth Football League National Championship 2013 trophy, is continually reminded about the qualities that make each young player unique.

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

• 15 playoff appearances • Won Super Bowls in 3 different conferences: TBYFC, FYFCA, TCYFCC • Coach w/most wins in FYFCA history, 1999-2012 • Has never had a losing record • Only coach in FYFCA history w/3 straight Super Bowl wins in same age division • Most consecutive double-digit win seasons in FYFCA history - 6

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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2014 STRAWBERRY QUEEN

JESSI RAE VARNUM

nce again, the anticipation and excitement filled the air as the 2014 Strawberry Queen Scholarship Pageant presented by the Plant City Lions Club and Strawberry Festival began on January 25th at the Strawberry Festival grounds. Many people were present to watch the event unfold. The night started with 20 lovely ladies modeling across the stage in their “business attire” giving their 30 second speech about their sponsor. The contestants also went through casual wear and evening gown competition. The top ten finalists had to then answer an impromptu question.

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Teacher Student Association. She plans to attend Florida Southern College and major in sports medicine with an emphasis on physical therapy.

When asked about how she felt after being crowned, Jessi Rae said, “I was so excited and honored for the role I had been given Article by Deana Garrison | Photos by Jervaris Kirkland Photography in my town. I had dreamed about that When all the scores were in it was time Strawberry Festival Queen. “I was so moment my whole life and I couldn’t for 2013 Strawberry Queen, Kelsey Fry, proud for Jessi Rae. I wanted her to be believe it. It was amazing.” to give her farewell message as she walked able to experience all the wonderful things the stage. I did. I knew that if she were crowned Other members of the Florida Strawberry Strawberry Queen, she would make Festival court are: first maid Lindsey The coronation Ceremony consisted memories she would cherish forever,” English and court members Macaley of heralds, Ashley Dunn and Peyton stated Katie. Barrow, Kallee Cook and Caitlyn Kent. Talavera; train bearers, Jackson Jones and David Davenport; crown bearer, Robbie Jessi Rae Varnum is a senior at Durant The ladies have a fun filled year ahead Davenport; and flower girls, Isabel Jones, High School. She was “Outstanding of them. They have already begun their and Ava Varnum. Teen in 2013, a member of the National journey together. They will soon be Honor Society, Vice President of Student very busy when the Festival begins on Jessi Rae Varnum was crowned as the Government, producer of D News February 27th and runs through March 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. morning show, Captain of the Varsity 9th. They will make lasting memories. Varnum is the daughter of Scott and Katie Cheerleading Team, Managing Editor of Congratulations to our 2014 Florida Varnum. Royalty runs in the family as the Yearbook, member of LEO Club, and Strawberry Festival Queen and Court. Jessi’s mother, Katie, was the 1985 Florida the Student Representative of the Parent

LOCAL

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Queen

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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STRAWBERRY DISTANCE

CHALLENGE

A HUGE SUCCESS Article by Deana Garrison

he seventh annual Strawberry Distance Challenge was a huge success. Not only does this race encourage exercise, but it also benefits a special charity. The proceeds from this event go to the Youth Alliance Project. The Youth Alliance is an organization that is committed to be a positive influence in the lives of young people. They have antibullying presentations in place to guide our youth in the right direction.

wonderful time at the race and look forward to another one next year.

Mike Nelson, a member of the leadership team of Youth Alliance worked really hard at making this year’s SDC an enjoyable event. He was very excited about the sponsors that have supported this event and the volunteers that made it all worthwhile. He couldn’t thank them enough. The SDC committee members are truly thankful for the great turnout and support of our Many people came to participate in the run community. “It was great to have the 2014 and to just have a great time. Some people Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and her court out there this year to support our came as far as two to three hours away. event.” Jessica Stevens and her daughter Rachel had a mother/daughter competition I can’t think of a better way to give back between the two of them even though they to your community while you are keeping did not compete in the same age group. yourself in shape at the same time. Sounds Rachel came in first place in her category to me like a win/win situation. You may and her mother Jessica came in second in want to consider joining this fun event next her age group. The two seemed to have a year and help to support our youth in the community.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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CAMERON NAMED

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

MICHAEL CAMERON BECOMES NUMBER 55 Article by Brian West

he Kiwanis Club continued their annual tradition this week; sponsoring the Citizen of the Year Award for the City of Plant City. The award is the culmination of years of community service, capped off by recognition of the recipient’s peers. A representative from each civic club attends a meeting in which they present their nominee and state their case as to why the nominee should be named Citizen of the Year. It’s not an easy decision. In fact, it can be down right agonizing. To be nominated is an honor, and winning is very special. Previous winners are the shoulders our city was built on; the shoulders we stand on today. One of the greatest things about the Citizen of the Year Award is that it is most always one of the bestkept secrets in town – which is saying a lot for a small town like Plant City. The previous year’s winner reads a brief, clue-filled bio that typically progresses to narrow down the possibilities of those in attendance. Many times, even the recipient doesn’t know until something fairly unique about them is shared later in the bio. This year, the bio was a little different. 2013 winner, Joe Sedita, didn’t waste much time to share that this year’s winner, saying, “…while most kids their age were sitting through world history and English classes, our recipient was traveling around the country with their family on a circus train having fun with lions and tigers and bears.” I would venture to say, that only this year’s winner did something like that as a child. This year’s winner was also described as tall, often appearing with a mischievous grin, and being a hard-wired extrovert. Ultimately, Sedita shared that this year’s winner is none other than Michael Cameron. Cameron is a native Floridian, serves on the board for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Plant City Lions Club and the Friends of the Library, to name a few. Yes, there are others. Cameron graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in finance and agriculture and began a career as a financial advisor in 2001. He is currently the owner of Cameron Financial Management. Cameron also has a family side. He has been married to his wife Terrie for 15 years, and they have a son, Nicholas (14). So when you see him around town, be sure to tell him congratulations. You might also want to ask him about traveling with that circus train. Congratulations, Michael Cameron!

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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OPERATION PROM DRESS PROVIDING GOWNS TO GIRLS IN NEED C

hase Dunn knows that his new service project Operation Prom Dress is destined to help many Plant City girls create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. The project aims to provide formal gowns to high school juniors and seniors who could not otherwise afford to attend prom. The recipients first must fill out an application and/or be referred by their school, community organization or referral agency. Once approved, the girls will try on and select a dress from the prom closet during one of the three appointment sessions scheduled during late February and early March. The dresses are free of charge to the girls, and are provided through generous donations from local citizens and businesses throughout the community. The girls will also receive a certificate for a free manicure service from Remedi Spa to help them look their best on prom night.

Dunn, an Eagle Scout, first became interested in the project while working towards his Religious Emblem Award with his advisor, Ricky Lindsey, the youth minister at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. While community service hours are required for the award, Dunn decided to take things a step further: he envisioned starting a lasting project that would hopefully benefit local students for years to come. He settled on Operation Prom Dress after discovering several classmates were not planning to Dunn, a senior at Plant City High School, attend prom due to family financial knows that his greatest challenge lies in hardships, the costs were prohibitive. finding enough dresses in a short period of time to help as many girls as possible. “I don’t want anyone to miss out on Prom is rapidly approaching for local high school events, especially prom, schools, with Plant City High School’s just because of cost” said Dunn. “I know event scheduled for March 29th . He is that going to prom is important to girls. I requesting donations of formal dresses in hope that I can help them not only have a all sizes, colors and styles so that each girl fun night knowing they look great, but also will be able to find perfect dress for her to make memories that they will be happy special night. Dresses should be modern to look back on.” in style (from 2006 to present), in excellent condition and dry cleaned. Accessory items Girls interested in the program may pick in excellent condition, including shoes and up an application at Plant City High School purses, are also welcomed. or at the First Baptist Church of Plant City. Local organizations that wish to refer girls to “We have a lot of formal events held in the program should contact Stacy Dunn at (813) Plant City each year. I am hoping that 752-2433. Applications for participation must be ladies will take a few minutes to look returned by March 1st. through their closets and donate dresses worn at past Strawberry Balls, Rainbow Dresses may be dropped off at the First Baptist Balls and the like. I also hope that high Church of Plant City and at Remedi Spa, located at school and college students will donate 511 W. Alexander Street, across from Plant City High dresses that they have worn to past proms. School. Arrangements for dresses to be picked up by a The more dresses we have to offer, the more committee member may be made by calling Stacy Dunn girls we will be able to help.” Dunn stated. at (813) 752-2433. Dress donations will be accepted until March 7th.

Chase Dunn, Plant City High School Senior, is seeking dontations of formal gowns to help students in need. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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KILTON INSTALLED AS CHAMBER CHAIR

TAKES ON MEMORABLE CADDYSHACK ROLE Article by Brian West

he 2014 Chairman’s Banquet for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce was held on Thursday, January 23rd. The banquet provides the forum for the annual formal exchange of the gavel between the outgoing and incoming chairs – this year, Jim Scott and Nate Kilton, respectively.

Once all the formalities were complete, it was time for the highlight of the evening – the chamber skit. For the past decade, at least since former Mayor, Rick Lott, served as chair, the chamber has created a video skit to have some fun and poke a little fun at the hot topics around town. This year, one of those hot topics has been the fate of the Walden Lake Golf and Country The event, held at the Trinkle Center, Club. Using some of the holes that are showcases a year now in disrepair, the Jim Scott (right) passed the gavel to Nate Kilton, incoming Plant City Chamber of in review of the chamber set out for a Commerce Chairman of the Board chamber. Everything light-hearted takeoff is highlighted, of Caddyshack. from the chamber booth at the Florida One problem the Strawberry Festival crew didn’t expect to the annual to encounter; there Christmas Tree were actually a few contest. involved that had never seen the movie. After a great meal, Can you believe attendees heard the that? The crime of it words of outgoing all! Without giving chair, Scott, as away everything, he recapped the just know that accomplishments Kilton performed of the Chamber, a dead-on Carl the highlighting some groundkeeper, played of the improvements by Bill Murray in the between Carl and the groundhog that begs great laughs in-between. Congratulations from the previous movie. Kilton even to be watched over and over. It’s a classic. to Past Chair, Jim Scott. You had a great year. Next, each of dressed the part to If you didn’t make it to the event and really year and we appreciate your service to the the incoming officers and board members the letter. Edwena Haney played the role want to see it, there are a few copies floating community. We want to wish the best of luck to new Chair, Nate Kilton. You’ve got were installed. Kilton followed the of the ground hog, including a full-body around town. a great team behind you with the board and installation by describing his vision for the groundhog costume. Never realized you By the end of the evening, a chairman the chamber staff. Now it’s time to begin chamber; a brief glimpse of what his year as could buy a full-bodied groundhog costume. became a Past Chair, a new chamber board leaving your mark. Chair will look like. I mean, I wonder how many of those are sold each year? There is a full-on fight scene was installed and a Chair-Elect became Chair. And best of all, there were some

Using some of the holes that are now in disrepair, the chamber set out for a lighthearted takeoff of Caddyshack.

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INTERESTED IN SHOWING OFF? APPLY AT BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY TO EXHIBIT Article by Cheryl Johnston

local artist resulted in a referral to Rhonda Carol Long. If you haven’t seen Long’s work yet, don’t miss this opportunity. Nineteen bold and colorful canvases grace the art walls near the main entry and in the “I love the exhibits and to discover what children’s area. As a tie in to the portion of talents people here have,” she said. “And the collection that focuses on musicians, what they collect. The variety of interests staffer Felecia Broome created an exhibit of books focused on African music. just fascinates me.” ruton Memorial Library patron Susan Gales and her son Evan are two “regulars who visit to see what’s new” at Plant City’s happening media hub.

Director Anne Haywood is happy to offer library visitors even more reasons to stop in and discover the inviting atmosphere at Bruton. “I’ve always wanted this to be a place where the public can enjoy art and a variety of collections. The displays showcase our multi-cultural community and helps us all to learn new things in the process of enjoying the exhibits.”

“Since we try to coordinate the displays around various themes or Plant City events,” Haywood explained, “sometimes it can take a while to be placed on the schedule.”

the new museum. Regardless, we’re happy our library provides this opportunity for everyone to learn something new — all the time.”

Evan Gales’ railroad memorabilia was December’s focus. “He is crazy about trains,” explained his mother Susan. “When we applied, the staff suggested timing it with the train viewing platform’s dedication and the Rail Fest. We were excited to discover how many people enjoyed it and hope it created a little more interest for

For your convenience and your monthly dose of culture, visit Bruton Memorial Library at 302 W. McLendon Street. Hours of operation are Monday-Thursday, 10-9; Friday10-6; Saturday10-5, and Sunday15p.m. For information, phone 813-7579215.

“We try to keep our displays fresh and interesting,” she said. “It’s also fun to include books that connect to the themes so folks have easy access on the shelves we rotate nearest the art wall.”

The public is invited to “show off ” their artwork or collections. The first step is to learn more about the process by reviewing the Library Board’s approved policy/ guidelines at http://www.plantcitygov.com, under Library and then Exhibits. The next For Black History Month, for example, step is to complete the application, available In honor of Black History Month, the art walls at Bruton Memorial Library now display 19 vibrant canvases by local artist Rhonda Carol Long. the library. 2:48 PM Page 1 Haywood feels fortunate her search for a both online and CSBPlantCityCommercialFinanceFocusAd:Layout 1 at1/29/14

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LOCAL

2014 YOUTH PARADE

MEET THE GRAND MARSHALS

Article by Cheryl Johnston or 41 years now, Plant City’s Civitan certain they will represent us well.” Club members have recognized our community’s outstanding high school seniors through scholarships and roles as Grand Marshals in the annual Youth Jessi Rae, the youngest child of Scott and Kay Varnum, is also the newly crowned Parade. Strawberry Festival Queen, a role her Jessi Rae Varnum of Durant High School mother filled in 1985.

and Austin Bruner of Plant City High School received the Civitan Outstanding Youth awards from president Pat Pogue at February’s meeting. Family members and their respective schools’ College and Career Counselors, Franci Dupre and Sherrie Mueller, accompanied them.

JESSI RAE VARNUM

Student Government, varsity cheerleading captain, DHS producer morning show producer, yearbook managing editor, J.F. St. Martin FFA Chapter president, Leo Club member, and PTSA student representative.

We credit many here for encouraging our young people,” explained Kim. “Austin’s had an incredible year.”

His accomplishments and weighted 5.64 GPA have already garnered him four Childhood diabetes has obviously not university acceptance letters — Mississippi, slowed her down. Jessi advises her younger Central Florida, South Florida and Texas peers: “Always do what you love and Tech. stay true to yourself. Be responsible and remember: today’s actions will affect your In addition to Florida Business Leaders future. Be happy in life!” Association membership and positions on the football, baseball, swimming and track The Varnums feel blessed to have watched teams, Bruner has served as PCHS Senior Jessi live her advice. Kay said, “We’re proud Class VP, Jr.Civitan president and National of the spirituality, grace, purpose, and Honor Society sergeant-at-arms. desire she exhibits in accomplishing her responsibilities at a very high level. It’s been Last summer he attended the 5-week Lott an amazing year.” Leadership Institute at the University of Mississippi and in the nation’s capitol, as one of 50 selected from 900 nominees.

“It’s very humbling to represent my school, Plant City and the Florida Strawberry Festival—honors and responsibilities I’ve already embraced,” she said. “I love our fantastic community parades and am thankful for this amazing opportunity. Leading the Youth Parade as Grand “Although many excellent students are Marshal with my friend Austin will make Austin Bruner considers himself “proud and blessed to grow up in this close-knit considered on the basis of academics and it even more special.” community.” public service,” explained Pogue, “these The National Honor Society student has two stood out among their peers. They’re incredible young people, very involved in maintained a weighted 5.5 GPA while His parents, Kyle and Kim Bruner agree. their community, school and church. We’re serving the Cougars currently as VP of “Plant City is a great place to raise a family.

AUSTIN BRUNER

“Through current event debates, discussions, decision-making activities and two college classes at Ole Miss,” Bruner explained, “I developed my leadership skills and was exposed to places, people, and ideas that make our nation great.” The fifth week in Washington, D. C., allowed him to get “a view into leading the country on a political stage” through visits with elected officials. “I also volunteered at SOME—So Others May Eat, serving the poor and homeless in D.C., which helped me realize how fortunate my life has been and taught me to be responsible and grateful in all aspects of life.” A favorite Edmund Burke quote now motivates him: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Bruner challenges his peers as well: “Always do your best in school and get outside your comfort zone. Being involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer work keeps you focused on your future.” The two families share a long-term friendship and love for their Plant City heritage.

Jessi Rae Varnum of Durant High School and Austin Bruner of Plant City High School will lead the 2014 Youth Parade as Grand Marshals and Civitan’s Outstanding Youth for 2014. Pictured with Civitan Club president Pat Pogue.

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

“I’m honored to be part of such a great Plant City tradition,” said Austin. “Leading the youth parade with the reigning Strawberry Queen Jessi Rae is the experience of a lifetime!”

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LOCAL

EVERY BUDDY

IS BEAUTIFUL

n January 31st, Plant City High School hosted an event that would change the perspective people have on aesthetics. The “Every Buddy is Beautiful” fashion show warmed the hearts of many and let the community see what true beauty really is. This event reflected that despite everyone being imperfect, everyone is in fact beautiful. It wouldn’t have been possible without the school’s cosmetology teacher, Laurel Ritenbaugh, and her aspiring cosmetologists and Skills USA members Ashley Bishop, Molly Copeland, and Jana Watkins. These Skills USA cosmetology students serve special needs students in the salon and they host the benefit for Raider Buddies. In order to profess this truth, Plant City High School dedicated this special night to the school’s special needs population. From singing to modeling, the Raider Buddies were happiest displaying their talents for the whole audience. The cosmetology department does have a history with helping the special needs population which began in 1999, when they opened their doors to serve these students. The “Every Buddy is Beautiful” fashion show fabricated in 2006. Mrs. Ritenbaugh had

in which Raider Buddies modeled and performed. In the end, to signify unity, Mr. Ritenbaugh had all the performers sing together. There were many heartwarming moments and by the end of the event, one could tell that we are all one large family that should accept each because not a single

soul on this earth is perfect. Next year’s fashion show is bound to be even better, if possible. The cosmetology department at Plant City High School, along with the Raider Buddy program, shows the community how to make the most precious of humanity’s jewels shine.

