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CONTENTS March 2016 | Volume 15 Issue 03 | focusplantcity.com

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In addition to the Strawberry Festival event coverage, you’ll find stories of a Army Sergeant deployed in Kuwait who surprised his family with a visit home, the 12 PCHS athletes who signed letters of intent with colleges on National Signing Day, the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance, two FFA State Champion middle school teams, and Sharon Moody announced as our new Citizen of the Year.

43 Feature: 2016 RCA Winners

Congratulations to our 2016 Readers’ Choice Award winners! We hope you’ll encourage them by dining soon. It’s time to treat yourself to the “best of the best.” Enjoy also the refreshing strawberry treats our “A Hint of Garlic” columnist, Victoria Sgro, shares as well.

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Under My Thumb is the place to go for stress relief, “Where it’s nice to be kneaded.” Licensed massage therapist and owner Christina “Nikki” Jackson can help folks suffering with back pain, migraines, anxiety, and blood pressure issues. Massage therapy is known to improve flexibility, strengthen the immune system, improve circulation problems and increase endorphins for natural pain relief. Athletes recovering from sports injuries benefit as well. Schedule your appointment today!

CORRECTION: Please accept our apologies for an incorrect phone number in our February issue. Helping Hands, Caring Hearts can be reached 24 / 7 at 813-737-6706.

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MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

LETTER FROM THE

PUBLISHER

What an amazing Florida Strawberry Festival we’ve enjoyed this year! Congratulations to the FSF Board of Directors, Festival staffers, 2,000-plus volunteers, phenomenal vendors, and more than 500,000 visitors who made it all possible. Once again, outstanding teamwork showcased how berry much fun and industry we enjoy here in eastern Hillsborough County.

And thanks for your help in celebrating the 15th Anniversary of Focus Plant City, too! Your online votes combined to congratulate our annual Readers’ Choice Award winners—the establishments you determined were “best of the best” for our dining pleasure. This month’s feature provides information on each winner. Now your next assignment is to visit soon and treat your taste-buds to those award-winning offerings. Please show your support to the he owners and staff of these wonderful dining establishments who work so

hard to serve up some of the best food and treats you’ll find anywhere. We’d also love to see photos of your visits (even a food or maybe a pic of your group with the server). E-mail or Facebook message to us (editorial@ floydpublications.com or Facebook) and we’ll share on our Focus page. Let’s encourage the winners with a little free, hometown publicity on social media. Other stories include Strawberry Festival event coverage, a local Army Sergeant’s surprise homecoming, the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance, and a salute to the exceptionally dedicated Sharon Moody, Plant City’s 2016 Citizen of the Year. And like Sharon, we hope your family celebrates a sunny Easter and Resurrection Sunday with area church congregations. Many early risers of all denominations will enjoy the Community Sunrise Service at Walden Lake Park. For a special treat this year, why not attend one of three presentations of “The Story” with special guests, The African Children’s Choir, at Plant City Church of God on Mud Lake Road. No matter where you choose to worship God, it’s sure to be a great weekend to rejoice!

Warmest Regards, Mike Floyd

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

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.

Office 813.707.8783 Fax 813.764.0990

Publisher Mike Floyd mike@floydpublications.com

www.focusplantcity.com

Sales Dede Floyd dede@floydpublications.com

Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us.

Managing Editor Cheryl Johnston cjohnston@floydpublications.com

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.

Distribution Tony DeVane

FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues.

Art Director Anthony Sassano asassano@floydpublications.com

Staff Writers Cheryl Johnston | Heather Davis Deana Garrison | Andria Barrios | Sherrie Mueller

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

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 2016

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

Thanks to Mark S. Poppell, VP of Poppell Insurance, Focus Magazine hit the slopes in Whitefish, Montana with 37 others in the Tampa Bay Snow Skiers and Boarders Club from January 30 to February 6, 2016. The group conducts trips almost weekly throughout the ski season.

The Daybreak Rotary Club hosted its annual Rotary Speech Contest for Plant City High School students. This year’s theme: “Be a Gift to the World.” Katelyn Yarbrough, a freshman, won the $100 first place reward. Arie Fry, a junior, received $75 for second place. Another junior, Jacob Cothren, earned $50 for third place. Yarbrough advances now to the next level of competition. Carole Wright chaired the event for the appreciative Club President, Sharon Philbin.

Plant City Photo Archives and History Center President Ed Verner has announced that the long established Florida Strawberry Festival Association will receive the organization’s top honor, the Heritage Award, at the annual Soiree, its awards banquet, Thursday, March 31, 2016. Verner said the selection committee reached a unanimous decision in support of the Florida Strawberry Festival Association for the enduring and significant role it has played in the greater Plant City community for over 85 years. For ticket information, call 813.754.1578 or 813.417.7559

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

Sixteen students participated in t he 2016 Plant City High School Prince and Princess Contest, which challenged students to help raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The competition sponsored by the PCHS Interact Girls Club has two teachers/advisors, JoBeth Newsome and Jennifer Scott. PCHS Principal Susan Sullivan crowned Prince Cole Peterson, a senior, and freshman Princess Katelyn Yarbrough. Finalists included first runnerup for Prince, Erick Polanco; first runner-up for Princess Amber McGuire, and Linda Crosson, second runner-up. The Noon Rotary Club sponsors the Interact Girls Club, which will present $1,000 to the American Cancer Society in support of the Plant City community’s Relay for Life event to be held at PCHS on April 8-9, 2016.

Twelve athletes at Plant City High School signed letters of intent for college scholarships on National Signing Day, February 3, 2016. Pictured L-R are: Kylee Burroughs--USF; Rebecca Sorenson--Polk State; Alexis Williams--Pasco Hernando; James Alexander--New Mexico Military Institute;Tavares Chase-Clemson; Kijafi Coney--Warner University; Cory Cotnoir--Florida Atlantic University; Kwest Fluitt--Harding University; Kenkahri Green--Butte College; Markese Hargrove--USF; Jamal Savage--Bethune Cookman; and Eddie Tanner-Ridgewater College

“Ringing the bell at Nasdaq Opening ceremony was a terrific honor for The Sunshine Bank Family,” shared Andrew Samuel of Sunshine Bank. “We are humbled by this opportunity and thank all of our employees for making this possible.

With their second consecutive FHSAA state championship in late January, the Strawberry Crest Chargers cheerleaders now also holds two state runner-up awards, four FHSAA regional titles and four Western Conference top slots. Their 91.4 score at state has set a new record in the Small Co-Ed division. This was also the first undefeated season for both the Co-Ed team and the junior varsity squad.

Optimists Host Oratorical Contest Three local students participated in the annual Plant City Optimist Club Oratorical Contest on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department administrative office. Students presented their 4-5 minute orations on “How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others” in front of an audience of over 40. The results of the 2016 event are: 1st Place Caroline Brummer, Plant City High and Gavin Hessler, Marshall Middle School; 2nd Place Hannah Manley, Tomlin Middle School. Three members of the Plant City Toastmasters Club served as judges.The two 1st Place finishers advance to the Zone level of competition March 28 in Mulberry against finishers from Lakeland and Winter Haven.

Tomlin Middle School’s “Horse Judging Team” won the state FFA title, which is quite an accomplishment! Team members (L-R) are: Kayla Williams, Rebecca Pereira, Delaney Ferrell, and Angelic Alex.

Hundreds of elementary and middle school students gathered with their families at the HCC Trinkle Center on February 13, 2016 together to compete for the 2016 Central West Florida FIRST® LEGO League Regional Robotics Championship. Students spent the day building robots using LEGO bricks, motors, sensors, and a microprocessor. They have been designing, building, and programming for months. Winning teams will move on to the State Championship on May 7th and possibly to the international competition at Legoland in Carlsbad, California.

Walden Lake Elementary will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on April 18th with past and present faculty and staff. If you are a former staff of Walden Lake Elementary, and would like to attend this special event, please RSVP by March 31st to wle25reunion@gmail.com.

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

L School, which helps children improve behavior, work on peer relationships, and improves schoolwork.

• Advisor to the Builders Club at Marshall Middle School, which provides opportunities for students 12-15 years of age for service, character building and leadership skills development • Founder/President of the Plant City Black Heritage Celebration organization

• Recognized as a driving force behind that group’s summer reading program for children Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court congratulates Sharon Moody, 2016 Citizen of the Year. L-R are Ashtyn Steele, Alex Aponte, First Maid Morgan Gaudens, Sharon Moody, Queen Haley Riley and Ashlyn Yarbrough

2016 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR SHARON MOODY SELECTED 2016 OUTSTANDING

• Plant City YMCA’s board of directors

• Boys and Girls Club Professional Association • Founder/President of Jr. Elite Women’s Club of Plant City.

• Currently, Chairman of the Plant City Christmas Parade committee’

• Grand Marshal for 2012 Christmas Parade • Secretary on the Unity in the Community Board of Directors

• Vice-Chairman of Plant City Code Enforcement Board • Plant City Greater Chamber of Commerce member; “Good Egg Award” recipient for November 2015.

Moody’s daughter, LaTesa Jefferson, describes her mother as “very inspiring and simply phenomenal.” Ken Hawthorne of the sponsoring Kiwanis Club summed it up well by stating, “We are proud to recognize Sharon Moody. She is well- deserving. Her service to the children in this community is outstanding.” Congratulations, Sharon Moody. We applaud you and are grateful for your sacrifice of time, energy and resources to make Plant City a better place to live. Job well done!

CITIZEN OF PLANT CITY BY SHERRIE MUELLER

he 57th Annual Outstanding Citizen Luncheon was held February 17, 2016 at the Expo Hall on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. According to Ken Hawthorne, chairman of the event, this year’s title winner was “the best kept secret in Plant City.” The Kiwanis Club sponsors the annual award luncheon for which membership of nine organizations nominated and had the final vote for the candidate considered most deserving. Participating clubs included Civitan, Daybreak Rotary, GFWC Woman’s Club, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist, Noon Rotary, and American Business Woman’s Association Very few people knew the winning name until it was announced to the 150 community members in attendance. Dub McGinnes, 2015 Citizen of the Year, had

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

the honor of announcing that Sharon Moody was indeed the community’s volunteer extraordinaire. Born and raised in Plant City, the former Director of the Plant City Boys and Girls Club is known by her love for children and service to the community. Her Kiwanis Club membership since 2007 includes an eight-year perfect attendance record. She has served in every club leadership position, including Lieutenant Governor for Florida Division 14. Moody has also received the Kiwanis International President Challenge Award, The Distinguished Lt. Governor Award and The Distinguished President’s Award. Additionally, Moody has contributed to her town in numerous other ways: • Managed the Kiwanis “Stuff the Bus” program for the last two years • Heads the Kiwanis Terrific Kids Program at Burney Elementary

Olivia Brosky, Youth Parade Marshall, congratulates Sharon Moody on being names the 2016 Citizen of the Year.

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FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

Home for two weeks from Kuwait, Sergeant Stephen Galindo surprised his now retired Marine father, Jesse, during a family celebration at Johnson Barbeque earlier this month.

HOMECOMING HUGS FOR MILITARY FATHER AND SON

questions, he recommends case specific solutions about communicating with subordinates and supervisors. He is my best advisor.” Jesse Galindo feels “very thankful and blessed to have served 32 years” with the Marines, from 1965 until mid-1997. Among his numerous assignments were helicopter mechanic in Vietnam, Crew Chief for Marine One (HMX 1) under Presidents Carter and Reagan, American Embassy in Colombia, and posts in Okinawa, the Far East and I&I (Inspector & Instructor) duty in Atlanta. From instructing, Jesse realized, “Whether a Marine has served four years or thirty, they understand sacrifice for country. They grow up faster, assume responsibility quicker, and rise to meet challenges.” Stephen shared: “The military has afforded me educational opportunities

and wonderful camaraderie. I have such appreciation now for the USA, my small town of Plant City, and even grass and a deep breath of fresh, American air. The time away has been the difficult part—not being able to sing my daughters to sleep, wake them from naps, or kiss my wife.” Grateful for her husband’s “outstanding leadership,” Jana praised, “He’s always willing to do whatever is needed.” As a community, everyone can “do whatever is needed” through practical acts to assist military families. Along with a verbal “thank you for your service,” we could help with home maintenance, care for children to bless the 24/7 parent, supply gift cards, pay a bill, send cards or care packages, etc. Little acts of kindness can greatly encourage those who protect our country. Let’s do this, Plant City!

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEGAN LAGRONE PHOTOGRAPHY

rmy Sergent Stephen Galindo and his wife Jana had planned a family dinner out to celebrate Stephen’s recent promotion, albeit in his absence. In reality, he was coming home for a two week leave from duty in Kuwait. His mother, Lynn, knew of Stephen’s arrival, but his Marine father, Master Gunnery Sergeant (RET) Jesse Galindo, had not a clue. On the busy night of March 4, Johnson Barbeque’s manager, Linda Londberg, had two tables reserved and blinds tilted down, so as not to spoil a surprise homecoming. When the young couple arrived with daughters Aubrianna and Lily, the extended family was already seated. Family friend and professional photographer, Megan LaGrone, also accompanied the family to capture the moments. As to Stephen’s entrance, his unsuspecting father described himself as “stunned and speechless.” Diners enjoyed witnessing the huge hug between father and son, who serves with the Force

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

Protection Platoon to provide security for Kuwait’s missile sites. After Jesse’s retirement and return to Plant City, the homeschooled Stephen and Jana met through the local Christian Home Educators group. They married, he enlisted and in October will celebrate five years of service, with a total 24 months being spent deployed. At the Kuwait base chapel, Stephen helps lead worship services, as he once had for Plant City’s Church on the Rock. Sensing an even stronger call to ministry now, he “can’t say enough about my support group” and “better connections to a group of believers than last time.” Praying for direction now, the couple hopes their Oklahoma duty in July may allow his continued education. Of their strong relationship, Stephen shared, “We can’t credit anything other than our faith in God.” Stephen appreciates his father’s wisdom. “Growing up, I watched Dad take on more of a mentorship role with me and others. Now when I e-mail

Jana Galindo, with daughters Lily, 1, and Aubrianna, 30 months, wait at TIA for Stephen’s flight from Kuwait to land.

After the surprise homecoming hug, the Galindo family celebrated Stephen’s recent promotion to sergeant.

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L Submarine Veterans of Bartow, The Breeze Salon and Spa, Bay News 9, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Urban Glass, Fox Squirrel Corn Maze, College Hunks Hauling Junk and more. There were tractors, trailers, eye-catching floats and even vintage vehicles. Nate Kilton, a candidate for Plant City Commissioner Group 1, even brought the T-shirt donned campaign team along to promote his desire to serve.

The parade route extended from Evers Street North all the way to the intersection of Reynolds Street past the Strawberry Festival grounds. Once again, the annual Grand Parade thrilled citizens with the creativity, beauty and lively entertainment produced by the charming, growing community of Plant City.

The Robert W. Williaford Railroad Museum created a train specifically for Plant City’s parades and received First Place in the Grand Parade.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL GRAND PARADE

What child doesn’t love a parade? And riding in one is even better.

BY ANDRIA BARRIOS

n Monday, March 7, families and groups of friends lined the streets of downtown Plant City, gathered to enjoy the annual Grand Parade, which honors the Florida Strawberry Festival. Longtime Festival volunteer Helen Parke, the matriarch of Parkesdale Farms, served as 2016 Grand Marshal. Two Veterans, Gerry Lawrence and “Pops” from AMVETS Post 44 vegged in lawn chairs while waiting for the parade to start. “We’ve done it for many years in the past. It’s a fun community event,” said Lawrence, who would later ride in their patriotic, boat-like float. Suncoast Community Health Center 18

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has also been featured in the parade for the last four or five years. In addition to various vendors, dancers, bands and cheerful students from Strawberry Crest High School, Dover Elementary, Durant High School, Hillsborough Community College Plant City Campus and other education groups were delighted to take part. Several churches participated as well, including One Accord Church, Shiloh Baptist, and First Baptist Church of Dover, whose representatives rode in a slick 1931 Model A Ford. A few show horses and real cowboys even joined the mix. Other participating organizations included the Sea Poacher Base US

“Reading takes you far far away!” Just ask these Dover Elementary students.

