FOCUS Plant City 20-09 by Floyd Publications

Where will you be when reality strikes? Where will you be when reality strikes? Where will you be when reality strikes?

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Contents Table of

With a proven track record, Nichole Moody is one of the most successful real estate agents in Tampa Bay. As she begins her campaign for a seat on the Greater Tampa Realtors Board of Directors, learn more about this Plant City-native and the ladies of The Nichole Moody Team.

FOCUS proudly presents part two of our annual Business issue. In this issue, we celebrate the success of home service providers, restaurant owners, and real estate professionals. Show your support of these small businesses with your patronage.

SPOTLIGHT: THE ONE TO WATCH

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FEATURE: FOCUS ON BUSINESS - PART 2

FOCUS PLANT CITY

focusplantcity.com / Issue 20-09 / September 2021

PUBLISHER

Mike Floyd

MANAGING EDITOR

Cierra Craft

ART DIRECTOR

OFFICE MANAGER

DISTRIBUTION

mikef@floydpublications.com

cierra@floydpublications.com

Anthony Sassano

asassano@floydpublications.com

Candy Owens

cowens@floydpublications.com

Tony DeVane

STAFF WRITERS

Cheryl Johnston Emily Topper Jennifer Jordan Katie Hamilton

CONTRIBUTORS

Candy Owens Gil Gott Natalie Sweet

Got a story idea? Looking to advertise in Focus? Contact us for more information. Floyd Publications, Inc. 702 W. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd.Plant City, FL 33563 Office 813.707.8783 Standards of accuracy: The goal of the writers at FOCUS Magazine is to provide heart-warming stories that are accurate from the start. Being human, however, we sometimes make mistakes. Please forgive us. So if you notice anything that is incorrect, then please do not hesitate to contact the editorial department and inform it about the fact error. To do so, call (813) 7078783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

www.focusplantcity.com

Burchwood Park PAGE

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UBLISHE

From The

Publisher

FIND YOUR FUEL

In the 20 years I have published FOCUS, we’ve told hundreds of stories about business owners and how they found the fuel to pursue entrepreneurship through our Business FOCUS issue. I think you’ll agree with me when I say that each business issue is unique, inspiring, and we are so lucky to have people in Plant City willing to lend us their talent. This year, we tell stories of multi-generational business owners—like J.J. Calhoun of Calhoun Septic Tank Service or Lizzette Sarria of Dairy Queen—both of whom are third-generation entrepreneurs. I read research once that said only 13% of businesses make it successfully to a third-generation. We have stories of entrepreneurs who found their passion after leaving another job, such as Mike Ham. Mike left the railroad after six years, met Jean Rice and the two opened A+ Learning Center to teach babies, toddlers, and pre-K kids in our city 20 years ago. Nichole Moody is making her first appearance on our cover. Nichole’s work ethic is unmatched and she told editor Cierra Craft what sets her apart in a vigorously competitive industry: She’s quick to act. She sets weekly, monthly, and yearly goals and then works hard to achieve them. She is on fire for real estate, helping clients find their dream home, and providing for her family. Be sure to check out the story and see what goal she is hoping to cross off the list next. I would like to thank all of the business owners and acknowledge the hard work you’ve put into making Plant City a vibrant, thriving community. To our readers, I hope these stories inspire you to find your fuel.

Warmest Regards,

Mike Floyd PAGE

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JAMES BROWN

THE GODFATHER OF SOLD! Serving Plant City and Surrounding areas for over 25 years!

Sparrow Key Realty, Inc. 3017 James L. Redman Parkway Plant City, Fl 33566 863-409-9961 Cell Thegodfatherofsold.com thegodfatherofsold.sparrowkeyrealty.com

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Broker/Realtor

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HCC Receives State Approval for its First Baccalaureate Degree Program

By Jennifer Jordan

Hillsborough Community College has been approved by the State Board of Education to offer its first baccalaureate degree program, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). The BSN offering at HCC is currently backed by tremendous community support, including the University of South Florida and Tampa Bay region health care organizations such as Tampa General Hospital, AdventHealth, Bay Care St. Joseph’s Hospital, Moffitt Cancer Center, and Lakeland Regional Health. If approved, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program would be HCC’S first bachelor’s degree offering in the college’s 53-year history. In a press release issued by the college, HCC President Dr. Ken Atwater stated, “As the primary provider of workforce education in this community, it is incumbent upon us to collaborate with our business and industry partners to fill voids in their talent pipeline.” The final stage of approval will go under review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), HCC’s college accreditor, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. HCC plans to submit its application this upcoming February for consideration by the SACS Board of Trustees at their biannual meeting in June of 2022. HCC is also hoping to seek approval from the programmatic accreditor, the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). The BSN program offering is projected to roll out in the fall of 2022. With nursing demands higher than ever, HCC is hoping to respond to the local labor market demand and fill the void, not only due to the University of South Florida phasing out its Registered Nurse (RN) to BSN specialization, but also because labor market projections indicate evidence an increase in demand of more than 1,271 annual job openings in HCC’s service area. Currently, Hillsborough Community College serves 43,000 students annually at its five campuses located throughout Tampa Bay. For more information about HCC and its academic offerings, please call 813-2537000 or visit www.hccfl.edu. PAGE

PLANT CITY PERSONALITIES!

CAN YOU GUESS WHO THIS IS?

HERE IS YOUR CLUE: This little Farm Fresh Cutie Pie came onto the scene in Plant City as a teenager. She graduated from Plant City High School and continued her education at Florida Southern College. She quickly became a part of our town’s “MOVERS AND SHAKERS Society! She is BEYOND Positive and Forthright. To know this person is to love this person. SHE WILL GET THE JOB DONE!!!

IF YOU KNOW WHO THIS IS CALL CANDY O AT FOCUS MAGAZINE! 813-707-8783 The first 3 people to guess the correct person will win a PRIZE!!!! (The TRUE identity will be given in next month’s FOCUS Magazine) LAST MONTH’S PERSONALITY: JAMES SURRENCY

Diamonds & Denim Gala Rescheduled to Nov. 4 By Jennifer Jordan Diamonds and Denim, a gala organized by The Foundation of South Florida Baptist Hospital, raises money every year to help the hospital purchase equipment, fund community projects, and provide South Florida Baptist Hospital team members and high school students with scholarships. While originally scheduled for Thursday, September 23, the fundraiser is being rescheduled and will occur on Thursday, November 4. It will start at 6:30 p.m. and be held at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center at 2508 Oak Avenue. At Diamonds and Denim, attendees wear their best denim and enjoy a catered dinner with various food stations, music, live auctions, a 50/50 raffle, a grand prize drawing, and the chance to win a diamond ring. At this year’s 25th anniversary event, Brown’s Jewelers is donating the diamond ring, and the grand prize drawing will give away an Ironwood 885 Traeger Pellet Grill donated by Whiskey Bent BBQ. Patterson Companies will be the 2021 presenting sponsor. There will also be a silent auction to further assist in raising funds, and donations for the online silent auction are welcomed. Tickets to attend Diamonds and Denim are $75 per person with advanced reservations required. Tickets for the ring drawing are $10 for one ticket and $25 for three tickets, and there are also five sponsorship levels ranging from the Pearl sponsorship at $250, to the Diamond sponsorship at $5,000. Last year, Diamonds and Denim raised over $106,000 and has raised more than one million dollars since its inception. If you are interested in donating to the Diamonds and Denim Gala or would like to purchase a sponsorship, please call 813-757-8478 or email sfbhfoundation@baycare.org, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Diamonds and Denim Gala on November 4.

I Scream for Ice Cream: Hornetto is Open for Business By Jennifer Jordan On August 18, Hornetto officially opened its doors in Plant City. Located at 2406 James L Redman Pkwy in the Walden Woods Village Plaza, Hornetto is an ice cream shop that also serves bubble waffles, flatbread pizzas, and fruit juices. They have 20 ice cream flavors that include pistachio and apple strudel, and 24 toppings to choose from such as coconut flakes and Ferrero Rocher. You can also choose between 10 different bubble waffles or make your own. A bubble waffle is a Chinese sweet snack made in a special waffle iron and its ingredients consist of eggs, flour, milk, and sugar. Hornetto takes a bubble waffle and wraps it around ice cream and tasty toppings to give patrons a treat that stands out. The dough for the bubble waffles and flatbread pizzas are made from scratch, and the fruit juices are made to order from freshly squeezed fruit. Hornetto is owned and operated by Ana Maria Hornet and her family, and they are thrilled to have a new business in Plant City. If you’d like to check out Hornetto, they are open Tuesday to Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They currently offer delivery through Uber Eats, Doordash, and Grubhub. For more information, call Hornetto at 813-730-7006 or visit their website at www.hornetto.com.

Florida Strawberry Festival Announces 2022 Theme By Jennifer Jordan

While the muchanticipated Florida Strawberry Festival is still about six months away, the theme for 2022 has officially been announced for the 87th annual event. ‘#1 for FUN!’ will be the theme for 2022, with Festival President Paul Davis stating, “Our festival and the city of Plant City hold the strawberry in high regard. We’re number one for the wholesome family fun and excitement.” For each year’s festival, a new theme is created to offer patrons a glimpse of the experience they will have at the 11-day event. It also unifies vendors, FFA chapters, organizations, corporate partners, and exhibitors who create parade floats and displays throughout the event. Since the 2022 theme is ‘#1 for FUN!’, the festival’s strawberry character will be wearing a festival cap while waving a foam finger and holding a plate of strawberries. The strawberry character featured in each year’s theme artwork is an iconic part of the event’s branding and advertising efforts. Davis said, “Like most fairs and festivals, the Florida Strawberry Festival represents a piece of Americana, a time in American history when events like ours brought communities together to celebrate the harvest, and that’s number one in our book.” The Florida Strawberry Festival attracts nearly 500,000 visitors each year who enjoy a variety of rides, headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce, and of course, strawberry shortcake. The 2022 festival will be held from March 3-13. Be sure to mark your calendars so you can enjoy the festival that’s ‘#1 for FUN!’. For more information about the Florida Strawberry Festival, visit www.flstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-752-9194.

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Jodi Stevens

Presented with YMCA Strong Leader Award

Paul Conley (L) and Dave Davenport (R) presented 2020-2021 Strong Leader Recipient Jodi Stevens with her award.

By Jennifer Jordan

n August 26, Jodi Stevens, a longtime volunteer to the Plant City community, was honored with the YMCA Strong Leader Award at the John R. Trinkle Center. After a year-long wait to celebrate, friends, family members, past Strong Leader Award recipients, and City Commissioners, were thrilled to show their support to Stevens, who has served on 13 different boards in Plant City and well over 30 committees. The Strong Leader Award is presented to individuals whose contributions to the Plant City community echo the YMCA’s commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Stevens was an integral part of founding the Strong Leader Award while serving on the YMCA Advisory Board from 2003-2008 and was also named Rookie of the Year in 2004, MVP of the Annual Giving Campaign in 2005, Board President from 2006-2007, and Strong Leader Dinner Chair and Co-Chair from 2002-2006. Due to COVID-19, Stevens became the first two-year Strong Leader recipient, earning the award for 2020 and 2021. City Manager Bill McDaniel said of Stevens, “Jodi is focused, driven, and extremely dependable. She always does what is asked of her, but she also does more than what she’s asked. She really is a strong leader, and she’s so awesome they had to give her two years.” All proceeds from the evening will be redirected back into the community and the YMCA to help individuals and families live happier and healthier lives through programs such as LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, which provides cancer survivors a place to heal. The evening began with Paul Conley, Center Executive Director of the Plant City YMCA, welcoming guests, and Mother Alissa Anderson of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church gave the invocation. Dinner was provided by Second Plate Catering and consisted of steak, scallops, salad, and scalloped potatoes, with cheesecake for dessert. After dinner, Matt Mitchell, President and CEO of the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA, provided the opening thanks, and City Manager Bill McDaniel gave the opening remarks. Special guest speakers that discussed Stevens’ achievements included Jim Scott of Jarrett-Scott Ford, Yvonne Fry of

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Jodi Stevens (far left) was joined by her children, parents and close friends to receive the prestigious honor of YMCA Strong Leader.

Fryed Egg Productions, and Brian West of Publix, who wasn’t present but gave a speech via live video. After Scott, Fry, and West spoke, a video tribute was shown titled “The ABC’s of Jodi Stevens” which starred Stevens’ family members, friends, and colleagues as they used each letter in the alphabet to describe Stevens’ work ethic, personality, and character. The video tribute even honored the late Lee Williams of Felton’s Meat Market, whose letter for Stevens was ‘T’, and noted before his passing that, “Jodi is a treasure to Plant City. This community is a better place because of her.” After the heartfelt video tribute, Paul Conley and YMCA Board Chair David Davenport then presented Jodi Stevens with the Strong Leader Award, and she gave her remarks about receiving such an incredible honor and working with the YMCA, stating, “I never thought I would be accepting this prestigious award. I love our community and I enjoy being a part of it. Thank you all so much for being here and thank you to those who helped make this night happen.” Paul Conley closed the evening and thanked everyone for coming out to celebrate Jodi Stevens, an individual who not only dedicates herself to the Plant City community but inspires those around her to always work hard and give back. Congratulations Jodi Stevens on being the recipient of the YMCA Strong Leader Award for 2020 to 2021.

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Raider Champions Kickoff Fundraising Campaign for 2021-2022 School Year By Cierra Craft

Plant City High School has a wishlist: A new school marquee on Alexander Street and upgrades to the James A. “Sonny” Jones Auditorium. Raider Champions wants to make those dreams a reality. Raider Champions is the fundraising arm of Plant City High School and Chairman Rhett Rollyson says they’re turning to the community for help. “We as a board ask Principal Susan Sullivan where there is a broad need to benefit the most students,” said Rollyson. “We decide as a board which project we want to tackle that year.” In 2019, Raider Champions raised $50,000 to purchase a COW, or Computer-On-Wheels, and the funds were matched by Unity in the Community. The COW helped during testing, by creating a “mobile computer lab.” During the 2020 school year, Raider Champions didn’t have a fundraising project. This year, they want to make a new marquee and updates to the auditorium possible. While a new sign in front of the school isn’t something that the students will use daily, the new marquee would keep the community abreast of events, accomplishments, and more happening at PCHS. A new marquee will also improve the appearance of the campus and promote school spirit. “A new marquee would make the city aware of events happening at the high school, like a football game on Friday night or a Band Concert coming up or broadcast accomplishments by the students to the community,” said Rollyson. “It would also be a great way for the school to thank the sponsors and businesses that have supported the high school’s programs. As a board, we are going to start with getting the new marquee and then work on the auditorium.” Updates to the auditorium would paint a broad brush in terms of benefiting the entire student body. The school hosts assemblies, awards ceremonies, school photo days, concerts and plays, and more in the Auditorium. The school was built in 1972 and the current auditorium needs considerable upgrades and improvements. For questions about the specific improvements needed and financials to update the space are encouraged to speak with Rollyson about how to help. Raider Champions is seeking the monetary contributions of business owners to help fund these two projects. Those that donate would be making a taxdeductible contribution to the school and for those who donate $5,000 or more, their name is placed on the Wall of Honor in the school’s mall. “We’re looking for donors to fundraise for these projects and ultimately just help our students,” said Rollyson. “If you want to donate, call me personally and I’m happy to tell you about Raider Champions and how you can help our Raiders.” For more information or make a donation to Raider Champions, contact Rhett Rollyson at 813-719-0158.