Article by Charlotte Thompson

a very heartwarming account of the event’s birth, “One of my students, Summer, was crowned Florida Strawberry Queen. She was doing Ashley McElroy’s hair while wearing her sash and crown. Ashley was mesmerized by Summer’s sparkly crown. Summer was really unfazed by the fact that she was the queen and still did Ashley’s hair that day. Ashley told her that she was beautiful. Summer told Ashley that she was even more beautiful. Ashley said, “I am beautiful and am going to be in a pageant and be a queen someday!” Summer and I said ‘Yes you are and yes you will!’ Then we Mr. Ritenbaugh leads the performers in a song planned the first show. We have done it ever since. Ashley graduated last year, but helped emcee the show this year. She will always be the queen of the show for as long as she desires!” Ashley did in fact steal the show with her incredibly outgoing personality. In fact, every Raider Buddy had a glowing persona, mostly due to the love, affection, and acceptance they receive at Plant City High School. As for what occurred, the event was more than impeccable. It was hosted by Ashley Bishop, Molly Copeland, Jana Watkins, and the always entertaining Ashley McElroy. One of the performers in the show took the chance to make his act special by There were several different categories singing his girlfriend a song.”ost precious of humanity’s jewels shine

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

LOCAL

NANCY DRISCOLL

TO STAY YOUNG, TRY SOMETHING NEW

ancy Driscoll has learned one of don’t read music. I play by ear.” the secrets of staying young-atShe learned as a five-year-old by doing heart: Try something new! what her grandmother asked. “Watch my When Nancy moved to Plant City from fingers and watch what my hands do,” Virginia 14 years ago after her husband Mom said. “And it worked!” “Red” died, she fell in love with the city’s charm and its warm and caring people. But there was an approximately forty-year One day, when friends treated her to lunch period when Driscoll didn’t play at all at Whistle Stop, the piano player caught because they didn’t have a piano. her interest. After “Red” died, she purchased an “I don’t know what made me so bold,” she electronic one (piano, not a keyboard) with said, “but I offered to sub for her if she the intent to simply entertain herself and needed a break or couldn’t make it one improve her skills. She credits God for day. She responded with, ‘How about next His help. week? I have to be away.’” “I guess He puts it in my head,” she said. Driscoll subbed regularly for quite a while, and eventually the Lofstrums invited her Today, the woman who will celebrate her to play three days each week - Tuesdays, 83rd birthday in March plays selections Wednesdays and Fridays. She plays now from a list of about 80 songs in several from noon until two-ish, unless a few folks genres, such as easy listening, country pop are still lingering over their lunch. On and Christian, that she’s compiled for the Thursdays and Saturdays, the Lofstrums restaurant’s diners. She can usually play 70 simply let their beautiful Hallet & Davis, or so of those during her noonday shift. Inc. (Boston) player piano do its thing. Her favorites? “I enjoy the music from the “The funny thing is,” explained Nancy, “I ‘40s most, but I also try to keep current

Article by Cheryl Johnston

with some of the more widely recognized songs.” She also takes requests. If someone asks for one unfamiliar to her, Nancy researches it on YouTube, so when they return, she can play it for them. “I’ve met so many nice people here, and I feel like I’m part of the Lofstrum family now,” she offered. “These are our customers, and I want to help them enjoy their experience here.” Owners Jerry and Marti Lofstrum agree. “Nancy is a good person and she does a great job. Our customers love her music, too,” explained Marti. When she’s not working at Whistle Stop or practicing new songs, Driscoll enjoys golfing, especially on Thursdays with the Walden Lake Ladies League. “You have to keep active,” she said. “Try new things, get some exercise and fresh air, and be around people you enjoy. I love Plant City, where I can do all of this and more. It’s a great place to live and play.”

For the enjoyment of the Whistle Stop Cafe diners, Walden Lake resident Nancy Driscoll plays approximately 70 songs during her 12-2PM performance on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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LOCAL

1ST ANNUAL

RAILFEST

A GREAT SUCCESS Article by Cheryl Johnston

Faces South Band played at Railfest during the lunch hour.

Robert W. Willaford and his wife Felice were honored guests at the museum’s dedication when City Manager Greg Horwedel and Commissioner Mike Sparkman presented a rendering of the plaque affixed to the museum’s Wall of Honor.

espite gray skies and drizzling rain, fresh strawberries. Barbeque lunches were Plant City’s 1st annual RailFest was also available for purchase. a rousing success. The obvious pride in accomplishing this On Friday night, families gathered at first annual event was tangible as locals and the historic Union Station Depot for the visitors gathered for the official dedication “Movies on the Lot” portion of the event ceremony. The museum named for Robert to enjoy free popcorn, ice cream and two “R.W.” Willaford now contains the caboose and 42 other items valued at $220,000, railroad-themed films. donated to the city by he and his wife Saturday’s activities included tours of Felice “for the community’s education and the new Train Viewing Platform and the enjoyment.” Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. Children and adults were delighted with In describing his motivation for the the chance to collect train related goodies generous donation, Willaford said, “A lot of and climb up into the red Seaboard people have money, but not a lot of people Coastline caboose, where PCHS special have a caboose!” needs student Evan Gales and his mother Now, according to the event’s program, his Susan detailed its history. “heritage will live on in the heart of the Children were also treated to free rides on town.” a miniature “train-on-tires” in the adjacent City manager Greg Horwedel, Mayor Mary parking lot. Mathis and Commissioner Mike Sparkman Everyone enjoyed the music of the Faces attended to formally thank and present South band, along with free ice cream and renderings of plaques that now hang on the

Riley & Bryce Carter waiting to ride the Kiddie Train at Railfest.

museum’s Wall of Honor. These recognize Robert W. Willaford and the companies who assisted in the installation of the caboose and switch engine: CJ Bridges Railroad Contractor, Brewington Towing & Recovery, and Wetherington Tractor Service for their inestimable contributions in time, materials and skilled labor. Deanna Hurley, the City’s new Special Events Coordinator, was credited with organizing the event and garnering sponsors in the five weeks prior to the event. Included among those were Plant City Times & Observer, Tampa Electric Company, Rotary International, Railroad & Industrial Federal

Credit Union, First Choice Bar-B-Que, Holiday Inn Express, Hawthorne Village, Stingray Chevrolet, Sunshine State Federal Savings, WorkComp Partners, Minuteman Press, Jarrett-Scott Ford, RaceTrac, Johnson Barbeque, BlueBell IceCream, Parkesdale Farm Market and Felton’s. News of the event has already spread far and wide, which means next year’s Railfest will draw an even larger crowd from an even wider area. With strawberries, trains and incredibly generous citizens, what’s not to love about Plant City!?

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

DID YOU KNOW

CREATED EQUAL: AMERICA’S CIVIL RIGHTS STRUGGLE

PROGRAM TO BE PRESENTED IN PLANT CITY

Article by Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

he Plant City Photo Archives and History Center will be presenting the first of five upcoming community programs incorporating the film series Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle. The documentaries include riveting new footage illustrating the history of the civil rights movement in America. On February 18th, at 7pm, The Plant City Photo Archives will open the series with a screening of excerpts from the first film The Abolitionists. Photo Archives Director Gil Gott will introduce the program prior to the film clips; following the film clips, noted American History scholar Dr. James M. Denham will facilitate further discussion on the film and on the struggles and accomplishments of The Abolitionists. The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center is partnering with local community organizations to offer a variety of Created Equal public programs which include film screenings, presentations by humanities scholars, and community discussions. Community partners include Dr. Maribeth Mobley and Kara Lawson, of Hillsborough Community College – Plant City Campus; Bill Thomas, of the Improvement League of Plant City; Gwen Thomas, of Bealsville Inc.; Anne Haywood, of the Bruton Memorial Library; and Gil Gott and Shelly Drummond, of the Photo Archives and History Center. Additional scholars and participants will be announced closer to the dates of the showings. All Created Equal programs are offered free to the public. If you would like to view the films in their entirety prior to the programs, the DVDs are available at the Bruton Memorial Library. Individual films from the series may be checked out. “Being 150 years after the Emancipation

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Proclamation, these films give us the opportunity to have a public discussion of race relations in our country and put America’s civil rights struggle in a new perspective,” said Photo Archives Director Gil Gott. “Not only will this program provide a great opportunity to highlight the history of east Hillsborough and west Polk counties, this will bring national perspective to our local experience.” The first film, The Abolitionists, vividly brings to life the struggles of the men and women who led the battle to end slavery. Through innovative use of reenactments, this three episode series puts a face on the anti-slavery movement- or rather, five faces: William Lloyd Garrison, impassioned New England newspaper editor; Frederick Douglass, former slave, author and activist; Angelina Grimke, daughter of a rich South Carolina slave holder; Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of the enormously influential Uncle Tom’s Cabin; and John Brown, ultimately executed for his armed seizure of the federal arsenal at Harper’s Ferry.

story is important no matter how painful is the most important turning point in American constitutional, political and social the reality is.” history. The legacies of emancipation will be Third in the series is The Loving Story, to with us forever, forcing us to face who we be shown Tuesday, June 24, at the Bruton believe we are as a people. In the twentyMemorial Library. This documentary first century, issues of race and equality tells the love story that ended up in the under the law continue to be the subject of United States Supreme Court and brought vigorous and sometimes divisive debates. about the end of laws banning inter-racial …Democracy is an ongoing endeavor and unfinished business…Consider how we marriage. may work together to realize the goal of a Mildred and Richard Loving knew it more perfect union. was technically illegal for them to live as a married couple in Virginia because The film set is made possible through a she was of African American and Native major grant received by the Plant City American descent and he was white. But Photo Archives and History Center they never expected to be woken up in their from the National Endowment for the bedroom and arrested one night in 1958. Humanities, as part of its Bridging Cultures The documentary brings to life the Lovings’ initiative, in partnership with the Gilder marriage and the legal battle that followed Lehrman Institute of American History. through little-known filmed interviews and Founded in 1994, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is a nonprofit photographs shot for Life magazine. organization that promotes excellence in the Last in the series of documentaries teaching and learning of American history. is Freedom Riders, to be shown at Additional support for the community Hillsborough Community College – Plant programs is provided by a grant from the City College Tuesday, September 23. This Florida Humanities Council. is the story of the civil rights activists who rode to the South in the 1960s supporting Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle is an initiative of the National the termination of racial discrimination. Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Attracting a diverse group of volunteers— that uses the power of documentary films black and white, young and old, male and to encourage community discussion of female, secular and religious, northern and America’s civil rights history. The NEH southern—the Freedom Rides of 1961 took has partnered with the Gilder Lehrman the civil rights struggle out of the courtroom Institute of American History to develop and onto the streets of the Jim Crow South. programmatic and support materials Freedom Riders tells the terrifying, moving, for the sites. Each of the films tells and suspenseful story of a time when white remarkable stories of individuals who and black volunteers riding a bus into the challenged the social and legal status quo Deep South risked being jailed, beaten, or of deeply rooted institutions from slavery killed, as white local and state authorities to segregation. Created Equal programs ignored or encouraged violent attacks. The bring communities together to revisit our film includes previously unseen amateur shared history and help bridge deep racial 8mm footage of the burning bus on which and cultural divides in American civil life. some Freedom Riders were temporarily Visit www.createdequal.neh.gov for more trapped, taken by a local twelve-year-old information. and held as evidence since 1961 by the FBI. Plant City Photo Archives and History Center The last discussion evening of this series takes place Tuesday, October 21, at the Founded in 2000, the Plant City Archives Photo Archives and History Center and History Center is located at 106 and will include brief reviews of the South Evers Street in historic downtown four documentaries followed by a panel Plant City and is open Tuesday through discussion and audience participation. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Certificates will be presented to those who Exhibit Gallery maintains a free admission have attended all of the Created Equal policy. For further information call the office at 813.754.1578, email info@ series. plantcityphotoarchives.org, or visit the website at www.plantcityphotoarchives.org

The second film, Slavery by Another Name, will be presented at the Bealsville Recreation Center on Thursday, April 24, at 7PM. This documentary covers the period following Reconstruction, which ended in 1877, up to 1965 and the Voting Rights Act. It was a shocking reality that often went unacknowledged, then and now; a huge system of forced, unpaid labor, mostly affecting Southern black men, that lasted until World War II. Based on the Pulitzer Prize- winning book by Douglas Blackmon, Slavery by Another Name tells the stories of men, charged with crimes like vagrancy, and often guilty of nothing, who were bought and sold, abused, and subjected to sometimes deadly working conditions as unpaid convict labor. Interviews with the descendants of victims and perpetrators resonate with a modern audience. Cristina FROM THE CREATED EQUAL Comer, who discovered how her family PROGRAMMING GUIDE profited from the system, says that, “the The end of slavery in the United States

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday, February 15th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. in Historic Downtown Plant City. The car show features cars that are at least 25 years old, with many classics on hand from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. This is a great family event if you’re looking for a relaxing evening. Several of the downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds. You’ll probably run into many of your friends and neighbors. There are several food vendors, and the atmosphere is great. The new Chamber members this month include: • Huff Automotive and Muffler held their ribbon cutting on February 4th • Security Officers Disability and Retiree Services will hold their ribbon cutting on February 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Plant City Chamber, located at 106 N. Evers St • Central Payment will hold their ribbon cutting on February 25th at 11:00 a.m. at the Plant City Chamber, located at 106 N. Evers St Keep an eye on the Chamber calendar for new business ribbon cuttings at www. plantcity.org. Then, make time to come join everyone to learn a little about each business, wish everyone luck, and participate in the ribbon cutting photo. Each month, the Chamber holds a Contact Breakfast. You must RSVP to the Chamber no later than the Friday before the breakfast to allow the caterer to properly plan for the event. If you want to attend, and are unable to RSVP by Friday, you can call the

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Chamber and be placed on a waiting list, but there are no guarantees. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Chamber at 754-3707. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will be holding their monthly Business After Hours on Thursday February 20th from 5:15 – 7:00 p.m. The February event is sponsored by Focus Magazine as their annual People’s Choice Awards, and will be held at the Keel and Curley Winery. The Business After Hours is usually held the third Thursday of each month and is hosted by a current Chamber member. The gathering provides an opportunity to network and just spend time with each other in a casual environment. If you’ve never attended a Business After Hours event, come out and join everyone. This year’s Florida Strawberry Festival will be held Thursday, February 27th – Sunday, March 9th. The Bike Show will be held on Saturday, March 1st in Historic Downtown Plant City from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. The show features hundreds of bikes from all over, with everyone riding in for a relaxing afternoon in downtown. For the enthusiast, there are bikes of all styles, makes, models, and both new and old. The show is always a little different, but there are often antique bikes where owners have spent countless hours restoring them to their former glory. And like the Car Show, many of the downtown merchants are open longer hours to accommodate the crowds.

Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix Super Markets!

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Florida’s Best Family Recipe!

Artists Appearing on the Soundstage:

Jimmy Sturr

Thu. Feb. 27, 10:30 FREE

Love and Theft Sat. Mar. 1, 3:30 $15 & $20

Shoji Tabuchi

FEB. 27 - MAR. 9, 2014 • PLANT CITY, FLORIDA

STYX

Thu. Feb. 27, 3:30 $15 & $20

Ronnie Milsap

Thu. Feb. 27, 7:30 $25 & $30

Little Big Town

Thompson Square Sun. Mar. 2, 3:30 $25

Sat. Mar. 1, 7:30 $40

Charley Pride Mon. Mar. 3, 3:30 $15 & $20

Josh Turner Mon. Mar. 3, 7:30 $20 & $25

Lee Brice Wed. Mar. 5, 7:30 $20 & $25

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Thu. Mar. 6, 10:30 FREE

Brenda Lee Tue. Mar. 4, 3:30 $15 & $20

Fri. Feb. 28, 3:30 $15 & $20

Colt Ford

Fri. Feb. 28, 7:30 $15 & $20

Rascal Flatts “LIVE & LOUD” Tour 2014 Sun. Mar. 2, 7:30 $55

Kellie Pickler Tue. Mar. 4, 7:30 $15 & $20

Oak Ridge Boys 40th Anniversary Tour Thu. Mar. 6, 3:30 $15 & $20

Crystal Gayle Wed. Mar. 5, 3:30 $15 & $20

Third Day Thu. Mar. 6, 7:30 $15 & $20

John Anderson Fri. Mar. 7, 3:30 $15 & $20

Mobile App

#berryfest

Free Grandstand Boyz II Men Fri. Mar. 7, 7:30 $20 & $25

Caroline Kole Sat. Mar. 8, 1:00 FREE

Dustin Lynch Sat. Mar. 8, 3:30 $15 & $20

Jerrod Niemann Sat. Mar. 8, 7:30 $20 & $25

Easton Corbin Sun. Mar. 9, 3:30 $15 & $20

The Band Perry Sun. Mar. 9, 7:30 $40

Seating at 3:30 & 7:30pm is on a first come, first seated basis. Concert dates and times are subject to change

Visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available! While online, check out the Free Entertainment, Midway Specials, Discounted Days, and Full Schedule of Festival Events.

Alessi Bakery • Verizon Wireless • Florida’s Best • Images Everywhere! • CF Industries • Bionic Band • AMSCOT • TECO • Stingray Chevrolet • Carolina Carports Good Health Saunas • Netterﬁeld’s Concessions • HERSHEY’S ® • Southern Ford Dealers • Astin Farms • Candyland Warehouse • Florida Blue • 5-hour ENERGY

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY2014 focusplantcity.com

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See you at the Festival! 52

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

A Berry Sweet Deal! The Tampa Tribune | TBO.com Day at the

Florida Strawberry FeStival ®

Friday, March 7 Join the Midway Fun on The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com Day and automatically get $2 Off the $20 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. Plus, clip this coupon (or print coupon from TBO.com) and get an additional $2 Off the same Coupon Book for a total savings of $4.

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Florida’s Best Family Recipe!

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Additional

The Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book* Regularly $20, $18 on Tribune/TBO Day, $16 when purchased with this coupon. Present this coupon at any Midway Ticket Booth for redemption. Valid only March 7, 2014 from Noon to 10 PM on The Tampa Tribune/TBO.com Day. One coupon per customer, per coupon book purchased.

* Printed coupons only. Electronic images NOT accepted.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

What’s New AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Article By Amanda Deck

hether the delectable strawberry shortcake, the award-winning headline entertainment, or the diverse agricultural exhibits, the Florida Strawberry Festival attracts visitors from all over the nation—and beyond. Although the festival has its annual traditions like the coronation of the newest Strawberry Festival Queen and the exciting Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest, board members and volunteers work hard each year to bring in something fresh, a little something more that will keep people coming back again and again. “Let me tell you a little about what makes this year special,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “We have put probably more effort this year into our on grounds or free entertainment than ever before.” Although visitors can yet again enjoy acts like Kandu Magic and the Robinson’s Racing Pigs, there’s so much more for families to experience. In fact, the Festival will feature a new entertainment tent, the Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage, which will showcase special last year’s fan-favorite Kari and Billy (Daily at 2 and 4 p.m.) along with various one-night-only acts. Check out what else is new to the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival: Wild About Monkeys On Grounds Entertainment Daily at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. Additional 6 p.m. shows on Saturdays and Sundays When a movie producer needs a performing baboon, chances are they will call Kevin and Martina. Training baboons is their specialty. Kevin and Martina will delight and amaze the audience with fun, education and great entertainment for the whole family. “Wild about Monkeys” is the only traveling animal exhibition that features trained baboons. ROLLO: The Biggest Little Kid in the World On Grounds Entertainment Daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 7 p.m. ROLLO is a giant, 9-foot “child-like” cartoon character who has an enormous ability to make people laugh. Watch ROLLO jump rope, tap dance, and even shrink himself ! ROLLO is one-of-a-kind and never fails to surprise and delight. Meet and Greet with Troy Landry from History Channel’s “Swamp People” On Grounds Entertainment March 8-9 at 1-3 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

“Choot ‘Em!” This year, “Swamp People” star Troy Landry will spend time signing autographs, taking photos, and answering questions. Hola Plant City! Featuring “Tengo Talento” Judge Don Cheto Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 1 at 6 p.m. Don Cheto, known as “El hombre del vozarron,” (man of the big voice) is the popular Mexican-American entertainer, a beloved radio and television personality and accomplished musician. He hosts his own top-rated morning radio show, “El Show De Don Cheto,” syndicated nationally. Don Cheto is a talent judge on Estrella TV’s hit show “Tengo Talento Mucho.” Hola Plant City! Featuring Estrellas Hoy Co-Host Anais Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 8 at 6 p.m. Anais, aka Ana Isabel Salazar is the beautiful television and film actress who has starred in ten telenovelas, four mini-series and now hosts her own popular show on Estrella TV, Estrellas Hoy. Gospel Night Featuring Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins Showcase Tent March 8 at 7:30 p.m. Under the musical direction of Pastor “Pee Wee” Callins, as he in known in the community, worship God along with other local churches through song and dance.