Dancers populated the streets and rocked out to music while waiting for the parade to begin.

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Pictured with Dr. Isable Garcia, Dean of the University of Florida College of Dentistry are Dental Associates of Florida co-founders Trey Walding, John Carter, and Trey Mueller.

DENTAL ASSOCIATES OF FLORIDA EARNS PRESTIGIOUS GATOR 100 AWARD

ental Associates of Florida, with corporate headquarters in Plant City, was named to the University of Florida’s 2016 Gator 100 during a ceremony and luncheon February 19 at the J. Wayne Reitz Union Grand Ballroom on campus. Sponsored by UF, the Warrington College of Business, and the Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center, the Gator 100 recognized the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or led by UF alumni. The accounting firm of Ernst & Young calculated each company’s compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past three years to generate the ranking. Dental Associates of Florida, the only dental group selected for the award, ranked

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

#36 with a compound annual growth rate of 47.70%. The group was also chosen for the Inaugural 2015 Gator 100. The Dental Associates co-founders are University of Florida Alumni: John Carter, William “Trey” Mueller III and Stephen J. “Trey” Walding, III. All three dentists received their DMD degrees from UF with Walding and Mueller, a PCHS graduate, earning undergraduate degrees there as well. Dental Associates has eleven offices serving Lakeland, Bartow, Winter Haven, Brandon, Sun City, Tampa, Brooksville and Plant City. All three co-founders attended the awards event with family members and were joined by Dr. Isabel Garcia, Dean of University of Florida College of Dentistry.

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To become the FFA State Champion Dairy Judging team is quite an accomplishment for Turkey Creek Middle School students (L-R) Lisee Griffin, Emily Linton, Siera Linton and Austin Holcomb.

TURKEY CREEK FFA WINS STATE DAIRY JUDGING CHAMPIONSHIP BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

he Turkey Creek Middle School Dairy Judging team won the state FFA competition on Saturday, February 13, 2016, at the Florida State Fair. The four-member team includes: six-graders Austin Holcomb, Elise (Lisee) Griffin, Emily Linton, and eighth-grader Siera Linton. Since September the students met an hour before school, thrice weekly, to study the Virginia Tech Quiz Bowl material, the PDCA score card, and how to read and judge dairy cow pedigrees. A first place in November’s preliminary portion advanced them to the state contest. While continuing those studies, they added actual cow judging and oral explanations as to why they placed a cow in a particular class. They also had to learn to read and answer questions on a DHIA report. Trips to practice judging skills at a dairy farm in Webster and to the Manatee County and South Florida fairs, with a win at the latter, boosted their confidence. A few weeks later, the team rejoiced when they were announced State Champions. Emily shared, “You learn something new each time you open the packet and can always improve your oral reasons to make yourself better. Becoming

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state champions feels good because we set a team goal to be in the top 5 so we could at least be on stage at the state convention. Then we exceeded it!” Austin loved “being able to evaluate cows and learn more about the dairy industry,” adding, “My favorite part was giving oral reasons and telling the judge why I placed the cows the way I did.” But the four also felt sad because Siera moves on to ninth grade, so they won’t compete together again until high school. Sharing her joy at the win, she said, “I learned more about what I show and care for every day. First place feels really good because this is my third year with this contest. But as you can see, the commitment and all our hard work has finally paid off.” Lisee is looking ahead, too. “Becoming state champions feels really good because four months ago I knew nothing about dairy cows. With our coaches’ and teammates’ help, we’re now at the top. Our team has some wonderful memories, but I have a feeling when we’re on stage this summer at state convention and all those lights shine in our eyes as we are handed our trophies, and the crowd starts to scream… That will be my absolute favorite.”

Jess Anderson APR16.indd 1

3/6/2016 7:57:18 AM

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

The winners in each category are as follows: • Strawberry Festival Theme DiaperKinsley Newberry

10-12 months: Becham McClellan 13-15 months: Eli Barrett 16-18 months: Tied for first place Weston Foster and Loga Cooprider

• Funniest Diaper- Laila Benitez

• Most Hair- Alyssa Lone

• Strawberry Theme Diaper- Maizy Anglin

• Chubbiest Cheeks- Maizy Anglin

• Cartoon Diaper- Enzo Nelson

• Prettiest Girl 6-9 months: Adaline Grenchenkov 10-12 months: Zoe Tzannes 13-15 months: Leah Schultz 16-18 months: Audrin Suarez • Most Handsome Boy 6-9 months: Briggs Walls

• Biggest Eyes- Kara Barth

• Look Alike Twins- Gabriel and Sebastian Ortiz • Diaper Derby- Leah Schultz

Congratulations to the families and little darlings who participated. Fun for all, with lots of smiles and hugs.

Leah Shultz, winner of the Diaper Derby race pose with her mom and the Strawberry Festival queen and court.

FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

BABY CONTESTS BY DEANA GARRISON

he first Sunday of the Festival was filled with lots of fun and creativity. The babies of our community, ages six to eighteen months, competed in the decorated diaper contest, baby features, and racing across the stage in a crawl off. Smiles could be seen all around from watching these sweet children. The competition began with the decorated diaper contest. The first category was “Theme.” This year’s Festival theme was “Royal Fun for Everyone.” The winnerm Kinsley Newberry, had a diaper with royal cape. “The Most Funniest” went to a creative horse diaper. Other categories were cartoon and strawberry diaper. When the fun with the decorated diapers came to an end, it was on to finding the prettiest girl and most

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

handsome boy in each age group. The judges definitely had a very difficult decision because each and every little sweet contestant was adorable. Next came the competition of baby features, which included most hair, biggest eyes, and look alike twins. The “Diaper Derby” finale rallied the most excitement of the day. The baby contestants begin at one end of the carpet and must crawl across to a family member on the other side, crossing the line first to win. How entertaining it was to watch those sweet babies do their own thing, look around at all the people cheering them on, and check out the toys and phones that were being thrown around to get them to go. In the final heat, Leah Shultz crawled right across to mom, earning the trophy.

Laila Bentez won the Funniest Diaper Contest with her horse diaper.

Maizy Aanglin won the Strawberry Theme diaper award.

Adaline Grenchenkov won Prettiest Girl for 6-9 months.

Eli Barrett won Most Handsome in the 13-15 month grroup.

FFA State Horse Judging Champions from L-R are: Angelic Alex, Delaney Ferrell, Kayla Williams and Rebecca Pereira.

TOMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL FFA WINS STATE HORSE JUDGING TITLE BY CHERYL JOHNSTON | PHOTO COURTESY OF MEGHAN BOYETTE

he Tomlin Middle School Horse Judging Team won the FFA state title at the Gainesville competition in February. After placing in the top 50 last year, they were determined to go for the top spot. The new state champions are Kayla Williams, Rebecca Pereira, Delaney Ferrell, and Angelic Alex. Meghan Boyette, the team’s trainer, described accomplishing a state title over the approximately 60 teams involved as “quite an accomplishment.” Their Agriscience teacher, Kayla Giorgi, shared her pride at the girls hard work. “They spent hours after school for three months, studying and learning to compete at this level. Tomlin FFA is extremely lucky to have students that put so much effort into everything they do!” Prior to the state finals, each student tests for spots, which narrows the field to the top 4 teams. These compete against in Gainesville. Then three scores from each four-member team’s four scores determine the final ranks in the state competition. Tomlin’s individuals placed 4th, 7th, and 8th positions out of the approximately 300 competitors. The score derives from judging two separate horse classes (80%) and the remaining 20% from a written test of general knowledge of horses. Three team members belong to the Hearts for Horses barn club, and two of those (Kayla and Delaney) board their animals with Boyette at her Painted Gaits facility. For the past five years, they have competed in “all around” and “drill team,”

and are currently training their own horses. They asked her to help coach their FFA team because Tomlin didn’t have a dedicated horse division. Boyette explained, “I have a great group of kids/boarders and give lessons and show. I have coached previously in 4-H horse judging and knew these kids had a great foundation, so we focused on the confirmation components.” After studying together in the classroom and on their own for a time, the team visited Boyette’s farm weekly for a month. Using some of her stock, along with printouts and magazines, they “reviewed how to evaluate and break down conformation quickly and efficiently.” While she has trained a team annually for the last 12 years, this group is her first state winner. Obviously, Boyette is pleased their commitment earned the win. Team member Delaney Ferrell agreed. “Winning first place proves hard work and dedication pay off.” Rebecca Pereira said she “went from knowing a little to knowing everything about horses,” and Angelic Alex “learned a lot and had fun in this great experience.“ Kayla Williams offered, “Being part of the Tomlin FFA Horse Judging Team has been a great experience and winning first place in the state competition was just a huge bonus.” Looking ahead, Boyette acknowledged, “It’s very rare to find teens so completely dedicated to their passion. I pray they continue with it forever. They would be phenomenal ambassadors.”

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For information, contact Jeff Harrison | 813-892-8135 | jeff@turnercole.com FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

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Winner of the 2016 SPC, International Paper team with Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms

3RD ANNUAL STRAWBERRY PICKING CHALLENGE $77,000 RAISED FOR REDLANDS CHRISTIAN MIGRANT ASSOCIATION

BY AMBER MALONEY | PHOTO COURTESY OF WISH FARMS

he 3rd Annual Bright House Networks Strawberry Picking Challenge, hosted by Wish Farms raised $77,000 for Redlands Christian Migrant Association. The fundraiser, held Saturday, February 6, featured 18 corporate-sponsored teams competing in relays to earn the title of “Best Harvest Crew.” Some crews represented included United Way Suncoast, Monte Package Company, ATP Logistics, International Paper, Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Farm Credit of Central Florida. Strawberry growers from around the state provided picking instructions and serving as coaches. Ultimately, the International Paper team, coached by Philip Stanaland of G&D Farms, was named top finisher to receive the ‘Strawberry Joe’ perpetual trophy. In addition to the amateur picking challenge, local growers nominated their best harvesters for the pro-picking competition. Six professional strawberry harvesters participated. Javier Hernandez, employee of G&D Farms, received the highest judge’s score for quality winning a $300 cash prize. In addition to the strawberry picking, the day-long event emceed by InfoMas

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

reporter Melissa Zayas Moreno featured family-friendly activities such as a charity u-pick open to the public, a strawberry shortcake eating contest, balloon artist, face painter, games, DJ music provided by Host Entertainment Productions, and special appearances by the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court and N.R.G. “Next Radical Generation” singing group. Proceeds will benefit Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a nonprofit organization that operates 70 child-care centers and three charter schools for Florida’s rural poor, particularly farm workers’ children. Wish Farms is a long-time supporter of RCMA. Since the event began in 2014, the Strawberry Picking Challenge has donated a total of $150,000 to the children of RCMA. “We had a wonderful turnout this year despite the rainy weather,” said Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms. This fun, family event was well received by the community. 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.”

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y a d h t r i B th 6 1 t e e w S Happy

Dixie, errios, Ms B a p d n a r cle Jeff, a, Pop, G y, Grandm li, Joey, Un r d a d K a , D a in m r a Fro ,K , Uncle Pete Aunt Dawn Tyler and Stevie. tie, Aunt Chris d bless. gory Jr. Go re G d n a u d miss yo We love an

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

L The winners in each group were: AGE ONE: Best Personality: 1st place, Elliot Schreffler; 2nd place, Sadie Wonser; 3rd place, Brantley Newsome Best Costume: 1st place, Allie McDowell; 2nd place, Karson Valdes; 3rd place, Adelynn Tkach

Best Float: 1st place, Ray Crosby; 2nd place, Colt All; 3rd place, Gage Stewart

Most Handsome: 1st place, Shane Robinson Jr.; 2nd place, Tucker Brown; 3rd place Mason Stewart Most Beautiful: 1st place, Olivia McDowell; 2nd place, Linley Burris; 3rd place, LilyAnn Lightsey

The 2016 Baby Parade Queen, King, and court posed with last year’s Queen and King along with Little Miss Plant City Queen and Court and the Strawberry Festival Queen and court. This year’s court members are (L-R): Callie Pelham, Cooper Newman, King Aaron Gaona, Queen Giselle McDowell, and Abigail Benitez.

FL STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

BABY PARADE AWARDS

BY DEANA GARRISON

t is always exciting to visit the Strawberry Festival on the day of the Baby Parade. Watching all the sweet children, ages one to four years, and the creativity of their parents is such a delight. In each age group, the babies compete in separate categories, which include Best Personality, Best Costume, Best Float, Most Handsome, and Most Beautiful. The judges had a very difficult

decision in selecting winners from among the adorable contestants. Your new Baby Parade Queen, King, and court are as follows:

Rowen Morgan won best costume in the three-year-old division.

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Maysen Taylor won Best Float on her “Kissing Booth” float.

Queen Giselle McDowell King Aaron Gaona Court members: Abigail Benitez, Callie Pelham, and Cooper Newman.

Best personality in the three-year-old division was Mila McLellan.

L AGE TWO:

AGE THREE:

AGE FOUR:

Best Personality: 1st place, Gunnar Mills; 2nd place Kendall Gee; 3rd place, Kali-Jo Abercrombie

Best Personality: 1st place, Mila McLellan; 2nd place, Madison Perry; 3rd place, Addisyn Wise

Best Personality: 1st place, Cooper Newman

Best Costume: 1st place, Kali Boston; 2nd place, Abigail Smith; 3r place, Ava Stoneking

Best Float: 1st place, Georgia Hunter; 2nd place, Wyatt Best; 3rd place, Riley Keener Most Handsome: 1st place, Dayton Davis; 2nd place, Gunnar Mills; 3rd place, Aiden Johnson

Most Beautiful: 1st place, Riley Keener; 2nd place, Kenslie Culbreth; 3rd place, Kendall Gee

Best Costume: 1st place, Rowen Morgan, 2nd place, Dahlia Hassoun; 3rd place, Madison Collins

Best Float: 1st pace, Maysen Taylor, 2nd place, Easten Elliot; 3rd place, Logan Blackmon

Best Costume: 1st place, Callie Pelham; 2nd place Gracelynn Davis

Most Handsome: 1st place, Aaron Gaona; 2nd place, Easton Goff; 3rd place, Logan Burris

Most Beautiful: 1st place, Giselle McDowell

Best Float: 1st place, Abigail Benitez; 2nd place, Everett DelValle; 3rd place, Cheyenne Davis

Most Handsome: 1st place, Frank Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico; 2nd place, Van Wesley Paulk III; 3rd place, Mason Goff Most Beautiful: 1st place, Addisyn Wise; 2nd place, Sutton Duncan; 3rd place, Presley Hay

Gunnar Mills won Best Personality in the two-year-old division

Frank Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amico III is Most Handsome three-year-old.

Best Float in the two-year-old division went to Georgia Hunter in her royal carriage.

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

• • • • •

3rd Place, Dylan Smothers 4th Place, McKenzie Wheeler 5th Place, Mitchell (Bryson) Parker 6th Place, Gresham Stephens 7th Place, Cade Fitzpatrick

Class 3 • 1st Place, McKenzie Shelby • 2nd Place, Amber Boykin • 3rd Place, Gabriell Taylor • 4th Place, Ashley Sanchez • 5th Place, Gregory Berrios • 6th Place, Kailee Triner

Jonathan Rowell and his Grand Champion Steer

2016 MOSAIC YOUTH STEER SALE BY DEANA GARRISON

very year the steer show and sale are Florida Strawberry Festival events with strong community support, as evidenced by the numbers in attendance. These young men and women learn very difficult skills at a very young age. From learning how to make their steer grow to a healthy weight, gaining control and confidence to lead them in the ring, right down to figuring out the financial gains to prepare their record book, these exhibitors not only learn it, they demonstrate it. An opening prayer offered at both the show and the sale was a comfort to many and an indication of the commitment to faith in our area. This year 78 exhibitors competed for the Grand Champion title. The judge selected a Grand and Reserve Grand in each of the three divisions. Then those winners came back to compete in the overall Grand and Reserve Grand Steer competition. Jonathan Rowell was the exhibitor that showed the Grand Champion Steer and T.J. Hutchinson was the exhibitor that showed the Reserve Grand Champion.