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Walden Lake Review BY NATALIE SWEET

alden Lake Community Association Board Meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7:00 at the Walden Lake Community Association office building on Griffin Boulevard in Walden Lake. The next meetings will be September 20th and October 18th. Please keep an eye on the announcement boards at all entrances for dates and times of special meetings and events. Meetings are now being held in person although you can still log in to www.WaldenLake.org and view the meeting virtually as well as the video of the meeting will be posted on the website. There is an 8 month opening on the WL Board of Directors due to the resignation of Larry Britt. This will be filled at the September meeting. Walden Lake HOA sent out a message if you had interest, that you would need to apply by September 10th. The food trucks at the HOA Building/Sports Complex are on the second Fridays and last Sundays of each month. The next food truck event is scheduled for Sunday, September 26th from 11:00–7:00. If you have not taken advantage of the delicious offerings, give it a try! Watch for more information from emails coming from the HOA, the entrance boards, and on Nextdoor. During the month of August, there were 22 sales in Walden Lake and 1 sale in Walden Lake East. The average sale price was $397,652 and an average of 9 days on the market. The August sales are as follows: Address / Sales Price / Living Area / Pool / Garage 1412 Sandalwood Drive / $290,000 / 2137 Sq’ / Community / 2 Car 3446 Silvermoon Drive / $298,000 / 1656 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 3442 Silverstone Drive / $305,000 / 1850 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 3464 Silverstone Drive / $307,100 / 1713 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 3474 Silverstone Drive / $316,000 / 1843 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 2006 South Golfview Drive / $325,000 / 1732 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 3219 Alcott Avenue / $348,000 / 2105 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 4323 Kipling Avenue / $350,000 / 1592 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 1735 Brookstone Way / $350,000 / 1692 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 1903 Carriage Court / $355,000 / 1987 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 2809 Hammock Drive / $375,000 / 2201 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 4302 Kipling Avenue / $380,000 / 2075 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 2806 Brooke Pines Court / $385,000 / 2054 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 3904 Fairlea Circle / $390,000 / 2294 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 1742 Brookstone Way / $400,000 / 2157 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 2914 Forest Club Drive / $420,000 / 2439 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 2609 Clubhouse Drive / $442,000 / 2527 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2808 Clubhouse Drive / $449,900 / 2535 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2905 Forest Hammock Drive / $450,000 / 2895 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2807 Barret Avenue / $460,000 / 2744 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2813 Hampton Place Court / $515,000 / 2817 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2869 Hammock Drive / $585,000 / 2921 Sq’ / Private / 2 Car 1904 Sweet Bay Court / $650,000 / 4396 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car

There are currently only 7 active listings for sale in Walden Lake and without the new build that is listed for $2.2M, the average list price is $424,450 with an average of 17 days on the market. There are 12 properties Pending Contract in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East. The average list price of $348,641 and average of 9 days on the market. Walden Lake LLC has submitted a revision of its plans to the City of Plant City. To see this and past information on what is happening with the development of the Walden Lake golf course, you can visit www.WaldenLake.org under the “News” tab. The latest information can also be found at the City’s website www.PlantCityGov. com. To date, there are no plans that have been approved or under consideration by the City. Check back on the City’s site often if you want to keep updated. How is COVID-19 affecting real estate? As you can see from the sales data above, we do not see a slowdown of our listings going under contract, providing they are priced correctly and in good condition. We are seeing fewer homes being listed, so The Sweet Team of Keller Williams Realty feels this is a great time to list, as there are many buyers looking for a home. Feel free to contact me with any questions about this article or about your real estate needs. NSweet@KW.com or 813-758-9586.

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through professional levels, also working some international friendlies along the way. I was fortunate to be selected to referee at the 1994 Paralympics in Atlanta, and at many different tournaments for both youth and adults. Along with achieving National referee status, I also served as State Referee Administrator in charge of over 5,000 referees state-wide. I was also selected to teach some referee classes on the USAG BENELUX Army Base near Brussels, Belgium. What is a typical day to day like in your job? A typical day is a busy day! Not only do we maintain 16 parks, 3 recreation buildings, and a 363-acre nature preserve, but we also do the grounds maintenance at all City buildings such as the library, police and fire stations and City Hall. Additionally, we do all the tree trimming to raise the tree canopy over our city streets and remove damaged trees on city property. We also manage 52 acres of city-operated cemeteries which contain over 26,000 spaces. We do the grounds maintenance to keep the cemeteries looking great, and we also coordinate burials with funeral homes.

People of Plant City

Jack Holland By Emily Topper

f you’ve ever enjoyed any parks, nature preserves or even greenery around town, there’s a good chance Director of Parks & Recreation Jack Holland had a hand in it. And even when he’s not maintaining our many fields, there’s a good chance you can still catch him on the sidelines. Were you born in Plant City? I was born at South Florida Baptist Hospital. For the first seven years of my life, I was raised by both my adoptive parents in Tampa and at my adoptive maternal grandparents’ property just north of Plant City. In 1965, we built a home on my grandparent’s property and I still live there today. I’m proud to say I am a “born and raised” Plant Citian.

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What are your favorite places to visit? Locally, I enjoy nature preserves, the Keys and the beach. I like to travel and have been very fortunate to travel both directions overseas -west to China, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Jamaica and Mexico, and east to Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Switzerland. I’m planning to travel to Qatar for the soccer World Cup in December 2022 – it will be my fifth one. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I played on the Plant City Rogues adult soccer team for 8 years. When I started working with the City in 1977, my job as soccer referee triggered a parallel career with soccer officiating. I spent 25 years in the soccer referee world from youth up

What is a City of Plant City project you've worked on that you're especially proud of? I am extremely proud of the Sadye Gibbs Martin Community Center that opened in August 2020 to replace the former rec center. I was able to be part of every stage of development. We were successful in creating a building that not only meets our needs of recreational space, but also added 20,000 square feet of gymnasium space which the City never had in the past. The center has exceeded expectations on its versatility and public use since it opened. What is a business or event you would like to see Plant City have in the future? Go-carts, zip lines, mini-golf or maybe even farm-based educational tours. These tours could showcase local growers and demonstrate where our food comes from and how it’s grown. What motivates you? The end result of my profession provides the motivation to continue what I do and make our department the best it can be. I’ve had past participants come back 20-30 years later and say that if it were not for our programming and involvement in their life, they probably would either be in jail or dead today. That’s a bold statement, the ultimate compliment to our profession and very motivating. I will continue to be involved in recreational opportunities after I retire.

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WHEN IT COMES TO REAL ESTATE, YOUR GO TO IS THE NICHOLE MOODY TEAM! GET TOP DOLLAR FOR YOUR HOUSE, AND GET IT SOLD FAST!

Call Our Team at 813-802-3452 813-690-0319 OFFICE | Nicholemoody@gmail.com

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Did You Know? 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane and Hurricane Thirteen By Dr. Scotty and Hsiu Huang History Center Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

here were not human names assigned to storms and hurricanes in those years, but in 1944 several of the numbered storms stand out. The most notable was Hurricane 7, later called the 1944 Great Atlantic Hurricane. It was a major “destructive and powerful tropical cyclone that swept across a large portion of the United States East Coast.” Hurricane 7 formed September 9 northeast of the Virgin Islands, intensified into a Category 4 hurricane 500 miles across and with 150 miles-per-hour winds on September 13, north of the Bahamas, then made its way up the eastern seaboard, past the Outer Banks and crashing into Long Island with ferocity before hitting Rhode Island and working its way out to sea. This storm spared Florida. Shortly after this came Hurricane 13, which formed in the western Caribbean October 12 and moved northwest, becoming a Category 4 hurricane October 18 with sustained winds of 145 miles-per-hour, and an atmospheric pressure of 937 millibars. The storm destroyed much of Cuba wreaking havoc and death. The 300-mile-wide storm moved northwest and made landfall at Sarasota rushing rapidly north-northwest hitting Tampa and heading for Plant City. The storm, known as the 1944 Cuba-Florida Hurricane, ravaged Tampa and smashed into Plant City on October 19. Schools and businesses were closed—the only workers visible were the hurricane crews and emergency workers called to the task. Power outages and wind-blown debris challenged the emergency crews, and some roads were impassable—with fallen trees, poles, wires, and flooding throughout the city. Red Cross officials worked to get information out to the many people in need of first aid or shelter. East Hillsborough County Defense Council forces were mobilized early, in preparation for the storm, said Henry H. Huff, Plant City Council chairman. Residents of the area were instructed to stay home and off the streets, and to report to the Hotel Plant if in need of shelter. Plant City was quickly thrown into emergency mode, then transitioning to clean-up mode, followed by removal and repair. By nightfall Hurricane 13 had moved on, hitting South Carolina on October 20, then moving out to Greenland. The Post Office and other buildings shown were all open and operating in short time, thankful to survive Hurricane 13’s savagery. Sources: The Tampa Times, October 19, 1944; newspapers.com; Plant City Photo Archives collections.

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Nichole Moody: The One to Watch By Cierra Craft

Earning your real estate license requires passing an exam. To be a respected, top-producing Realtor—that’s something else entirely. It takes long nights, hard work, and a positive attitude, but most of all, you have to truly love people. For Better Homes & Garden Ellie & Associates Real Estate agent Nichole Moody, it’s her love for people that makes her a stand out in the industry. Moody is a mom to four sons and has one granddaughter, a mentor to the agents on the Nichole Moody team, and she doesn’t just close deals, she builds relationships with her clients. Many are repeat clients, who know Moody is a tough negotiator, she will sell their home quickly and for top dollar. Moody is one of the best realtors in Tampa Bay. But don’t take my word for it—she has been nominated for the Greater Tampa Realtors 2022 Board of Directors. With this position, Moody will be a voice for the association’s 14,000-plus real estate agents. Moody’s go-getter attitude has led to award-winning success, with Moody named the 2020 recipient of the Better Homes & Garden Real Estate Award for Excellence, the Silver Award. The Silver Award is presented to realtors within the franchise that are top 5% in the nation. Moody talks about her family, success and the bond between the ladies of the Nichole Moody Team: Stephanie Eisenbach, Gabrielle Palazzo, and Aviree Jordan. Meet Nichole Moody, as she’s the one to watch in the real estate industry. PAGE

The Nichole Moody team is made up of (L to R): Aviree Jordan, Nichole Moody, Gabrielle Palazzo, and Stephanie Eisenbach. Moody said, “My team is beautiful for sure, but more than that they are each smart and each one brings something unique to the table. “

Share with readers a little about yourself: I am a true PC native and my great grandparents moved to PC in 1914. I was born and raised in PC, I attended Knights Elementary and I graduated from PC High School in 1997. I grew up with my older brother and cousins and always tried very hard to keep up with them on the skateboard, bikes, and four-wheelers. I loved building tree forts and I never wanted to come inside. I have a very large and close-knit family. Typically if you know one of us you know us all. I have 3 brothers, 1 sister, 3 sisters-in-law, and my mom and dad. We do a lot with one another and are together often. My Dad can't even go one day without speaking to each of us on the phone. I am a mother of 4 handsome me: Tyler, Blake, Davin, and Mason, and a beautiful granddaughter Aspyn Elizabeth who will be two on Christmas Day. I love living in a small town, I love running into someone you know every day. I love that my children are able to grow up with the children of my former classmates that are still my friends to this day. I love the sense of safety and the overall sense of community. Share with us your journey in the Real Estate industry and what led to the creation of the Nichole Moody Team? I was a paralegal in Real Estate Law for many years prior to deciding to be a full-time realtor. I have been licensed since 2006. However, I have only been selling real estate actively for four years. At the beginning of this year, I decided to start my own team. My experience in real estate law has definitely helped me in this industry. My knowledge of contract law, short sales, foreclosures, and title work allows me to be an excellent teacher. I always knew from early on in my career that I wanted to help and the greatest way to do that is to bring on agents that can benefit from my knowledge and I love having a team! Currently on the Nichole Moody team is Stephanie Eisenbach, Gabrielle Palazzo, and Aviree Jordan. My team is beautiful for sure, but more than PAGE

that they are each smart and each one brings something unique to the table. Their various degrees and experiences help to create the diversity that makes my team so great. Our energy and genuine care for one another shines through. I love that they can come to me for advice and guidance and I can share with them my trials and errors. This is so important for me to guide them and help them shine and be the brilliant powerful woman I believe them each to be. Share with us how technology helps you market a home and what sets you apart from other agents? The real estate industry has evolved, mixing modern technological advancement with customer service-driven values such as dedication, quick communication, and transparency. I use technology every day and it truly is what drives my business. I go above the Multiple Listing Service which is where sites like Zillow and Realtor.com pull their information from. I spend money monthly to market my team’s listings on additional sites, but I can't tell all of my secrets. I use social media a lot. It is a fantastic tool that allows me to get my team name, new listings, and brand out to the masses. It is a fun marketing tool that we use to share pictures of our clients on closing day, videos to market the property, and client reviews. The thing that sets me apart the most, however, is that I am quick to action and my telephone and email are always on hand. I have a strong passion for my clients, I am a strategic thinker and I think outside of the box. If my clients call or email they know I will respond and will be there to resolve the issue or answer their questions. Since joining Ellie and Associates, you've been the recipient of numerous awards. Now you're being considered as a candidate for a Board of Directors position with the 2022 Greater Tampa Realtors (GTR). What does this position entail? This nomination is such a huge honor to me. To be considered and to have my application accepted amongst so many of my

esteemed colleagues that I greatly admire is not only an honor but very humbling. This position will allow me the opportunity to bring a new, younger voice to the board. As a strong leader and someone who is not afraid to stand up for my peers, I will always try to do the RIGHT THING for our members. How do you inspire women in the industry? My work ethic is unparalleled. I hold myself to a higher standard. I set goals, monthly, yearly and work hard to obtain these goals. I think it is so important to show women that you can have it all. You can be a great mother, in my case a single mother, and still run a successful business. If I can do it you can do it. I think it is very important to take care of yourself in the process and never quit trying to educate yourself in this ever-changing industry. I truly believe the two go hand in hand. The most important thing is to not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in but you MUST work hard to be successful. What do you enjoy most about the day-to-day job? I was meant to do this job! I love that every day is different. Every deal is a new challenge and every client is different. I love the flexibility being my own boss allows. Never missing a school function or being able to stay home if my children are sick or to spend the day with grandbaby is a bonus. I can work from anywhere. In this job, you wear a lot of hats and I am by nature a problem solver so this is perfect for me. What do you do outside of the office? I spend my time when I am not working with my family and friends. My kids take up a lot of my time, however, I think a good work-life balance is necessary. My family and friends all know one another, so we always have a great time. I am a great bowler and we take any game we play against each other very seriously. We are very competitive!! I love going on mini-vacations and making memories with my kids and we try to go as often as possible. I love movies, shopping, and going out to dinner. I am definitely a people person so anywhere there is a fun group or a chance to get together and laugh, count me in. Nichole Moody was named the 2020 recipient of the Better Homes & Garden Real Estate Award for Excellence, the Silver Award. The Silver Award is presented to realtors within the franchise that are top 5% in the nation.

