FOCUS Plant City 13-04

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We feel this service is a great way to increase overall health and create a personable experience within the community. We will feature Q&A’s and preventive health articles in our print ads and facebook page that we feel are beneficial to the community. We look forward to answering any questions or sharing tips regarding: • General Health & Wellness • Preventative health care • Healthy Recipes

Please mail our medical staff at 1910 W. Reynolds St. Plant City, FL 33563 with Attention to Ask the Doc. or message us on facebook www.facebook.com/ SpecialistDoctorsGroup With the new location, the group has added two new primary care physicians and a nurse practitioner — Dr. James Hardiman, Dr. Russell Stewart and Georgette Farmer. Our goal is to exceed your healthcare needs by providing staff that is personable, patient, and costfriendly to every patient we see.

Come see us Now accepting New Patients & All Insurances

Walk-Ins Welcome Se Habla Espanol

(including medicare & medicaid)

PRIMARY CARE

1910 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, Fl 33563 • 813-754-4980 Specialistdoctorsgroup.com 4

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CONTENTS April 2014 | Volume 13 Issue 04 | focusplantcity.com

May 10 & 11 9aM-4pM

Lake Morton, Lakeland

ONTHECOVER

Free Art Festival

160+ artists, Children’s Art Tent, Live Entertainment, Free Admission to Polk Museum of Art

Mayfaire Saturday Night Free Street Party & Live Band on Lake Mirror Promenade, 5-11pm 5K Run at 7pm, Fireworks at 9pm

FREE Parking at Florida Southern College & Shuttles to the Lake

Photography by Anthony Sassano

Pastor Calvin Callins, Sr., Joe Bowles, Micah Rodriguez, Rev. Dr. Brian Stowe, Rev. Scott R. Lawry, Rev. Earl L. Smith and Pastor Robert Herrin

18-47 Local

65

50

88

FOCUS Magazine is excited to be covering many stories this month. From the Youth Fishing Derby and the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event, to Little Miss Plant City and the Rotary Club Wild Game Cookout, our community was full of activity this month. We also invite you to nominate a deserving loved one for our annual Focus on You Makeover. Review the guidelines on our Focus on You Makeover preview story.

Spotlight: Faces of Faith

Easter season is upon us and whether you’re a devoted churchgoer or are looking for a new place of worship to attend, check out our guide featuring several of Plant City’s great faith leaders. You’ll gain an in-depth look at area pastors and their inspiring backgrounds.

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Feature: Relay For Life

Frost Van den Boom PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION

Ward’s Air Conditioning • WUSF • Ledger Media Group • Party People Celebration Company •Bartow Printing Company • Lakeland Runners Club • The Terrace • VSA Arts of Florida-Polk County

800 E. Palmetto St., Lakeland • 863.688.7743 • Polk MuseumofArt.org/Mayfaire 8

APRIL 2014 focusplantcity.com

Although Cameron Wright is now at the helm, Huff Automotive is still run by the same values his father, Keith, instilled in the company when it began over 40 years ago. From installing custom exhaust to providing a routine oil change, the experts at Huff Automotive pretty much do it all at their full service preventive maintenance and repair center. And they’ll always perform high quality service at a fair price!

Dining: Brick House Café

If you have never stopped by Brick House Café for breakfast or lunch, I highly recommend you give it a try. Although they have been in business here in Plant City for five-and-a-half years, this was my first visit and it made quite an impression on me.

See Also: Talk of the Town - 14 Real Estate - 69-75 Athlete of the Month - 78 Seniors of the Month - 83 Each year Plant City High School’s football field Derek Maul Column - 85 and track become the Friday-night-to-Saturdayat-noon community venue where participants, Candy’s Corner - 84 teachers, students, business professionals, Wanda’s Words of Wisdom - 87 community leaders and lots of friends and family Recipe of the Month - 93 gather to show support for the fight against Event Calendar - 98 cancer. Crossword - 101 Now in its 16th year, Plant City’s Relay for Life fundraiser is the longest running and typically one of the top three in Florida.

Law Offices

Business: Huff Automotive and Muffler


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LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER April is the month and Spring is the season Among others in this issue you’ll discover for a fresh focus on three key constants— great stories about Relay for Life, five new Family, Friendships, and Faith. Eagle Scouts, Little Miss Plant City and Blueberry pageants, Ghost Party Tours, As we enjoy warmer temperatures, Camp Invention and a recent donation refreshing rain showers and new to the Bruton Memorial Library from buds in our landscapes, it’s a the PCHS Class of ’46 to honor Evelyn perfect time to think ahead Johnson. with a positive perspective. It truly is a great day and Thanks to you, our pages are overflowing year to be alive. with good news! And we at Focus, invite you to continue sharing yours, including Our Faces of Faith save-the-dates on things to come. feature shines a light on Simply send those e-mails to editorial@ seven local pastors who floydpublications.com or call 813-707welcome visitors to their 8783. We promise to do our best to cover church services, not only them. in commemoration of The Resurrection, but As always, Focus family and friends, we all year ‘round. As you appreciate your faith in us to tell your stories read, you’ll learn how and grow your businesses. Year ‘round, you each desires to work for positively impact our perspective. Here’s to God and how that has new life, and life more abundantly. impacted their life. Each also noted that life without family and friends would be less enriching. They share thoughts as well on best lessons learned in ministry, along with some great quotes and favorite reads. We hope you’ll enjoy the peek into their personalities and be inspired enough to visit if you don’t Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd already have a church home.

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 AND AUTISM

The past decade has seen the number of diagnosed cases of autism rapidly increase throughout the nation. Many studies are indicating that chiropractic care may alleviateat least to some degree-some of the associated symptoms of autism.

The autistic children suffered from neurological interference that hindered their development. The researchers concluded that correcting what chiropractic calls vertebral subluxations can positively affect local neurological function and cause an overall improvement. Even though there was no control group to back up the findings, the results are encouraging: They show that chiropractic care may improve the quality of life of autistic children by relieving some of the symptoms of their disease.

“Autism: A Chiropractic Perspective” by Jane Jennings and Martina Baker of the Newbury Chiropractic Centre, Newbury, Berkshire, UK, published in Clinical Chiropractic (2006), Vol. 9, pp 6-10. During this study, researchers carried out a series of chiropractic adjustments on 26 autistic children over a 9-month period. The results were an improvement in certain reflexes and sensations, an increase in neck range of motion, and improvement of other health problems. Many of the children were taken off Ritalin; their bladder and bowel control improved; some children started to speak, eye contact and attention span improved while hyperactivity and aggressive behavior were reduced. Also, five children were able to attend regular classes at school for the first time.

To the extent that chiropractic care can have a positive effect that is beneficial; but improving the quality of life for autistic children is a beginning toward the goal of erasing autism. Special Note: We would like to send a special blessing to all women, especially mothers and grandmothers on Sunday, May 12, 2014 for Mother’s Day. May God continue to Bless you. 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.

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April 17 - Maundy Thursday 7:00p.m. Sanctuary with Holy Communion Part II of the musical, “Rise Again” presented by Sanctuary Choir

focus on you

April 18th - Good Friday Christ Community Cafe Normal Lunch Served with Communion 11:30am - 12:30pm Wesley Center

April 20th - Easter Sunday

The morning begins with a hot breakfast from 8:00-8:45 a.m. & 10:00 - 10:30 a.m. Weather permitting breakfast will be outside under the walkway. 9:00 A.M. The Praise Team will provide special music. Shawna Cook and Jay Ritenbaugh - soloist 11:00 A.M. Part III (conclusion) of the musical “Rise Again” presented with Nancy Lambert as Mary Magdalene, Sandi Norman-soloist and the A-cappella Ensemble will sing “Rise Up, Easter Morning”.

303 North Evers Street Plant City, Florida 33563 813-754-3519

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makeover

NOMINATE A DESERVING LOVED ONE FOR A DAY OF PAMPERING

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n early 2003, we, the FOCUS Magazine staff, wanted to find a way to give back to the community. As a result, the annual Focus on You Makeover was born, allowing our readers to nominate fellow friends, family members, and co-workers for a day of much-deserved pampering.

Article by Amanda Deck

Plant City” to FOCUS Magazine, 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563. Entries can also be sent via e-mail to Publisher Mike Floyd (mike@ floydpublications.com). Write “Focus on You Makeover Plant City” in the subject line and the 300-word description in the body of the email. Please, no attachments. Every year, we gather to read countless For faxing, send your entries to 813-764letters—some inspiring, others downright 0990 Attn: Makeover. heart wrenching—with each leaving a lasting impact on our lives. Through these All nominations much be received by letters, we learn about a number of selfless midnight, May 20. Four winners will be area residents who truly deserve a whole chosen and notified. Winning entries will day devoted solely to themselves. Although be published in FOCUS Magazine’s June we wish we could provided services for Plant City issues, along with photographs each nominee, after much deliberation, and a description of each winner’s makeover four people are chosen for a Focus on You experience. Makeover. What’s in store for the lucky winners? On If you know anyone who deserves a the evening of June 2, the winners will makeover, FOCUS Magazine is here to pick out a new outfit. Then, on June 3, make it happen, along with the help of each winner will enjoy a hearty breakfast several local businesses and organizations. at a local eatery followed by a massage, To nominate someone for a Focus on You lunch, makeup, facial, manicure, pedicure, Makeover, send a 300-word description and haircut. The night concludes with a (including nominee’s name, address, home limousine ride, a photo shoot, and fine phone number, work phone number, and dining. It will surely be a day your loved one nominator’s name) of your loved one’s will always remember. story entitled “Focus on You Makeover


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FUNDRAISER COMPLETES AED PROJECT

ROTARY CLUB WILD GAME COOKOUT

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he Plant City Rotary Club has a great history of fundraising and giving back to the community; our community. One of those fundraisers includes their annual Wild Game Cookout. The event has always drawn a great crowd. For years, the event was held at the Futch Ranch, then spent a few years on some private property in Springhead. For the last few years, the event has been held in one of the parking lot areas for the Florida Strawberry Festival. It features some great wild game, including venison, gator, turkey, catfish, gumbo, and swamp cabbage, to name a few. The $100 ticket entitles attendees to all the food and drink they can handle, a live band, an opportunity to participate in the raffles, and a great time just hanging out with the guys. Last year, the Rotary Club took on a project to fund AED (automated external defibrillator) units – 68 in all, for the Plant City Police Department. It would allow every officer to have a unit with them to help save time, and save lives. An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses cardiac arrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia. The AED applies electrical therapy to stop the arrhythmia.

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Article by Brian West Early last year, one of our own, former President of the Plant City Campus of Hillsborough Community College, Felix Haynes, was the victim of cardiac arrest. Haynes has prided himself on staying in shape through regular weekly swimming. Just after swimming laps, Haynes noticed he wasn’t feeling well, and his left arm began to ache. Haynes suffered a heart attack, but survived. Haynes is very quick to credit the use of an AED for saving his life, and has strongly supported the clubs efforts to supply these to the Plant City Police Department. Brian Griffin said, “Ticket money is still coming in, but it looks like we had more than 700 attend, and we should raise enough money to wrap up the AED project.” This is great news for everyone involved. Griffin said, “We set a record for the 2nd year in a row for the gun raffle, and beat last year’s record by $2000.” The gun raffle included a Big Green Egg, Yeti cooler and a halfday inshore fishing trip – 4 winners in all. The cookout was a great success, and will continue to be for some time to come. Thanks so much for the efforts of the Plant City Rotary Club. Your work continues to have a great impact to the City of Plant City, enhancing the place we all call home.


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Evelyn Johnson (3rd from left) is surrounded by classmates of PCHS ’46 at the unveiling of Grandma Johnson’s Box of Wonders.

PCHS CLASS OF ’46

DEDICATES GRANDMA JOHNSON’S BOX OF WONDERS AT BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY

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hanks to the Plant City High School Class of 1946, children who visit KidSpace at the Bruton Memorial Library can now enjoy the new “Grandma Johnson’s Box of Wonders” filled with puppets, toys, costumes and other props for playacting.

Article by Cheryl Johnston

toy box for the KidSpace area, the Bruton members continue the legacy at Fred’s Memorial staff agreed it would be the best Market Restaurant, Fred’s Southern Kitchen, and Johnson Barbeque. use for the money.

Surrounded by her family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and nine Class of ’46 friends, among others that morning, the woman who has never The unveiling took place Tuesday, April sought recognition felt “honored, surprised 8th after the weekly “Motion Commotion” and humbled” by the announcement the time for children aged from birth-to-five chest had been named for her. years old. Since even before the 1950s when Evelyn Since the 1990s, members of the Class of Johnson and her late husband Elton ’46 have gathered for meals, reunions and established Johnson’s Restaurant, they outings. Of the approximately 60 presently have used their gifts of hospitality. Their living, a core group of 10-20 now meets sons, Buddy and Fred, next carried forward monthly for lunch. They also organize a the tradition for many years with the great reunion every five years for classmates who food and venue at their two BuddyFreddys live away from the area. restaurants. Today Fred and other family

Extending the gift, the Class of ’46 now welcomes PCHS graduates from 1945 and 1947 to their monthly luncheons at noon on the first Tuesday at ABC Pizza in Plant City. Johnson’s classmate Don Walden acknowledged, “It’s been a pleasure to see each other regularly all these years and we welcome any others who can join us.” To watch children “imagineering” with their new tools for role play, stop in at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon Street in Plant City. For hours of operation and upcoming events, visit www.plantcitygov.com/library or phone 813-757-9215.

Perhaps they’ve remained close-knit because World War II so profoundly impacted those 100 classmates from 1946. Many enlisted in the military prior to graduation and others immediately following. Now in their 80s, the group decided in February to donate to a worthy cause that benefits children. They also wanted their gift to be a show of appreciation for Mrs. Evelyn Johnson and her continual hospitality to the group. Since Children’s Librarian Kate Chang had long desired a FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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CAMP INVENTION Article by Deana Garrison

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f you are looking for a summer camp for your child that will challenge, inspire, and motivate their thinking skills…look no further. A camp that has been going strong for many years in different cities has now reached Plant City.

As he gets things in order for this funfilled event, he acknowledges, “It is all about hands-on, team- building, and collaborating activities. It’s a non-stop fullof-energy program and the perfect bridge from end of school year to the start of the next. This program challenges, and inspires students to love science, math, technology, and engineering...to see the light go on in campers’ minds as they work and learn is amazing.”

If you have a rising 1st through 6th grader, they can join in on the fun this summer. What a great way to make new friends and extend their learning. If you register at campinvention.org before May 16th and enter the promo code SPRING, you will receive $15 off the cost of the camp and only pay $205, instead of the regular $220. Hurry and register now while seats are still available.

Engineering, and Math) program, which combines the subjects together. The children have so much fun while not even realizing how much they are learning.

Coletti has worked very hard to get this camp to Plant City. “I have been trying for Paul Coletti, a fourth grade teacher, is six years to host the camp here and have directing “Camp Invention” this summer finally found an open door,” he explained. at First Baptist Church of Plant City weekdays, June 23-27, 2014, from 9-3:30 Coletti’s great passion for the program each weekday. The science-based camp results from watching it in action for the knows integrates all subjects and is based on past 12 years 1in Gainesville. CSBPlantCityCommercialFinanceFocusAd:Layout 1/29/14 He 2:48 PM of Page 1 the S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, its powerful impact on the children.

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JARRETT SCOTT FORD

responded by showing up and taking those test drives needed to build their total.

“DRIVE 4 UR SCHOOL” AT PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

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our years in a row, Jarrett Scott Ford has shown great support for Plant City High School, as they help raise money for their Booster Club. The business does this same program for Durant High School as well. Drive 4 UR School is a program set up to help the school earn money for each person who participates in a test drive in one of Jarrett Scott Ford’s

new cars. One person per household was allowed to test drive any new car parked at Plant City High School for the event. For each test drive, Jim Scott from Jarrett Scott Ford donated $20 to the school. What an easy way to earn money for a great cause! This year PCHS raised $4,560 for their school, thanks to tremendous support

Along with the Test Drive, other clubs and sports teams were available with tents set up to help support their club/cause with Article by Deana Garrison drinks, cookies, and many other treats and from parents, faculty, and family members. raffles. It is amazing to see the generosity of Jim Scott as the Jarrett Scott Ford business This seems to be a successful annual event. continuously supports our youth. Thanks Dianna Lott took a test drive and enjoyed it. also to the unselfish employees who gave She said, “There was definitely no pressure up their time on Saturday, April 5th to by the people who rode with you while you help out. Many students were texting took the test drive. They simply showed you and posting on Facebook for friends and the car and let you drive.” family to come out and support them. They

Jarrett Scott Ford had plenty of cars to choose from for a test drive at the “Drive 4 UR School” event. Each test drive gave the shool $20 towards their Booster Club.

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his year Durant High School Music Boosters took their fundraising from the green to the skies. In the past money was raised through their annual golf tournament, but on April 12th they moved things to the Fishhawk Sporting Clays Facility for a shooting competition. There were 52 participants in this year’s event. Competitors were grouped in fours before heading out to the range to show off their skills. Shooters rotated between eight different stations throughout the course, keeping score along the way.

shooting at Fishhawk Sporting Clays, Gift Certificates to Shooter’s World, and one lucky person even took home a new rifle. “It was really fun, I’ve been away for a while and it was the first time I could come out and shoot with my Pops, family, and friends,” competitor Chance said.

In the end, the winners were Nicholas Martin, Ken Martin, Bonnie Martin and Zack Geer, playing for Addison Aborning, a freshman clarinet player in DHS Band. They each received their own First Place individual trophy and of course, bragging At each station two shooting clays would rights among all the shooters. be fired off after the shooter gave the ready signal by saying “pull,” signaling a team Proceeds from the competition as well as member to fire the clays. Competitors were raffle sales will be put into a fund for the instructed to mark an X on the scorecard music program. A portion will go into for a hit, and an O for a miss. individual members accounts for trips, equipment, and uniforms, while most will “This is an excellent opportunity to come fund the music organization as a whole out on a great day, spend some time with for things such as competition fees and my co-workers, and support the band,” transportation costs. competitor Brian Chalk said. “We ask that you continue to support the After going through every station each music programs in your schools. It really competitor was given a chance to try and helps the students and we really need it,” hit the famous long bird shot, for a chance Vice President of Fundraising-Durant to win $100 cash. Music Boosters, Lisa Ledbetter said. As scorecards were tabulated, shooters enjoyed lunch provided by Smokin’ Joe’s BBQ and could enter to win various raffle prizes. Prizes included gifts like free

For more information about the Durant High School music program and to take a look at their upcoming events, visit www. durantband.com.