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Shortly after his steer was awarded the title of Grand Champion, the excited Rowell said, “I am so happy!” The Durant High School senior was just accepted to University of Florida, where he plans to study Pharmacy. Rowell’s joy at the win increased even more when his steer sold for $11 a pound at the sale. The Grand and Reserve Grand for each division were: • Division 1- Grand, Ethan Vaughn; Reserve Grand, Alexa Diaz • Division 2- Grand, Dakota Allen; Reserve Grand, Garrett Gould • Division 3- Grand, Jonathan Rowell; Reserve T.J. Hutchinson

Class 4 • 1st Place, Clayton Brock • 2nd Place, Jace Hardee • 3rd Place, Abigayle Almon • 4th Place, Chase Lingo • 5th Place, Luke Williams • 6th Place, Reagan Messick • 7th place, Joshua Lewis

Class 5 • 1st Place, Jake Stines • 2nd Place, Jacob Burnette • 3rd Place, Kiersten Struth • 4th Place, Chesley Campbell • 5th Place, Levi Edwards • 6th Place, Ashlynn Flack

Class 6 • 1st Place, Dakota Allen • 2nd Place, Garrett Gould • 3rd Place, Cassidy Hasting • 4th Place, Cameron Diem • 5th Place Tanner Jurnigan • 6th Place, Haley Flack

Class 7 • 1st Place, Clay Joyner • 2nd Place, Morgan Lee • 3rd Place, Matthew DelCastillo • 4th Place, Allison Lane • 5th Place, Dustin Jacobs • 6th Place, Nathan Hood • 7th Place, Dalton McMath

Class 8 • 1st Place, Jonathan Rowell • 2nd Place Chase Campbell • 3rd Place, Esperanza Van Vleet • 4th Place, Amaiah Williamson • 5th Place Reagan Brown • 6th Place, Jenna Keely • 7th Place, Madi Conrad • 8th Place, Noah Rebman

Class 9 • 1st Place, T.J. Hutchinson • 2nd Place, Cheyenne Lopez • 3rd Place, Chloe Tew • 4th Place, Jessica Tillis • 5th Place, Ethan Fernandez • 6th Place, Jacob Bessey • 7th Place, Raelyn Hudson • 8th Place, Angelic Alex

Class 10 • 1st Place, Megan Todd • 2nd Place, Jacob Ross • 3rd Place, Coley Riley • 4th Place, Claire Gill • 5th Place, Meredith DelCastillo • 6th Place, Clay Lingo • 7th Place, Cole Harrell • 8th Place, Haley Riley

The results in each class were:

Class 1 • 1st Place, Ethan Vaughan • 2nd Place, Alexa Diaz • 3rd Place, Ramsey Bowers • 4th Place, Jake Fitzpatrick • 5th Place, Madison Smith • 6th Place, Brooke Varn • 7th Place, Albert Branch

Class 2 • 1st Place, Alex Aponte • 2nd Place, Autumn Tarlton

T.J. Hutchinson and his Reserve Grand Champion Steer

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

Dads just wanna have fun and a sweet time dancing with their little ladies.

7TH ANNUAL DADDYDAUGHTER DANCE A FAIRY TALE NIGHT TO REMEMBER

BY SHERRIE MUELLER PHOTO COURTESY OF PLANT CITY RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT

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MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

he 7th Annual Daddy-Daughter Dance proved dreams really do come true for the approximately 150 little girls who enjoyed the evening with the prince of her life on their special “date.” More than 300 guests dressed up for the night of fun sponsored by the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department. Fathers, beaming with pride, escorted their little princesses into the Circusthemed dance and dining venue at the Trinkle Center to receive keepsakes such as a Dad-Daughter photo and a long stemmed carnation. This special February event accommodates 300 guests on a first come, first served reservations basis. With ticket prices for couples at $35, It’s always a sell out. Families with more than one daughter pay only $10 more for each. Entertainers, door prizes and a delicious buffet dinner, catered by Lupton’s are included. Dads also received a ticket with hopes of winning one of more than 40 gifts. As their father’s number was called, happy daughters hurried to claim prizes such as tickets to Premiere Cinemas movies, Dinosaur World, bowling at Plant City Family Bowl and gift cards to Fred’s Southern Kitchen, Publix, MOSI, and Walmart.

Event organizer Deborah Haldane, Program Manager of Plant City Recreation and Parks, offered a “Great job” compliment to a special group of volunteers. “We cannot say thanks enough to the Plant City High School Key Club for their awesome help tonight. Everyone was wonderful and we had a blast.” Throughout the evening, a juggler, magician, balloon artist and characters on stilts entertained the young ladies and their fathers. Additional games were set up for play in an adjoining room. After dinner the disc jockey played popular songs and the girls often danced together to the fast tunes. For the slow melodies, only a dance with Daddy would do. One little princess expressed her happiness, saying, “This is my second favorite day. Christmas is first, but this is my next favorite.” And from the looks on the fathers’ faces, it appeared evident these memories created will last a lifetime for Dads and Daughters. To view the charming videos, visit Plant City Recreation and Parks on Facebook. Contact Deborah Haldane at 813-6594255 or dhaldane@plantcitygov.com to learn more about PCRPD upcoming events. Be sure also to bookmark the plantcitygov. com site and Facebook for frequent posts.

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

• 6th Place, Dalton Vanderford • 7th Place, Hannah Jacobe • 8th Place, Mathew Diem

Class 4 • 1st Place, Samuel Shiver • 2nd Place, Raegan Tucker • 3rd Place, Chase Farris • 4th Place, Haley Bell • 5th Place, Trevor Hinton • 6th Place, Maddox Connell • 7th Place, Will Haxton • 8th Place, Hannah Simmons

From among the 78 swine being shown, the one belonging to Emma Stephens, a Tomlin FFA member, is the 2016 Grand Champion.

2016 SWINE SHOW AND SALE

AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2016 MOSAIC YOUTH SWINE SALE BY DEANA GARRISON

hat joy it brings to so many competitors and the audience members supporting them on the night of the swine show and sale. Our youth work hard for many months in raising a pig for the Florida Strawberry Festival’s event. This entire experience teaches them many lifelong skills and builds a strong character that serves them well throughout their lives. Not only that, the memories they make along the way are ones they will never forget. Even though the long process of feeding, weighing, and working with their pigs is fun and hard work, the students still have plenty of work during their few days at the Festival. Their stay there is quick but very busy. On the night of the Swine Show, each exhibitor must ensure their pig was clean, fed, and ready to show. Dressed in their club’s attire, next the students walked their pig out to be judged and placed in one of ten classes strictly based on the animal’s weight. The winner of each class then competes for the Grand and Reserve Grand titles. This year, the judge had to make a decision from among the 78 swine being shown. The swine belonging to Emma

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Stephens, a Tomlin FFA member, is the 2016 Grand Champion. The Reserve Grand Champion award went to Shalee Conrad’s swine. Conrad belongs to the Antioch Critters 4-H Club. The class placings for the Mosaic Youth Swine Show are as follows: Class 1 • 1st Place, Julianne Ream • 2nd Place, Cecily Llauger • 3rd Place, Dixie-Lee Bailey • 4th Place, Wyatt Hinton • 5th Place, Ryan Gardner • 6th Place, Jessica Harris

Class 5 • 1st Place, Elise Griffin • 2nd Place, Haley Courtney • 3rd Place, Rachel Carter • 4th Place, Chance Christie • 5th Place, Gracie Gainer • 6th Place, Haleigh McDaniel • 7th Place, Shawn Connell • 8th Place, Sierra Francis

Class 6 • 1st Place, Cole Hanson • 2nd Place, Hayley Duckson • 3rd Place, Brooklyn Zajac • 4th Place, Morgan Chancey • 5th Place, Jenna Baker • 6th Place, Payten Christie • 7th Place, Zachary Salter • 8th Place, Brooke Callis

Class 7 • 1st Place, Shalee Conrad • 2nd Place, FFA Federation (Shown by Kenneth Hattaway) • 3rd Place, Chelsea Woodard • 4th Place, Zachary Bozeman • 5th Place, Paige Schelb

• 6th Place, Lynzi Butler • 7th Place, Brady Helmer • 8th Place, Jessica Strom

Class 8 • 1st Place, Emma Stephens • 2nd Place, Charlotte Byrnes • 3rd Place, Eli Swint • 4th Place, Dallas Stoy • 5th Place, Jessica Reasor • 6th Place, Madison Morris • 7th Place, Shelby Stone • 8th Place, Charles Watson

Class 9 • 1st Place, Emma Miller • nd Place, Emma Leiss • 3rd Place, Ashlyn Barror • 4th Place, Emma Grace Futch • 5th Place, Delaney Flowers • 6th Place, McKenzie Weeks • 7th Place, John Aubrey • 8th Place, Charles Watson

Class 10 • 1st Place, Rhet Conyers • 2nd Place, Ashley Boock • 3rd Place, Shayde Robbins • 4th Place, Tristan Simmons • 5th Place, Gracie Rae Dyer • 6th Place, Sierra Haight • 7th Place, Jade Banks Always one of the Festival’s highlights for our FFA and 4-H families, the community had a great turnout for the swine sale as well. This year’s Grand Champion sold for $14.50/lb. The dedication and care of these young adults in raising their swine certainly paid off in the end.

Class 2 • 1st Place, Kaylee Devane • 2nd Place, Mary-Catherine Stephens • 3rd Place, Katrina Fehrenbacher • 4th Place, Taryn Storter • 5th Place, Cooper McDonald • 6th Place, John Thompson • 7th Place, Reno Holt • 8th Place, John Banks

Class 3 • 1st Place, Morgan Gill • 2nd Place, Elizabeth Ford • 3rd Place,Joel Lopez • 4th Place, Corbet Wyatt • 5th Place, Mark Jordan

The Reserve Grand Champion award went to Shalee Conrad’s swine. Conrad belongs to the Antioch Critters 4-H Club.

James Gifford enjoying his time at the Planes, Trains, and Automobiles event.

PLANES-TRAINSAUTOMOBILES EDUCATION MEETS ENTERTAINMENT BY A.J. BOLESTA

he Planes, Trains, and Automobile event, held at the Plant City Airport on February 27, gave all in attendance an educational and fun experience during a gorgeous day. Whether your favorite vehicle be a monster truck, planes from the Second World War, a retro ride from the past, or even a remote controlled vehicle, this Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce free event was the place to spend your Saturday. One of the most interesting planes in the collection of vehicles was a United States Army Air Corp. Training plane. The pilot, Tom Smith, informed those who inquired that his plane was one of only 1,200 constructed by the United States. Even more interesting though, is the fact that only four of those 1,200 still fly to this day. After learning a wonderful piece of history, the crowd was given a bomb sniffing demonstration by a Tampa International Airport Policeman and his K-9, Tessa. The charismatic canine impressed onlookers by detecting a mock bomb planted in one of

seven bags. When asked the cost of Tessa’s training, the dog handler stated, “50 grand for a single year alone.” In addition to information presented by the Plant City Police and Fire Departments and CSX Railroad Safety, many children were treated to plane rides that soared high above Plant City. For those who had already flown, or those afraid of heights, there were computer flight simulators, model trains, remote control planes, bouncy houses, inflatable rides, and a caged dodgeball arena where parents could watch as they ate from nearby vendors. Sweet tea, hot dogs, burgers, pretzels; the vendors there had as much food variety as the county fair, and they most certainly got a lot of business from the hundreds who came to enjoy history, eat tasty food, and enjoy great family time outdoors in the sunshine. Overall, this event brought the community together through a highly enjoyable atmosphere that allowed all to appreciate how transportation has evolved throughout time. FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

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Archers enjoyed practicing for the upcoming tournament.

BOWS & BBQ:

AWARENESS FOR MEN’S MINISTRY

3-D ARCHERY TOURNAMENT BY A.J. BOLESTA

ust outside the Plant City limits off Sam Allen Road is found The First Baptist Church of Midway, which serves as an epicenter to its community. The church, now shepherded by Pastor Mike Rippy, has stood tall and watched over its loyal worshippers since the dawn of the 20th century. On March 5, 2016, Midway hosted an awareness fundraiser for its Men’s Ministry. Friends, family, community members, and even some smaller businesses, both local and from beyond, gathered for the Bows and BBQ event. Sherman Gregory, one of the Men’s Ministry leaders, helped organize the event to show people what they are all about. He explained, “When it comes to life, God is the leader, and we focus on a father’s role in church, community, and at home. We take the basics of the Bible and take it for what it is, truth.” There is no denying Mr. Gregory’s faith

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

and his pride in both his church and his community. The Midway Men’s Ministry also knows how to treat a crowd. Across the open field just behind the church, vendors sold baked deserts and BBQ dinners for this noble cause. They also received donations. The BBQ pork dinner, apparently the meal of choice, was completely sold out within the first two hours. For the children, and even some adults, there were tug-o-war competition and archery competitions. Professional hunter Roy Howell from Kicking Bear Ministry shared with the crowd some life lessons learned on his path to salvation. The Men’s Ministry team expressed thanks for the families attending to support the cause. Talk is already underway for the next Bows and BBQ, all in the hopes to spread God’s word.

The African Children’s Choir (Choir #44) will appear in The Story at Plant City Church of God on March 25, 26, and 27.

AFRICAN CHILDREN’S CHOIR IN PLANT CITY GOD’S STORY - TWO CHOIRS BY CHERYL JOHNSTON

n addition to three Easter morning services on March 27, 2016, the Worship Arts Ministry at Plant City Church of God welcomes the community to three evening presentations of “The Story” that weekend. The African Children’s Choir will also perform. Admission is free, so bring family and friends. Warning: The children melt the hearts of audiences with their charming smiles and delightful, God-given voices. Because these presentations typically draw large audiences, early arrival is recommended for best seating. Dates and times for The Story are as follows: • Good Friday, March 25 at 7PM • Saturday, March 26 at 7PM • Resurrection Sunday, March 27 at 6PM On Sunday morning, the church will host the community’s Sunrise Service at Walden Lake Park at 7AM and two Easter morning services (9AM & 11AM) in the sanctuary at 2103 Mud Lake Road. All are welcomed! In text form, The Story is an abridged, chronological Bible that reads like a novel. Scripture segments are seamlessly woven together to help people understand God’s Word more fully and engage more easily. Many churches have used the 31-session teachings to benefit attendees through personal Biblical literacy, family cohesiveness, church unity and community outreach.