Stephanie, why did you join the Nichole Moody team? “I met Nichole during her first year in real estate. We made an instant connection on a personal and work level. We leaned on each other for training, lunches, appointments, and community giveback. I noticed very early on her eagerness to learn and to be successful, and her will to be the BEST...So for me, it was a no-brainer on making the choice to join her team and be a part of all the hardearned success. I'm proud to be a part of The Nichole Moody team. Together in 2020, we were both able to receive the Silver Award with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. We are both in the Top 5% of Realtors in the nation with our company. I'll never forget receiving this award with my friend and team lead. I'm proud to be not only her friend but her colleague, too.”

Gabby, what do you enjoy about the real estate industry? “I enjoy the opportunity to educate people through what can be an incredibly intimidating process and be a sense of peace in my client’s lives. I like the flexibility of the job and the ability to make my own schedule so I can be with my young son and my fiance.”

Aviree, what made you decide to get into real estate? “I got tired of corporate America and really wanted a flexible schedule. I’ve always enjoyed home shows and decor, so it seemed like a perfect fit. I earned my real estate license in 2016 but didn’t enter the industry until January 2021. I love helping people find their dream home and Nichole is a powerhouse in the industry and been a great teacher. She really wants to see all of us succeed in the industry.

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3012 James L Redman Parkway Plant City, FL 33566

(813) 707-0520

berrypatchanimalclinic.com

INNER 2020 W

NER

2021 WIN

BEST BREAKFAST

THANK YOU PLANT CITY FOR VOTING US BEST VETERINARIAN 2 YEARS IN A ROW!

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FOCUS MAGAZINE

YOUR COMMUNITY LOCAL BUSINESS

A+ Learning Center

Haught Funeral Home

ACE Realty & Auction

PCU & Sparrow Key Realty

Bee-Haven Honey Company

M&Z Land Management

Brick House Cafe

Next Level Turf Management

Broke & Poor Surplus of Plant City, Inc.

Poppell Insurance

Buck's Professional Painting

Raulerson, Castillo and Company CPAS and Consultants, LLC

Calhoun's Septic Tank Service Dairy Queen Dental Associates at Walden Woods Duke's Brewhouse Gould's Air Conditioning and Heating LLC

Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center Russell's Western Wear SOD 365

Green Life Environmental PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

A+ LEARNING CENTER For parents and guardians, childcare and daycare centers have been an important element in modern society due to one or both parents being needed in the workforce to pay bills. As a result, parents and guardians need a daycare center that they can trust to teach, play with, and take care of their child(ren). At A+ Learning Center located at 1109 W. Grant Street, parents and guardians will find dedicated and caring directors and teachers who work Monday-Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to provide infants and children a place to grow, learn, and be safe before and after school. A+ Learning Center is owned by Michael Ham, a.k.a Mr. Mike, and his wife Jean Rice. They opened the daycare in 2001 with the original location being at 221 W. Alexander Street and moved to their current location 10 years ago after leasing the building from Henry Howard. Their daycare journey started after Mr. Mike left contract work for the railroad after six years due to wanting to be home and not always be on the road. He then met Jean Rice who previously owned Single R Childcare Ranch, and PAGE

A+ Learning Center is run by Jean Rice and Mike Ham. The couple opened the daycare in 2001.

after talking a few times, Jean and Mr. Mike decided to open A+ Learning Center together. They have certified teachers who speak both English and Spanish that provide your child(ren) with educational activities as well as homework assistance. A+ Learning Center’s childcare services include: • Infant care and childcare for children between six weeks and 12 years of age • Transportation to and from the child(ren)’s school • After school programs • Hot lunches and snacks • Summer school program • Fields trips A+ Learning Center has classrooms for each age group, a cafeteria, basketball court, arts and crafts, books, and playgrounds for the younger children and older children. With their four vans, they currently take and pick up children from 10 different schools, which is great for parents who must be at work before their child needs to be at school. They provide healthy

and balanced meals and snacks with food that includes apple slices, carrot sticks, turkey and cheese sandwiches, and milk. A+ Learning Center offers voluntary prekindergarten classes. Pre-K gives children an amazing jump start into the world of school and develops skills that children need to succeed in a school environment, in addition to preparing them socially for interacting with other children. Parents and guardians can sign their child(ren) up for part-time or full-time Pre-K. Mr. Mike stated about A+ Learning Center, “For 20 years we have provided our children with a safe place to learn and grow, and we hope to continue to be a place that parents can rely on to help their children grow up successful.” A+ Learning Center’s license number is # C PC 432628. They belong to the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County and the Early Learning Coalition of Polk County. They have National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAYEC) accreditation. They participate in the Child Care Food Program (CCFP), which gives reimbursement to A+ to provide the center’s children with nutritious meals three times a day. A+ has also won a few Apple Awards from Cornerstone Children’s Nutrition Connection for outstanding record-keeping, positive monitoring, and 100% meal reimbursement in the Child Care Food Program.

For your child(ren) to be enrolled at A+ Learning Center, they must have a 3040 Physical Exam and 680 Shot & Immunization paperwork. Currently, because of COVID-19, A+ is taking extra precautions by taking each child’s temperature and using hand sanitizer before entering the classroom and play areas to ensure every child stays healthy. Currently, A+ has 143 children and 18 teachers, with room for up to 156 children. As a result, they have open spots available and are looking to fill them. If you are looking for a daycare with dedicated directors, certified and caring teachers, and a fun and healthy environment, look no further than A+ Learning Center, which has made it their mission to be A+ in childcare for the past two decades. For any questions about their rates and/or services, call 813-764-0121 and visit their website at www.childcareplantcity.com.

A+ Learning Center has different rates for each age group and the rates are weekly and to be paid one week in advance, and they even offer discount rates for those enrolling two or more children. They accept cash, checks, cashier’s checks, and money orders as forms of payment. The rates are as follows: • Infants- $210 • Waddlers, 1 year, and 2 years- $175 • 3 years- $160 • 4 & 5 VPK- $90 for part-time and $140 for full-time • School-age- $85 for part-time and $125 for full-time

1109 W Grant St. | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 764-0121 6AM-6PM PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

ACE REALTY & AUCTION A typical day-in-the-life for Plant City realtor John Haney includes meeting with commercial property developers building condos in downtown, listing residential homes on the MLS, and phone conversations as an auction consultant. But for Haney, his little slice of heaven is his family cattle ranch and hay operation. “A lot of people know me for my work in real estate and see me dressed in slack and a dress shirt,” said Haney, a fourth-generation Plant Citian. “But on the weekends, I am in dirty jeans and boots on the ranch with my wife and son.” His agriculture experience is what makes Haney the perfect real estate agent for land auctions and the sale of residential real estate on acreage. Upon graduation from Plant City High School, Haney earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of South Florida. He is exceptional in his field for having sold property in all 67 Florida counties, 41 different states, and four foreign countries. He has generated sales in excess of $75 million in a single year. When Haney isn’t selling homes or on the ranch with the cows, he is passionately serving our community through civic involvement. Haney is the immediate past president of Plant City Rotary Club, a board member of the Plant City Economic Development Center, the Plant City Chamber of Commerce, and Mt. Eion Cemetery Memorial. He is a past board member of Plant City Main Street. PAGE

Ace Realty & Auction is led by Haney and partners Joe and Gigi Nolan, along with Earl Williams, Carter Metts, Savannah Metts, Jim Owen, Michael Jemison, Cyndee Garcia, and Patty Norris on staff. What sets Ace Realty & Auction apart from other real estate offices is its list of full real estate services, including Selling, Buying, Auctions and in-house legal counsel for our clients. Currently, the Ace team is working on a few big projects that Haney is ecstatic about, including Wheeler Street Station and The Vault. Ace is proud to be the exclusive sales and leasing agent for these properties. Last month, FOCUS reported Wheeler Street Station is a mixed-use 45,000+ square foot building that will be the first of its kind for the historic district. Haney said the luxury condos will be for sale starting in the 200s later this year, well below the county’s median price of $310,000. The Vault, located at 105 South Wheeler Street, will be Plant City’s first food hall and is expected to include an outdoor patio area, live entertainment stage, and on-site brewery. Ace Realty & Auction also handled the sale of the Chamber of Commerce building, located at 106 N. Evers Street. Ace Realty &

Auction, the Chamber, and Hillsborough Title worked together in the sale of the property. The space will soon become a recording studio for Five5 Studios and an entertainment venue for live music. Ace Realty also serves as the Real Estate advisors to the development of Post 301, the proposed vision for the former Reynolds Street post office. In the capacity of advisors, Ace isn’t working as a sales or leasing agent, but rather as a guide in the development, evaluating zoning or other factors that could impact the development, and perform financial analysis or strategic planning. “This is our hometown and we are excited to see downtown Plant City thrive,” said Haney. “We feel strongly about bringing people back to residential housing in downtown Plant City. A downtown district needs people and we are doing our part to make it more liveable, accessible, and fun. Over the past few years, we’ve seen hard work from a number of groups, coming together, but especially our city leadership,” said Haney. “Our residents are seeing the fruits of those labors and we’ll have a thriving, exciting downtown for generations to come.”

111 S Palmer St, | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 567-7198 Mon-Fri 9AM to 5PM | www.acebid.com PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

BEE-HAVEN HONEY COMPANY Honey. It is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to maintain life, including water. We add it in tea, spread it on toast, and even take it as medicine. While 70 percent of honey that the U.S. consumes is imported, Bee-Haven Honey Company produces 100 percent raw and pure Florida honey, a standard they’ll never give up. Bee-Haven Honey Company is owned by Tammy Sadler and her son Clay Sadler, and they operate their business at 9340 Hall Road in Lakeland, Florida. While the building they operate out of is small, their business is starting to get big. They currently sell their honey online and in over 100 retail stores, and back in December, they started selling their honey at 30 Publix grocery stores throughout Central Florida. The Sadler legacy began with Clay’s grandfather in the 1970s when he got his first hive of bees. Growing up, Clay’s father Mike worked around bees as a child, and as an adult, he worked at Publix while working as a beekeeper, too. However, after losing his father to lung cancer, Clay’s father retired from Publix and the family has been making a full living from bees since 2003. Fast forward a decade, and they started packing their own honey with their own retail brand, and Bee-Haven Honey Company was born in 2013. Originally, Bee-Haven was a wholesale producer of honey, but now they also work as packers since starting their retail brand. Producers sell their honey to packers, who package the producer’s honey with another name/ label on it. Since Bee-Haven wanted to have their name on store shelves, they decided to become packers themselves and label their honey as PAGE

their own. However, they still produce honey for other packers, but that is lessening every year due to their own retail brand expanding. Bee-Haven Honey Company not only prides itself on being a small, family-owned, and operated business but also for producing 100 percent pure and raw Florida honey. Their honey is only filtered slightly to get the wax out, and they still have a very hands-on bottling process, with Clay doing most of the bottling himself. Tammy, stated, “Outside of our allergy blend, we do not blend any of our honey. We don’t cut or dilute our honey with cheaper grades of honey or add corn syrup. Most mainstream packers will also use imported honey, and we don’t do that. We give you honey that is 100 percent from Florida.” Bee-Haven has three main varieties of honey, and they consist of their Orange Blossom, Gallberry (otherwise known as wildflower honey), and Florida Allergy Blend. Their Allergy Blend honey is their best seller because the honey contains many local pollens, and regular consumption allows the body to build antibodies and will help alleviate allergy symptoms for those living in central and north Florida. They also have three specialty varieties which include Brazilian Pepper, Palmetto, and Tupelo. Bee-Haven also sells creamed honey, which is intentionally crystallized honey and is perfect for spreading on toast. They offer three flavors of creamed honey including original, cinnamon, and strawberry. Since selling their honey under their name in 2013, Bee-Haven has already created a buzz in the community. They have sold honey at charity events, sponsored local Ag Departments’ fundraising t-shirts, and contributed to the Polk County Youth Fair and Florida Strawberry Festival beef sales. In 2015, USA Today wrote an article and listed Bee-Haven Raw Honey’s Orange Blossom honey in their “10 Best Honeys Around the Country” list. They also have a self-serve farm stand with an honor system box outside of the building where their honey is bottled that allows you to grab honey, honeycomb, and creamed honey, and deposit your money into the honor system box. The self-serve farm stand is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM. In the future, the Sadler family’s goal is to get Bee-Haven honey into more retail stores and continue to produce quality raw varietal honey that is 100 percent from Florida. To buy Bee-Haven’s honey, you can visit their website at www. beehavenfl.com and either purchase their honey directly on their website or use their retail locater to find a store near you to purchase their honey. If you purchase their products on their website direct, they ship six days a week in the continental U.S., and they even sell hats and shirts with the Bee-Haven Honey Company logo. You can also visit their self-serve farm stand at 9340 Hall Road in Lakeland. For further questions about Bee Haven Honey Company, call Clay or Tammy at 863-825-5245.