Redhead Express Showcase Tent Daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m. No 5 p.m. show on March 2 Redhead Express is a vibrant, sweet harmony, four-sister act originally from Alaska, and now hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. The Redheads have spent the past six years touring with their family band across the country, performing over 1400 shows at fairs, festivals and performing arts centers. Savannah Jack Showcase Tent Daily at 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 6 p.m. No 6 p.m. show on March 2 From playing honky-tonks on lower Broadway in Nashville, to opening arena dates for John Fogerty, Vince Gill, and the legendary Kenny Rogers, Savannah Jack has honed their skills as outstanding live entertainers who captivate audiences from the very first note. The Walker Brothers Hershey’s Strawberry Tent March 5-9 at 1 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. The Walker Boys is a trio of brothers, originally from Alaska, and now hailing from Nashville, Tennessee. They spent the past seven years touring with their family, performing at fairs, festivals and performing arts centers across North America.

Shannon Magrane Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage February 27 at 7 p.m. “American Idol” catapulted Shannon into the international spotlight. At only 15 years old, Shannon made it all the way to the 11th finalist spot becoming the only 15-yearold in the show’s history to advance from her Idol audition in her first attempt. Ryan Weaver Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage February 28 at 7 p.m. Ryan Weaver is a high energy, all-American, rockin’ country music artist who proudly served as an active duty Blackhawk Helicopter Pilot, Chief Warrant Officer 3, in the United States Army. Tina Watson-Conley Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 2 at 7 p.m. In 1986, Tina became a member of the “Thompson Community Singers,” and is currently a cast member of “Woman Thou Art Loosed” by Bishop T. D. Jakes and Tyler Perry. This gospel singer has been featured in concert with Mary/ Mary, Oleta Adams, Edwin Hawkins, Tramaine Hawkins, CeCe, BeBe, Vicki Winans and Hezekiah Walker. Bobby G. Summers Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 4 at 7 p.m. Join Bobby G. Summers, music veteran and co-founder of 80s hit group, “The Deele.” For 15 years of his career, Sum-

mers performed and directed the Enterprise Orchestra, led by the Rev. Al Green. In 2006, Summers toured with The Family Stone domestically. Grayson Rogers Band Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 5 at 7 p.m. This country band has won many awards in Southwest Florida, They professionally recorded their first single “Too Loud” and it can be found on iTunes. They have earned a loyal following throughout the state of Florida playing at major concerts and opening for artists such as Alan Jackson, Rodney Atkins, Travis Tritt, Sara Evens, Joe Nichols, and others. Billy and the Soul Circus Cowboys Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 6 at 7 p.m. Soul Circus Cowboys offers their flavor of bold southern rock to audiences. The band’s debut album, “Love’s Like A Rodeo,” was a larger-than-life country-rock compilation that demonstrates the band’s energy and dynamic range perfectly. Heanon Tate Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage March 9 at 7 p.m. Heanon Tate is an internationally recognized worship leader, recording artist, songwriter, and producer. Tate is a Presiding Bishop over Inner Courts Global Outreach, locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia.

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FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Meet Your

Queen & Court 2014 FL Strawberry Festival

Interview by Brian West | Photography by Anthony Sassano

The Plant City Lions Club and the Florida Strawberry Festival continued their long-standing tradition with this year’s Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant. The pageant provides an opportunity for local young ladies to compete for the coveted title of Strawberry Queen. Although only 20 contestants vied for the title, the competition was just as tough as ever. In recent years, we’ve seen sisters crowned Queen. Erica (2003) and Lauren (2009) Der were the first sisters crowned Queen, but they were quickly followed by Ashley (2005) and Victoria (2011) Watkins, who also had a sister, Allie, make the court in 2007. But for the first time in

27 years (Ruth Shuman Brown – 1954 and Beckie Brown Klein – 1987), this year’s Queen has a mother who was also a Strawberry Queen. Jessi Rae Varnum was crowned as this year’s Queen, and her mother, Katie, was Strawberry Queen in 1985.

Rounding out this year’s court include: First Maid, Lindsey English and Court Members Macaley Barrow, Kallee Cook and Caitlyn Kent. And of course, they’re all beautiful inside and out. So I was lucky enough to spend a few moments with them recently and this is how it went… FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Focus: Tell us a little about yourself. Varnum: I’m 18 years old. I am a senior at Durant High School and will be attending Florida Southern College in the fall. I want to study sports medicine, with an emphasis on physical therapy. I’ve been a cheerleader for 10 years, so I love sports. I like the aspect of being able to help someone recover from an injury to get back to something that they love Focus: How long have you dreamed about being Strawberry Queen? Varnum: Since I was about 8 years old. I can remember thinking, “I want to be that girl.” I would wear my mom’s crown around the house, and we’ve talked about how much bigger they are today. I can remember meeting the queens and wanting to be just like them. They became my role models and I knew how special that opportunity would be Focus: It’s been three weeks since the pageant, and you’ve already made several appearances, gone shopping, and done lots of other things. What’s been the most memorable? Varnum: I recently went to Bay News 9 with Mr. Paul Davis and that was so exciting. I am the producer of the morning show at my school so being able to be behind the scenes of a real studio was amazing. I was able to talk to some people who worked there and we got to share some of our experiences with news broadcasting. I felt right at home. Focus: What are you looking forward to most about the festival? Varnum: I’ve grown up with the festival; the rides, the entertainment, and they’re all amazing. But as Queen, I’m really looking forward to getting the view of the festival from behind the scenes. You get to meet all the people that help to put the festival together, which is an honor. The festival has given me memories my entire life that I will cherish forever. Without their hard work, I wouldnt have a festival to go to. I just want to thank them. Focus: Share something that most people wouldn’t know about you or your experience. Varnum: My dress weighed 23lbs and I was wearing 6” heels. That was definitely a challenge. My dress was so heavy and big that it could stand on the floor by itself.

2014 FL Strawberry Festival Queen

Jessi Rae Varnum

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

We would like to thank

Wishing Well Barn For providing us with the photo shoot location.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Focus: Tell us a little about yourself. English: I am 17 years old. I got to Plant City High School, but I also attend HCC. I am a senior at Plant City High School, and I am duel-enrolled as a sophomore at HCC. I am president of the FFA Chapter, involved with Relay for Life, a member of the National Honor Society, FSGA Ambassador for the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. I also show cattle and have a steer for the festival. I twirled batons competitively for 13 years Focus: How long have you dreamed about being Strawberry Queen? English: I’ve been in every parade since I was 4 years old. So you start the parade with so much energy, and then you’re completely tired by the time you get to the end. Then you see the Queen and the way she interacts with everyone and to be so happy to see everyone. So I’ve been interested in seeing the parade from that perspective since about middle school. I’ve wanted to be the Queen for a while. I went out for the pageant last year and felt unprepared. This year I went out with a different attitude; if it’s God’s will, if it’s meant to be, then it will be. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I was more comfortable this year and couldn’t have asked for a better group of girls. Focus: It’s been three weeks since the pageant, and you’ve already made several appearances, gone shopping, and done lots of other things. What’s been the most memorable? English: Though everything has been memorable and unique experiences, the event that hasn’t left me is the welcoming luncheon the day after the pageant. Each of us five girls meet with the queen and court from the previous year at Mrs. Sandees house. Last years queen and court cooked lunch for all of us and welcomed us all in with open arms giving us advice and sharing their memories from their experiences. This was most memorable to me so far because that was the day that it truly set in for me that these four girls, Jessi Rae, Macaley, Kallee, and Caitlyn, and these three ladies, Mrs. Sandee, Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Di are now family for the next year. Focus: What are you looking forward to most about the festival? English: Being the girl that I am I love staying busy, if I have down time something is wrong. I am most looking forward to being active and involved in every aspect of the festival from showing my last steer through the FFA, enjoying the mid-way, eating my favorite fair foods,singing along with 22 of the best entertainers in the music industry, meeting and taking pictures with the people of plant city who make the festival possible and of course growing closer to my 4 strawberry sisters. Focus: Share something that most people wouldn’t know about you or your experience. English: I have signed a book that was placed in the Library of Congress. I was on a trip to DC and as part of President Obama’s Change campaign for students visiting Washington D.C., we all signed a book for change. It was bound and placed in the library.

Lindsey English 2014 FL Strawberry Festival First Maid

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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Focus: Tell us a little about yourself. Barrow: I am 17 years old. I am a senior at Durant High School. I am also a varsity cheerleader there and I plant to attend the University of South Florida and study dentistry. [Laughing] I’ve had a lot of mouth surgeries, so I want to do it to help other kids Focus: How long have you dreamed about being Strawberry Queen? Barrow: When I was 8 years old, I came to the pageant with Jessi Rae for the first time. We’ve been friends forever. We got to see the palace a few times and would think to ourselves that it was something Focus: It’s been three weeks since the pageant, and you’ve already made several appearances, gone shopping, and done lots of other things. What’s been the most memorable? Barrow: So far it would have to be Ms. Manners night. I learned a lot of stuff that I didn’t know. If someone asks me to pass the pepper, then I have to send the salt and the pepper. You can’t send them individually because they’re married. When you have bread, you can’t butter it all at once. You tear a piece off that will fit into your mouth and butter it, put your knife down, eat that piece and then repeat the process all over again Focus: What are you looking forward to most about the festival? Barrow: I think I’m looking forward to the concerts and meeting everyone the most; especially Josh Turner. That’s who my answer was about the night of Strawberry Queen. My grandma loves Josh Turner. I’ve always wanted to meet him and just talk to him. Focus: Share something that most people wouldn’t know about you or your experience. Barrow: I used to be a gymnast and traveled to Orlando 5 days a week. I would practice for 6 hours and I was a part-time student. So I was half school and half home school. Then I got to high school and I just wanted to be a normal high school student.

Macaley Barrow 2014 FL Strawberry Festival Court Member

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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Focus: Tell us a little about yourself. Cook: I am 19 years old and a sophomore at HCC. I’m working on my AA education and then plan to attend the University of Florida, but through the Plant City Campus, to get my BA in agriculture education to be an agriculture teacher here in Plant City. I’d like to teach at Tomlin because that’s where I was first introduced to agriculture. I’d like to go back. Focus: How long have you dreamed about being Strawberry Queen? Cook: Growing up, it was something I always wanted to do. I’ve had family and friends compete for it. As I was younger I always looked at Strawberry Queen as this beautiful princess and you want to be just like her, but as I got older, I realized that there’s more to her than just a beautiful face and a crown on her head. She carries herself with poise and elegance and she represents Plant City as a whole. I love that. And now that I’m part of the court I realize that I don’t need a crown on my head because its us 5 working together. Focus: It’s been three weeks since the pageant, and you’ve already made several appearances, gone shopping, and done lots of other things. What’s been the most memorable? Cook: Yesterday was our Focus photo shoot at Wishing Well farms and it was an amazing eventful day. We got to get all dressed up and have our hair and makeup done, to spend a whole day of taking pictures and building a bond with the girls. Focus: What are you looking forward to most about the festival? Cook: Along the side of all of the events we get to participate in it’s hard to pick just one. I have always wanted to auction off the strawberries at the beginning of the steer show and sale, so now that I get the honor to do it, I am really excited. Focus: Share something that most people wouldn’t know about you or your experience. Cook: I grew up showing angus cattle and have already started to develop my own herd. One day when I am a teacher I want to have my own show team with the children that will be apart of my FFA chapter at the school I teach at

Kallee Cook 2014 FL Strawberry Festival Court Member

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Focus: Tell us a little about yourself. Kent: I am 16 years old and a senior at Florida Virtual School. I just started there this year. Previously, I went to Plant City High School for my freshman and sophomore years, and then skipped my junior year. Florida Virtual School is a program where we get the same curriculum as any student at a regular high school, but we get a flexible schedule. It’s challenging so you have to be disciplined. Florida Virtual School made it a lot easier for me to complete school because I can work faster by myself. Next year I plan to attend the University of Central Florida and major in marketing. My mom opened her own business in 2012 which inspired that interest and I think I would like to work with her to promote her business. Focus: How long have you dreamed about being Strawberry Queen? Kent: Hannah Hodge was Strawberry Queen in 2006 and was the first Queen I looked up too. She definitely made an impact on me, she was like a Barbie. I was 8 then, and ever since, I have wanted to be on the Strawberry Queen Court. I started pageants at 9 the following year, and Strawberry Queen has been at the top of my goal list ever since. I just hope this year I can inspire some little girl like Hannah did me. Focus: It’s been three weeks since the pageant, and you’ve already made several appearances, gone shopping, and done lots of other things. What’s been the most memorable? Kent: Every moment I share with my sisters, and that term is not used lightly, these girls are literally my sisters considering I had none growing up, is treasured. From the night of, when they told me who I would spend this year with, to the fabulous photo shoot we did with Focus at the Wishing Well Farms who were fabulous hosts, there is never a dull moment. These are the most amazing girls and I love them. Focus: What are you looking forward to most about the festival? Kent: I never loved country music, I thought it was silly, till a few years ago when I heard Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, and Lee Brice who coincidentally are all coming to the festival this year, and I realized my love for country music. It’s actually all I listen to now, my car stays on 97.5 or 99.5. So I am definitely looking forward to meeting them, as well as Jarod Neiman. I know Midway day will be a lot of fun too because it will be a day full of fun with my sisters. Focus: Share something that most people wouldn’t know about you or your experience. Kent: Many people have already heard, but for those who haven’t, my dress was actually custom made and I hand rhinestoned every single rhinestone on that dress. There was close to 40 gross of rhinestones which is approximately 5,500 rhinestone, all hand placed. It took me 3 days solid just to do that. I had to do this out of necessity because no matter what dress store you go to, you can’t find a dress long enough to fit a 6 foot 1 girl flat footed, much less one wearing four inch heels. I was blessed with a mother whose mother taught her to sew, and the art has been passed down through our family and I am so grateful I know how to. It really helps because pageant gowns are not the only area I find length issues either. Nobody makes something for someone this tall.

Caitlyn Kent 2014 FL Strawberry Festival Court Member

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Schedule Of Events 2014 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

Provided by the FL Strawberry Festival®

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR CITIZENS DAY RIDE-A-THON DAY

Patrons 60 years of age or older get $2.00 off the gate admission of $10.00. Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 pm. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20.00 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Fried Corn on the Cob Eating Contest sponsored by: Bayshore Services.

10:00 am - Gates Open 10:30 am – Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra 11:45 am - Senior Citizens Drawing 2:00 pm - Fried Corn on the Cob Eating Contest 3:30 pm - Shoji Tabuchi 5:00 pm - Meet R.J. & Jay Paul Molinere from Swamp People© on History Channel 7:00 pm - Shannon Magrane from American Idol 7:00 pm - CF Industries Youth Swine Show 7:30 pm - STYX

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH

PUBLIX SUPER MARKET DAY ON THE MIDWAY MOONLIGHT MAGIC NIGHT

Publix Super Market Day on the Midway from noon10:00 pm - Present any Publix brand non-perishable item at entry gate & receive $4.00 off the regular price of $20.00 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. Moonlight Magic – Ride most mechanical rides for one special price of $20.00 per person. All patrons entering the Midway will be required to purchase a $20.00 wristband, 10:00 pm-2:00 am. All patrons are subject to search. Canada Calling sponsored by: TD Bank

2:00 pm - Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest 2:00 pm - Dairy Show 3:30 pm - Love and Theft 6:00 pm - Hola Plant City! featuring Don Cheto 7:30 pm - Little Big Town

SUNDAY, MARCH 2ND PEPSI FAMILY DAY

Present any Pepsi brand can product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5.00 off the $25.00 wristband, and ride all day for only $20.00. Pepsi brand can is not valid for gate admission. Baby Contest sponsored by: South Florida Baptist Hospital. Youth Plant Show & Sale sponsored by: Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor.

10:00 am - Gates Open 11:00 am - Meet R.J. & Jay Paul Molinere from Swamp People© on History Channel 11:00 am - Dairy Showmanship (Adults) 11:30 am - Dairy Pee Wee Showmanship 12:30 pm - Dairy Costume Ball 2:00 pm - Youth Plant Sale 3:30 pm - Thompson Square 3:45 pm-4:45 pm - Registration for Baby Contest (Hillsborough County Babies Only) 5:00 pm–7:00 pm - Baby Contest: Decorated Diaper Contest; Baby Features Contest; Diaper Derby 7:00 pm - Tina Watson-Conley 7:30 pm - Rascal Flatts “LIVE & LOUD” Tour 2014

MONDAY, MARCH 3RD

10:00 am - Gates Open 11:00 am - Red Hatters Welcome Noon-3:00 pm, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm - Meet Bobby Brantley from TruTV’s Lizard Lick Towing© 1:00 pm - Red Hatter Special Dennis Lee Show 2:00 pm - Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest 3:30 pm - Brenda Lee 7:00 pm - Lamb Costume Contest 7:00 pm - Bobby G. Summers 7:30 pm - Kellie Pickler

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5TH

AMERICAN HEROES DAY | RIDE-A-THON DAY

Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20.00 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. All active, reserve, retired military, veterans, law enforcement & first responders are admitted free with valid ID. American Heroes Day sponsored by: Grow Financial Federal Credit Union & FOX 13 CARE*FORCE.

10:00 am - Gates Open Noon-3:00 pm, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm - Bobby Brantley from TruTV’s Lizard Lick Towing© 1:00 pm - Superdog Mega Corndog Eating Contest 3:30 pm - Crystal Gayle 6:00 pm - CF Industries Youth Steer Show 7:00 pm - Grayson Rogers Band 7:15 pm - Honor American Heroes 7:30 pm - Lee Brice

THURSDAY, MARCH 6TH

FLORIDA BLUE SENIOR CITIZENS DAY RIDE-A-THON DAY

Patrons 60 years and older get $2.00 off the gate admission of $10.00. Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 p.m. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20.00 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price.

10:00 am - Gates Open 10:30 am–Noon - Tommy Dorsey Orchestra Ride-A-Thon from 10:00 am until 11:00 pm. A 10:00 am - Gates Open 11:45 am - Senior Citizens Drawing wristband purchased at the Midway for $20.00 will 10:00 am - Canada Calling with Prior Smith 2:00 pm - Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for Noon–3:00 pm, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm - Meet R.J. this one low price. Grand Parade Day sponsored by: 3:30 pm - The Oak Ridge Boys 40th © & Jay Paul Molinere from Swamp People on DIRECTV. Parade Luncheon sponsored by: Regions Anniversary Tour History Channel Bank. 7:00 pm - Billy and the Soul Circus Cowboys 1:00 pm - Dairy Contestant Judging 7:30 pm - Third Day 3:30 pm - Ronnie Milsap 10:00 am - Gates Open 7:00 pm - CF Industries Youth Swine Sale 10:00 am - Invitational Parade Luncheon FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH 7:00 pm - Ryan Weaver 1:00 pm - Grand Parade Begins THE TAMPA TRIBUNE & TBO.COM DAY 7:30 pm - Colt Ford 2:00 pm - Grand Parade Passes by the Festival 10:00 pm-2:00 pm - Moonlight Magic ON THE MIDWAY | MOONLIGHT MAGIC NIGHT 3:00 pm - The Home Depot Kids Workshop The Tampa Tribune & TBO.com Day on the Midway 3:30 pm - Charley Pride noon to 10:00 p.m. - $4.00 off with coupon of the 5:00 pm-8:00 pm Meet Bobby Brantley from SATURDAY, MARCH 1ST regular price of $20.00 Fun Pack Ride Coupon Book. © TruTV’s Lizard Lick Towing Moonlight Magic – Ride most mechanical rides for one KIDS DAY | YOUTH PARADE DAY special price of $20.00 per person. All patrons entering Kids through high school age admitted free. Kids Day 5:00 pm - Lamb Jumping the Midway will be required to purchase a $20.00 sponsored by: MIDFLORIDA Credit Union. Youth 6:00 pm - Lamb Show wristband, 10:00 pm-2:00 am. All patrons are subject to Stemming Contest sponsored by: Dole Berry Company. 7:00 pm - Next Radical Generation search. Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest Dairy Shows sponsored by: Grove Equipment Service, 7:30 pm - Josh Turner

GRAND PARADE DAY | RIDE-A-THON DAY

sponsored by: Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips

Inc.

