FOCUS Plant City 20-10 by Floyd Publications

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Contents Table of

By Cierra Craft

Each October, FOCUS partners with our city’s local boutiques to present the best in women’s fall fashion. Incorporating the latest trends, fabrics, and motifs, be sure to shop these looks for fall 2021.

Meet the couples who will take to the dance floor on Friday, Oct. 29, as they compete in the 2021 Dancing With the Locals. As an annual fundraiser for the Plant City Rotary, these locals will be twisting, jumping, and cha cha-ing for their chance to win the Mirror Ball Trophy.

Plant City Pig Jam is back Nov. 19 & 20 and competitors such as Robert Jordan are gearing up for another year of fun, family, and ‘cue. Jordan shares the competitors’ perspective in this behindthe-scenes look at the competition.

FEATURE: 2021 FALL FASHION LOOKBOOK

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FEATURE: 2021 DANCING WITH THE LOCALS

SPOTLIGHT: SMOKIN’ THE COMPETITION

FOCUS PLANT CITY

focusplantcity.com / Issue 20-10 / October 2021

PUBLISHER

Mike Floyd

MANAGING EDITOR

Cierra Craft

ART DIRECTOR

OFFICE MANAGER

mikef@floydpublications.com

cierra@floydpublications.com

Anthony Sassano

asassano@floydpublications.com

Candy Owens

cowens@floydpublications.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Jayme Harris

DISTRIBUTION

Tony DeVane

jayme@floydpublications.com

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.

BUSINESS: HOME PROTECTION PEST CONTROL

By Emily Topper Are bugs & rodents pestering you? Protect your home or commercial property with Home Protection Pest Control. This locally owned and operated business gives insight on how to keep the bugs out this fall and winter.

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FALL, FOOD, & FIGHTERS

You will not be bored in Plant City this fall; I have never seen the social calendar so jam-packed with festivals, events, and entertainment. October wraps up with the Rotary Club’s Dancing With the Locals on Oct. 29 at the HCC Trinkle Center. This event is a lot of fun to see our friends perform while raising money for the Rotary Club. In this issue, meet the dancers and be sure to mark your calendar to attend. That same night is also Halloween on Main Street, where our downtown businesses will be passing out candy to kids and it's a great event for the whole family. On the 31st, our city will celebrate Halloween! I love being a part of our Walden Lake community during this holiday. We usually get the family together for a “drive way party” to pass out candy and we take the kids around the community in a trailer to trick-or-treat and see their friends. It’s great to see families spending time together in our city. In November, be sure to come out for Plant City Pig Jam. Come out for the day and enjoy multiple barbecue vendors serving up their delicious ribs, brisket, pulled pork and chicken. The BBQ competition heats up between the teams and after a weekend of fun, the awards and cash prizes are presented. On the cover, meet one of the competitors, Smokin’ Aces. The Jordan family owns and operates a restaurant on Park Road by the same name and readers are familiar with Jennifer Jordan, one of our reporters and daughter of Robert Jordan. The Jordan family talked with editor Cierra Craft with in-depth details of the Pig Jam and talks about the comradery between teams at the competition. Also, check out Cierra’s guide to the Pig Jam so you know what to expect. This issue is also jam-packed with our annual Fall Fashion feature. Ladies, check out the clothing options offered by our city’s local boutiques: Whiskey Darling, Fringe, RAOK, and Clothed in Grace. These small businesses would appreciate your patronage as you begin to shop for outfits for the holidays and gift-giving. Be sure to check out the Fall Fashion feature inside to shop these looks. If you live in our home delivery areas, you may have received a special insert dedicated to breast cancer fighters and survivors in our community. This insert features resources for scheduling a mammogram, a moving story from survivor Marti Lofstrom, and a feature on how Hungry Howie’s Plant City is supporting the fight against this disease. It’s not just enough to know this disease exists; with early detection, breast cancer is treatable. The FOCUS team would like to give a thank you to the advertisers who showed their support for the fight and made this insert possible. We hope Marti’s story of strength and courage, and Hungry Howie’s continued efforts, inspire readers to do their part in the fight against breast cancer.

Warmest Regards,

Mike Floyd PAGE

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South Florida Baptist Continues Speech Therapy Work for Parkinson’s Patients South Florida Baptist Hospital is continuing its programs targeted to Parkinson’s patients, even though that work looks a bit different, given the pandemic. The hospital received another grant from Parkinson Voice Project, allowing its Outpatient Rehabilitation Program to offer the “SPEAK OUT!®” and “The LOUD Crowd®” programs. Parkinson Voice Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the voice of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease throughout the world. South Florida Baptist Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation received its first grant from the organization in 2019. They applied for and received subsequent grants in 2020 and 2021. Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder and as the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. Up to 90 percent of people with Parkinson’s are at high risk of developing a weak voice that can lead to serious speech and swallowing issues. When people with Parkinson’s lose their speaking abilities, this impacts their ability to effectively converse with family and friends, talk on the phone, and even order food in a restaurant. Through SPEAK OUT! and The LOUD Crowd, South Florida Baptist Hospital speech-language pathologists work with Parkinson’s patients to convert speech from an automatic function to an intentional act. SPEAK OUT! typically consists of 12 individual speech therapy sessions. Together, the patient and speech-language pathologist complete speech, voice and cognitive exercises using a specialized workbook. Patients would need a physician order for speech therapy. The LOUD Crowd consists of free weekly group therapy sessions for patients who have completed SPEAK OUT! first. Participants perform exercises and follow up with daily home practice. The LOUD Crowd provides camaraderie, support, and encouragement for this patient population that is battling a progressive, degenerative condition. Although participants do not need to be South Florida Baptist Hospital patients, they do need to make an appointment with the South Florida Baptist Hospital speech therapist for an evaluation before joining the group. For that, they would need a physician order. The weekly group is currently available online. As restrictions are lifted, they will meet again at BayCare HealthHub™ (Bloomingdale), 2470 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico, FL, and the Plant City YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place, Plant City, FL. For more information about the program, contact speech therapist Jennifer Ackett at (813) 707-9362. To schedule a speech therapy appointment, call (813) 443-8028. PAGE

PLANT CITY PERSONALITIES!

CAN YOU GUESS WHO THIS IS?

HERE IS YOUR CLUE: This little Oklahoma native wore a Cowboy hat from the age of two years to his teen years. His mama dressed him up in a coat and tie for this childhood portrait never knowing that this would be the dress code for his adult profession. This Plant City Personality spends every day undertaking the mission of displaying kindness and compassion to those in their time of need.