9340 Hall Road | Lakeland, Florida | 863-825-5245 PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

BRICK HOUSE CAFE At Brick House Cafe, owner and chef Shari Sarris and her son Spiros, take pride in making every meal to order. Some of the recipes served at The Brick House Cafe are passed down through the generations of their family. Originally located at the old brick Pizza Hut on Prosser Street, Brick House Cafe opened in 2008. It was forced to relocate to a larger building in downtown in 2017. After a full renovation to convert Plant City’s first jailhouse to a full-service restaurant, Brick House Café had found its new home and reopened its doors without missing a beat. Fluffy chocolate chip pancakes, Pecan waffles, or Biscuits and gravy. Whatever your choice, the Brick House Cafe has it. Enjoy the Most Important Meal of the Day any time of day, as breakfast is sold from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Known only to Brick House Cafe, try the Southern Fried Grits, Churro French Toast, or Creme Brulee Waffle. These are quickly becoming a customer favorite. With these great breakfast options, Brick House is working hard to reclaim its "Best Breakfast" title for the 2022 awards season. Brick House Café is best known by its loyal customers for its savory hamburgers. It is a five-time winner of Focus Magazine's Reader's Choice Award for Best Burger. Whether it’s a simple hamburger, a sumptuous PAGE

bacon cheeseburger, or the appetite-busting monster double cheeseburger, patrons rave over the Brick House’s fresh handmade patties and perfectly grilled buns. Customers can take advantage of the restaurant’s Burger Special, served with fries for less than $7. Mellisa Sarris, Spiro’s wife and Shari’s daughter-in-law, is the creator behind “Desserts by Mellisa,” the restaurant’s in-house dessert bar. Mellisa has made homemade desserts and specialty cakes for friends and family for years, but once the Brick House settled into its Evers Street location, the family knew homemade desserts were a must-have item on the menu. Mellisa enjoys baking cakes the most, but also enjoys trying out new recipes to offer seasonal varieties or for specialty orders. Her Italian Cream Cake, Pineapple Pie, and Coconut Cream Pie are the top three customer favorites. Mellisa’s hard work paid off; in 2021, The Brick House won FOCUS Magazine’s RCA award for Best Dessert. Guests can dine in, carry out, or order by two delivery apps: GrubHub and Bite Squad. To order a cake or one of Mellisa’s other desserts, call Brick House Cafe at (813) 752-8546. Follow The Brick House Café on Facebook to keep up with all their latest news, updates, and promotions. Visit the Brick House Café website at www.brickhousecafepc.com for restaurant information, menus, and details for “Desserts by Mellisa.”

206 S Evers St. | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 752-8546 | brickhousecafepc.com Tues-Sun 7:00AM to 2PM PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

BROKE & POOR SURPLUS OF PLANT CITY, INC. Since 1985, Broke & Poor Surplus Building Materials has been helping homeowners, landlords, and contractors find everything they need to build. From doors and windows to cabinets and showers, their inventory is vast in their two warehouses located at 2670 E. U.S. Highway 92. Broke & Poor gives its customers the supplies needed to complete their home renovation project at a fraction of the cost of Big Box stores and offers a place for mobile homeowners to find a variety of supplies, something that other building supply stores don’t do. Broke & Poor is owned by Ted Brock and his family. The business started after his father Donald Brock retired from the finance industry, and his mom Sandra retired from the railroad industry. The couple had rental properties and never threw anything away that could be used for another property. When they sold their rental properties in the late 80s, they were left with a warehouse of surplus building materials. They decided to take their warehouse and turn it into a retail store, and it took off from there. Broke & Poor’s focus is mobile home products like cabinetry, plumbing supplies, paneling, doors, and aluminum for screened-in rooms and PAGE

carports. They also offer products for high-end home building projects such as granite and quartz for kitchens and bathrooms, and all wood cabinets. The cabinets come assembled or ready to assemble in any color. Broke & Poor stocks high quality materials and sells them for a low price. For example, a Big Box store would sell a front door for $1800, but Broke & Poor will sell the same door for $950 due to the small business operation that Broke & Poor possesses.

they do take care of kitchen installation with licensed contractors they use solely for kitchens due to the many facets and materials involved. They make sure to refer contractors, builders, and handymen who are good at what they do and are reliable to work with. Brown said of their customer service, “We’ll go that extra mile and reach out to suppliers to get customers what they need. We also keep plenty of common items, and some oddball items in stock because we want customers to keep coming back.”

Managers of Broke & Poor, Blake Register and Chris Brown, stated, “We don’t have a lot of overhead or a large electricity bill to worry about like Big Box stores, so we’re able to sell high quality items for a cheaper price.”

In the future, Broke & Poor is hoping to reach a larger customer base by building their stock with supplies for all homeowners, not just mobile homes. They also want to maintain their high level of customer service and continuously keep things on hand for the customers.

They also supply a lot of brand-new items with warranties despite what their name might have customers think. Broke & Poor originally focused on used cabinets, windows, and showers, but over the years they have started offering new items like insulated and impact windows, showers, and custom all wood cabinets that are made in the USA and come direct from the supplier. They also get items that are considered “damaged” due to having a scratch, despite being brand new. Upon entering Broke & Poor, it’s almost overwhelming seeing everything that is offered in both warehouses. However, their customer service is top-notch, and you’ll receive explanations, advice, and contractor referrals from their experienced staff. Broke & Poor doesn’t do any construction work themselves, but

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add value to your home or a contractor looking for inexpensive building materials, Broke & Poor is the place to visit. The staff is knowledgeable in construction, plumbing, and remodeling. The materials and supplies are vast, good quality, and put together by experienced and dependable contractors. Most importantly, visiting Broke & Poor will save you money, and help support a family-owned business at the same time. Let the experts at Broke & Poor Surplus Building Materials help you with every project you are planning. If you need any materials for your building project(s) or a free kitchen or window estimate, visit Broke & Poor Monday-Saturday from 8:30AM5PM. If you have questions about materials, call 813-752-3378 or visit their website www.brokepoorfl.com for more information.

2670 E. U.S. Highway 92 | Plant City, FL 33566 | (813) 752-3378 Mon-Sat 8:30AM-5PM | Sun Closed PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

BUCK’S PROFESSIONAL PAINTING Most homeowners agree one quick and easy way to update or refresh a home is with a new paint job. From a freshly painted interior or a new exterior paint color, local homeowners leave the job to the team at Buck’s Professional Painting. This interior and exterior painting company has offered residential and commercial service throughout Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, and Pasco counties for more than 15 years. Buck’s Professional Painting provides the highest quality service, through dependability and attention to detail. Ceilings, walls, baseboards, crown molding, chair rails, doors, mantels, door jams, staircases, and more— according to the company, there is nothing Buck’s cannot paint. “Our goal is to complete your project on time and on budget while providing 5 Star customer service during this process,” said Buck’s owner Mike Floyd. Buck’s Professional Painting has been serving the Central Florida area for over 15 years. The company only uses experienced professional painters that have gone through Buck’s training program and have passed all PAGE

qualification standards set by the company. This process is so important to ensuring a quality paint job, from the prep to sealing and priming to properly applying the paint, it’s a proven system that maximizes the life of the painted surfaces. Buck’s is licensed and carries general liability insurance, workers’ comp insurance and the company’s bonded. The team at Buck’s takes pride in quality workmanship which is evident in the company’s 5-star ratings from Google, Yelp, and Angie’s List, as well as an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. And if all that’s not enough, all of Buck’s work is backed by a written 1-year Buck’s certified warranty. If at any time the painted areas fail or do not perform to specifications set by the manufacturer, Buck’s Professional Painting will fix it at no cost to the customer. Buck’s does not collect a deposit prior to starting the job, the company only collects a final payment after the job is completed. Once your project is complete, a supervisor will walk the job with you to ensure everything was completed to your liking. Your 100% complete satisfaction is Buck’s top priority. The process starts with a call to Buck’s team of experts for a free estimate. They will take any special requests the property owners make and go over job details. Once your project is scheduled, the team will then get to work on planning and guiding you through your project every step of the way. Choose from thousands of colors for your walls and siding, trim, shutters, gables, and more. Most interior and exterior paint jobs are completed in 2-3 days. Call for your free estimate today 813-960-2827.

“WE HAD OUR HOME PAINTED BY BUCK’S. THE PROFESSIONAL TEAM SHOWED UP ON TIME, VERY DETAILED WORKMANSHIP, AND GOT THE JOB DONE AS PROMISED. GLADLY CAME BACK FOR TOUCH-UPS. MAKING SURE WE WERE SATISFIED. AS A HOMEOWNER AND REALTOR, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BUCK’S PAINTING. WE CHOSE AGREEABLE GREY BY SHERWIN WILLIAMS.” - ANGIE

ALL WORK GUARANTEED BY BUCK’S CERTIFIED WARRANTY COMPETITIVE PRICING 5 STAR RATED • TRUSTED LICENSED & INSURED LOCALLY OWNED 813-960-2827 | www.bucksprofessionalpainting.com #PA2946 | #LP-09661 PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

CALHOUN’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE

Calhoun has a full fleet of vehicles including pump trucks, excavators and more. The company invested in new equipment to offer services such as dirt pads for mobile homes; driveways, and culverts; permit pulling; land clearing; and site development.

The Calhoun family has dedicated their lives to serving the residential and commercial septic needs of the Plant City community for nearly seven decades. The company was founded in 1953 by Junior Calhoun, who passed the family business down to his son, James Calhoun Sr. in 1964. James Sr. began training his son and current owner, J.J., at a young age. “He would pick me up from school early as part of a work-study program so I could work alongside him and teach me the proper way to run the company,” said J.J. “You can’t get that kind of training anywhere else. He taught me honesty is always the best policy and it’s important to treat people the way you want to be treated.” Built on family values, honesty, and integrity, Calhoun Septic Tank Service is renowned for its quality work at competitive prices. Its longevity is due to the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, doing the job with pride, and demonstrating professionalism. “We do what we say we will do,” said J.J. “We just want to provide quality service, listen to our customers, and get their system back up and running. We’re upfront with our customers. We don’t try to upsell them anything that isn’t necessary and I think customers appreciate our honesty.”

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Second-generation owner James Calhoun Sr. and his wife, Linda. Their son J.J. began training under James at a young age as part of a work-study program.

Calhoun Septic Tank Service offers both residential and commercial service, including inspections, repairs, installs, and more. When customers are faced with a septic emergency, Calhoun Septic schedules service as quickly as possible. Do not hesitate to call Calhoun Septic Tank Service right away if you experience foul odors, pooling water in your lawn, sewage backup, or slower draining and flushing. “We recommend customers have their septic system pumped every two to three years to maximize the life of their system,” said Calhoun. Calhoun Septic Tank Service provides septic services to eastern Hillsborough County, as well as parts of Polk and Pasco counties. When faced with a septic emergency, the Calhoun Septic team understands how daunting these unexpected repairs or replacements can be. Customers can have ease of mind with free estimates and quotes, and septic maintenance plans that fit a customer’s needs and budget. J.J. is proud to expand the company’s services with the help of Skippy Howard and Danny Maxwell. Howard will oversee the septic services, including maintenance, installation, drain fields, as well as septic cleaning and pumping. Maxwell is bringing a new list of services to Calhoun’s including concrete pad foundation pouring, permit pulling, land clearing, and site development. These services will be utilized by the company’s commercial customers, such as construction companies and developers who hire Calhoun for septic system installations in subdivisions and manufactured homes. Now the clients can hire Calhoun for additional services, as well. Calhoun Septic has also invested in new equipment to provide these services and J.J. says a new smaller truck will soon be joining the fleet for small jobs and stop ups, in which a tank truck isn’t needed. The tank truck will be available for other projects while the team works on these smaller jobs in the new vehicle.

With a long and illustrious history, Calhoun Septic is loved and respected by customers across Hillsborough County. The company is a repeat winner of the annual FOCUS Magazine Readers’ Choice Award for Best Septic Company and has a perfect 5-star rating on Google: “They were the 3rd place I called about getting my septic tank pumped. Not only were they the only ones who would come out in the same week, but they were also the only ones who would come out the same DAY!! Very friendly and professional…” - Cody L. “Very impressed with the response time, service time, and their professionalism. Honest about what was needed and exceptional service. A third-generation family-run business, they'll be around when you need them. Very reasonably priced and very informative about what was done. I would highly recommend Calhoun Septic Tanks to anyone with whatever septic tank needs they may have.” - Sally S. “I have done business with James Calhoun Septic for more than 10 years. They have always performed above and beyond the normal standard for the industry. I wish all my vendors were as good as they are.” - Pete L.

“We’re already on-site installing the septic system so why not let us also lay the foundation or complete the site development?” said J.J. “ We’ve invested in the future of Calhoun with the purchase of new equipment. We just recently began offering these services and I am excited to expand these new offerings to future clients.” Calhoun Septic takes pride in arriving on site—whether a residential home or a development project—making a great first impression with employees who are neat and tidy, and with trucks that are clean. “First impressions are everything and I know it’s a messy job, but we care about the way we arrive at the job site,” said J.J. “We will have on a clean shirt, clean jeans, and clean boots. The truck will be clean and so, when we show up we are precise.”

J.J. dog, Blu, is the mascot for Calhoun Septic Tank Systems.

