FOCUS Plant City 14-03 by Floyd Publications

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CONTENTS March 2015 | Volume 14 Issue 3 | focusplantcity.com

18 Local The Florida Strawberry Festival was truly another success for our community. Thousands of visitors from around the country enjoyed delicious foods, thrilling rides, entertaining concerts, and hometown hospitality. Check out some of the great things that happened at the festival in our local section. From the Baby Parade to livestock shows, we covered just about everything. For more daily, indepth coverage, check out our FocusTV interviews on our Facebook page

43 Feature: RCA Awards 04/15/15

You voted, we tallied, and RCA winners were awarded at our annual Anniversary Party in February. From best pizza to best chicken wings, Focus Magazine awarded the best of the best in Plant City food. Find out the winners in this month’s feature.

51 Business: All Pro WIldlife All Pro Wildlife, LLC, is a fully licensed and insured wildlife control company. They service the greater Tampa Bay area including Clearwater and St. Pete. All Pro Wildlife provides a variety of services which includes trapping, removing and relocating nuisance wild life.

80 Dining: Duke’s Brewhouse Located on James L Redman Parkway, Duke’s Brewhouse is Plant City’s spot for Wings, Sports, and Spirits. A Plant City original, Duke’s brings the best of a sports bar, local eatery, and live music venue hosted by the friendliest and most energetic staff the area has to offer. With the largest selection of craft beer in Plant City and over 20 high definition TVs, Duke’s is an excellent choice for any event or occasion.

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LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER

to entertaining shows to livestock sales, Focus TV covered a variety of folks who were eager to celebrate our berry sweet hometown festival. We also hope you’ll enjoy our stories in print for March. These include news about the Palm Sunday services, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association charitable “picking contest” at Wish Farms, and the Rotary Club’s gift of AED machines for our city’s patrol cars.

Each year we wonder how the Florida Strawberry Festival® can possibly improve Thanks also for all your congratulatory on the prior year’s event and each year we comments on our 14th Anniversary Party. It’s been 14 wonderful years of sharing the say, “This one was the best ever!” good news in Plant City and we’re grateful Hats off and “Well done” to the directors, for the opportunity. Keep those suggestions office staff, maintenance department, coming, please! volunteers, vendors and the many community organizations that wowed the 517,000 visitors who came to “join the party!”

Standing from Left to Right: Tonya Rogers, Verna McKelvin and Marilyn Robertson. Sitting from Left to Right: Alan Orr and Tammy Spurlock

Our staff particularly enjoyed capturing the action on film and posting the fun on Facebook. Your “likes” on our page made us Warmest Regards, smile over and over again. From contests Mike Floyd

CREDITS Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990 www.focusplantcity.com Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 7078783 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.

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 Sales Jennifer Chamberlain jchamberlain@floydpublications.com Art Director Anthony Sassano asassano@floydpublications.com Distribution Tony DeVane 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

Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

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Talk Town of the

FOCUS MAGAZINE

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

The Plant City Rotary Noon Club hosted the annual Rotary Club Speech Contest recently. Ashlyn Yarbrough, a sophomore, took first place. Brittany Nesbitt, a senior won second place and Chase Lott, a junior took third place. All three students attend Plant City High School and were awarded cash prizes. Both Ashlyn and Brittany will advance to the next level and compete on March 18. Ashlyn will be sponsored by the Rotary Noon Club and Brittany will be sponsored by the Daybreak Rotary Club of Plant City. The theme of the contest is “Light Up Rotary.” Amity Kokochak is the chair of the Speech Contest for Rotary. Pictured: Amity Kokochak, Rotary Speech Contest Chairman; Ashlyn Yarbrough,First place; Brittany Nesbitt, second place; and Chase Lott, third place.

CITY-WIDE EASTER EGG HUNT: Saturday, April 4 is the date for all youths ages 3-11 to hunt for Easter eggs at the 26th Annual City-Wide Easter Egg Hunt PRESENTED BY: Global Sports Alliance. The event is held at the west side of the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 East Cherry Street. The participants assemble at 10:00 am for a show by A-1 Magic followed by the egg hunt. The Egg Hunt itself is FREE – bring your own basket! Following the hunt, other activities will be available with $1 Bunny Bucks on sale as you arrive. Thanks to our sponsors Toufayan Bakeries and the Plant City Optimist Club, all youths 11 and under receive one FREE hotdog and drink. Food and drinks will be available while they last. Other activities for one Bunny Buck each include the inflatable spacewalks, air brushing and trackless train rides. Photos with the Easter Bunny are five Bunny Bucks each. The event will close at 12:30 pm. Special thanks to our sponsors: Rossiter & Associates, LLC, Girl Scouts Troop #1157, Publix Super Markets, Sedita Kilton & CO. CPA’s, Hillsborough Title, Plant City Rotary Club, Duke’s Brewhouse, Max F. Rattes, MD Cardiologist, Top Shelf Sports Bar & Grill, Happy Kids Inflatables, Sonic Drive-In, PCHS Key Club, Family Bowl, Toufayan Bakeries, Plant City Optimist Club and the Friends of Recreation & Parks. For more information, please contact Recreation Program Manager Tim Hanlon at thanlon@plantcitygov.com or call 813-659-4200 ext 4311.

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The Festival has come and gone but because of the Florida Strawberry Festival giving back to the community continues, I am proud to share that on Monday March 2nd, 2015 the Strawberry Grand Parade traveled the streets of Plant city but part of the participation of Regions Bank in the parade was done with four of our signature bikes. Regions is proud to donate four of our signature green beach cruisers bicycles and helmets to the Florida Baptist Children Home. We will be presenting them to the Children’s Home at the Regions Bank located at 2303 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, Fl.

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Grand Champion Steer with owner Jarrett Gillman, Dixie Gillman, Kenneth Parker, Lee Gillman, and Jarrett’s Great Grandfather, “Poppa” Buddy Gillman.

STEER SHOW AND SALE BY DEANA GARRISON

t is always a huge enjoyment to attend the Steer Show and Sale at the livestock arena. Many Hillsborough County students work hard for many months raising a steer to show and sell at the Festival. It is not a quick job either. These students must take care of their steer daily. They have to work with them to ensure the steer is comfortable with them in order to show at the Festival. Not only do they have to take care of them, they also have a long record book to keep up with which lists every single detail of their journey. They must keep up with all expenses. This part of the project helps them understand the business aspect of the project. The Steer Show proved just how hard these young adults worked all year. The show went by smoothly and the judge had a difficult time picking

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out the winner. This year, the Overall Grand Champion Steer was shown by Jarrett Gillman. Jarrett is a Senior at Plant City High School and has done a remarkable job in raising his steer. Jarrett has shown different types of animals for many years…going way back to a very young age showing heifers and swine. His first experience with showing a steer all began in the ninth grade (the age you can start showing steer). Jarrett was so happy his Great Grandfather, who will be turning 100 this year, was able to attend to witness this wonderful experience. His Great Grandfather was so excited when he heard the results. The Steer Sale made Gillman an even happier young man. Selling his steer for $26 a pound, he certainly knows just where that money will go. “It will be used for my college education,” Gillman said. Gillman acknowledges his parents

Dixie and Lee Gillman as his biggest supporters and appreciates everything they have done for him. There were 10 classes with three weight divisions. Each division had a Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion. Out of those winners, the Overall Grand and Reserve Grand Champion were chosen. Paul Davis, the Strawberry Festival manager, had this to say about the Steer Show, “I wish I could watch the steer show from beginning to end. It is without a doubt my favorite part of the Florida strawberry festival. Being the manager I have so many other responsibilities I never get to watch the entire show. I think we have the best of the best representing the FFA youth of this area in the strawberry festival.” It is a fact that the Steer Show and Sale always pulls in many to watch and

assist in helping these young adults succeed in their projects. It always amazes me how well the people in our community pull together to make the sale a huge event as well. Winners: The first place winners in each class: Kayla Mishler, Ethan Vaughnan, Anna Conrad, Lane Harrell, Cheyenne Lopez, Margaret Holt, Brett Love, Jonathan Rowell, Jake Stines, and Jarrett Gillman. The Grand and Reserve Grand from each division are as follows: Lightweight division: Grand- Anna Conrad, ReserveEthan Vaughan; Middleweight division: Grand-Cheyenne Lopez, Reserve- Brett Love; Heavyweight division: GrandJarrett Gillman, Reserve- Clay Joyner. Overall Grand: Jarrett Gillman, Overall Reserve Grand: Clay Joyner

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2nd place, Emma Larson Most Handsome: 1st place, Scott Terrell; 2nd place, Frank D’Amico ; 3rd place, Evan Eisenbach Most Beautiful: 1st place, Presley Hay; 2nd place, Sutton Duncan; 3rd place, Addisyn Wise Three Year Old Division: Best Personality: 1st place, Mason Singletary ; 2nd place, Easton Goff; 3rd place, Cooper Allen Newman Best Costume: 1st place, Hailey Grooms; 2nd place, Aaron Gaona; 3rd place, Peyton Chisholm Best Float: 1st place, Everett Delvalle; 2nd place, Gracelynn Davis; 3rd place, Cheyenne Davis Most Handsome: 1st place, Easton Goff; 2nd place, Brexten Warner; 3rd place, Caden Roberts Most Beautiful: 1st place, Giselle McDowell; 2nd place, Kinsley Wall; 3rd place, Autumn Adair

2015 BABY PARADE AT THE STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

BY DEANA GARRISON

he 2015 Baby Parade was another exciting event held at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Many children ages one through four competed in categories of Best Float, Best Personality, Best Costume, Most Beautiful, and Most Handsome. It was evident the judges had a difficult time deciding on the winners. With all the adorable faces, beautiful outfits, and cute personalities, all of these young men and ladies made it a tough competition. During the four year old competition, the judges talk to the contestants in the Most Handsome category. When four year old Gavin Hartline walked up to the judges table he was ready to talk. He had his own question for them, he asked, “Are you going to give me a trophy?” The judges must have adored him, because he was 22

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crowned the 2015 Baby Parade King. He not only got a trophy, but he got the crown as well. The Baby Parade Queen, Kennedy Duncan, and her sisters all brought home big wins. Her twin sister,Aubrey Duncan, won best costume and joins her in the Baby Parade Court. Their younger sister, Sutton Duncan won first place in Best Personality and second place in Most Beautiful in the two year old division. Their parents couldn’t believe all three girls did so well. It was definitely a happy day for the Duncan family. Winners of each category are as follows: One Year Old Division: Best Personality: 1st place, Izabella Diehl; 2nd place, Dayton Davis; 3rd place, Lyla Jimenez

Best Costume: 1st place, Abigail Sue Smith; 2nd place, Zoey Lugo; 3rd place, Elisia Rodriguez Best Float: 1st place, Georgia Sue Ann Hunter; 2nd place, Brady Peace; 3rd place, Ariana Morales Most Handsome: 1st place, Dayton Davis; 2nd place, Easton Vokaty ; 3rd place, Maddox Eisenbach Most Beautiful: 1st place, Zoey Lugo; 2nd place, Izabella Diehl ; 3rd place, Georgia Sue Ann Hunter Two Year Old Division: Best Personality: 1st place, Sutton Duncan; 2nd place, Scott Terrell; 3rd place, Callen Hartline Best Costume: 1st place, Rowen Morgan ; 2nd place, Madison Perry; 3rd place, Mila Mclellan Best Float: 1st place, Cade Brock;

Four Year Old Division: Best Personality: 1st place,Avalynn Mclellan Best Costume: 1st place, Aubrey Duncan; 2nd place, Annslea Woody; 3rd place, Isabella Pippin Best Float: 1st place, Jesus Gutierrez Most Handsome: 1st place, Gavin Hartline; 2nd place, Dylan Brewington; 3rd place, Shaz Simmons Most Beautiful: 1st place, Kennedy Duncan; 2nd place, Sydney Gould; 3rd place, Eleana Maldonaldo All of the first place winners in the four year old division make up the 2015 Baby Parade Court members which include Queen Kennedy Duncan, King Gavin Hartline, Jesus Gutierrez, Aubrey Duncan, and Avalynn Mclellan. If you missed out on this fun event this year, make sure you don’t miss it next year. It always proves to put a smile on any face.