In dramatic form, The Story – The Musical brings the Bible to life, presenting God’s redemptive plan for His people from Genesis to Revelation, from Eden’s garden to an empty tomb to the throne of heaven. It’s based on the best selling books by Max Lucado and Randy Frazee and the Dove-Award winning artist recording by Bernie Herms and Nichole Nordeman. People of all ages will experience the story of God’s love and plan for their lives. And the inspired music, written specifically to offer glimpses into Biblical characters’ lives, is unforgettable. For those unfamiliar, the award-winning African Children’s Choir is composed of African children, aged 7 to 10 years old. Many have lost one or both parents through war, famine and disease. Since 1984, the members’ talent, determination and appreciation for education have demonstrated the potential of African children to become strong leaders for a better future in their land. Despite the tragedy, the children are radiant with hope, musically gifted and wonderfully entertaining. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the grandest, most compelling story of all time AND the African Children’s Choir in one evening. Come listen for God’s call on your life, as He helps you write your own story! For additional information, call 813752-4591 or visit Plant City Church of God on Facebook and at plantcitycog.com.

brokepoorﬂ.com FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

L to R - Back Row: Tim Leeseberg (APA), James Alexander (New Mexico Military Institute), Jamal Savage (Bethune Cookman), Corey Cotnoir (Florida Atlantic), TJ Chase (Clemson), Kwest Fluitt, (Harding), Kenkhari Green (Butte), Markese Hargrove (USF Preferred Walk On), Kijafi Coney (Warner), Eddie Tanner (Ridgewater), PCHS Principal Susan Sullivan Front Row: Kylee Burroughs (USF), Rebecca Sorenson (Polk State), & Alexis Williams (Pasco-Hernando State)

NATIONAL SIGNING DAY FOR 12 PCHS ATHLETES BY SHERRIE MUELLER

chools across America celebrated National Signing Day on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 as college-bound athletes placed their signature on letters of intent to continue their education at the university level. Plant City High School wals honored to celebrate twelve who earned athletic scholarships. Of those tweve, nine will play football, two softball, and one soccer. PCHS Principal Susan Sullivan welcomed the crowd of 600 and praised the athletes for their contributions on the field, in our community, and in the classroom. Tim Leeseberg, Assistant Principal for Administration, offered

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

his congratulations and recognized the coaches who aided the success of the student athletes. Varsity Softball Coach Ashley Bullion introduced two Lady Raiders who will play collegiate softball: Rebecca Sorenson for Polk State College; and Alexis Williams for Pasco Hernando College. Varsity Girls Soccer Coach Caleb Roberts was pleased to introduce Kylee Burroughs, who was offered a position to play soccer for the University of South Florida Bulls. PCHS Varsity Football Coach Greg Myers was all smiles as he introduced his nine players making commitments on

Signing Day. Those included: • James Alexander – New Mexico Military Institute • Tavarer Chase Clemson • Kijafi Coney – Warner University • Cory Cotnoir – Florida Atlantic University • Kwest Fluitt –Harding University • Kenkahri Green – Butte College • Markese Hargrove – University of South Florida • Jamal Savage –Bethune Cookman • Eddie Tanner –Ridgewater College The stage in the PCHS auditorium was attractively decorated with helium balloons for each student in the college

colors he or she will represent. Tommy Warnock, Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church of Plant City, gave an inspirational talk to the students, applauding them for their hard work and challenging them to “rise up against obstacles that will come along from time to time.” Following the ceremony, the PCHS Athletic Booster Club welcomed students to a reception in their honor. Athletes, parents, other family members, guests, and teammates enjoyed a large cake, decorated in Raider colors of teal and orange with each athlete’s name and college of intent listed. Tim Leeseberg summed up the event with these words: “We are proud of all of our student athletes. We wish them all the best of luck and cannot wait to see them compete at the next level!”

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

ey & Cheryl

By Judy Ron

ey & Cheryl

By Judy Ron

EFEE

MARGIE GREEN MEN

At age 94, Margie Green Menefee, herself one of seven children, feels blessed to have 6 grandchildren, 7 greats, and 1 great-great. Each summer, about 50 family members enjoy a reunion at First Baptist Church of Plant City. Born June 18, 1921 in her grandmother’s home off Medulla Road, her entire family worked in the fields during the Depression era, farming strawberries and vegetables. When her father died in an accident, members of the community and the Primitive Baptist Church built them a home, which Margie eventually purchased and restored. While her widowed mother continued to farm, the children attended “Strawberry School” so they could help with harvests. She recalls, “We would have warming fires at the end of each row and I can still feel that cold in my hands.” How did you meet your husband, James? “I went often and on purpose to his family’s two-story store ‘to buy a loaf of bread.’ His parents drove me to Camp Lejeune to marry him before his Marine division left for Guadalcanal.” Describe your family, please. “We raised three daughters—Carol Ann, Norma, and Cathy—while James worked for Coca Cola Bottling Company and Cone

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Johnston

Brothers after his military service. I stayed home with the girls and loved to sew matching outfits for them. We head downtown on Saturdays to walk and chat with friends and neighbors. We took day trips to sites like Bok Tower and Ringling Museum and camped summers in the mountains. While I was earning my teaching degree through night classes at Florida Southern, James and the girls would watch TV through the downtown storefront windows. I loved teaching and taught at Springhead, Pinecrest, and Glover elementary schools.”

Carol Ann shared you have a “very deep faith.” “Yes, God has been good to me. I enjoyed teaching Sunday School at Springhead Baptist Church and currently attend Sunday School at First Baptist Church of Plant City.” She also said you’re a nature lover? “I love to garden. Every chance I get, I’m outside. From my chair by the window, I can watch butterflies and birds. My granddaughter Jennifer made me an aquarium for Christmas. Watching the fish is very relaxing.” You helped create the historical display at the Florida Strawberry Festival, right? “Yes, I have fond memories of working there. Dot Knox and I collected antiques and old things from community friends and then I would sit at the display in an old-timey dress with my James.” Tell us about your handiwork on Jennifer’s first car, a ‘77 Volkswagen bus. “It needed upholstery work first, so we had fun making new interior panels. There’s not much I still can’t do, or try to do. You seem very content. Is that true? “I am. I like my home and Carol Ann, Norma, and I stay busy. We take adventure trips just to learn something new. I don’t think about living anywhere else. Just leave me on my corner, and I’m happy.”

MIKE ZIEGLER Born in Tampa in 1961, Mike Ziegler spent most of his childhood, school life, and teens where he was born. He was a part of the Marching Chiefs school band at his alma mater, Chamberlain High School. Shortly after graduation, he found himself purchasing a house just outside of Plant City in 1980. Mike now works in Plant City as a signal maintainer for CSX. As the middle child of a large family with four sisters and two brothers, he was raised to uphold strongly instilled ethics regarding friends and family. Although he truly enjoys his career at CSX, he also loves to spend some free time playing golf in Tampa and at Plant City’s Walden Lake course. Mike plans to retire from his work in about five years, making his total time at the railroad nearly three and a half decades. This hardworking husband and father spends the remaining free time with his family, which includes Deloris, his wife of almost 30 years, and one son and two stepsons. He loves his family, as any good husband and father does, and is quite fond of Plant City, too. He especially appreciates the food at Fred’s Market Restaurant, Snellgrove’s, and the “free market just off of State Road 39.” With the humility and strong morals learned by example since childhood, Mike is a happy man who values his career, family, and community. He represents the honest, hardworking men of America, whose industry truly keeps the nation on the rails.

Tell us what you like about Plant City? “I really enjoy the people. They are good and hardworking folks.” Describe your high school’s band? “It was small. There was usually only five to maybe twenty of us at most. But I liked it and I played the cornet.” When did you begin working with CSX? “I started with CSX about six or seven months out of high school. I was laid off early on and worked with Pepsi for a few years until I was rehired by CSX. I’ve been with them ever since.” What is something you absolutely believe in? “Definitely, religion. I was raised Christian by my family and I am nondenominational.” What can people do to help one another and better the world? “When you see someone in need, help them. If you have money to give, be generous. Give to church or to charity. Even if it’s just helping someone across the street, always try to help.”

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

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DID YOU KNOW

Over the years, as his father, Col. E. T. Roux, had done, Edwin Timanus Roux and family had been highly supportive of the college. E. T. Roux, Jr., who by 1900 was a partner in the Roux lumber business, had been influential in the decision to relocate the college to Lakeland. He was a trustee of the college and served as treasurer of that institution for years. When the Frank Lloyd Wrightdesigned library opened in 1945, it was named the E. T. Roux Library. After his death, his widow continued as a benefactor of the college and in 1968 the new library was named simply the Roux Library.

FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE IN PLANT CITY HISTORY AND IN A 1947 TAMPA DAILY TIMES ARTICLE BY PLANT CITY PHOTO ARCHIVES AND HISTORY CENTER

ecently a local citizen brought in an article from the March 20, 1947, edition of The Tampa Daily Times in which the reporter gave an excellent description of the plans of Florida Southern College’s president, Dr. Ludd M. Spivey.

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Reading it reminded me of how much history Plant City and Florida Southern College share. Not only did many Plant City residents attend the college in Lakeland, but many Plant City residents have participated in

its history over the years, from its early foundation period, to financial donations, to serving on the Board of Directors. A number of Plant City residents have received honorary degrees for their service to the school. And one of its distinguished alumni is David E. Bailey, Jr., who co-authored the book, Plant City; Its Origin and History. Around 1843, after receiving land grants under the Armed Occupation Act of 1842, Stephen Hollingsworth, his son John Henry Hollingsworth, and his son-in-law Samuel Rogers moved with their families from Jefferson County, Florida, to Hillsborough County, establishing homesteads near the former Indian village of Ichepuckesassa, which later became the area of Plant City. In the 1850s some of Stephen Hollingsworth’s family moved farther east into an area of Hillsborough County which in 1861 became part of the newly created Polk County. Stephen Hollingsworth’s grandson, Joshua Hollingsworth (b. 1858 – d. 1889) became the first president of Florida Conference College, which was in Leesburg at that time. That institution moved to Sutherland, (now Palm Harbor), in Hillsborough County, about 1900 and changed its name to The Florida Seminary. It changed its name again becoming Southern College about 1906, and finally, in 1935, it became Florida Southern College. After a disastrous fire, about 1918, the college moved from Sutherland to Clearwater Beach and into a hotel owned by Col. E. T. Roux, of Plant City. (Col. Roux was in the lumber business and constructed the historic Plant City home at 202 West Calhoun Street.) Roux turned over the exclusive use of the hotel and the grounds to the college. After a 1921 hurricane damaged the Clearwater Beach facility, another fire destroyed much of the college’s temporary quarters. The college then decided to accept an offer made by the City of Lakeland of an orange grove site near a lake, along with other financial considerations. The lake was named Hollingsworth after the school’s first president and his family. The college expedited the construction process and opened for business on October 3, 1922, in Lakeland. The man quoted in the 1947 newspaper article, Dr. Ludd Spivey, was inaugurated as president of Southern College in 1925. In spite of serious financial troubles, Spivey demonstrated tireless enthusiasm and energy and put new life into the institution. In 1935, under Spivey, the name was changed to Florida Southern College. “By 1938 he [Spivey] had successfully persuaded a nationally known architect

[Frank Lloyd Wright] to build a series of campus structures, frankly admitting that no money was in hand at the moment.” (Florida Southern College website). By 1941 the first Frank Lloyd Wright building, the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, was completed. More buildings were in the planning Over the years, as his father, Col. E. T. Roux, had done, Edwin Timanus Roux and family had been highly supportive of the college. E. T. Roux, Jr., who by 1900 was a partner in the Roux lumber business, had been influential in the decision to relocate the college to Lakeland. He was a trustee of the college and served as treasurer of that institution for years. When the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed library opened in 1945, it was named the E. T. Roux Library. After his death, his widow continued as a benefactor of the college and in 1968 the new library was named simply the Roux Library. Founders’ Week was being celebrated at Florida Southern College in March 1947 when the reporter, Sam Mase, from The Tampa Daily Times, wrote this article. “In the next three years”, he wrote, “the College will be transformed into an international show place – both in appearance and in scholastic achievement.” He wrote that it would be a memorial to the genius of Frank Lloyd Wright. This largest single project undertaken by Wright includes a group of about 20 buildings in this massive expansion program of the College. Six of the buildings had been completed by the time of this article. Started prior to WWII, the project was expected to cover 20 acres, with modernistic buildings, pools, gardens, and plazas. Even the furniture in the buildings was designed by Dr. Spivey’s friend, Frank Lloyd Wright. The college had 129 students in 1925, and the 83acre campus was expected to accommodate 1600 in 1947, with growth plans of up to 2500 students in the future. One wonders if Dr. Spivey would recognize the Florida Southern College campus today. Although vastly changed, in many ways it retains the former Florida Southern College charm. Today it still celebrates the fact that the campus contains the largest one-site location of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world. Sources: Quintilla Geer Bruton and David E. Bailey, Jr. Plant City; Its Origin and History, East Hillsborough Historical Society, Hunter Publishing Company, 1984; Florida Southern College website; The Tampa Daily Times, March 20, 1947; Plant City Photo Archives and History Center collections.

RIBBON CUTTINGS L

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on February 11, 2016 for Holiday Parade Floats at the Plant City Chamber. They are located at 5203 East Broadway Ave., Tampa. Prior to living in Florida, Luis and his brother built and decorated parade floats for a company in New Jersey. With this experience and knowledge, they are now building beautiful floats for our communities. Some of the parades their floats have been in are: Homecoming parades, Pride, Puerto Rican and the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting on February 17, 2016 for Outpatient Rehabilitation Services â&#x20AC;&#x201C; South Florida Baptist Hospital, Baycare Health System, at 414 Plant Avenue, Plant City. Their rehabilitation centers offer outstanding physical, occupational and speech therapy services for adults and children alike. Their goal is to help you gain independence and improve your quality of life.

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For 15 years, Focus Magazine has appreciated the opportunity to share Plant City’s great stories and promote its wonderful people, businesses, charitable causes, and successes. One of our year’s highlights is the annual anniversary party, at which we welcome the community and present the newest lineup of Readers’ Choice Awards winners. The 2016 event, held again at one of our favorite venues-Keel & Curley Winery, was well attended and enjoyed by all. And the food prepared by Johnson Barbeque was delicious, too! What is certainly evident among the winners is a passion for their work and an understanding of how important customer referrals are to business growth. Frank Trunzo, the owner of Krazy Kup--winner of Best Coffee 2016, expressed this sentiment: “We’re not just passionate about the quality of our product, but just as passionate about our service to our wonderful customers, who truly are our friends.” That’s the beautiful thing about Plant City and eastern Hillsborough County folks. Each business, and especially dining establishments, consider others as family. The hospitality required to keep customers coming back is not an act. It’s the real deal. And we, their loyalists, think that’s the best compliment a business can pay. Congratulations to our 2016 RCA Winners. We hope you’ll express your appreciation by visiting, dining, and encouraging. Go ahead and make someone’s day!

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A Plant City Tradition of FAMILY DINING & SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY since1954, the Johnson family’s strong emphasis on FAMILY HERITAGE, VALUES and good ole’ SOUTHERN CUISINE has contributed to making each Fred’s Market Restaurant and Johnson Barbeque a place where friends, family and community connect to enjoy great food cooked slow and served fast. It’s this family’s passion to serve you fresh, healthy and great tasting meals! Slow food, FAST. Two Awards for Smokin’ Aces BBQ

Best Steak and Best Chicken Wings Best Asian

Wasabi Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar 203 W. Alexander St. Plant City FL 33563 813-754-8866 www.yummywasabisteakhouse. com Lunch: Mon–Sat: 11AM – 3PM Dinner: Mon–Thu: 5-10PM; Fri/ Sat: 5-11PM Sunday 12 noon–10PM

Best BBQ

Johnson Barbeque 1407 W. Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 813-759-0009 www.johnsonbarbeque.com Mon-Sat 11AM - 8:30PM While remaining true to the family recipes, Johnson Barbeque is modernizing the proud tradition of southern barbeque with specialties like Fried Smoked Chicken, BBQ Tacos and Smoked Ribeye Steaks. Sauces and rubs are still

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homemade, and the smokers work 24 hours a day to ensure your cut of meat is fresh, juicy and tasty. The Johnson Barbeque family and staff will always be committed to providing handcrafted southern barbeque in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere. And they continue to believe today, as Elton Johnson did in 1954: A love of great food, and especially authentic barbeque, is something shared by all. Two Awards for Fred’s Market Restaurant

Best Breakfast and Best Hometown Cooking

Fred’s Market Restaurant 1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-7763 www.fredsmarket.com Mon-Sat 6AM – 9PM Sunday 8AM - 9PM

Smokin’ Aces BBQ www.smokinacesbbq.net 3 Locations 1) Steakhouse 2509 N. Park Rd. Plant City, FL 33563 813-659-2237

2) Keel & Curley Winery 5202 W Thonotosassa Rd. Plant City, Florida 33565 813-704-1374 3) 5675 New Tampa Highway Lakeland, Florida 33815 863-937-9787

Best Coffee

Krazy Kup 101 East J Arden Mays Blvd Plant City, Florida 813-752-1220 Visit on Facebook Tues-Fri 8:13AM – 8:13PM Saturday 10:33AM – 10:33PM Live music Fri-Sat nights

The Trunzo Family welcomes all to enjoy its phenomenal coffee in Plant City’s only true coffeehouse. “We’re not just passionate about the quality of our product but just as passionate about our service to our wonderful customers, who are truly our friends.”