10:00 am - Gates Open 10:00 am - Canada Calling with Prior Smith 11:00 am - 41st Annual Plant City Civitan Club Youth Parade Noon–3:00 pm, 5:00 pm-8:00 pm - Meet R.J. & Jay Paul Molinere from Swamp People© on History Channel Noon - Dairy Show Showmanship

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 4TH

RED HAT DAY | RIDE-A-THON DAY

Ride-A-Thon from noon-11:00 pm. A wristband purchased at the Midway for $20.00 will entitle the wearer to ride most mechanical rides for this one low price. Red Hatters get $2.00 off the gate admission of $10.00. Adult Stemming Contest sponsored by: Dole Berry Company.

10:00 am - Gates Open Noon - Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest 3:00 pm–5:00 pm - Livestock Judging 3:30 pm - John Anderson 6:00 pm - Beef Breed Showmanship 7:00 pm - Makenzie Raye 7:30 pm - Boyz II Men

10:00 pm–2:00 am - Moonlight Magic

SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH

FARM WORKER APPRECIATION DAY

Farm Worker Appreciation Day sponsored by: Astin Farms

10:00 am - Gates Open 10:15 am - Baby Parade 1:00 pm–3:00 pm, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm - Meet Troy Landry from Swamp People© on History Channel 1:00 pm - Caroline Kole 3:30 pm - Dustin Lynch 6:00 pm - Hola Plant City! featuring Celebrity Anais 7:00 pm - CF Industries Youth Steer Sale 7:30 pm–10:00 pm - Gospel Night featuring Pastor Calvin “Pee Wee” Callins 7:30 pm - Jerrod Niemann

SUNDAY, MARCH 9TH PEPSI FAMILY DAY

Present any Pepsi brand can product at entry gate to receive a voucher for $5.00 off the $25.00 wristband, & ride all day for only $20.00. Pepsi brand can is not valid for gate admission. Youth Beef Breed sponsored by: The Hay Exchange

10:00 am - Gates Open 11:00 am - Youth Beef Breed Show 1:00 pm–3:00 pm, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm - Meet Troy Landry from Swamp People© on History Channel 1:00 pm - Kitchen Craft Cookware Drawing 3:30 pm - Easton Corbin 5:00 pm - Stingray Chevrolet Vehicle Drawing 7:00 pm - Heanon Tate 7:30 pm - The Band Perry

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Appearing on the Wish Farms Soundstage PAUL DAVIS TALKS HEADLINE ENTERTAINMENT Interview By Amanda Deck

illsborough County loves its fairs, and each possesses its own unique identity. Every October, the Hillsborough County Fair showcases the area’s agricultural industry. In the beginning of each year, the county also hosts the Florida State Fair, a gathering known for its large midway, large displays, and large events. Plant City’s annual fair, the Florida Strawberry Festival takes time to celebrate our local crop—the winter strawberry. And although it’s famous for standout strawberry treats, the Festival has boasted some of country music’s biggest names. For example, Blake Shelton, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, and Hunter Hayes were just some of the many chart-toppers to take the Wish Farms Soundstage in 2013. Before the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival, FOCUS Magazine sat down with Festival General Manager Paul Davis to talk about this year’s headline entertainment and the work that goes into booking each act. FOCUS MAGAZINE: We’re so excited about this year’s Festival, and especially the headline entertainment acts who will be gracing the stage. Can you tell me a little more about the lineup? PAUL DAVIS: At the Florida Strawberry Festival, we have a unique mixture of customers. In the daytime, we have a lot of senior visitors, people who come here from up north or live down here during the winter, and it’s right before they head back, so for them, we host the singers who have been around for years. One of our Festival favorites is the Oak Ridge Boys. We’ve had them here about 14 times. Anyway, we do those types of shows in the afternoon, those nostalgic country acts and a couple of big band shows. We’ll have the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra this year.

in her interviews. She’s the real deal and just a fun person to be around. Shoji Tabuchi is someone that will be a little different. It’s a full entertainment event. He brings a lot of entertainers with him and they dance and sing. He brings his show from Branson, Missouri. I’m excited to see how it all plays out. A lot of work goes into the show. FOCUS: Describe the process it takes to book an act for the Festival. DAVIS: You can only afford what you can sell. Venues that sell 50,000 seats can afford to pay the very big dollars. We only sell about 8,000 to 8,500 seats and have about 3,000 free seats. Also, we only try to charge enough money to cover what the act actually costs. That’s why people can get tickets to our shows cheaper. We have committees for pretty much everything and there are four of us on the entertainment committee. We look at all the charts, see what’s trending, see what’s hot, and believe it or not we get hundreds of suggestions from our friends and visitors through E-mail, Facebook, and Twitter, and we actually listen to those. I’m also here all 11 days of the Festival and I talk to thousands of people throughout the event, asking what they think about different aspects. We try to give our visitors what they want to see and take their opinions into consideration. When you look at the charts you can see what’s becoming popular, then you can see what the availabilities are. It’s a daunting task because the artists travel all across the country and even out of the country. You have to look at their routing. We use an agency to help us do a lot of that with our main stage acts.

In the evenings, we get a little younger crowd who come after work or school, enjoy the midway, and catch a show. We like to bring in a few up-and-coming acts for the evenings and on the weekends we like to bring in some top name acts.

Boyz II Men | Friday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

When we find someone who is available, we see what their price range is. We try to get the right acts for the right days. On senior’s day, we want to get what they’d like. On date nights—Fridays and Saturdays—we want to get acts people would want to see together. We also try to get something for the young kids. We’ve had Disney acts in the past. We also try to get one or two Contemporary Christian or Gospel artists. Then we make an offer and start the dialogue with their agents. They’re doing the same thing. They’re trying to route themselves. If they can do Macon, Georgia on Friday, Jacksonville on Saturday, and the Festival on Sunday, that’s perfect—cost effective. It’s kind of like the ultimate puzzle, all the pieces have to fit. Once they accept the offer, we pencil them in and build around them. If it’s an up-and-coming act, we’ll put them on in the afternoon and place an established group in the evening.

FOCUS: Who are you most excited to see? DAVIS: I’m excited about Boyz II Men and Colt Ford— they’ve never been here before. Some of our acts have been here several times like Ronnie Milsap and he’ll be fun to see. I’m excited about Little Big Town, The Band Perry...I can’t just pick one. Kellie Pickler is just adorable, and when you meet her what you see if what you get. She’s just as sweet and simple as The Band Perry | Sunday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Rascal Flatts | Sunday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

FOCUS: What’s been some of your most memorable moments regarding the headline entertainment in years past? DAVIS: We’ll have Rascal Flatts here again this year, but the first time they were here they were a lot younger. They were really a bunch of fun guys, really fun to be around. I remember they were playing Wiffle ball backstage, running the bases and everything. I do remember one time there was an entertainer on stage and I was looking out into the audience and I saw Nolan Ryan [Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher] watching the show. While I was watching him, a lady came right in front of him and pulled her dress up to flash the entertainer. I was looking around her trying to see Nolan Ryan, and then after a few moments I finally realized what she was doing and I said, “We got to get her out of there!” Martina McBride came several years ago and wanted to take her 10-year-old daughter on the midway to ride rides. She put a baseball cap on and went out on the grounds. When she tried to get back through the gate to get backstage, the deputies didn’t believe who she was. It took a little while to convince them she was the headline entertainer. Lauren Alaina was here when she was 17 and after her show, she met the Queen and Court and told them how great it was to talk to someone her age. They asked if she wanted to ride some rides with them and she did. They are still friends to this day, text each other back and forth. They became friends on that one evening.

Two years ago, The Band Perry was here and Kimberly Perry met a guy in the Meet and Greet line. He was a Toronto Blue Jays player and they struck up a friendship and now they’re engaged. DAVIS: This year we’ve added another entertainment stage, Paradise Grilling Systems Variety Stage, which will feature a lot of one-time shows like Shannon Magrane from American Idol. On our two Saturday nights, we’ll have Hola Plant City! which will feature mariachi bands. We want to be as diverse as we can and make sure we have something from everyone. I just want to add that if you buy tickets in advance they’re $8. My wife and I went to the movies the other day and it was $19 for us to get in. But you can pay just $8 to get in the Festival and be entertained all day. There’s enough on grounds entertainment here that you can spend the entire day entertained for less than the price of a movie ticket. We’ve struggled to keep that price down. A lot of prices for fairs have gone up, but ours never has. There are even special days where people can come in for free. The first Saturday is our Kids’ Day and children all the way through high school can get in free.

Jerrod Niemann | Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.

We encourage everyone to be a fan of our Facebook page because we’re constantly putting updates on there about how to beat the traffic, our specials, the acts, and more. FOCUS: We look forward to seeing everyone out at the Festival. Gates open on February 27!

Josh Turner | Monday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Meet Jim Jeffries PRESIDENT OF FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS Interview By Cheryl Johnston

im Jeffries is quick to admit he can’t adequately express his appreciation for the more than 2,000 volunteers who help to make the Florida Strawberry Festival® our city’s annual outreach success. “We have more than 60 committees chaired by people who take seriously their role in securing quality helpers,” the current President of the Festival’s Directors explained. “Each volunteer represents Plant City, and they do it well. We definitely couldn’t run the Festival without them.” As a result of his almost 40-year career as teacher and supervisor of agricultural programs with the Hillsborough County School District, Jeffries spent many hours working with students, their instructors and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization. His two-year term as Board President began in April of 2013, nine years after he was selected as a Director. He knows firsthand just how much time, effort and commitment is involved and how willing the volunteers are to remain involved year-after-year. The Lakeland native was born in 1946 to parents who “were not full-time farmers. But we started from seed with a 15-acre orange grove and always had vegetable crops,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in agriculture, so FFA was a great fit.” He credits a Lakeland High School agriculture teacher, Richard Gavin, for encouraging him to consider a career in education. “He connected with my shyness and encouraged me. By my sophomore year at Polk Community College, I decided to pursue it.” Ultimately, Jeffries earned his Masters in Agricultural Education from the University of Florida and in 1972 married Plant City native Robyn Garrels. Their two daughters and sons-in-law, Ginger (Ryan) Blackmon and Dawn (Alan) Kicklighter, have gifted them with six grandchildren. When his term ends in 2015, Jeffries hopes to remain involved with the youth livestock and plant shows. For now, what he’s enjoying most about his Festival work is “the great people who serve and their passion for the community.” Elaborating, he added, “Plant City has been able to maintain its strong sense of community, I believe, because we’re proud of our rural heritage. People want to be involved in helping to promote our history and our industry.” Jeffries also acknowledges a strong sense of family among the Festival’s exhibitors, vendors, and entertainers.

Florida Strawberry Festival Board of Directors President Jim Jeffries believes Plant City has been able to maintain its strong sense of community “because we’re proud of our rural heritage.”

“We rarely have any that don’t want to return. So many people have done and do so much to make the Festival better each year. I feel honored just to serve with them.” FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

Strawberry Festival LOTS OF PREPARATION FOR 11 DAYS OF FUN

Interview By Deana Garrison | Photos provided by the FL Strawberry Festival®

how many people with them, sound and lighting orders… Just the entertainment alone can be a busy time.

Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager, Paul Davis, says 22 employees work year round getting things prepared for the following year to make the Festival a huge success. In the last three months they have had 30 full time employees and each week until the Festival begins they will add more employees to get everything in order. They will have 600 working the first week of the event with over 1,200 volunteers helping.

Before the Festival opens its gates on February 27th, they will have the Department of Agriculture inspect every ride. According to Davis, there are around 85 rides to be enjoyed.

veryone gets excited about the Strawberry Festival this time of year. They are ready to go have fun and eat all the strawberry cake they can hold until their bellies are content. No one ever takes a moment to realize all the work and dedication that goes into the planning and preparation of those 11 days.

Many things need to get in order before the big opening day. With putting up many tents, steer pens, mulch, getting the electricity in place…the list goes on. Davis has the entertainment in place as he has worked diligently with the contractors throughout the past year. Lots of organized planning goes into play…size of bus,

The planning doesn’t stop there; in fact, it pretty much begins there. In the last few weeks, Davis has met with many to discuss the security for the Festival. They will have a deputy at every gate and many throughout the festival in uniform and in plain clothes as well.

Festival this year, take time to tell a festival volunteer or employee “Thank You” for their time and effort. It certainly is time well spent.

Rides are not the only things to be enjoyed. There will be around 200 booths on the midway and 400 on the Strawberry Festival side. As you can see, there is so much to enjoy at the Festival, but it takes so many people and so much time to get it all accomplished. So, when you are out and about at the

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FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

BUSINESS & FINANCE

SASSI

STYLISH AND SIMPLY STUNNING INTERIORS Article by Amanda Deck

s February passes and March approaches, it’s probably safe to say everyone throughout Plant City has taken down their Christmas trees and packed away their ornaments…

“We decorate trees, wreaths, garlands—the whole nine yards,” said KeeLee. “That’s what we enjoy the most. We get to be creative and really get the Christmas spirit going.”

…well, everyone except Roxanne Fulwood and KeeLee Tomlinson. Through their new business, SASSI, located in historic downtown at 314 South Collins Street, Roxanne and KeeLee celebrate their favorite holiday year-round.

In addition to sprucing up homes and businesses across the area, prior to the holiday season, Roxanne and KeeLee also assisted customers at their festive boutique. From nutcrackers and snow globes, to lifesized Santa Clauses and miniature nativity scenes, the team helped shoppers select SASSI, short for “Stylish and Simply items for their preferred Christmas home Stunning Interiors,” officially opened in décor theme. late October 2013. By the end of their first week in business, the dynamic duo was “We like to go for the unique items,” said hired to fully decorate eight homes and two Roxanne. “We like to think outside of businesses for Christmas. the box. We’re not just rows and rows of ornaments.”

Roxanne Fulwood and KeeLee Tomlinson started SASSI because of their shared love for the Christmas season.

Although Christmas has passed, it’s still the main priority at SASSI as multiple lighted trees and glittery ornaments are still on display. Tree skirts, garland, ribbon, and other wintery home décor fill in the gaps, along with special sections featuring Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Easter-themed items. SASSI also sells Lenox dishware, Michael Amini luxury bedroom sets, and an assortment of unique furniture, picture frames, and clocks for everyday. While choosing items for their home, shoppers can also grab a few gifts for friends in the store, from rings and necklaces, to wine glasses and designer shoes.

team worked hard to preserve the building’s unique character, keeping the hardwood floors, metal roof, and exposed wooden beams. In fact, one of SASSI’s biggest fans has been Johnny Knotts, who owned the historic hardware store from the 1980s until its closure in 2012. In fact, because Plant City residents like Johnny Knotts so strongly supported SASSI, the business experienced quite a successful holiday season.

“We never dreamed this is where we’d be,” said KeeLee. “Since we opened, we’ve both lived in a whirlwind. It wasn’t until recently that we realized it was February and we thought ‘Where did all the time go?’ It’s Roxanne and KeeLee previously worked for really been a blessing.” the Florida Strawberry Festival—Roxanne for seven years, KeeLee for four. It was “It’s been unbelievable,” said Roxanne. their shared love for Christmas that caused them to become close friends and current Whether you’ve never visited SASSI or business partners. you stopped by last month, Roxanne and KeeLee invite everyone to their store once “We enjoyed our jobs with the Festival, but more because it’s always changing. Christmas is our true passion,” said KeeLee. “We decorated Roxanne’s home as a hobby, “Honestly, people need to come in weekly and it soon became a joke that we should because things in here don’t stay the same,” start decorating as a business. Then the joke said Roxanne. became a reality.”

From nutcrackers to snowglobes and much, much more, SASSI is the place to shop for all of your Christmas decor.

Both born and raised in Plant City, Roxanne and KeeLee were honored to purchase the building that once housed the iconic Knotts Hardware—a true Plant City Landmark—for over seven decades. The

INFORMATION SASSI 314 S. Collins St. Plant City, Florida 33563 Phone: 813-704-6896

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

THREE SOLUTIONS

TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY PROTECTED Column by Edward Jones

REVIEW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE

Certain states offer tax incentives to residents who invest in their home state’s As your life changes, the way you 529 plan. Visit www.savingforcollege.com plan for the unexpected may need to to determine whether a tax incentive is change, too. As a general rule of thumb, available in your state. insurance coverage should be reviewed at least every three to five years, as well As always, it’s important to contact a tax as after a life event (marriage, birth of a professional if you’re considering opening child, etc.). Depending on your situation, an account. term or permanent life insurance may be appropriate. Term life insurance tends to EASE INVESTMENT HESITATION BY include more basic coverage for a shorter SYSTEMATICALLY INVESTING period of time and have lower premiums. This method of investing is another way to Permanent life insurance provides systematically build a solid financial future insurance protection over the course of a for your family. It allows you to build your person’s entire lifetime. You also might investment portfolio by investing a fixed want to consider disability insurance and dollar amount in stocks or mutual funds long-term care solutions to keep your at regular intervals. Systematic investing family protected if you become unable to is both convenient (you decide the amount work due to an injury or experience an you’d like to invest on a regular basis) and extended illness. consistent (regardless of market moves, you are accumulating shares continuously). It could also potentially lessen the amount OPEN A 529 COLLEGE you pay per share. Systematic investing SAVINGS PLAN Whether it’s your child, grandchild or does not guarantee a profit or protect other relative who plans to seek higher against loss. Investors should consider education, this type of savings plan allows their willingness to keep investing when you to contribute and invest on a tax- share prices are declining. advantaged basis to help fund education These considerations are important expenses. A few things to keep in mind: elements of building a financial strategy You can gift up to $14,000 per beneficiary that manages your risk and continues to a 529 plan as a single tax filer, or $28,000 your important work of providing for your per beneficiary for married couples filing family. jointly. If you’d like to contribute more, you can gift up to five years’ worth of contributions, or $70,000 as a single tax filer ($140,000 as a married couple filing jointly), per beneficiary in a single year.*

* If you contribute the maximum amount, you cannot make any other annual tax-free gifts to the beneficiary during the provision’s five-year period.