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: JODI SMITH

Woman’s Club to host Alzheimer’s Walk on November 2 By Cierra Craft

The GFWC Woman's Club of Plant City invites the public to participate in the 2nd annual walk for Alzheimer's on November 2 at 5:30 p.m. at Brewer Park. The walk will begin with an opening ceremony recognizing the need for Alzheimer’s research and awareness of the disease. The group asks those who attend to wear purple. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases and the disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. On average, a person with Alzheimer's lives 4 to 8 years after diagnosis but can live as long as 20 years, depending on other factors. “My mother suffered that condition for a few years before her passing 4 years ago,” said Woman’s Club president Patricia Wolff. “It was very hard for me the first moment when she did not know who I was. But it was also very beautiful and I cherish in my heart those few moments where she knew who she was talking to, she would get very excited and start laughing and crying at the same time while telling everyone in the room that she was talking to her daughter Patricia.” The ten signs of the disease include memory loss that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; and changes in mood and personality. The group will be collecting donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, with 100% of the proceeds going to the non-profit organization. For information, you can contact walk chairman, Tammy, at tdsimpson99@gmail.com or 813-967-0464.

Phones + Computer Repair

Now Open By Jennifer Jordan

On September 22, Phones + Computer Repair opened for business in Plant City, offering residents and visitors a new small business to support. Located at 2803 James L. Redman Pkwy, Phones + Computer Repair will repair your favorite electronic devices and allows you to buy, sell, and trade your phones, computers, and tablets. The electronic devices for sale are used but in great condition, with Apple and Windows products available for purchase. Phones + Computer Repair also offers phone plans, activation, and electronic

accessories such as phone cases. Mr. Abraham, the owner of Phones + Computer Repair, has been in the electronic repair business since 2003. He is certified in Microsoft and Apple. “We can repair your device’s screen, software, hardware, camera, and anything else that could possibly need to be fixed,” said Mr. Abraham. If we somehow can’t fix it, we’ll buy your device from you, or you can give us your device to receive store credit towards a different item.” If you drop an electronic device off to be repaired, you can check your device’s repair status online, so you can see the progress and know exactly when your device is going to be ready for pickup. Phones + Computer Repair is open Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. You can visit their website at www.phonespluscomputerrepair. com. For questions or more information about Phones + Computer Repair, call 813-730-1009 or email phonepcr@gmail.com.

Here Comes Halloween: Your 2021 Guide to Plant City’s Spooky Events By Cierra Craft This is a list of public, in-person events. All programs and events are subject to change without notice. Please use the contact information to verify details and COVID-19 guidelines

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, 7:30PM to 11PM Fridays & Saturdays Only October 1 to November 6, and 7:30PM to 9:30PM Sundays Only October 10 to 31. Closed MonThurs. Three haunted trails, laser tag, & escape rooms. Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, 2837 South Frontage Road, Plant City. (844) 754-7900 Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.sirhenryshauntedtrail.com. Closed-toe shoes are required, may not be suitable for children under 12. Fall Harvest Days, 11AM-4PM Saturday October 23 & October 30. Pumpkin painting, bounce house, farm animals and hayrides. Keel Farms, 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100 Halloween on Main Street, 5PM to 9PM, Friday, October 29. Food trucks, trick or treat experiences, face painting, costumes encouraged. Robert Willaford Railroad Museum, 102 North Palmer Street, Downtown Plant City. www.plantcitymainstreet.com Free admission Trunk or Treat @ GraceWay Church, 6PM-8PM, Saturday, October 30. Trunk or treat, free candy, door prizes, music, etc. GraceWay Church of Plant City, 3106 South Wiggins Road, Plant City. (813) 752-4879 Trunk or Treat Spooktacular @ El Mirasol, 5PM to 7PM, Sunday, October 31. Trunk or treat, free candy, costumes encouraged. El Mirasol, 1419 South Collins Street, Plant City. (813) 752-2108 Free admission Trunk or Treat @ Thonotosassa COG, 6PM-8PM, Sunday, October 31. Trunk or treat, free candy, costumes encouraged. Thonotosassa Church of God, 11702 Taylor Rd, Thonotosassa. (813) 986-1916 Free admission Fall Festival @ Lake Side Food, 10AM to 4PM on October 23. Features pumpkin painting, bounce houses games, costume contest, music and more. Lake Side Food, 11502 Thonotosassa Road, Thonotosassa. (813) 447-0105 Free Admission; Donations Only

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Swinging into History:

Clayton Jenkins Reflects on Being One of the Last Little Leaguers to Use a Wooden Bat By Jennifer Jordan

ver the years, Plant City has changed and grown so much, all while keeping it’s small-town ‘everybody knows everybody’ vibe. We think about our town’s future all the time, but occasionally, you need a story that allows you to go back in time and reminisce. So, think back 50 years, and take yourself to 1971. In 1971, Walt Disney World opened, the voting age in the U.S. lowered from 21 to 18, and Clayton Jenkins became one of the last Plant City Little League baseball players to use a wooden bat. Clayton Jenkins is a born and raised Plant Citian and the President of T. Clayton Jenkins Construction Company Inc. He has built and renovated countless buildings throughout Plant City, including the newly built Hope Lutheran Church on Park Road. He is also a proud 35-year member of Rotary International. Recently reflecting and reminiscing on his childhood, he realized he was potentially one of the last Plant City Little League baseball players to use a wooden bat. In the 1970s, wooden bats were being phased out while aluminum bats were taking the baseball world by storm. The reason? Not only could an aluminum bat be made lightweight which allowed for a faster swing, but it was also due to wooden bats having the ability to break much easier, which could cause injury to those using one. In 1970, Jenkins was 11 years old and playing for the Plant Furniture team in Little League, and his coaches were the late Ray Moody and Herman Sears. In an article titled, “Jenkins Home Run Leader” from the Plant City Courier on June 4, 1970, that Jenkins has in his possession, the article states, “Little Leaguer Clayton Jenkins of the Plant Furniture

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team leads both American and National League batters in home runs heading into the second half of the season.” As the article continues, it mentions that Jenkins already led with six home runs and that he was Plant Furniture’s only power hitter. During Jenkins’ last year in Little League baseball when he was 12, aluminum bats were starting to take over, and as a result, he was in the last class of Little Leaguers that were using wooden bats. At 13, when he moved up to the Babe Ruth League for kids 13-15 years old, the Little League teams for kids 6-12 years old switched to aluminum bats while kids in the Babe Ruth League continued using wooden bats. Jenkins continued using wooden bats until he retired from baseball at 15. Despite retiring from baseball at 15, Jenkins still loves the sport. He coached little league baseball, basketball, and football for 10 years in the 1990s when his sons were children. Jenkins’ son, Thomas, coincidentally hit a home run during his little league years on the same field Jenkins hit his first home run, a special moment he says he’ll never forget. Jenkins is also a Tampa Bay Rays fan and even got to meet former baseball player Pete Rose. Known as America’s National Pastime, baseball is in the hearts of millions of people in our country. Kids grow up on baseball fields, make lifetime memories, and form friendships that last for years. In 1971, Clayton Jenkins was one of those kids, and because of falling in love with the diamond field, he has great stories to share, saw history in the making, and has moments to look back on with a smile forever.