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LOCAL

A LOCAL MIRACLE THE SECOND CHAPTER

The doctors told Erwin they are in a new “attack mode.” They are not in “surgerymode” or “cure-mode”, rather, the focus is to get the new spots shrunk and, hopefully, Article by Darcie Jarrett gone, in anticipation to put “things” off for “One of my doctors that I am very close to,” a while. said Erwin, “he came out to us before we came back and he was like, ‘Jen, no matter With tears falling down her face, she what happens, you know that we’ve got expressed her biggest fear is not being other things that we can fight with and use around for her kids - graduation, weddings, to help you. We may have to resort back to children. “And it’s not just a fear,” added chemo, but that will help you,’ and I knew, I Erwin, “it’s the truth.” knew when he was telling me all of that…I knew.” On Saturday, June 28, a fundraiser will be held for the Erwin Family at the The scan results were enough to deflate the First Methodist Church of Brandon on soul. Not only had the cancer reappeared, Knights Ave. The event will start at 3pm but it had metastasized into two spots and be emceed by Abby from 90.5 Spirit in her lung and one in her liver. How the FM. There will be an 18-hole miniature December scan showed absolutely nothing golf tournament, donated by Portable to the current results was an open ended Golf Solutions, bounce houses, silent question with no answers. auction, vendor tables, BBQ, pizza and Photo provided by so much more. For information regarding Jennifer Erwin “I am an anomaly,” Erwin sighed. “There the fundraiser, or to donate to Jen’s cause, sponsoring a hole for the miniature golf is no documented case of my cancer on please visit www.youcaring.com and search tournament, please email defyallodds.je@ Earth.” for Defy All Odds. For information on gmail.com.

AFTER A RECENT CANCER SCAN, WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE A BATTLE WON IS BACK IN FULL FIGHTING MODE.

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n the last issue, we took you through an amazing story of a woman named Jennifer Erwin. Jennifer had survived Stage 2 skin cancer, Stage 3 breast cancer, Stage 3B colon cancer, and Stage 4 stomach cancer. A cancer scan on December 2 showed no sign of the disease anywhere in her body. Fast forward to March 5. On this day, Erwin went to her 3-month cancer scan at Shands Hospital in Gainesville. Erwin said, “The morning of, I was a nervous wreck, but I was pretty optimistic. I still, in my hope and faith, was thinking, ‘OK, this is not going to be a happy thing, but I’m going to be OK’, and it wasn’t.” With the support of her mom and a good friend, she waited to be called in to see the doctor.

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The prognosis remained the same as before…2 years, but this was originally given last summer.


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11TH ANNUAL FFA BEAST FEAST AND AUCTION Article by Cheryl Johnston

Longtime volunteer auctioneer Randy Kincaid knows how to raise the ante for bids during the events fundraising portions.

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he Florida FFA served up a variety of wild game, seafood, and other treats at its 11th Annual Beast Feast & Auction on March 22, 2014 to benefit the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center.

“I have attended every Beast Feast since its inception. This exciting day of fellowship allows chapters and FFA supporters statewide to come together and fundraise for the Florida FFA. Chapters prepare different foods from their areas and even auction off the State FFA officers for a day Held at the LTC off Highway 542 near of work to the highest bidder.” Haines City, the event was probably the most exciting lunch venue around. Durant High School agri-science teacher The center hosts a variety of meetings, and FFA club sponsor Thomas Sturgis conferences and workshops for FFA and attended the 2014 event, his first since one other organizations. It is also available for three years ago. “I was really impressed by weddings, reunions and other celebrations. how much it has grown in that time,” he said. Many “friends” of FFA and Florida Agriculture step forward each year through “When I last helped prepare food, we the FFA Foundation with efforts to help had one tent and 12-15 menu items. This out the organization that benefited them year, there were two tents and close to 30 as students. The foundation provides the different items, everything from Fried resources necessary to recognize the leaders Oreo Cookies from the Sebring FFA to for which the organization is known, while homemade ice cream from the Polk County the FFA Association provides the paths for Federation and even Durant’s famous students to succeed. boiled corn. Some of the more exotic items Along with feasting on venison, pork, gator, were alligator nuggets, swamp cabbage and shrimp, fried grouper, turkey, conch salad, venison. It was a very successful event.” oyster stew, swamp cabbage, low country boil, peanuts, homemade ice cream, key lime To business owners, Florida FFA pie and many other foods, guests enjoyed Foundation President Bill Hamm offered, raffles, silent and live auctions, exhibits and “I’m amazed at the many different skills entertainment. students gain from agri-science classes and involvement with FFA.” The owner of Among the items auctioned were vacation William E. Hamm & Associates continued, trips, airboat tours, fishing/hunting trips “I would encourage everyone to sponsor or and gear, framed Robert Butler prints, grills, get involved so the FFA Foundation can gift baskets, jewelry, livestock feed, gift continue providing services and facilities to certificates and a John Deere Gator utility support these outstanding young people.” vehicle that was donated by Everglades Farm Equipment and Southside Feed For information about the FFA Leadership Store. Training Center, call (863) 439-7332 or speak with Executive Director Gary Bartley Ray Clark emceed the event and helped at extension 6321. announce both the silent and live auctions. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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LOCAL

Pictured here are cast memebers from the 2011 production of “I Wed Three Wives.” Photo courtesy of Dodie White

MYSTERY DINNER THEATER REVIVED IN MEMORY OF DR. HAL BREWER

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he non-profit Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library organization proudly presents its fifteenth Mystery Dinner Theater the first weekend in June at the Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College campus off Park Road.

Article by Cheryl Johnston

Proceeds benefit the community, too. Among the various “Friends” activities funded will be the expansion of library resources and facilities, cultural and educational programs presented there, and scholarships for local high school students.

Romance, blackmail, and intrigue await the audience on June 6 and 7. Passengers on Guppy’s maiden voyage are unaware their ship has reached the wrong island, where only inhabitant Gunther Benn is on the lookout for spies among travelers and crew. His suspicion will also infect the cast and Dodie White will direct “A Dangerous audience as they search for clues to solve the murder. Night on a Desert Isle.” This year’s event will honor the memory of Dr. Hal Brewer, who loved the Bruton Memorial Library and the shows, many of which he either starred in, produced or directed.

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“We are so excited to be doing another Mystery Dinner show fundraiser for the Bruton Memorial library and to pay tribute to Dr. Brewer,” she explained. “We would very much appreciate the community’s support and participation.” APRIL 2014 focusplantcity.com

Local celebrities, in alphabetical order, include: Paul Davis, Erica Der, Rob Evans, Kerrie Gafford, Edwena Haney, Charles Harris, Mary Heysek, Rick Lott, Jenny Morgan, Jon Poppell, Leah Scott, Tom

He’s unconcerned about stage fright or lack of experience. “Past participants tell me not to worry about having my lines memorized, that the improvisation makes it fun. Sounds like a ‘train wreck’ to me, or maybe I should say ‘shipwreck.’”

Thoeni, and our Mayor, Mary Thomas Could a new career be in his future? “I’ve Mathis. got a feeling mine will still be Insurance,” he said, “although I did read in the Observer This play will be the second Mystery there’s a new talent agency coming to town.” Dinner Theater performance for Mayor Thomas Mathis, who plays Erika, a women’s Doors open at 6:00 PM for the delicious magazine reporter looking for a story. “I dinner served at 6:30 PM. The play begins at think guests at this year’s fundraiser will be 7:30 PM. Wine and beer will be available. thoroughly entertained,” she shared, adding, Please plan to attend, enjoy the meal, “They will laugh and be truly amazed at the win some great door prizes and solve the talent each person playing a role displays in mystery. For the fun-filled evening of this production. I invite everyone to come superb entertainment starring Plant City’s and see what story Erika discovers on a finest business leaders, purchase your tickets “Desert Isle.” at three locations beginning May 1: Holiday Inn Express on Park Road; Regions Bank, Jon Poppell will play first mate Stu 2303 Thonotosassa Road; and Sunshine Mulligan. “I’ve never been in a play, so it State Federal Savings & Loan. sounded fun and should be interesting to say the least,” he explained. “Basically I am Contact Dodie White at 813-927-0595 or ‘Gilligan.’ Gail Lyons at 813-967-6366 for corporate and individual sponsorship availability.


MEMORIAL DAY 2014

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Order a wreath and give us the name of your veteran (Living or deceased)

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A Large 14” Wreath will be displayed on our front lawn (by the military tribute) in their honor all weekend long – Memorial Day Weekend.

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The cost is only$20 for each Wreath and for each one $10 dollars will be donated to the Plant City American Legion Post#26

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After Memorial Day, stop in at the Funeral Home and pick up your wreath

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LOCAL I developed an eye for enhancing many venues.” After high school, he earned a business degree from St. Leo University, which has helped him with the computer skills and business management part of his career. After exploring business options within his career field, he was led back to the plant business when Launa offered to sell Johnson Plant Rental to him and his brother, Derrick Brown. The two took the offer in 2003 and haven’t looked back. In the first year the business they renamed Plant Directions, Inc. doubled the business and tripled it the following year. “Our plants have been showcased at events around Tampa Bay from convention center shows to political stages and weddings. We are the largest plant rental company in the Tampa Bay area,” added Ryan. Plant Directions, Inc. offers florist-quality interior foliage. Ryan went on to say, “We offer plant rental for weddings, receptions, corporate events, convention center events, funerals, proms, television sets, beauty pageants, parties, grand balls, coronations, and even Gasparilla events. We deliver, Article by Deana Garrison set-up and pick-up as customers request. schools, districts and all the way up to state was a hard and dependable employee there. Rental is for up to three days. If you need levels. Plant City High School has a strong I am very proud of Ryan and the way his plants for a longer period arrangements can be made.” history of excellence when it comes to FFA career in Agriculture has turned out.” competitions. I was proud to compete for PCHS and met a lot of interesting people As part of the high school OJT program, For more information or to schedule plants along the way; it was a lot of fun.” Brown gained lots of experience working at for your next event, visit plantdirections. Johnson’s Nursery and found his passion. com or facebook.com/plantdirections. While speaking so highly of his former He remembers how his passion for the teachers, he doesn’t realize what a lasting plant business started. “Launa Johnson, a impression his former teacher, Ray Clark longtime supporter of PCHS Agriculture had of him. When asked about Ryan, Clark Department, taught me the ins and outs of said, “Ryan was a wonderful student, who the plant rental business (which incidentally was really active in the Plant City FFA. was started as an FFA project by her son, He showed steers and was on several FFA Jeff Johnson, also a former PCHS student). teams. He was always a leader and showed I started by watering plants for her after P.O. Box 247, Dover, FL 33527 respect for the FFA advisors. While in my school. Soon she let me go on plant rental 813-659-0829 class, he worked at Johnson’s Nursery and deliveries and set-ups. As time went on

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

WE FOUND…RYAN BROWN, PLANT DIRECTIONS, INC.

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yan Brown graduated from Plant City High School in 1998 with lots of knowledge about the agricultural environment. The Plant City High School agriculture department played a major role in his readiness for success. Looking back, Brown says, “My teachers, Mrs. Bender and Mr. Clark were the type of teachers to get you involved in all aspects of Agriculture. They were ‘hands on’ and positive about the opportunities available for their students in Hillsborough County Agriculture businesses. I especially liked that they encouraged us to learn new skills and put them to use. I excelled in FFA and liked the different competitions between

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2014

LITTLE MISS PLANT CITY Article by Deana Garrison

Every year, the Little Miss Plant City Pageant, presented by the Plant City Junior Woman’s Club is always a huge success. The Plant City High School auditorium is always filled with excited parents, family members, and friends rooting for their favorite girl. This year was no different. The excitement filled the air as 37 precious little girls walked across the stage. Each contestant gave it their 110% and looked their best. I think the favorite part to all the contestants is just getting all dolled up and pampered for the day where mom and dad makes the day all about them.

Lacie Collins Queen

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LOCAL

First Maid: Bailey Brock, Elizabeth West, Emmylou Varnum, and Tabatha Spinks Mistress of Ceremonies, Crystal Romano and Master of Ceremonies, Michael Cameron led the competition while helping each contestant feel at ease. As they announced each contestant the girls walked across the stage to show beauty, poise, and their great personalities. Each contestant showed their speaking skills with confidence.

After the 2013 Little Miss Plant City Emma Showalter and her court, First Maid Giselle Gutierrez, Payton Talavera, Rylee Vanstonder and Amanda Astrike performed and said their good-byes to get ready to find out who the new queen and court would be for 2014.

Lacie Collins showed a surprised face as she was crowned Little Miss Plant City. Other It was comforting to know that while their members are, First Maid, Bailey Brock, nerves were at the top of the scale, the top Tabatha Spinks, Emmylou Varnum, and ten finalists got together for a prayer led by Elizabeth West. court member Elizabeth West. In today’s world, that piece of information is so nice When asked about what she thought about to hear. The group of girls this year stuck being part of the Little Miss Plant City together to cheer each other on. court, Elizabeth West responded by saying,

““I’m really excited. I’m really looking The queen and her court were showered forward to having fun this year with the with a huge basket loaded with gifts by many sponsors including Beef O’Brady’s, other girls.” Southside, and Dairy Queen, these girls The girls will have a busy yet fun year ahead were definitely pampered. There is no doubt as they attend all of the special events that Plant City has wonderful sponsor planned for their reign. In fact, they have support groups for our youth. already begun their journey. Their very first appearance as Queen and Court was at the Be looking for this adorable queen and annual Relay for Life event where the Little court during many events in Plant City. Miss Plant City and her court are very They seem to be very excited to represent important visitors. The girls had a blast and our town. will continue to have fun as well as develop a lasting friendship through this coming year - one they will never forget.

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GET FRESH MARKET

COMES TO PLANT CITY

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he first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Plant City is the vast agricultural resources available. So with the success of Farmers’ Markets in other surrounding cities, why is it that Plant City does not have it’s own Farmer’s Market. Many of the locals here travel to Tampa or Lakeland to enjoy the benefits of a local market. As of last Wednesday, April 9th, that was no longer the case. Plant City kicked off its first Plant City Get Fresh Market and people came out in droves making the market a success and showing the real need in Plant City for such a venue.

Article by Heather Davis The Plant City Get Fresh Market is held every Wednesday, from 4pm to 8pm at 115 West Alsobrook Street, close to what is now referred to as the Midtown area.

Markets have come and gone, so what is the ingredient that is making this market such a success and so well supported? For starters it may be that it is an evening market, offering people a chance to visit a local market after work or school. Twilight markets as they are called are gaining in popularity as an alternative to the markets held on the weekends. Another important

ingredient in the success of the market are the vendors. Much thought and research was put into gathering the right number amount as well as variety of vendors, striking the right balance between fresh food and produce and artists.

artists s included mural artist Blake Emory, Vicktoria Hanson with Hippy Dippy and her eclectic blend of homemade clothing, Sandy Gompf with homemade soap and candles and Jan and Connie of “Melt My Heart” with handmade jewelery. To add to the ambiance was the live music of Zak Reif The first week of the Get Fresh Market and the Backroads Band. hosted over eight different vendors. Ecofarms is the main source of fresh and Plant City Get Fresh Market has it all – organic produce. No sprays or pesticides are local, fresh, organic produce, dairy, prepared used in the growing of their produce. Other foods, eye popping original artwork and an food vendors include Humming Bird Bread, atmosphere of serenity mixed with pure joy The Corner Store, Griffin Family Farms, and delight in the beauty of a community Gypsy Jus, and the Plant City Commons coming together. Community Garden. All the food vendors quickly sold out of products because of At this time more vendors are being the desire for fresh and local food. The reviewed and placed on a waiting list for market also has farmers’ market veterans potential spaces. For more information such as local folk herbalist and organic please contact Karen Elizabeth at 813-435grower Willow Lamonte and Kimberly 8111 or Heather Davis at 813-277-4069. Wyant of KraP Art. Other local talent and

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CHILDHOOD DREAMS

TAKE FLIGHT PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES RETURNS D

o you like planes? Have you ever found yourself entranced over the realism of a great model train? Maybe you’re a car enthusiast? As children, many of us dreamed of flight, played with model trains, and certainly played with Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars. At least the boys did. If any of these are of interest to you, Plant City has a great event for you to attend. Planes Trains and Automobiles will return again this year to the Plant City Municipal Airport on Saturday, May 17th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. This will be the 4th year of the event.

Article by Brian West

owned planes, model planes and helicopters, a complete model train setup in one of the hangars, many collector cars, and much, much more. There really is something for the whole family. The event has traditionally been held in late March, but with this year’s airshow at MacDill Air Force Base on the same weekend, the committee chose to move the event to May. Next year the event will return to March.

Although it will be held in May, the timing should still provide chamber of commerce weather, just maybe a little warmer. Attendees will pay for parking, The event is coordinated through the but the event itself is free. Vendors will be Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce on hand selling food; so don’t be concerned and features a wide variety of privately about what to do for lunch. There’s always

something for the kids in your family; on past years, so you’re bound to have a bounce houses, homemade ice cream, and great day, relaxing and enjoying time with family and friends. Arrive early and wear more. sunscreen. The committee is still finalizing details for the event, but they expect to improve

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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LOCAL

ON TO THE NEXT ONE LOCAL DIRECTOR RELEASES SECOND FEATURE FILM DVD Article by Amanda Deck

The Entrepreneur follows the trials and tribulations of a young man as he begins to trust God and realize his true life purpose.

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lot can change in a person’s life in just six years. For Mills Cooper, it seems like just yesterday he was living in his car after being laid off from his construction job. However, when many in similar circumstances would have given up, Cooper rededicated his life to God and realized his true passion—writing. During that time, summer 2008, Cooper penned his first novel—”Generation Curse”—which would later become the inspiration for a full-length feature film DVD of the same name. The film was a huge success, with viewings scheduled at area churches and copies sold in local Walmart and Target stores. It was during this process that Cooper learned an important lesson that would direct his path in the years to come.

pursue your dreams. Take control of your something out of his life, strips him naked destiny or you will live to regret it.” to get him to realize his real purpose—to become an entrepreneur,” said Cooper. It appears Cooper’s life is now heading in the right direction as the budding Cooper continues, “This is a film that filmmaker has since directed several music needed to be done, especially during videos, penned a sitcom, completed five this time, because people are losing their more movie scripts, and been contacted jobs, can’t find jobs, losing their homes, by popular 90’s musician M.C. Hammer and marriages are crumbling. This movie and former “Cosby Show” star Malcolm- inspires others to use their God-given gifts Jamal Warner for collaboration on future to help create opportunities for themselves projects. In addition, on April 28 he will be and their families.” making a national television appearance on Afrotainment’s Samy Priso Show (available According to Cooper, “sometimes God on DISH Network and in Canada) to needs to wake us up in order for us to come promote his recently released DVD “The fully alive.” Entrepreneur.” Over eighty-five percent of the film’s scenes “The Entrepreneur” follows the trials and were shot in downtown Plant City, from tribulations of a young man, Jeffery Michael the Depot station to Martin Luther King, Thomas. Jr. Drive.