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the showmanship competition began where instead of the animal being judged the showmen are judged on how well they can show their animals to the judge. In the senior division, first place went to Carlos Curnow II, second place went to Morgan Sodders and Reagan Messick placed third. In the intermediate division, Grace Gainer placed first, Madison Smith placed second and Marissa Zolna placed third. In the junior division, Chance Christie placed first, Rebecca Holcomb placed second and Elise Griffin placed third. These showmen were able to show their swine with great ease and kept them out in the open for the judge to clearly view. Ray Clark has assisted with the livestock shows for many years. He is one of the strong points in helping our youth become bigger and brighter in the agriculture field. He was very impressed this year with the Swine Show

SWINE SHOW AND SALE BY DEANA GARRISON

he Swine Show and Sale was a fun event. Watching our youth showing responsibility and care for their animals is delightful. Understanding the importance of every aspect involved is definitely a great learning experience for them. Not only do they take care of their swine daily, but they also have to keep up with their record book which details every step of their project noting all expenses paid out and showing their profit. Learning business along with the fun is better than just reading it from a text book. These young men and ladies sure know their stuff. The show this year consisted of eighty exhibitors in ten classes baked on the weight of each swine. The winner of 24

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each class competes for the title of grand champion. The winners of each class are: Ashlyn Barro, Siera Linton, Emma McConnell, Rylee Woody, Hillsborough FFA Federation shown by Rayne Smith, Elise Griffin, Garrett Gould, Chance Christie, Jade Banks, and Morgan Sodders. After the selection of the first place winners, it was time to select the Grand Champion Swine. Chance Christie had the Grand Champion. Chance is a member of the Antioch Critters 4-H Club. Reserve grand champion was awarded to the Hillsborough County FFA Federation swine, shown by Rayne Smith. After the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion were selected,

and Sale. When asked about the show this year, he replied, “This was the 33rd Strawberry Festival Swine show and sale with 80 hogs being shown and sold. I have attended all of them and to me this was one of the best. Quality of the hogs was excellent and the exhibitors did a great job in showmanship. Once more our community supporters stepped up to pay the most for their hogs that we have ever got at a sale. Grand Champion was $20.00 per pound and the Reserve sold for $15.00 per pound. No hog sold for under $5.00 per pound. With the additional add owns that the exhibitors received from their supporters, they should receive a very good profit. Also we had a scholarship flat of Strawberries that brought in $5,000.00 which is a new record.” This year’s Swine Show was obviously a huge success. The youth did an outstanding job.

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Fred McGriff, was named top finisher, recognized for their awesome picking with individual strawberry trophies, took home “Strawberry Joe”, the ultimate perpetual trophy. The day-long event was a testament of just how people can come together, have fun and do something wonderful for their community. There was plenty of entertainment, featuring family-friendly events like strawberry picking for kids, face painting, balloon animals, games and special musical guests Clemons Road Band playing live. There were also appearances by Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam, The Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders. With a goal to beat last

year’s donation, the event did so by $2,000. Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms, stated “This fun, family event was a great success. “We hope we succeeded in bringing awareness not only to the hard work of our farm workers but also to the outstanding contribution RCMA makes.” In only its second year, this event, much like the flower on the strawberry plant, is blossoming wonderfully and helping children in our community is truly as sweet as the fruit itself. For more information about RCMA visit www.rcma.org and for more information about Wish Farms visit www.wishfarms.com

STRAWBERRY GROWERS

WISH FARMS CHARITY EVENT BY KELINA NELSON

ish Farms recently hosted The 2nd Annual Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge on Saturday, February 7th. Proceeds from the competition will benefit the children of Redlands Christian Migrant Association. Founded in 1965, RCMA operates 70 child-care centers and three charter schools for Florida’s rural poor. Serving an estimated 2,000 children in Tampa Bay, they provide them with a vital boost in their education and more of a chance at a successful life. An event that featured 20 corporate-sponsored teams competing in relays to win the title “Best Harvest

Crew”, growing in attendance with 350 spectators, the fundraiser brought in $76,000 for Redlands Christian Migrant Association. Teams representing Florida Fruit and Vegetables Association, Monte Package Company, Patterson Companies, International Paper, Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Farm Credit of Central Florida were just some of the names out in the field that day. Not forgetting the strawberry growers from around the state who came out to provide coaching and other picking instructions. Monte Package Company, coached by Jacob Hare of Berry Patches and accompanied by MLB All-star

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GFWC Plant City President Nancy Miller (kneeling) and member Sarah Governor welcomed Betty Schnur and her assistance dog Estin when they shared recently with the club about Canine Companions for Independence.

GFWC WOMAN’S CLUB OF PLANT CITY PRESENTS ANNUAL FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

n preparation for its upcoming “Fashion Show” fundraiser, the GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City welcomed Betty Schnur and her service dog Estin to the group’s monthly meeting on March 10, 2015. Schnur represented Canine Compassions for Independence, an organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, CCI is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs, and is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs and the quality and longevity of its matches between the canines and people. The result for those who need the assistance, like Schnur who lives with syncope, is a life full of increased independence and loving companionship. Her dog Estin has made all the difference in her world. Syncope is a short loss of consciousness and muscle strength characterized by a fast onset, short duration and spontaneous recovery. Often it’s due to a decrease in blood flow to the entire brain, usually from low blood pressure. Thankfully for Scnur, Estin has restored her ability to live without the worry of fainting. He is always by her side and ready to help. GFWC Plant City members have been

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very busy this past year, reporting more than 16,000 hours of volunteer service time in 2014. The slate of officers for 2014-2016 includes: President- Nancy Miller; 1st VPKaren Griggsby; 2nd VP- Patricia Tillman; 3rd VP- Sally James; Recording SecretaryCatherine Jones; Corresponding SecretaryJudy Stewart; Treasurer- Betty Astin; and Directors Judy Glorioso, Alise Sollenberger, and Barbara Miller. The community can help GFWCPC with its efforts on behalf of Wounded Veterans by collecting the aluminum tab pulls from soft drink cans, cancelled stamps, and gently used eyeglasses. The club’s annual Fashion Extravaganza and luncheon is themed “Your Passport to Fashion in Grand Paree.” Tickets for the April 24 event to be held from 11AM1PM at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, are $20. Courtney Robinson, local anchor from WTSP Channel 10, will emcee the show. Giveaways, door prizes and themed opportunity baskets will also be part of the fun. Proceeds will benefit the GFWC Florida President’s Project, which is Canine Companions for Independence with special emphasis on the Wounded Veterans Initiative and to the Southeastern Guide Dogs organization. For additional details or to purchase tickets, please contact Karen at 813-481-0419 or e-mail karengriggsby@ gmail.com.

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Blake Michael Tolley. Once those winners are determined, it is then time to really have some fun. The diaper derby is the very last part of the competition. The babies are placed in categories based on their age. They compete with each other on how fast they can crawl from one parent to the other and make it across the finish line first. This competition always brings loads of laughter and lots of cheering. In

BABY CONTEST T BY DEANA GARRISON

he Baby Contest at the Strawberry Festival is an exciting way to get our youngest ones involved in all of the fun. It is quite a hard job for the judges to accomplish when it comes to finding the most creative diaper to the most handsome and prettiest girl. Parents have such a great time showing off their sweet bundles of joy. You can see the pride and the proud faces as they parade their little ones across the stage. The audience, filled with grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles make it complete as they cheer their tiny one on from afar. The winner of the theme, “Come Join the Party!” decorated diaper category went to Raelynn Rose Torbert. In the funniest diaper category, Hagen Lee Meiers won that title. Jisselle Marie Salinas won the strawberry diaper category and the winner of the cartoon diaper was Tucker Russell Brown. 30

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After all of the creativity was judged, it was then time to take a look at the baby features. The biggest eyes category was won by Jameson William Roberts. Jisselle Marie Salinas won the most hair category. The chubbiest cheeks went to Gemma Jean Bauer. The “look-alike” twins went to Presley Suzanne Arman and Paisley Alina Arman. The categories that always get a lot of attention is the prettiest girl and handsome boy categories. These categories are broken down by age group. Winners of the prettiest girl were: 6 to 9 months-Ainslee Elizabeth Creel; 10 to 12 months- Raelynn Gill; 13 to 15 months- Abigail Sue Smith; 16 to 18 months- Kendall Mae Gee. Winners of the most handsome boy contest were: 6 to 9 months- Austin Christopher Bowman; 10 to 12 monthsTucker Russell Brown;13 to 15 monthsWyatt Joseph Best; 16 to 18 months-

the six to eight month category, Brennan Scott Jenkins took the title. Brantley Cain Newsome won in the nine to twelve month category. These cute little ones made the day complete for everyone. Each child that passed through was absolutely adorable. If you missed the competition this year, you may want to mark it on your calendar for next year.

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Monday - Saturday: 10am - 9pm & Sunday: 12:30pm - 5:30pm

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aw enforcement officers face a variety of situations, ranging from traffic stops to natural disasters and everything in between. Often the first to arrive on scene with only a limited amount of information as to what they are about to encounter, they must assess their surroundings with urgency and take immediate action. Cardiac emergencies being one of the many possibilities, a timely response is not only important but essential. Every second counts and shouldn’t be wasted having to wait for another responder to arrive. When an officer is equipped with the proper life-saving tools, they don’t need to. Automatic External Defibrillators, or AEDs as they are more commonly known, are instrumental in helping to save the lives of victims of cardiac arrest. In August of 2013, upon hearing about a Plant City officer who was able to save a man’s life with one of only four AEDs shared by the department’s patrol division, former Rotary Club President Aaron Davis and his club members discussed the possibility of raising enough funds to equip the entire patrol division at the Plant City Police Department. It would require a huge amount of dedication, time and fundraising effort to raise enough money to cover the cost of fifty units but they decided to make that their mission. They

wanted to help save lives by providing every patrol officer with that one crucial piece of equipment. It was a need they were willing to fill. While the Department had been functioning as best it could with the short supply of AEDs that they had at their disposal at that time, they welcomed the Rotary Club’s generosity. According to Plant City Police Chief Ed Duncan, even if the procurement of AEDs had been prioritized in the department’s annual budget, it would have taken in excess of five years for those units to be purchased. The Rotary Club was able to achieve that in only a year and a half. They were able to raise an impressive $70,000 through the popular Dancing with the Locals and Wild Game Cookout fundraisers, enough to meet the need for all fifty units. The AEDs were provided in increments, with the final delivery being presented by the Rotary Club’s current president, Brian Griffin, to Chief Duncan on February 16th of this year. With little to no cost associated with the upkeep of the units and a fail-proof design which required no specialized training in order to operate said units, the Department inherited no additional budgetary cost and only the boundless benefits of being better prepared to help the citizens they serve.