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Plant City Local Named ‘Teacher of the Year’ By Jennifer Jordan Betty Medina, a fifth-grade teacher and Executive Board member for the GFWC PC Junior Woman’s Club, was recently announced as Teacher of the Year at Dixieland Elementary. She started her career in the education field in 2007 after graduating from the University of South Florida in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree. Medina is continuing her education at Southeastern University, where she is pursuing a master’s degree in TESOL, which is teaching English to speakers of other languages. Medina first started teaching at Springhead Elementary and has taught all grades except for first and third grade. She has been teaching at Dixieland Elementary since 2015, and when she found out she was named teacher of the year, she said, “I was in complete disbelief when I heard my name. The first thing I did was call my mom to tell her the good news.” Living in Plant City for almost her whole life, she is also involved in her community by being a member of GFWC PC Junior Woman’s Club since 2013 and part of their Executive Board for the past seven years. She has been the chair of Little Miss Plant City for the past six years and is a founding member of a web-based club, GFWC Inspire Movement Woman’s Club, where she is CoPresident. At the state level, she is part of the Junior Planning Committee, the Junior Education and Libraries Chairman, and part of the Public Relations and Communications team where she is one of the coordinators for the GFWC Florida Clubwoman, the club’s state newsletter that goes out to all members in the state as well as other state GFWC presidents. Medina said of her future teaching goals, “My main goal every year is to get my students where they need to be by the end of the year so that they are ready for the next year. I think that takes precedence over anything else.” If anyone is planning on getting into teaching or is new in their teaching career, Medina stated, “Find a friend at your school. Being able to have someone to run things by, watch your class while you heat up lunch, or run to the restroom, is a blessing. For those looking to get into the education field, don’t let others change your mind. If you want to teach, do it! Having a support system is key. It’s a tough job, but it is extremely rewarding.” Congratulations on being teacher of the year, Betty! PAGE

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 meeting will be November 15th. 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 are 2 new directors due to board members that have resigned. The Board of Directors voted to add Michelle Picari and Pete Murphy to finish the terms of the 2 resigning board members. Mark your calendars for October 23rd from 10AM to Noon for the Drive-By Halloween event. This event is for Walden Lake residents, and you must have a sticker on your car to collect goodie bags and pumpkins for your children. Please RSVP to BetteG@WaldenLake.org or by calling the HOA office at 813-754-8999. The food trucks at the HOA Building/Sports Complex are on the second Fridays and last Sundays of each month. 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 September, there were 12 sales in Walden Lake and 3 sales in Walden Lake East. The average sale price was $391,017 and an average of 10 days on the market. The September sales are as follows: Address / Sales Price / Living Area / Pool / Garage 301 Valencia Court North /$215,000 / 1329 Sq’ / Community / 2 Car 3457 Silver Meadow Way / $260,000 / 1573 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 204 Granada Court North / $266,000 / 1401 Sq’ / Community / 2 Car 1208 Sandalwood Drive / $277,000 / 1716 Sq’ / Community / 2 Car 1412 Walden Oaks Place / $288,500 / 1503 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 1453 Walden Oaks Place / $297,000 / 1487 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 4205 Longfellow Drive / $299,000 / 1411 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 2006 Sycamore Lane / $303,000 / 1701 Sq’ / Community / 2 Car 1507 Teakwood Drive / $312,500 / 2018 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 3001 Forest Hammock Drive / $374,000 / 2732 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 2910 Barret Avenue / $425,000 / 2666 Sq’ / No / 2 Car 2706 Barret Avenue / $480,000 / 2198 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2409 Clubhouse Drive / $587,000 / 3038 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 3058 Sutton Woods Drive / $731,250 / 2855 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car 2811 Forest Club Drive / $750,000 / 4052 Sq’ / Private / 3 Car There are currently only 5 active listings for sale in Walden Lake with the lowest priced at $459,000 and the highest at $2.2 Million. There are 12 properties Pending Contract in Walden Lake and Walden Lake East. The average list price of $383,517 and average of 10 days on the market. Walden Lake LLC has submitted a revision of their 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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Jackie’s Dance Theater & Gym Class of 1957 to reunite at 2021 Pioneer Day

Coffee with a Cop: The 411 on the 911 By Jennifer Jordan

By Cierra Craft Jackie Everidge opened her dance studio in the Mays building in downtown Plant City in 1957. She then relocated to the Lee building in the 60s. Her husband, Buddy, worked the sound system at every performance and managed the books. After graduating from FSU and USF, their daughter Sharon joined them, teaching alongside her mother. In the 1970s, Jackie purchased a 100-year-old home on Wheeler Street and renovated it into a dance studio, which is where the business operated until her retirement in 2011. Her first class, back in 1957, comprised eight little girls, who performed at the Capitol Theater in Jackie’s inaugural recital “Around the World.” Those little performers included Melinda Snow, Julie Green, Sue DeShong, Mary Catherine Clark, Cindy Acree, Sally DeShong, Peggy Gardner Adams, and Jan Sullivan. “The costumes and their umbrellas were made by hand,” said Jackie’s daughter, Sharon Everidge McLin, who taught alongside her mother. “There were no costume companies back in the 50s.” Now Peggy wants to get the girls back together for special reunion with their beloved Mrs. Jackie. “I started dancing with Mrs. Jackie when I was 4 years old,” said Peggy. “She has influenced so many people in the community and it meant so much to me to be apart of it. She helped mold so many people into who we are today.” Peggy recalls picking up a soda from the drugstore before going upstairs for dance class, when the dance studio was in downtown. Somedays were tap and jazz classes, other days were ballet. She recounted numerous experiences dancing at the Florida Strawberry Festival, events for the Woman’s Club, and participating in parades. “If there was an event in this town, Jackie’s Dance was the entertainment,” said Peggy. “We were always at an event, always performing. She even helped us when some of the girls wanted to go out for Strawberry Queen. She’d help us with modeling and public speaking, too.” It was reported back in 2011, upon her retirement, that Jackie had touched the lives of an estimated 5,000 kids in Plant City. Her influence on the city’s youth make her an icon of the community to this day. These days, she lives in Inverness, closer to her children and grandchildren. Sharon continues to share memories of the dance studio’s tenure through social media, posting photos and inviting alumni to meet for lunch when the family is in Plant City. Alumni of Jackie’s Dance Studio is invited to the 2021 Pioneer Day event, scheduled for Saturday, November 13 at the 1914 Plant City High School. The group will meet in the Music Library, a room dedicated to Mrs. Jackie’s 54 years of dance instruction in Plant City. All alumni are welcome to attend and visit Mrs. Jackie, Mrs. Sharon and Mr. Buddy. PAGE