“We shouldn’t put our hope in another man’s hands, but in God we should trust,” “He’s dependent on his job and men and “The Entrepreneur” is currently available said Cooper. “Step out on your faith and forgets the talents he was given. God creates for rent or download online at indiereign.

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com. In one month, the film will invade Redbox kiosks as well as select Walmart and Best Buy stores throughout the southeast. Be sure to pick up or download a copy and support this up-and-coming local filmmaker! And be on the lookout for more Mills Cooper films, with three more movies to be filmed by the end of the year.

“Step out on your faith and pursue your dreams. Take control of your destiny or you will live to regret it.”


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DONATED ITEMS

The Florida Strawberry Festival, in partnership with Publix Super Market, presented a donation to the United Food Bank of Plant City yesterday that included items collected at the 2014 festival.

“...it’s important to us that we do our part in making sure the families in our community are fed.”

Over 5,000 pounds of non-perishables and Pepsi brand can products were donated to the food bank by Florida Strawberry of the festival, allowed patrons to receive $5 Festival President Jim Jeffries and Publix off the midway wristband in exchange for a Super Market Media and Community Pepsi brand canned product. Relations Manager Brian West. In addition to these food items, six steers “Our festival celebrates agriculture, the and five pigs were donated to the food bank industry that feeds our people,” said Jeffries. from buyers at the festival’s CF Industries “So it’s important to us that we do our Youth Steer Sale and Youth Swine Sale. part in making sure the families in our community are fed.” The United Food Bank of Plant City is a partner of the United Way and helped Three days of the festival featured drives to feed nearly 23,000 people in Eastern collect non-perishable food items and Pepsi Hillsborough County last year, said brand canned products. On the Publix Director Christine Miller. Super Market Day on the Midway, festival patrons were invited to bring any Publix “We are proud to partner with such brand non-perishable item to the festival an outstanding organization in our to receive $4 off the fun pack ride coupon community,” said Jeffries. “We hope to work book. Pepsi Family Day, held both Sundays with them for many years to come.”


LOCAL

FIVE FROM TROOP 5 ACHIEVE RANK OF EAGLE SCOUT

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ive young men received the prestigious Eagle Scout award on Monday evening, March 24, 2014, at the Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26 in Plant City. Chase Dunn, Michael Hahn, Isaac Rivers, Christopher Tatum and Spencer Tatum were honored by The Timucua District of the Gulf Ridge Council, Boy Scouts of America, at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor on behalf of Troop 5 members. Scoutmaster Mark Hamilton and Assistant Scoutmaster Jeffrey Dunn, along with family, friends and local dignitaries witnessed the official pinning by parents Dr. & Mrs. Jeffrey E. Dunn, Mr. & Mrs. Steven J. Hahn, Mr. & Mrs. C. Reginald Rivers, and Mr. & Mrs. Mike Tatum. The boys also received commendations and awards from the American Legion, Marine Corps League and the Sons of the American Revolution.

Article by Cheryl Johnston

In addition to earning at least 21 merit badges and demonstrating Scout Spirit through leadership, Eagle Scout recipients must also plan, develop, and lead a major Eagle Project—to demonstrate a commitment to duty and community. Finally, after participation in a Scoutmaster conference, he must complete an Eagle Scout board of review. Through 2013, a Five young men from Plant City’s BSA Troop 5 accomplished Eagle Scout ranking total of 2,209,000 Scouts had earned Eagle, last month. (L-R) are Spencer Tatum, Chase Dunn, Christopher Tatum, Isaac from among more than 83,486,083 Scouts Rivers, Michael Hahn. Photo courtesy of Stacy Dunn since 1911. So a little over two percent have accomplished the rank. Eagle projects for Troop 5 included renovations to the Plant City Entertainment community theater building and upgrades to both Alderman’s Ford and Edward Medard parks. Hamilton considers himself privileged to have worked with these five since they were first graders at Walden Lake Elementary, calling their accomplishment “a memory I won’t soon forget.” He explained, “They had a lot of fun on their quest; experiencing some Five new Eagle Scouts from Troop 5 in Plant City reciting the Eagle Scout Pledge with their parents seated in the foreground. Photo courtesy of Stacy Dunn

of the best camping in the Southeast. They also attended high adventure experiences either canoeing 50 miles through the boundary waters at Northern Tier, Ontario in Canada or sailing the Florida Straits for a week on their own sailboat at Florida Seabase. I trust they’ll leverage the skills and traits learned through application of the Scout Oath and Law throughout their lives.” Chase Dunn called his eleven years in scouting “a lot of hard work, but definitely worth the effort.” He added, “The rank of Eagle Scout is more than a name; it produced memories and friendships to last forever.”

Troop 5 Scoutmaster Mark Hamilton addresses the Eagle Scout Court of Honor audience at American Legion Post 26 in Plant City. Photo courtesy of Stacy Dunn

Scouts.” He added, “They’ve been there, at every point, making memories. I hope to impart that on younger kids in the future, maybe even my own, so they may benefit from the experience as I have.” Isaac Rivers joined BSA in first grade after his dad “stepped up to start and lead a Cub Scout den.” As a result, he explained, “Other adults looked at me when it came time for their children to guide themselves or know the activity’s next step. I may not have thought about it like this when I was younger, but I’d been trained to do whatever I needed to achieve the goal in front of me. In Boy Scouts that training was sharpened, fine-tuned, and applied to real world situations.”

Chris Tatum agreed, saying, “It was a long, hard trip, but well worth it.” Rivers, also a Battalion Commander in Plant City High School’s JROTC program, His twin brother Spencer Tatum shared, advises others pursuing the Eagle rank: “The road to Eagle was long, but I met “Work the program because the program many great people and many funny Cub works. Do what’s expected, with excellence Scouts.” and you’ll achieve…and don’t quit. There were difficult times when I wanted to give Michael Hahn calls this scouting up, but after looking back on all the fun, accomplishment a “defining moment,” earning this honor makes every second but said, “What matters most is sharing it worth it.” with the friends I’ve known since we Cub FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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GHOST PARTY TOURS

TO HAUNT HISTORIC PLANT CITY Article by Amanda Deck

Also like her other Ghost Party Tours, customers will have three traditional touring options to choose from: Haunted History, a G-rated daytime tour great for seniors and families with young children; Bump in the Night, a PG adventure which gives tourists the opportunity to use basic ghost hunting equipment; and the haunting Ghost Adventure for daring thrill-seekers ages 11 and up. With purchase of a Ghost Adventure ticket, customers become members of the Ghost Party Paranormal team and gain access to a monthly newslettter, tour discounts, and special group trips and outings. In addition to the traditional tours, Ghost Party Tours also offers a $5 educational “Ausome Ghost Adventure” tailored especially for children with Autism, Aspergers, and other special needs. Furthermore, customers can book private Ghost Adventure parties for birthdays or other celebrations.

All in all, Koplenik hopes Ghost Party Tours will help stimulate area small businesses and bring more tourists to the community, Ghost Party Tours is available to host private ghost investigation parties for birthdays and other celebrations. whether hardcore paranormal investigators rom cotton warehouses that housed attraction is the historic Don Vicente Inn, have fun and get a little spooked, but or vacationing families looking to spend a African slaves to Civil War-era a beautiful 16-room hotel which, until the they also learn a vast amount of historical day away from the nearby theme parks. hospitals and burial grounds, mid 1970s, served as a hospital and morgue. information during the tour. Savannah, Georgia is an area rich in For more information on Ghost Party Because of Ghost Party Tours, the Don Similar to Ghost Party Tours Savannah and Tours and to stay updated on its status in American history. Vicente Inn has gained much more Ybor City, Koplenik hopes Ghost Party Plant City, check out ghost-party.com. In When Chrissy Koplenik first visited popularity and business, helping it thrive in Tours Plant City will offer a “Dinner and the meantime, be sure to purchase tickets Savannah in 1989, she was drawn to the a struggling market versus their competitors a Tour” option. She is currently working to Ghost Party Tours Ybor City! Tours run with Snellgrove’s Restaurant to make that every day. seaside city’s historical significance... during the recession. a reality. that it was one of the few southern towns untouched by General William Sherman’s In fact, the hotel was featured on the Travel “March to the Sea,” a military campaign in Channel’s paranormal television series which the Union Army burned nearly the “Dead Files” in 2011. The show’s producer entire Confederate region to the ground. personally contacted Koplenik and used her Therefore, Savannah boasts some of the historical and paranormal research in the South’s oldest buildings, many that are over show. 250 years old. Ghost Party Tours will soon be coming Because downtown Savannah is so full of to Plant City, and Koplenik is currently history, it’s become a popular destination searching for buildings her customers can for paranormal investigators. In fact, a visit during their historical experience. ghost tour Koplenik took during her first Right now, she’s looking into the Plant City visit in Savannah left her hooked, so much Union Depot, the Lee Building, and the so that she started to lead her own specialty 1914 Plant City High School Community tours in the city and other historical areas Center, among others. throughout the east coast. Today, visitors flock daily to experience one of Savannah’s Unlike many ghost tours which invent 50 ghost tours, including Koplenik’s Ghost false stories to create shock value, Koplenik Party Tours company. works hard to make sure each building on the tour is truly significant. She delves into After perfecting her craft in Savannah for a the building’s history while her team of couple of years, Koplenik decided to test the experienced TRUE Paranormal researchers The Don Vicente Inn is one of the main attractions in Koplenik’s Ghost Party ghost tour concept in Ybor City. The first of investigate the site’s spiritual activity. Not tours in Ybor City. In 2011, the haunted hotel was featured in the Travel Channel its kind in Ybor, Ghost Party Tours’ main only does Koplenik ensure her customers paranormal television series “Dead Files.”

F

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DID YOU KNOW

ARE WE LOSING OUR HISTORY?

AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT Article by Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

S

ince the rise of the Internet and the dominance of digital applications much has happened to cause some to question if we are losing our history. The digital age has displaced much of what we used to rely on for information about what happened in the past. Due to the continuing evolution in hardware and software much of the storage methodology we have been using has to be constantly updated or the information will become lost, unable to be retrieved. Let’s start at the beginning. Hard copy. People don’t write letters or postcards. Newspapers have severally cut reporting, writing, editorial and office staffs, reduced the size and content of their printed and even electronic editions, and have decimated their photography staffs. Books and magazines have largely become electronic digital editions, and professional photographers have virtually disappeared. One high placed Internet and digital world professional has stated that everything we do, everything we write, email, think, our opinions, our photos, etc., all have been digitally recorded. This is a poor substitute for real memory. True, hard copy is vulnerable to fire, water, and deterioration. When preserved properly, however, this medium is not reliant on software language evolution nor power outages. Let’s go back to newspapers. They have been the source of much information, accurate or not, over the years. We have seen reporting staff so drastically cut that many events and activities are not covered adequately or at all. News programs on TV or on the Internet are entertainment

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oriented or so ideologically skewed so as to make them misleading or irrelevant. We are losing the basic coverage of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of any story that makes information so valuable to future researchers. And what coverage does take place is not adequately recorded and stored for future retrieval, What about photographs? Everyone now takes photos with their digital pointand-shoot cameras or their cell phones. They share them, send them, enjoy them and then the electronic photos disappear. Seldom are they printed and even then the quality is lacking. Yes, photographs are worth a thousand words or more, but only if they are of good quality and saved, stored, preserved, and retrievable are they of value to future research. Educational institutions also have not been helpful in this regard. They relegate the teaching of history to few required courses and sometimes there are no history courses available. The emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, “STEM”, has displaced the holistic approach to a broad based education. The emphasis on training has become dominant over education. But you have got to know where you came from to know where you are going. Who remembers floppies that can no longer be read, eight-tracks that are worthless, CDs that have lost their data, tapes that are tangled, word processors that are now in basements or trash piles, even WordStar or earlier versions of Word that can no longer be read? Storage formats such as JPEG and TIFF are constantly being upgraded and

will need to be continuously converted or migrated to save the data. We have visited a number of companies, governmental entities, schools, and civic clubs and organizations and have found that they have collected either very little or no data about their own organizations. And if they have collected anything it is most frequently stored the same way we do at home – clippings, photos, memorabilia kept in a desk drawer or cabinet somewhere. These organizations, that have done much in their communities and bear evidence on those communities’ history, have seldom retained any information about their past. When we begin to reconstruct these organizations’ pasts we find that we frequently must rely on human memory. And if those people have gone, so too is the history that they have carried with them. Not many years ago most organizations had someone delegated to the task of “historian,” whose job it was to clip articles, retain photographs, programs, letters, and accumulate memorabilia. That practice is virtually gone. One school we visited had undergone remodeling and, in doing so, had discovered a box of photographs. To our dismay, they were discarded, along with any historical evidence they may have contained. Businesses and corporations are difficult because they seldom collect their past activities, except some P&L data, and management or corporate headquarters do not assign these tasks to anyone. Our conclusion is that, yes, we are losing our history. It is not because we don’t care; it is because we have not given it much thought – usually until too late. Remember all those photos you collected and made no notes because you knew who it was, and when,

and where? But now, years later, you pull out those old photos and cannot remember. And people don’t write letters identifying people and places and dates. No postcards. No clippings. Much is done in the way of emails, and emailed photos, most of which is soon discarded. More memory is lost. The Photo Archives and History Center is concerned about the preservation of the history of our many surrounding communities. To do what we can to help people, families, organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, companies, small and large businesses, and other interested entities the Photo Archives and History Center is putting together a program to save our history. It is an expensive proposition and we cannot do it for free as we have in the past and are therefore developing a fee for service program. We are basically addressing record retention, record collection, record management, collection management, scanning services, storage, and data preservation, historical research, and writing, etc. We propose this as an outside consulting agency, where we will assist your organization in setting up its own internal system, or we can perform these services for your organization in conjunction with your needs and guidance as to your goals and objectives. But whatever you do, whether alone or with outside assistance, do not allow yourself or your organization, entity, or business lose more of the history that you have created over the years and which may mean much to you and your community in the future. Sources include the Duke University lecture series “The Future of the Past, the Future of the Present: the Historical Record in the Digital Age”, History Associates, Inc.


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CHAMBER COLUMN

GREATER PLANT CITY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Submitted by Brian West

The Strawberry Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday, April 19th 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.

Situated at the Lakeland Linder Airport Centrally located between Orlando and Tampa Over 4,000 sq. ft. of event space for Weddings, Meetings or Special Events. Stop by for Happy Hour specials at The Hangar Bar & Grill, then stay for dinner. Feel at home in your room that includes a microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker. Soak in the sun by our outdoor heated pool and whirlpool. Complimentary 24-hour Business Center and high-speed internet access.

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The new Chamber members this month include: • Stone Ledge Manor will hold their ribbon cutting on April 15th at 11:00 a.m. at 12006 McIntosh Rd. • Top Shelf Sports Bar and Grill will hold their ribbon cutting on May 1st at 11:00 a.m. at 110 East Reynolds Street, Suite 100 B • Seafood Dive will hold their ribbon cutting on May 6th at 11:00 a.m. at 38 West Alexander Street • Melissa Snively, Candidate for Hillsborough County School Board District 4 will hold a ribbon cutting on May 13th at 11:00 a.m. at 106 N. Evers Street • Oracle Home Health Care will hold their ribbon cutting on May 29th at 11:00 a.m. at 1602 West Timberlane Drive 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. This month’s breakfast will be

held on Wednesday, May 14th at 7:30 a.m. in the Grimes Agriculture Building on the grounds of the Florida Strawberry Festival. 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 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 7543707. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will be holding their monthly Business After Hours on Thursday April 17th from 5:15 – 7:00 p.m. The April event is sponsored by Mango Cleaners and will be held at 1805 James Redman Parkway Suite 201. 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. The Bike Show will be held on Saturday, May 3rd 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.