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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Pristine Bungalow with Hillsborough River & Park View! 3 Bedroom & 1 Bath with lot’s of original details. New tin roof, hardwood floors, original doors & kitchen counters, large closets & beautiful porch looking over the river! Call 813-659-0990 #589

Short Sale. Beautiful Custom Built 2 Story Pool Home with over 4071 SF and fabulous wrap around Porch on over 1 Acre with access to Lake Crenshaw! $599,000 Call 813-6590990. #555 Contract Pending

Walden Lake - with a view of The Lakes Golf Course green and water view - located on a quiet cul-de-sac. Beautiful 4 bedroom 3.5 Bath with over 3277 SF - Fireplace - Outdoor Grill. Possible In-Law Suite - Garage has private office & full bath. This home is Florida living at its best. Call Karen @ 813-478-1260. #599

CUTE COUNTRY CHARMER

WONDERFUL COUNTRY LIVING This home has a separate meter for home office or you can make this a large 4th bedroom. Home boast a 24x24 great room for your large parties. Walk outside and enjoy the view. You can park your RV or boat. $175,000 Call Mary @ 813-716-4141 #587

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

Beautiful 1 plus Acre lot with a 2 Bedroom 1 Bath home in the country. Home as been updated and is cute as a button. Seller can close quickly - not a short sale! Call 813-659-0990 #584 Contract Pending

REAL ESTATE

A FEW THOUGHTS

FOR SELLERS Column by Jo-An Lusk

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ust 6 weeks into the New Year and the Plant City Real Estate market is seeing good activity with regards to inventory. I call it inventory, but the truth is I want it to sell – and sell quickly. A good Agent will tell you that he/she is hired to SELL your home, not just list it. It is easy to put a sign in the yard, post the listing with pictures (some are truly not good) on MLS, Realtor.com and a few other sites, and see what happens. There is so much more to marketing a home properly that can make all the difference if you are a motivated seller. If you really want to sell your home, here is my advice: Hire the agent who is listing AND selling. You can find this out by asking what percentage of his/her listings has sold in a given period of time. Also, it certainly doesn’t hurt to look at the agents’ current listing inventory to get a glimpse of his/her marketing expertise to include: property description (Does it make you want to see the home?), photos (Are you seeing pictures of furniture, toilets, etc., or the actual room? Professional quality photos? Virtual tours? More than 6 pictures?) Buyers who start their search on the internet (which is about 90%) are looking at pictures…the goal is for them to want to see the house in person after

looking at the pictures. Marketing a home is no longer a local strategy; it is a global strategy as today’s buyers are coming from all over the world. Even though this may be considered a Seller’s market, property values will not get out of control compared to years’ past. Fair Market Value is still what a buyer is willing to pay and a seller is willing to accept – not what the seller thinks its worth. The price needs to be competitive, value-driven and not emotional (that’s the hard part). The first 21 days of a listing will get you the buyers who are ready, willing and able to buy. Starting high to gauge buyer interest is a great way to keep your home on the market (key word: on). Do you want to be IN the market or ON the market? Hire a Realtor who is going to communicate daily/weekly/monthly with you and one who has knowledge of pricing strategies to give you the best chance to sell your home and exceed your expectations. Surveys have shown that the number one complaint customers have with their agent is lack of communication. They never complain about too much communication. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

TUDOR STYLE WALDEN LAKE HOME ASTON WOODS IN WALDEN LAKE This beautiful home features 4400 sq’ of living area with 2 Master Suites, remodeled Kitchen, gleaming wood floors, Aston Woods is one of the nicest neighborhoods in Walden crown moulding, and so much more. Party around one of the largest pool areas in Walden Lake with a cabana and full Lake. Former Newsome Model features 5 BR, 3 BA, Huge bath. This is a fabulous property for only $442,500! Kitchen, oversized Family Rm w/fireplace, spacious master suite & more. Large lanai w/large pool & spa recently rescreened. $264,900

CLASSIC BRICK HAMMOCK HOME This home sits beautifully on a corner lot with lush landscaping all around. Great Room floor plan perfect for entertaining featuring 4 large bedrooms, 2556 sq’ living area, brick fireplace, wood floors and more. $235,000.

EXECUTIVE ASTON WOODS HOME This home features 2971 sq’ of living area, volume ceilings, a 3 way split plan w/5 bedrooms, 3 Baths. 5th bedroom is used as an office w/gorgeous mahogany built-ins. Large lanai & solar heated pool & spa $305,000

WALDEN WOODS TOWNHOME BEAUTIFUL VIEW IN WALDEN LAKE 4 BEDROOM WALDEN LAKE HOME This home is ready & waiting for you! Gleaming bamboo This home features 3 nice sized bedrooms, with kitchen This home has lots of room to spread out in. Featuring 4 engineered wood floors. Kitchen w/42” cabinets & tile overlooking the huge open living area, and great view of Bedrooms, 2 1/2 Baths, Family Room w/Fireplace, a long floor. All 3 BRs are on the 2nd floor, w/2 full baths. This the pond. $185,000 pond view and much more. $179,900. unit is in the building that is closest to the comm. pool. HOA fees incl. water & sewer. $135,000

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If you purchased a home with an FHA loan in the last 24 months, do yourself a favor and call us. We can possibly remove or reduce the mortgage insurance portion of your payment. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

DEDICATED TO THE VALUE OF HOME AND FAMILY

RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

Jimmie Robinson - 813-754-3586 ext 1622

2803-4 James L. Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33566

www.ﬂoridamoves.com/jimmie.robinson

E-mail: Jimmie.Robinson@floridamoves.com • cell phone 813-390-6441

,900

5 $22

5 $26

Step back in time in this remodeled home in the Historic District of Plant City. A short walk from downtown, this 4 bedroom 3.5 bath two-story home with balconies on the front and rear give you a view of the brick streets and beautiful surrounding homes. This Grand Ole Bungalow with all the modern conveniences of today including granite counter tops in the kitchen with loads of custom cabinets and top of the line appliances, built-in desk, and a huge breakfast room. The dining room is elegant with a fireplace and decorative metal ceiling with additional fireplaces throughout the home. The master suite has custom designed pillars that separate the bedroom from the sitting room. This home has new plumbing and wiring withing the last 5 years. You have to see this home to appreciate the “Charm and Character” of yesteryear!

Beautiful historic home, completely remodeled with loads of upgrades. The red brick street leads to the brick driveway. High ceilings with crown moulding grace the beautiful interior; the formal dining room has double French doors. The kitchen boasts a gas range, stainless appliances, and granite counter tops. The 400 bottle wine cellar has a glass carved door. Enjoy the butler’s pantry, the deck off the roof that overlooks the Koi pond, a brick patio and two gazebos. built in 1912, this lovely home keeps all the charm and character of yesteryear, surrounded by mature oaks and landscaped yard. This home includes a new roof, 3 zoned AC units, new garage door, and gas powered generator for those stormy nights without power. Have your friends and neighbors over and entertain them in style. This home has been featured on several of Plant City’s home tours. This is a must-see for that particular buyer who wants the best. It’s priced to sell.

,900 9 5 $

,000 $49

,000

5 $32

,000 $79 Nice investment home, block construction with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths in the Eagle Lake community. Currently rented for $800 per month, according to sellers. Roof is 3 years old and the A/C is 1 year old. Not a short sale. $59,900

1.37 Acre lot in Walden Lake on conservation lot. Exclusive Tanglewood community. One of 3 lots left in Walden Lake subdivision. Price to sell quick! Not a short sale! $49,000 Beatiful shaded golf course lot on a cul-de-sac. One of 3 lots left in Walden Lake. Located in the Tanglewood. Prced to sell! Not a short sale. $79,000

0,0 $15

0,0 $55

60x500’ metal bui;ding with office and concrete floor on 5 acres of fenced land with small pond and mobile home.

Commericial lot in Plant City’s finest office park complex, Alexader Oaks. Easy access to I-4 and State Rd 39. $550,000

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

200 feet of waterfront on Lake Thonotosassa, with new 100’ walkway to 480 sq ft dock. Lot has been surveryed and delineated. Large oaks, beautiful view of sunrise and sunsets. NO H.O.A. FEES OR RESTRICTIONS. New boundary fence under construction.

0,00

$75

Commercial acreage near police station, fenced and ready for you new office building or warehouse.

REAL ESTATE » WALDEN LAKE REVIEW

WALDEN LAKE REVIEW

THIS COULD BE YOUR... “FACTS”

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he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meetings are scheduled for February 17th and March 17th beginning at the new time of 7:00 PM. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. The Board of Directors thanked Tom Daramus for his many years of service to the Walden Lake community at the January meeting. Lee Weiss from Associa Gulf Coast will be the interim manager during the search for a full time Community Manager. Lee has been canvasing the common areas for needs and putting together a priority list to get the list done. The Board of Directors approved the date of Thursday, April 10, 2014, at 7:00 PM for the Annual Meeting of Members. The meeting will be held at the Walden Lake Community Center Office at 3035 Griffin Boulevard. Please watch in your mailboxes for the Annual Meeting notices which will be mailed the first of March. Every year there are three candidates for the Board of Directors to be elected by the membership. All those interested needed to have their Biography to the Walden Lake office by Friday, February 14, 2014.

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be used by all the residents. There would be many enhancements for children and adults alike. Some of the Presidents expressed that many of their residents don’t feel the club and golf course are important to them, while others Presidents understand the value to the community. Rich Glorioso and Gary Pike are putting together a group that would educate the residents as to the importance and value to the community and property values. If there is a way to obtain this property, the residents in Walden Lake would have to become social members for this to work. This would have to be brought to the residents for a special vote. Walden Lake installed two Community signs at the Alexander and Trapnell entrances. These signs will be used to let all residents know of all Walden Lake meeting dates and times, special events and any other announcements. Additionally remember Walden Lake has a Facebook page. Please visit WALDEN LAKE COMMUNITY HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION. Walden Lake collects for the Plant City United Food Bank all year long. The Food Bank need has risen dramatically and the donations have decreased. The Food Bank is a hand up not a hand out, therefore an agency such as a Church has to recommend the family to the Food Bank. The number of children without food is the largest increase the Food Bank receives request for help. Please drop any items by the office of nonperishable items. If you cannot make it during office hours, please feel free to drop items outside the front door of the office.

There was a President’s Meeting on February 3rd. The Golf Club and course was one of the main topics of conversation. Board Member, Rich Glorioso, presented possible options for that property including the possible purchase by the HOA. Feel free to contact me about this article Resident Gary Pike spoke about how the or any real estate questions you may have. club could become a community center to NSweet@KW.com or 813-758-9586.

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REAL ESTATE » MORTGAGE

HOW DO HOMES

GET APPRAISED? Column by Nate Davis

new Home Community at Park PlaCe

• 71 Home Sites on large, oversized lots • Private, gated community located 3 minutes from I-4 • Natural gas, Double-paned thermal windows, and icynene foam insulation. • Custom gourmet brick kitchens • 2, 3, and 4 car garages • No lot premiums and No CDDs fees • Prices start in the $190s • Energy Star Certified

common error when calculating the value of a home is to take the price per square foot of a comparable home sale and multiply it by the square feet of your home. This is a flawed method that will leave you, your buyers and your listings with an overpriced assumption.

Here’s the way the price per square foot is approached by an appraiser. If your “comps” (comparable home sales) were sold within the last six months and are of close proximity, then an adjustment is made to In real estate appraising, there is more to it the features of the comps that are either than the price per square foot. For instance, superior or inferior. both the value of the lot and the fact that there is a home itself (inherent value) are Disparities in square footage are typically factors. There are other attributes, as well, only calculated after there is a 100-squareincluded in the price per square foot of foot difference between your home and a comp. In some markets, that difference is comparable homes. given between $35 and $45 per square foot. If this makes you wary, then ask yourself So if your home has 200 extra square feet, this: If your home is larger, does that make it is only given roughly $7,000 toward its the lot worth more? If the home is larger, is appraised value. Below is an example. Square Feet

1809 N. Gordon Street, Plant City, FL 33563

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FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

its garage worth more even if both garages are the same size?

Your 1,200 House Neighbor’s 1,000 House (The Comp)

Sold Price

PPSQ Feet

Disparity

Added Value

Appraised Value

N/A

200 sq. ft. (1.200-1,000)

$35 x 200 sq. ft. = $7,000

$107,000

$100,000

$100

$100,000

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121 N. Collins St. Ste. #206 Plant City, FL 33566

RE DU CE D

New Location! 121 North Collins Street, Ste. #206

ED C DU RE

COMMERCIAL INCOME - 4 total Units. Two are leased at $1,200 and $1,800 per month. 2 units are vacant. One vacant unit set up for doctors office and ready to go. $540,000 MLS:T2603004

READY TO BUILD Ready to build 5 acres. Cannot be divided unless rezoned. Located near Stonelake Ranch and Lake Thonotosassa. $115,000 MLS:T2601013

26 ACRES. 4 Parcels Total. Plenty of road frontage for many uses. Currently inside Plant City Limits zoned Commercial Gateway. Property is currently green belted. Survey w/ delineation, Environmental, Zoning analysis, plus more is available from listing office. Three rental houses on front of property.

COMMERCIAL/MEDICAL POTENTIAL Almost New Commercial Development. Many possibilities if new owner would like to convert building into a different use. Two 3,044 sq ft spaces. One is built out as office, other is built out for tanning salon. Tanning salon equipment is negotiable. 3,277 sq ft Metal warehouse in rear of property. Large breezeway between buildings could be enclosed to join two office spaces for a total of 7,100 sq ft. 52 parking spaces will allow any commercial use with city zoning ordinance. $1,800,000 MLS:T2554274

31+ PRISTINE ACRES - Plenty of options at a great price. Property does contain some wetlands, however, boundary survey is completed with delineation. Property is currently leased for Greenbelt purposes. $248,900.

COMMERCIAL LOT - Ready for Development. Frontage on 3 Roads. Located within the Walden Woods Business District. Established commercial area. This is a corner lot with high visibility and traffic light. $1,135,000 MLS:T2554400

NEWLY RENOVATED 6 BR/5.5 BA LAKE FRONT HOME located in Hammocks Subdivision of Walden Lake. Great Lake views of Hammock Lake with your own private dock. New tile floors, carpet and paint ready for final touches with a $10,000 decorating allowance provided by seller. Large upper covered lanai accessible from the large master bedroom. Central vacuum system, new hot water heater, oversized utility room and spacious four car garage. $519,900 MLS:T2596246

D CE DU 00K E R $1

1 OV AC ER RE

1 SITE LEFT....READY FOR DEVELOPING. 5 near Golf Course Community of Diamond Hills...Well and impact fee credits available...Rural area of Dover / East Hillsborough County...minutes from various County Parks & Playgrounds, Horses. Owners look at all offers...Call MAC for more details...$198,900

REMODELED - New Paint and Carpet. Owner will install refrigerator at buyer's request. New landscaping. Clean and ready to go. Newer Roof. $119,900 MLS:T2602981

CO MM ER CI AL

BRING YOUR DEVELOPMENT PLANS Great site for single family homes located close to I-4 or farm land. There currently exists a manufactured home on the property that is incidental to the value. Recent delineation has 43.2 upland acres. $549,900 MLS:T2582242

5A CR ES

CUSTOM BUILT Home on Large Corner Lot in Walden Lake. Beautiful Yard. Home is 3 bedrooms with split plan and 2 bathrooms with a full bath in the garage. Home has a central vacuum system. Lawn irrigation is on a private deep well. $165,000 MLS:T2568850

Same Great Service! 54 Years Combined Experience in the Plant City Market! RE DU CE D

RE DU CE D

JUST LIKE NEW - All interior stainless appliances stay with exception of washer/dryer. Real wood oak floors. Built-in shelving. 42 in. kitchen cabinets. Two ovens. Double pane windows. Two high efficiency a/c units with 5 tons of total air. Two water heaters. Brick paved lanai & grilling area is also screened in. Closet pantry in kitchen plus additional oversized walk-in pantry. Home is wired for security sys. for all doors & windows. Fully enclosed workshop has electric & is on own meter. Two metal storage sheds for RV & Boat storage. $349,900 MLS:t2586567

VACANT LAND / COMMERCIAL POTENTIAL Appex with access on 2 sides, Lot is in extremely high traffic area of various Commercial/Business...Local restaurant & shopping district area a walk away. LOCATION LOCATION is here. Call for more details.

HUGE COMPOUND. 11+ manicured acres with pond and decking. Full baseball field in back yard complete with dugout. Fully enclosed RV garage with 50 feet of depth or can be used for a netted batting cage. Air-conditioned and fully equipped work out room with full bathroom. 30x30 game room with full kitchen, pool table, and full bathroom. 5 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. Automated Gated entry and beautifully landscaped. This is a must see and great for a large family. Too many extras to list. $749,000 MLS:T2573253

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

3003 Forest Club Dr, Plant City

813-305-1616 Malissa Crawford 813-967-0168 Mitchell Crawford 813-549-9412

Commercial and Residential Sales

John Ray 813-787-4932

Residential Sales and Buyer’s Agent

Angela Chisholm 813-447-1197

$264,900 | 4/2 - 2604 sf | mls# T2613506

Residential Sales and Buyer’s Agent

3047 Sutton Woods Dr, Plant City

3229 Lampp Rd, Plant City

$279,000 | 4/2 - 1982 sf | mls# T2610294

$524,900 | 5/3 - 3469 sf | mls# T2565137

3511 Sandburg Loop, Plant City

3901 Joe Sanchez Rd, Plant City

630 Jerry Smith Rd, Dover

$249,000 | 4/2 - 2169 sf | mls# T2613294

$199,000 | 3/3 - 2442 sf | mls# T2585141

$379,000 | 4/3 - 4040 sf | mls# T2606976

Real Service, Real Commitment, Real Estate is our Business!

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

v Estate Villa Homes v Golf & Water Views v Starting in the $600’s

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For over 25 years, Grasslands has offered exceptional homes and lifestyle to its residents. Eight neighborhoods for the discerning buyer to choose from, a private and full service country club, upscale shopping destinations, medical facilities, the convenience of Polk Parkway and its proximity to downtown make it the perfect place for your family. Discover life as it’s meant to be lived – Stable and Secure in the Most Coveted Address in Lakeland.

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Shiloh Baptist Church

Discover Something Different!! COME JOIN US Sunday School for all ages 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning worship services 10:15 a.m. Sunday night service/small groups 5:30 p.m. Sunday Children’s Choir 5:30 pm. Wednesday Adult Service – 6:15 p.m. Youth Service – 6:00 p.m. Children’s AWANA – 6:00 p.m.

We are different at Shiloh…Come and see! For more information call us at 813-752-8345. 905 W.Terrace Drive, Plant City, FL 33563 DiscoverSomethingDifferent.com

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

SPORTS

“MADE GOOD”

IN LIFE

BILLY PATE’S JOURNEY FROM ATHLETE TO ADMINISTRATOR Article by Joe Bowles

“B

illy Pate, a hustling young shortstop from Pensacola has stepped straight from high school to the Pioneers and made good. Pate, who swings from the southpaw side but throws right-handed, has been very versatile having already played the outfield, third base and shortstop… Anybody hunting for reasons why the Pioneers have remained in the race can find a big one at shortstop.” That is what a local sportswriter in Fitzgerald, Georgia penned in 1952 about Billy Mac Pate. Although the sportswriter was wrong about going directly from high school to the pros, he wasn’t wrong in his “made good” assessment. Because that is what Pate has done his entire life.

In Plant City, most know Pate as an educator. Between 1968 and 1992, Pate served as the assistant principal at Plant City High School, followed by principal positions at Pinecrest High School, McLane Junior High School and Burns Middle School. But it was sports that consumed his early life and sports that helped him heal Pate in his first year at Rollins College. Photo courtesy of Billy Pate following the death of his mother at the age a humbling experience when Billy enrolled ride a bus to all of the out-of-town games, of 44 (brain Cancer) when Billy was in the as a senior at Plant City High School in but the team didn’t have money for motels eleventh grade. 1949. No one even knew his name. so we always drove back to Fitzgerald after every game,” Pate reminisced. Pate was a well-liked and well-known But by the end of the school year, Pate made athlete at Pensacola High School but life a name for himself as the baseball team’s Pate could have continued with his baseball changed radically for Pate when his mother shortstop playing along side familiar local career, but “made good” on a promise to died and he was sent to live with his older names like Dickie Daniels, Fred Pippin, his mother about getting a good education sister Jean Keene, a Hopewell resident who Jack McElveen, Art Schumacher, and Fred and decided to enroll at the University was married with two small children. It was Cason. In the regional finals of the Florida of Alabama where he received his B.S. in State Championships, Pate went three for Physical Education and his M.S. in School four while turning two double plays and Administration. During this time, Pate turning the head of Joe Justice, the head married the daughter of the only dentist in coach of the Rollins College Tars, who Green County, Frances Elizabeth Morris. awarded Pate with the first full baseball scholarship given to any Plant City High In 1959, he returned to Plant City and School athlete. began serving as the physical education teacher at Plant City’s five elementary Pate enjoyed college ball at Rollins but schools, rotating to a different school daily. his education and his scholarship was Four years later, Tilrow Morrison enlisted abandoned when he received his draft Pate as his assistant coach at Plant City notice and he left for the army during the High School and three years later Pate height of the Korean War. took over the reins when Morrison left the school. After his discharge in 1952, Pate played minor league baseball for the Fitzgerald All three years that Pate served as the Pioneers, a Class D club affiliated with the Planters head coach were winning seasons, Cleveland Indians that competed in the twice capturing the Southwest Florida Georgia State League, joining two former Conference title and one year advancing to high school teammates, Daniels and Pippin. the regional finals.