On October 6, the community was invited to celebrate the 2nd annual Coffee with a Cop event. Hosted at Stingray Chevrolet from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., members of the community got to see multiple law enforcement units, police equipment, police horses, and a K-9 officer. “This event was created to allow people to get familiar with officers and what we do so they feel more comfortable around the police,” said Officer Eckard of PCPD. It also gave students from schools such as Marshall Middle Magnet opportunities to meet with the police, ask questions, and maybe spark interest in becoming an officer themselves. At Coffee with a Cop, the public got to meet and greet with HCSO, HCSO Mounted Enforcement, PCPD, FDLE, FWC, FHP, the Bomb Disposal Unit, and the Marine Unit. They allowed the public to look at an HCSO helicopter, robots from the Bomb Disposal Unit, PCPD’s Mobile Command Center, and an undercover vehicle. Steve Hurley, the owner of Stingray Chevrolet, stated, “This event is so important to our community. We need people to know that police are people too and want to keep those around them safe.” Officers answered questions, taught the public about what they do in their specific unit, and how their equipment works for them. While the community enjoyed Coffee with a Cop, they were able to grab donuts provided by Hole-in-One, pastries provided by Crumbles & Cream, and goodies such as stickers and stress balls shaped as cop cars from PCPD. Coffee with a Cop was not only educational but also humbling to hear what officers go through regarding their training and daily responsibilities. If you missed Coffee with a Cop, you can meet and greet with some officers from the HSCO Mounted Enforcement on October 30 at 8AM when they host their Haunted Poker Ride at Alafia River State Park. For questions about Coffee with a Cop, call Stingray Chevrolet at 813-359-5000.

Chaplaincy Care Hosts 3rd Annual Banquet of Heroes By Jennifer Jordan

n October 2, past and present First Responders were recognized and honored for their service to our country at the 3rd annual Banquet of Heroes, all while raising money for Chaplaincy Care, Inc. through a silent auction and raffle. Located at the TECO Expo Hall at the Strawberry Festival grounds, the evening was filled with fellowship, respect for Military Service Members and First Responders, and appreciation to the many men and women who have lost their lives to give our nation’s citizens continued freedom. The 3rd annual Banquet of Heroes was hosted by Chaplaincy Care, Inc., a non-profit organization that was formed in 2013 and fully launched in 2019 by Dr. Daniel and Arienne Middlebrooks. Their focus is to serve and provide the necessary elements of excellence that help to protect the heart of our everyday warriors- the First Responders. Chaplaincy Care, Inc. is 100% funded by organizations, churches, and individuals that love First Responders and the sacrifice they make for all of us. Their mission is to train, equip, encourage, and protect the heart of First Responders and their families. Their vision is to impact the organizations that are charged to “Protect and Serve” both our country and community. They also provide physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual counseling. Last year, Banquet of Heroes was virtual due to Covid-19, but it still raised an amazing $52,000. This year’s banquet raised an incredible $40,000, and donations are still being counted and accepted. The Banquet of Heroes began with The New Floridians singing “God Bless America” and Todd Harr welcoming guests. Plant City High School’s JROTC did the Presentation of Colors, Kate Crumpler sang the National Anthem, and Todd Harr gave the introductions. After introductions, Chris Miller of the Florida Highway Patrol rang the Remembrance Bell, a bell that is rang for five sets of three rings to represent Law Enforcement, Fire Rescue, Military, EMS, and Security Officers who dedicated their lives to protecting others. The three rings represent those we have lost this year, the family members who support them, and the community that is thankful for their sacrifice. Once the Remembrance Bell ceremony was complete, Chaplain Jim Farr gave the invocation. Dinner was then served by Outback Steakhouse, and the Cake Girl provided cake and cupcakes for dessert. Musical entertainment was provided by the New Floridians. Sponsors for the evening included but aren’t limited to, Central Florida Exterior, Inc. & Central Florida Heat & Air, Berry Amaz’n, and N E Where Transport.

After dinner, the Quilts of Valor Group 71033 gave quilts to three deserving veterans, Seaman First Class Robert Lanouette, Master Gunnery Sergeant Johnson Lykens, and Major General Doug Carver. The Quilts of Valor Foundation was formed in 2003 and creates qualitymade quilts to award to Veterans for their service, sacrifice, and valor in serving our nation. They quilt to honor and comfort the Veterans and Service Members touched by war. Since QOV began keeping records in 2010, they have presented over 280,900 quilts, providing Veterans with feelings of love, safety, and comfort. Once the Quilts of Valor presentation was complete, quilt receiver and special guest speaker Chaplain Doug Carver spoke about the meaning of a true hero and sacrifice. He stated, “I just thank the Lord that I’m a beneficiary among our other American citizens of what you have done to pay for my freedom and safety. Your sacrifice is noble and your commitment to help those who you don’t even know and may never meet shows your heroism.” Carver is a retired Major General for the US Army, an ordained Southern Baptist minister, and is also the Executive Director of the Chaplaincy for the Southern Baptist Convention’s North American Mission Board. The evening concluded with the silent auction and raffle winners being announced, and Chaplain Will Murphy gave the closing prayer. Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks gave the closing remarks and thanked everyone for attending and donating to Chaplaincy Care, Inc. As everyone said their goodbyes to each other, there was a feeling of admiration in the air, with attendees being humbled by the many sacrifices-both external and internalthat thousands of First Responders have had to make to give our nation continued life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is events like Baquet of Heroes that reminds all of us to count our blessings, appreciate freedom, and to always say, “Thank you.” to a First Responder. PAGE