Best Cuban

Strawberry Hut 1505 N Wheeler St Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-3779 www.thestrawberryhut.com Mon-Sat: 6:30AM - 6:30PM

Best Dessert

Tani’s for Dessert / Buttercream Bake Shoppe 2804 James L. Redman Pkwy., Suites 106-17 Plant City FL 33566 813-704-5947 exclusivelyyours.cc Tues/Wed 10AM – 6PM Thurs/Fri/Sat 10AM – 10PM Closed Sun/Mon

Best Fried Chicken

Maryland Fried Chicken 315 N. Alexander St. Plant City, FL 33563 813-473-6883; 813-752-9200 www.plantcityfriedchicken.com Mon-Sat 11AM – 9PM

wide variety of healthy salads, and delicious homemade soups, the menu has something to satisfy everyone’s taste.

BEST ITALIAN

Esposito’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant 2803 James L Redman Pkwy. Plant City, FL 33566 813-704-5971 www.espopizza.com Open 7 days weekly 11AM – 9PM Fridays until 9:30pm Two Awards for Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co.

Best Salad and Best Pizza

Olde Town Pizzeria & Pasta Co. 3011 James L. Redman Pkwy. Plant City, FL 33566 813-752-5800 www.oldetownpizzeria.com Open 7 days weekly from 11AM – 10PM Two Awards for Parkesdale Farm Market

Best Milkshake and Best Strawberry Shortcake Parkesdale Farm Market 3702 W Baker St. Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-0502 Toll Free: 888-311-1701 www.parkesdale.com

Summer: May – September Tues–Sun / Closed Mon 9AM – 6PM Winter: October – April Open 7 Days a Week 9AM – 6PM

Best Seafood

Linda’s Crab Shack 202 E. Reynolds St. Plant City, FL 33563 813-754-0492 Visit online at Facebook Mon-Thurs 11:30AM–9PM Fri-Sat 11:30AM–9:30PM Closed Sunday

Best Soup

Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee & Eatery 102 S Collins St Plant City, Florida (813) 752-7340 Visit online at Facebook Tues-Sat 11AM – 3PM Whistle Stop is one of those favorite, family-owned local spots Plant City residents frequent and to which they enjoy bringing their out of town guests. Known for its sandwiches on fresh baked bread,

In addition to the great food, the oldtimey soda fountain, lunch counter atmosphere harkens diners back to a simpler time. The Lofstroms have made every effort to maintain the historic feel with seating, signage, and even a landmark red phone booth on the sidewalk out front. Two Awards for Brick House Café

Best Hamburger and Best Overall Service Brick House Café 113 W. Prosser St. Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-8546 Mon-Sat: 6AM – 2PM Sunday 7AM – 3PM

Best Mexican

Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant 2613 Thonotosassa Road Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-0057; 813-7520130 micasamex.com Mon-Thurs; Sunday 11- 9 Fri-Sat 11-10

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Best Server

DREW LOVELACE Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill 106 State Road 60 East, Plant City, FL 813-737-4444 unclemikesgrill.com Tues-Thurs 11:30AM-10PM Friday 11:30AM - Late Night Saturday 11AM - Late Night Sunday 11AM - 9PM

rew Lovelace loves his full time job, serving great food to the great customers at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill on State Road 60 in Plant City. Other than owners, Mike and Simone Tolley, Lovelace is the most tenured employee. The also full time student at Hillsborough Community College said, “I didn’t realize I knew as many people as must have obviously cast votes for me.” Regarding his win as “RCA 2016 Best Server,” Lovelace was pleasantly surprised. “I had a great time at the Focus 15th Anniversary Party and felt like I was with all the big wigs of Plant City. It was fun to see so many people I know,

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like former teachers and even my baseball coach. I’m happy to represent Uncle Mike’s with this award.” The Durant High School graduate (2012), now 22, has plans to transfer to the University of South Florida and earn his Bachelor’s degree. His goal is to teach Physical Education and History to high school students. His desire and plan, “unless God changes it,” he shared, “is to continue with Uncle Mike’s until I can impact young students’ lives.” As the restaurant’s only male server, Lovelace said, “I pretty much live here, working more nights since I’m in school. He considers it “an absolute joy to work with The Tolleys,” adding,

“I feel like I’m their son. They just embrace me and have my back.” When he was younger, he never wanted to work in a restaurant or be around lots of people. “But my mom told me to ‘try something new,’ so I did. I love this work now and it’s heartwarming when people come to see me and want me to serve their table.” Drew believes that Uncle Mike’s success stems from the approach that “At all costs, the customer is always right. If they’re not pleased, we’ll do everything we can to make sure they’re smiling by the time they leave. If something doesn’t taste good, we’ll get you something else.” For his personal success, Drew also wanted to credit Sean

Hudson, a former manager of Sonny’s in Plant City who also hired him at Uncle Mike’s. “Other than God,” Drew offered, “Sean is the one who taught me customer service and how to deal effectively with people.” Lovelace captures customers’ attention with his “something silly” Dr. Drew nametag. “When they ask, I tell them I like to be the doctor of customer service. I want people to have a good time and remember me, so they’ll come back. It feels good when they do and ask for Dr. Drew.” He added, “I believe every customer is my friend and I want them to feel like home.”

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UNDER MY THUMB WHERE IT’S NICE TO BE KNEADED BY ANDRIA BARRIOS

y the time Nikki Jackson was thirteen, she had already discovered her passion. She wanted to help people for the rest of her life, and she knew how she would do it. Members of her family had always benefitted from her healing touch when they were in pain. But it started when her grandmother began suffering from leg cramps and Jackson offered her a massage. When the leg cramps had completely subsided within a week, she knew she had found her calling. After graduating with distinction from Georgia Military College with a degree in Pre-Nursing, she attended the Sarasota School of Massage Therapy and studied to be a Masters-level Medical Massage Therapist. “I also studied sports massage, neuromuscular massage, myoskeletal

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massage, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, lower back and sciatic massage and all things therapeutic,” she explains. When she graduated, Jackson worked at a local chiropractor’s office while practicing at spas and salons on the side. But eleven years ago, she decided to form her own full-time practice with the clever and charming title of Under My Thumb. As the sole proprietor since the beginning, Jackson enjoys serving men and women of all ages with all types of massages, but has a consistent clientele consisting of athletes. seniors, and people with work-related tension. “I stay consistently busy and have a good following,” she offers. “Most of my customers are referred through word of mouth.” When asked why she loves her

job so much, Nikki replied she simply likes “helping people feel better and taking away their pain.” She continued, “Everyone’s always happy to see me and happy when they leave, and that’s a good feeling. Not every job is like that.” In the outdoorsy and athleticcentered community of Plant City, wellness could not be more important. Promoting good quality of life and in turn yielding healthy, fit citizens is essential. Under My Thumb stands out from other massage clinics because of the care, compassion and extensive 20 years of experience. The business is also frequently involved with Chamber of Commerce events and enjoys donating to a variety of causes when the need arises. Jackson and her husband also run a DJ business, Kustom Karaoke and

DJ Service. They DJ private and public events, the most recent being Plant City’s “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles” venue. Along with that, both are certified instructors for firearm safety training, which they teach at The Range (behind Buddy Freddy’s). Clearly, she loves being involved in the community and has a wide range of skills to offer it. Under My Thumb works on a “by appointment only” basis and those can be made by calling (813) 477-7978. The office is located at 110 W. Reynolds St., Suite 217. For additional information, visit www.undermythumbfl.com.

Under My Thumb

110 W. Reynolds St., Suite 217 Plant City, FL 813-477-7978 www.undermythumb.com Hours by appointment only

Culligan Water of Tampa 2703 Airport Road Plant City, FL 33563 Toll Free (888)440-4542 tampaculligan.com FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

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GET RID OF “PRE-APPROVED” JUNK MAIL BY NATE DAVIS

“C

ongratulations! You’ve been pre-approved for a $200,000 mortgage to buy a house.” Many people receive a lot of junk mail that reads like the above paragraph, and it can get annoying. It doesn’t apply only to mortgages, though – car dealerships, credit card companies and more. Many of these companies purchase your information from credit bureaus. They can buy data such as your credit score, credit card and loan balances, and more. The purchasers of your information have a good idea of your creditworthiness, and the bureaus make an exorbitant profit from these sales. These are called “prescreened offers.” While the solicitors are able to target you as an ideal prospect, they must also offer you a chance to opt out of the marketing materials since it is a prescreened offer. You typically can find the way to opt out by reading the fine print

on the mail piece. If you avoid your junk mail and don’t want to read through all of it, here’s an easier way to opt out of pre-screened offers: OptOutPreScreen.com. OptOutPreScreen.com is a joint venture among the four main consumer credit reporting companies — Equifax, Experian, Innovis and TransUnion. On the site, you can either opt out from receiving offers for five years, opt out from receiving offers permanently or opt in. While my team at Florida Mortgage Firm (813-707-6200) never sends mail claiming that you’re pre-approved for some arbitrary amount, we do help all of our clients opt out if they want. Either way, you have some options about who receives your information. Florida Mortgage Firm is an Equal Housing Lender (NMLS #289323, NMLS #294701).

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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 21st and April 18th at 7:00 PM. The meetings are open to all Walden Lake residents. Watch the announcement boards at all entrances for dates and times for special meetings and events. Have you been to the new Sports Complex at the Polo Field yet? If not, it is a must to check out. It is one of the ways the Board is enhancing our beautiful community! Do you have some junk that could be someone else’s treasures? If so, mark Saturday, April 2nd as the day to unload it! The Walden Lake Community Yard Sale is scheduled for that day and the best news is that the Association obtains one permit for all of the Walden Lake residents. If you plan to have a yard sale, please notify Bette at the HOA office via email at BetteG@ WaldenLake.org. Thanks to Jack Wolff ’s efforts and persistence. the mail box is once again at the Alexander entrance of Walden Lake as you exit just outside of the gate. This convenience has been missed so please begin to use the box to drop your mail so that the box will be there for many years to come. The master association meeting is April 14th and will be held at the Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Drive. There are four candidates up for either reelection or election. They are Alicia Powell along with current Board members, Robert Hunter, Ray Page, and Rich Glorioso. Their bios are available on www.WaldenLake.org, under the tab “Resources” for residents to review prior to casting their ballots. Do you have lots of outdated bills and documents sitting around and don’t know

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what to do with them? Gather them up and bring them to the HOA office on April 16th and anything you have to shred will be a flat rate of $5.00. During the month of February, there were 11 sales in Walden Lake with an average sale price of $244,750 and no sales in Walden Lake East. The average number of days on the market was 160 days. The February sales are as follows: • 103 Capri Court $ 99,000 • 3403 Silver Meadow Way $160,000 • 2738 Golf Lake Drive $179,900 • 4126 Barret Avenue $200,000 • 1803 Paddock Drive $206,000 • 2902 Hammock Vista Court $246,000 • 3017 Forest Club Drive $280,000 There are currently 22 Active listings for sale in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East with an average list price of 210,954 and an average of 101 days on the market. There are 21 properties Pending Contract with an average list price of $264,785 and average of 49 days on the market. If you are considering selling your home, this could be a good time as inventory is low. The Sweet Team is available for a no obligation consultation. 813-758-9586 In March, Visions Golf submitted another revised plan to the City of Plant City Planning and Zoning Department. As always, the best source to know what is happening is to visit the City’s website at www.PlantCityGov.com. On the home page, there is a link that takes you to where you can find communication between Visions Golf and the City as well as reports, studies and drawings submitted by Visions. The United Food Bank is always in need of donations and to make it easy, you can drop any donations off at the HOA office. 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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ATHLETE OF THE MONTH

Ashley Blessin, freshman at PCHS, has a 1.31ERA and has pitched 59 innings out of her 10 games this softball season for the Lady Raiders

ASHLEY BLESSIN

Cougars. Blessin gave up two homeruns to DHS senior Bayli Johns that led the Cougars to win that game. On March 1, the Lady Raiders took on the Lady Cougars at their home field. Blessin took advantage of the night and closed out the game 2-1, a Raider victory. “That was the best win for me during my high school career. It was just nice to finally redeem myself and lead my team to victory,” Blessin explained. She credits her teammates for being so encouraging and pushing her to do her best, even during the rough games. “One of the reasons I love softball is that, because I’m an only child, I feel like I have 13 sisters on my team who love and support me,” Blessin shared. Not only does she have tremendous success at PCHS, but on the Florida Fire as well. Last summer her team made it to the ASA National Softball Tournament in Salem, Virginia. It came down to the final game to determine if her team was going to make the top ten. They were playing a team from Oregon and went into extra innings. Blessin pitched the last inning and gave up no runs, leading her team into victory. Consequently, The

Florida Fire placed 7th in the United States. Blessin’s key to success is being mentally tough. “I work out pretty frequently to get stronger, but the biggest factor in softball is being mentally prepared for your wins and losses,” Blessin explained. Throughout her entire softball career, Blessin recognizes her dad, Gary Blessin, as her biggest inspiration. “He has always been my coach and calls my pitches most of the time,” she stated. Gary has always been a constant supporter of Ashley and motivates her to do her best. He was hospitalized during last summer’s ASA National tournament. That was the driving force for Ashley to lead her team into the finals; she was playing for her dad. Ashley Blessin has definitely made a name for herself on the PCHS softball mound. Her primary goal is to play softball at the collegiate level on a scholarship. With incredible talent, extreme dedication, and a passion for the sport, Ashley Blessin will continue to bring pride to PCHS, her family, and her hometown.

BY ASHLYN YARBROUGH

henomenal athletes only come around every so often. Plant City, Florida is very fortunate to be the hometown of many superstars. Plant City High School freshman, Ashley Blessin is a prime example of an outstanding athlete as she dominates the softball diamond. Blessin has been a softball player since she was six-years-old. She tried every sport imaginable when she was little: soccer, basketball, swimming, gymnastics, and even cheerleading. “Those seasons only lasted for a year,” Blessin said laughingly. “I didn’t really

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like any sport until I got to softball, so I stuck with it.” Blessin is one of the starting pitchers for the Varsity PCHS Raider softball team. She is also on the Florida Fire travel ball team. Of her favorite pitch, she said, “I love throwing the change up because it’s one of my better pitches. The batters also look really funny whenever they swing and miss the ball,” Blessin described. She also throws a 60mph fastball and has struck out 90 opponents this spring softball season! The PCHS softball record is 9-1 with the one loss to the Durant High School

Blessin throws a 60mph fastball and has struck out 90 players this season. Her favorite pitch, however, is the curveball.

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FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

TEAM OF THE MONTH

excited and glad to be alive.” “The entire league had a lot of parity this season,” Smith mentioned. The teams were very well balanced which led to many close games, helping the Bucks in bettering their skills for the long run. He added, “There was really good competition in the regular season that helped our team tremendously in preparing for the playoffs.” The strength of the Bucks’s defense was the driving force behind their victories. Smith stated that the boys were defensive-minded and passed the ball well. The team included both veteran players and skilled rookies. The skills of these two groups made a perfect equilibrium for success. “Our team played team basketball,” Rollyson explained. “They played for each other and were very unselfish when it came to working together.”

The five starters of the game – Andrew Smith, Cade Lawson, Tanner Rollyson, Taylor Teeden, and Eden Williams – were vital in the exceptional performance of the Bucks. The most remarkable attribute of the Bucks is how much each kid progressed throughout the season. However, there was one athlete who really stood out when it came to bettering himself. “No one epitomizes our improvement more than Cade Lawson,” Rollyson explained. “He went from scoring for the wrong team [beginning of the season] to being the MVP of the championship game!” The Bucks are an outstanding team of athletes. Next season, half of them will advance to the league’s next age level and the other will continue to carry out the victorious Bucks tradition.

The Bucks championship team is made up of the following young athletes: Tanner Rollyson, Eden Williams, Cade Lawson, Andrew Smith, Taylor Teeden, Charles Watson, Jaxson Peacock, Blake Chancey, Jack Duke, and Cody Wiliford.