Welcome spring

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

Isn’t it beautiful?

Spring Bouquet

Let’s keep it that way!

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

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and Michelle Spivey have three southern grill locations throughout the festival. They offer something for the whole family like turkey legs, corn dogs, hamburgers and chicken. Michelle says her family has been grilling at the festival for the past 31 years. Johnson’s Barbecue and Fred’s Market are culinary landmarks in Plant City. Festival guests can try their most popular dishes at the booth that has been located by the Wish Farm sound stage for the past 30 years. Southern comfort food like fried catfish, pulled pork sandwiches and fried green tomatoes are favorites on the menu. “I have worked off and on at this location for the past 10 years and I have heard so many concerts while working. It is pretty cool!” Jack and Gina Roig run Giraldo’s and offer festival guests authentic cuban

LOCAL CONCESSIONS F BY SHANA MITCHELL

rom fair food favorites like buttermilk dipped corn dogs to authentic cuban dishes and downhome southern barbecue, there’s a lot to choose from at the Strawberry Festival. Let’s take a look at the local business who come out year after year to feed the festival. Our first stop is Nippy’s Original Buttermilk Corn Dogs. Steve Nippy has been serving his hand dipped corn dogs at the strawberry Festival for the past 37 years. He prides himself on quality ingredients “I believe in putting out a good quality product. It is a family recipe and I use all beef hotdogs.” Festival visitor Jeanne Gogh looks for the Nippy’s stand every year and has even brought her friend Kim Donovan from Ontario Canada to try this one of a kind corn dog. Gogh says, “It is not too greasy 34

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or heavy. You can taste the buttermilk batter, different from other fair food. You can tell they are very fresh.” This is Steve Nippy’s last year at the Florida Strawberry Festival. He says after 37 years he has given it a good run and plans to remain active in some way but is ready to retire his famous corn dog stand. Another favorite concession stand is Vickie Wilson’s Morning Glory Mini Doughnuts. Wilson has lived in Plant City for 41 years and is very involved in the community. She says the secret behind her delicious doughnuts is all the love she pours into the preparation. Vince Valentino’s London Broil stand offers fresh meat and vegetables hot off the grill. He moved to Plant City in 1983 to avoid a long commute to the festival. “I have stayed here ever since,” he said. Local Plant City Residents Rodney

cuisine like chicken and yellow rice, fried stuffed potatoes, and original cuban sandwiches. “I love seeing people who I have grown up with since I was born and raised in this town.” He says this is the biggest event he does throughout the year and is very beneficial to his business. You can find Netterfield fair favorites located all over the festival ground serving up cotton candy, candy apples, popcorn, homemade pizza, chicken on a stick and fresh squeezed lemonade. They have been at the festival for over 50 years. Kim Netterfield says “coming out to the Strawberry Festival is like coming home, we have so many friends here.” With so many delicious choices, you can support local plant City businesses while satisfying your tastes buds at the florida Strawberry Festival.

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James Suits as the thief on the cross at Calvary and local teachers Petal Brownlow, Lisa Varnum, and Thomas Sturgis perform in three performances of The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People on Saturday and Sunday of the Palm Sunday weekend prior to Easter.

THREE DRAMATIC PERFORMANCES OF THE STORY ON PALM SUNDAY WEEKEND BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

he entire community is invited to experience The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People in three productions at Plant City Church of God over the Palm Sunday weekend. There is no cost involved for those who attend any or all of the three performances: Saturday, March 28 at 7:00PM Sunday, March 29 at 10:15AM Sunday, March 29 at 6:00 PM. Because of the tremendous response to last year’s production, the church’s Worship Arts Pastors, J.D. and Angie Woodside, decided to present The Story again. “In addition to the amazing music,” said Pastor J.D., “the wonderful thing about this dramatic portrayal is that it incorporates Bible stories, chronologically from the Old and New Testaments, through Christ’s crucifixion and into Revelation with His promised return.” He continued, “For anyone who would enjoy a dramatic overview of The Bible, this will be a production they’ll never forget.” The drama reveals scenes from the original work published by Zondervan, which was developed into churchwide curriculum for all ages by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee, pastors of the

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six-campus Oak Hills Church in San Antonio and Fredericksburg, Texas. What attendees will see and hear in The Story drama is God’s story of love and redemption for people as demonstrated through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Lucado’s philosophy is that “Our ability to logically figure everything out is not the basis for our acceptability before God. Our salvation is based on what God has done for us through Jesus Christ. What we must be right about is the fact that we cannot be right about everything and are therefore completely dependent on God’s graciousness and mercy.” Senior Pastor Robert Herrin of Plant City Church of God hopes this presentation will be a meaningful experience for all who attend. “We are here to worship God and serve the community,” he said. “And one of the ways we love to do that is through powerful teachings and music. Please don’t miss this opportunity to come and witness something truly beautiful… God’s love in action.” Plant City Church of God is located at 2103 Mud Lake Road (off Alexander Street). For additional information, call 813-752-4591 or visit the church’s page on Facebook.

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ey & Cheryl

By Judy Ron

ey & Cheryl

By Judy Ron

BETTY JONES Betty Jones is known as The Hat Lady. She earned that title with handmade creations of wearable art and her fanciful style. She comes up with a theme for a new hat, creates it, and sells the finished artwork. She wore a simple, feathery hat to the interview. “The more outlandish hats sell the best,” she says, “but I make simpler ones, too.” In addition to hats, she makes fascinators (a small headdress that attaches to your hair with a comb or clips). Betty says she wasn’t born a creative person. She found that later in life. She moved here from Boston in 1975. Five years later she moved into her dream house in the historic section of Plant City. When she retired from her position as a buyer for Maas Bros., she wanted to pursue her creative side. She began painting in acrylics, cartooning, making assemblages (taking apart items and restructuring them), soft and hard sculptures, and wearable art. She has been encouraged by many people and has won several awards for her artistic 38

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Johnston

abilities. She enjoys lecturing to various groups about the history and etiquette of hats. Her wearable art creations keep her busy but she is also involved in other ventures in the community. She is active at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church where she is an usher at the 8 a.m. service. She always wears a hat to church. “Not for the congregation, but for God.” she says. She loves her volunteer work as a docent at Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, especially talking to children about art. More recently Betty has been learning to play the Native American flute. She goes to Bruton Memorial Library the first Tuesday of the month for the Central Florida Flute Circle. Everyone is invited to the group meetings whether they play or just come to listen. She is a member of East Hillsborough Art Guild and the Brandon League of Fine Arts. Her life mate, Bud Caudle, is also an artist in Graphics and works as a handyman and house painter. They have been together for eleven years. They enjoy going to art shows and festivals. They have been together for eleven years and support each other in their love of art. “We are perfect for each other because we are both a little eccentric.” She laughs. Her latest hat sculpture is called Top Hat, White Gloves, and Tails. Some of her work can be seen on her Facebook page, Love The Hat, Betty Jones. If you have any questions or want to commission a hat, her email address is LoveTheHat@verizon.net.

JOSUE DANIEL Josue Daniel is a charismatic man with a love of cars and a penchant for business. Ever since he sold his family’s Ford Windstar to a friend, he was set on a career in business. He now owns Daniel’s Auto Sales, Inc. at 4002 State Road 574, Plant City Auto Salvage at 4303 Florida 574, and Universal Insurance of Plant City, Inc., at 1501 South Alexander Street - #101. His business savvy and abilities aren’t what Josue (hoe-sway’) talks about though. He is never too caught up in that world to forget what is important; family. He’s quick to add that he couldn’t do what he does without them. He has five brothers and two sisters and many of them work with him. They spend a lot of their leisure time together as well. When asked the names of his brothers and sisters he quickly recites: Amaceo, Maria, Juan, Elias, Esparanza, Manaces, and Abiel so quickly that it sounds like a refrain. He is a man focused on his priorities and number one is spending time with his three kids, thirteen year old, Michelle, nine year old Josue, Jr., and four year old Adrian. What are your hopes for your children? I want them to have a good education. There’s nothing much more valuable than that. I hope they will do well in whatever they pursue. My daughter has a desire to follow in my footsteps and she’s only thirteen. She wants to major in business in college. I always make time for my kids. We

enjoy our time together whether we are just hanging out or going to Disney World. Do you and your extended family get together often? My parents, Juan and Esparanza, just celebrated their 50th anniversary on January 24. They are in their seventies now. We go there at least once a week. We love mom’s cooking! What do you attribute to your success in the business world? Doing what I love. I’ve always enjoyed cars so I stuck with that. The other businesses grew from there. We care about our customers and I think that shows. What do you like about Plant City? That’s easy. There’s a feeling here of community. That’s what my parents loved about Plant City when they came here over thirty years ago. The rest of us followed and found the same feeling, along with the opportunities. I’ve been here for twenty years and can’t imagine living anywhere else. What are your goals? I’m happy so I want to keep doing what I’m doing; keep learning and setting goals. My dream now is to own a new car dealership.