1507 Bonnie Road | Plant City, FL 33565 | 813-752-9505 Mon-Fri 7AM to 5PM | Open 24 Hours for Emergency Service PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

DAIRY QUEEN Close your eyes and think back to one of your fondest memories as a child in Plant City: It’s probably after school or after church and you’re so excited because today, you’re sharing ice cream with mom and dad at Dairy Queen. You step up on the red steps to reach the service counter and place your order. Maybe you ask for a Dilly Bar or Jack and Jill Sundae. For owner Lizzette Sarria, she thinks back to her grandfather, Mr. Gil, who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1950s, fleeing the communist takeover of Cuba. With his life instantly and unexpectedly derailed by the Cuban Revolution, he found joy in ice cream when he purchased the Plant City Dairy Queen at 53-years-old. “He landed in Tampa and began a search for some kind of business to own and operate,” said Sarria. “The Plant City Dairy Queen was a perfect location for him because he could operate the store and live on the next street over, making it an easy walk to and from work especially since he didn’t drive. He loved the work and the people—he was a big supporter of kids and sports.” PAGE

Dairy Queen opened in Plant City in the early 1950s on West Reynolds Street. Photo: Plant City Photo Archives

Sarria’s father, also named Gil, opened his own Dairy Queen location in Lakeland in the mid-1960s, but in 1980, when his father suffered from a stroke, which left Mr. Gil paralyzed, Sarria’s father sold the Lakeland location and began operating the Dairy Queen at its current location on West Reynolds Street. Sarria took over the business in 2007 when her father decided to retire. She grew up in the business, so it only made sense to carry on the family business. Many Plant Citians share fond memories of enjoying Cuban sandwiches or chocolate-dipped cones under the big oak tree behind the restaurant. Sarria says it’s those memories that make Plant City Dairy Queen a stand out. “Memories are definitely what sets us apart,” said Sarria. “So many customers share their fondest memories of growing up visiting Dairy Queen. They remember coming with their parents and grandparents for ice cream after church or after school, some remember a ritual of coming to DQ after football or basketball games.”

“HOT EATS, COLD TREATS” What is a trip to DQ without one of the brand’s signature Blizzards? Available in four sizes from Mini to Large, customers can choose from Royal Blizzards, including the Royal New York Cheesecake, which is ice cream with cheesecake pieces and graham crackers and a core filled with strawberry filling, or the decadent Royal Rocky Road Trip, consisting of chocolate ice cream with brownie pieces, peanuts, and cocoa fudge and filled with marshmallow. On the Candy Classic Blizzards, guests can choose from the famous Oreo Cookie or one of the other five flavors.

One of the restaurant’s new flavors: Royal Ultimate Chocolate Brownie Blizzard. It consists of chocolate brownies, choco chunks, and fudge blended with vanilla soft serve. The vertical center of the cup is filled with fudge topping.

Who says fall is only for the coffee houses? In the spirit of the season, DQ Plant City will carry these new flavors for a limited time only: Pumpkin Cookie Butter Blizzard, Royal Blizzard Ultimate Choco Brownie filled with fudge, Sea Salt Toffee Fudge Blizzard, Pecan Pie Blizzard, and a Frozen Hot Chocolate. And as always, your Blizzard is served upside down or the next one is free. If classic treats are more your style, DQ Plant City offers Sundaes, Banana Splits, Peanut Butter Parfaits, and the quintessential cone, either plain or dipped. At this location, guests can also find DQ’s Orange Julius Smoothies and Julius Originals in Orange and Strawberry Banana flavors. The deliciously refreshing Julius Original has a frothier, creamier texture—too sweet to be a smoothie and not as milky or thick as a milkshake. The Orange Julius Original tastes like a Creamsicle. Dairy Queen Plant City also serves up an exclusive menu of sandwiches including a ½ Cuban for $3.99, a Regular (small) for $5.59 or a Large for $6.99. Made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and salami on Cuban bread. Other sandwich options include a Chicken Sandwich, BBQ, Chicken Parmesan, a Ham Sandwich, BLT, or Grilled Cheese. Or opt for the restaurant’s Snack Wrap for $2.99 with your choice of three flavors: Chicken Bacon Ranch, Buffalo Chicken or BBQ Bacon Chicken. If you’re looking for a unique dessert for a birthday celebration or holiday gathering, Dairy Queen offers ice cream cakes with the restaurant’s signature fudge and crunch center, with a layer of softserve vanilla and chocolate ice cream. “We are planning to launch ice cream cake online ordering, online ordering for pick up of certain foods, and using delivery apps within the next year,” said Sarria. Sarria is grateful her family had the opportunity to run a business in our community for seven decades. Dairy Queen is an annual nominee and past recipient of the FOCUS Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Cuban Sandwich and Best Dessert. Dairy Queen is a proud supporter of local schools, Little League, and other sports teams, as well as nonprofit organizations. Sarria is a board member with the Plant City Main Street and Teal Member Supporter of Aspire Plant City.

Mr. Gil, Gil, and Lizzette Sarria when she was a child. Mr. Gil bought the business when he came to Florida, escaping the Cuban Revolution. His son Gil took over the Plant City location in 1980 and Lizzette became owner in 2007 to carry on the family business.

FOCUSBUSINESS

DENTAL ASSOCIATES AT WALDEN WOODS Dental Associates at Walden Woods provides Emergency Dental Care, Endodontics, Cosmetic Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Invisalign, among many other services. From complicated extractions to biannual teeth cleaning, regardless of your current oral health, your smile is always in good hands at Dental Associates at Walden Woods.

"Improving the health and well-being of our patients is a top priority to my team and I,” said Dr. Ray. “Building relationships with each of our patients is also very important to us; getting to know our patients greatly helps us better understand their dental needs so that we can provide top dental care that surpasses their expectations."

Led by Dr. Ray Guiterrez, the Dental Associates team shares a collective vision for providing excellence in multi-specialty dental care. Dr. Ray is a proud graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry. This Gator-alum is a member of the American Dental Association and Florida Dental Association. Dr. Ray is also an esteemed member of the Doctor Mastery Program, a five-year clinical training program presented by world-renowned clinicians.

As an Invisalign® certified dentist, he is pleased to offer the most esthetic option for straightening misaligned or improperly spaced teeth. Invisalign® is wonderful for working adults because it produces similar results to traditional metal braces, but utilizes a series of custom-made, virtually invisible, clear aligners. Patients enjoy maintaining their professional appearance and the dramatic improvement of properly aligned teeth

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without feeling self-conscious. And Invisalign® Teen is great for students, too. The team at Dental Associates at Walden Woods understands that some patients put off dental work due to financial anxiety. In addition to cash, personal checks, and debit or credit cards, other payment options include the annual fee, dental savings program, and CareCredit, a healthcare credit card used to pay costs in installments. For those with dental insurance, the team will verify your insurance coverage AND file your claim for you. Because oral health is integral to overall health, Dental Associates at Walden Woods strives to provide comprehensive care to its family of patients. Dr. Ray has a business philosophy that promises, “We will work with you to develop a treatment plan for your immediate needs and establish preventative dental maintenance that ensures your smile will last for a lifetime!” Additionally, Dr. Ray is certified for IV sedation. A major benefit of sedation dentistry is that people often feel like their procedure lasts only a few minutes, when in fact hours were involved. This means complex corrections such as smile makeovers or extensive reconstruction that normally require multiple visits can often be performed with fewer appointments. For those fearful or anxious about undergoing long or complicated procedures, sedation dentistry can bring comfort during treatments and result in a smile to be proud of. As one of the few practices in town to offer IV sedation dentistry, most procedures are performed in-house. In addition to root canals, dental implants, and grafting, visit dentalassociateswaldenwoods.com to view the extensive list of available services. Be sure to inquire about the new patient specials. For children, ages 17-under, the exam, cleaning, x-rays, and fluoride treatment are only $59, while new adult patients pay only $79 for cleaning, exam, and x-rays. Call 813-7523030 or visit online to schedule your appointment. Dental Associates at Walden Woods is happy to welcome new members. Remember, a great smile awaits!

512 E. Alexander Street | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 752-3030 | dentalassociateswaldenwoods.com Mon-Thurs 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Fri 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

DUKE’S BREWHOUSE When you’re dining at Duke’s Brewhouse, there are only three things that matter: Wings. Sports. Spirits.

enjoy All You Can Eat Boneless Wings for $11.95 and each Thursday, enjoy AYCE Bone-In Wings for $14.99

Founded in 2015, Duke’s Brewhouse combines the best of a sports bar, a local eatery to meet up with friends and family, and a live music venue with five locations to serve you: The flagship Plant City store, Brandon, Lakeland, Winter Haven and, St. Cloud.

With over 30 craft, import, and domestic beers on the menu, Duke's Brewhouse is the perfect place to enjoy a cold beer with friends. Duke’s Brewhouse offers brands like Budweiser, Miller Lite, Corona Extra, Coors Light, and Heineken, and the restaurant’s own brews including Duke’s Blonde, Duke’s Brunette, and Duke’s Redhead. Craft beer options including Unholy and Night Swim by Coppertail Brewing Company in Tampa and Space Dust IPA by Elysian Brewing Company out of Seattle, Washington.

On the menu, Duke’s Brewhouse offers an impressive menu with something for every palette including flatbreads, sandwiches & wraps, and of course, the crown jewel: chicken wings. Some customer favorite menu items include the Buffalo Chicken Wrap, Highroad Bacon Cheeseburger, and New York Style Cheesecake for dessert. At Duke’s, customers can have wings their way and choose between traditional or boneless. Flavors like Kickin’ Korean, Sweet Heat, and Garlic Parmesan make some of the over 20 wing sauces available. Dry Rub options are Old Bay, Duke’s Blackened, Mango Habanaro, Memphis BBQ, and Lemon Pepper. Each Wednesday, PAGE

Duke’s Brewhouse is the perfect place to catch the UFC fight, with monthly pay-per-view events that customers can enjoy for no cover charge. Catch a football game on one of the restaurant’s 20+ high definition televisions with the NFL Sunday Ticket or hear live local music on week nights from artists like Lanny Z, Oaklee, and Justin Grimes.

DUKE’S WEEKLY SPECIALS: Monday: Kids Eat Free with the Purchase of an Adult Entree Tuesday: Black Angus Burger Night and Beef or Chicken Tacos for $6.99 Wednesday: All You Can Eat Boneless Wings $11.95 Thursday: All You Can Eat Traditional Wings $14.99 Friday: Fish Fry $9.99

“Live music has been a staple at Duke’s Brewhouse since its inception,” said Lanny Ziegel, artist and Duke’s Brewhouse Entertainment Director. “We continually strive to bring in exciting talent such as Justin Grimes, House Fire, Melissa Lee, and Jay Taylor. Quality musical acts with a hometown local flare. Live music lives year round here at Duke’s.” Bartenders and servers don the restaurant’s iconic plaid top, denim shorts, and cowboy boots, the team at Duke’s Brewhouse aims to offer top-notch service with a down-home flair. A Duke’s Brewhouse bartender or server is an annual contender in the

FOCUS Magazine Readers’ Choice Award. 2019 winner Courtney Proctor has worked at Duke’s Plant City location since day one and is one of the original “Duke’s Girls.” She says the other girls and the management team are her family and the support of the regulars are what motivates her. “Thank you so much for being such a huge part of my life and watching me grow over the years and becoming my family!” said Proctor. “I’m so incredibly blessed for Plant City and how many memories I have with everyone.”

2212 James L Redman Pkwy | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 752-2700 Sun-Thurs 11AM-12AM | Fri & Sat 11AM-2AM | www.dukesbrewhouse.com PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

GOULD’S AIR CONDITIONING AND HEATING LLC It might be fall in the Sunshine State, but Florida residents know summertime can seem to stick around most of the year. That’s why it’s important to know the best company to call for all your air conditioning repair needs: Gould’s Air Conditioning and Heating LLC. Owner Tony Gould has worked in the AC business for over 40 years. He opened Gould’s, located at 901 E. Baker St. in Plant City, in 1999. The HVAC contractor business prides itself on being both accountable and reliable. That’s why so many customers return to Gould’s again and again, according to Gould’s Marketing Director Tammy Simpson. “Tony was born and raised in Plant City,” Tammy said. “His name and his word are very dependable. He’s very service-oriented, and that’s why we don’t have a lot of ‘one and done’ customers. We have a lot of repeat customers who come back to us.”

Tony Gould has been in the HVAC industry for over four decades and opened Gould’s A/C in 1999. PAGE

Gould’s offers free consultations. Their licensed and trained HVAC technicians will diagnose AC problems related to issues like limited air flow, water leaks, odd smells and noises, an inaccurate thermostat and warm or weak airflow, according to the company website. In addition to

providing a detailed explanation of the problem upon diagnosis, all AC repairs are backed with a 100% guarantee. That means any other repairs that occur during the heating and cooling season will be repaired at no cost to the customer for one year. “We have family-type relationships established with our customers,” Tammy said. “We’re very community-focused.” While Gould’s always aims to repair an AC unit when possible, the company will let you know if you’re better off purchasing a new system instead. According to the website, some signs an AC system might need to be replaced include high energy bills and frequent repairs. But customers can contact Gould’s for more than just AC needs. Gould’s also performs heating repair, heating replacement and indoor air quality services and air duct cleaning and services. They want you to breathe in clean, healthy air from a clean, working system all year round. And the customer reviews speak volumes. On Google, Gould’s is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars. “Gould’s has been there for our family at the nick of time when we really needed them,” wrote Jennifer Anderson, who rated the company 5 stars. “They are aware that we have two members of our family with breathing issues, and don’t make light of it. When we call, they do everything possible to get to us quickly. We are a Gould’s house!”

Tammy Simpson joined the Gould’s team in late 2020 as the Marketing Director.

Alexander Duke also praised the company for the work done at his new home. “Just bought a house and called these guys to do maintenance on a system and fix a duct that had come loose,” Alexander wrote. “They were absolutely awesome start to finish. Arrived early, called when they were on the way, Mike the technician was awesome. Definitely going to use them again for AC work.” Return customer Elizabeth Brown also gave Gould’s a five-star review. “Very professional! Very honest, gives us the option they would use in their own home,” she wrote. “Installed our new AC unit, and our house is cooling wonderfully now. Everyone was very easy to work with. After they installed the new unit, they cleaned up and I was really impressed with how careful they were with our home. We have used them before and really enjoyed our experiences.” Gould’s services the areas of Plant City, Tampa, Brandon and Lakeland. To book a consultation or get more information about services offered, customers can call (813) 752-1970, email the company at office@gouldsac.com, or visit the company’s website at gouldsac.com. Kristen Toole serves as the officer manager, and often a customer’s first point of contact when calling the company.