THE BUCKS

BY ASHLYN YARBROUGH

ecreational basketball has been a part of many Plant City families’ lives around town. This league is a great way to involve kids in the sport they love and have a fun experience while improving their skills. The Bucks were a team of ten and eleven-year-olds who dominated this previous basketball season by taking home the league championship title. The Bucks had two coaches of very opposite demeanors: the clam, cool, and collected Chris Smith; and the extremely excited Rhett Rollyson. These two men balance the team out with their different coaching techniques, making the games very enjoyable to watch! “Rhett’s intimidation tactics can be a little scary sometimes, but the team has become great because of it,” Smith said jokingly. The Bucks played the Clippers,

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coached by Mike Palestrini, in the championship game on February 11, 2016. The two teams had played each other twice in the regular season, each winning one game. The night of the final game was a night of anxiety and anticipation. The Bucks and the Clippers were neck-and-neck the entire game with no more than a four-point lead from either team. It was down to the wire and both teams were tied with two minutes left in the game. The Bucks finally pulled ahead, closing out the game with a score of 26-23. “The teams were both very equal in ability. We were just fortunate to come out on top that game, it could’ve gone either way,” Rollyson explained. “Playing on the team with my friends was a lot of fun,” stated Tanner Rollyson, the center for the Bucks. “After winning the championship game, I was very

The center for the Bucks, Tanner Rollyson, shoots a free throw in attempt to even up the score during the nail biting game

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

community’s youth. At 72, and with God’s continued grace, she only feels more energized. Describe your early family life. “I’m one of nine children born to Joseph and Bernice Crump in Keysville, Florida. Dad was a sawmill foreman and played Negro league baseball on weekends. Mom was a homemaker. We attended Glover School in Bealsville and worked on farms before and after school. I was considered the family’s maverick. Mom had a little problem keeping me out of the road, singing to the Red Wing Carrier truck drivers that stopped to listen and donate money. From a young age, we were always singing in somebody’s church. In 1957 we moved to Plant City where I graduated from Marshall High School (1961). Here we went to the First Born Church on Church Street, where at age 14, I found Jesus during a revival. Rosetta was 12. Mom was a very good Christian, but Dad didn’t find God until later in life. When WPLA was on Collins Street, Rosetta (6) and I (age 8) sang on the radio. We were put on stools and sang with my older sister (the late R&B singer, Loretta Glover) and her group on Sunday mornings.

Pastor Edith Langston (right) co-pastors the Gospel METS Church with her sister Rosetta Smith (left)

LEADERS IN FAITH PASTOR EDITH LANGSTON

BY CHERYL JOHNSTON | PHOTO COURTESY OF EDITH LANGSTON

or the last 28 years, Pastor Edith Langston has led the Gospel METS Ministries congregation, assisted by her co-pastor/sister Rosetta Smith and other faithful members. Their goal is to SERVE any in need, and specifically to “help this community’s children and adults exceed their personal goals.” 58

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When God instructed the mother of five to open a cultural center in 1989, she founded METS Ministries Center of Human Development and today is excited that the multicultural, multitalented group of worshippers is growing in number. Pastor Langston, a community activist, also teaches piano, voice, and drums, free-of-charge, to the

And since then? “I’ve been singing my whole life. After high school in 1963 I founded the Gospel METS (Messengers of Edifying Truth and Salvation) singing group. But in 1977, I felt God calling me to do more. In 1998, I retired after 26 years with Plant City’s Department of Transportation and eight years as a substitute teacher. My God-sent spouse Joseph died of diabetes in 2003. He mentored the young men, taught them to be good men of God and good husbands who appreciate their wives.” How do you enjoy serving? “I’m available to do whatever is needed—like playing piano or occasionally drums, cleaning, taking people to doctors or stores, greeting and making them feel at home and loving them into the kingdom of God through kindness. When needed, I’ll pick them up for services.”

Is there an as-yet-unfulfilled dream for your ministry? “Yes, the unfulfilled plight spoken to my sister and I from God to come off the weekend revival road and begin a ministry with a Vision for the Plant City area. We obeyed and God is adding to the church (all beautiful colors), coming from the east, west, north and south to help this vision become a reality, so the NEED would be met and we would not have to use the world’s system to bring it about. He is OUR PROVIDER and will put His SUPER on our Natural. We will need nothing short of millions, which will benefit anyone needing help. Your great and small donations will see this VISION come to pass.” What faith advice would you offer? “For those who have not yet found God, start by reading John 3:16. Then, come to Gospel Mets Ministries, Inc. (1102 E. Laura Street) and let us show you Love and Kindness and the Spirit of God.” “For those already in ministry, please be sure you’re listening to the voice of the Lord, for JESUS is our ONLY SAVIOR and WOE to pastors that lead flocks astray. ( Jeremiah 23:1; Ezekiel 34:1-7). May God continue to bless all of you. He is our Support, Healer and anything else we may need to be Victorious. We pray for Plant City, as well as our GodForsaken Nation.”

“I’m available to do whatever is needed— like playing piano or occasionally drums, cleaning, taking people to doctors or stores, greeting and making them feel at home and loving them into the kingdom of God through kindness.”

THE ROAD TO ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZING YOUR EASTER CELEBRATION BY KRISTEN TONEY CAMPBELL

Kristen is the voice behind www.theroadtodomestication.com, where she blogs on all things home and garden, with lots of emphasis on organization! She is married to a very patient man, and together they parent a very mischievous cat, a very happy dog, and they all enjoy home improvement projects and traveling.” We encourage you to visit her blog to learn more.

As we’re all trying to stay organized and looking forward to the next big events, we see that Easter is just peeking over the horizon. And, personally, Easter is one of my favorites! If your family is like most, Easter turns into a busy day, doesn’t it? There’s plenty happening around Plant City. You’ll probably go to a community egg hunt on Saturday, and then you might try to catch the sunrise Easter Service at Walden Lake on Sunday. Depending on whether or not you try to catch a later church service or invite friends and family over for lunch, the day can really get away from you! It’s the perfect opportunity to make sure you’re organized and ready for a fun weekend, not a stressful one. Here are a few tips for you: 1. Make a family plan beforehand. Look at your calendar and decide what event(s) you will attend and which ones you won’t. It’s never fun to try to cram too many events into too little hours. 2. Get your family excited about the holiday. Chances are there will be something for everyone during your

Easter celebrations, so induce a little excitement for an even more enjoyable time. 3. Do a little decorating. Why not pick up a few cute Easter décor items for your home or office? I love Michael’s right here in Plant City for Easter décor: everything is bright and colorful and cheerful! 4. Shop early. Depending on what’s on your list, you might have a few things to pick up. New outfits for the family, a ham from the grocery store, or maybe a specialty dessert from the bakery. You’ll feel much better if you get these things done ahead of time. 5. Don’t forget to capture the memories. Take some photos, have the kids do some artwork, record some videos! Some families even hire a photographer to come out do and family photos, since everyone is already together in bright new clothes! If you’d like to see more tips for organization (plus recipes, home decor and DIY solutions) check out Kristen’s blog at www.theroadtodomestication.com

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FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

CANDY’S CORNER BY CANDY OWENS

Well they’ve got a new dance and it goes like this (Bop shoo-op, a bop bop shoo-op) Yeah the name of the dance is Peppermint Twist (Bop shoo-op, a bop bop shoo-op) Well you like it like this, the Peppermint Twist It goes round and round, up and down Round and round, up and down Round and round and up and down And a one two three kick, one two three jump It’s alright, all night, it’s alright It’s okay, all day, it’s okay You’ll learn to do this, the Peppermint Twist Yeah, Yeah “Hey Chicks and Cats, wanna do The Madison, The Monkey, The Dog, The Mashed Potato, The Twist or The Frug?” “Let’s Beat Feet and Blow the doors off that Choice lookin’ Woody Wagon!” “Hey, I’m going over to Skippy’s house to get some Gutt Waddin.” If this all sounds kinda strange to you, here’s what we’re gonna do: Let’s take a “Lookie-Loo” back to that great year, 1962!

resident John F. Kennedy was in the White House. The population of the United States was 185,771,000 people, The national debt was 302.9 billion, unemployment was at 6.7 % (up 1.2% from 1961), life expectancy was 70 years, and the middle-class American family income was $6,000, which was up $300 from 1961. Johnny Carson took over as the host of NBC’s Tonight Show, Wal-Mart opened its first store in Rogers, Arkansas, and Andy Williams sang: Moon River and took home a Grammy. The Academy Award went to West Side Story, and The United States Navy commissioned the first SEAL. A gallon of gas was 25 cents, a first-class

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stamp was 4 cents, a movie ticket was 50 cents, a candy bar was 5 cents, a new car was $2,500, a newspaper was 10 cents, and a doctor’s office visit was $5. Favorite TV shows were: The Andy Griffith Show, The Jack Parr Show, McHale’s Navy, Bachelor Father, Tell it to Groucho, and The Beverly Hillbillies. Some famous births in 1962 were: Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Jon Bon Jovi, Tom Cruise, Jerry Rice, Evander Holyfield, Demi Moore, Jodi Foster, and the author of this article…Me! I decided it might be fun to call a few of my friends around town and ask them: “Where and what were you back in 1962?” Sharon Moody, Plant City’s 2016 Citizen of the year, President of The Black Heritage Celebration, Past President of Plant City Kiwanis Club, Board Member of Unity in the Community, and voted as one of Plant City’s Women of Distinction, was a six-year-old in Sadye Gibbs Martin’s first grade class at Lincoln Elementary School. She remembers walking to town with her grandmother to buy fish at Harrell’s Fish Market on Palmer Street. Marion Smith, President of the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, was a five-year-old kindergartener at St. Peter’s Episcopal, who got in trouble for bringing a knife to school just because she wanted to. Plant City Police Chief Ed Duncan was a seven-year-old attending Cahoun Elementary in Sulphur Springs and remembers students having practice drills at school to “Duck and Cover,” which involved crouching under desks and covering their heads in defense of a a surprise nuclear attack. Chief Duncan also remembers the school asking students to bring empty bleach bottles to store water in case of war, so they would have water to drink, bathe, and brush their teeth. Mr. James “Sonny” Jones, retired Principal of Tomlin Jr. High School and Plant City High School, had just accepted the position of Assistant Principal of Plant City High School where he stayed for five years until he was offered the job of Principal of Tomlin Jr. High School. Mike Sparkman, Founder/President/CEO of Sparky’s Oil Company, City Commissioner,

Former Mayor of Plant City, Citizen of the Year, Director and Past President of the Florida Strawberry Festival, was in his Senior year at Plant City High School, and worked four jobs: He and his brother David owned and operated a full service gas station on Palmer Street; he drove a kerosene truck; was on duty seven nights a week from midnight to 7:00 a.m. for the Plant City Fire Department; and drove an ambulance for Haynes Funeral Home. WOW!! Paul Davis, General Manager of the Florida Strawberry Festival, was a sevenyear-old in second grade at Seminole Heights Elementary School in Tampa, who was anxiously awaiting his family’s move to Plant City so he could be a third grader at Cork Elementary. (Note to self: Paul Davis first tried to say that he wasn’t even born yet in 1962 - hahaha!!). Pec Chambers McGinnes, lifetime resident of Plant City, former Strawberry Queen’s Court Member, wife of Festival Director Dub McGinnes, and grandmother of 2016 Strawberry Queen’s Court Member Ashlyn Yarborough, was an eighth-grade student at Tomlin Jr. High School. She was an office assistant for Mr. John Edison, Dean of Boys, and remembers standing outside of his office listening to the sounds of his beloved paddle as it warmed the “Tail-End” of some young men who liked to misbehave. Mary Yvette Thomas Mathis, former Mayor of Plant City and Assistant Principal of Marshall Middle School, was a four-year-old living with her family on Haines Street, just waiting to become a kindergartener at Glover School. Marsha Passmore, former Plant City Commissioner and past Plant City Citizen of the Year, said she was eleven years-old and loved to play “school” and “dress up” with her little sister Dodie. Mark Poppell, Vice-President of Poppell Insurance, was a one-year-old with a full head of bright red hair, scooting around his house wearing a real cloth diaper, which he said “was held in place by a pair of shiny sharp diaper pens.” OUCH! Worse than sweet little baby Mark Poppell getting stuck with a diaper pen was having the United States and the Soviet Union standing closer to Armageddon than at any other moment in history. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, leaders of the U.S. and the Soviet Union engaged in a tense, 13-day political and military standoff in October 1962 over the installation of nuclear-armed Soviet missiles on Cuba, just 90 miles from U.S. shores. In a TV address on October 22, 1962, President John Kennedy notified Americans about the presence of the missiles, explained his decision to enact a naval blockade around Cuba, and made it clear the U.S. was prepared to use military force if necessary to neutralize this

perceived threat to national security. Following this news, many people feared the world was on the brink of nuclear war. In October of 1962, my father was a 30-year-old History teacher at Plant City High School. My mother was 28 (she’s now 82), worked for General Telephone here in Plant City, and was 8 months pregnant with me. My sister Karen was a sweet little 2-yearold that from the time she got out of her bed every morning insisted on wearing a metal sand bucket on her head like a hat and walked around with her collection of pacifiers that she called: “Her Ma” (She had 10…one for each finger). TALK ABOUT SPOILED!! HAHA! A few days before the Missile Crisis was announced, Mother took my sister over to Titusville to visit my grandfather Clyde Bates, then the Chief Deputy Sheriff for Brevard County, and who had a lost his wife (my grandmother) a few months earlier to an illness. On October 22, 1962, the day President Kennedy made his public address, my grandfather left his office at the courthouse and hurried back to his house to explain what was going on to my mother. He gathered all his “important papers” and gave them to Mother in case something happened to him, packed up my mother and sister, gave them a kiss goodbye, and led them (well us) in a police escort to the Brevard County line. He wanted to get us back to Plant City so we could be with my father since there was threat of nuclear war. My mother remembers traveling US 1 on the drive back to Plant City, that the major North/South highway to Miami was full of military vehicles transporting tanks, missiles, troops and equipment; that sandbags were being put up everywhere; and people were expecting to see a giant orange glow at any time. However, disaster was avoided when the U.S. agreed to Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev’s offer to remove the Cuban missiles in exchange for the U.S. promising not to invade Cuba. Kennedy also secretly agreed to remove U.S. missiles from Turkey. WHEW! What a year! Aren’t you glad we made it? If we hadn’t, Mike Sparkman would never have given us “Sparky’s” (no Sparky’s gas stations, no Sparky’s convenience stores, no Sparky’s Fried Chicken or Sparky’s Potato Logs). Sharon Moody would never have been the 2016 Citizen of the Year, Marsha Passmore and her little sister Dodie would never have grown up to still play “dress-up” every day, and I would not have written this article for your enjoyment! Yes, 1962 was a great year!

WANDA’S WORDS OF WISDOM

BY WANDA “LEWIS” ANDERSON

t’s finally getting warmer. I am a true Floridian, so when the temperature drops below 50 degrees I am cold. The warm sunny days put me in the mood to clean. Here are a few tips you may find helpful when you’re cleaning. A great way to keep your chrome faucets shiny is to use wax paper. As you rub the chrome with wax paper it leaves an invisible coating that will keep your chrome shiny. This should work on any chrome surface. When vacuuming and you need something flexible to get in those tight spaces or even in the corners I have just the tip. Depending on the length you need try putting the toilet paper tube or a paper towel tube on the end of your vacuum hose. You can bend the card board tube to fit under furniture, appliances and it works great in corners. Cleaning spider webs and dust from your ceilings is normally a difficult task, but not anymore. Simply put a clean,

dampened paint roller on the end of a broom handle. I always buy the ones you can unscrew the head of the broom. Your paint roller should have the same threads inside so you can screw the broom handle into the handle of the paint roller. Now simply roll the ceiling to get those hard to reach places. The best way to clean shower heads is to place white vinegar in a sandwich baggie, slip over shower head and secure in place over night. You can clamp the two ends together with a clip. The acetic acid in the vinegar will lift away the mineral deposits. This has nothing to do with cleaning, but I discovered a great way to keep your lettuce from turning brown so quickly. I ran out of foil and plastic wrap and all I had in the house was parchment paper so I washed, drained and rolled my lettuce up in parchment paper. I was surprised every time I went to put lettuce on a sandwich that it was still fresh after a few weeks. Until next time relax, enjoy and be thankful…

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DREW RICE BY HEATHER DAVIS

rew Rice, a junior at Plant City High School, was born and raised in Plant City. The son of two teachers, Drew grew up always being encouraged to think for himself and to explore and question the world around him. Last year, very sadly, while Drew was only in ninth grade, he lost his mother to cancer. Mrs. Rice was a beloved and esteemed AP Language Arts teacher at Plant City High. She was also, of course, Drew’s whole world.