Find more People of Plant City on Facebook. Connecting the community one story at a time. facebook.com/peopleofplantcity

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DID YOU KNOW

THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK IN PLANT CITY GOES TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT

BY PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CENTER

he banking industry in Florida has gone through an era of relative stagnation followed by an age of rapid transition. This story is about a small bank in Plant City whose practices, seemingly normal today, were visionary but seriously frowned upon not that many years ago. And it’s a story of two lawyers, one a Plant City practitioner at the time and one a native of Plant City then practicing in Tampa – both addressing the justices of the United States Supreme Court in behalf of their clients. Robert S. Edwards, a lawyer in Plant City and legal counsel to the First National Bank in Plant City was on one side and William Reece Smith, born and raised in Plant City and practicing law in Tampa was on the other. How did it come about that the small town of Plant City found itself on the docket of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. in 1969? Simply put, the law in the State of Florida at that time did not permit branch banking. All banking had to be carried on at the main bank. But the issue is more complex. Banks can choose to be chartered as “state” banks under the laws and regulation of the State of Florida, or as “national” banks under the laws and regulations of the federal government. 40

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When the First National Bank in Plant City was organized in 1956 it chose to be chartered as a national bank under the federal system of banking. It constructed a main bank building on West Haines Street, (later renamed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard), and later added a drive-through facility across the street. So long as the drive-through was on contiguous bank property it was not considered branch banking. The Hillsboro Bank, which in 1957 dropped the word “state” from its name, also built a drive-through facility a block from its main bank building and constructed a crossover structure over Evers Street connecting its drivethrough building to the main bank building on Collins Street, thus meeting the contiguous requirement. In 1966 the First National Bank in Plant City “sought and received from the United States Comptroller of the Currency permission to operate two services for the convenience of customers; one was an armored car messenger service and the other an off-premises receptacle for the receipt of packages containing cash or checks for deposit.” (Quotes from Supreme Court decision Dec. 9, 1969) The U.S. Comptroller sent two letters to the bank authorizing these services. In September 1966, “Relying on these

letters, First National offered an armored car service and a secured receptacle for receipt of monies intended as deposits.” The bank built a Bank Messenger Service center facing the main court of the Plant City Plaza Shopping Center at 1401 S. Collins Street. This facility consisted of a secured receptacle for deposits and a writing counter supplied with envelopes and transmittal slips. The armored car service was based out of the main bank at 302 West Haines Street and operated six days per week in Plant City and surrounding areas. It contained a plate glass window, a sliding drawer, and a counter on one side where customers could be served; it handled about $1,000,000 per week through the armored car service. Several state banks, including Hillsboro Bank in Plant City, objected to the new services offered by First National. On September 28, 1966, Fred O. Dickinson, Comptroller of the State of Florida, sent a letter to First National advising it that these services would violate the prohibition under Florida law against branch banking and requested First National to cease and desist all such operations. First National then sued in the U.S. District Court in Tallahassee and on October 20, 1966, the Court “issued its Orders … temporarily restraining the State Comptroller from interfering with the plaintiff (First National) herein in its conduct of armored car and receptacle services.” The United States Comptroller of the Currency, the U.S. Attorney General, and the U.S. Department of Justice joined the suit on the side of First National Bank in Plant City. Hillsboro Bank, First Ruskin Bank, and Peoples Bank of Lakeland joined the fray on the side of the State Comptroller. Later, so did the National Association of Supervisors of State Banks. The case was not heard until 1967 and on May 6, 1967, the United States District Court found in favor of First National Bank. The Florida Comptroller appealed and the Court of Appeals reversed the decision and found in favor of the State Comptroller. When First National appealed the case went to the United States Supreme Court, where

it was argued October 16, 1969, and decided December 9, 1969. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed with the Court of Appeals, upholding the position of the Florida Comptroller that First National was in violation of Florida state law and had to immediately abandon these bank messenger services. This struggle between the federal government and states’ rights was decided by Congress, which inserted a clause into federal banking regulations referring to “competitive equality” and stating that a national bank could not provide services not permitted to state banks under that state’s laws. The armored car service and the bank messenger center in the shopping center were considered branch banking and therefore were not permitted in the State of Florida. Interesting case – and it brought Plant City into a major policy issue between the federal and state governments. Even the Supreme Court decision written by Chief Justice Warren Burger makes reference to these services as “this sensible mode of operations”. Regardless, Florida law then did not permit it. Today the banking industry is greatly changed – and perhaps First National Bank in Plant City helped change policy. Ending note: Fred O. Dickinson, who was appointed to the vacant seat of Comptroller in 1965 and elected to a full term in 1966, was later brought down in 1974 by a federal grand jury investigation into his financial relations with bankers he regulated. He was indicted on extortion and other irregularities but he refused to testify and was convicted of a lesser charge of income tax violations and fined $3,000. He also had to pay $50,000 to the IRS. He lost his next election, had a heart attack, and retired from public life. He died in 1998.

Sources: First National Bank in Plant City v. Dickinson; U.S. District Court 274 F. Supp. 499 (N.D. Fla. 1967); U. S. Supreme Court 396 U.S. 122; Martin A. Dyckman, A Most Disorderly Court, University Press of Florida, 2008; Raymond B. Vickers, Panic in Paradise: Florida’s Banking Crash of 1926, University of Alabama Press, 1994; Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr., Plant City; Its Origin and History, Hunter Publishing Company, 1984; Plant City Photo Archives and History Center collections and papers.

RIBBON CUTTINGS

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on February 24, 2015 for Plant City Mercantile at 208 South Collins Street, Plant City. Plant City Mercantile is a curated boutique marketplace located in a 100 year old brick building in historic downtown Plant City. The Mercantile features various size booths and display areas in over 18,000 square feet of vendor rental space in a gallery interior. The gallery has hardwood floors, white brick walls, high beamed ceilings, track lighting, wide aisles and plenty of natural light. The Mercantile celebrates and supports Florida independent artisans and collectors with a love of old things. It is an interesting, creative and wonderful mix of handcrafts, vintage and antiques under one roof.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 12, 2015 for CMC (Computer Merchandise Corp) at the Plant City Chamber. CMC is a supplier of Office Products, which includes Printing, Office Supplies and Furniture, Promotional Products and Marketing Services. Other services include Direct Mail, Graphic Design, Warehousing, Inside Delivery, Check Fraud Prevention Consultations, and On-line Ordering Capabilities. CMC has been supplying total office solutions to Central Florida businesses for over 30 years. Give them a call today @ (863) 644-0617.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on March 11, 2015 for General RV at 13396 East U.S. Highway 92, Dover. Detroit 1953, Abe Baidas opened a Mobil gas station. From there he began fixing and renting utility trailers, camper shells and truck campers. In 1968 General Trailer opened for business in Southfield, Michigan. Throughout the years General Trailer opened new locations in Mount Clemens, Flat Rock, Pontiac, and Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1993 the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name was changed to General RV Center and its headquarters in Wixom, Michigan was opened. Since then nine new locations have been built in five different states across the country. General RV Center has come a long way from the little gas station in Detroit. They now have over 2500 RVs in stock, over $3 million in parts, offer specialized RV insurance and financing and is the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest family owned RV dealership.

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Here’s a big shout out to our wonderful readers and supporters who braved the chilly weather on February 19 to warm up the night at the Focus Magazine 13th Anniversary Party. The ever-popular Keel & Curley Winery provided plenty of room and the perfect venue, when business owners, civic leaders, and friends galore gathered for a great meal by Carrabba’s Italian Grill and entertainment by Dock 7. WQYK radio personalities Dave McKay and Veronica emceed again this year, too! The announcement of our annual Readers’ Choice Awards winners is always a high note of the party. As in years past, loyal fans voted online for Plant City dining establishments in 20 different categories this year. Folks especially enjoyed giving high fives to the Trunzos, owners of Krazy Kup Coffeehouse, for their first win. And Olde Town Pizzeria was honored with three recognitions for best pizza, salad, and best overall service while Smokin’ Aces BBQ captured two wins for barbeque and chicken wings. We had a great celebration and from the looks of all the smiling photos we posted on Facebook, the partygoers did, too. Please make a point to visit, congratulate, and dine soon with our winners! Your appreciation will surely make their day. FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

BEST BBQ

Smokin’ Aces BBQ 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road Plant City, FL 813-704-1374 www.smokinacesbbq.net Nominees: First Choice BBQ Johnson Barbeque Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill

BEST CHICKEN WINGS BEST SERVER

Nikki Watson, OBriens

BEST ASIAN

Wasabi Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 203 W Alexander Street Plant City FL 33563 (813) 754-8866 yummywasabisteakhouse.com Nominees: 813 Chinese China One

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Smokin’ Aces BBQ 5202 W. Thonotosassa Road Plant City, FL 33563 813-704-1374 Nominees: Beef O’ Bradys Nick’s Pizza O’Briens Top Shelf

BEST DESSERT

BEST CUBAN

Nominees: Twistee Treat Tani’s for Dessert Chili’s

Nominees: Brooklyn Bridge Norma’s Ybor City Cubans Dairy Queen

Dairy Queen 1902 W. Reynolds Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-2236

Strawberry Hut 1505 N. Wheeler St. 813-752-3779 thestrawberryhut.com

BEST SALAD

BEST ITALIAN

Esposito’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant 2803 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33566 813-704-5971 espopizza.com City Pizza Nominees: Carrabba’s Italian Grill City Pizza Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co.

BEST STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE Parkesdale 3702 W. Baker St. 813-752-0502 parkesdale.com Nominees: Dairy Queen Wayback Burgers Strawberry Hut Twistee Treat

Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co. 3011 James L Redman Pkwy 813-752-5800 oldetownpizzeria.com Nominees: ABC Pizza Johnson BBQ Outback Steakhouse

BEST COFFEE

Krazy Kup 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd. Plant City, FL 813-752-1220 Nominees: Dunkin Donuts Hole In One Starbucks

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BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Maryland Fried Chicken 315 N. Alexander St. 813-752-9200 plantcityfriedchicken.com Nominees: Don Pablo Fred’s Market

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BEST MEXICAN

BEST PIZZA

BEST SOUP

Nominees: El Rincon Mexicano MiCasa Mexican Restaurant

Nominees: ABC Pizza City Pizza Esposito’s Nick’s Pizza

Nominees: Carrabba’s The Corner Store

Taco Rey 1818 James L. Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 813-754-2100 www.taco-rey.com

Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co. 3011 James L Redman Pkwy 813-752-5800 oldetownpizzeria.com

Panera Bread 2909 James L. Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 33566 813-659-0864 www.panerabread.com

BEST HOMETOWN COOKIN’

Fred’s Southern Kitchen 1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 813-752-7763 fredsmarket.com

BEST OVERALL SERVICE

Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co. 3011 James L Redman Pkwy 813-752-5800 oldetownpizzeria.com Nominees: Carrabba’s Chili’s Fred’s Johnson Barbeque MiCasa Mexican Restaurant

BEST BREAKFAST

Brick House Café 113 W. Prosser Drive Plant City, FL 33563 813-708-5385 familyrestaurantplantcity.com Nominees: Fred’s Market Snellgroves

Nominees: Brick House Café Snellgroves Plant City Hometown Buffett

BEST HAMBURGER

Brick House Café 113 W. Prosser Drive Plant City, FL 33563 813-708-5385 familyrestaurantplantcity.com Nominees: Beef O’Brady’s Chili’s Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill Wayback Burgers

BEST MILKSHAKE Dairy Queen 1902 W. Reynolds Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-2236 Nominees: Dairy Queen Parkesdale Strawberry Hut Twistee Treat

BEST STEAK

Outback Steakhouse 315 N. Alexander St. 813-752-9200 outback.com Nominees: Johnson Barbeque Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill

BEST SEAFOOD Linda’s Crab Shack 200 E. Reynolds St. 813-754-0492

Nominees: Chancey’s Catfish Shack Outback Steakhouse Shrimp Express

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SHIRTS

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MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

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PLANT CITY MERCANTILE

NEW! CURATED BOUTIQUE MARKETPLACE Antique, Vintage, Arts & Crafts, Gifts Supporting Florida Artists, Vendors & Craftsman. Quality Consignments Vendor Space Available

OPEN: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm

208 S. Collins St., Plant City, 33563 813-659-1600 www.facebook.com/plantcitymercantile

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MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