Pate led the Planters to two confernce titles during his three years as head coach. Photo courtesy of Billy Pate

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

“Playing in the minors was a great experience. There were young players like me on the team, but there were also four or five veterans, some who had played in the majors. We were paid $175 a month and we lived in a boarding home with an older lady named Mrs. Robert E. Lee. We had to

Pate has “made good” even in his family with three children, Morris, Mike, and Sarah Dee, and four grandchildren. He has remained active in retirement, playing golf four or five times weekly with a group of friends until recent health concerns.

ince 1896, our goal has been to help families,

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SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

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MALIK CHANNER O

n February 6, Strawberry Crest High School went into the District title game hoping to make school history, becoming the first boys’ basketball to pick up a district tournament championship. The Chargers didn’t disappoint as the fans stormed the court following a complete team performance. Before the celebration… before the post game interviews… as the final seconds ticked off and with a comfortable twenty point lead, Strawberry Crest point guard Malik Channer’s (15 points and 8 assists for the game) thoughts were not only of the young school’s very first district tournament championship but also of what had transpired that led up to this moment.

of 4.1 assists per contest. In his junior season, his scoring and rebounds improved to 12.1 and 5.3. This season, Malik leads the team in scoring with 13.5 PPG and 5.8 APG and is a shoo-in to be selected again to the All Western Conference team (National Division). At 6’ and 200 lbs, Channer, the son of Steve Channer and Fateema Alonzo, works out strenuously in the off-season with weights but during the season, in addition to the hours of practices, his pre-game routine consists of listening to music and watching motivational videos to get himself “amped up” before tip-off.

“We were doing it for all of the players before us who came up short. For the alumni and the Off the court, Malik says he doesn’t players and for the fans that saw us come close do much other than basketball, but never quite make it before.” although he said he loves to listen to rap music and that he For Channer and his teammates, the win was loves math (which he admits gratifying and satisfying. Over the past three comes easy to him). One seasons, the Chargers have come so close to day he would like to turn winning the district tournament but in the end, that passion into a career fell short. A couple of missed baskets or turnovers in either accounting here and there have made the difference, but this or engineering. His time, there was no mistake who was the best immediate goal however team in District 7A-7 as the Chargers knocked is to play college ball off Plant City in the district semifinal 53-42 and and hopefully, become crushed Brandon in the final 51-31, propelling a professional one them to the regional tournament. day. He admittedly is driven toward “We started the year really hot at 9-0 and then I that goal. feel like we were a little complacent in the middle of the year,” said Channer. “But we got it back “I wake up everyday together when we began to understand what we thinking, ‘what can have to do to get to state.” I do today that will make me better than Malik’s journey to a possible state tournament yesterday?’” began at the age of six, playing in the Temple Terrace recreation league followed by a series of He has had interest from some colleges AAU travel teams starting in the fourth grade. but no offers yet. Before he takes that next step, He ended up at Strawberry Crest as a sophomore there is some unfinished business to attend to and began contributing on the varsity team as Malik hopes to help lead his team to a state immediately. He played in every game and scored championship berth if they can advance through 7.7 points per game while dishing out an average the regional tournament that begins February 13.

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SPORTS » TEAM OF THE MONTH

STRAWBERRY CREST HIGH SCHOOL

BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM

very team has their nemesis. You know… the team that shatters their dreams every year. For Strawberry Crest High School boys’ basketball, Sickles is that team. For the last three seasons, the Chargers have been denied a district tournament championship with bitter losses to Sickles. In two of those seasons, Sickles has knocked the Charges out postseason contention including last year in the district semifinals when Sickles eked out a victory 49-42. This year, however, the

Chargers seem to have what it takes, not only to overcome their nemesis, but also to advance deep into postseason play on their way to a possible state playoff berth. For the past three years Strawberry Crest and Sickles have been in the same district (6A-11) but after realignment prior to this season, both schools moved up to a 7A classification, but were placed in different districts. In district tournaments, the winner and the runner-up both advance to the

Article by Joe Bowles regional tournament. This year, Strawberry Crest won their district and Sickles placed second in theirs, setting the stage for another rematch up that Strawberry Crest is waiting for on February 13. The Chargers are led by fifth-year head coach Andre Lewis. Lewis is familiar with high school championships, having won four consecutive titles as a player for Westover High School in Albany Georgia (1990-93). After graduation, Lewis played

two years at Western Kentucky and two years at Southeastern Louisiana University. He also played professionally for two seasons, one for the Ft. Wayne Fury of the Continental Basketball League and one season in Luxemburg, Germany. Lewis’ first season was also Strawberry Crest’s inaugural season, as well. The new school situated in Dover on a previous strawberry field has quickly garnered recognition as Lewis has built the program that is on the cusp of doing something that few thought could be accomplished in such a short time. In their first season, the Chargers went 7-19, since then their record has improved every year, 9-17, 17-11, 1811, and this year, Lewis’ squad is 21-6 heading into regional play. But the Chargers wouldn’t be in this position, had they not taken care of business during the season. With a 9-0 start that saw them venture into unknown territory, such as a #1 ranking in Hillsborough County and a #8 statewide ranking in the 7A poll and a regular season district title, Strawberry Crest took on a tough Brandon team in the district championship final and crushed the Eagles 51-31. “That was the best game we played all year as a team,” said Lewis. “They came into the gym that day like they were on a mission. They were focused like I had never seen before… they wanted to win the district.” Led by five starters that are all seniors, Malik Channer, Austin Griifin, D.J. Trigg, Jerard Samuel, and Shelton Faison, Lewis has built this team on hard work and defense. “I would rather have a bunch of guys buying in to the system that want to learn. I would rather have a bunch of non-profile blue collar athletes that want to compete… that are willing to listen and learn, than a group of more talented players that aren’t serious about the game.” No doubt, this senior-led team has the work ethic and the talent to bring down their nemesis, Sickles, in postseason play for the first time. It will be one more step that the Chargers will take as Lewis tries to build a perennial winner in Dover.

Photo courtesy of Andre Lewis

Other Chargers players include Jordan White, Tehron Brathwaite, Isiah Channer, Ernest Robinson and Cody McDaniel. Lewis is assisted by Steve Channer and Micah Miller. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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SENIORS OF THE MONTH DIANA CORZINE

ebruary 5, 2014, was a significant day for Diana Corzine. This PCHS Senior of the Month signed to play soccer for Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her athletic dominance, beauty, brains, and heart of gold are all qualities that radiate through Diana. Diana (18) is the youngest of three sisters: Andrea (24), Briana (22), and Christina (20). Along with her siblings, she also lives with her parents: Don and Renee Corzine.

FAVORITES

School Subject - English Book - Fault In Our Stars Hobbies - Soccer Store - Charming Charlies Band - One Republic Song - “Burn” by Ellie Goulding Movie - The Miracle TV Show - Duck Dynasty Food - Mac n cheese Quote - “A ship in the port is safe, but that’s not what ships are built for.” Restaurant - Kobe’s Hangout Spot in Plant City - Krazy Kup Sports team - Plant City Raiders

CHASE DUNN

One of Diana’s remarkable characteristics is her academic excellence. Currently, she maintains a GPA of 5.586, holds an SAT score of 1990(second highest at PCHS), and is ranked 24th in her senior class! In addition to playing soccer for TNU, Diana plans on pursuing a degree in physical therapy. There’s no doubt that Diana is a hard-core athlete! This versatile competitor has been a part of the varsity soccer, cross-country, and track teams at PCHS. She

By Ashlyn Yarbrough is currently the team captain for soccer and cross-country. In addition to school soccer, Diana has also competed on multiple club teams. This scholar athlete understands hard work and dedication! Sports and class work aren’t the only factors that keep Diana involved in school; she is also a part of multiple organizations. Throughout her high school years, Diana has devoted her time towards Civinettes, NHS, the 1290 club, and Youth Alive, where she has been a council member for three years. Despite her busy schedule, Diana makes it a point to serve her community. She has volunteered at the Plant City Food Bank, Pig Jam, the Empty Bowls Fundraiser, and Sweetbay’s Thanksgiving Fundraiser. On top of that, Diana is also a Praise Team member for the Plant City Community Church of the Nazarene’s Youth Group. “Simply amazing” would be an understatement in describing this selfless young lady. PCHS is proud to have such a superb young lady as Senior of the Month. As she goes off to college, Diana will always be known as the compassionate scholarathlete who made an impact in her community.

By Gresham Stephens

o say that academics and community involvement are important to Chase Dunn would be and understatement. Chase is the son of Jeff and Stacy Dunn and the brother of Blake and Ashley. He currently has a 6.04 GPA on a 4.0 scale and is ranked 6th in the PCHS 2014 senior class. Chase truly has a heart for others which is evidenced through the many service projects he has participated in through his affiliation with Youth Alive and the Key Club. He is also a member of the Youth Alive executive board for 2013-2014. Chase was awarded the Life Scout award in 2012 and most recently achieved the Boy Scouts highest honor of Eagle Scout in January 2014. He is also an active member of the First Baptist Plant City Youth Group.

school year, which is an amazing accomplishment. I do not want to meet Chase in a battle of the brains! Chase has already been accepted into Florida State University, and is currently waiting to find out his acceptance status into an Ivy League school. He will then make his decision about what college he will attend. Wherever he attends, he plans on pursuing a degree in economics.

Chase has shown the value of hard work and dedication through his academic and personal pursuits. We are honored Academically, Chase has excelled. He is a member of to have him represent the 1290 Club at PCHS, which is an honor club that Plant City High School as recognizes superior achievement on college admissions the Senior of the Month. testing. He earned the highest SAT(2300 combined) and ACT(35) scores at PCHS during the 2012-2013

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EXTRA » AUTO REVIEW

HIGH COUNTRY EQUALS

HIGH DOLLARS CHEVROLET UNVEILS ITS FIRST LUXURY TRUCK Column by Brian West

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rucks are a necessity for some, and a fad for others. There are people who just have a lot of stuff that they need to move from place to place, and a truck can do that. Maybe it’s part of their job: just another tool in the proverbial toolbox. Others just like the idea of driving something that gives them the ability to handle different situations. There are some things that just aren’t meant to be carried in a car: large flat-screen TVs, mattresses, furniture, etc. Get the idea?

bucket 12-way power-adjustable seats, a unique chrome grille, 20” wheels, front and rear park assist, Bose® premium sound system, an upgraded suspension, cargo box tie-down package, black recovery hooks and power-sliding rear window. Now, at the end of the day, the High Country is just another option package for the Sierra. But for Chevrolet enthusiast, this means they don’t have to cross the line to General Motors for a Denali to get something a little more plush.

So now you’ve decided you want, or need, a truck, but you also want something that has all the creature comforts in a vehicle you could want, and then some. You want a high-end luxury truck; a truck that’s so plush on the inside, it’s an easy transition to your high-end sedan, sports car or SUV.

The availability of the package coincides with the latest body revision for both General Motors and Chevrolet. They even threw in a little innovation. You’ll find a built-in step in the corners of the back bumper. This should make it a little easy for those more “limber challenged” to climb in and out of the bed.

Dodge, Ford and GMC all have a highend luxury truck in their lineup. In fact, Ford has three: the Harley-Davidson, the King Ranch and the Limited packages. But this was a mix Chevrolet has avoided. Now things have changed and Chevrolet has unveiled their High Country version of the Silverado; essentially waded into the competition pool.

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The Silverado High Country delivers the same great performance Silverado owners have come to know and love from their trucks, but there’s so much more. The High Country differentiates itself with perforated leather heated and cooled front

But this all begs the question, will this really make a difference for Chevrolet? Probably. Do we really need all the extras? Remember, 30 years ago, Nuke La Loosh thought he needed a quadraphonic Blaupunkt. If you’re in the market for a new truck, this may be the first time you’ve heard about the new luxury package for the Silverado. Stop by Stingray Chevrolet and check it out. You’re likely to get the features you want and save a little money in the process – at least compared to the GMC Denali.

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EXTRA » DEREK MAUL

GRATITUDE AS AN

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ARTICLE OF FAITH

Column by Derek Maul five full months now, and the personality of my church family here is coloring my impression of North Carolina in beautiful shades of belief, commitment, hope, love, and promise.

I understand that we’re still the new kids on the block, but God first gifted me with a spirit of discernment back when I was still a teenager, and what I see here is a congregation rooted in a genuine love for Jesus and all of God’s children. And, when a church begins to tell the truth about the Gospel of Love, both in worship and via doing life together as a community, then the possibilities are as real as the promise.

t’s been several months since my wife and I moved to North Carolina, but we still field the occasional question as to “Why?” The cold blast of arctic air that infiltrated our new home last week opened the door wide to a new round of queries. I like that phrase, “The possibilities are as real as the promise.” It fits in with our We enjoyed a good dusting of snow, danced church emphasis this year, focused on around in excitement at the newness, and “living into” the promises of God. And it then the temperature plummeted to the also spells out a foundational truth in terms single digits. Immediately, a slew of, “So of our individual walk as followers of the how do you like North Carolina now?” Living Way of Jesus. messages showed up via text, in my email inbox, and on Facebook. That “foundational truth” is the complete reliability and the unrelenting faithfulness Our answer has been honest and consistent, of God. We aren’t building our lives here good weather or foul: “We like it just fine, on our own abilities, around any exclusively thank you very much; this place rocks.” crafted doctrines, or in response to the latest opinions or restrictions regarding the There are several reasons behind that reach of the Gospel of Love. response. No, our experience here, in Wake Forest North Carolina, is emerging out of the context of the complete reliability and the First, and most importantly – anywhere unrelenting faithfulness of God, and out of Rebekah and I live is going to be wonderful: the commitment of this faith community Because that is where God has called us to live the Good News like we mean it – to be, and it’s our decision to love where because God most certainly does. we are; it always has been. I have always enjoyed looking for meaning and beauty Gratitude happens to be the way my soul is exactly where I am, not some place else. wired; it informs my writing too. It is, quite

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CHURCH:

simply, a daily choice, and it has become an article of faith.

May you be made strong with all the strength that comes from his glorious power, and may you be prepared to endure everything with patience, while joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has enabled you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the light. (Colossians 1:11-12)

The third reason is Wake Forest Presbyterian Church. We’ve been in town FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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EXTRA » CANDY’S CORNER

CANDY’S CORNER Column by Candy Owens

isters are special from young ones to old. God gave me a sister named Karen who is more precious than gold. We have shared many secrets and the same mom and dad. We have shared lots of good times and held on through the bad. Our memories we cherish with love that has no end. I am glad she is my sister and I am glad she is my friend.

remember the mud smelled good but sure did not taste good. Before I knew it, Karen ran in the house and told our mother that I was out in the front yard eating dirt. She just loved to get me in trouble. There were so many times over the years that I fell hook line and sinker for what she said.

It is hard to believe that on February the 10th my sister, my “Sissy”, my “Kay-Kay” will turn 54 years old. My sister is almost 3 years older than I am so I pretty much grew up thinking that her word was the gospel. In fact, I look back now and laugh at some of the things that I fell victim to because she was older and I thought that she could do no wrong. HA! HA!

I remember back in the mid 1960’s our parents took us to see the new movie Mary Poppins with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. We were so captivated by the music, the costumes, the dancing, and the fact that Mary Poppins could fly that our mother surprised us with the record album. We would have her play that record over and over in our living room so we could twirl around with our umbrellas in our hands while singing: Super-Cali-FragiList, A Spoonful of Sugar, and Chim Chim Cheree. We probably played the music

When we were little girls Karen and I would sit under a tree in our front yard with spoons, old metal pie pans, the water hose, and make mud pies and mud cakes. We would have so much fun just laughing and making a mess that Karen would get me to eat a spoon full of mud. She would tell me how good it tasted and that she ate mud all the time with her friend Tammy Napier, so as usual, I took a big bite and swallowed. I

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right off the grooves of that record. Well, that is all that it took for the wheels to start turning in my sister’s head or should I say for the Devil Horns to start sprouting. My sister whispered in my ear: “I know how to make you fly! Come outside with me and I will show you how!” I grabbed my umbrella and outside we went. Karen instructed me to climb up to the top of the iron trellis on the front porch with my umbrella open and jump just like Mary Poppins. So, I took my umbrella in hand and started climbing the trellis. Our mother just happened to be watching us through the living room window and ran to the front door and asked us what we were doing. I told her that “Kay-Kay” told me that I could fly just like Mary Poppins if I jumped off the roof with my “Magic Umbrella”. Needless to say, our mother put a stop to that idea real quick. Probably one of the times that I was the most gullible was back about 1967 when I was between the age of 4 and 5 years old. Our neighbors Darin and Linton Williams invited all the neighborhood kids to come to their house and eat watermelon. Well, at that age I ate the yummy watermelon, but I also swallowed the seeds. I guess that I was too young to pick out the seeds, so down the hatch they went. My sister keep looking over at me telling me that I was supposed to spit the seeds out, but I just kept on eating those seeds. On the walk back to our house my sister told me that I had better not drink any water or a watermelon would grow in my stomach. I told her that I did not believe her and she said: “You just ate all of those watermelon seeds and you have eaten dirt before, so if you water those seeds, then a watermelon will grow in your stomach, just like “Jack and the Beanstalk.” I thought about what Karen said to me all day long. When supper time came I would not drink my milk. I was so thirsty that I started to cry. My mother asked me what was wrong and I replied: “I’m thirsty!” and she told me to drink my milk. I told her that I could not have anything to drink because I had eaten watermelon seeds at Darin and Linton’s house that afternoon, and that a watermelon would grow in my

“I look back now and laugh at some of the things that I feel victim to because she was older and I thought that she could do no wrong. HA! HA!”

stomach if I watered the seeds just like “Jack and the Beanstalk”. It did not take too long for my parents to figure out where that idea came from. Through the years my sister and I have played many jokes on each other. The last really good prank was about two years ago when she and her sons Tony and Nicholas invited me over to their house to eat my favorite food: Chicken and Dumplings. I should have known that there was trouble from the start because my nephew Nicholas told me to sit right down at the table and that he would serve me. I thought to myself that this was certainly a special treat because Nicholas was serving me first. My sister told me to dig in and my nephews followed with a big: “How do they taste? Are they good?” I took a bite and remarked: “These are delicious!” and then I took another bite and then another bite and then another bite, then “wait a minute! What is that?” I looked down at my bowl of delicious “Chicken and Dumplings” and there was a real life chicken foot sticking up just like it was waving at me! I looked at the chicken foot with disbelief and then I looked at my sister and nephews and they just rolled on the ground with laughter. My sister told me that people served Chicken and Dumplings with all the parts and especially the feet back in the good old days. I think that I turned three shades of green with that prank. To this day, I do not have a love for Chicken and Dumplings like I did in the past. I can laugh until I cry when I look back at all of the funny things that my sister and I did as children. I can also look back and cry with happiness and gratitude when I think of all the times that my sister has been right by my side through good times and through bad times. My sister Karen has been the most wonderful friend, teacher, cheerleader, advisor, prayer partner, and example of how to conduct myself through life’s challenges throughout my entire life. I could not have been blessed with a better sister and I love her with every ounce of my being. When I was a little girl I would snuggle up with my “Sissy” on a rainy day and she would read me stories from our “HumptyDumpty” or “Jack and Jill” magazines. That was the most comfortable and secure feeling in all the world, and I hope that she knows that to this day, every time that she is near, I feel that special way. Happy Birthday “Sissy”! I love you!