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This extremely creative, bright, outspoken and engaging young man has recently turned to art, more so than ever, to help him though an extremely tough time. As an artist, Drew first found inspiration from his interest in wrestling star Jeff Hardy. Hardy is also an artist who creates and draws faces with intricate face paints. Drew started out originally copying exactly the artwork of Hardy. With time, practice, and encouragement from his mother, while she was still alive, Drew began to create

his own original artwork. For Drew, art can be used as a regrouping tool when he’s feeling stressed out, sad or depressed. He has found that creating art can help take his mind off of things. Recently his artwork, which he uses to express himself and sometimes reflects pain or sorrow, has become more vibrant and colorful. His media includes pen and ink, along with colored sharpies. In addition to creating art, the avid reader enjoys learning about History and

is also a writer. One of his favorite school subjects is carpentry and the class where he enjoys building intricate things with his hands. His greatest strength is his natural ability to express himself openly and freely. When asked how he felt about the art he creates, Drew replied, “I feel pride when I create something, and I know 100% that no one else has ever drawn something like this before.” Drew has been blessed with talent, creativity, and a curious and open mind. Whatever he sets his mind and heart to, he will be able to accomplish in a way that will enrich the world. And with that he can carry forth the love and appreciation he feels for his mother, of whom he proclaims (with love in his eyes), “was the smartest woman I’ve ever known.”

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SENIORS OF THE MONTH

KATELYN SCOTT BY ABBY ALMON

or most it’s not easy to maintain a 5.88 GPA while balancing extracurricular activities, but for Katelyn Scott it seems a trouble-free task. This young woman is extremely hard-working and highly motivated to excel in any assignment. Katelyn has achieved many things through her demand to succeed. She was a recipient of the Presidential Service Award three years in a row, a recipient of the Dolly Madison Award, and is an AP Scholar with Distinction. She is also a member of the National Honors Society and the American Sign Language Society, for which she serves as president. Not only that but she has also planned and coordinated a Father/ Daughter Dance which has now become a yearly tradition and has received many positive reviews. Aside from Katelyn’s academic achievements, she’s involved in many extracurricular activities. She is a student leader in the American Heritage Girls and Church Youth Group, as well as a member of the PCHS Youth Alive. She belongs to the Young Republicans Club and was a 2nd-chair violinist in the school’s orchestra in her freshman and sophomore years. Katelyn also dedicates a large portion of her time towards tutoring at-risk elementary aged students. All of this combined helps shape Katelyn Scott into the caring and generous young girl she is. Her uplifting spirit and supportive attitude, as well as her academic achievements are clear indicators of why Katelyn deserves selection as the PCHS Senior of the Month.

FAVORITES:

Food: Strawberry cookies Band: Rend Collective Book: To Kill A Mockingbird Restaurant: Olde Town Pizzeria Song: You Are My Vision by Rend Collective College: Bryan College and Nyack College Hobby: Reading and tutoring kids

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Places to hang out around Plant City: the Walden Lake Park and Starbucks Quote: “People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

JAQUASIOUS “JQ” JOHNSON

BY GRESHAM STEPHENS

aquasious Johnson aka “JQ,” is very involved at Plant City High School through clubs and academics. He is also andvery involved in our community. Throughout his high school career, JQ has taken and excelled in many rigorous courses, including multiple Advanced Placement classes. He has also participated in many clubs and is currently active in ROTC and AVID, for which he serves as president. This year JQ is also the Vice-President of the PCHS Student Government Association and is a member of the executive council. Beyond his school work JQ actively participates in community service, acquiring over 100 hours through his four years of high school. After graduation JQ will leave to serve our country in the United States Army. His love for school and community are second to none. The passion and drive he has shown throughout high school will continue to follow him for many years to come.

FAVORITES:

Subject: Math and History Book: Bible Sports Team: FSU Hobbies: Work, Community Service, and Church Band/Artist: John Legend Song: He’s Able By: Deitrick Haddon

Movie: Olympus has Fallen TV Show: Steve Harvey talk show Restaurant: Texas Roadhouse Food: Corn Casserole Hangout spot in PC: Panera Bread Quote: “Anything worth doing is worth doing right.” – June Humphrey

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

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FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

A HINT OF GARLIC BY VICTORIA WATKINS SGRO

trawberry Festival time and the season that surrounds it always brings back the greatest memories for me. I love days of warm sunshine and making refreshing treats, and they can’t get any more simple or delicious than froyo & popsicles! Visit ahintofgarlic.com online to see more recipes like these!

M AC KE NZ IE OF KE NZ IE PA CK RA LL

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awberry r t S t n ie d e r 3-Ing urt (4-6 servings) g o Y n e z o r F

Ingredients

es organic strawberri • 4 cups of frozen y ne ho al • ¼ cup raw loc anic greek yogurt • ½ cup plain org

Directions

tes to break will take a few minu a food processor. It through and in y er wa eth lf ha tog ts ut ien abo p Blend all ingred th consistency. Sto oo sm a should be It get re. d an xtu s mi rie down the strawber y is blended into the ke sure all the hone ma to es sid the scrape ile cold! Serve right away wh thick, but smooth.

M AC KE N ZI E OF RA PH Y RA LL PH OT OG KE N ZI E PA CK

Strawberries & Cream Popsicles

Ingredients

(makes approximate

• • • •

ly 8 popsicles)

4 cups of frozen org anic strawberries ¼ cup raw local ho ney ½ cup plain organ ic greek yogurt ½ cup organic milk (or full-fat organic coconut milk from a can)

Directions

The great part abou t this recipe is that you can use any lef the milk according tover frozen yogurt ly to make these po and adjust psicles! They ’re ma ingredients togeth de just the same: Bl er in a food proces end all sor . Stop about halfw sides to make sure ay through and scr all the honey is ble ape the nded into the mixtu and place in the fre re. Pour into a popsi ezer until set. Serve cle mold up on a hot, sunny day!

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

MACKE NZIE OF KENZIE PACKRA LL PHOTOG RAPHY

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

» DINING GUIDE

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

CHILI’S

hili’s has been spicing things up since 1975. There is something for 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

TACO REY

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

1818 JAMES REDMAN PARKWAY PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813.754.2100

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT

FIND DEALS ONLINE AT MYFOCUSCOUPONS.COM

» DINING GUIDE

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 2016

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

Church at the Mall Lakeland

1010 East Memorial Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33801 863-682-0163 8:00 a.m. (outdoors by the lake with choir and orchestra) 9:30 a.m. (indoors with worship band)

Church at the Mall Auburndale 341 Polk City Road Auburndale, FL 33823 863-682-0163 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. (simulcast message with live worship band)

First Baptist Church of Plant City 503 North Palmer Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-752-4104 March 24th, Lord’s Supper at 7 p.m. March 25th, Good Friday Service at 7 p.m. March 26th, Easter Service at 5 p.m. March 27th, Easter Service at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Eastside Baptist Church

First United Methodist Church of Plant City

Faith Lighthouse Church

Mt. Zion Assembly of God

1318 East Calhoun Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-754-2681 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service on the grounds Breakfast will follow Sunrise Service. 9:30 a.m. Bible Study ( for all ages) 10:45 a.m. Worship Service 3409 Paul Buchman Highway Plant City, FL 33565 813-752-1885 11:00 a.m Church Service Dinner to follow Egg Hunt for the Children following Dinner

303 North Evers Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-754-3519 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service (on the Church lawn) 9 a.m. Contemporary Worship 11 a.m. Traditional Worship

St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

302 North Carey Street Plant City, FL 33562 813-752-5061 March 20th, 8:00 a.m. & 10 30 a.m. Palm Sunday Services ( 10:30 a.m. Nursery provided) March 23rd, 7:00 p.m. Stations of the Cross (Nursery provided) March 24th, 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service (Nursery provided) March 25th, 7:00 a.m., 12:00 noon, 7:00 p.m., Good Friday Services (7 p.m Nursery provided) March 26th, 9:00 a.m. Holy Saturday Service

March 27th, 8:00 a.m. Easter Service 8:30 a.m. Champagne Breakfast 9:30 a.m. Easter Egg Hunt (bring 12 eggs filled with candy or coins by 9:00 a.m.) 10:30 a.m. Easter Service with music (Nursery provided) 10:30 a.m. Children’s Chapel Easter Service (ages 5-10); Children will be brought over to main service at the Flowering of the Cross, before communion.

3005 Thonotosassa Road Plant City, FL 33565 813-752-1614 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday Service Egg Hunt to follow the Sunday Service

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

can’t miss

events ONGOING

MONDAYS WEEKLY

• Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club 7 AM South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Room Info: George Banning, 813-759-1638

WEDNESDAYS WEEKLY

• Plant City Kiwanis Club 12 Noon Contact: David Wolf / 813-717-9300

THURSDAYS WEEKLY

• Toastmasters 7:30 AM @ PC Chamber 106 N. Evers St.

2ND & 4TH MONDAYS MONTHLY

• Hillsborough County Entrepreneur Services (formerly “Small Business Development Center”) has partnered w/Greater PC Chamber to offer consultations free of charge on Thursdays. 9AM - 4PM PC Chamber office 106 N. Evers St. Call Dottie @813-204-9267 to schedule consultation.

2ND MONDAY MONTHLY

• PC Local Harvest Farmers Market 4 – 8 PM McCall Park 100 N. Collns St. Historic Downtown Plant City 813-531-1811 www.pclocalharvestfarmersmarket.com

1ST & 3RD MONDAYS MONTHLY

• Improvement League of Plant City 7 PM Historic Glover School Conference Room 5104 Horton Rd. Info: William Thomas, 813-757-6760 • Plant City Commission Meeting 7:30 PM Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. City Clerk at 813-659-4237 (December: only the 2nd Monday) • Plant City Garden Club 10 AM (September through May) Location info: Christy Linke 732- 322-8392

TUESDAYS WEEKLY

• Plant City Lions Club 12 Noon The Catering Company & Cafe é 115 E. Reynolds St. Info: Tony Lee, 813-752-7202

1ST TUESDAYS MONTHLY

• Economic Development Corporation Meeting 2 PM PC Chamber unless otherwise announced 106 N. Evers St. Info: Jake Austin, 863712-0655

1ST TUESDAYS MONTHLY (SEPT-MAY)

• Arts Council of Plant City 7 PM Chamber of Commerce Public Meeting Room 106 N. Evers St. Info: Dodie White, 813-752-5156

2ND TUESDAYS MONTHLY

• GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City 10:30 AM GFWC Clubhouse 1110 N. Wheeler St. Info: Nancy Miller, 813-754-2544

2ND & 4TH TUESDAYS MONTHLY

• American Legion – Norman McLeod Post #26 6 PM American Legion 2207 W. Baker St. 813-752-8608 Info: Nancy Miller, 813-754-2544

TUESDAYS WEEKLY

• Recovery for Life 6:30 - 8PM 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House 504 N. Palm Drive, Plant City Info: Debbie Ray 813-763-1562

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

1ST & 3RD THURSDAYS MONTHLY

• Plant City Civitan Club 7 AM Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant 1101 Goldfinch Dr. Contact: Pat Pogue / 813-754-4680

2ND THURSDAYS MONTHLY

• GFWC Junior Woman’s Club of Plant City 7 PM GFWC Clubhouse 1110 N. Wheeler St. Info: Lisa Rhodes, 813-376-8294 • Free Youth Fitness Orientation at YMCA 5:30 PM Wellness staff demonstrates equipment; explains working toward great health 1507 YMCA Place 813-757-6677

FRIDAYS WEEKLY

• Christian Contemporary Music in The Loft at Krazy Kup 6:33 - 8:33 PM 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd. Historic Downtown Plant City (813) 752-1220 View Facebook for details

SATURDAYS WEEKLY

• Music in The Loft at Krazy Kup 8:33 - 10:33PM 101 East J. Arden Mays Blvd. Historic Downtown Plant City (813) 752-1220 View Facebook for details

3RD SATURDAYS MONTHLY

• Strawberry Classic Car Show New winter hours: 4-8 PM 102 N. Palmer St. Historic Downtown Plant City Contact: Peggy Wilson 814-754-3707 www.plantcity.org peggy@plantcity.org

MARCH 14 MONDAY - 18 FRIDAY

• Spring Break for Hills. Co. Students

16 WEDNESDAY

• Greater PC Chamber of Commerce March Contact Breakfast Speaker: Mike Merrill, Hills. Co. Administrator 7:15 - 9:00 AM John R. Trinkle Center @HCC 2206 E. Cherry St., Plant City RSVP by 3-11 peggy@plantcity.org 813-754-3707

17 THURSDAY

• PC Local Harvest Farmers Market 4-8 PM McCall Park 100 N. Collins St. Historic Downtown Plant City 813-531-1911 www.pclocalharvestfarmersmarket.com

18 FRIDAY

22 TUESDAY

• Boys & Girls Clubs of Plant City Open House 6:00 PM Unity in the Community recently helped with club renovations. Come see the new look! 901 S. Waller St. Info: Tai Ishia Robinson (813) 875-5771 • Free Youth Fitness Orientation at YMCA 5:30 PM Wellness staff demonstrates exercise equipment & explains how to start on the road to great health. 1507 YMCA Place 813-757-6677

24 THURSDAY

• Toastmasters 7:30AM @ PC Chamber 106 N. Evers St. • PC Chamber Business After Hours Walden Lake Car Wash 1414 S. Alexander St. 5:15 – 7:00 PM Enjoy networking with Chamber members Free of charge RSVP to (813) 754-3707

• Strawberry Shortcake Day Resident Art Show 2:00 PM Stone Ledge Manor 12006 McIntosh Road Thonotosassa, FL 33592 Please RSVP to 813-986-7900

• PC Local Harvest Farmers Market 4-8PM McCall Park 100 N. Collins St. Historic Downtown Plant City 813-531-1911 www.pclocalharvestfarmersmarket.com

• Plant City Entertainment “Marry Me a Little” Drama w/Stephen Sondheim music 8 PM Tickets @pceshows.com or Hardee’s Fashions Adults $16, Students/Seniors $14, Groups (10+)$12 PCE Theater, 101 N. Thomas St.

25 GOOD FRIDAY

19 SATURDAY

• 2nd Annual Spring Arts/Crafts Show 9AM - 3PM Easter Egg Hunt - Kids ages 3-9 11AM - Noon; Preregister; adult attends Koren’s Quarters 1120 Swilley Rd., Plant City Free admission/parking Info: 813-650-0257 Vendors wanted: text 813-220-9562 www.korensquarters.net • Strawberry Classic Car Show Winter hours: 4-8 PM 102 N. Palmer St. Historic Downtown Plant City Info: Peggy Wilson 814-754-3707 www.plantcity.org peggy@plantcity.org • Plant City Entertainment “Marry Me a Little” Drama w/Stephen Sondheim music 8 PM Tickets @pceshows.com or Hardee’s Fashions Adults $16, Students/Seniors $14, Groups (10+)$12 PCE Theater, 101 N. Thomas St.

20 SUNDAY

• Plant City Entertainment “Marry Me a Little” Drama w/Stephen Sondheim music 2 PM Tickets @pceshows.com or Hardee’s Fashions Adults $16, Students/Seniors $14, Groups (10+)$12 PCE Theater, 101 N. Thomas St.

21 MONDAY

• City Commission Meeting 7:30 PM City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds Stree

• Easter Egg Hunt Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex 10AM • “The Story” Dramatic portrayal of Biblical events from Genesis to Revelation Special Guests: African Children’s Choir 7 PM; Free admission Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd. 813-752-4591

26 SATURDAY

• Strawberry U-Pick 8:30AM - 4PM Fancy Farms Corner of County Line & Rice Roads Benefits Hills.Co. 4-H Sign up at eventbrite.com/2016hillsborough-4-h-gives-back-strawberry-upick-tickets-22068213621 • “The Story” Dramatic portrayal of Biblical events from Genesis to Revelation Special Guests: African Children’s Choir 7 PM; Free admission Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd.