ALL PRO WILDLIFE, LLC OWNER: MIKE SPANOLA BY JUDY RONEY

ike Spanola has always had a love of and respect for wildlife and nature. He’s had a lifetime of experience working with animals, and has a strong understanding of wildlife ecology and building architecture and home repairs. After college, he trained under some of the most professional, hardworking nuisance wildlife trappers in the business. It seems a natural career choice for him to own his own company to remove nuisance wildlife from homes in a safe and humane way. He then relocates the animals to an area where they can roam free. Mike was born and raised in Tampa and lives here in Plant City with his wife, Candance, who works in the business with him. They have five children; his, hers, and ours. Together they own and operate All Pro Wildlife, LLC, which is a fully licensed and insured wildlife control company. They service the greater Tampa Bay area including Clearwater and St. Pete. Candance works in the office and Mike does the on-site work along with technicians CJ Brigham, Angel Sanchez and Chris Wirt. All Pro Wildlife provides a variety of services besides trapping, removing and relocating nuisance wild life. They will also remove dead animal carcasses from your home and decontaminate including removing odors. This is an important aspect of the removal because the odors left behind can attract other animals. Mike has also had the opportunity to apprentice under a master carpenter, which allowed him to learn the skills necessary to make repairs from the damage the animal causes. He is proficient at sealing your home so that other critters cannot reenter. He has been in business for eight years now and has built a reputation

as a reliable professional. He prides himself on being honest and dependable and treating the animals with respect and dignity as well. Mike and his field personnel are always on call - 24/7 for 365 days of the year. “I take great pride in my work and pay great attention to detail.” Mike says. “I specialize in humane removal of the animals. I never use poisons or traps that would harm them. I always strive to do better work for less pay than most trappers.” When asked what his most memorable situation has been as a trapper, Mike said he once found a fivefoot python behind a toaster oven in a woman’s house. The snake was trying to find a warm place to reside. Wildlife only becomes a nuisance when they interfere with our living environment. A five foot python would definitely be a nuisance. If you are having problems with animals such as raccoons, armadillos, pigeons, rats, squirrels, opossums, snakes, rats and bats in your home, give All Pro Wildlife a call at (813)4047033. Mike and his team of technicians can provide customers with education on your particular situation so you can make the appropriate decisions that is best for you. They can give you estimates over the phone and there’s never any hidden costs. For more information check out the All Pro Wildlife website at www. tampaanimalcontrol.com

All Pro Wildlife, LLC Owner: Mike Spanola PO Box 3173 Plant City, FL 33563 813-404-7033 www.tampaanimalcontrol.com

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APARTMENTS FOR SENIORS One bedroom Apartments â&#x20AC;˘ Rent based on income

Plant City Towers 103 W. Mahoney St. Plant City, FL 33563 813.752.5116

Plant City Living Center 405 E. Damon St Plant City, FL 33563 813.659.2669

Applications available at each location 52

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PLANT CITY’S

BEST KEPT

SECRET NEW HOME COMMUNITY AT PARK PLACE

DON’T TRUST THAT INTERNET MORTGAGE CALCULATOR BY NATE DAVIS

ONLY 38 SIT REMAININGES !

• 71 Home Sites on large, oversized lots • Private, gated community located 3 minutes from I-4 • Natural gas, Double-paned thermal windows, and icynene foam insulation. • Custom gourmet brick kitchens • 2, 3, and 4 car garages • No lot premiums and No CDDs fees • Prices from mid $170s...including home site • Energy Star Certiﬁed

1809 N. Gordon Street, Plant City, FL 33563

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ost people who buy a property with financing will wrap their homeowners insurance into their monthly mortgage payment. This creates a surprise for some home shoppers who use online mortgage calculators to figure out how much they can afford. Why? Because most of those online tools calculate only principal and interest and don’t account for other things that affect a monthly mortgage payment, such as homeowners insurance and property taxes. By knowing a little more about some caveats of insurance, though, you can make a better financial decision when shopping for a home. While a plethora of things exist that influence how much you will pay in premiums, such as the deductible, previous claims, etc., I will focus only on three easy-to-remember areas that I’ve found commonly slip the mind of house hunters: construction materials, age and location. Remember this article is aimed at helping you realize a lot of factors can affect your monthly mortgage payment –please consult a licensed insurance agent when shopping and getting quotes for insurance. Homes mainly made from wood will typically carry higher insurance premiums than ones built from brick. A masonry house will almost always carry lower insurance than a structure built

from flammable materials — all things else being equal. You can review a lot about a building at the county’s property appraiser Web site. In addition to listing whether the house has a concrete frame, it should also publish the type of roof, interior walls, air conditioning and much more. Call my team at 813-7076200 if you have questions or need help with this. Age is important, too. Older homes typically have older roofs, electrical systems and plumbing, among other things. Insurance underwriters can view this as risky, raising the cost of insurance. In real estate, there is an age-old adage, “Location, location, location.” It can also hold true for insurance. For instance, homes in a flood zone need a flood insurance policy in addition to homeowners insurance. Other things to consider about location include, but are not limited to, the crime rate and the building costs in the area. I could go on and on, and insurance isn’t the only cost to be considered when figuring out how much you can afford to finance for a house. Property taxes, your credit score and many other things can come into play. It is important to choose a team that is diverse with experience in credit repair, title, real estate and the list goes on.

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WALDEN LAKE REVIEW

BY NATALIE SWEET

he Walden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are the third Monday of each month at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meetings are scheduled for March 16th and April 20th at 7:00 PM. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. SAVE the DATE! The HOA Annual Membership Meeting is scheduled for April 9th at 7:00 PM and will be held at the Plant City Church of God, located at 2103 Mud Lake Road. Notices should have already been received along with election information. There is a Limited Proxy for you to fill out and put into a sealed envelope and drop off at the HOA office prior to the meeting or bring with you to the meeting for your vote to count. You may elect to give your proxy to either Heather Updike, who is the Secretary of the Homeowners Association or to another person of your choice to vote for you. There are many candidates for the three Director Positions. The Candidates are as follows: Lynn R Buehler – Forest Park Robert Farkas – Emerald Forest Jan Griffin – Sutton Woods Joshua W Hall – Spring Meadow Blake M Meinecke – Fairway Woods Daniel P Orrico – Forest Club Daniel James Pinero – Forest Club Robert Rogers – Aston Woods David Sollenberger – Clubhouse Woods

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Of the 3 Directors up for re-election, Jan Griffin is the only current Director running for re-election. Bruce Rodwell has declined to run for re-election this term and Jim Chancy had previously resigned his seat. At the last Board Meeting, the Board Branch Manager/Loan Ofﬁcer

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voted to award the repairs and rebuild of 3 bridges to Gulf Coast at a cost of $142,000. The construction is already under way and the bridges affected are two at the Park, the Stage and the Pier along with the bridge between Spring Meadow and The Paddocks. Please be careful when near these construction areas. The Annual Garage Sale will be held on April 11th. You can hold the sale at your home or at the Polo Field this year. Please get with Bette at the HOA office by email, BetteG@WaldenLake. org, for details about the Garage Sale and the Polo Field set up. Don’t forget that Permits are required and are free. Please go to the City of Plant City to obtain your permit if you plan to hold the Garage Sale. There were 10 sales in Walden Lake in February with an average sale price of $199,956. There were no sales in Walden Lake East. The sales are as follows: 306 Valencia Court N - $ 72,000 3314 Silvermoon Drive - $122,564 3023 Spring Hammock Dr - $193,000 3214 Stevenson Street - $202,000 3503 Sandburg Loop - $205,000 2710 Laurel Oak Drive - $208,000 3205 Kilmer Drive - $230,000 2702 Barret Avenue - $270,000 2406 Clubhouse Drive - $320,000 There are currently 34 Active listings for sale with an average list price of $233,817 and there are 25 properties pending contract with an average list price of $184,470. For any questions or concerns that impact our community, please email the property manager, Linda Fernandez, at manager@waldenlake.org. 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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SPONSORED BY CHILI’S

for the Varsity Football team at Durant. The Cougars won the district championship this past 2014 season and made it to the regional playoffs. As successful as he is on the football field, track is still the number-one sport in Tracy’s heart. “I love track, not only because I’m fast, but because it’s just me and I don’t have to rely on anyone else when I’m running as opposed to football,” he expressed. Watson’s biggest support system throughout his athletic career has been his father; whose name is also Tracy Watson. “My father has supported me in everything I do and is always there for me,” described Tracy. Watson’s dreams for college are to attend the University of Florida. His goal is to obtain a track and field scholarship after the spring season. Despite his orange and blue blood, Tracy is willing to attend any college

3001 James L Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 813-764-8548 www.chilis.com that recognizes his unique athletic ability and wants to make him an offer. Tracy encourages all young athletes to work hard and never give up on their dreams. With all of the extensive work and dedication that he puts into his sports, Tracy Watson has made a name for himself, his family, Richmond Foster, and Durant High School for being an extraordinary athlete.

Starting varsity cornerback, Tracy Watson, gets focused on the Durant football field this past fall season.

A RACE TO VICTORY BY ASHLYN YARBROUGH | PHOTOS BY TRACY WATSON

ur small town community is raging with some remarkable up-and-coming athletes; most of which are stars in multiple sports. Eighteen-year-old Tracy Watson has made Durant High School proud with his outstanding track career and domination on the football field. What makes his story unique is that throughout his high school career, Watson has moved back and forth between Plant City, Florida and Fulshear, Texas due to his parents’ occupations. In Texas, he attended Richmond Foster High School; however, he is going to finish out his senior year back at Durant. Watson has impressed many with an amazing track and field career. He

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currently runs the 400-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 100-meter dash. “My favorite event is the 200,” he explains. “It’s my better run and I can pick up all of my speed while running it.” Watson even set the 200-meter dash record at Durant High School with a time of 21:89. “Setting that record has been my greatest accomplishment in my track career,” he said. This past year, Watson competed at the National Jr. Olympics. Impressively, he and his relay team placed first in the 4 x 100 meter relay! These athletes were able to return home proud while representing their families and their schools. In addition to track and field, Watson is also the starting cornerback

Tracy Watson places first with his 4x100 relay team at the 2014 Jr. Olympics in Humble, Texas.

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Piston players Michael Abdo, Colby Brewington, Shane Carlisle, Kaden Cicello, Hope Denhoff, Isaiah James, Easton Morrow, Anthony Palestrini, Shakoi Smith, andCarver Wineinger pose for a team photo after their victory over the Grizzlies in the semifinal game.