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Kiwanis Installation Dinner Introduces the New Officers for 2021-2022 By Jennifer Jordan On September 16, The Kiwanis Club of Plant City hosted its Installation and Awards Dinner at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, located at 106 S. Evers Street. The Installation and Awards Dinner pinned the new officers for the 2021-2022 year and went over some of the many successful projects that the Kiwanis Club operates throughout the year. The event began with 2020-2021 Plant City Kiwanis President Jimmy Conrow welcoming guests and reciting the Six Objects of Kiwanis International. Jim McDaniel then gave the invocation, and Joe Borrell recited the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the guests of the evening, which included Key Club members from Plant City High School. Jimmy Conrow went over the presentations, and awards were given out for special achievements. Keri Kozicki won the Perfect Attendance award, Heather Coates won the Legion of Honor Award, and Jimmy Conrow won the awards for Distinguished Service and Kiwanian of the year. Dinner was prepared and served by Sharon Moody, the Lt. Governor for Division 14 of the Kiwanis Club. Dinner included chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, rice, and salad. Banana Pudding was served for dessert. Sponsors included but aren’t limited to, Unity in the Community, Stingray Chevrolet, Prosser/Verner Foundation, South Florida Baptist Hospital, Edward Jones- Jimmy Conrow, and Plant City High School Key Club/ Danielle Odden. After dinner was served, Sharon Moody gave thanks to the 2020-2021 officers which included President Jimmy Conrow, President-Elect Marilyn Williams, Treasurer Heather Coats, and Secretary Keri Kozicki. Conrow stated about his role as President, “It was great to be President as the club celebrated 100 years. We get to help so many members of the community by giving out scholarships, presents for Christmas, and backpacks for students before school starts. Those projects wouldn’t be possible without our officers, members, and volunteers.” Moody then welcomed past Kiwanis Presidents James and Denise McDaniel to pin the new officers for 2021-2022, who will start serving immediately. The 2021-2022 officers for the Kiwanis Club of Plant City are as follows: President: Marilyn Williams President-Elect: A. Joseph Borrell Treasurer: Latesa Faison Secretary: C.L. Townsend After the installation of the officers, 2021-2022 President Marilyn Williams gave the concluding remarks, saying, “I look forward to working and serving with the Kiwanis Club of Plant City, the new officers, the old officers, and all the members of Kiwanis. We’re going to make this a good year.” The Kiwanis Club of Plant City is a local service organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in the community by mentoring them, providing scholarships, and promoting entrepreneurship. The Kiwanis Club of Plant City was founded in 1921 and donates over $34K annually to local nonprofit organizations to help accomplish their mission of helping children lead healthy, fulfilling lives. For questions on volunteering, donating, or upcoming projects, contact the Kiwanis Club at 813-453-7134 or visit their website at https://www.kiwanis.org. PAGE

Agriculturalists honored at 2021 Harvest Awards By Jennifer Jordan On September 23, The Hillsborough County Fair kicked off by having the 20th annual Harvest Awards, an event that was canceled last year due to Covid-19. The Harvest Awards was established by the Cooperative Extension Service to celebrate those outstanding pioneers in agriculture and the farming community, in addition to preserving the agricultural heritage of Hillsborough County. This year, the Harvest Awards celebrated honorees Glenn and Frances Williamson, Jemy Hinton, Debbie Gill, Matt Parke, and the Southshore Chamber of Commerce. The event also honored the late Dr. Earl Lennard with a special Memorial Tribute. The event began with Harvest Awards Committee Chair Mike McKinney welcoming attendees to the Hillsborough County Fair and gave a history of what the fair represents and what agriculture does for Hillsborough County. Afterward, Strawberry Crest JROTC Color Guard did the Presentation of Colors, and Brianna Sturgis of Hillsborough County FFA Federation recited the Pledge of Allegiance. The Voice runner-up and local star Kenzie Wheeler sang the National Anthem, and Cooper Davis of Hillsborough County FFA Federation gave the invocation. Master of Ceremonies Melissa Raburn then presented Nikki Foster of Mosaic with a plaque as a form of gratitude for Mosaic being the presenting sponsor. Foster stated, “I’m very honored to be part of Mosaic that supports this organization and these activities and fairs throughout Central Florida because we truly understand the value of what the farmers do and the food that comes out of the ground.” After Foster gave her speech on the importance of agriculture and the fair, the presentation of awards began. 2021 Harvest Queen Morgan Nolan and 2021 Jr. Harvest Queen Makinley Jensen presented plaques made by Khristin Finley to each of the honorees and posed for photos with each of the honorees. The 2021 Harvest Awards and Honorees are: • Farm Family of the Year- Glenn and Frances Williamson; award presented by Nikki Foster • Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture- Jemy Hinton; award presented by Kimberly Overman of Hillsborough County BOCC • Outstanding Woman in Agriculture – Debbie Gill; award presented by Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff • Outstanding Young Farmer- Matt Parke; award presented by Melissa Raburn of Hinton Farms • Outstanding Public & Community Service- Southshore Chamber of Commerce; award presented by Dustin Portillo After the awards were given, Pam Walden of the Harvest Awards Committee gave a speech on the life and successes of Dr. Earl Lennard, who is a former President of the Hillsborough County Fair Board and a former Superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools. He was awarded posthumously with a Memorial Tribute, and Walden stated about Dr. Lennard, “Earl was a doer; he wasn’t a sitter. I think we all remember him and the wonderful impact he had and still has in the community, and it’s an honor to recognize Earl for this Harvest Award Posthumous Memorial Tribute.” The Harvest Awards concluded with Melissa Raburn thanking everyone for attending and for supporting agriculture and the youth that make agriculture a part of their lives. Lunch was then provided by BubbaQue’s BBQ, and attendees were able to enjoy BBQ beans, pulled pork and chicken sliders, chicken tenders, salad, banana pudding, and chocolate chip cookies. At the event, a quilt was being auctioned to raise money for the Hillsborough County 4-H Foundation, which provides students with scholarships and opportunities to compete in various agriculture shows and sales. A special appearance was even made by the Tampa Bay Lightning Mascot, ThunderBug, who welcomed attendees to the Harvest Awards. The 2021 Harvest Awards is not only a great way to kick off the Hillsborough County Fair, but also show farmers how much they are appreciated, valued, and respected by their community.

WWW.PLANTCITYENTERTAINMENT.COM

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What inspires you to serve the community? I am inspired to serve the community because it just makes you feel good. To be able to help someone, make someone’s life better or to accomplish a goal as part of a team is what life is all about. What is a business or event you would like to see Plant City have in the future? I would like to see more things to draw people to downtown. Maybe an art festival or a Saturday morning market with foods, crafts and produce. What is a local cause/organization you feel passionately about? Everyday Blessings Inc. is my biggest passion right now. They are a residential foster care facility for children who have been removed from their homes due to neglect, abuse or abandonment. They do all they can to keep siblings together, so they have support during this challenging time in their young lives. I was introduced to them through my affiliation with the Plant City Elks Lodge. Our lodge takes dinner to them once a week, usually a home cooked meal by one of our members. To see how thankful and appreciative those kids are can make one cry. As I drive away each week, I always think about what else can I do for them. Those children humble me.