PLANT CITY

RIBBON CUTTINGS The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Specialist Doctors’ Group, located at 1910 West Reynolds Street, Plant City. Specialist Doctors’ Group offers a wide variety of services with experienced medical specialists, including a podiatrist and a family general practitioner. By consistently providing quality medical care at affordable prices with an emphasis on friendly and timely service, Specialist Doctors’ Group strives to treat every patient with the same quality care. For more information, please call: 813-754-4980

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Plant City Dentistry, located at 2313 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, on April 10, 2014. At Plant City Dentistry, Dr. Mendoza & Dr. Nguyen provide excellent lifetime dental care for all of their patients. They are dedicated to diagnosing, treating and educating patients on their oral health. Call them today at: (813) 704-6986

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 13, 2014 for Urgent Care USA at 413 North Alexander Street, Plant City. Urgent Care USA is the perfect bridge between the limited availability of your regular medical office (especially for unexpected problems) and the hospital emergency rooms. Convenient Care Clinics are expanding all across America for their specialized, efficient service for your health related problems. For more information please call : 813-752-7222

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 22, 2014 for Antioch Little League at 8510 Franklin Road, Plant City. As a youth sports organization, they teach children how to play the sports of baseball & softball. By participating at Antioch Little League, children learn how to be a part of a team and what “teamwork” really means.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Sweetgum Environmental on March 18, 2014 at the Chamber. Sweetgum Environmental is a full service environmental consulting firm with national experience and recognition. Rob DeGraaf, president & senior environmental scientist, heads up the Plant City headquarters and covers all of Florida and thirty nine other states. Sweetgum’s services include site assessment, wetlands, asbestos, Phase I and II mold, and threatened and endangered species surveys & relocations. You can reach Rob DeGraaf @ 813/365-2411, email: sweetgum@verizon.net, or www.sweetgumenvironmental.com

The Greater Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 22, 2014 for The Art of Prevention. They are a nonprofit organization formed for the purpose of preventing injury, fatality and psychological trauma on high school and college campuses. Their program is called the Peer Pal Campus Violence Prevention System and is designed to combat internal and external threats using research based techniques and technologies. They do not wait for incidents to escalate; instead Peer Pal proactively monitors the climate through risk assessment, prevention training and resource development.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 25, 2014 for Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, PC. Uncle Mike’s is family owned and operated by husband & wife team Mike & Simone Tolley. They are located on State Road 60 near Hwy 39, Plant City, they are open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner, and offer catering both on and off site. With one location only, the Tolley’s and partner Dave Howell, will focus on growing Uncle Mike’s in Plant City. For information on daily specials and events call 813-737-4444.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Direct Auto Insurance on April 3, 2014, located at 2403 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City. Direct Auto Insurance works hard to provide the best auto insurance while still making it easy to get approved and stay covered.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for University of Florida, Plant City campus on Tuesday, April 8, 2014. They are located on the HCC property at 1200 North Park Road. University of Florida, PC is a satellite campus offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs. It is an education center through IFAS and the Gulf Coast Research and Education center in Balm, Florida. For more information, contact Tiffany Dale, the Academic Program Coordinator @ 813-757-2195.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting at Stone Ledge Manor, located at 12006 McIntosh Road, Thonotosassa. Stone Ledge Manor’s Secure Memory Care has specially trained staff who care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. They provide 24 hour supervision and assistance with medication management, meal preparation, and all other seniors’ activities of daily living. For more information call: 813-986-7900. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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Faces Faith Interviews by Cheryl Johnston

Photography by Anthony Sassano

of

MEN ON A MISSION

As we approach one of the most significant and celebrated events in humankind’s history, our minds turn naturally to spiritual thoughts and the idea of new life. With the annual Resurrection of Christ celebrations in God. And if you feel compelled to ask a few of your and dramatic productions for Easter just around own, we’re quite certain they’ll be happy to oblige. the corner, we felt this would be the perfect time to spotlight some of our local pastors. Meet seven men who are sure of their life’s mission. Thanks to these and many others who minister to We believe you’ll enjoy reading their encouraging hundreds and thousands of families, our community and insightful responses to our questions about faith is the better for their service.

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MICAHTRANSFORMING RODRIGUEZ LIFE CHURCH Micah Rodriguez moved to Plant City from Pensacola at age one when his father, Jim, was attending Southeastern University and serving as a janitor at Turkey Creek Assembly of God, now known as Transforming Life Church. The Durant High School and Southeastern University graduate (Bachelor’s in Business, 2007) will celebrate his 33rd birthday on April 24. Needless to say, he’s pleased to follow in his Pastor/Father’s footsteps at the same church Jim Rodriguez served for 31 years (26 as Senior Pastor; began as church janitor).

The happiest moments of his life so far would be “the three days each of my children were born. No greater joy than welcoming them into the world.” “Lean upon your encounters with Christ,” advises Pastor Micah to those exploring their faith. “There will be days when you’ll question what you believe and if God is real,” he said, adding, “In those moments, all you’ll have are your raw encounters with Christ to give you hope and confirm your faith in Him.”

Transforming Life Church derives its strength in “providing a place for people to fulfill the purpose Jesus gave us,” he explained. “We believe in training and empowering people to go where we cannot; to minister in their life at work, home, and school. We are All called to be ministers where we are placed. Pastors can only reach those who come into Since Pastor Micah entered the the church, but the people can go far beyond the four walls.” ministry at age 21, he has served as youth pastor. He and his wife “Ministry starts at the home” is his best ministry lesson Heidi have three children: Gideon to date. “If I’m not successful with my family, I can’t be (6), Adelaide (4), and Mathias (1). successful with my church. Nothing is more important than The family loves to go to drive- making them my first ministry priority.” in movies and drive the golf cart on their property. And Micah Aside from Jesus Christ, the one thing this pastor can’t live confessed that he’s also becoming without is “my beautiful wife Heidi. She is the backbone of interested in target shooting, our ministry and without her I would be useless.” though he doesn’t own a gun yet. A favorite verse, John 16:33 (NIV), offers Micah and his At youth camp in his fifteenth congregation encouragement for the tough times: “I have summer, Micah was given the told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. opportunity to speak spiritually In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have in the lives of several peers. Of overcome the world.” this defining moment experience, he recalled: “As an introvert, I Since the pastor is a Dietrich Bonhoeffer fan, a favorite quote was always terrified of people and and book recommendation was easy: “Being a Christian is speaking. I rose to the occasion with less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously boldness and they responded. My life and actively doing God’s will,” and The Cost of Discipleship. calling to be a pastor was confirmed at that point.”

TRANSFORMING LIFE CHURCH (KNOWN FORMERLY AS TURKEY CREEK ASSEMBLY OF GOD) 3805 Turkey Creek Road Plant City, FL 33567 (813) 754-5372 www.tlchurchpc.com Service times: Sunday- 10:00 a.m; Wednesday- 7:00 p.m. Established: 1950

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Church’s motto: “Reaching and transforming lives through the Love of Christ” Special outreaches: World Famous Strawberry Shortcake (TLC/ Transforming Life Church/ Turkey Creek Assembly of God) at annual Strawberry Festival & Hillsborough County Fair


GROOM’S CAKES! Surprise him with a GROOM’S CAKE that’s exclusively his!

FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2014

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REV.

DR.PLANTBRIAN STOWE CITY’S FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Prior to becoming the new pastor of Plant City’s First Baptist Church, Dr. Brian Stowe served 16 years as Senior Pastor of Maysville Baptist Church in Georgia. He and his wife Bonnie have four children: Sarah (17), Hannah (15), Andrew (10), and Elizabeth (3). In addition to spending time with family and friends, the pastor enjoys a little golf every now and then, too! His education includes an earned Doctorate in Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina, a Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Texas, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. In describing the defining moment that led him to become a pastor, Dr. Stowe shared: “It may sound cliché, but it is still true; the call of God. Shortly after I became a Christian in 1988, God called me into the ministry. I experienced that call as I travelled home from work on a Monday afternoon. God spoke in a still, small voice to my spirit and called me into the ministry. I accepted. I did not know at the beginning that I would become a pastor. I just knew I was going to be in ministry doing something for the Lord somewhere. Over time, God clarified for me that I was to serve Him by pastoring in the church.” “March 23, 1988 was the day I became a Christian and was by far the greatest day and event of my life. Following that,” he added, “it would be June 13, 1992, the day I married Bonnie! And then it would be the births of our children!” These dates represent the things Dr. Stowe says he can’t live without, “Jesus Christ and my family.” When people begin to explore the idea of faith in Jesus Christ, Dr. Stowe would advise them to consider the following: • Ask any question you like! But accept the fact that some questions may not have answers. • Just because you may see someone that claims to be a

Christian but yet lives contrary to the Word of God; don’t hold that against the truth of God’s Word. God’s Word is truth, and Jesus is still the only way to eternal life! • Read the Gospel of John and 1 John as a beginning place to become familiar with the claims of Christ. • Attend a church that teaches the claims of Christ with love and without apology. • Ask some people you know are Christians – and who show it by their lips and living – what Christ has done in their lives. • Do not delay or put off your exploration. If anything, urgently and diligently act on that interest while you are still interested. You did not become interested on accident or by your volition. As to the strength of Plant City’s First Baptist Church to accomplish its mission of sharing the Gospel, Dr. Stowe believes: • Any successful and lasting ministry is ALWAYS based on prayer. People are talented and social and creative, but only God can provide His presence and His blessing. Those “gifts” from God come only through prayer. • We are committed to the truths of God’s Word. We strive to show, not how we can make God’s Word fit into our lives; rather, we show how our lives are to be directed by God’s Word. • “OTHERS” are, and must always be, extremely important. A phrase I oftentimes find myself expressing is, “It’s not about you.” Jesus said that He came to this earth, not to be served, but to serve…It’s hard to serve others if we are focused on self. But if we are focused on others, serving them will be a delight. • We always work to make sure that the glory and credit goes to Almighty God – and no one else. “I have learned,” added Dr. Stowe, “that others do not care how much I know until they know how much I care.” The testimony of Paul in his letter to the Philippians (3:13-14) is an important verse in the life of PCFBC’s pastor: “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Dr. Stowe’s diligence, grace and sense of humor are evident in three of his favorite encouragments that follow: 1) “Stay at it.” 2) “It is what it is;” and 3) “You’re only one step away from stupid.” In addition to the Bible, he also enjoys instruction from his favorite book, the classic by Oswald Chambers: My Utmost for His Highest.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, PLANT CITY 503 N Palmer Street, Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-4104 www.fbcpc.com Service times: Sunday Morning Worship and SS 9:00 and 10:30 am, Sunday Evening Worship, 6:30 pm, Wednesday Bible Studies 6:15 p.m.

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Established: 1866 Plant City’s First Baptist Church desires to “Bear Lasting Fruit” by leading people to…Know Christ, Grow in Christ, and Show Christ’s Love. Annual outreaches: Easter Egg Drop, Fall Festival, Christmas Musical/Drama Program, Fish Fry, Wild Game Dinner


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REV.

SCOTT R. LAWRY EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Rev. Scott Lawry was selected as the new pastor of Evangelical Presbyterian Church to begin serving in January of 2014. And he’s happy to be here! “Although I am originally from upstate New York (a small town outside of Schenectady), I am feeling right at home in Plant City! I love the small-town atmosphere and the excitement of many family-oriented events in our community – much like my own upbringing. We moved here from Montgomery, AL at the end of 2013. My wife Rachel and I have been married 18 years and we have 6 children, 5 of whom are still at home. I studied Christian Education at Lee University in Cleveland TN, and then received my MDiv from Covenant Seminary in St. Louis, MO. I have been in church-ministry for about 20 years and ordained in the gospel ministry for 14. We are most grateful to God for bringing us to Plant City and to our wonderful new church. Probably the most solidifying moment that led to my becoming a pastor was when my dormitory in college burned to the ground at 2:30 a.m. (Lee University, 1993). I escaped unharmed, but the fear of the potential loss of life haunted me. God had spared me for a purpose. I felt the very strong confirmation of the call to the gospel ministry that year.”

Pastor Lawry calls the happiest moment of his life as “My wedding day to my bride of 18 years, Rachel. She is the greatest blessing in my life and I praise the Lord for her every day! From our marriage have come 4 births and 2 adoptions – all very happy moments of my life as I became a father!” He has some perfect advice for those just beginning to examine faith in Christ: “Don’t look at the imperfect followers or the distractions – look at the person of Jesus Christ. Read the Gospel of John with an open mind and heart. You will see the ministry, personality, love, power and grace of Jesus jump off the pages. You can almost peer into the eyes of the One who loved perfectly.” The strengths of EPC, according to Pastor Lawry, is “Our people.” He explained: “We have many, many lay leaders who are not only active in our church, but also in our community. They love God and people with all their hearts, and they are busy serving Christ and our community. A few examples would be our awesome Awana ministry, our adoption education and support group, our mission teams, our praise teams, our puppet ministry and many more.” The best lesson he’s learned in ministry is “that the sin-nature permeates the hearts of men.” The one thing this pastor can’t live without, aside from Jesus Christ and his family, is: “My phone. It is my portable Bible, communication device, encyclopedia, and lifeline to all those I love dearly.” His favorite Scripture is from Ephesians 2:8-9, which reads: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” The poetry of C.T. Studd speaks words of life to Rev. Lawry: “Only one life, ’twill soon be past, 
Only what’s done for Christ will last. 
 And when I am dying, how happy I’ll be, 
 If the lamp of my life has been burned out for Thee.” And one book he believes “every Christian ought to read” is What’s So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey. He’s not alone with this choice!

EVANGELICAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PLANT CITY 1107 Charlie Griffin Road, Plant City, FL 33566 813-759-9383 www.epcpc.org Service times: Sunday 9:30 Worship, 10:45 Coffee & Snacks, 11:10 Sunday School Wednesdays 5:30 Dinner, 6:00 AWANA, 6:30 Youth & Adult Christian Education. Established: 1985

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Church’s motto: “Equip God’s People. Proclaim Christ. Change the World.” Special annual outreaches: Spring Picnic & Outdoor Service (March), Youth Surf Camp ( June), Fall Festival (November), Vacation Bible School (August – evenings)


JOE BOWLES SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH Joe Bowles moved from Indiana to Plant City with his family in 1952 when he was just two years-old. The Plant City High School graduate then earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and a Master’s degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He was appointed as pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in May of 1978. Pastor Bowles and his wife Susan have five children: Brittany, Lindsay, Bailey, Kelsey, and Evan. Obviously, family gatherings are a special part of their lives. He also enjoys sports and writing sports stories for Focus. When asked his decision to pastor, Joe shared: “For me, there was never a single defining moment, but rather a series of moments when God was dealing with me about the ministry. I was a USF senior when God began to reveal to me His plan for my life. I was preparing to begin my internship as a social science teacher at Gulf High School when God spoke to me during an evening worship service. As I was listening to the sermon, God said to me, “That is what I want you to do.” I tried to dismiss the thought, but I could not get it out of my mind.” “From then on,” he continued, “every sermon I heard others preach, God would share with me additional thoughts or lessons from the scripture that, if given the opportunity to preach, I would be able to share. I talked with my pastor and told him I believed God was calling me to the ministry, but I was hesitant to make the decision public because I had already had my life planned out. I know we are not to bargain with God, but I can remember one day in prayer when I said: “God, I promise to surrender to the ministry and serve you the rest of my life if you’ll one day save my father.” The next Sunday, I surrendered to his call, walked down the aisle and publicly acknowledged God’s call on my life. It was a euphoric feeling.” Considering himself as “generally happy nearly all the time,” Pastor Bowles called it difficult to pinpoint his “happiest moment.” But one “particularly significant,” he said, “was the moment my father trusted Christ as his Savior. He did so late in life after years of prayer and it made it more meaningful, knowing God fulfilled his promise to me when I surrendered to preach.” With a background in education and the social sciences, Pastor Bowles has some common sense advice to folks beginning to explore their spiritual beliefs. “If they were inquiring about Christ, I would encourage them to examine the life of Christ and His claims. After examining all the evidence, then make an intellectual choice about who Jesus is. Faith is not a leap in the dark but rather a walk in the light. If after examining all the evidence, they accept the truth that Jesus is God’s Son, then I would encourage them to make a spiritual decision to repent of their sin and place their faith in Christ, as they commit their life to Him and rejoice that their eternity will be in Heaven.” Pastor Bowles believes churches should definitely be “making sure the people are being taught God’s Word.” He explained why. “There is much to be said for Christians who are fed a diet of the Word. It helps mature them in their faith, as well as, equipping them to minimize potential problems often caused by immature Christians.”

While the church must operate using business principles, Pastor Joe knows that “in the ministry, the bottom line is souls. We can’t judge our success or effectiveness as businesses do.” However, he explained, “A few lessons I have learned in ministry have helped me continue to faithfully serve through the years. The main one is this: I am not a servant of the people but I am a servant of God to the people.” Pastor Joe is known for his subtle humor, so we loved his answer to the question about the one thing he can’t live without, aside from Jesus Christ. He replied: “Oxygen. Krispy Kreme.” Then he added, “Seriously, I know Christ is all we need, but there are so many people he has allowed me to have lasting relationships with in my pilgrimage here on earth, that I cannot imagine my life without them. I love my wife and my children, and my friends and my church family. Life would not be the same without them.” Psalm 27 is a passage that “soothes and calms” him. “I do not have a ‘life verse’ like so many other people do,” he explained, “but this Psalm also allows me to get a proper perspective of life when things sometimes go haywire.” Another help for those times is a poem he memorized (author unknown). He described it as the motto he’s tried to live by after his surrender to the call of ministry. Lord, let me live from day to day, In such a self-forgetful way, That even when I kneel to pray, My prayer shall be for others. Others Lord, yes others, Let this my motto be. Help me live for others, Lord, That I might live like Thee. Pastor Bowles identifies himself as a “prolific reader,” because he loves to read. “Some books have become like friends to me,” he said. Since he purchased the book “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn a few years ago, he has read it twice and also listened to it on CD. “It has enlightened me to the reality and wonder of Heaven,” he shared. “It answered a lot of my questions, such as what it will be like. It has also made Heaven more real and attractive to me. I look forward to Heaven more today than ever before.”

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PASTOR

CALVIN CALLINS, SR.

GREATER NEW HOPE ANOINTED MINISTRIES PRAYER CENTER Pastor Calvin Callins, Sr. considers himself blessed to be born into an extended musical family whose members focused on the Lord. His grandfather was a pastor of Gospel Tabernacle in Plant City, Florida. Along with his whole family, Calvin grew up playing and singing in the church music ministry. From the tender age of three, his natural musical talent had a place to grow and mature. During the 1990s he toured, recorded, and shared stages with Gospel talents such as Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Shirley Caesar and many others. In 1994, he and sixty of his family members recorded a special album entitled, The Family That Prays Together Stays Together. In 1995, Pastor Calvin Callins, Sr. performed on Bobby Jones Gospel in 1995.

others as you would have them do unto you.’ “In other words,” he said, “if you want to receive love you have to give love.” To those who have had difficulties or who may not have attended church in a while, Pastor Callins offers some hope. “We all have a past and everyone has a different story. Everyone is an “ex” something and we don’t look down on anyone unless we are helping them get up.”

He continued, “We reach beyond the parameters of the physical church in order to: disciple Christians and to win the lost and to take the leadership of Jesus into homes and communities.” Our mission is to join the In 1996, he married Dr. Tandria Callins, his junior/senior fight in breaking down barriers of religions, high school sweetheart and today they have “three wonderful denominations, race and class by lifting up children”: Calaydria, Calvin, Jr., and Caleb.” He calls the day of the name of the Lord through praise and their wedding “the happiest moment of my life.” Pastor Callins worship. John 12:32 says that ‘If I be lifted shared, “I began to see God work in my life and realized also that up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to He had sent my true rib to help, support, guide, and to lead me.” myself.’” In December 2009 Pastor Callins, Sr. was privileged to travel throughout Italy on an 11-day gospel music tour and in February 2010, published his first book, Why Me? The pastor has “known since childhood that God had called me to be a Pastor.” He added, “When I played sports (basketball and football), I was always the smallest on the team, but I was always asked to be the captain. So, I knew then I was called to lead people.”

With everyone, one guideline he tries to live by is ‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ “In other words,” he said, “if you want to receive love you have to give love.”