PISTONS GO UNDEFEATED BY ASHLYN YARBROUGH | PHOTOS BY YESENIA PALESTRINI

t is safe to say that almost every great athlete started their sports career playing for a recreational league when they were younger. The young players on the Plant City Pistons have validated this theory with a head start in their basketball careers by taking home the recreational league championship on February 19, 2015. The Pistons are a team of eight and nine year old athletes who are coached by Michael Palestrini and Ken Smith. These basketball players completely dominated the Cadet Division with a 7-0 regular season record, and a 3-0 playoff record. The semi-final game was between the Pistons and the Grizzlies to decide who would advance onto the 66

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championship. The game stayed close in points until the remaining 10.8 seconds when the Grizzles took the lead by one point. One of the Pistons’ star players, Carver Wineinger, was on the free throw line and missed the first shot but sunk the second to tie up the game. Both teams continued alternating points in overtime leaving the score tied with six seconds left on the clock. Another dominating Piston player – Shakoi Smith – rebounded a missed shot and scored on the Grizzlies. The Pistons advanced to the championship with a winning score of 28-26! The championship game was between the Pistons and the Dolphins. Anthony Palestrini scored 21 points for the Pistons, leading his team to victory

with a final score of 37-26. “The pistons were in control the whole game,” stated Yesenia Palestrini – Anthony’s mother. So the question is, how did this team have an outstanding, undefeated season? The Pistons have multiple kids who are fantastic ball-handlers. The young athletes all worked together to build up a strong defense and exceptional passing skills. “It’s uncharacteristic to have a team be so amazing as young as they are,” Palestrini said. “My goal for the season was not just to win the championship, but to improve my players’ skills individually and for them to enjoy the season and make new friends.” Eight-year-old Easton Morrow expressed how he liked playing with

older kids since this was his first year playing basketball. “My favorite part about basketball is when one of your teammates scores, you get to tell them ‘good job’,” Morrow states. Colby Brewington – said to be one of the best ball-handlers in the league – and Carver Wineinger both love the sport because of the excitement of shooting baskets and scoring points. All three of these phenomenal players shared that their most memorable moment of the season was winning the championship game. This successful season is only the start to the Pistons’ players’ basketball career. Plant City is eagerly waiting to see how far these talented young athletes go in the future.

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THINK DIFFERENT; BE DIFFERENT “B

BY DEREK MAUL

ut my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have (he thinks differently – he has a different spirit). He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored.” God - Numbers 14:24 Here in North Carolina we’re experiencing an unusually frigid winter. Just a couple of days ago – finally – I managed to dig out my parents’ steep driveway; and now this morning it’s been snowing - sigh - for the past fivesix hours. Interestingly, the team of people who brought Rebekah and me to live in Wake Forest all seem to be on vacation in Florida this week. That’s right, Florida. And, no, the irony is not lost on me. But, like it or not, snow happens. Here it is, and here we are. So I might as well say, “Isn’t this beautiful,” take some amazing photographs, and enjoy the signal blessing of living in a community we have already grown to love deeply. Not only am I falling in love with this place, I’m finding my voice here too. I write a weekly column for “Wake Forest Today,” and it turns out that the mayor is a big fan. That’s right, Mayor Jones liked a recent column enough to use it as the conclusion to this year’s “State of the Town” speech. A lot more than simply serving as a “plug” for the newspaper, I see the mayor’s nod as an indication that, beyond simply being a newcomer, I am now beginning to contribute to the collective consciousness of what it

means to live in this community. Being a writer involves the responsibility to introduce new thoughts, to get inside people’s heads and hearts, and to help shape the way they see things. But it also involves helping people to articulate the way they already think, and feel, and believe, and to help give other people a voice too. Even if they are the mayor. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 The Romans 12 quote – along with the “My servant thinks differently” citation from Numbers – remains one of my consistently favorite Bible principles. The inspiration behind the words speaks directly to the heart of the idea that is on my mind today. You see, we all have this opportunity to help other people think new thoughts, and to re-imagine the way we all interface with this world, and to live new lives; and God gives each of us access - and voice - in varying contexts and to varying degrees. But the truth is that what makes the most difference is not so much something big – a quote that gets a lot of “hits” or “air time” or public exposure – as it is the cumulative, accumulated, impact of tens, and hundreds, and thousands of witnesses living faith out loud from day-to-day. That would be you, my friends; emissaries of new life; reasons – good reasons – to make the world give pause, to take note, and to believe. That’s my word, for you, today. In love, and because of love

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CANDY’S CORNER BY CANDY OWENS

remembers... McDonald’s is your kinda place, it’s such a happy place, McDonald’s is your kinda place? That’s the jingle that I remember from days gone by. Back when going to McDonald’s was a treat on a Friday or Saturday night for the entire family, not a place where busy parents drove through the drive-thru and tossed a bag of food in the back seat for hungry kids to gobble down in between Soccer practice and Karate lessons. Boy, things have sure changed. When I was a little girl, the closest McDonald’s was on Memorial Blvd. in Lakeland, and when we went out to eat, the whole family went out to eat. Everyone was bathed, neatly dressed, and on their best behavior. Going out to eat was exciting. I can remember back to the mid 1960’s when McDonald’s had no inside dining. You walked up to the window and placed your order and either ate your food at home, in your car, or sat outside at a table with an umbrella. The restaurant itself was covered in red and white subway tiles with huge glass windows and had bench seating wrapped around the building so you could sit while waiting for your order or children like my sister and I could stand on the tile seats outside and watch through the big glass windows as they cooked the burgers and fries. About 1970, McDonald’s revamped 72

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their restaurants to include a bigger menu as-well-as inside dining. The menu went from: Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, French-Fries, CocoCola, Root Beer, Orange Drink, Milk Shakes, and Fried Apple Pies to include: Big Macs, Quarter Pounders, Filet-O-Fish Sandwiches, McDonaldland Cookies, and the Tripple Ripple which was prepackaged ice cream cone. McDonald’s was becoming the most popular up-and-coming restaurant chain at that time. All of the sudden, we turned on our Television sets and there was Ronald McDonald introducing the “Hamburglar” and “Mayor McCheese”. We as kids had never seen such. Soon we could buy: Ronald McDonald Yo-Yo’s, Plastic Puppets, collect Ronald McDonald and friend’s drinking glasses, and there was even a McDonald’s Travel Game. Ronald McDonald was becoming so popular with kids in the United States that we could get up early on Sunday mornings before Church, turn on our Television sets to Channel 8, and read the Funny Papers along with Ronald. All the kids sang the new McDonald’s jingle: “Two all Beef patties, Special Sauce, Lettuce, Cheese, Pickles, Onions, on a Sesame Seed Bun!” We thought that we were “Hot-Stuff ” back then! But, let me tell what was hot, it was the mouth-watering Filet-OFish, the French-Fries, and the Apple Pies that were deep-fried in hot and bubbly Animal Fat!!! YUM-YUM! McDonald’s french-fries were the best, but they don’t and they won’t ever make

them like that ever again. Sambo’s Restaurant in Lakeland was another childhood favorite of mine. Sambo’s was a chain of restaurants popular in the 1960’s and 1970’s. The restaurant chain featured inexpensive family dining with a theme and very colorful decor based on an old children’s book about a little Indian boy who went into the jungle and lost his be-jeweled hat, jacket, and golden shoes to three jealous and bullying tigers. One tiger took his jeweled jacket, the next tiger took his hat, and the third tiger took Sambo’s golden shoes and put them on. The tigers were so jealous of each other that they chased each other around a tree until they turned into melted butter, and that is what Sambo ate on his delicious pancakes, Thus-came the name “Tiger Butter”. I saved a Sambo’s menu from my childhood and their slogan read as follows: Sambo’s is a family friendly restaurant...with over 100 delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner items available 24 hours a day, everyday. PLUS an inviting atmosphere, friendly, efficient waitresses, and plenty of free parking. Our prices are suprisingly reasonable too-including all the coffee you can drink for a dime. Wherever you’re headed, there’s a Sambo’s along the way...waiting for you. There were two locations in Lakeland, one at 1345 W. Memorial Blvd. and the second was located at 2410 South Florida Ave. Several of the Menu items were: The “Sambo-Burger”-Ground beef patty on toasted bun, garnished with tomato, lettuce, pickle, and special dressing for 90 cents, with cheese $1.00 The “Deluxe Sambo-Burger Combo Platter”-Our delicious SamboBurger with tomato, lettuce, pickle, and special dressing. Served with FrenchFries and tossed crisp green salad with choice of dressing, for: $1.50, with cheese $1.60. “Sambo Fried Chicken”- Golden Crisp fried chicken served with tomato

garnish, French-Fried potatoes, soup or tossed green salad with your choice of dressing for $2.30. “Desserts”-Ice Cream Sundaes, small 40 cents and large 70 cents, Carrot Cake for 60 cents, Fruit Gelatin for 40 cents, and Strawberry Shortcake for 60 cents. “Sambo Special Breakfast”- Six Sambo cakes, one fresh ranch egg, and two strips of lean bacon, syrup, and our famous “Tiger-Butter” for $1.00, with juice $1.30. “Beverages”- Coffee for 10 cents, Hot Chocolate 25 cents, Milk 25 cents, and colas for 25 cents. Oh! and about the “Tiger-Butter”, I remember the first time that my sister Karen ordered the “Sambo Special Breakfast”, The waitress put her plate down and said: “here are your Sambo cakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, syrup, along with our delicious “TigerButter”. My sister took one look at her butter and asked the waitress (with the innocent eyes of a child) “Where are the stripes on my “Tiger-Butter?” We all got a good laugh out of that one. Well, here we are some forty years later and much to my dismay... Sambo’s restaurants are no longer! The abandoned location of the restaurant at 2410 South Florida Ave. was used back in 1990 to film the Tim Burton movie: Edward Scissorhands, starring: Johnny Depp, Vincent Price, and Winona Ryder. The location scouts for the movie found this particular Sambo’s restaurant with boarded up windows and upon removal of the boards felt as if t hey had just stepped back in time. The movie crew cleaned up the inside and began filming. “Whooda Thunk?” McDonald’s on Memorial Blvd. has been re-built from the ground up several times and now includes so many different menu items it is too hard to count! The “Hamburglar” and “Mayor McCheese” have gone into retirement, and the “Tiger-Butter”, well I think that is just a hot-melted memory!!!

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WANDA’S WORDS OF WISDOM

BY WANDA “LEWIS” ANDERSON

love lemons, lemons in my tea, fresh lemon juice to marinate meats. I love cutting a lemon in half and just eating it with a little salt. Let’s look at some other ways to use lemons. You can actually cut a lemon in half and rub the juice all over your face then wait 5 minutes and rinse with cold water. The antibacterial properties in lemons are a perfect remedy for black heads. A great way to strengthen your nails is to soak them in lemon juice for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Doing this once a week not only helps your nails grow but, it will also remove any discoloration in your nails. With any products that you use on yourself consult your health care provider. Lemon juice consists of about 5% acid which also makes them useful for a variety of household cleaning jobs. To clean your drains, take hot lemon juice and baking soda and pour in your drains. It’s also safe for septic systems. If you’re having problems with ants,

simply pour a little juice around the area where the ants are seen. The lemon juice is said to help repel the ants. Glass and mirrors, clean them with 4 tablespoons of lemon juice and half gallon of water. Just pour it into a squirt bottle and use. Your windows will be squeaky clean. If you like to clean with vinegar but, you don’t like the smell that vinegar leaves. Try adding a little lemon juice to the vinegar to neutralize the smell. Speaking of smells placing half a lemon in the refrigerator helps eliminate odors. You can remove scale from your sinks and faucets by using lemons. Just cut a lemon in half and rub then rinse well. This is great for chrome too. Mix lemon juice and baking soda into a paste and clean your chrome and rinse well. Then wipe or buff with a soft cloth. Cleaning your bathroom and kitchen are a breeze with equal parts of lemon juice and water. Plus it makes your house smell clean. Until next time relax, enjoy and be thankful…