People of Plant City

George Domedion By Emily Topper

Were you born in Plant City? If not, where were you born and when did you move here? I am not a Plant Citian by birth, although I feel like one! I was born in Buffalo, New York. I moved to the Tampa area 36 years ago, and to Plant City six years ago. What are your favorite local places to visit? I like going to the Plant City train viewing platform. It’s a nice place to relax and watch the world go by. It has been interesting to watch the new mural being painted in downtown Plant City. It captures the essence of the city. My favorite restaurants are The Wooden Spoon Diner, Nick’s Pizzeria and Outback Steakhouse.

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What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a private pilot, I have nine brothers and I am a Miss America Pageant-certified judge. What local causes/organizations are you involved in? I am on the board of directors at Everyday Blessings Inc., an officer at Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 where I am the local director of the Elks National Hoop Shoot Contest, a past officer and present member of the Plant City Lions Club where I am co-chair of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queens Pageant, on the board of directors at Berry Fine Productions Inc. where I am co-chair of the Strawberry Grand Parade and I am the co-chair of the Bruton Memorial Library Mystery Dinner Theater.

What is the best part about living in Plant City? The people! I have lived in many places over the years and besides my hometown, I have made so many friends here. When you have a friend in Plant City, you have a new family member! What’s one thing on your bucket list? The top thing on my bucket list is to play a round of golf at Augusta National Golf Course. Funnily enough, my girlfriend went to high school with one of the six women members of Augusta. It hasn’t happened yet, but Christmas is right around the corner, honey! What is your advice to the next generation of Plant Citians? Never forget from where you came. Fifty years from now, you will look back and remember how this community molded you and helped make you the person you have become. Always give back to your community. Most importantly, call your mom every day because you never know when she will be gone!

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Did You Know?

Visit the Salute to Veterans Exhibit At the Photo Archives By Dr. Scotty and Hsiu Huang History Center Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

t was a somber event. The guns of what was then called “The Great War” fell silent at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was November 11, 1918, Armistice Day, a date which came to signify an International Day of Remembrance. By 1954, this commemoration became known as Veteran’s Day to honor US military veterans from all wars and conflicts and continues to be celebrated annually on November 11th. Beginning in 2005, the Plant City Photo Archives has presented its Salute to Veterans exhibit each year. This year the exhibit will be on display from Thursday, November 11, through Thursday, December 30. The exhibit includes over 800 photographs of Plant City area veterans, from 8” x 10” to 36” x 48”, along with a slide show and related artifacts. The following are just some of those Plant City veterans who have served in the United States Military Forces over the years. These and other stories will be available in the Photo Archives Salute to Veterans exhibit Monday through Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Perhaps the most decorated soldier from Plant City was Barber “Craig” Mills, who was awarded the Bronze Star with Oak leaf cluster; Purple Heart (March 1945); Silver Star (Battle of the Bulge, January 1945); Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) (March 1945). Major Mills was a tank commander and served from February 1942 to February 1946. People in Plant City knew Craig Mills’s mother, Lula Craig Mills, who was a prominent educator and principal at Wilson Elementary School and Tomlin Jr. High School. Craig Mills was a 1935 graduate of Plant City High School and an Eagle Scout with the well-known Plant City Boy Scout Troop 5. Walter “T” Holloman, born December 9,

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1913, was a native of Bealsville and a son of Beulah Holloman; in 1940, he worked for the American Cyanamid Company in Brewster, Polk County, Florida. He enlisted in the US Army on February 12, 1942, and rose to the rank of Sergeant First Class. Holloman was a graduate of the Combat Proficiency Course at the United States Army Armor Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. After over 21 years of military service, Walter Holloman retired in October 1963 and moved back to Plant City where he lived until his death on March 18, 1993. He is buried in Antioch Cemetery, Bealsville, Florida. Inez Goette (Yoho) was born in Lakeland in 1921, graduating from Lakeland High School in 1937. She attended the Florida State Hospital School of Nursing Education in Chattahoochee, Florida, graduating with her nursing degree and becoming a registered nurse in 1943. To serve her country during the time of war, Miss Goette joined the Army Nurse Corps and served as a First Lieutenant at the Army Service Forces Regional Hospital, Camp Blanding, Florida. About that time a young graduate of Penn State University, and now a Second Lt. in the US Army, was also based at Camp Blanding. Inez Goette and Don Yoho met and later married in Jacksonville, Florida on July 15, 1944. Lt. Yoho was then sent to Italy in charge of an infantry unit; promoted to Captain, Yoho received a Bronze Star for his service in Italy. He was discharged in 1946 and the Yoho family moved to Plant City, where Don was football coach, teacher, and later principal of Plant City High School. Inez Yoho was a church, school, and Red Cross volunteer. Sources: Plant City Photo Archives photo and document collections; newspapers.com; ancestry.com.

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2021

Harvest Queen & Jr. Harvest Queen By Cierra Craft

d e n w o r C

On September 11, the Hillsborough County Fair crowned Morgan Nolan as the 2021 Harvest Queen and Makinley Jensen as its 2021 Jr. Harvest Queen. The competition comprised dozens of young ladies competing for the title and The Roland and Olive Lewis Scholarship in memory of Marvin Brown and the Senior Queen contestants also competed for the Pipe Pro’s scholarship. The winners are ambassadors for the county fair at a number of events, including; greeting and escorting guests, speaking at civic club meetings, appearing in parades, and representing the Fair in public appearances.

“We are looking forward to the new year with our new queens,” said Pageant Director Kelli Messick. “The year ahead of them may be somewhat different than other years, but we will be in our community serving where we can.” Meet Nolan and Jensen as they discuss the year ahead and what they’re looking forward to as Hillsborough County royalty.