901 E Baker St. | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 752-1970 Mon-Fri 7:30AM-5:00PM | Sat & Sun: Open 24 Hours PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

GREEN LIFE ENVIRONMENTAL Whether it’s a yard for the kids to run and play or a customer wants to increase the value of their property with a fresh landscape, Green Life Environmental is dedicated to helping customers have a beautiful, lush green lawn. Green Life Environmental offers residential and commercial lawn care service to Plant City, Lithia, Valrico, Brandon, Apollo Beach and Riverview. The company is owned and operated by Plant City-native Curtis Browning and his team: Chris Stovall, Kyle Kimmel, Lawrence Prado, Vince Kurucz, and Emily Glausier. Together, The Green Life team is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but customer service is what sets Green Life Environmental apart from other lawn and pest control companies. “We are personable,” said Browning. “We don’t promise anything we can’t deliver and we are just upfront and honest about what a customer can expect through lawn treatments and why. It’s our goal to educate and communicate with the customer.” Green Life Environmental offers free estimates with a walk through of the lawn, analyzing the type of grass, it’s roots, weeds, irrigation, and signs of insects. The technician will then put together a plan unique to the lawn’s needs encompassing all of the company’s services: Lawn fertilization, insect control, shrub care, weed control, aeration, and indoor pest control. PAGE

Fertilization: Green Life uses a combination of the finest custom blended granular fertilizers in the Spring and Fall and a combination of micronutrients, organic amendments, and liquid fertilizers during the remaining seasons with potassium applied in the winter.

one lawn that stands out from the rest for its overall beauty. The selected lawn receives a lawn sign proudly displaying the title, letting everyone in the neighborhood know it's the best lawn on the block.

Insect Control: In the prevention of turf damaging bugs, such as chinch bugs, fire ants, mole crickets, grubs, and fleas. These applications are performed during peak seasons.

The company also gives back to customers with Green Life Bucks when they refer friends, family, or neighbors. Upon signing up for yearly service, the referring customer receives a $25 credit towards their next service.

Weed Control: Green Life Environmental protects your lawn against five common types of weeds, in the lawn, flowerbeds, walkways and driveways, leaving you with a weed-free property. Shrub Care: Green Life techs will ensure your shrubs and plants are receiving proper irrigation, sunlight, and free of weeds and bugs, for beautiful shrubs all year long. Aeration Treatment: Aeration is removing plugs of soil in order to break up soil compaction, allowing oxygen and water to get down to the root zone, stimulating growth. Indoor Pest Control: There’s nothing worse than finding uninvited pests in your home. Pests are a nuisance, can be embarrassing and carry a multitude of diseases that cause serious health risks. Green Life Environmental technicians can help customers fight back against these pests with indoor pest control applications.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS “They are always punctual and do an excellent job keeping my lawn in tip top shape. The employees are very courteous and professional. Great company to do business with. I highly recommend them.” - J.C. “We’ve been with Green Life for 5 years, and by far Chris is her favorite! He gives a great detailed summary of what my yard needs and even leaves his number for her to call with any questions... He’s extremely knowledgeable and courteous. If only more companies had people like Chris working for them. Thanks to Chris for making my wife a happy customer!” - R.S. “We have been using Curtis and his team at Green Life for many years. We have never had a greener yard, pricing is on point and technicians are very knowledgeable and willing to speak to you if you have any questions or concerns.” - D.B.

The company rewards its customers with two incentives: Yard of the Month and Green Life Bucks. Each month, the team picks

624 S Collins St, Plant City, FL 33566 | (813) 833-8446 | Greenlifefl.com Mon-Fri 8am-5pm | Sat-Sun: Closed PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

HAUGHT FUNERAL HOME “David, I couldn’t have made it through this day without you.” That sentence changed David Wolf’s life forever in 1988 when a bereaved widow shared her appreciation for his compassion. The Sooner graduate decided to become a funeral director and attended the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services, where he earned a degree in Funeral Service and Mortuary Science. Wolf became a Licensed Funeral Director in 1991. Since then, Wolf has carried that same compassionate care in every service. Wolf is Funeral Director of Haught Funeral Home, a business he and his wife, Cynthia, purchased in October 2011 from founder Timothy Haught. Together, the couple and their daughter Katherine Wolf Gordon, create an atmosphere of care and support for mourning families. The Wolfs are joined by Licensed Funeral Director Howard Johnson and Funeral Director Apprentice Skye Cook. The staff at Haught Funeral Home is committed to ensuring that every life is honored and will be remembered for generations to come. PAGE

“Memorializing a loved one is a very personal experience,” David Wolf said. “We help families plan a service that honors their loved ones and puts them on the path to find closure and peace after a loss.” WHERE CARING COUNTS Haught offers open and closed casket visitations, funerals on the property or at the family church, graveside service, and more. From the release of doves, 13 Folds of Old Glory for a veteran, or perhaps the incorporation of a color scheme, Haught Funeral Home personalizes each and every celebration of life, visitation, funeral, or memorial to reflect the decedent’s life and respect the family’s wishes. Haught’s team of professional funeral directors will guide families through all aspects of funeral planning. The Wolfs also own Lanier Funeral Home in Lakeland, which houses a crematorium. The bereaved can rest assured that their loved one is always in the care of Haught Funeral Home’s staff.

“I think families feel better knowing that their loved one isn’t leaving our care,” said Wolf. In response to COVID-19, Haught Funeral Home began live streaming services to their Facebook page for those unable to attend. The business has decided to make this a normal practice in their business now, as the staff has realized the need for those who can’t attend in person, such as family members living internationally or those who are sick. After a loved one’s passing, many families are left with questions, “How can we afford this?” “Is there financial support, if I need it?” Haught Funeral Home understands that questions about finances can add additional stress to a bereaved family, so their team can present options that are the best fit. Families are also encouraged to visit www.haught.care and visit the Resources Tab for more information on frequently asked questions. Earlier this year, Wolf shared with FOCUS readers about FEMA’s COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program. The government agency reimburses families up to $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,000 per application per state, territory, or District of Columbia if more than one family member died for coronavirus deaths after January 20, 2020. “Whether you use our funeral home or another one, we can help guide families in applying for this reimbursement,” said Wolf.

Wolf advises families to keep documentation of funeral expenses, proof of funds received from other sources, such as insurance or other government agencies, and an official death certificate. For questions about the funeral assistance program or seek help in applying, Plant City families can call Haught Funeral Home at 813717-9300. MAKING A DIFFERENCE Haught Funeral Home is an annual sponsor of Diamonds and Denim by the SFBH Foundation. Wolf is an active member of the Kiwanis Club, and each year, the funeral home presents a $1,000 scholarship to a senior in the FFA at Plant City High School. “FFA was such an important part of my life growing up,” said Wolf. “I know the impact it can have on students, so we give a scholarship each year to one senior at Plant City.” In being so active in the community, it can be challenging when friends turn to them in the loss of a loved one, but Haught Funeral Home is honored to serve Plant City families since 1999. “It can be hard to say goodbye,” said Wolf. “but it’s rewarding to be able to be here to help. When a family says ‘thank you,’ I always reply with ‘it’s an honor’—and I mean that—it’s a true honor. We are a family-operated business, so we are serving the families of Plant City the way we would want to be served.”

708 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, | Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 717-9300 | www.haught.care | Open 24 Hours PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

Today, the couple operates PCU and Sparrow Key Realty out of one location on James L. Redman, adjacent to Olde Town Pizza.

PCU & SPARROW KEY REALTY Born and raised in Plant City, James “Jim” Brown has been heavily involved in the Plant City community for years. He is past President of the Plant City Downtown Business and Merchants Association, past President of the Kiwanis Club of Plant City, and past Chair of the Kiwanis Golf Tournament and Christmas for Angels. He also helped start the Car Show of Plant City with Merle Henry, wrote “Jim’s Computer Corner” for FOCUS Magazine for years, and almost every year he has been a special guest speaker for the Great American Teach-In at schools including Simmons Career Center. Over the years, Jim Brown has also sat on Technology Councils across the country, including CMP Media and Florida Career Institute. Known as ‘The O.G. of Technology’ he leads as an innovator in the technology field. Brown has various Microsoft certifications, from sales and marketing to technical certifications, CompTia certifications, Cloud Nation certifications, and Brainbench certifications. PAGE

Jennifer and Jim Brown founded PCU 26 years ago.

Brown has a B.A. from the University of South Florida and does continuous education, which is vital to meet his company mission of making his customers first and enabling them and their business to succeed. He is also a graduate of the Tampa Bay Public Leadership Institute, and for the last 26 years, has been married to his wife Jennifer. Together, Jim and Jennifer have three children, Zack (24), Meadow (18), and Kendy (13). Not only does Brown live and volunteer in Plant City, but he’s also a business owner in Plant City, owning PCU since 1995 with his wife Jennifer, and Sparrow Key Realty since 2018 with his business partner, Melissa PippinConnell. The address for PCU and Sparrow Key Realty is the same, with both businesses operating at 3017 James L Redman Pkwy. PCU, which stands for Product Consultants Unlimited, is a onestop technology center that provides in-store and on-site service for end-users and business customers. PCU sells laptops, desktops, tablets, software, security, hardware, and various technology products. PCU also offers domain purchasing, renewals, hosting, online storage, and cloud-managed services. “We can do in 20 minutes what new techs need days to figure out,” said Brown. “We’ve been working with computers for so many years that we can do it in our sleep.” PCU provides training on how to use the latest technology, removes viruses from infected machines, and secures them. They also save customers’ data from loss and equips them to be successful using technology. Everything PCU does is a service to their customers and the Plant City community. PCU has contributed to Unity in the Community, donated laptops for Pig Jam, and hosted Microsoft events in Plant City that were free to Plant City businesses and citizens. PCU is also an award-winning business and was ranked in CRN’s Top 50 White Box System Builders in the country. Tampa Bay Business Journal also recognized PCU as one of the top technology businesses in the Tampa Bay region and was congratulated by former Governor Rick Scott and former Senator Rhonda Storms. PCU is central Florida’s oldest technology company, and its mission statement is, “To provide the highest quality technology products and services enabling you or your business to succeed, all while making our customers number one and honoring God in all that we do.” Open Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday by appointment, come visit PCU, ‘Your One-Stop Technology Service Provider!’. Sparrow Key Realty is a full-service real estate company. The business is a member of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors and the Lakeland Association of Realtors. Sparrow Key Realty is

licensed to work in the entire state of Florida and does commercial, residential, and vacant land sales. Recently, Jim Brown won the Most Prominent Agent award through Homesnap for 2021, and he has been a real estate agent for over 15 years. Brown also owns Xchange Realty that he started in 2005 with a partner who has since passed away, and now that company operates as a referral company. Sparrow Key Realty is open 24/7, as agents are always available. So, how do you go from computers to real estate, you may ask? Well, according to Brown, who is also known in the real estate world as ‘The Godfather of Sold’, “Being in the computer industry and having a tech business made going into real estate a logical step, because real estate is so technology-driven, and we already have the tools to implement that. We can do marketing and other things that your average real estate company can’t do and that puts us at an advantage.” The Browns owned a lot of website domains and were generating traffic for realtors and thought to themselves, “we could be making that money instead of essentially giving it away” and opened Xchange Realty in 2005. Brown stated about both PCU and Sparrow Key Realty that, “As far as the computer company is concerned, we are still here for fullservice, and we’re not going anywhere just because we’re doing real estate, and vice-versa. It’s simply called not putting all your eggs in one basket, and I think that’s the way most businesses have to conduct themselves nowadays.” Looking into the future, Brown said, “Moving forward, we’d like to see Plant City grow technologically and for every home to have a computer. We’d also like to see planning and real estate take on a better form than it has in the past and see more planned-out growth. We’ve been a part of the fabric of this community for a long time and would like to continue to see Plant City grow and be a place where families want to grow too.” If you would like to contact PCU for any computer or technology needs, call them at 813-717-7717 or email them at support@ pcustore.com. You can also visit their websites at www. pcucomputers.com or www.pcustore.com. If would like help selling your home or buying a new one, you can contact Sparrow Key Realty by calling them at 813-379-7777 or 863-409-9961, or email them at jimbhd@aol.com or sparrowkeyrealty@gmail.com. You can visit their websites at www.thegodfatherofsold.com or www.sparrowkeyrealty.com.

FOCUSBUSINESS

M & Z LAND MANAGEMENT

M & Z can create custom ponds for agricultural lands and other properties.

You’re eager to get started on your construction project—but before you pour concrete for the foundation of your new home, you’ll need a reliable, professional, and licensed excavation team. Lakeland-based M & Z Land Management are the ones to call. Owned by Moses Vazquez and Zack Upthegrove, M & Z Land Management has over 30 years of experience needed to get your site ready for construction, and as a family-owned and locally-owned business, M & Z is there when you need them. M & Z Land Management offers three primary services to Hillsborough and Polk County residents and businesses: Excavation, Land Clearing, and Lakefront Clearing Excavation: M & Z can dig for foundation, pipe, and utility line installations. The company uses the latest in excavating equipment and technology to complete your project within budget and in the time allotted. PAGE

M & Z offers lakefront clearing to create custom beaches for residential and commercial businesses on the waterfront.

M & Z Land Management utilizes the latest in land clearing and excavation technology to get the job done safely and efficiently.

Remove trees, bushes, and shrubs from your property and get it ready for construction with land clearing services. The team also takes on driveway installation projects for residential properties. Customer Victoria L. hired the crew for just that and left a 5-star review for the service: “They were very professional and did a wonderful job completing a new driveway for my ranch. They did the prep work for concrete to be poured with great communication skills and punctuality. 10/10 recommend.” Maybe you want a private beach at your lakefront property, you can depend on M & Z for top-notch waterfront clearing services. The company can also help with custom pond excavation, as well. Customer Brandon S. in Bartow hired the team for pond building and was pleased with the result: “These guys came out and gave a reasonable quote for a pond excavation. They were out the day after I accepted their quote and finished the project in 2 1/2 days. Outstanding work and in a timely manner. This company definitely earned my money and will be hiring again for future projects.” “Our goal is customer satisfaction and to provide quality work,” said Vazquez. “We offer free estimates and work with contractors, realtors, builders, and individual property owners to help with their construction project.” No job is too big or too small for the M & Z team. The company recently began offering stump grinding, as part of their tree removal services and after major storms, the company offers clean-up services and help with flooding concerns.

“With low spots in lawns, water can pool and flood a property,” said Vazquez. “We will haul in fill dirt and create a nice grade with a slope for water to drain out.” Living in Florida, Palmetto Palms are a regular part of our native vegetation. Often, other companies will promise to remove the trees with “mulching,” the practice of cutting and chipping the trees where they stand, with the promise of protection against soil erosion and weed control. Vazquez says often M & Z is called when the trees aren’t eradicated. “We can’t tell you how many times we’ve had to come behind other companies to fully get rid of many customers palmetto issues because they have to be removed by the root that is the only way to fully eradicate them,” said Vazquez. M & Z Land Management puts safety first in its daily work. Equipment operators are highly trained in vehicle operation and maintenance. One of the backbones of M & Z Land Management is communication; Zack and Moses believe that customer education is a top priority and keeping customers informed of job progress is a standard practice for the company. Ready to tackle your construction project? Call M & Z Landscape for your excavation, land clearing, and lakefront clearing needs and receive a free estimate. This locally-owned business is open 24-hours, ready to serve you. Visit www.mzlandmanagement.com or call 863-595-7960 to schedule an estimate.