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SENIORS OF THE MONTH

AMBER HARWELL

TYRUS WILLIAMS

BY ASHLYN YARBROUGH

lant City High School is overflowing with exceptional students. Eighteenyear-old Amber Harwell has caught the eye of many with her fantastic academic achievements and a godly heart of gold. Amber has excelled in academics. This National Honor Society member has a 4.7 GPA and is currently enrolled in Hillsborough Community College for dual enrollment classes in addition to high school

FAVORITES School Subject: Math Book: Safe Haven Song: “We Believe” Movie: Wreck it Ralph

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classes. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Southeastern University and major in Law. Outside of the classroom, Amber is heavily involved in her community. She is a member of the Soul’d Out Worship band for her youth group at Plant City’s Church of God. She is a four-year member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the treasurer of the Best Buddies club, and Student Government Treasurer. With church and school organizations, Amber stays incredibly busy! So what makes Amber stand out from the rest of PCHS students? This kindhearted young lady has invested over 400 volunteer hours in working with special needs children through the Special Olympics and PCHS Raider Buddies club. For the Special Olympic games, Amber has volunteered in volleyball, basketball, softball, and bowling. Her volleyball team has won the state championship three out of the four years that she has been on it; and her Special Olympic Raider basketball team went undefeated in this past season. Plant City High School has some talented special athletes! “I love to see the excitement in the kids’ eyes and getting to spend time with them,” Amber expresses concerning the Special Olympics. With all that Amber has accomplished, it wouldn’t be possible without the support of her parents, Curtis and Deanna Harwell, and sister Brittany Harwell (22). Amber Harwell is an outstanding PCHS student; who makes an excellent Senior of the Month. TV Show: Once Upon a Time Restaurant: Steak n’ Shake Hangout Spot in Plant City: Plant City Church of God Sports Team: Rays

BY GRESHAM STEPHENS

yrus Williams is a senior at Plant City High School. He is a strong minded student and is very involved in his school and community. Tyrus has been an FAVORITES Hobby: Playing Basketball and FIFA Store: Pacsun Restaurant: My mom’s cooking Food: Shrimp Alfredo Band/Artist: Kendrick Lamar Song: No Role Modelz by J. Cole

active member of the PCHS boys basketball team up until his senior year. He chose not to pay basketball his senior year in order to focus on his grades and getting into college. Tyrus is a member of the National Honor Society, The Science Club, and the 1290 club which is for students who meet ore exceed a 1290 on their SAT or a 29 on their ACT. Tyrus is also involved in our community as a referee for youth basketball. Tyrus takes this responsibility seriously as he helps ensure the safety of the children in our community. He is also a member of the Boys and Girls Club where he mentors, tutors, and chaperones area youth, helping them grow and learn. Tyrus has achieved a 5.01 GPA and has been accepted to Florida Atlantic College, University of Florida Traditional and Innovation Academy, University of Missouri, Auburn University, Clemson University, and University of Tampa. He has not made a decision yet because he is waiting to hear from Cornell University and Swarthmore College. Tyrus understands the value of education and his goal is to touch and improve the lives of all humans. He is outgoing and relatable and very excited about what the future holds. Big plans are in store for Tyrus Williams, and the community will be watching to see where he goes. It is an honor for Tyrus to represent Plant City High School as Senior of the Month. Sports Team: Goden State Warriors Quote: “I’m hungry for knowledge. The whole thing is to learn everyday, to get brighter and brighter. That’s what this world is about. You look at someone like Ghandi, and he glowed. Martin Luther King glowed. Muhammad Ali Glows. I think that’s from being bright all the time, and trying to be brighter.”-JayZ

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E they would need to have a place to sell their items to the public. For the past three years Boondock Studios has set up shop at the Downtown Lakeland Farmers Market. Word of their skills as artisans spread like wildfire and they have enjoyed success at the Market. Many people come to them seeking that one-of-a-kind, unique item that can only be created using skill and patience. As an example, at times one custom made leather bag can take a month to make from start to finish. Stacy and Dan both have day jobs as well, so much of the creation for Boondock studios happens in the

BOONDOCK STUDIOS CREATES PRACTICAL ART THAT CAN BE USED FOR A LIFETIME ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY HEATHER DAVIS

ftentimes when it comes to art it is something to be admired, but not touched. Boondock Studios creates art that not only can be touched, but can also be used in practical ways in everyday life. Boondock Studios originates from the collaborative efforts of husband and wife team Stacy and Dan Tabb. Dan is a leather crafter and Stacy is a fiber artist. Both forms of art come together to blend into an eye catching array of one-of-akind, original pieces of art that will last a lifetime. Dan and Stacy Tabb are inspired by a deep sense of respect towards traditional and historical handmade quality items that are not only beautiful but are also made to last. Dan honed his skills as a leather crafter from drawing on a hobby he had as a kid that he learned from 78

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his father. Later on in life he began to pursue his childhood hobby because of nerve damage he sustained as a veteran. Through the process of relearning the art of leather crafting he was able to find a way to move through his pain and not focus on how much he hurt. As a result Dan spent hours reading, studying, and practicing his art of leather crafting. Stacy has created art throughout her life art as a sculpture and painter. She was naturally drawn towards the textile arts of knitting, crochet and weaving which is what she does for Boondock Studios. Stacy is also the brainchild behind many of the creative ideas and projects that are created by Boondock Studios. Throughout the process of creating so many wonderful pieces of practical art, it became evident to the Tabbs that

evening hours or weekends. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is something we want to do every day for the rest of our lives,â&#x20AC;? the Tabbs state. Recently they are moving forward with that dream by securing both a workshop and retail space at the Plant City Mercantile. To find out more information on Boondock Studios you can visit their website at www.boondockstudios.com or visit them on Facebook. You can also visit them in person at the Downtown Lakeland Famers Market every Saturday. Items from Boondock Studios can be purchased at etsy.com/shop/ boondockstudios.

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DUKE’S BREWHOUSE

BRINGS A MODERN BREWHOUSE TO PLANT CITY BY HEATHER DAVIS | PHOTOS BY DEFFIT RED PRODUCTIONS

hange is in the air in Plant City and along with that change is a fresh way of looking at how we want to enjoy our dining experience. Duke’s Brewhouse is forefront in making and creating a place where one cannot only just enjoy a good meal, but can also have the opportunity to create a memorable experience. Duke’s Brewhouse was formally Daisy Duke’s and switched over to the Duke’s name January 15th. Owner, Chuck Jamieson and his operating partners made the shift with the concept of wanting to concentrate on creating a restaurant where the emphasis would be on the craft beer and bar food. The menu was created in collaboration with the assistance of the Strawberry Crest Culinary Arts Department and due credit is given on the back of the menu. The Duke’s menu includes the typical burgers and wings, but also branches out to include a variety of other menu items

MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

from other cuisines, such as Mexican and Italian and also some seafood selections. The craft beer menu provides a wide selection of over twenty different beers, some of which are locally brewed. Two of the beers, the Duke’s Blonde and Duke’s Brunette, a blond lager and brown ale, are brewed locally here in Plant City. Duke’s caters to not just offering an experience of fine food and great beer, but also to filling the need to experience a memorable experience. Local talent provides live music on Friday and Saturday nights, usually drawing a crowd of people who are seeking musical entertainment. Other happenings at Duke’s Brewhouse include Team Trivia night at 7pm on Tuesday nights, Tuesday $5 burger, Wednesday all you can eat boneless wings, Thursday all you can eat bone in wings, and Friday Fish and Chips or Fish Sandwich is $7.95. Duke’s is also the Plant City Headquarters for the Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey

Games, which is when the Labats Blue Drafts and Pitchers are available for $2.75 and $10. This March is March Madness giving home to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament games on over twenty HD TV’s. Happy hour is daily from 11am-7pm. The ambience of Duke’s is open, airy and friendly creating an atmosphere where one can feel immediately welcome and at home. Duke’s staff goes above and beyond to give you the feeling that they are there to care for your needs and are also extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the menu items and beer selections. Our dining experience at Duke’s was extremely satisfying due to the high quality of the fresh delicious food that was served, the fine craft beers offered, and the friendliness and knowledgeability of the well-trained wait staff. The wings, burgers, cheese fries, and

Duke’s Brewhouse 2212 James L Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-2700 Monday – Sunday 11:00am-11:00pm Duke’s Wagon wheels (onion rings) that we tried were all delicious. Another must try is the signature Strawberry Walnut salad, piled high with fresh strawberries, walnuts, and a homemade strawberry vinaigrette dressing. Desert was a unique and welcoming surprise twist to the standard Strawberry Shortcake, as the cake itself was deep fried and smothered with tasty fresh strawberries and a whip cream glaze. Duke’s Brewhouse is a welcome and needed addition to our dining establishments in Plant City.

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

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FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

FRIED PEPPER SHRIMP I BY SAVANNAH JONES

know a lot of people who are less than enthusiastic about seafood. There are always two conditions for the typical non-seafood eater; it has to be fried or it has to be shrimp, but both is always safe. Of course the go-to coconut and popcorn shrimp will always

MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

be favorites, but if you want to try a new spin on fried shrimp this recipe is delicious (and not intimidating for the seafood squeamish).

INGREDIENTS: 1 package of wonton wrappers fresh bay shrimp Â˝ cup soy sauce Â˝ cup thai chili sauce black pepper 1-2 cups canola oil INSTRUCTIONS: Clean and devein the shrimp. Mix the soy sauce and chili paste together to create a marinade for the shrimp. Allow the shrimp to marinate in the fridge for between 1 and 24 hours. Prepare the wonton

wrappers per package directions. Wrap each shrimp in a single wrapper and set aside on a plate or baking sheet. Heat the canola oil in a pan over medium high heat. The canola oil should create about an inch thick layer in the pan. Fry the shrimp in a single layer for about one minute on each side (the shrimp should be fully cooked and the wonton should be golden brown). Lay the shrimp on a layer of paper towels to drain excess oil before serving.

Exquisite Fine Dining

Authentic Indian Cuisine

Specialties include:

Butter chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Masala dosa, Garlic Shrimp, goat Curry, Whole Fried Snapper

FULL BAR â&#x20AC;˘ MILITARY DISCOUNTS

WEEKDAY BUFFET 11:30-2:30 $9.95

WEEKEND BUFFET 12:00-3:00 $12.95

689-4040 902 E. Brandon Blvd. FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

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» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

CHANCY’S CATFISH SHACK

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

2509 NORTH PARK ROAD 813-754-3433

CHILI’S

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

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

OLDE TOWN PIZZERIA

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

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

PLANT CITY HOMETOWN BUFFET

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

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

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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

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TASTE OF INDIA

he TASTE OF INDIA offers an exquisite fine dining experience while serving Authentic Indian Cuisine for the past 6 years in Brandon. Some of the most requested dishes include Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Masala Dosa, Garlic Shrimp, Goat Curry, and Whole Fried Snapper! FULL BAR! Entree prices start at $10.95 and the Lunch Buffet prices are $9.95 weekdays and $12.95 weekends. Military Discounts! Professional Catering Available. Serving Lunch Buffet Mon-Fri 11:30-2:30, Sat/Sun 12-3. Dinner Hours are Mon-Thurs 5-10pm, Sat 5-10:30pm and Sun. 5-9:30. Relax and enjoy the wonderful spices and scents of the Delicious and Delectable Indian cuisine!