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Harvest Queen

Morgan Nolan

Have you participated in pageants before? If so, what competitions have you competed in? Have you held any previous pageant titles? Yes, I have competed before in this pageant for 10 years and in many other local pageants like Jr. Royalty and Strawberry Queen, but this is my first title as queen! What does the title of Harvest Queen mean to you? How do you hope to use this platform? The title means many years of hard work finally paying off, as I have competed in Harvest Queen for 10 years. Doing this pageant for so long, I love the people and the brand behind it, and I was more than honored to be named Queen. I hope through my time as Queen to show other young girls that sometimes it takes more than a few tries and that’s okay, you have to keep going no matter what. Plus, I want to show the community the growth the Hillsborough County Fair has had and make sure our guests leave having had a great time! What was your favorite portion of the Harvest Queen pageant? My favorite portion of the pageant is the interview because it is a one on one with the judges and it is the area in this year’s pageant that I think I nailed it! For those reading this article, who have never attended the Hillsborough County Fair, how would you encourage them to attend this year's event? Having been to the Hillsborough County Fair for many years, it has come an extremely long way in such a short time and it will continue to do so next year. Many new things are coming to the fair and i would encourage anyone who wants to have a good time and support the youth in our community to stop on by! What is your favorite fair food? My favorite fair food was the Cubans from the little teal truck right next to the big arena where the rodeo, demolition derby, and more events will take place at this year’s fair! What is something people may be surprised to learn about you? Most people are surprised when I tell them I have 13 siblings. Yes, 13! I have 6 sisters and 7 brothers but no fully biological siblings. I have three half-siblings, 4 step-siblings, and 6 adopted siblings. My family is very large and complicated but it has never been small or boring! What is your favorite song and why? My favorite song is One More Light by Linkin Park, it always reminds me even during your low times or times of anger there are people who care about you and things will get better Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your life: I will be attending college in the spring still undecided between UCF and USF. I plan on majoring in kinesiology to become an athletic trainer. I graduated from Armwood High School’s Collegiate Academy and HCC simultaneously earning my associate’s degree and a high school diploma. I was very heavily involved but now try to focus on work and organizing life until college arrives in January. I plan on joining greek life and more clubs wherever I decide to attend. My lovely parents are Jennifer Alderman and Todd Nolan, two very different people with two very different outlooks on life, and I’m blessed to see both. Plus, my stepparents Tisa Nolan and Brian Alderman! PAGE

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Jr.Harvest Queen

Makinley Jensen

Have you participated in pageants before? If so, what competitions have you competed in? Have you held any previous pageant titles? I have a passion for pageants and I participate in as many as I can. I’ve competed in Junior Royalty, Sunburst Beauty Pageant, and Starlight. I have held titles for Tomlin Middle School’s “Tigers and Tiaras”, Plant City’s Junior Woman’s Club’s “Little Miss Plant City” and multiple events with Starlight and Sunburst Beauty Pageants. What does the title of Harvest Queen or Jr. Harvest Queen mean to you? How do you hope to use this platform? Winning the Jr. Harvest Queen title has been a blessing beyond belief and we are just getting started! Every time I put the crown on, I am humbled and remind myself this experience should never be taken for granted. I hope to use this platform to encourage other young girls to be confident and remind them they are all beautiful and can do anything they put their mind to! What was your favorite portion of the Harvest Queen pageant? My favorite part of the Harvest Queen Pageant was meeting other girls that are so strongly devoted to agriculture and pageants like I am. It is also amazing to see these girls grace the stage with confidence and carry that confidence outside to the farm! For those reading this article, who have never attended the Hillsborough County Fair, how would you encourage them to attend this year's event? I would let them know they are missing out on a great community event! I would encourage them that there is something for everyone to enjoy! We have awesome food, an amazing livestock tent, beautiful artwork, fun rides and more. What is your favorite fair food? My favorite fair “meal” would be a Smitty’s corn dog, deep-fried Oreo’s, and a fresh-squeezed lemonade! What is something people may be surprised to learn about you? People may be surprised to learn that even though I do pageants, I’m not your average girly girl. After school, you can usually find me at my barn cleaning stalls and working with my sheep (Princess, Baroness & Dutchess). I typically end my days covered in sweat, dirt, and yes….sheep poop! On the weekends I love to ride around the island in my teal blue golf cart jamming to Taylor Swift. What is your favorite song and why? My favorite song is probably 22 by Taylor Swift. I have listened to her music since I was very little. This song is upbeat and makes me happy. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your life: My parents are Jeff and Rhonda Jensen. I attend Tomlin Middle School. I’m in 8th grade. I am a member of the Hillsborough County Schools Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) program. I am the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) Secretary as well as the Future Farmers of America (FFA) President. I participate in a lot of career development events (CDEs) for the FFA, like Forestry and Public Speaking. I am one of the leaders for Tigers for Christ club at Tomlin and I am actively involved in my church youth group at First Baptist of Plant City.

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2021 FASHION FALL

LOOKBOOK

By Cierra Craft Fall 2021 is here and as we prepare for cooler temperatures and family gatherings, it’s time to update our wardrobe. This season is all about boyfriend jeans, graphic tees and cozy layers, calling for a more casual fall fashion season. Our local boutiques are offering these trends- and more- creating outfit ideas and looks that are effortless for the busy mom, the young college student or the preppy creative. Check out these looks from Whiskey Darling Boutique, RAOK, Fringe, and Clothed in Grace. Be sure to show these businesses your patronage as you shop for the latest trends and styles.

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Whiskey Darling Boutique shopwhiskeydarling.com

Floral Fall Pumpkin Tee, S-2XL, $28 Rina High Top Sneaker by ShuShop in Rose Gold, 6-10, $109 Velvety Tufts Taupe Jacket, S-3XL, $68 Sunney Ankle Skinny Jeans, 0-15, $52 PAGE

Fringe Boutique 601 E Alexander St, Plant City, FL 33563 Mon-Fri 10AM to 6PM Sat 10AM to 3PM Sun Closed

Ivory Mix Smocked Blouse, $39.99 Mud Pie Distressed Jeans, $69.50 Bourbon & Boweties Earrings, $24.00 PAGE

RAOK Boutique 2804 James L Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33566 Mon- Sat 10AM to 5PM

Caution Tie Dye Maxi, S-L $49.50 Jackson Hole Fringe Bootie, 5.5-10 $35 Ellie Bucket Bag, $86 PAGE

Clothed in Grace 113 W Reynolds Street, Plant City, 33563 Tues-Fri 10:00AM-5:00PM Sat 9:00AM-3:00PM Sun & Mon Closed

The Gates of Hell Will Not Prevail Tee, S-2XL, $22.99 Flannel Shacket, S-2XL, $52 PAGE

Clothed in Grace 113 W Reynolds Street, Plant City, 33563 Tues-Fri 10:00AM-5:00PM Sat 9:00AM-3:00PM Sun & Mon Closed

Yahweh Black Jogger Set, S-2XL, $47

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DANCING WITH THE LOCALS MEET THE DANCERS By Cierra Craft Photos by Deanna Hurley Photography

Plant City Rotary Club’s annual Dancing with the Locals is a highlight of Plant City’s fall social calendar. The annual event is a fundraising endeavor for the civic group, with an average of 400 audience members there to catch the action. The 2021 event is Friday, October 29, 2021, at 6:00 p.m. at the Trinkle Center at the Hillsborough Community College. Tickets are $100 to watch family, friends, and neighbors hit the stage to raise funds for the community. Ten couples prepare for their time in the spotlight with the help of professional choreographers and 10 provided dance lessons. Each couple is competing for the coveted Mirror Ball Trophy. Event co-chair Jodi Stevens is excited to welcome the event back this season, having to take a hiatus in response to COVID-19 last year. To purchase tickets and attend or to sign up as a 2022 dancer, please call Jodi at 813-716-0908. PAGE