27 EASTER SUNDAY

• Community Easter Sunrise Service Walden Lake Park Timberlane Dr. at the lake 7AM • “The Story” Dramatic portrayal of Biblical events from Genesis to Revelation Special Guests: African Children’s Choir 6 PM; Free admission Plant City Church of God 2103 Mud Lake Rd.

28 MONDAY

• Plant City Commission Meeting 7:30 PM Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. City Clerk at 813-659-4237

29 TUESDAY

• Economic Development Corporation Monthly Meeting 2PM PC Chamber unless otherwise announced

106 N. Evers St. Info: Jake Austin, 863-712-0655

31 THURSDAY

• Toastmasters 7:30 AM @ PC Chamber 106 N. Evers St. • PC Local Harvest Farmers Market 4 – 9 PM McCall Park 100 N. Collins St. Historic Downtown Plant City 813-531-1811 www.pclocalharvestfarmersmarket.com • “An Evening of Picture Perfect Memories” Heritage Award Presentation 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Plant City Photo Archives & History Center 106 S. Evers St. Tickets $100 6:30 pm Champagne Reception Music; Complimentary Wine/Beer 7pm Elegant Dinner 8pm Program 8:30pm Heritage Award Presentation

APRIL 1 FRIDAY

• “Still in the Woods” 42nd Annual Rotary Wild Game Cookout 6 - 10 PM US 92 btwn Forbes &Thonotosassa Rds. $100 Donation; Stag only; 21 or older E-mail wp.wicker@gmail.com for tickets

2 SATURDAY

• CrossFit Plant City Open House 8 - 11AM Free workout, Body Composition Testing, Massage Demos, Healthy Food Talk 1402 Mercantile Court, Unit B 813-752-9260 Visit crossfitplantcity.com/2016/03/openhouse-april-2nd/ • Railfest Union Station Depot 102 N. Palmer Street Contact: Peggy 813.754.3707

4 MONDAY

• Plant City Commission Meeting 7:30 PM City Hall 302 W. Reynolds St.

7 THURSDAY

• Plant City Garden Club Annual Flower Show “Travel the World” 5 - 8 PM Free admission & parking Walden Lake Country Club 2001 Clubhouse Dr., Plant City Contact: Mikie Snyder 813-478-1200

8 FRIDAY

• Relay for Life Community Fundraiser for Cancer Research/ Cure 6 PM – overnight event Plant City High School One Raider Place Open to all

9 SATURDAY

• Relay for Life Community Fundraiser for Cancer Research/ Cure Plant City High School One Raider Place Open to all Cont’d from Friday PM; concludes at 11AM • Community Craft Fair 10AM - 3PM First Presbyterian Church 409 W. Baker St. Interested vendors call 713-752-4211

COME VISIT

DOWNTOWN PLANT CITY

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

FOCUS OBITUARIES Shirley Elizabeth Berryman, 64, of Plant City died February 15, 2016. The Dallas, Texas native was the daughter of Clinton and Shirley Wright Barnes, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Shanita (Martin) Barbas; 2 grandchildren; mother, Juanita Williams; and best friend, Connie Lynch. Shirley was a member of Ezell Chapel CME of Dallas, Texas, had a servant’s heart, and loved the casino. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome. com Eugene A. Bowman, 86, of Plant City died March 4, 2016. The Greeneville, Tennessee native as the son of Clefford and Eva Brazille Bowman.Survivors are his wife of 50 years, Miriam McQuaig Bowman; sons, Richard (Kathy), Kevin ( Jennifer) Bowman; daughter, Pat Tague; brothers, Clyde (Betty) Bowman, Ronnie Bowman, Charles Brazille; sisters, Roberta James, Peggy (Heath) Strawn; 8 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren. Gene was preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Bowman and son in law, Ron Tague. Gene was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served with the Chancel and Bell Choirs, and the Spirit Singers. Throughout his life he worked for JC Penney, was a machine operator, a service manager for Oldsmobile, and owned an auto repair garage. After retirement he worked for Scotty’s and Lowe’s. He loved all kinds of sports and was an FSU fan. The visitation and Memorial Service was held Saturday, March 12, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, 303 N Evers St., Plant City. If so desired, donations may be made in Gene’s memory to the Florida Methodist Children’s Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome. com Nancy Darlene Clark, 51, of Thonotosassa, FL died March 3, 2016. A native of Ft Wayne, IN, she was the daughter of Ronald and Patricia Schefull Stetler. Her mother survives. Also surviving are her husband of 34 years, Mark Clark; sons, Markus (Alicia), Jonathan (Tiffany), and Daniel Clark; brother, Michael Stetler; sisters, Patty Stetler, Paula Stetler; 5 grandchildren. Nancy loved to BBQ and spend time outdoors with her family. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com Michael Olen Creech, 42 of Plant City died February 20, 2016. The native of Opp, AL, was the son of Randy and Judy Jackson Creech. Survivors include his wife of 20 years, Angela Blanton Creech; children, Michael, Chelsea, Mackenzie, and Kierstan; grandmother, Mary Jackson; brothers, Donald Rogers, Darrell Creech, Cecil Creech; sisters, Sharon Rogers, Lisa Alday, Tonya Tomlinson.

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

Michael did tree work and welding, loved the outdoors, riding horses, his roosters, hunting, bonfires, and embarrassing his kids. The visitation and funeral service was held Monday, February 29, 2016 at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com William Duffee Dudley, 87 of Plant City died February 19, 2016 in Ruskin, Florida. The native of Manatee, Florida, was the son of Stephen and Bessie Williams Dudley. He was the husband of Betty Webb Dudley for 64 years. She survives. Also surviving are sons, Ed (Katherine) Dudley, Kelly (Marilyn) Dudley; daughters, Jeannie Weaver, Suzie (Frank) Wade; brother, Donnell Dudley; sisters Helen Brewer, Charlotte Alderman; 8 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren; and one great grandchild on the way. William was a veteran of the US Navy, serving on the USS Great Sitkin, and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church. While a youngster William worked for Cone’s Dairy, was a telegraph delivery boy, and delivered fuel oil for Standard Oil. After the military he worked for the phosphate mines, retiring after over 35 years of service. He loved to fish. The funeral service was held Wednesday, February 24, 2016, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel in Plant City. Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery with full military honors. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfueralhome.com Harnage, Bernice Ruby, 92 of Plant City was joyously welcomed into Heaven on Monday, February 22, 2016. She was born in Cecil, GA on October 14, 1923 to the late Reuben and Mittie Savage. She was married for 50 years to Howard Harnage who passed in 1991. She and Howard lived in Valdosta, GA until 1956 when they moved to Plant City where she lived until her passing. She was a beautiful and loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Springhead Church of Christ, and for many years held Bible study classes in her home. She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Edward Simmons; great granddaughter, Olivia Grimes; her four brothers, C.W., Brinson, Henry, and Harvey Savage; and sister, Fannie Harris. Bernice is survived by her two sons, Terry ( Jennifer) Harnage, Plant City, and Tony (Betsy) Harnage, Shelby, NC; daughters, Jan (Gary) Klatt, Jannette (Lynwood) Simmons, Dianne Simmons, Judy (Harry) Holley, all of Plant City, Sharon (Paul) Bednar, Dothan, AL. and Pam ( Joel) Evers Lakeland; sister, Bula (Edwin) Freche, Biloxi, MS.; 19 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and five great great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation and the funeral service was held Saturday, Feb.

27 at Hopewell Baptist Church with her son-in-law, Joel Evers, officiating. Her grandsons were Pall Bearers for the burial in Hopewell Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springhead Church of Christ, 1402 Lindsey Road, Plant City FL 33566 or LifePath Hospice, Silver Team, 12470 Telecom Dr, #300, Temple Terrace, FL 33637. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com Leonard Lee Heard, 52, of Plant City died February 24, 2016. The Tampa, Florida native was the son of Leonard and Frances Parker Heard Smith. She survives. Also surviving are his longtime companion, JoAnn McArdle; children, Shelly, Misty, Marissa; siblings, Tommy, Swaneah, and Cherry. He was preceded in death by his brother Sammy. The visitation and funeral service was held Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com Alvin “Red” Johnson, 91, of Plant City died February 28, 2016. A native of Opp, AL, he was the son of Owen and Ophelia Jordan Johnson. Red was preceded in death by his wife, Fanny Johnson. Survivors are daughter, Annette Granger; 4 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; one great great grandson. Red was a member of First Baptist Church, a fiddle player with Southern Star Bluegrass Band, and he played on the Grand Ole Opry with Hank Williams, Sr. when he was eleven. As a young person, he worked a service station at the farmer’s market, did vending repair for Bill Miller, and retired after 27 years as plant manager for Crown Cork and Seal. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2016, at First Baptist Church, 503 N Palmer St., Plant City. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com Eileen Louise Lane, 84, of Lakeland died March 1, 2016. A native of Toledo, Ohio, she was the daughter of George and Gertrude Jacobs Cole. Eileen was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Floyd Lane, Jr.; son, Gregg Lane. Survivors are son, Doug (Dana) Lane; daughter, Debby (Rick) Pion; grandson, Rayce Pion, Eileen was a retired medical office manager and very active in her church. A celebration of her life was held Friday, March 11, 2016 at Southside Assembly of God, Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com

Reverend James M. Osborn, 67 of Plant City died February 14, 2016. The native of East Saint Louis, Illinois, was the son of James H. and Elva Noe Osborn. He was preceded in death by his wife of 38 years, Carmen Walker Osborn. Surviving are son; Jason Osborn; daughter, Belinda ( Junior) Ashworth; sister, Kathy Stephens; brother, Kenneth Osborn; 7 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren. Reverend Osborn was the first administrator for Seffner Christian Academy, and a minister for the Freewill Baptist Association for over 50 years, with his beginnings in the bus ministry. He built several youth camps throughout the south and loved to do woodworking. Visitation and the funeral service was held Thursday, February 18, 2016, at First Freewill Baptist Church of Seffner. James was interred in Mt Enon Cemetery, Plant City. If desired, donations may be made in Reverend Osborn’s memory to Seffner Christian Academy. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com Ann Wehr, 83, of Plant City died February 25, 2016. The Lonsdale, Rhode Island native was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Nudyka Partington. She was the wife of Roy Wehr for 35 years. He survives. Also surviving are sons, William and Mark Blanchard; one grandchild. Ann enjoyed reading, traveling, RV-ing, and cruises. She and Roy have traveled the world over. The family is planning private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome. com. Nancy A. Williams, 76, of Plant City died March 2, 2016. A native of Blue Hill, ME, she was the daughter of Bernard and Estella Robinson Bartlett. Surviving are her husband of 58 years, Robert Williams; son, Daniel (Teresa) Williams; daughters, Sherri Brown, Melissa Williams; sister, Alice Satow; brothers, Dwinell Bartlett, Gerald Bartlett; six grandchildren, seven great grandchildren. Nancy was an excellent golfer and was 19 times club champion. She also loved bingo and the casino. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com Virgil Ellis Yates, 76, of Plant City died March 2, 2016. The Tyronza, Arizona native was the son of James and Lucille Bell Yates. He is survived by his son, Joey; brothers, Ernest, Howard. Virgil worked for Cone’s Dairy and MidState Potato Company. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be left for the family at haughtfuneralhome.com

CELEBRATING EASTER Created by Calvin R. and Jackie Mathews

CELEBRATING EASTER COME JOIN THE FOCUS COMMUNITY

“LIKE” US ON FACEBOOK FACEBOOK.COM/ THEFOCUSMAGAZINE

ACROSS 1. Unpleasant spouses 5. Recipe direction 9. Hairy one 12. Word of disgust 16. That French lady 17. Sets of symbols 19. Mine discoveries 20. Church court 21. Easter table centerpiece 24. Unfolds 25. Dig a new burrow 26. Alpine goatherd song 27. Circular decoration 28. Singer James 29. New Zealand evergreens 30. Gag 31. City resident 34. Comfortable __ old shoe 35. Beasts of burden 36. Solidify 39. Easter dinner dishes 43. Housetop border 44. Gofer 45. Matador’s encouragement 46. Jackie’s O 47. “__ ill wind that blows...” 48. Decomposes 49. Easter morning activities 54. “Don’t tell!” 55. Amigo 56. Coughs harshly 57. Pass 58. Injure 59. Thick drinks 60. Light gas 61. Cry of approval 64. Dish out 65. Flying: pref. 66. Apple product 69. Easter basket contents 72. Singer Vikki 73. Crackers 74. “__ Married an Axe Murderer”; 1993 movie 75. Take to court 76. “__ bigger and better things!” 77. Curry & Cusack 78. Easter candies 84. Eliot’s monogram 85. Rugged vehicle 86. Word on a pencil 87. Twangs 88. Word with root or near 89. “Waiting for Lefty” playwright

90. 91. 94. 95. 99. 100. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109.

Came to earth Adds up Take an __; fell Phony displays of courage To no __ Easter bonnet adornments Shabby; dilapidated Luth. or Meth. “__ a Grand Old Flag” Reel backwards Word of regret Pet sound Insects Goofs

20. 22. 23. 27. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 35. 36. 37. 38. 40. 41. 42. 43. 47. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 55. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68.

DOWN 1. Lincoln’s place: abbr. 2. __ vera; lotion ingredient 3. Fill, and then some 4. Successions; series 5. Aromatic 6. __ bale; carry hay 7. Singer Billy 8. Striped-shirt wearer 9. Late March baby 10. Strip 11. Alphabet member 12. Indian dollar 13. Territory 14. Beautician’s offering 15. Wide band 18. __ fox; devious 19. __ gray; aged 1

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70. Sunday morning volunteer 71. Actor Rob __ 72. British cop 78. Grades 79. Out __; no longer insolvent 80. Be dishonest with 81. Shakespearean title character 82. Starts taking off a corset 83. Unsuspecting 85. Toast topper 88. Heckles 89. Yoke part 90. “__ Breed”; 1981 George Kennedy movie 91. Skater Lipinski 92. Shape 93. “See ya!” 94. River in Yorkshire 95. Depressed 96. Accomplisher 97. One with obligations 98. Moldova and Uzbek, once: abbr. 100. Record letters 101. Wail

by Calvin R. & Jackie Mathews

Stoppers Loosen Herbert Hoover, e.g. Stovetop items Not as wild Actor Farr Powerful rulers Mixtures Distance across Playgrounds Add fuel Buttermilk’s rider Slowly, in Latin Boring Astringent Pulls hard Allen, for one Dome-shaped abode Main Cautious Split down the middle Didn’t just sit there Actor Will and others Bear Satellites Battlefield cry Israeli desert region Striking effect AM/PM dividers Copy Sailing vessel Feverish ailment Lunacy Co-op in the old USSR In a bad mood

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

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R E S F L Y T A A S M A E R C H M A E R D Y I C O F D E B T

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

Celebrating Easter

N A I V E I G L O O C O R K S

C O N S T A B L E E T H A N R U P E E

D O E R M A N I A G A S U P A R E A

O W E R A R T E L E V A N S T I N T

S S R S C R O S S L E N T E S A S H

5210 Thonotosassa Rd, Plant City, FL 33565 (813) 752 -9100 www.keelandcurleywinery.com | www.twohenrysbrewing.com

9TH ANNUAL BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL EVENT SCHEDULE Friday, 4/29 and Saturday, 4/30 from 8AM to 11PM Sunday, 5/1 from 10AM to 7PM U-Pick Blueberries 7AM - 5PM each day • FREE Admission & Live Enterainment • Over 100 Food & Craft Vendors + Kids Area • $5.00 Parking Fee / Free Handicap Parking • Limited Edition Strawberry Shortcake Wine available. St. Clement’s donates juice from their strawberry shortcakes & a part of the proceeds are donated back to the church.

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com

~ Melissa P., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

The Care You Need, When You Need It. When Melissa had a real emergency, she needed a real ER. That’s exactly what she got at South Florida Baptist Hospital. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City. Learn more: PlantCityER.org

Our Specialties: n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures

Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital. To find out more: 1-800-BayCare BC1600162-0116

FOCUS MAGA ZINE PL ANT CIT Y MARCH 2016

RussellsWesternWear.com TAMPA • WESLEY CHAPEL • BRANDON • LAKELAND • OCALA • BRADENTON

MARCH 2016 focusplantcity.com