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“For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the Lord,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. “ Jeremiah 29:11

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EXTRA » ARTIST OF THE MONTH

LOCAL PLANT CITY CAKE DECORATOR

TAKES THE CAKE!

ometimes from the greatest of losses we can find what has the most meaning to us in our lives. Such was the experience of Misty Ester who at the age of twenty two lost her grandmother. Misty’s grandmother was for Misty her guiding light, the one who raised and loved her. At the time up until her grandmother’s death, Misty was working in the corporate world in sales advancing and succeeding in her work and professional life. When her grandmother passed she said it was as if nothing made sense to her anymore, the drive to succeed was for a while gone. During that time Misty took as job for Walmart as a Customer Service Manager. On her breaks and downtime she would hang out with the cake decorators and learn some of their techniques and skills. She quickly began

Article by Heather Davis to realize that she had a natural talent when it came to designing and decorating cakes. As fate would have it Misty would have to step in to help out in the cake decorating department after one of the decorators left with over one hundred orders needing to be filled. It was after this experience Misty realized how good she was and how happy it made her to decorate cakes. Since that time from her fledgling cake decorating days at Walmart, Misty has gone on to create a mouthwatering portfolio of thousands of cakes for thousands of clients for their most special moments of their lives. So many highlights and special experiences have come Misty’s way that it is hard to say without sounding cliché which of these moments takes the cake. Whether it was working as the cake decorator for Plant City’s Camellia Rose Tea Room where she helped design and create hundreds of cakes for special occasions and charity events, or perhaps it was the time she helped create a cake at Alessi’s Bakery for Pink Floyd (of which she even had the chance to deliver.) Most recently Misty has been employed by Busch Gardens. When I asked her what the highlight has been for her in creating cakes for Busch Gardens, Misty replied “it was the cake we made for World Lion Day.” She went on to explain that all the animals have birthdays and she along with the zoologists and nutritionists help to create a cake on that special day. For the lions in particular she made a cake shaped like a zebra using 25lbs of raw meat with mashed potatoes for the icing with black stripes. This special cake was featured on ABC news.

When I asked Misty what is it about her career and special talent as a cake decorator that makes her so excited, she replied “it is an honor for me to be a part of the most special moments of people’s lives and to be able to make them happy with my cakes.”

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2014 OUTSTANDING YOUTH/GRAND MARSHALS PLANT CITY CIVITAN CLUB YOUTH PARADE

2 0 1 4 JESSI RAE VARNUM

PAT POGUE (CIVITAN PRESIDENT)

Polk Museum of Art presents

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

AUSTIN BRUNER

Stephen Knapp, Done for the Night (Detail)

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

Stephen Knapp: New Light On view through March 8, 2014

800 East Palmetto Street · Lakeland, FL 33801 · 863.688.7743 · www.PolkMuseumofArt.org Hours: 10am-5pm Tues.-Sat., 1-5pm Sun. • General admission $5, seniors $4, students free Free to everyone on Thursdays, thanks to the Chao Foundation; Fridays, thanks to BB&T; & Saturdays, thanks to MIDFLORIDA

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Take Ou or t Dine In

Thanks to our Friends and Neighbors for NOMINATING Nicks Pizza & Wings for Best Pizza and Chicken Wings.

WE DELIVER

813-757-5900 1707 J.L. Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33563

www.NicksPizzaPlantCity.com

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EXTRA » WANDA’S WORDS

WANDA’S WORDS

OF WISDOM STRAWBERRY COUNTRY W Column by Wanda “Lewis” Anderson

e are truly and a tablespoon of limejuice. Then apply Blessed to all over your face for 15 minutes and wash live in the off with warm water. heart of Strawberry For acne, try a honey & strawberry face country. mask. Just mash a few strawberries with a Strawberries have anti- fork until it turns into a smooth paste. Then oxidants, astringent add a tablespoon of honey and apply this and anti-inflammatory properties that help mask for 15 minutes and wash with warm slow down the aging process. They also water. Honey is an anti-oxidant that helps contain lots of Vitamin C that boosts up to fight skin impurities and acne. collagen production and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Omega- 3 fatty acids Eating strawberries helps brighten your found in strawberries lighten the skin tone smile by whitening your teeth. and reduce dark circles. My next tip has nothing to do with Did you know that strawberry leaves strawberries but, I just discovered this can help relieve a sore throat? Use 1 part and had to share it with you. I sometimes strawberry leaves to 6 parts water. Pour get cramps in my feet. I usually just take nearly boiling water over leaves, cover and a few sips of pickle juice and the cramps steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain the leaves out disappear. The worse is getting them in the middle of the night. My friend Margie of the liquid and when cool gargle. from church just told me of an ole remedy To lighten pigmentation spots on your skin using a bar of soap. Place a bar of soap (any try a strawberry & Lime face pack. Simply brand) at the foot of your bed between the mix strawberries sheets. If you get a cramp move the soap over next to your foot. With your other foot hold the soap against the cramp. Within a few seconds the cramps go away and you don’t even have to get out of bed. These are helpful tips to be used at your own risk and in no way are suggested to take the place of seeking professional medical attention if needed. Until next time relax, enjoy and be thankful…

We’re not just Pizza! Come try our HAMBURGERS, CHICKEN, & STEAK, too! Daily Lunch & Dinner Specials. View or print our menu at abcpizza.com

NOMINATED FOR BEST PIZZA & SALAD

813-752-5146

114 North Alexander Street • Plant City, Fl. 33563 BRING THIS AD IN AND RECEIVE 15% OFF Cannot use this coupon with any in House Specials or Discounts!

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D & E » RECIPE OF THE MONTH

THE GERMANMEDITERRANEAN DIET RECIPE OF THE MONTH Recipe by Gail Jones

Pork Schnitz el

4-6 lean boneless pork chops, thin sliced or cut in half lengthwise and pounded until tender and about 3/8” thick ¾ cup salt 1 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup brown sugar 11/2 cups of flour

2 eggs beaten with a few tablespoons of milk or water 2 cups breadcrumbs seasoned with salt and pepper and a pinch of oregano and thyme

Canola and olive oil

t is the issue of the decade. “I love vegetables, but never seem to find a way to eat enough of them.” We are all told repeatedly that the “Mediterranean Diet” is the way to go for a long and healthy life. Load your plate with a variety of olives, legumes and whatever you happen to have growing in that delightful all-organic garden that is planted and trellised in an artistic little plot just outside the back door of your century-old Tuscan farm house, add a little lean protein and some red wine and you should live to see the turn of the next century.

restaurant is A Taste of Berlin on Oakfield Dr. in Brandon. On a recent trip, we ordered a combination plate that featured meatloaf, sausage, schnitzel and a variety of side veggies. We sliced everything into small bites nibbled away while we chatted, and before we knew it, the veggies were demolished and all that remained for our doggie bag was a little piece of meatloaf. Humm I thought. If you’re eating something that seems as decadent as schnitzel, maybe you actually crave more vegetables. Deciding to test my hypothesis at home, I purchased some lean boneless pork chops, pounded them thin, brined, breaded and pan seared them in a canola/ olive oil blend…the olive oil upped the Mediterranean quotient. Anyway, I also cooked up every vegetable that I had in the hydrator, which included some cabbage simmered with onions, a large steamed globe artichoke, some shredded carrots tossed with balsamic and a little olive oil (I got it in there again), and some home-made chunky applesauce.

Well, I don’t know about you, but until recently, many members of my family couldn’t be bribed to eat a brine-cured olive. And despite the fact that we all love a big pot of beans, I often forget to plan ahead for the over-night soaking. Oh and then there is the part about the lovely farm-house and garden, neither of which I have access to at the present time. The protein and red wine I have down, (although probably in slightly larger quantities than the Mediterraneans intended). But recently, I discovered the answer to our vegetable dilemma. At the end of the meal, we had once again polished off almost all of the veggies, Schnitzel! and only had a little schnitzel and a few artichoke leaves to save as leftovers. Stay with me now. I know it’s a complete I think this scientifically proves my theory. disconnect, but it will all make sense soon. My daughter has discovered that she In order to eat more vegetables, eat more loves German food which is decidedly a schnitzel. non-Mediterranean cuisine. Her favorite

Mix the salt, nutmeg and brown sugar with a gallon of water to dissolve and brine the pounded pork chops for an hour or two while you cook up some vegetables and maybe a salad… If you’re feeling really healthy, set out some olives as an appetiz er. Put the flour on a plate, the beaten eggs in a wide mouthed bowl and the bread crumbs on another plate. Remove the pork from the brine and drain on paper towels. Film a large skillet (I love cast iron for this) with a few tablespoons of each oil and heat to medium hot. Meanwhile dredge the pork in flour, then dip in the eggs and finally coat comple tely with the seasoned bread crumbs. Pan sauté the cutlets for a few minutes on each side until they are golden and crispy. They are thin and will cook quickly and burn easily so stay vigilant. Let the cooked schnitz el rest for a few minutes on a cutting board before slicing agains t the grain into thin strips. Serve with a variety of vegetables. This works equally well with boneless chicken breasts or thighs , just remember that because you are pounding and slicing the meat thinly, you will get multiple servings from each cutlet and therefore eat less protein …See it really is Mediterranean!

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Large/Xtra Large Pizza

2 off

a XL Supreme

NOMINATED FOR BEST PIZZA & ITALIAN

Garlic Knots

6 free

Garlic Knots with any XL pizza

dine in or take out

Excludes Cheese Only Pizza

2803 James Redman Parkway, Suite 9, Plant City, Florida • 813-704-5971

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 3/15/2014

drink/sandwich/sub

salad

free small drink with any sandwich or sub

1any off salad

dine in or take out Excludes Cheese Only Pizza

2803 James Redman Parkway, Suite 9, Plant City, Florida • 813-704-5971

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 3/15/2014

Smokin’ WE’RE

WWW.johnsonbarbeque.COM winter haven•plant city

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FREDS NEWSPAPER ADS.indd 2

2/5/14 10:46 AM

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HUGE St. Patricks Day Outdoor Parking Lot Party

SATURDAY

(Saturday, Sunday & Monday)

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Outside Stage 3pm - 6pm - RIM-FIRE 6pm - 10pm Inside 9pm - 1am -

Outside Entertainment Outside Bar Outside Grille SUNDAY - FAMILY DAY

Pups Day 1pm Dog Show Prizes Best Female, Best Male Best Dressed Owner, Dog/Owner look alike Karaoke 12pm - 5pm Live Entertainment 5:30pm - 8:30pm - SKYLER CLARK

MONDAY

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT OUTSIDE 3pm - 7pm - LATRAIA 7pm - 10pm - ALI BABA & THE MAD SCIENTIST

1701 S. Alexander Street | 813-764-8818 www.obrienpubs.com facebook.com/plantcityobriens

an Voted Best Cubw! ro 5 years in a NOMINATED FOR BEST CUBAN AND MILKSHAKE

NEW EXTENDED HOURS!

Handmade Milkshakes

d Gi ft Card s an Party Tr ay s e Availabl

with real Strawberries, Pineapple, Peanut Butter, Oreos and more.

We are open from 6:30a.m - 6:30p.m Mon - Sat.

1505 N. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL 33563

813-752-3779

You can View our Menu online at www.Thestrawberryhut.com Try our Homade Spanish Bean Soup, Fresh Chef and Greek Salads

Notice portions shrinking while prices increase?

NOT HERE.

We’re still making it like we always have since 1993

WE WON’T ASK YOU TO SUPER SIZE YOUR COMBO CAUSE IT ALREADY IS.

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PARKESDALE’S SWEET LINE UP

1 2 3 4 5 Strawberry Shortcake

Choice of Grits, Hash Browns or Home Fries Toast

Strawberry Shortcake & Ice Cream

Hamburger w/French Fries

$4.75 COUPON Buy One Get One

FREE $4.75 Special Breakfast or Lunch

The Brick House Café • 113 W. Prosser Dr. Plant City, FL Beverage not included. Expires 2/28/14

(Strawberries and Vanilla Ice Cream)

Berries and Cream

Milkshakes

Voted Best Drinkable Dessert by Food Network NOMINATED FOR BEST MILKSHAKE & STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE

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

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

$4.75 Breakfast 2 Eggs, Choice of Bacon or Sausage,

Sundae Boat

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Featuring Daily Specials

NOMINATED FOR BEST BREAKFAST, BURGER, & HOMETOWN COOKING

Hours: Mon-Sat. 6 am- 2 pm Sun 7 am- 2 pm 113

813.752.8946 Take Out Available

W. Prosser Drive,

D & E » DINING PROFILE

Farmer’s Wives ST R AW BE R RY R EC I PES EVANELL’S

STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE DESSERT EVANELL IS THE WIFE OF RUSSELL GRIFFIN OF SHADY ACRES FARM. THEY HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 50 YEARS AND HAVE LIVED IN DOVER FOR 68 YEARS. THEIR FARM PRODUCES 2500 FLATS OF STRAWBERRIES A YEAR UNITIZING 2.5 ACRES OF FARMLAND.

1 ½ cups Graham Cracker crumbs ½ cup butter melted 3 Tablespoons sugar ½ cup chopped pecans ½ cup chopped almonds 1 3 ounce package strawberry flavored gelatin 1 pint Fresh Florida strawberries, hulled and sliced 1 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar 1 1.5 ounce package whipped topping mix Garnish: 9 Fresh Florida Strawberry slices

Preheat Oven to 350 and spray 8 inch square pan with vegetable spray. Combine graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar and nuts; stir well. Press crumb mixture into an 8-inch square pan. Bake at 350° for 8-10 minutes or until light brown. Cool on wire rack. Prepare gelatin according to package directions; chill until it reaches consistency of unbeaten egg white. Remove stems from 1 pint strawberries; rinse and drain. Slice strawberries and stir into gelatin. Spoon gelatin mixture into crust; chill until firm. Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar; beat until light & fluffy. Prepare whipped topping mix according to package directions; add cream cheese mixture and beat until fluffy. Spread topping over strawberry filling. Chill several hours; cut into squares. Top each serving with a whole strawberry if desired. Watch Evanell make her Strawberry Cream Cheese Dessert.

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WISHING MOM & DAD A TH HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Congratulations on 64 Years of Marriage! NOMINATED FOR BEST FRIED CHICKEN

“THE TASTE IS RIGHT IN EVERY BITE”

CHICKEN & SEAFOOD

813-752-9200 CALL AHEAD FOR FAST TAKE-OUT

At the corner of Thonotosassa & Alexander St

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D & E » DINING PROFILE

Farmer’s Wives ST R AW BE R RY R EC I PES DEEDEE GROOMS’ STRAWBERRY BREAD

DEEDEE IS THE WIFE OF CARL GROOMS OF FANCY FARMS. THEY HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 40 YEARS AND HAVE LIVED IN PLANT CITY AREA ALL THEIR LIVES. FANCY FARMS PRODUCES 750,000 FLATS OF STRAWBERRIES A YEAR UNITIZING 230 ACRES OF FARM LAND.

2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup Vegetable Oil 4 eggs 2 cups strawberry juice (Strawberries Puréed in blender) 1 cup sour cream ( 8 ounce) 3 cups all purpose flour 2 packages ( 3 ounce each) Strawberry Jello 2 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 1/4 teaspoon almond extract 1/4 cup chopped nuts (Used Walnuts) Sprinkle on top Mix ingredients. Pour in pans. Bake @ 350 for 30 minutes Yields: 4 loaves or 8 mini Note: I cooked in a jelly roll pan so that I could cut in squares for the event. Marshmallow Cream Dip 1 Marshmallow Fluff (10 ounces) 1 cream cheese softened (8 ounces) 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 -3 teaspoons amaretto Note: you can use any extract flavoring. I used amaretto ( my favorite) Watch DeeDee Grooms make her StrawberryBread.

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» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

CHANCY’S CATFISH SHACK

erving Plant City for over 20 years. Our southern style seafood house covers every desire, from catfish, grouper, codfish, jumbo shrimp and gator to frog legs, just to name a few! BUT WAIT...we’re not just seafood. We have babyback ribs, steak, cheese sandwiches, pulled BBQ sandwiches, ruebens, and cuban sandwiches along with many southern sides like fried okra. Plus we have the best fried green tomatoes around, as well as fried pickle chips, hushpuppies and many more to choose from!

2509 NORTH PARK ROAD 813-754-3433

CHILI’S

hili’s has been spicing things up since 1975. There is something for everyone’s taste. From sizzling chicken or beef fajitas, fired grilled classic burgers to 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, you’re always welcome at Chili’s.

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

LINDA’S CRAB SHACK

“G

et Your Crabs and Beer!” If you are looking for a place with seafood or southern cuisine in a casual dining atmosphere come together, Linda’s Crab Shack is the place.

Linda’s offers a variety of options at a decent price. Choose from deviled crab, crab cakes, steamed or fried shrimp and clams, fried grouper, crawfish or one of their un-fish alternatives -- chicken, BBQ pork, ribs, and steak. There are a wide variety of sides and enjoy a slice of homemade cake. Lunch is served until 3 p.m. Now accepting Credit Cards.

DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY 200 E. REYNOLDS ST. PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813-754-0492

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

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» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

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

TACO REY

hether you’re in the mood for soup & salad or the tastiest mexican food in town, Taco Rey Mexican Grill is the King! We are 100% authentic and here to serve you 7 days a week. Our food is freshly prepared for your viewing pleasure and with only the finest ingredients. We offer daily lunch specials and call to order service! Adults and kids will love our menu and Aguas Frescas De Sandia, traditional natural home made drinks.

1818 JAMES REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813.754.2100

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NEW!

MONST ER TRUCK

67th ANNUAL

PASCO COUNTY

FAIR

Advanced

Sale

ED DISCOUNT DS N A WRISTB

February 17-23, 2014

ONLY at ar

16th Feb. 1st -

PASCO COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 36722 SR 52 路 Dade City, FL 33525

352.567.6678 www.pascocountyfair.com

NEW!

SEA LION

Splas h Show!

ADMISSION $8 for Adults; $5 for Children ages 6-12 $3 Gate Admission Tuesday, Feb. 18

FREE PARKING

SORRY... NO PETS OR COOLERS!

NEW! GA

N KACNHDUTHE A

0003379501-01

The Pasco County Fair Association, Inc. does not discriminate against any person on the basis of age, race, color, sex, disability, religion or national origin.

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D & E » KEEL AND CURLEY

KENZIE WHEELER SHOWS HIS TALENT

AT UNCLE MIKE’S SMOKEHOUSE Article by Deana Garrison

Kenzie Wheeler performing in the Uncle Mike’s singer showcase.

practice his talent at the karaoke time. His favorite song is “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful by Gary Allen.” Wheeler seems to capture the crowd with his voice. Starting February 23rd, he will try his talent out by singing in the 2014 Idolkaraoke Challenge which will take place at four different locations in Hillsborough County.