Lakeland, Florida | www.mzlandmanagement.com | 863-595-7960 Open 24 hours PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

NEXT LEVEL TURF MANAGEMENT Picture this: It’s a beautiful Saturday morning and you’re enjoying your coffee on the front porch, listening to the birds chirping, when you notice a brown patch in your grass. Your eyes begin scanning the lawn and you realize it could use some help to look its best. The shrubs are spotty and the grass is thin. To give your lawn TLC, call NLT. Next Level Turf Management is owned and operated by the husband and wife team, Brandon and Dawn Melanson. NLT is a full-service lawn and landscaping company, serving the lawn care needs of Tampa Bay property owners for twenty years. Fully licensed, insured and certified for your protection, the company’s years of experience have proven to be an affordable, results-oriented success. NLT offers six primary services: PAGE

Fertilization/Weed & Insect Control: Give your lawn the nutrients it needs while removing the pesky weeds and bugs. NLT serves all grass types including St. Augustine, Bahia, Zoysia, and Bermuda Aeration: Removes plugs of your lawn allowing water, nutrients, and oxygen into the root system, resulting in thicker, denser grass. Irrigation Services: Grass can’t grow without water! NLT will inspect, install, and maintain your sprinkler system. Custom Landscape Design & Installation: Want to start new or just improve upon your existing plants and shrubs, NLT can bring your lawn dreams to reality. Sod Replacement & Installation: Don’t wait 2 years for the grass to grow from seed to lush lawn, install sod for instant results.

Clean-Up: Put down the hedge clippers and let NLT clean up the shrubs, trees, and bushes. What sets Next Level Turf Management apart from other lawn care companies? Brandon says it’s the relationship built between the client and the company. “We are your lawn care partner,” said Brandon Melanson. “We want to hear your concerns and address them, we communicate with our clients so they know what to expect from start to finish, and we are a family-owned business, so we take pride in our work. You become part of our Next Level Turf Management family.” From the first initial phone call with office manager Jasmine Incle on the phone to schedule service to the technician in the field applying treatment, listening to the customer is the key to NLT’s success. The company offers affordable, competitive pricing and offers promotions year-round including, 15% off for veterans, active duty, and police and seniors, $110 full initial pest control service with a termite inspection when you pay for one year in full, 50% off your first lawn fertilization with a six-month minimum, and an irrigation inspection special for $59.95. The company offers an annual pre-pay discount. When you pre-pay for 1 full year of service in advance, you receive 10% off.

book fall lawn aeration, in order to allow nutrients, water, and oxygen into the roots system, resulting in thicker, denser grass a few weeks later. During the winter, your lawn is also more prone to weeds, but with the denser grass and weed control by Next Level Turf Management, your lawn will remain weed-free throughout the dormant months. WHERE GREEN GRASS GROWS Next Level Turf Management’s clientele are long-term, loyal customers who renew the company’s services year after year for its proven results: “NLT has been maintaining my home and office lawns for years. Their customer service has always impressed me, and they've done a great job for us. I definitely recommend their services!” -Ryan R. “NLT has serviced our homes in FL for 8 years. They have been professional, courteous, and always attentive to billing questions when they occasionally arise. Thank you Jasmine for everything! Our yards have remained pristine in their care. We are moving out of state and will recommend new owners continue their service.” - Cindy M. “My yard was fulls of weeds. After the first service, the weeds are dead and the grass already looks greener.” -Marilee S.

With fall and winter coming, your grass will go dominant in order to conserve water during the colder months. Now is the time to

6515 Mock Pond Road | Seffner, Florida 33584 | 813-651-0270 | www.nextlevelturf.net Facebook: @NextLevelTurfManagement | Instagram: @nextlevelturf PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

POPPELL INSURANCE

When customers call Poppell Insurance, they speak with Evon McDonald, a 20 year employee of the agency, not a recorded directory.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the United States experienced 22 separate billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in 2020, totaling around $95 billion in damages.

enters designated areas surrounding the state, you will not be able to increase your insurance coverage, so review your coverage now and make any necessary changes.

Poppell Insurance reminds Plant Citians that August through early October is often the peak time for tropical storm activity—and the potential property damage those storms can cause.

“Make sure your property is adequately insured given the form your policy is written on, replacement costs, actual cash value, etc.,” said Mark Poppell, vice-president of commercial lines at Poppell Insurance. “This includes making sure you are in compliance with the co-insurance provision in your policy, (80%, 90%, etc.), to avoid a co-insurance penalty at the time of loss.”

According to the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, the ongoing supply-and-demand issues and shortage of building materials— particularly lumber—will likely be exacerbated if hurricane damage is widespread, leading to higher costs and longer recovery times. Whether you’re a homeowner or business owner, protect yourself by making sure you have the coverage you need before disaster strikes. Once a hurricane PAGE

Poppell Insurance has a commercial lines department to insure businesses, a personal lines department to insure individuals (home, auto, etc.) and a groups benefit department providing group health insurance

for businesses. As an independent agency, Poppell Insurance represents a number of carriers including Auto-Owners, Tower Hill, CNA, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, among many others, to find the right coverage for their client's insurance needs. “This gives our office the ability to check with more than one market and help find the right policy to fit a customer’s needs,” said vice president of personal lines, Jon Poppell. “Not all homeowners or auto insurance coverage is the same.”

insurance agency has been named Best Insurance Agency for four consecutive years in the annual FOCUS Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards and 2013 Best of Plant City award winner by The Tampa Tribune. Poppell Insurance supports the community that supported and made them successful over the years through their sponsorship of numerous charitable events in the area. “Your insurance experience is directly proportional to the company and agent you choose to deal with,” said Mark Poppell.

When a client calls Poppell Insurance, they speak with Evon McDonald, who has been with the agency for more than 20 years, not a recorded directory. Since COVID-19, many businesses have their employees working remotely from home. The staff of Poppell Insurance works in the office, not at home. When you come to Poppell Insurance, the staff will match your level of comfort as far as social distancing and mask protocols are concerned. In other words, if you want to wear a mask, the staff will wear a mask. If you want to social distance, the staff will social distance. The company’s goal is the comfort and safety of their clients.

Many who hold policies with Poppell have done so for decades. Poppell customers speak highly of the agency’s customer service, knowledge of the industry, and family values: “They are a trustworthy, knowledgeable agency that truly cares about their clients. I would never go anywhere else after over 20 years! Give them a call. You will actually still be able to talk to a person & not a machine!” - Diane C.

This October, the agency is celebrating 57 years in business. This longevity is a testament to the legacy of hard work, integrity, and generosity, established by founder R. Tom Poppell. The

This family-owned and operated agency wants to earn your business and keep it for a lifetime. For more information, stop in, visit poppellinsurance.com, or call 813-752-4155.

“They really helped me get started by providing commercial truck insurance when others wouldn't as I was getting started!” - Trent L.

503 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 752-4155 Mon-Fri 8AM to 5PM PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

RAULERSON, CASTILLO AND COMPANY CPAS AND CONSULTANTS, LLC Raulerson, Castillo and Company provides accounting, financial services, tax preparation and consulting to community businesses throughout the Plant City and Brandon area. The team at Raulerson, Castillo and Company strives to help business owners achieve their financial goals so that in turn, those businesses are more profitable. In fact, the firm’s logo of a compass symbolizes how they help clients navigate through the maze of tax laws, regulations, budgeting and strategic planning. Firm partners, Dan Raulerson and Irene Castillo, report that the firm consists of accountants with knowledge in a wide array of concentrations, from audits to estate planning to tax preparation. “Irene is an awesome partner that I am very fortunate to have,” said Raulerson. “She is a genius at operations and quality control. My forte is public and client relations so we call ourselves ‘Yin and Yang.’” PAGE

The Raulerson Castillo team is made up of seasoned, experienced professionals from CPA’s to certified Quickbooks consultants and accountants. Raulerson, Castillo and Company’s clients come from various industries, ranging from agriculture to medicine and transportation. The firm recognizes that their work is beyond the scope of just eastern Hillsborough County. “The longevity of our staff, commitment to service, and quality product have created an excellent relationship with the community,” said Raulerson. “We recognize that small business is the backbone of our economy and the vast majority of jobs in this country are created by small businesses. It is an honor for us to be in a position to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners with complex regulations and tax law and to make their lives somewhat easier.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, having a CPA on your side during these uncertain times is now even more important. Castillo explained, “As a business advisor we can guide you through the new information being announced daily (and sometimes even hourly) at the federal, state and local levels, so you can effectively run your business. We assist clients by navigating them through this crisis with cash flow forecasting, budgeting, tax planning and clarifying the PPP loan forgiveness process.” Castillo continued, “Ultimately, we provide our accounting services to businesses so they can focus on what they do best and rely on us to take care of the rest.” And while the bulk of their work is for businesses, Raulerson, Castillo, & Company is equipped to help individuals with their estate planning, elder care, and personal financial planning, such as retirement, college, and more. Raulerson, Castillo, and Company can assist you in navigating life to create a financial plan to adequately fund your future needs. When the company isn’t hard at work preparing tax forms and analyzing Quickbooks accounts, the team dedicates their time to contributing to the community. Together, the staff volunteers at the United Food Bank of Plant City. Castillo sits on the Board of Directors with the Chamber of Commerce and Aspire. Raulerson served on the City Commission from 2007 to 2010, before the City Commission elected him to serve as Mayor from 2010 to 2012. In 2012, he was elected to serve District 58 in the Florida House of Representatives. In 2017, Raulerson retired from political office. One thing is for certain: Raulerson, Castillo and Company uphold the principles of professionalism, responsiveness and quality to provide outstanding service to clients. And it goes without saying that a sense of community is at the heart of this highly regarded firm.

1907 S. Alexander Street, #2 | Plant City FL 33566 | 813-752-6604 1411 Professional Park Drive | Brandon FL 33511 | 813-689-9297 rcwcpas.com PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

WALDEN LAKE CAR WASH & SERVICE CENTER A vehicle is an investment and one that should be treated with care. Some Plant City drivers put their vehicles in the care of Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center for car washes, oil changes, and detailing. Located at 1414 S. Alexander Street, Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center is owned and operated by Frank Cummings, who moved to Plant City 12 years ago and after recovering from a heart attack, decided to find a stress-free job. He landed on Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center. As a family-owned business with ties to our community and over 30 years of combined experience in car wash and service, our mission is to provide quality services, exceptional customer service, and community support through local organizations,” said Cummings. The company offers a variety of car wash services to fit customers’ needs, including an Express Wash, $7; Bronze Wash, $16.99; Silver Wash, $26.99; and Gold Wash, $34.99. General car wash services include exterior wash, dash dusting, interior vacuumed, towel dry, windows cleaned, air PAGE

freshener, rims and mirrors cleaned, and tires dressed. Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center offers discounts, as well. Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., drivers can save $2 on the Gold Car Wash. Veterans can enjoy a free Bronze Car Wash every Veterans Day and Tomlin Cardholders can enjoy $2 off the Gold Car Wash every day. But for those who frequent the car wash, consider joining Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center’s Loyalty Program. Earn points by being a loyal customer resulting in a FREE Bronze wash at the accumulation of 9 points. Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center also offers detailing, to get the small nooks and crannies clean. The company offers several levels of detailing to meet your needs and budget. The exceptional and knowledgeable team can also create a level specifically for you. Walden Lake Car Wash details motorcycles, motor homes, boats, and more, with a scheduled appointment.

Frank Cummings and team member John Jordan are Authorized Applicators of Gliptone GT Quartz, the latest in vehicle protection technology. GT Quartz uses nano silicate SiO2 cross-linking adhesion technology to shield the vehicle’s surface from UV and harmful pollutants while providing extreme depth of gloss. Walden Lake Car Wash is the only place in Central Florida offering Gliptone GT Quartz and you’re guaranteed protection for a minimum of 4 years. “Your vehicle will remain cleaner longer between washes and more resistant to contaminants than conventional waxes or sealants,” said Cummings. “It’s safe to use on all clear coats, single-stage paint, fiberglass, plastic trim, and metal wheels.” What a beautiful car if it isn’t maintained? Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center offers oil changes, windshield wiper replacement, and routine maintenance such as filter replacement, transmission services, and more. Call to schedule an appointment with a technician and visit waldenlakecarwash.com for more details on these services and an exclusive coupon. Walden Lake Car Wash is an annual nominee of the FOCUS Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Car Wash. With a 4-star rating on Google, it’s not surprising that Plant City customers nominate the family-owned business for the honor. Cummings was also presented the Plant City Chamber of Commerce Good Egg award. “Wonderful service! I’ve never had a bad experience here. My car always looks amazing, and the convenience of getting my car picked up and washed while working is a HUGE plus. Keep up the great work!” - Nicholas Coile

“I have done business with Frank and his crew for years. Great service and attention to detail. Honest employees. More than once they have found money under the seat and given it back to me. Great place to do business!” -Mark Cornett “The car washes done here are second to none! While there are other car wash locations in PC, I have found this car wash site to provide high-quality work on the inside and outside of your car. My wife and I both choose to go here for our car cleaning needs.” -Anthony Rodriguez But keeping your car clean isn’t the only way Walden Lake Car Wash serves the community. Walden Lake Car Wash is involved in many events throughout the year that directly impact the residents of Plant City and our surrounding areas. You will find us supporting groups like the United Food Bank & Services of Plant City, Friends of the Park, Plant City YMCA, The Women’s Club, The Arts Council, Plant City Entertainment, Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Plant City Main Street, as well as various Church and School events. Cummings is the chairman of the Plant City Lions Club Food Booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival and chairman of the Sight Committee. Walden Lake Car Wash houses the Eagle Scout’s drop-off box for old American flags and a donation collection box in partnership with Wells Memorial for childhood cancer. In the lobby, the Boy Scouts have a Little Book Box and the car wash is a Lions Club donation dropoff for old shoes, which will be recycled and the Lions Club will use the money to buy eyeglasses for those in need. The next time your car needs a little TLC, visit Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center or call (813) 752-7226 to schedule your detailing or routine maintenance.