902 E. BRANDON BLVD. BRANDON, FL. 33511 813-689-4040

WAYBACK BURGERS

ayback Burgers offers premium burgers, made from 100% beef, fresh, never frozen, made to order just the way you like it. Our delicious hand dipped milkshakes hit the spot every time you try one.

Every month, Wayback Burgers features a brand new “Burger of the Month” and “Milkshake of the Month”. And burgers are only the beginning; House-made potato chips, all beef hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, turkey burgers, specialty burgers and fresh salads are available. We also feature local brewed beer from Two Henrys Brewing. Wayback, way better!

200 W. ALEXANDER STREET PLANT CITY, FL 33563

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

can’t miss

event RELAY FOR LIFE

Mark your calendars for Plant City’s annual fight against cancer to take place Friday, April 10 (6 p.m.) at Plant City High School (1 Raider Place.) This local American Cancer Society Relay for Life event is a great place to take action and make noise.

APRIL

04 SATURDAY

26th Annual City Wide Easter Egg Hunt Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex | 10 a.m. 2402 E. Cherry St. This free event offers children the opportunity to search for Easter eggs with candy inside. Airbrushing, inflatables, trackless trains, balloon artists, and other activities will be available. Non-refundable Bunny Dollars will be available for $1. Kids 12 and under will receive a first drink and hotdog free. Photos with the Easter Bunny cost 5 Bunny dollars. For more information, visit plantcitygov.com.

24 FRIDAY GRWC Woman’s Club of Plant City’s Annual Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon Plant City’s First Baptist Church | 11 a.m. 508 N. Palmer St. Emcee is Courtney Robinson of WTSP Channel

Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 The Story: A Dramatic Musical Portrayal Plant City Church of God | 7 p.m. 2103 Mud Lake Rd. For more information, contact 813-752-4591.

For more information, contact allison.martinez@cancer.org.

Sunday, April 5 Community Easter Sunrise Service Walden Lake Park | 7 a.m.

21 SATURDAY

Youth Fishing Derby Gordon Food Service Drive behind the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex | Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. This free biannual event is for children ages 5-15. Anglers have the opprotunity to fish for bass, catfish, mudfish, speckled perch, blue gill, and much more. Anglers must be accompanied by an adult and bring your own pole, bait, and 5 gallon bucket. Morgan Auto Group Charity Polo Classic DI Polo Tour | 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 1003 Cowart Rd. The annual Charity Polo Classic raises funds for area nonprofits, with proceeds donated to Children’s Cancer Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. Event begins at 11 a.m. with lunch served at noon, dressage at 12:30, player introduction at 1 p.m., and match beginning at 1:30. Complimentary beer, wine and champagne will be available and guest can purchase speciality cocktails. Suggested attire is available for viewing at charitypoloclassic.com. Tickets are available online as well with many options to choose from.

MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

Strawberry Classic Car Show Historic Downtown Plant City | 4 to 9 p.m. The car show features cars that are at least 25 years old, with many classics from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. 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. For more information, contact the Chamber at 813-754-3707.

28 SATURDAY Chili Cook-Off Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 102 N. Palmer St. The Arts Council of Plant City will host a chili cook-off with the theme “Promoting the Culinary Arts through Chili and Chocolate. Chili categories include milk, spicy, and novelty. Tickets are $5 and includes sampling of chili and Neumeister’s Candy Shoppe chocolates. Entertainment provided by Dance Connection. For more information, contact Marsha Passmore at 813-245-2244, Edith Kidde at 904-465-1764, or Dodie White at 813-927-0595.

RECURRING EVENTS:

Plant City Entertainment, Inc Presents: Mid-Life! The Crisis Musical 101 N. Thomas St. Three men and three women make up the cast of this wacky muscial that takes a comic look at the “age old” conditions and situations faced in mid-life-from reading glasses and mammograms to weekend warriors and protology exams. For more information, visit pceshows.com Thursday, March 19 | 8 p.m. Friday, March 20 | 8 p.m. Saturday, March 20 | 8 p.m.

EASTER SERVICES

The Relay for Life movement offers an inspiring opportunity to honor cancer survivors, promote how individuals can reduce their cancer risk, and raise money to help end cancer. Today, without the support of thousands of volunteers around the country, the American Cancer Soceity is helping save more than 400 lives a day. Join the over 65 teams and 600 participants who have already signed up for the cause and raised almost $59,000.

MARCH

10. Tickets are $20 and proceeds benefit Canine Companions for Independence with special emphasis on Wounded Warriors and Southeastern Guide Dogs. For more information, contact Karen at 813-481-0419 or karengriggsby@gmail.com.

Friday, April 24 11AM - 1PM GFWC Woman’s Club of PC Annual Spring Fashion Show & Luncheon Plant City’s First Baptist Church 508 Palmer Street North Emcee: Courtney Robinson. WTSP Channel 10 anchor Tickets: $20 Proceeds benefit Canine Companions for Independence (with special emphasis on Wounded Warriors Initiative & Southeastern Guide Dogs) Contact Karen at 481-0419 or karengriggsby@gmail.com

COME VISIT

DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

FOCUSOBITUARIES Wilbur Esten Hartman, Jr., 77 of Plant City/formerly of Jacksonville, FL died February 17, 2015 at Brandon Regional Hospital. He was born April 14, 1937 in Centerville, Pennsylvania to the late Wilbur, Sr. and Evelyn Buckingham Hartman. He was the husband of Julia Loizakes Hartman, she survives. Also surviving are son, Mark Roberts; daughters, Deb Ehrlich, Lynn Faust; sisters, Laura Wagner, Ruth Ridgway; five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Wilbur was in the Air National Guard and flew for Air America during Vietnam. He was avid pilot and enjoyed planes. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com. Henry Grant Ratliff, 80 of Plant City, Florida died February 21, 2015, at Saint Joseph Hospital in Tampa. Born December 14, 1934 in Pikeville, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Orville and Osie Adkins Ratliff. He was the husband of Jeanne Watkins Ratliff, she survives. Also surviving are sons, Rick (Sherry) Ratliff and Anthony Ratliff; daughters, Cynthia Ratliff and Monica (Kevin) Goodell; sisters, Mary Preston and Omega Bull; 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Hank retired from the US Army and served during Korea and Vietnam. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com Andrew David Gunter, Sr., 65 of Plant City, Florida died February 22, 2015 at his home. Born November 21, 1949 in Plant City, Florida, he was the son of the late Dillon and Agnes Styron Gunter. He is survived by

MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

his devoted wife of 35 years Brenda Word Gunter. Also surviving are sons, Andrew â&#x20AC;&#x153;Andyâ&#x20AC;? Gunter, Jr. and James (Emily) Gunter; grandchildren Lilyann, Ellison, Mya, and James Tiger; a niece that was special to him Amanda Alderman Talley and many other beloved family members. David was also preceded in death by his sister Desi Register and his in-laws James and Shirley Word. David retired from C.S.X. Railroad after 45 years of dedicated service. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com Maurine Juanita Tindle, 84 of Plant City, Florida died February 24, 2015, at Sun City Center Hospice House. Born June 6, 1930, in Plant City, Florida, she was the daughter of the late William and Alma Collins Ham. Maurine was a member of Northside Baptist Church and retired from Florida Blood Services. Maurine was predeceased by daughter, Phyllis Richards. Surviving are sons, James and Paul Tindle, II; sister, Kathryn Mann; 8 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com Dolores Philport age 87, of Plant City, Florida passed away February 28, 2015 at Country Manor Assisted Living. A native of Wyandotte, Michigan, she was the daughter of the late August and Katherine Birdsall Tice. Survivors include sister in law, Paulette Philport Southwick; brother in law, Dale Philport; niece, Leigha Hernandez; nephew, Aaron Philport; siblings, Buddy, Carol, and

Phyllis. Dolores was an assistant manager of food services for Wyandotte Public Schools before retiring, and was a member of the Eastern Star. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com. Pamela Kay Trowell age 65, of Plant City, Florida passed away March 1, 2015 at her home. A native of Tampa, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Wesley and Willie Whittle Trowell. Survivors include son, Stacy Chasteen; daughter, Eugenia Chasteen; brothers, Wesley and Randall Trowell; sister, Delores Little, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Pamela attended Springhead Methodist Church and Church on the Rock. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com. Pamela Kay Trowell age 65, of Plant City, Florida passed away March 1, 2015 at her home. A native of Tampa, Florida, she was the daughter of the late Wesley and Willie Whittle Trowell. Survivors include son, Stacy Chasteen; daughter, Eugenia Chasteen; brothers, Wesley and Randall Trowell; sister, Delores Little, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Pamela attended Springhead Methodist Church and Church on the Rock. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com. Rosa Acosta age 82, of Plant City, Florida passed away March 5th, 2015 at South Florida Baptist Hospital. A native of Miami, she was the daughter of the late Arturo and Estela Hernandez Moya. Survivors include her beloved husband Ildefonso L. Acosta, children; Luis Acosta,

Sonia Fernandez, Norma Escalona, Rosa Alvarez; 3 sisters, 2 brothers, 8 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Ildefonso O. Acosta. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com.

Persio Castro, Sr. age 85, of Seffner, Florida passed away March 12, 2015 at Sun City Center Hospice House. A native of Santiago, Dominican Republic, he was the son of the late Domingo and Lidia Lopez Castro. Survivors include wife Marina Castillo Castro; son, Persio Castro, Jr.; daughters, Iris Castro, Mercedes Castro, Sonia Joiner, Ramona Castro; 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.haughtfuneralhome.com. Mark Louis Ruppe, Sr, 59 of Plant City died March 12, 2015 in Parma, Ohio. Born to the late Harry and Mildred Ruppe, she survives. Also surviving are son, Mark, Jr.; brother, Dan (Wendi) Ruppe; sisters, Jane, Maureen (Greg) Patrick; 2 grandchildren. Online condolences may be left to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

In Loving Memory

IT’S FOR LAUGHS

by Calvin R. and Jackie Mathews IT’S FORCreated LAUGHS by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

COME JOIN THE FOCUS COMMUNITY

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ THEFOCUSMAGAZINE

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MARCH 2015 focusplantcity.com

ER Needed?

Hospital Included.

Just in Case In case itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more serious than you thought, our full-service Emergency Center is connected to South Florida Baptist Hospital and features the services you may need on-site: n Operating rooms n Team of physician specialists n Heart Center

n Intensive Care Unit n Lab and imaging

301 N. Alexander St. | Plant City

For a physician referral or more information:

(813) 443-2037 or PlantCityEmergency.org

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FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2015

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The All-New 2015 F-150 hAs Arrived. GeT The 2014's while They lAsT! pre-owNed iNveNTory 2001 Ford

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All prices plus tax, tag, title and dealer fee. Offers subject to prior sale and subject to change at any time. See dealer for details.2014 Ford F-150 Crew Cab RWD MSRP $42,280. Combination of Ford manufacturer rebates and dealer discounts. All prices plus tax, tag, title and dealer fee. Vehicles subject to prior sale. With approved credit. See dealer for details.

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