They also have a pavilion behind the restaurant that the younger crowd can go to line dance and just have fun. This place seems to have everything for any atmosphere. It seems to be a fun filled family environment for great entertainment for dinner.

This Plant City singer not only has talent on the stage, but he has other talents as well. He plays on the varsity baseball team at his school, raises show steer for the Strawberry Festival, and has a 3.7 grade point average. His friends love to see him in action. In fact, his baseball team showed up recently to cheer him on and to see for themselves how great their fellow teammate can sing. It is so good to see the support of his friends backing him in something he enjoys.

Kenzie Wheeler, a tenth grader at Strawberry Crest High School visited Uncle Mike’s on a Friday night for the first time in January. After family and friends bugged him to go up on stage and try out his singing skills on the karaoke machine, everyone was amazed when this 15-yearold boy started to sing. Bob and Marie Humphrey, owners of Sing Idolkaraoke, are at Uncle Mike’s every Friday night. Bob quickly went over to Wheeler’s mother, Patty and asked if he would sing in their next Singer Showcase. Only a few people are chosen from all of the karaoke singers to come back to sing in the showcase. Wheeler has been in two of the showcases since January. He tries to go every Friday night to

If you are trying to figure out what to do on a Friday night, you may want to swing by Unlce Mike’s for a nice family dinner. You may even be lucky enough to hear Kenzie Wheeler sing one of his country songs. Or maybe you just want to get up on the stage and try out your singing abilities. Why not? You just may be the next one chosen to be in the Singer Showcase. When a singer is chosen for Singer Showcase, their picture is taken and displayed on the wall. If singing isn’t your style, then maybe you can play some pool or shoot some darts. Whatever you enjoyment is, I am sure you will find that fun filled time at Uncle Mike’s. If you get to watch Kenzie Wheeler sing his songs, cheer him on while you enjoy his music.

HELPING HANDS CARING HEARTS INC.

Homemaker &

f you haven’t been to Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse located at 106 East State Road 60 in Plant City, then you need to plan your next weekend dinner for some really great entertainment. There is so much happening on the weekends at Uncle Mike’s. Friday nights seem to be hopping with karaoke, singer showcase, corn hole tournaments, pool tables, and dart tournaments. Not to mention, they have tasty food while you enjoy all the entertainment around.

cy Agen n io an p om

Meal Preparation, Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Transportation, Respite Care, Grocery shopping, Medication Reminders, and Much MORE!

ASSISTING YOU in YOUR Home!

Do you need assistance with daily chores but are too tired and worn out to accomplish very much? Call us and we will be happy to take those chores away from you so that you can enjoy life a little more!

LOOK FOR US IN THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL PARADE ON MARCH 3

Plant City 813-737-6706 HHCH07@aol.com

helpinguﬂ.com

Locally Owned & Operated Since 2007 Lic # 230092

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You see them in Movies, T.V. Commercials and in Magazines!

JESSICA CARDWELL Lakeland Airshow Principal Role ($750.00) CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

KEYLAND HOWARD Wrangler Jeans National TV Commercial and Print Ad Principal Role. Book Holder.Com Website Principal Role ($175.00 for 2 Hours)

LEXI GAUSLOW Publix Supermarkets Print Ad ($450.00 for 2 Days)

They’re the JESS ANDERSON MODELS!

All ages & types needed • No experience necessary • Free training

863-688-9939 1037 SOUTH FLORIDA AVENUE, SUITE 115 • LAKELAND, FL 33803 LIC#1290000013

MELISSA BALTZ National TV Commercial for the Census Bureau.

KEVIN WILLIAMS Central Florida Visitors & Convention Bureau Print Ad, Professional Football Player, Bowlers Journal International Magazine National Print Ad.

JAMA KARL Publix Supermarkets Print Ad ($450.00 for 2 Days)

www.jessandersontalentandmodelagency.com

Jess Anderson index JAN14.indd 1

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2/3/2014 5:30:27 PM

PRIME LOCATION WITH EXCELLENT ACCESS!

Ofﬁce suites start at $400 and are inclusive

1 Mont Free R h ent (call fo r det ails)

(electricity, water, wireless internet)

Tenants have 24/7 access as well as use of the meeting rooms (upon availability). Short term (6 mos) leases are available as well as longer terms (1-2 years). Perfect for home-based businesses who have outgrown their home ofﬁce or for larger companies who would like a presence in the Greater Brandon area without having to open a full ofﬁce!

PLEASE CALL 813-689-1221 FOR MORE INFORMATION. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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can’t miss

events STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE EATING CONTEST

Purchase your tickets to the Florida Strawberry Festival for Thursday, March 6 to witness one of the Festival’s longest-running traditions —the St. Clements Catholic Church’s Strawberry Shortcake Eating Contest. Ten lucky contestants will be selected to delve into a 4¬-pound mountain of Americana, constructed center stage by Plant City’s own Chef Tony DeFranceso. Last year’s winner was Canadian John Rozon. Will a Plant City resident claim first prize this year? The exciting event will take place yet again in the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent on March 6, at 2 p.m. Don’t miss out!

FOCUS MAGAZINE’S 12TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY & PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF

COMMERCE AFTER HOURS OFFICE SPACE Executive Oﬃces BRANDON As low as $400 per month (including electricity, water and wireless internet)

Meeting Room Usage Professional Environment Quick Access to Major Roadways (Crosstown Expressway, Hwy. 60, I-75 & I-4) 330 Pauls Drive (South of Oakfield Dr.)

Contact Amber at 813-689-1221

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Celebrate with us on Thursday, February 20 at Keel and Curley Winery. The event will be hosted by WQYK’s Dave and Veronica with Live Music from Dock 7, food from Carrabba’s and Outback Steakhouse, and Drinks from Keel and Curley Winery and Two Henry’s Brewing Company. Party kicks off at 5:30 p.m. We will also be revealing our 2014 Reader’s Choice Award winners Can’t wait to see you there!

FEBRUARY

22 SATURDAY

Relay for Life Strawberry You Pick Turkey Creek Middle School | 8 am. to 1 p.m. 5005 Turkey Creek Rd. The Turkey Creek Middle School FFA is celebrating National FFA Week by hosting a Strawberry You Pick with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. Clamshell containers and flats will be provided. Event sponsored by Astin Farms and the Astin Strawberry Exchange. For more information, contact FFA Advisor Allison Sparkman at allison.sparkman@sdhc.k12.fl.us. Morgan Auto Group Charity Polo Classic DI Polo Tour | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1003 Cowart Rd. The 3rd annual Charity Polo Classic will benefit the Children’s Cancer Center, the Children’s Dream Fund, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas. For more information, visit charitypoloclassic.com.

5th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance John R. Trinkle Center | 4 to 7 p.m. 1206 N. Park Rd. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, guardians, and father figures are encouraged to dress up and enjoy a special event with their daughters, granddaugthers, nieces, or special ladies ages 3 and up. This year’s theme is “Diamond Ball” and cost is $30 per couple and $10 for additional ticket. Price includes tea party food, entertainment, flower, and keepsake photo. For more information, contact Recreation Supervisor Jason Hargrove at jhargrove@ plantcitygov.com or 813-659-4256.

27 THURSDAY

Florida Strawberry Festival Opening Day

Fried Corn on the Cob Eating Contest Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent | 2 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Sponsored by Bayshore Services. For more information on the Festival and events, check out our special section or visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

MARCH

01 SATURDAY

2014 Youth Parade 11 a.m. Parade begins at the State Farmers’ Market, moves north on Alexander Street to Reynolds Street, west on Reynolds Street to Sammonds Road, will pass by the fairgrounds, and end in the Sammonds Road areas. Awards will be presented to Best Club/Group Float, Best Church Float, Best Marching Unit, and Best Band. Winners will be announced in the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent at 12:30 p.m. and receive a trophy and rosette. Best church and best club/group floats will win $100. For more information, contact parade chairperson Pat Pogue at 813-754-4680 or ppogue1559@aol. com. Youth Strawberry Stemming Contest Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent | 2 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Sponsored by Dole Berry Company. For more information on the Festival and events, check out our special section or visit flstrawberryfestival.com. Bike Fest Historic Downtown | 5 p.m. Bike enthusiasts ride in from around the area to attend this monthly event. Many local businesses stay open late to attend to the crowds. For more information, contact the Chamber at 813-754-3707. Rock the House John R. Trinkle Center | 7 to 9 p.m. 1206 N. Park Rd. Fundraising concert will feature Velvet Williams of Velvet Productions and proceeds will support the Plant City Community Development Corporation in providing affordable housing to area families. Tickets are $25 per person. Food will be available to purchase and a cash bar will be on hand. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit plantcitycdc.org.

03 MONDAY

Florida Strawberry Festival Parade Parade route traditionally passes by the festival on Reynolds Street. For more information, visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

04 TUESDAY

Adult Strawberry Stemming Contest Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent | 2 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Sponsored by Dole Berry Company. For more information on the Festival and events, check out our special section or visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

05 WEDNESDAY

Superdog Mega Corndog Eating Contest Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent | 1 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Sponsored by Super Dog. For more information on the Festival and events, check out our special section or visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

07 FRIDAY

Strawberry Mashed Potato Pie Eating Contest Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent | 12 p.m. Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds Sponsored by Pickle Barrel Sirloin Tips. For more information on the Festival and events, check out our special section or visit flstrawberryfestival.com.

09 SUNDAY

Last Day of Florida Strawberry Festival

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FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

137

FOCUSOBITUARIES James Brian “Big B” Williams, 41 of Plant City

died January 10, 2014. Born April 10, 1972 in Tampa, he was the son of Jimmy Williams and the late Geraldine Mier Williams. Also surviving are daughter, Kayli Williams; brother, Michael (Hope) Williams, sister, Suzy (Chris) Kozicki, along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Brian was lifelong resident of Plant City, a huge Florida State fan, and loved to take his daughter to Disney. A graveside service will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at Fellowship Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 10232 S.R. 674, Wimauma. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, January 14, 2014, Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Plant City. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com Frederick Dean Cowder, 45 of Plant City, died January 21, 2014 in Iowa. Dean was the beloved son of Fred and Ann McGalliard Cowder. Other survivors include sister, Karen Cowder (Tony) Wright and God-Sister Michelle LaBarbera Olson. Dean was an avid outdoorsman, was a member and assistant business agent for The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union local 125 where he also worked as a Lineman, and was a lifelong resident of Plant City. A Funeral service will be 7:00 PM, Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. Plant City, Florida 33563, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

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FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

John Pierce Harwell, 79 Online condolences may be made to the of Plant City, died January 23, family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com 2014. Floyd Malcolm Howard Born March 18, 1934, in “Papo” 77, of Plant City went Plant City, he was the son to Heaven on Jan. 22, 2014 in of the late Pierce and Bashie the Arms of the angels who Collins Harwell. predeceased him; his loving He was predeceased by sister, Laverne wife of 55 years, Marian; Payson. grandson, David; parents, Roland & John served in the Navy, was a member Loreeta and all of his siblings, Margaree, of the Boilermakers Local 433, Tampa, and James, Albert, David and Jerry. was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. To cherish his memory he leaves behind Surviving are daughter, Lois Harwell; his children, Floyd Jr, Pam Abella (David), brothers, Wm. Russell (Diane) Harwell and Greg (Kris), Sandy Liess (Bo) & Christina, Grady Harwell; sister, Jeanette (Gordon) his devoted nephew & best friend Jimmy Jacoby. Stokes (Bobbi Ann), 9 grands, 10 great A Funeral service will be 2:00 PM, grands and many other family members Tuesday, January 28, 2014 at Haught and friends. Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Papo was born Apr. 15, 1936 in Tampa Jr. Blvd. Plant City, Florida 33563, where FL. He graduated from Hillsborough HS the family will receive friends one hour in 1954, where he was a basketball star and prior to the service. continued that legacy after he joined the Online condolences may be made to the Air Force in 1955, where he was stationed family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com in Germany for 4 years, completing his duty at MacDill AFB in 1961 winning Larry Clyde Harwell, 69 basketball championships. He worked for of Plant City died February 6, the City Of Tampa Fire Dept. from 1962- 2014, at Saint Joseph Hospital 1983 and part/full time for 34 years with in Tampa. Equifax/Choice Point. He was always the Born November 6, 1944, he biggest fan at his grands sporting events. was the son of the late Gordon After retiring there was nothing Papo loved and Lilly Harwell. more than playing golf with his nephew Surviving are son, Larry Andrew Gordon Jimmy and others. He had the virtue of (Tessa) Harwell; sisters, Linda Ausborne patience & a heart of gold. and Sandy Sylvia; grandchildren, Robbie, In lieu of flowers, donations may be Courtland, Xander, and Zarina. made to Deputy David Anthony Abella Larry owned Larry Harwell Excavation, Scholarship Fund, c/o Sandra Liess, 2602 attended Westside Baptist Church, was an W. Sam Allen Rd. Plant City Fl 33565. avid drag racer, and pool player. A celebration of his life will take place The family will receive friends from 5:00 at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City, PM to 6:00 PM, Wednesday, February 12, Monday, Jan. 27, 2014, with visitation 2014, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 6-7pm and service at 7pm. A burial will 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd., Plant City, take place, 9AM, Feb 17, 2014 with military Florida, where a funeral will be at 6:00PM. honors at Florida National Cemetery at Online condolences may be made to the Bushnell, FL. family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com

In Loving Memory

C J

THE HERBAN COWBOY Herbal Products & Gifts

118 W. Reynolds St. Plant City, Florida 33563 Historic Downtown 813-704-1376 www.aherbancowboy.com

A Salon Of Excellence Designed To Meet Your Tailored Looks Downtown Lee Building 110 E. Reynolds St., Ste. 400 Plant City, FL 33563

813-759-1023 FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY FEBRUARY 2014

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D & E » CROSSWORD W I N O S

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A N D S U O P U S L B A U M Y I S E S M T E R G O B E

Heart-to-Heart A S H E S S W E E T T E R E S A R A E S C I R S I H D S O N E E H A M S W I R Y D A N B I N D O I S T A F T O F S E P A S N E A R E I L L C O N S C O N G N H L T O E D R A V E N C A S E S T E E D

C R O S S M Y T U N A D O S

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S L T O E A E F P T J E E N R N K M T A A S N K

I T T H E S E L S I S P O O R U F T S S T S E S T X Y Z N A N A I S E R C H E W S O V E R L E N T A S T A S W I S D I S H S S L Y T E E

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Congratulations

Florida Strawberry Festival on 79 years of memories Glenn and the staff of Creative Flowers

Field of Roses

813-754-1212 116 W. Alsobrook Street Plant City, Fl 33563

HEART TO HEART HEART-TO-HEART

by Calvin R. and Jackie Mathews by Calvin R. &Created Jackie Mathews

ACROSS 1. 500 and 600 5. Sooty residue 10. Narrow cut 14. Have memorized 17. Honey 19. __ point; apt 21. __ tree; uses lopping shears 22. Most famous Avila resident 23. Display tripods 25. Eva, to Zsa Zsa 26. Six-yr. termer 27. Women’s names 28. AB followers 30. “The __ a Lonely Hunter”; 1968 Alan Arkin film 31. Group of animals 32. Apr. addressee 33. Breakfast spot 34. Unsatisfactory 35. Extra bed, often 38. Beer 40. Change for a fin 41. Clumps of feathers 42. Actor Epps 43. Stay optimistic 44. Exhibitionists 45. Kid 46. Apartment 47. Continent: abbr. 48. Lean & sinewy 49. Least relaxed 52. Trap 54. Rather, for one 55. Nexium’s target 57. Final letters 58. “__ Miss” 59. Tie 60. “Thanks for the swill!” 61. Grandma 62. America’s most winning skier 65. Eur. nation 66. Skin refresher 67. Stingy one 68. “It’s __ Mad Mad Mad World” 69. “Peg __” 70. Queen __; tart maker 71. Tic follower 72. Ending for cook or book 73. Ascend 74. Family members 75. Nuts 79. Comic strip teen 81. Close 83. Eagle variety 84. Surpassing 85. With enthusiasm 86. Window frame piece 87. Café employee 88. Fast period 89. Stirred 91. Geographic map features: abbr.

92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 107. 109. 111. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118.

Hoodwinks Schnauzer of old TV Mate Ice formation Stanley Cup owner: abbr. Show disrespect Zambia’s official lang. __ dancer Three-__ sloth Diagnostic test, for short Cheddar exporter: abbr. Drawing of nothing 1995 Mel Gibson film Mother tongue for many Ellis Island arrivals More wily Wrap In a cruel way Ruby and others Swift animal To __; precisely

DOWN 1. Crucifix letters 2. Promissory notes 3. Have title to 4. Too big 5. On a saddle 6. Curses 7. “__ to...”; toast opener 8. Special-order shoes 9. Wall & Easy: abbr. 10. Hard to scale 11. Take it easy 12. Common contraction 1

5 15

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65. 66. 67. 69. 70. 71. 73. 75. 76. 77. 78. 80. 82.

10 18

13. “Deep in __”; song on a Gene Autry album 14. Mess workers, for short 15. River through Belgium 16. Simple piano duet 18. Great sorrows 20. J. Alfred Prufrock poet 24. Old Soviet divs. 29. Mexican couple 31. Capital city 33. Deep down 34. Fairy tale boot wearer 35. Dinner course 36. Prefix for present or potent 37. __ accompli 39. Pkg. deliverer 40. Skiff propeller 41. N. Car.’s neighbor 43. Healthy 44. Female animal 45. Yahoo 48. Desire 49. __ casserole 50. Lang’s follower, in title 51. Ivan III or Peter I 53. Brewed beverage 54. Discouraging 56. Little pieces 59. Pays for 61. Saint whose feast day is December 6th 62. Hotel employee 63. Of the U.S. 64. Is very kind

93 97

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Prices and offers effective February 11 - February 24, 2014

703 South Evers • PLANT CITY • (813) 754-3547 MON.– SAT. 9AM–6PM

Coleman Davis, Owner * Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. Applicants must meet all State and Federal identification verification requirements and State age requirements. Offer not available to applicants in default on a Badcock account or in an active bankruptcy. Offer valid through February 24, 2014 at participating stores only.

142

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com

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South Florida Baptist Hospital

Thon Thoontosas otossa Rd assa . Rd

MAIN ENTRANCE MAIN ENTRANCE

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Alexander St. Alexander St.

Plant Ave. Plant Ave.

Main Parking Main Parking

SOUTH ENTRANCE SURGERY CENTER SOUTH ENTRANCE

Emergency Care and More

SURGERY CENTER EMERGENCY WALK-IN ENTRANCE EMERGENCY WALK-IN ENTRANCE W. Reynolds (Hwy. 574)

W. Reynolds (Hwy. 574)

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With short wait times and a friendly, caring staff, our ER is designed to treat your little emergencies as well as your more serious health concerns.*

For a physician referral or more information:

(813) 443-2037 or PlantCityEmergency.org

*Individual wait times may vary.

301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City

BC1302266_0713

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

FUEL SAVER PACKAGE

29.95

includes lube oil ﬁlter, rotate 4 tires, multipoint inspection, battery check

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Must present coupon at time of write up. May not be used with any other coupon or store special. Most cars and light trucks. Expires 03/15/2014

813-757-6429 2000 East Baker Street Plant City, FL 33563 Service Hours Mon-Fri 7am-7pm Sat 7am-3pm

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ALL MAKES AND MODELS! WE’LL BEAT YOUR BEST TIRE PRICE GUARANTEED! 144

FEBRUARY 2014 focusplantcity.com