Aside from Jesus Christ, Pastor Callins explains the thing he can’t live without is family. “We all have one opportunity in life to love one another; especially our family,” he To those beginning to explore their faith, Pastor Callins has shared. “We are to love our family like Christ some good advice. “I would tell them that every obstacle in their loves us. If there is no one else I can lean on life will cause their faith to grow stronger in God. People have or depend on, I know my the misconception that when they become a believer, they will unto you.’ “In other words,” he said, “if you have no more problems, but sometimes their problems multiply. want to receive love you have to give love.” In faith, we know we serve a greater God who is bigger than any problem we face in life.” One favorite read, in addition to the Bible, of course, is Wayne Cordeiro’s book, Leading on He also explained that “Greater New Hope is a church that Empty: Refilling Your Tank and Renewing Your meets people where they are in life and we show them love.” Passion. With everyone, one guideline he tries to live by is ‘Do unto

GREATER NEW HOPE ANOINTED MINISTRIES PRAYER RETREAT CENTER (BKA GREATER NEW HOPE) 2104 Mud Lake Road Plant City, FL 33566 813.754.3626 www.greaternewhopepc.com Service times: Sundays: 9:45am (Sunday school); 11:00am (Worship Service); Wednesdays 7:00pm (Bible Study)

Established: 1998 Church’s motto: “About my Father’s Business!... Lending a Helping Hand.” Annual outreaches: Relay for Life, Women Empowerment, feeding hungry families for holidays, and a state of the art recording studio that is open to the public.

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REV.

EARL L. SMITH FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF PLANT CITY Earl Smith is pastor of First United Methodist Church in downtown Plant City. He has been married to his teen sweetheart Peggy for 40 years. They have three adult children and 3 ½ grandchildren. Earl graduated from seminary in Ohio and served in the West Ohio United Methodist Conference for almost two decades before moving to Florida in 1994. He came to give one church leadership in the building of a vision and master plan for their future. That was to last for three years. That was twenty years ago, and family never left. He has served at First Church, Plant City for nine years. Along with doing ministry Earl loves to boat, fish, play guitar, bicycle for exercise, and with Peggy, hike the woods, canyons, trails, and byways of this great country. Pastor Smith described the defining moment that led him to become a pastor. “When I was in my late teens I had decided to give up on the church and walk away. I think many of us baby boomers went that way. But God wouldn’t let go of me. One day he challenged me: “Earl, if you think you can do better, then prove it.” I ran from that challenge for several years but eventually tested the waters of faith again and entered seminary to reinvest in the things of Christ. By the time I left there I was ready to accept His challenge.” Two of his happiest moments are actually interrelated. “The first would be my discovery that Christ loved me like a brother and wanted nothing more than for me to journey with him throughout the rest of my life. The second would be getting married to the love of my life, Peggy, and raising a family. Nothing heightens the joy of that more than being able to do that as a family of faith.” To those beginning to explore their faith in Christ, Pastor Smith offers this advice: “Be serious in your exploration. Don’t give up like I almost did. Seek out a wise and respected mentor to help lead you. Get into the Bible and become a person of prayer big time. Don’t fall for the many half-truths out there that disguise themselves as “Christian.” Seek out Jesus as a friend that can transform your life. Become part of a vibrant church, even if you are still in the exploring stage.” The pastor acknowledges the “great wisdom and purpose in what we call the Wesleyan Tradition,” explaining, “As a United Methodist Church we have evolved out of our early beginnings led by John and Charles Wesley. John was probably one of the most insightful leaders of the 18th century. In that, we find ourselves called to be people of relational evangelism, of social justice, and with a strong appreciation for all of God’s creation.”

He added, “As a local congregation we find strength in our mission statement: ‘To reach up in worship, reach out in mission, and reach deep in discipleship.” We also celebrate Methodism’s desire to be people of ‘Open hearts, open minds, and open doors.’ And we do that by living out in very real ways the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus.” As to the best lesson learned in ministry, Pastor Smith believes, “The world is always a better place when it chooses to follow the lead of Jesus. Our primary goal in life is not to seek the blessing of God in our daily activities. Our goal and our prayer should be to allow God to place us in the middle of His activities and then say yes to that. Whenever Christian people do that the hungry are fed, the poor are elevated, better healthcare is provided, fresh water is made possible, justice issues succeed, and understanding amongst different cultures improves. Aside from Jesus Christ, the pastor admits: “I can’t live without a community of people who seek to change the world for the better because their lives have been transformed by a greater good. For me, that begins with family, where human love and spiritual fortitude are celebrated.” Two favorite verses encourage him, one from the New and one from the Old Testaments. John 3:17, “God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” and Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path.” “A favorite quote as I know it comes from Bill Hybels of Willow Creek Community Church,” Pastor Smith said. “The ministry of the church is to turn irreligious people into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.” In addition to the Bible, he explained, “Right now a favorite book would be the book and workbook our church is studying as a whole—A Disciple’s Path” by Jim Harnish and Justin LaRosa.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF PLANT CITY 303 n. Evers St., Plant City 813-754-3519 firstchurchplantcity.com Service times: Contemporary worship - 9:00 a.m., Traditional worship 11:00 a.m. Established: 1885 Church’s motto: “Reaching up in worship, reaching out in mission, reaching deep in discipleship”

Special annual outreaches: Christ Community Cafe’ every Friday at lunch, mission trips to Cuba, pumpkin patch, community “Trunk and Treat”, Bread of Life Christian Mission after school program, “Family Promise” a self-help program for homelessness in the schools.

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PASTOR

ROBERT HERRIN PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD Last month Pastor Robert Herrin celebrated his 58th year in ministry, having served in the Church of God denomination since age 19, and he still loves his work. He came to Plant City Church of God in October, 1998, from the church he had pastored in Jacksonville. Originally from Brunswick, Georgia, he graduated from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies. He and his wife Lisa, married for 21 years, were both widowed at a young age. Robert was married to Schaunell 28 years before her death and together they had two children, Torrey, who pastors The Bridge in Buford, Georgia, and Latese Brownlow, who serves as administrative assistant to her dad at PCCoG. Lisa’s son Joe Quesenberry lives in Kentucky with his family. The Herrins are the proud grandparents of five.

The best lesson he’s learned in those almost 60 years of ministry is to “Never over-obligate, whether it’s for the church or personally. Learn to live within your income. I believe the church should put its finances in missions and ministry, not in a bank loan.” When asked what he couldn’t live without, aside from Jesus Christ, Pastor Herrin said, “The only thing I can think of after all these years is food and water.”

As to his favorite verse, he responded, “Hard question. I have many. Here’s an Pastor Herrin is a voracious reader, as is Lisa, so book swaps important one from are common in their home. He watches some television, but Matthew 22:37-39: Jesus mostly with the sound muted. He also enjoys opportunities to said to him, ‘You shall love mentor or advise younger pastors as they request help. the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your His life’s defining moment came in a 1956 revival meeting. He soul, and with all your related, “The Holy Spirit so powerfully spoke to my heart that mind. This is the first and I never doubted His call to the ministry.” greatest commandment. And the second is like it: “There have been so many happy moments in my life,” he said, ‘You shall love our neighbor adding, “In every season I have been blessed and fulfilled. It as yourself.” would be unfair to choose just one.” When Pastor Herrin began his As to the strength and success of ministry at PCCoG, Pastor ministry, he wrote a great quote, Herrin explained: “God directed the leadership to emphasize origin unknown, in the front his ministry to the children and teens. He impressed that if we Bible. Its wisdom has served him did that, He would send the adults to meet the spiritual well all these years. “To become and financial needs. He has blessed the church spiritually, great, you must become small. numerically and financially.” To become greater, you must become smaller. To become the greatest, you must For those examining a life of faith, he suggested: “Find someone become nothing.” who has a solid Bible-based faith and Godly history for a mentor. Faithfully attend a Bible-preaching/teaching church And a favorite read? “At this time in my and get involved. Study and become a disciple of Christ.” life, it’s Finishing Well by Bob Buford.”

PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD 2103 Mud Lake Road Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-4591 www.plantcitycog.com Service times: Sunday Connection Hour 9AM; Sanctuary Worship 10:15AM; Wednesdays 7PM Established: 1917

Church Motto: “Love God, Connect with People, Serve the World” Special Outreach: Operation Compassion (OC) weekly food ministry; (OC) Thanksgiving turkey dinner groceries outreach; OC Christmas luncheon, complete with a gift for each child; Royal Rangers; Musical dramas for Palm Sunday & Christmas; Plant City Academy of Music

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Relay for Life offers students a chance to “dress for a cure.”

RELAY FOR LIFE OF PLANT CITY

Plant City’s Relay for Life has tremendous community support. school carnivals, crazy hat days, spirit nights, talent shows, bake sales and anything the committed volunteers can imagine. The Hillsborough County School District rallies students and faculty in a show of tremendous support for the Relay for Life events throughout the county. Teams from elementary to high school, as well as community businesses and family teams make this event an annual tradition people thoroughly enjoy. As of this writing, Bryan Elementary, Tomlin Middle School and Knights Elementary were the top fundraising teams for the Plant City event. With seven teams, Strawberry Crest High School registered the most participants. As for individual champs, the top three thus far are Linda Herman, Dana Carpenter and Joanie Petty. Prior to last Friday night, 56 teams and 805 participants

Now in its 16th year, Plant City’s Relay for involved with Relay for Life Plant City had raised Life fundraiser is the longest running and $134,816.08. The community’s 2014 goal is $250,000. Last year contributions totaled $242,000. typically one of the top three in Florida. Each year Plant City High School’s football field and track become the Friday-night-to-Saturday-at-noon community venue where participants, teachers, students, business professionals, community leaders and lots of friends and family gather to show support for the fight against cancer. Before this night, the competitive teams raise 50 to 70 percent of their total contributions for the American Cancer Society through activities such as car washes,

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But, hold on, for the fundraising isn’t over yet. In addition to the many ways folks could contribute during the April 11-12 event, the individuals, schools, and business organizations involved are still accepting donations. As a perfect and timely example, everyone is invited to a Zumbathon this Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Stardust Dance Center. Please be sure to look for other opportunities before our community will recognize the many dedicated volunteers

REJOICE AND REMEMBER by Cheryl Johnston

“With your help, we aren’t just fighting one type of cancer – we’re fighting for every birthday threatened by every cancer in every community.”


The Bryan Elementary team takes their Relay for Life fundraising challenge seriously.

On the Relay for Life Survivor’s Walk, every purple shirt and sign tells a “We are changed” story. at an Awards Ceremony on May 5, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Children love the R4L event because it feels and acts like a big carnival. With plenty of great music, food, games, space to move, and even our wild-and-crazy 11-year veteran emcee Mark Hamilton, smiles and laughter are evident everywhere. Themed on-site fundraisers provide friendly team competition and the age-group targeted activities offer plenty of fun and photo-ops for everyone. At the community fundraising walk, team members take turns walking laps around the track and share in the joyful, and at times emotional, activities. The Survivors’ Lap and the Luminaria Lighting in remembrance of loved ones lost to cancer or in honor of those battling the disease are always event highlights. When 2014 Honorary Survivor Joy Neely spoke at the Opening Ceremony on Friday night, she greeted the crowd with her now signature cheer, “Woohoo!” For years, she had participated in American Cancer Society fundraisers, but she noted, “Never did I dream I’d one day be on the receiving end of ACS.” Only six months before she discovered lumps on her breast in the summer of 2012, her mammogram report was “normal.” But when the doctor reported a malignant tumor and lymph node involvement, “life became a whirlwind.” She went on to explain the many ways ACS had helped in her battle against breast cancer. Neely attended Relay for Life 2013 feeling “weak and weary.” Thankfully, because of early diagnosis and great

medical care, Neely has had a clean bill of health for nine months now. At this year’s event she walked as Honorary Survivor with her granddaughter Shaylee Kennedy, 11, feeling “strong and victorious!” Can we hear you shout “Woohoo” along with her? As one of the many survivors at Plant City’s event, Neely encouraged, “Today, we are changed for the better. We value each day and each other so much more now. We relay because we love and because we care.” The Platinum Bank teller has learned much about compassion during her diagnosis and treatments. “People have been very kind. My co-workers rallied to fight with me by changing their own work schedules so I could rest and recover before the next treatment. The men and ladies even wore pink to work. Little girls brought me comforters and neighbors and strangers expressed care and concern. Just a few hours ago, a customer and his young son drove through my lane at the bank. When the little boy realized I’d survived cancer, he insisted I take his 59 cents to contribute at our Relay event. I’m going to save his cash envelope as a reminder that even children want to help if we let them.”

Mayor Mary Mathis led the crowd of walkers on the PCHS track at Relay for Life. Relay For Life volunteers play a key role in making this cancer’s last century. And the Plant City teams have certainly given us great cause to rejoice and remember. To continue the fight, please donate online at www. relayforlife.org/plantcityfl or via mail by printing the specific donation form and sending your check payable to the American Cancer Society to Relay For Life of Plant City, 1462 Oakfield Drive, Brandon, FL 33511. For questions or assistance, phone: 813-685-0670. In addition to Area VI schools, Relay for Life Plant City would like to thank City of PC Employees, Committee ’14, Commotion in Motion, Community Care Center, Fight for Life, Focus 4 Beauty, FSK GPJ Team, Health Center of PC, Murphy’s Law, Plant City Dolphins/Buddy Bennett, PC High Little School, Platinum Bank, Publix 1212, Samara’s Warriors, South Floirda Baptist Hospital, Suncoast Schools Credit Union, Team Future, Team KCTC, Team Joan, Team ToMarrow, Team Singletary, Terrific Teens, Timberlane Pet Hospital and Resort, Turkey Creek First Baptist Church, and Walgreens.

Other lessons Neely has learned through her cancer journey can be ours as well. She calls them the “priceless silver lining.” They are: 1) Choose to focus on the beauty and don’t dwell on the dark side. Be thankful and know that people really do care; 2) Don’t make the journey alone. Accept help from those who offer physical, emotional, and spiritual support; 3) Hold onto your faith in God. He will give you a peace like you’ve never known when you trust Him.” FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY MARCH 2014

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SIMPLIFY AND CONSOLIDATE TODAY Over the years, it is likely that you have accumulated several retirement savings accounts, ranging from IRAs to 401(k) plan assets held with previous employers. Often, it is advantageous to consolidate all of these assets into a single retirement account. Consolidation offers the advantages of a wide range of investment choices and simplified management and control. Call for more information or to schedule a retirement review.

Cameron Financial Management MICHAEL CAMERON Financial Advisor, LPL Financial 110 W. Reynolds St, Ste 109 Plant City, FL 33565 (813)759-8485 (813)759-8183 michaels.cameron@lpl.com Independence Powered By LPL Financial. Securities offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC

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BUSINESS & FINANCE

HUFF AUTOMOTIVE PLANT CITY BUSINESS PROFILE Article by Amanda Deck

Although Huff Automotive continues to of taking care of the people who live and evolve, Cameron still stays true to the values work right beside me.” his father built the business on. “I’m doing things the same way my dad had “Dad built this business on integrity,” said done 40 years before,” continued Cameron. Cameron. “He believed in offering a fair honest price for quality service. Honestly is Rising temperatures indicate that summer probably the most important aspect of our is on the way, which means you’ll probably be spending a lot more time in your vehicle. business.” Whether taking a much needed vacation Cameron continued, “I’m working to out of state or visiting relatives a couple maintain the name and reputation my dad counties away, the more you put your worked so hard for so many years to build. vehicle to work, the greater the risk that I continue to make that my number one something could go wrong. priority—of being known in town for being Before vehicle damage occurs or if it already honest and doing the right thing.” did, Huff Automotive and Muffler is always Although only working as owner since looking to add new customers to its ever2012, Cameron previously held the title growing family. Stop by their shop today or of manager since 1996. Not to mention visit them online at huffmuffler.com. he was practically raised in the shop. His experience will continue to propel Huff Automotive toward success.

INFORMATION

Huff Automotive and Muffler’s mission is “to supply the public with the best parts and service at a reasonable and fair price.”

A

vehicle is one of the most major investments someone can make in a lifetime, and it’s no wonder why— they get us where we need to go. Therefore, it’s imperative to treat your vehicle with immense care, and routine maintenance and repair can significantly increase its longevity. For over 40 years, Plant City residents have trusted the experienced technicians at Huff Automotive and Muffler, located at 402 South Collins Street. Its mission: “to supply the public with the best parts and service at a reasonable and fair price.” Huff Automotive was established in 1974 by the late Keith Wright. An Air Force veteran and father of eight, Keith worked extremely hard to build a business the community could trust. Although Huff Automotive began as a custom exhaust shop, it has transformed into a full service preventive maintenance and automotive repair center.

analysis, cooling system maintenance, CV and drive axle, fuel injection, headlight restoration, oil, lube, filter, shocks, struts, tire rotation, transmission maintenance, and more. However, their specialty continues to be custom exhaust.

“I was born into this company and I’ve been here all my life. It’s really been a passion of mine...My favorite thing about working here is the relationships I’ve built with customers. I have that hometown mentality

Huff Automotive and Muffler 402 S. Collins St. Plant City, Florida 33563 Phone: 813-752-0189 Web: huffmuffler.com

Since 2012 and after Keith’s passing in September 2013, Huff Automotive has been owned and operated by his son, Cameron. Under Cameron’s leadership, Huff Automotive has continued to rise to the next level in automotive care, partnering with Napa to become a Napa Auto Center. “Napa takes the small independent shops and puts them on the level of a bigger company,” said Cameron. “Through Napa we can offer a nationwide warranty of 2 years-25,000 miles and in-house financing.”

The company is also certified to carry products from Monroe Shocks, Interstate Batteries, Jasper Engines and Transmissions, Flowmaster Mufflers, and Moog Steering and Suspension, among other brand name “There’s not much we can’t do,” said owner items. Cameron Wright. “We take care of pretty much everything.” In addition, Huff Automotive uses the latest diagnostic equipment to guarantee vehicles Services offered at Huff Automotive include are serviced correctly while maintaining air conditioning, batteries, belt and hose manufacturer’s warranty. Seasoned technicians at Huff Automotive and Muffler work hard to ensure the inspection, brakes, computerized engine longevity of your vehicle. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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

RALPH L. FEOLA, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF (813) 752 2556 1003 S COLLINS ST PLANT CITY a026519@allstate.com Availability varies by product type and is subject to availability and qualifications. Discount amount may vary by state.Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Allstate Indemnity Company: Northbrook, Illinois Š 2009 Allstate Insurance Company.