1414 S. Alexander St. | Plant City, Florida 33563 | (813) 752-7226 Mon-Sat 8:00AM-6:00PM PAGE

FOCUSBUSINESS

“We have a great selection and we treat our customers right,” said Meister. Russell’s offers over a dozen boot brands, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and children, making the retailer the perfect place to pick up gifts for the holiday season. Brands include Ariat, Justin, Durango, Tony Lama, Lucchese, Corral, CAT, Wrangler, and others. Russell’s also has an expansive cowboy hat selection including styles from Stetson, Resistol, Ariat, Charlie 1 Horse, and more. Russell’s is a proud supporter of First Responders, Active and Retired Military, 4-H and FFA, offering a 10% off discount on in-store purchases every day on regular priced items. The offer is redeemable at any of Russell’s locations.

RUSSELL’S WESTERN WEAR You need the right boots for the job. From dust on the ranch to dancing the night away, your boots should fit right and feel right. That’s why Russell’s takes great pride in helping customers find the perfect pair of boots for whatever occasion. Located on James L. Redman Parkway, Russell’s is Tampa Bay’s premier headquarters for work boots, cowboy boots, exotic boots, western wear, and workwear. A Tampa staple since the 1960s, the local, family-owned Russell’s takes pride in its Florida upbringing. ”We have roots right here,” owner Scott Meister said. “So we’re going run the store like a local store should be run, and that’s the piece that makes this a really good fit.” Russell’s has eight Florida stores, with a ninth on the way. Meister credits its growth to two factors.

3014 James L Redman Pkwy. | Plant City, FL 33566 | (813) 624-6362 Mon-Sat: 10 AM to 7 PM | Sun: 12 PM - 5 PM PAGE

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FOCUSBUSINESS will determine the best option for you: St. Augustine is ideal for full sunlight lawns and Seville is ideal for lawns that receive mostly shade. Sod365 turf experts can guide you through the options for your lawn and discuss future maintenance that will be required for the sod. The Sod365 team will arrive to prepare the lawn for the fresh sod, raking out any high points and creating level ground for the sod. This will prepare a solid foundation for the new grass to take root and freshly laid sod should be watered. Installers will then educate the customer on how to best care for the sod and maintain that beautify new lawn. “After the installation, my team keeps an eye on your lawn to ensure good health and growth,” said Browning. “Your 100% satisfaction means everything to us.” Does your lawn need a boost? Call Curtis Browning and the team at Sod365 to discuss your sod options today: (813) 822-3355

SOD365 Sod365 was founded in May 2021 with the aim of providing Central Florida property owners with the finest turf grasses and groundcover available. Sod365 is owned and operated by Curtis Browning, founder of Green Life Environmental; with his knowledge of Central Florida lawns, roots systems, and more, he and the Sod365 team are able to help clients get the results they want instantly. “It takes months to years for grass seeds to grow into a beautiful, thick lawn,” said Browning, “At Sod365, we are able to install a whole new lawn in one day. As a homeowner myself and a business owner with experience in the lawn care industry, I understand what it means to customers to hire a company with a trustworthy track record and customer service. We are proud to offer that every day at Sod365.” Sod365 offers a number of sod options including St. Augustine, Floratam, Seville, Provista, Bahia and Empire Zoysia. The sunlight your lawn receives

624 S Collins Street | Plant City, FL 33563 | (813) 822-3355 PAGE

Sod365 owner Curtis Browning is also the owner of Green Life Environmental. Browning uses his decades of experience in the lawn care industry to bring Florida’s finest sod to customers across the area.

SHAWN LANGLEY LANG LEY SALES PROFESSIONAL My goal is simple: to provide high-quality services for my valued clients. I strive to reach above and beyond to cater to each clients specific taste and needs. Through open communication and exceptional service, I guarantee you’ll find what you’re looking for. For more information or general inquiries, get in touch today. EXCEPTIONAL SALES SERVICE. Expert Service. With a 5 star rating on dealer trader, 2020 salesman of the year award, and many satisfied customers, I can assure a positive experience. “I really dont like to go in car dealerships. But Shawn Langley made our time there so easy. We did purchase a beautiful car. He explained every thig to us that we need to know about the car. We feel we got a very fair price. We will be back again.”

“I highly recommend Shawn. He made the buying process quick and easy. He was straight forward throughout the entire process, also made sure to accommodate me in anyway he could. Customer rating is 100 in my book. Thanks Again Shawn.”

CELL 813-480-5119 ED MORSE BRANDON AUTO MALL | ED MORSE CADILLAC BRANDON

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RISING STAR Amelia

Bitting By Katie Hamilton

Amelia Bitting, a junior this year, is an active swimmer on the Strawberry Crest High School swim team. Coached by Rich Rodgers and Alan Warmbier, Bitting has become a strong swimmer in the freestyle and butterfly events. She strives to reach her maximum potential, practicing 2-3 hours a day for 6 days a week; she certainly puts in the work. When Bitting is not at practice for SCHS, she is in the pool swimming for the Blue Wave Club Team. Club teams are commonly known among swimmers as a way for them to have the opportunity to compete at a higher level thereby providing enhancement for the school team experience. Bitting explained, “Joining the club team for me meant more practice and it meant improving every aspect of my strokes.” Amelia has been swimming for over 10 years. She stated, “I started to swim at a young age, and I joined a club team in elementary school; once I started it, it just became a cherished part of my life.” From swim meets every week and schoolwork every day, Bitting receives lots of support from her community, affirming, “I am so unbelievably grateful for my friends and family. They are such crucial parts of my life because I am always relying on them for their moral support and kind words. They truly keep me going and dedicated.” With all of the hard work that Bitting has put into her swim career, she continues to be empowered and motivated by her swim heroes. Most recently, it was the Olympics that enthused her. “I love the Olympics. I love watching all of my favorite swimmers like Katie Ledecky and Simone Manuel launch themselves off of the board and sprinting for the gold.” After Graduation, Bitting plans to attend college in Florida to stay closer to her home. While Bitting does not have plans to swim in college, she says it will still be a part of her everyday life. “In high school, swim means a lot to me, but I’m still young and I do not know what my future will hold, especially with college in my future.” PAGE

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They are always there, and they always give me rides to practices and matches; I would not be able to do it all without them.” Since the beginning of the season, the golf team has been busy on and off the course. The first semester of school is busy for student athletes and the golf team is no exception. With practices every day after school, the Raiders have been working on their techniques so as to make improvements of their swings. Avery Parrish, a Junior on the team, not only has practice on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but she balances several Advanced Placement and honors courses as well as being involved around the campus. Parrish states, “I have plans for success in my future, so working hard in school and sports is always my priority.” Josephina Mejia (11th) is quite the skilled golfer and has contributed abundantly to the success of the golf team this year. Mejia is widely known for her bubbly and bright personality that comes through to keep up the morale of the team. Mejia loves the sport of golf stating, “My favorite part about being on the team is the bond we all have made; every year I make so many new friends and our team always has had each other’s backs on and off the field--no matter what.”

Team of the Month Plant City High School Golf Team By Katie Hamilton

he Plant City High School golf team has had an amazing opening to their fall season, starting off with a winning match against Sumner High School. The team is led by Coach Justin Jones and the team captains are Mariana Gutierrez (12th) and Taylor Teeden (11th). Gutierrez has worked diligently throughout her 4 years at PCHS and has plans to attend Hillsborough Community College after graduation to finish her Associates Degree. She also plans to transfer to the University of Florida to receive a degree in Early Childhood Development. Gutierrez has dedicated a large quantity of effort to the girls’ team from teaching them how to swing the club and hit the ball to organizing transportation, all while providing support for the girls anytime they need it. While Gutierrez has received the title of girls’ team

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captain, she sees her position a bit differently, stating. “I like to think of it as Co-Captain since Josephina Mejia is always there to help coach these girls with me as well.” Taylor Teeden is the perfect example of an exemplary PCHS student athlete. Teeden has been participating on the golf team since his freshman year but has loved golf from a young age. Not only does Teeden play golf with the team, but he greatly enjoys spending time and playing golf with his dad as well. Taylor’s dad is Billy Teeden, the head coach of the PCHS Varsity Boys basketball. For the young Teeden, athletics, family and academics play a vital part in his life. Whether it’s academics or sports, Taylor knows his family will be there cheering him on from the sidelines. Teeden said: “My biggest supporters are my mom, dad, and my grandpa and grandma.

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Meet the

Maker: Amy Payne

By Emily Topper Photos Courtesy of Amy Payne

rowing up in a small Kansas town, there wasn’t a lot for Amy Payne to do for fun. Luckily, she found her sweet spot in the kitchen. “I’ve always had a passion for baking,” Amy said. “My mom taught me at a young age how to make a healthy, hearty meal at home. And of course, there would be a baked dessert with it.” Amy started off making cupcakes and cookies galore for her family. When she was 15, she made her older brother’s wedding cake from scratch -- a three-tiered cake complete with buttercream frosting. When the coronavirus pandemic kept us home last year, Amy found solace with her mixing bowls and measuring cups. She passed the time by taking on one of the greatest difficulties in baking: macarons. What started as a way to keep her busy is now her latest business venture, So Effing Good. Now, Plant City residents can purchase beautiful custom, homemade macarons in every flavor imaginable. “I was still working my full-time job and trying not to let being stuck at home beat me,” Amy said. “In baking, there’s a saying that if you can bake macarons you can bake anything. I’ve been obsessed with macarons for as long as I can remember. They’re my favorite dessert to eat.” Amy’s new venture kept her occupied. It took her four months to come up with a product she felt confident with. After moving and having to adjust to a kitchen with a different oven, it took another month and a pastry class for her to come up with macarons up to her standard. With the foundation built, the rest was easy. Amy can make “any flavor” for her clients. When not purchased online, macaron lovers can purchase her sweet treats at Plant City’s The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. “I like to do a range of flavors to keep it interesting,” Amy said. She’s even made decorated macarons for events like the Marvel and DC-themed Last Friday in Downtown. For inspiration, she brainstorms, talks with close friends and even comes up with ideas in her sleep. “I’ve made everything all the way from Skittles and Twinkies-flavored macarons to margarita and sangria flavors that had alcohol in them.” With her intricate designs and delicious flavors, it’s no wonder her

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business has been successful so far -- and that includes the name, So Effing Good. “I love food, and especially dessert,” Amy said. “That comes out of my mouth anytime I eat anything. I say, ‘It’s so effing good!’ That word to me is like salt, it goes with everything.” At the Corner Store, where macarons can be bought in singles or packs of three, classic flavors like chocolate and vanilla sell the best. However, peanut butter and jelly is always a hit. Amy makes anywhere from 500 to 1,000 macarons per month, and is ready to make them for any special occasion. On her website, she sells her macarons in quantities of 12, 24 and 36. Different flavors can be done for each set of 12. Amy doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon. In addition to macarons, she shares recipes and videos on the So Effing Good website with the help of her partner, local artist Jesse Starr. At the end of this month, she’ll also be launching So Effing Good Home. The brand will start by selling luxury soy candles. A launch party will be held from 5 - 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Kiki’s Lash Lounge, 301 S. Collins St. The event is free to the public, and all are welcome to enjoy charcuterie and -- of course -- macarons. “When I set my mind to something, I’m going to figure it out,” Amy said. “I don’t like being put inside of a box.” Sweet lovers can purchase macarons at The Corner Store, by visiting So Effing Good’s website, so-effing-good.square.site, or by visiting @SoEffingGood on Facebook. All orders are pick-up only in Plant City.

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Leaders in

Faith Tanashia R. Wells By Cheryl Johnston

anashia Wells, author of two books, is a teacher at heart. She loves to share what she knows with others and see the light bulb come on when they understand. The mother of three girls and one boy also loves the “small family community feel of Plant City,” where she can “walk downtown and see familiar faces or attend a car show and run into friends.” For relaxation, she enjoys nature walks and beach or state park trips.

You worked as an IT Specialist and Trainer. How did you prepare yourself for that career? First, I earned an Associate degree from Hillsborough Community College in Computer Science and next a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of South Florida. I worked in the corporate arena for 8-plus years. Finally, I earned Master’s degrees in Education and nonprofit management.

Tell us about your favorite Scripture passage, Titus 2:3-5 This advises that older women must teach the younger. When I’m not working, I do Bible study with women who have had a very hard time in life. Some have been in a detention center and others were victimized. We can all be teaching others; sharing what we’ve learned so they can avoid our mistakes. A younger person can teach me many things, too, especially about the newest technology and social media. They’ve also been through situations I’ve not. They can teach me, in the same way, I teach them. I talk about what I’ve learned over the years as I have grown closer to Christ; what I do and no longer do. Being open to both is important.

Has there been a defining moment in your own faith walk? I was saved at a young age because the teacher said hell is hot, and I didn’t want to go there. But I didn’t begin truly walking with Christ until 20 years ago when I started attending church regularly and learned to allow Him into my daily life. Several years ago, about the time God told me to put those lessons He had given me into a book, I was not in a good place and felt God had forgotten me. It was hard to focus on writing. Some months later in a workshop, I met someone who kept me accountable and allowed God to use her to pour life into me.

What prompted you to write your books, Let the Walls Fall (Amazon. com) and Turtle Tutelage (publishing soon)? I recently closed a childcare business in my home after nine years. After seeing a single mother bring her daughter to work because she had no childcare, I was touched. So, I learned how to become a provider and completed trainings to care for and teach children not yet in school. Approximately eight years ago, I conducted orientation with new families in an outreach organization that provides free children’s programs. The director asked me to organize a team to help. When my roster arrived, it contained only women. I asked God how to lead and He told me what to say at every meeting. What I didn't fully realize was He was dealing with me about the walls I’d built around my heart, too. Several years ago, He directed me to put those lessons in a book, so here we are. PAGE

What would you suggest to those considering the Christian faith? Try God. We tend to get to the end of ourselves before we give Him our whole heart. He wants our heart, not our performance. Can we share what’s on our hearts and allow God to be God without getting in His way? God created families so we wouldn’t have to do everything on our own. Mine may not have been the best, but He has placed others into my life who have become like family. And to those already Christ-followers? Draw closer to God. Christ-followers should follow Christ. Do you know what Jesus said and did? To follow Christ, we must get to know Him by building a relationship, reading God's Word, talking to Him, and listening when He speaks.

708 W. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BLVD. PLANT CITY, FL. 33563 PAGE

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