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REAL ESTATE » MORTGAGE

5 MISTAKES MARRIED

PEOPLE MAKE

WHEN BUYING A HOME Column by Nate Davis

Plant City’s

best kePt

seCret new Home Community at Park PlaCe

• 71 Home Sites on large, oversized lots • Private, gated community located 3 minutes from I-4

L

ove is in the air, and so are loan history and scores to ensure they are in profiles for newlyweds. In fact, when the best possible position not only to get they apply jointly for a mortgage on approved, but to get the best deal. that “perfect” home, there are vital things they need to know about the new world of 2. THE GHOSTS OF CREDIT’S PAST joint financing after marriage. A negative credit history can haunt anyone. Being married, however, it can possibly In the following three months, I will list five keep a loved one from being added to of them. Here are two to get started. the mortgage. Does your husband have a judgment against him? Does your wife have 1. HOW LOW DO YOU GO? open liens? These are some examples that When a married couple applies for a home can roadblock someone from being added loan, the spouse whose FICO score gets to the mortgage. used is whoever has the lowest. So if one person has a 740 credit score and the other Why is this important? Anyone who plans has a 680, guess what? The 680 score is the on using both spouses’ income to qualify for one a mortgage lender is going to use. a home loan must use both credit scores. The best time to learn about each other’s The difference between a 680 and a 740 can history is BEFORE the house-hunting mean a lot of moola! Adequate mortgage commences. No one likes to be let down, planning with a mortgage professional can so plan ahead. help homebuyers navigate both their credit

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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

4BR/2BA Lake Forest Townhome! Large spacious kitchen with Travertine counter tops & lots of cabinets. Updated Bathrooms with new tile. New carpet in bedrooms. Spacious Lania with new tile, new screens & extra large tiled utility/laundry room. Community pool, playground, tennis courts and lake. Great location very convenient to USF, Moffit, Florida Hospital, shopping, restaurants and more! $117,900 #609

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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

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 813-6590990 #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 813-659-0990. #555 Contract Pending

APRIL 2014 focusplantcity.com

Move In Ready! Adorable 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Mobile Home on a quiet acre in the country. New carpet, new bathrooms & appliances. $800 monthly rental. Call 813-659-0990 #610


REAL ESTATE

REAL ESTATE

MARKET UPDATE Column by Jo-An Lusk

I

f you like numbers, you will like what I report this month; lots of numbers, trends and percentages. If you don’t care for the number crunching data, then skip down to the last paragraph. Real Estate is all about numbers, for obvious reasons. From prospecting to pricing, real estate agents have to work with data and the analysis of the data in order to present to his/her customer and make sense of the market.

MSI is 5.2 months, which is mid-range and indicates some stability and recovery in the market. Market Time: The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average property is on the market before it sells. The DOM for March was 83 days, down -16.2% from 99 days in February and down -21.7% from 106 days in March of 2013.

Inventory/New Listings/Sales: This view of the market combines monthly inventory Sales: March residential property sales of properties for sale along with new listings were down -28.4% from March 2013. The and sales. The number of new listings in good news is that March sales were 20.5% March was 94, up 54% from 61 in February as well as March of 2013. higher than February.

FIRST QUARTER DATA – PLANT CITY MARKET

Prices: There is good news here. The Median Sales Price was up 13.8% from March 2013 and also up 15.7% from last month. The Average Sales Price was at its highest level ($152,433) compared to March 2013 and March 2012. Inventory: The Months’ Supply of Inventory (MSI) is the number of months needed to sell all of the inventory at the Monthly Sales Pace. A lower MSI is beneficial to sellers while a higher MSI is beneficial to buyers. As of March 2014, the

In summary, the Plant City Real Estate market is, in my opinion, a healthy market. Not robust, but a stable recovery has been occurring. What is priced right is selling quickly and there are buyers who are ready, willing and able to buy today. Short Sales are still part of this market and will be for some time, and the traditional sellers who are motivated to sell, are selling. Not sure what to do? Talk to a Realtor, they are the market experts. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce presents:

March 17, 2014 10 AM - 3 PM At the

Plant City Airport 4007 Airport Road Displays, Demonstrations, and Information:        

Planes Helicopters Remote Control Planes Model Trains Automobiles PCPD K-9 Demos (11, 12:30 & 2) Fire Department Fly Overs

Other things to do: 

Free Flights for Kids (space limited) Provided by the EAA Young Eagles

(ages 8-17, registration closes at 1pm)   

Kids Play Area Vendors Scouting Badge opportunities (Aviation and Traffic Safety) Computer Flight Simulator

Opening Ceremonies at 10:30am Trophy Presentation at 2:30pm

FREE ADMISSION  $5 PARKING

For More Information Contact: Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce - 813-754-3707 info@plantcity.org

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REAL ESTATE » WALDEN LAKE REVIEW

WALDEN LAKE REVIEW Column by Natalie Sweet

T

he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the usually the third Monday of each month at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meeting has been scheduled on a different day and will be held Thursday April 24th at 7:00 PM. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. The community yard sale will be April 26th from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If you plan to have a yard sale, you should obtain a permit from the City Hall. Also, email Bette at BetteG@WaldenLake.org so your neighborhood will have a sign to help bring customers to you. After your yard sale, you may donate items left over by bringing them to the HOA office, where there will be trucks from the Salvation Army and Lighthouse Ministries ready to collect your goods.

Mr. Krenshaw introduced Jimmy Wright, a golf pro who has played in the Masters. Mr. Wright has helped many golf clubs become successful and is looking to bring the club up to a first class club and promises beautiful fairways, many events and a club to be proud of and more.

This Mother’s Day, give your mom a gift t hat keeps on giving!

Nick Brown, a Laurel Lake resident, gave a presentation of what the effect of the rezoning would be to the community and how it would affect the environment, roads, and water runoff. There was both applause and dissention on both sides of the rezoning issue. There are many studies that must happen before any plans are approved. You can view and track all communication between the City and Visions Golf as this process unravels at http://www.plantcitygov.com/index. aspx?nid=956 The meeting ended with comments made by Board of Director, Bob Hunter. Mr. Hunter wanted to be clear with the residents that if rezoning is allowed, there are no guarantees that the golf course would be improved or if this would be the end of development on the property owned by Visions Golf.

The Annual HOA meeting at the Plant City Church of God on April 10th was well attended by over 300 residents. Jan Griffin opened the meeting by introducing the board of directors, staff and the HOA attorneys. She then opened the floor for questions of the Board. There were questions on the landscape budget, polo field, among others.

I am happy to report that the average sale price of homes in Walden Lake continued to rise during the 1st quarter of 2014. Currently, there are 47 Active listings in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East, with an average list price of $248,517. There are 42 Pending Listings in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East with an average list price of $166,145.

Steve Mercer, Visions Golf General Manager, was introduced as a special guest speaker. Mr. Mercer had prepared a statement saying that Visions Golf had entered into an agreement to sell the golf club and property to Bridge Point Capitol and introduced Curtis Krenshaw to speak on their plans. Mr. Krenshaw explained his vision of what the golf club could be as well as the rezoning and development of portions of the golf course property. He said that with the improvements made on the golf course and the community, which he felt the home values would increase. The original plan submitted to the city has been modified and scaled down from 878 to 627. The contract between Visions Golf and Bridge Point Capitol is contingent on the city’s approval of the rezoning.

There were 27 properties that closed in MLS during the 1st quarter of 2014 with an average sale price of $196,594. The highest sale was a home in Sutton Woods for $320,000 and the lowest was a home in Walden Lake East with a sale price of $102,000. Of the sales, 21 properties, twenty were Walden Lake Single Family homes with an average sale price of $214,573, three were in Walden Lake East with a sale price of $136,333 and two were considered Condos, Villas or Townhomes with an average sale price of $139,500. The average time on market was ninety-eight days during the 1st quarter of 2014. Feel free to contact me about any real estate questions or about this article. NSweet@ KW.com or 813-758-9586.

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SPORTS

A STORY WORTH TELLING

That offer also included a promised roster team the year (1993) they lost to Florida spot with the Cleveland Browns following in the Sugar Bowl, ending their dream of a graduation. But Austin honored the national championship. commitment he made to Tampa Article by Joe Bowles After turning down an offer from the NFL’s At his first practice with the Spartans, Chicago Bears as a trainer, Austin reenlisted assistant coach Sam Bailey barked out, in the Navy in 1964 and returned to Viet “Austin, let’s see what you can do!” The Nam where he suffered a heart attack two offense ran the first play in Austin’s years later and was subsequently discharged. direction, Austin, now 235 lbs., plowed into The following year, Austin felt God’s call on two of his teammates, knocking one out his life to enter the ministry. By the end and sending both to the hospital. From that of the following year, he had enrolled at day forward, Austin was a starter, both on Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary offense and defense. in Wake Forest graduating in 1971 with a master’s in ministry and religious education. Because of his athletic background and medical training, following graduation Austin then returned to the classroom as a Austin took a job as a trainer for the teacher and to the playing field as a coach. Baltimore Orioles under Hall-of-Fame In 1972, he helped lead Raven Cross High manager Earl Weaver. In 1962, he was hired School in Raleigh to the state football by the Chicago White Sox and for the next championship. In 1973, he became head two years, served as the baseball team’s head baseball coach at Buckhead Academy in Millan, Georgia and they also captured a trainer. state title. “Back then,” Austin said. “being a trainer was a lot of fun… traveling with the team The next year, Austin ended up in the to all the ballparks, but they didn’t pay then hospital again with more heart issues. For like they do today. So it was hard on the the next thirteen years, Austin pastored six churches (four Methodist and two Baptist) family.” Following his time as trainer with with the Baltimore Orioles, and Chicago White before retiring in 1986. He has stayed active Sox, Austin became a successful high school coach winning state championships Austin’s family consisted of his wife, in church work until recent health issues in baseball, football, and track. Photo courtesy of Fran Austin Francis Murrhee and his six children. One have slowed him down. verybody has a story. But for the most all line positions on offense and defense, of his sons later became the captain of part, our stories are lost from one as well as being the team’s placekicker. In the University of West Virginia’s football It’s his story… a story worth repeating. generation to the next. The crossing his senior year, Austin picked up five postguard… the bus driver… the guy at the car season awards that included all-city, allwash… they all have a story worth telling. west coast, and all-state honors. He was also And each story is unique… fascinating… chosen to play in the annual Florida North/ South All Star game. He was such a force worth repeating. in that game that future Gator great Jimmy Such is the case with Plant City’s Richard Dunn was quoted as saying, “I’m glad he Austin, who went from saving games to was playing with us and not against us.” saving lives to saving careers to saving souls. He told me his story from his bed at the Admittedly not interested in academics, James A. Haley V.A. Hospital suffering the Austin shunned college offers for the Navy effects of Agent Orange that he acquired in and became a navy corpsman (medic), Vietnam and the subsequent leukemia that assigned to the marines because the marines resulted from his exposure to the chemical do not have a medical staff. Austin served three years and seven months and was ready defoliant. to reenlist, but in the middle of the ocean, Initially, sports were Austin’s life. A three- his plans were altered. sport athlete at Plant High school, Richard played basketball but he excelled at the track “The captain calls me in… it was in 1958… and on the gridiron. In track, Austin was an and he says, ‘I’m not letting you extend.’” all-state selection in 1955 after winning the Austin recalls. “‘I’m not letting you extend discus throw at the state finals, setting a because I’ve got a letter in my hand from distance record that stood for fourteen years the University of Tampa offering you a full until broken by Brandon’s Paul Orndorff football scholarship.’” who later became a professional wrestler So Austin headed back to Tampa. On the (Mr. Wonderful). Austin was awarded five post season football honors in high school that included way back to his hometown, Austin turned selection to the All-City, All-West Coast, and All-State teams. In football, Austin at 6’3” and 215 lbs. played down a similar offer from San Diego State. Photo courtesy of Fran Austin

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Recreate PMS

SPORTS » ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

SPONSORED BY CHILI’S

Article by Deana Garrison

ROBERT SEGUIN Durant High School junior Robert Seguin has played Lacrosse for four years since his younger sister’s friend introduced him to a league in Fish Hawk. As his skill level grew he earned recognitions. In 8th grade he was named Offensive Player of the year and in tenth grade received the Andrew Madden award, which acknowledges outstanding play, leadership, and sportsmanship. As a sophomore, he was also named Florida Gulf Coast Lacrosse League 1st team All District and 2nd team All League. Seguin plays He plays Long Stick Midfield, does faceoffs, and plays offense and defense. He attended the Bluechip225 for rising juniors elite division camp that requires nomination by a coach. This in itself speaks volumes about Seguin and his

3001 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 813-764-8548 www.chilis.com

“His plans for the future are to go to college and become an environmental engineer to develop new fuel sources for our future.” playing abilities. He has also proven his leadership as Team Captain for the past two years. He is not only humble, but also helpful and enjoys helping others achieve their own personal goals for Lacrosse. Classroom performance is another important factor to be selected Athlete of the month Seguin has that covered. With a 5.3 weighted GPA, he takes his studies very seriously and doesn’t let the time factor of practice get in his way of his academics. He is also a member of the National Honor Society and a member of the math and environmental science teams. His plans for the future are to go to college and become an environmental engineer to develop new fuel sources for our future. Seguin hopes to play at the next level and has already been contacted by several colleges. In the meantime, he is working at improving his skill even more to be at his top potential. This young man has set high goals for himself and has already reached impressive accomplishments. Good luck Robert Seguin. We can’t wait to see what your future holds.

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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

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SPORTS » TEAM OF THE MONTH

DURANT HIGH SCHOOL

LACROSSE BOYS AND GIRLS TEAM

T

eam of the Month status this month goes to both Girls and Boys Lacrosse Teams at Durant High School. This year is the very first year that Durant had a Lacrosse Team by the school district. In years past, they have had to fund everything on their own and operate under a club team status. The members are very excited to be one of few who get to compete within the district and be considered a Hillsborough County School team.

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Article by Deana Garrison

Most importantly, both the girls, led by Kiara Klingler and the boys team led by Andrew Madden, display a very important aspect that I have come to consider extremely important these past few weeks…SPORTSMANSHIP… This seems to be very important in today’s society since so many have lost the true value of the ideal sportsmanship. I have seen too many times teammates as well as the parents lacking a sense of team pride and display inappropriate behavior. You won’t find that with this team. The Durant

Lacrosse boys as well as girls display quite an amount of integrity on and off the field. In fact, one coach from another team made it a point to tell the parents of Durant how impressed they were with their players and how well they worked together as well as their polite and humbleness towards the other team. Now that is true “Team of the Month” material. It doesn’t matter if you win every game, if you do not have the right kind of attitude that gets you there, it means nothing.

Both the girls and boys have given it their all this year and shown great progress throughout the season. The girl’s team even made it to the playoffs this season. These two coaches must be so proud of their teams this year as they begin their first season as a district team. This group of players have truly represented Durant High School well. We can’t wait to see what next year brings.


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EXTRA » AUTO REVIEW

ALWAYS CLASSY

Q60 SCREAMS STYLE Column by Brian West

I

nfiniti definitely has one thing going for it – class and style. Their lineup has a look and feel about it, that although clearly higher end, they’re not stuffy. If you’re not familiar with Infiniti, it’s the higher-end products of Nissan. Infiniti was first introduced to the US in 1989, and quickly made a name for itself with several great designs paired with the durable reputation of Nissan (formerly Datson) – especially with cars like the Maxima and the latest Z car at the time, the 300Z. This year’s Q60 Coupe is no exception to the solid results we’ve seen from Infiniti over the last decade, and with a base MSRP of just over $40k, its certainly more affordable than many other luxury sedans. I’ve always been drawn to Infiniti. There’s just something about the long, almost flat hoods sandwiched between two raised fenders, and their sidelines that set them apart from the crowd. So let’s start with the exterior. The Q60 is a beautiful car. The 2-door coupe is striking from most any angle, and subtle at the same time. Now add to this a rear-sloping roofline, and you have a classy coupe that is perfectly placed between a sedan and a sports car. The 18” wheels aren’t too flashy, but they get your attention. The LED brake lights are also a nice touch.

Maxima GLE that had 220hp, and it screamed to be driven hard. Well, it doesn’t hold a candle to the Q60. This is just one great ride. And the transmission shifts like buttah!! Yes, you’re supposed to say it like that. Oh, and did I mention that its…fast? And the ride is incredible smooth. You might have a tough time remembering that worst pothole in your neighborhood. The interior is a treat for the eyes. The leather seats and appointments combined with a wood-grain trim isn’t anything new, but it’s very well done in the Q60. The seats are solid enough to hold you tight in all the right places, but comfortable as well. There is seating for 4, although the back seat passengers aren’t going to be so comfortable, unless they are less than 6’ tall. The headroom is a bit shallow. But just because it has 4 seats doesn’t mean you plan on using them. The dashboard is about as simplistic as you could ask for, and still presents itself as a high-end vehicle. The center console controls look nice, but can be a little confusing to learn.

Every Infiniti I’ve ever driven has been a great, and the Q60 isn’t any different. Infiniti just builds really nice cars. If you’re interested in a new Infiniti, visit Infiniti of Tampa and tell them you read the review in Focus Magazine. If you’re looking to Under the hood you’ll find a 3.7L V6 add a Q60 to your stable, you won’t be producing 330hp. Sounds like fun already, disappointed. doesn’t it. I remember having a 2000

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SENIORS OF THE MONTH HALEY CRUZADO

“L FAVORITES

School subject: History Book: Pride and Prejudice Hobby: Piano Store: Forever 21 Band/Artist: Ed Sheeran Song: Second Chance Movie: Lord of the Rings TV Show: About a Boy Food: Pasta Quote: “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath, but to receive salvation through our Lord, Jesus Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Restaurant: The Cheesecake Factory Hangout Spot in Plant City: Krazy Kup Sports Team: FSU

Haley Cruzado, the daughter of David and Carol Cruzado and sister of Nathan (21), is a beautiful, intelligent, Godly PCHS student. Her leadership, intelligence, and giving heart are all what make her a phenominal Senior of the Month. Haley has, by far, achieved academic excellence. With a GPA of 6.78, she is ranked fifth in her class. This National Honors Society member has been awarded the AP Scholar award twice and has the seventh highest SAT score at PCHS! In the fall, Haley plans on attending Florida State University and double majoring in History and International Study. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she aspires to obtain a degree in Law. In addition to schoolwork, Haley is involved in multiple organizations at PCHS. Throughout her high school career, she has been a part of Raider

CHRISTIAN HOYLE

V

olunteering in the community, playing soccer, being the starting kicker for PCHS football, and maintaining an outstanding grade point average are just a few of the things that make Christian Hoyle a cut above the rest! Christian is the son of Jennifer and Steve Hoyle and a brother to Amanda and Zack. He has achieved a 4.120 GPA, and is ranked number 157 in his class of 408. Christian would like to attend a university and major in marketing with a minor in psychology. He is excited that he will be the first high school graduate in his family to graduate with honors. Throughout high school, Christian has been involved in many activities. He is a member of the Jr. Civitan club, the Plant City High School Senior Executive Council, and a member of the National Honor Society. He is actively involved with the Plant City Parks and Recreation Department where he is a sports official for the youth soccer and flag football teams.

et no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, love, faith, conduct, and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12

By Ashlyn Yarbrough Buddies, Civinettes, the Science club, Senior Executive Council, and Youth Alive where she is currently a counsel member. Haley’s leadership does not only take place in her school, but also in her church. She is a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church CORE Leadership team. While being a part of this group, she has completed extensive courses in Student Leadership University 101 and 201. What’s an outstanding student without a heart of gold? Haley spends her time away from school pouring into kids’ lives through Vacation Bible School, Summersalt Arts and Sports Camp, and mission trips with her church. She has also been a volunteer for the Special Olympics, Bruton Memorial Library Summer Reading Program, Operation Prom Dress, and Every Buddies Beautiful Fashion Show. This Godly young lady truly has a servant’s heart. Haley has been a stupendous example for her community in numerous ways. With her academics, leadership, and faithful service, there’s no doubt that she is the perfect pick for PCHS Senior of the Month.

By Gresham Stephens

Christian has not only been able to achieve academic success, but he has also been able to be successful on both the soccer and the football field. He is the captain of the varsity soccer team and the starting kicker for the varsity football team. Christian was required to take his junior year of from playing sports because of a heart condition that was discovered accidentally. Even though it slowed him down it did not stop him. He still attended football and soccer games and sat with his team even though he could not play. Christian Hoyle has overcome adversity and come out a stronger person. He is a perfect fit for Senior of the Month.

FAVORITES

Subject: Marketing Sports Team: Manchester United, Green Bay Packers, FSU Book: TFM Restaurant: Beef O’Brady’s Hobbies: Soccer, Football, FIFA Store: Polo/Ralph Lauren Band/Artist: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Avenged Sevenfold, Jason Aldean, Kid Cudi Song: Otherside, Mr. Ranger, Water Turner, Second Heartbeat Movie: Wolf of Wall Street, Happy Gilmore, Step Brothers, Anchorman, Billy Madison TV Show: The Office Food: tacos, spaghetti, shrimp, steak, venison Hang out spot in PC: catch me on the right side of M Hall Quote: “He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.” FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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EXTRA » CANDY’S CORNER

CANDY’S CORNER Column by Candy Owens

color in our coloring books, play a game, read, or just talk. Sometimes we would just lie back on the blanket, stare up at the sky, and make pictures with the clouds. We played dolls, dress up, school, and Cowboys and Indians. We rode our bikes and trikes, and pulled our wagons a million miles. We Hula-hooped, built forts, and took long walks. We played ball, turned cartwheels, ran races, played hide and seek, played under the water hose, drew on our EtchA-Sketches, played board games, cards, and ran through the sprinklers. We as kids had every reason to play outside on a beautiful elcome sweet springtime we day in spring. greet Thee in song. Flowers awake ye burst into bloom, One of my favorite childhood memories of springtime has come and summer is nigh, playing outside on a beautiful and sunny sing ye birds oh sing. Sunshine now wakes spring afternoon was when my sister and all the flowers from sleep. Joy giving I got a brand new Slip ‘N Slide. The Slip incense floats on the air, Ah! how my heart “N Slide was a water toy manufactured beats with rapture a new, as earth’s fairest by Wham-O in 1961. The toy was a long sheet of thin plastic, flanked lengthwise on beauties again meet the view. one side by a sealed tubular fold. The tube Oh! How I love to see spring make its could be attached to any ordinary garden return. I love to see and smell all the hose. Water ran through the tube and out beautiful flowers in bloom, I love to eat all small perforations, spraying onto the sliding of the delicious fruits and vegetables that surface, which became very slippery and are at their peak, especially the melons and allowed kids to take a running jump onto berries, and I love to go outside and take the plastic and slide the length of the sheet.

W

in all of the natural beauty that comes only Boy, did we have fun! We were the envy of with spring. all the kids in the neighborhood!!!!! Until... I can remember as a child playing out in well...all the bumps and bruises. My sister the front yard on a sunny, breezy, spring and I invited all the kids in our neighborhood afternoon and hearing the wind blow to come over and try out our new Slip ‘N through the corn stalks in my father’s Slide. The kids lined up and giggled with garden. I can remember watching my excitement as they each waited their turn. mother hang wet clothes on the clothes Well, it all went well until everyone got line in the backyard, seeing the towels flap impatient and took running jumps and we back and forth in the wind and sun as they all landed on top of each other. I think I dried, and smelling the Cheer detergent came out of that experiment with a busted and Downy fabric softener. I can remember lip. Before too long there were reports on cupping my hands over my eyes and looking television and in the newspapers where kids up at the sky to watch a single airplane had suffered sprains and even broken bones putter through the clouds and thinking to from their Slip ‘N Slides. That is all that it took for my parents to say: “NO MORE myself that God made all of this. SLIP ‘N SLIDE!” My sister and I were not Back when I was a little girl in the early happy with that decision. I remember my 1960s, people spent a great deal of time Father putting our prize possession water outside. People would sit out on their front toy in the garbage. The next day when my porches and talk or just sit there quietly Father was at work and my Mother was enjoying the fresh air. Kids would almost inside the house doing something, I went always play outside. We rarely sat in our straight to the garbage can and retrieved my bedrooms and played unless it was raining Slip ‘N Slide. I put it out in the front yard, or we were sick. I can remember my hooked it up to the water hose, and even mother helping us spread an old blanket out went inside the house and got my Mother’s in the front yard for us to sit on so we could liquid dish soap. I was going to make it

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all the more interesting. Several of the neighborhood kids saw me doing this and decided to join in the fun. We were having a blast!...... Until my Father came driving up. You have never seen little kids run away so fast! There I was….all by myself, just me, the bottle of liquid dish soap, a yard full of bubbles, and the Slip “N Slide. Needless to say: after it was all over “I never Slipped “N Slided again! I have another favorite memory of Spring and that is when my Granny and Granddaddy Owens would have us over for homemade ice cream. My Grandparents would take a trip to South Carolina every year and return home with watermelons, cantaloupes, and peaches. My Grandmother would cut up a basket of fresh peaches, cover them with sugar, and let them sit overnight to make a heavy syrup. We would all gather in their carport and sit around in folding chairs talking and waiting on our turn to help churn the ice cream. It seemed like it took forever for the ice cream to freeze. Once it was ready, my Grandmother would go in her kitchen and return with the big bowl of peaches and a tin can of Hershey’s Chocolate syrup

(There were no plastic bottles back then.) Boy! Now that was good eatin! Every Spring my Mother and Father would fill our yard and the flower pots on our front porch with Petunias, Pansy, and Snapdragons. My sister and I would help water the flowers every day and we waited with excitement to see the first flowers bloom. My Father would always take a picture of my sister and me standing beside our beautiful blooming flower pots. We would pick a few flowers at a time and take them to our teachers for their desks or put a few in a bowl of water for our Mother. It has been many years since I have tasted a bowl of homemade ice cream with Granny’s peaches, stood beside one of my Father’s blooming flower pots, or taken a dive head first on a Slip ‘N Slide, but every Spring when I smell the fresh peaches and I plant pretty new flowers in our flower pots, or I hear a single airplane buzzing through the clouds I smile and think of how God made the springtime and all of this for us. As for the Slip ‘N Slide… well, I think that I’ll just forget about that! HAHA!


EXTRA » DEREK MAUL

WHEN LOVE

TRUMPS DOGMA “T

he city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God is its light, and its lamp is the Lamb. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. Its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there.” (Revelation 21:2325)

Column by Derek Maul

morning services were at once both serious and joyful.

COMMUNION: Unlike most Protestant bodies, Trinity celebrates The Lord’s Supper every time the congregation meets for worship. “We invited you because we want to hear your message,” I was told; “but if you choose not to join us for communion we’ll understand.”

“If I didn’t come forward for communion A few weeks ago I travelled to Sarasota that would send a stronger message than to speak at a church that was studying my the one I travelled so many miles to share,” Lenten devotional book, Reaching Toward I said. Easter. The congregation was my brother Geoff ’s spiritual home. It was the place where he was able to find the sense of community he had struggled to experience for years; the place where he was able to find peace in his relationship with God; the place where he was loved – generously and enthusiastically – through the last months of his life.

OPEN DOORS:

Trinity MCC comprises a colorful assortment of people who have found it almost impossible to find a home in more traditional worshipping communities. The church is very clear about its commitment to, “Doors that are wide open.”

I took the bread and the cup with my brothers and sisters, children of the same God and recipients of the same grace.

AUTHENTIC WORSHIP: During the 9:00 service I looked out over the sanctuary as we sang the Lord’s Prayer together. Row upon row of people, nearly filling the space, joining hands across the aisles and lifting voices with a genuine passion for God. When we got to “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory….” we all raised our hands – still joined – toward heaven.

It was in that moment that I found the following words, which I shared with the I didn’t choose my New Testament church during my Q&A session at lunch. scripture on that basis, but it didn’t escape my notice that Sunday morning’s reading “I’m one of many people who still struggle, from Revelation (21:22-22:5) points out still wrestle, with how to respond in that, “The gates of the Holy City will never face of the sweeping social changes that be shut.” Why? Because, “The glory of God continue to precipitate so much angst, and gives it light,” and – consequently, “There questioning, and judgment, and reactionary will be no night there.” When we stand in politics, and division, and heartache in God’s light, the doors are always going to mainstream Christianity. I often joke that be wide open. I disagree with myself on a regular basis – and on many questions. But all I can say The style of worship at Trinity runs the this morning, having been a part of this gamut from contemporary praise songs to faith community for the weekend, is that a robbed processional, reflecting the rich God is here, and that Church of the Trinity hybrid of Christian traditions represented worships in spirit and in truth.” by its members. I sensed a deep spiritual hunger there, as well as enthusiasm for the In love, in humility, in Christ, in spirit, and Good News of the Gospel of Love. The two in truth – DEREK

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The local shop for all your gardening needs! Carrying seeds, plants, fertilizer, chemicals and other supplies to help your garden grow.

EXTRA » ARTIST OF THE MONTH

RHONDA LONG W Article by Heather Davis

VISIT US AT OUR NEW LOCATION!

813-752-1818

3402 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City BrownleeCitrusGardenCenter.com

hen local artist Rhonda Long touches hand to canvas the results are nothing short of awe inspiring. Rhonda is an artist who has a god-given talent. At the age of four she remembers drawing and has never stopped since. Originally Rhonda is from Chicago, so from an early age she was encouraged and surrounded by great art, such as works found at the Chicago Institute of Art. Even though she has had training from various art courses throughout the years, Rhonda considers herself to be a self-taught artist. Rhonda is in fact so talented that even without a formal degree in art she has been able to teach art to others at the college level.

As an artist new to the area, Rhonda hopes to begin to establish connection with a network of other artists in the community. Recently she displayed her art at the Plant City Library. Much of her work comes from a deeply spiritual place. In particular Rhonda’s paintings depict the strength and beauty within the feminine nature. In her

PLANT CITY’S 1ST LEVEL 2 ELECTRIC CAR FAST CHARGING STATION.

Stop in and ask Frank for details on charging your electric car.

WALDEN LAKE CAR WASH AND SERVICE CENTER 86

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One Stop Shop

For All Your Car Needs!

1414 S. Alexander St Plant City, Florida 33563 813.752.7226 WaldenLakeCarWash.com waldenlakecarwash@gmail.com

own words Rhonda states that “if I can move one person to even consider God then I have accomplished my mission.”

One of Rhonda’s visions regarding her art is to be able to introduce her art into the corporate arena. This involves finding a specific and meaningful project that ties directly to the mission of the organization. For instance, Rhonda is very passionate about water and the need for everyone to have access to safe, clean drinking water. As a result Rhonda painted a series called “Living Waters” and would love to be able to give her artwork to an organization that works to bring water to those in need. Over the years Rhonda has been able to donate plenty of her work to good causes. When I asked Rhonda how she creates such beautiful works of art, she replied, “When I paint I don’t have any rules because I never learned what I wasn’t supposed to do.” It is evident her artwork comes from a higher source.


EXTRA » WANDA’S WORDS

WANDA’S WORDS

OF WISDOM HAPPY EASTER TO ALL… Column by Wanda “Lewis” Anderson

S

oon you will be gathering together to celebrate Easter. There will be Easter dinner, Easter egg hunts for the children and lots of candy. But, please remember the true meaning of Easter… the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Children love coloring eggs and it’s fun for the whole family. Place your eggs in a pot of cold water. When the water starts to boil add a pinch of salt to keep the eggs from cracking. If you don’t want to buy the commercial coloring kits to color Easter eggs, use Koolaid.

You can use a large whisk to color eggs. Simply put your hardboiled egg inside the There are many types of Easter baskets you large whisk and dip into Easter colors. No can give to children, teenagers and adults. more colored fingers. My sister Debbie shared a great idea with me. Fill a small colorful beach bag with a Place small glow sticks in plastic eggs, hide bright pair of sunglasses, a pair of flip flops, them within the house, turn off the lights a beach towel and some candy. It can also and enjoy finding them as they glow. be enjoyed this summer when you take the kids to the beach. Next time you are boiling eggs (not colored) save the shells. Crushed egg shells placed Be creative with your ideas, fill the bag in with your coffee grounds before you brew or basket with your loved one’s favorite will make the coffee taste less bitter. goodies. You can also use the crushed egg shells Instead of Easter grass in your baskets, use (not colored) around your outdoor plants Easter fabric. Use a cloth Easter napkin or to keep snails and slugs away. Simply crush cut Easter fabric. Place plastic grocery bags the egg shells and make a border around in bottom as a filler then layer with Easter your plants. fabric, tuck the fabric around the plastic bags to make it fluffy. It works great and you Have a safe and Blessed Easter from my can use it ever year. heart to yours. Until next time relax, enjoy and be thankful. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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D & E » DINING PROFILE

BRICK HOUSE CAFÉ

PLANT CITY DINING PROFILE

I

f you have never stopped by Brick House Café for breakfast or lunch, I highly recommend you give it a try. Although they have been in business here in Plant City for five-and-a-half years, this was my first visit and it made quite an impression on me.

Profile by Deana Garrison

Thank goodness I ordered the half size because there was a huge amount on my plate.

Judging by the happy faces on the waitresses and the customers alike, this place is a welcoming and friendly environment for all to enjoy. The owner, Shari Sarris, enjoys With the country style setting and fresh conversations with her customers, showed food made to order, I knew I was in the me that she takes it to a personal level when right place for a good country breakfast. it comes to her business. My grandmother, Versey Bennett, was the queen of southern cooking, so to impress Shari has been in the restaurant business 17 me with any southern meal really says a years and is still going strong. She owned Shari’s Restaurant in Lakeland for 13 years great deal. prior to her decision to come back home to open Brick House in I ordered my all-time favorite—biscuit Plant City. and gravy, and was satisfied beyond belief.

To Shari, the restaurant business comes natural. “It’s just in your blood. It’s just what you do,” she says. The restaurant is operated by family. She is very appreciative of her son, Spiros, daughterin-law Mellisa, and boyfriend, Christopher Watkins.

“Every member of this team has a key role to the success of the café and I couldn’t do it without them,” she explained. On my visit, I noticed the great prices along with delicious food. In fact, five lunch entrees are under five dollars and their twoegg breakfast special is only $4.75 with a $0.75 drink. The variety of menu should please anyone’s taste buds. So, the next time you are out and about and want to get a bite to eat for breakfast or lunch, swing on by Brick House Café. You will be glad you did.

“Judging by the happy faces on the waitresses and the customers alike, this place is a welcoming and friendly environment for all to enjoy.”

INFORMATION Brick House Café 113 West Processer Dr. Plant City, Fl 33563 Open 7 days a week from 6-2 MonSat....7-2 on Sunday

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Large/Xtra Large Pizza

garlic knots

Drink/Sandwich/Sub

Salad

dine in or take out

with any XL Pizza dine in or take out

with any Sandwich or Sub

Dine In or Take Out

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. 5/15/2014

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. 5/15/2014

$2 off a XL Supreme 6 Free Garlic Knots Free Small Drink $1 off any salad Excludes Cheese Only Pizza Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. Exp 5/15/2014

Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per visit, per order. 5/15/2014

an Voted Best Cubw! ro a in s ar 6 ye ty! Thank You Plan

NOMINATED FOR BEST CUBAN AND MILKSHAKE

t Ci

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.

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

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

FAIR FOOD

RECIPE OF THE MONTH Recipe by Gail Jones

Fair Food

2-3 cups Canola oil 1 cup corn meal 1 cup flour

1.5 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon baking powder ½ teaspoon baking soda

1 jalapeno pepper, minced

1 8.5 ounce can creamed corn

I

have a confession to make that might swept clean of the wrappers and refuse that get me thrown out of Hillsborough only a certain kind of culinary extravaganza can leave behind…and I was left mourning County. my lost opportunities. No smoked turkey I Did Not Go To The Strawberry Festival legs, short cake, giant lemonades, fried Oreos…and worst of all, no corn dogs. As This Year! a confirmed “foodie” it should be hard for There, I said it. If it makes it any better, my me to admit that I truly love a fat- laden parents went in the pouring rain and my pork product, extruded into the shape of a sister not only attended, she entered some tiny dirigible, encased in an intestine and of her fantastic home-canned creations in then dipped in corn batter and deep fried. the food competitions and walked away Yum… with a bevy of ribbons, so our family was But it gets worse. There is a combination well represented. of “Fair Food” that we in our family have I have another confession, and this one affectionately termed “The Beige Plate.” It is might get me thrown out of the entire state comprised of all things deep fried with the occasional mashed potato or barbequed rib of Florida. thrown in. No vegetables, fruit, or anything I Did Not Go To The Florida State Fair steamed or simply grilled are allowed. It is This Year! For the first time in years, none of an extravaganza of all things “Fair.” my family was able to attend. Life somehow And this year I had to try to recreate the got in the way this winter. experience at home …So here goes. Before I knew it the fair and festival grounds were cleared of rides and amusements and

1.5 cups buttermilk ½ cup cornstarch

6 hotdogs cut in half and placed on a bamboo skewer (I used organic …but really, it’s a hotdog!) Broccoli cut into flowere ts and blanched briefly Z ucchini sliced in ¼ inch rounds Thinly sliced onion

¼ cup additional flour

Heat oil in a Dutch oven or skillet . Combine first seven dry ingredients and toss to blend. In a blender purée jalapeno, creamed corn and buttermilk. Add to dry ingredients and stir to form a thick batter. Pour batter into a tall glass. Dredge hotdogs in corn starch and dunk in batter. When a drop of batter fries to golden brown in oil, fry corn dogs in small batches until thoroughly browned and heated through, approx . 1 minute per side. Drain on paper towels and keep in a warm oven. Add remaining ¼ cup of flour and a pinch of salt and pepper to left over cornstarch and toss vegetables to coat. Fry in oil to lightly crisp. This will provide a very thin and transparent crust that will ruin the monochromatic look of the meal, but you can always drop a few teaspoons of the cornmeal batter into the hot oil to make little fritters and boost the overall beige effect for more of an authentic “Fair” feel. FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

CHANCY’S CATFISH SHACK

S

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

C

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

I

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

P

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

W

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

Featuring Daily Specials $4.75 Breakfast 2 Eggs, Choice of Bacon or Sausage,

Choice of Grits, Hash Browns or Home Fries Toast

Hamburger w/French Fries

$4.75 Hours: Mon-Sat. 6 am- 2 pm Sun 7 am- 2 pm 113

813.752.8946 Take Out Available

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NOW SERVING LUNCH EVERY DAY Weekday lunch is the newest way to experience the best of Carrabba’s. Enjoy perfectly prepared lunches, like a soup that cooks all day and fresh, innovative salads like our Johnny Rocco. Every day just got more delicious.

* FREE APPETIZER with the purchase of a lunch entrée

(Choose between Zucchini Fritte, Arancini or Calamari)

*Free appetizer with the purchase of a lunch entrée. Offer valid only at the Plant City Carrabba’s Italian Grill®. Zucchini Fritte, Arancini or Calamari may be substituted for an item of equal or lesser value. Limit one offer per table, per visit. Dine-in only. No reproductions will be accepted. Distribution of this coupon belongs exclusively to authorized representatives of Carrabba’s Italian Grill, LLC and/or its affiliates. Carrabba’s® strictly prohibits the reproduction of this coupon in any form or the sale or exchange of it in any forum. Coupon will not be replaced if lost or stolen. No cash value. EXPIRES 6/30/14. COMP 2

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D & E » ENTERTAINMENT

DOUBLE BARREL BAND

AT O’BRIEN’S Article by Deana Garrison

O

’Brien’s was filled with Barrel Band fits right in making it fun for entertainment Friday, April 11, all. 2014 when the Double Barrel The fun continues throughout the week Band played their variety of tunes. at the popular eatery and entertainment The band is comprised of Mark Sprouse, venue. also known as Trailer Park Mark (plays On Wednesdays, O’Brien’s holds their guitar, fiddle, harmonica, and lead singer), weekly “Open Mic Night” with Trailer Rich Soire (bass, lead and backup singer), Park Mark and the Mad Scientist. The and Chris Klear (drummer). The three are a event is open to anyone wishing to get up big hit and return to O’Brien’s every month and entertain for 20 minutes at a time. as a result of popular demand. Customers Any band or solo singer/player can sign up for a slot, no matter what age. Lots of love their great performances. people take this opportunity to practice Double Barrel Band members interact with and simply be heard. Some have even been the audience and keep it on a personal level. offered side gigs after performing at one of You may even hear lyrics change up a bit the Wednesday night events. If you’ve ever while Sprouse sings about a shirt someone thought about singing or performing for a is wearing or about an audience member. crowd, this is a great and safe opportunity He enjoys it when the person he is referring for practice. to catches on and laughs. With this kind of atmosphere, they can’t go wrong. The O’Brien’s also has other special nights audience always enjoys watching to see during the week as well. Be sure to visit their website for special events and special what he and the band will do next. meal deals to make the most of your fun O’Brien’s is a family restaurant geared night out. toward fun and good times, and the Double FOCUS MAGAZINE PLANT CITY APRIL 2014

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1

can’t miss

event

7TH ANNUAL

VINE TO WINE FUNDRAISER On Friday, May 2, the Trey Curry Foundation presents the 7th Annual Vine to Wine fundraiser will proceeds benefitting abused, abandoned, and neglected children currently residing at A Kid’s Place. Event will take place at The Regent at 6437 Watson Rd. in Riverview at 7 p.m. Attendees can sample exclusive wines paired with gourmet food prepared by Chef Dave West of the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium. Wines provided by Premier Beverage. For more information or to purchase tickets visit treycurryfoundation. com or call 813-655-0269.

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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APRIL

04 FRIDAY

A Night of Hope Fish Hawk Fellowship Church | 7 p.m. 15326 Fishhawk Blvd., Lithia The Women’s Resource Center is celebrating 10 years in ministry through this event. Tickets are $50 per individual and $375 for a table of eight. Speaker will be Rachel Burgin and live entertainment and a silent auction will be available. Dinner will be catered by Carrabbas. For more information, contact 813-661-3696 ext 242 or email wrcnightofhope@gmail.com. Visit the Women’s Resource Center of Tampa on the web at wrctampa.org.

05 SATURDAY

Pink Heels the Soul A New You, Pink Boutique Registration: 8 a.m. Walk: 9 a.m. 106 W. Robertson St., Brandon Put on your pink heels and walk for the fight against breast cancer. Two walk distances: the TaTa Strut (From A New You, Pink Boutique to Moon Ave and back) and the 5k BRAvo Challenge (From A New You, Pink Boutique to Kings Ave., around to Hwy 60, to Parsons Ave., and back). Registration is $35 with proceeds benefitting Lisa’s Pink Petals for Hope, which provided pre/post-surgical garments, breast prosthesis, and mastectomy bras to breast cancer patients. Each participant receives breakfast and freebies from local vendors. For more information, contact 813-661-7465 or 813-758-4211. Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items. For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935.

12 SATURDAY

Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items. For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935. 30th Annual Patron Party Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 6 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon Follow the Yellow Brick Road at this Wizard of Oz themed event for the arts. Limited Seating is available. Order your tickets today by visiting centerplacebrandon.org. Enjoy music by Big Beats Entertainment, complimentary premium bar, silent auction, Spotlight Catering, free valet parking, and more. For more information, contact Dawn Galia at cpfinearts@verizon.net.

19 SATURDAY

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny South Shore United Methodist Church | 8 a.m. 11525 Big Bend Rd., Riverview Free breakfast and easter egg hunt with appearances by the Easter Bunny. Breakfast will be served from 8 to 10:30 a.m. and bring your basket for an Easter Egg Hunt at 9 a.m. For more information, contact 813-677-9482 or visit southshoreumc.com.

25 FRIDAY

Wild Game Night Lupton’s Boggy Bottom Ranch | 6 p.m. 8407 Lupton Place, Plant City The Brandon Rotary Club is hosting its 38th Wild Game Night. The guys-only fundraiser attracts men throughout the Tampa area eager to sample a variety of prepared wild game from venison quail and wild hog as well as pork ribs and catfish. Ybor City cigars will also be rolled on-site. Open bar, silent auctions, raffle and door prizes will be available. Tickets are $75 with proceeds benefitting local charities such as Rotary’s Camp Florida, the Brandon Outreach Clinic, and ECHO. For more information, visit brandonrotary.com or call 813-927-7174.

26 SATURDAY

Charity Thrift Sale ECHO of Brandon | 8 a.m. 507 N. Parsons Ave., Brandon Help ECHO refresh its stock and raise money by purchasing discounted overstock clothes and small household items. For more information, contact Joni Damico at 813-685-0935. Walk With The Doc Oracle Home Health Office 1602 West Timberlane, Brandon | 9am

28 MONDAY

11th Annual Community Roundtable Golf Tournament Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club Registration at 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start at 1 p.m. 2721 South Miller Road, Valrico Join Community Roundtable as they raise funds for several area charities. Tickets are $100 for individuals and $300 for a foursome. Register online at thecommunityroundtable.org. For more information, contact Janine Nickerson at 813-661-4350.

MAY

03 SATURDAY

Kentucky Derby Party Center Place Fine Arts and Civic Association 4 p.m. 619 Vonderburg Dr., Brandon The annual Kentucky Derby party features festive hats, dapper gentlemen, gourmet food, mint juleps, and a live broadcast of the popular race. Proceeds benefit the Brandon Outreach Clinic. Tickets can be purchased at brandonoutreachclinic.com. For more information, call 813-654-1388.


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FOCUSOBITUARIES

Thomas Henry Bradley, 87 of Plant City died March 16, 2014, at his home. Born August 16, 1926 in Springfield, Vermont, he was the son of the late Leonard Bradley and Aurelia Daundault Bradley. He was the husband of Norma Hill Bradley, who survives. Thomas was a PFC in the 4th Marine Corps Division during WWII, and was at Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. He was also the owner of Thomas H. Bradley Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Also surviving are sons, Robert (Michelle) Bradley and Steven Bradley; daughters, Karen ( James) Lewis, Barbara (Phillip) Frizzell and Jayne (Raymond) Straight; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com

James Leo Neely, 76, of Plant City, died March 24, 2014 at the Florida Hospital at Connerton in Land O’ Lakes. Born August 15, 1937 in Merryville, Louisiana, he was the son of the late Everett and Beulah Huffman Neely. He moved to Florida in the late 1970’s to become a long-haul truck driver. Leo was a Vietnam veteran, a world-wide traveler, a history buff, and enjoyed music of the 50’s/60’s, reading, and in his later years, visited Busch Gardens frequently.

He was preceded in death by sister, Dolores Flynn. He is survived by sisters, Judy Becton (Melvin), and Joyce Gregory; brother, Paul Neely (Kathy); nephew, Mike Flynn ( Jennifer), and niece, Christy Denton (Russell). He will be buried in the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. The family is planning a service at a later date. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com Carolyn Louise Frier, 62 of Lakeland died April 14, 2014, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Born May 29, 1951 in Plant City, Florida, she

was the daughter of the late Walter Frier and Nellie Lastinger Frier. Surviving are son, Douglas Frier; daughter, Tina Hicks; brother, Terry Frier; sisters, Betty Matthews, Joyce Frier and Helen Pharis; 7 grandchildren. Carolyn was a lifelong resident of Plant City and loved puzzle books. A Funeral service will be 3:00 PM, Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. Plant City. The family will receive friends for one hour prior at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com

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

JULIANA BUONANNO

GAVON LEE MAZURE

Appearing in the National TV Series Graceland in 2 Episodes on the USA Network.

Appearing in the National TV Series The Middle on ABC.

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

JANET SINCLAIR Shell Oil Company Air Show Principal Role. Graceland National TV Series on the USA Network.

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

KAYLA CHANEY Appearing in the National TV Series The Middle on ABC.

BOB HIERS Lowes National TV Commercial Principal Role $1,000.00 a Day.

JACQUELINE COOK Appearing in the National TV Series Graceland on the USA Network.

www.jessandersontalentandmodelagency.com

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Jess Anderson index MAY14.indd 1

4/2/2014 8:27:37 PM


D & E » CROSSWORD I B M O P A T S

M I G H T

E R A S

M Y B U M O U R C U R E C R Y H R E L A A T O U H E N N T S L N O B O A K

A D E P T O P R A H

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

B E L T U C I E B U N N B T S A I C O N N N

S A V E D S C A L E Y T I L L S U D E S I M S M A F A R Y L I E S O B U S B O D A I M A WN W O G L E M I S E E B O N N Y M T A E L O T A T G S B U S P E N S T E

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

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

It’s Easter!

COME JOIN THE FOCUS COMMUNITY

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ THEFOCUSMAGAZINE

Welcome spring

and order your Easter table bouquets, or just brighten your family and friends day with all the beatiful spring flowers

Spring Bouquet

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

IT’S EASTER! IT’S EASTER! ACROSS 1. Hit hard 5. Kept for later 10. Head support 14. Daughter of 9 Down 15. Weight revealers 17. Overseas 20. “You’re __ Loves You”; rabbit melody? 23. Barker, for one 24. Sch. in Nashville 25. Longing 26. __ on; encouraged 28. Letters on a wanted poster 29. Contacts PDQ 31. Famed marketing flop 34. Indignation 35. Near-death state 36. Wide’s partner 39. Top 40. Others 41. With 50 Across, rabbit melody? 48. Lament 49. Diner employee 50. See 41 Across 54. Make well 55. Place of worship 58. Fourth-largest nation: abbr. 60. Member of “The Rat Pack” 61. Wail 62. “What’ll __”; hit by Irving Berlin 63. Apple product 65. Private college applicant, perhaps 67. Lively dance 70. Since 72. Fall back into a bad habit 75. Eyeball 77. Heavy weight 78. “Racer’s edge” 81. Take __; go sightseeing 82. Record letters 84. “...__ at the door and knock...” (Rev. 3:20) 86. Pelvic bones 87. Reddish dye 88. Shoe brand 90. City in Florida 91. Newlywed rabbits had a fight? 97. Early PCs 100. __ Marino 101. Edison’s initials 102. Piece of jewelry 103. Word of mock indignation 104. 30-day period 106. Hosp. personnel 107. Nov. 1 honorees

110. 112. 117. 119. 120. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130.

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

Beeped Mark in the margin Tiny insect Poet’s contraction Easter morning breakfast? Usual fare Tracy, to friends Toddler’s wheels Mix in a bowl Spirited horse Views

DOWN 1. Football’s Smith 2. Old French coin 3. Fuzzy residue 4. Mental strain 5. Concorde, for short 6. Sour substance 7. Stretch of lowland 8. Perpendicular additions 9. Father of 14 Across 10. Firth of Forth denial 11. Diminish 12. Mean 13. King __ 14. Magazine title (1937-71) 16. Feeling offended 18. Ms. Dickinson 19. Textile workers 20. Wizards’ org. 21. Delicious 22. Musical mixtures 27. Policeman’s title: abbr. 1

2

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Gal of song Knighted man NY’s zone in Aug. Wolf Blitzer’s employer On the outs Silkworm’s home Take from Goes over CC x XI “Not on __ life!” Hide Suffix for advent or script Nigerian tribesman __ for; guarantee Old Testament prophet Ruling title: abbr. Nice friend TV’s “Science Guy” Dessert choices Deadly reptile Sticky stuff Novice sewer’s project Magnificent Tear apart Old familiar hangouts Talk show name, once Bryn Mawr College students Seventh letter, in Greece Supportive cry Seine season __ Chaney, Jr. African nation Eastern European “Newsweek” rival

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101


GIANT Lo

y r SALE a s r e v i n n A r e v E e c i r P t s c s et e w NO Credit

Refused

*

7p

7 pc

5 pc

Bridge Hampton 888071/72

queen panel bed

(headboard, footboard, rails)

dresser mirror

SAVE 301.90

Versailles

898

$

93” sofa 71” loveseat 3 tables 2 Caledonia table lamps

SAVE 181.75 reg. 1479.75

888035

reg. 1199.90

matching pieces available

2 f re e

f re e

s set mattres

1298

$

YOUR CHOICE or

chairs

OPTIONS

SAVE 80.00

599.95

$

reg. 679.95

Carlsbad 888079/80

SAVE $321.75

full $799

twin panel headboard, dresser, mirror, & nightstand PLUS FREE Legends Firm MATTRESS SET

underbed storage sold separately

768

$

reg. 1089.75

Branson 888040

counter table 4 counter chairs PLUS 2 FREE CHAIRS

ONLY

498

114991/4992/5142/5143

$

18 cu. ft. • ice maker adaptable

Prices and offers effective April 15 - April 28, 2014

years 1904–2014

703 South Evers PLANT CITY (813) 754-3547

MON.– FRI. 10AM–8PM SAT. 10AM-7PM • SUN. 12PM-5PM

* 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 April 28, 2014 at participating stores only.

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Back or Neck Pain Got You Down?

Minimally invasive spine surgery can help you be more active and live pain free. When back or neck pain is keeping you from living life to the fullest, minimally invasive spine surgery at South Florida Baptist Hospital may be your answer. With quicker recovery and less scarring than traditional surgery, you can look forward to being pain free and returning to your normal activities sooner. Snacks and refreshments will be served. Attend a free spine seminar Tuesday, May 6, 7-8:30pm, with Dr. Philip Henkin at South Florida Baptist Community Conference Room. Register today: (813) 443-3073 or BayCareEvents.org

For a referral to one of our spine surgery physicians:

(813) 443-3073 â– Philip Henkin, MD Neurosurgery â– Donald Sachs, MD Neurosurgery BC1401555-0314

301 N. Alexander St., Plant City

BayCareEvents.org


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

813-757-6429

Quick Lane® at Jarrett-Scott Ford provides all the services your car or truck needs most. All our services are performed by factory-trained experts and on your schedule. No appointment necessary and you’ll get service while you wait, even on evenings and weekends.

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

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.

SYNTHETIC BLEND OIL CHANGE

$

15.95

Includes up to 7 quarts of motorcraft synthetic blend oil. Plus shop supplies and tax. Most cars and light trucks, excludes diesels and full synthetics. Coupon must be presented at time of write up. Cannot be combined with other coupons or in-store specials. See Quicklane at Jarrett Scott Ford for details. Expires 05/15/2014

$

4 TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE

34.95

Plus shop supplies and tax. Most cars and light trucks. Coupon must be presented at time of write up. Cannot be combined with other coupons or in-store specials. See Quicklane at Jarrett Scott Ford for details. Expires 05/15/2014

ALL PARTS & SERVICE

100 OFF

$

up to

Coupon must be presented at time of write up. Not exceed 10% of parts and labor. Cannot be combined with other coupons or in-store specials. Cannot be used for retail parts, tires, or collision repair. Does not include sales tax and hazard waste disposal. See Quicklane at Jarrett Scott Ford for details. Expires 05/15/2014

ALL MAKES AND MODELS! WE’LL BEAT YOUR BEST TIRE PRICE GUARANTEED! 104

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