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CLAY & CARMEN KEEL Clay and Carmen Keel own and operate Keel Farms and Keel and Curley Winery in Plant City. They have been together since 2001 and have two children. They were drawn to Dancing with the Locals due to their passion for the arts, musical theater, and dance as well as the great cause the event supports. Clay grew up on the farm but his professional life took him to many other places. He graduated from the University of South Florida in 2005 and was commissioned into the US Army as a Medical Service Officer. Clay spent six years on active duty, deploying twice to Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division, and still serves in the Army Reserve. Clay later earned a Master of Business Administration from Saint Leo University and completed his brewing education at The Siebel Institute. He helped build multiple successful breweries in Florida and New York until he and Carmen decided to take over the family farm and winery in 2018. Carmen is originally from Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and grew up in Tampa. Carmen graduated from Colorado State University and spent eight years as a high school teacher. She has served in multiple community leadership roles throughout her life including military Family Readiness Group leader, Girl Scout Troop leader, and as a Volleyball Coach at Bartow High School and the Buffalo Academy of Science. She now ventures outside of the education field to focus on the business, the community, and philanthropy.

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Kevin Rios is the owner of Just Dance Academy of Dance and Etiquette in downtown Lakeland. He has called Lakeland home for 20 years. From the Waltz to the Cha Cha and the Foxtrot to the Swing, Kevin’s dance academy has something for everyone. This year, Kevin is instructing eight couples competing in 2021 Dancing With the Locals.

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ARLEY SMUDE & MELINDA SUE PHILLIPS Born and raised in Plant City, Arley was a Trapnell Trapper, Turkey Creek Gobbler, and Durant Cougar. He grew up working at his family’s plant nursery and metal fabrication business, Metals & Nature. After attending UCF he managed promotional marketing events throughout the U.S. Since 2012, Arley has worked in clean energy and health operations on four continents, from solar to newborn medical devices. Arley serves on the Board of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Design Committee of Plant City Main Street, and is a member of Plant City Toastmasters. He enjoys cycling, porches, subpar dancing, building things in his yard, metalwork, and all things downtown Plant City. Melinda Sue Phillips grew up in a small town called Picayune, Mississippi, and moved to Lakeland, Florida in 2006, and then to Plant City in 2018. Always thinking outside the box, she graduated from a homeschool program at 16-years-old and completed the Barbering course at Pearl River Community College at age 17. She is a hairstylist with over twenty years of experience and has been using her skills to help the community of Plant City look and feel fabulous since 2007. She recently worked as a camp counselor in North Carolina and is hoping to find similar opportunities to work with youth here in Florida. Melinda Sue is also a member of the Thai Dance Group of Tampa, where she has had many opportunities to dance at different cultural events. She is an avid outdoorsy woman and loves camping, hiking, swimming, and anything to do with being outside. Her hobbies include dancing, skateboarding, learning, writing, painting, and traveling. She has plans to one day build her van into a camper and travel the states, but her heart will always reside in Plant City.

Teala Mahoney

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Teala has been teaching many styles of dance locally for over 20 years. She's currently teaching at Drawdy's Dance with her lifelong best friend, Amanda Drawdy, and the Plant City YMCA. This is her fourth year working with Dancing with the Locals and it has become one of her favorite events to be a part of.

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DARRY & HEATHER DYKSTRA Darry is the owner and President of Dykstra Construction, Inc. and has been in business for over 20 years. Dykstra Construction specializes in building gas stations and commercial buildings all across the state of Florida. Growing from 3 employees to now over 40, Darry has built a solid and successful company that was recently named as one of Florida’s top 13 best gas station contractors by GC Magazine. Heather also works for the construction company as the CFO and is a 20+ year fitness instructor and certified personal trainer. She currently teaches group fitness classes (Les Mills BODYPUMP & BODYCOMBAT) at the YMCAs as well as the Just Move Athletic Clubs in Lakeland. They have a 20-year-old son, Sebastian, who is a full-time 3rd-year college student at USF studying Criminology with hopes to do something in law enforcement. They also have a Frenchie named Piper, many cows, and 3 donkeys (Margarita, Sangria & Tequila). The couple is so excited to participate in Dancing with the Locals again and put a smile (and maybe even a laugh or 2) on the audience’s faces during these difficult times we are living in, with the latest uprise of COVID-19. Darry & Heather hope that you gain enjoyment from watching them act like complete fools for several minutes. The Dykstras promise you will get your money’s worth of entertainment.

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

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CLIFF & CRYSTAL BROWN Cliff & Crystal Brown have become the go-to names in Central Florida for the wedding and entertainment industry. The couple started their wedding company, Crown Entertainment, in 2017. In only 4 short years, they continue to grow their company, expanding it to include photography/ videography “Captured by Crown”, wedding coordinating “Crown Coordinating”, and bridal boutique “Bridal by Crown”. As a music producer Cliff has cut multi-platinum and gold-selling records for artists such as Usher, Young Jeezy, Rick Ross, Keyshia Cole, G-Unit, blues legend Buddy Guy, and more. The signing of a publishing deal with Warner Chappell led him to win a Grammy for R&B Album of the year on Mary J. Blige's "The Breakthrough" album. Cliff has also been blessed to have directed and worked with many bands such as FAMU Marching Band, reggae legends, and to have produced for the Christian powerhouse label "Reach Records". As an artist and DJ, he has shared the bill with Usher, Maroon 5, The Weeknd, The Black Keys, and more as well as fronting numerous bands performing from Amalie Arena to sold-out concerts at the House of Blues. Alongside long-time friend and business partner Dan Druen, the Five 5 team have recently expanded their headquarters to downtown Plant City with the purchase of the former Chamber of Commerce building. “Five 5 Plant City” is a state-of-the-art music studio and multi-media production house, rivaling most major studios. The building also boasts a rooftop lounge and bottom floor event center to hold concerts, weddings, and corporate parties. No stranger to the world of entertainment, Crystal spent numerous years cheering for the Tampa Bay Lightning, working her way up from team captain to head coach. Crystal has hosted, organized, and entertained exclusive celebrity parties, high-end weddings, corporate celebrations, and political events in Tampa Bay and beyond. She also has a passion for children, graduating from USF and becoming an elementary school teacher for several years. She has a heart for serving, loves seeing people smile, and finds pure joy in other's happiness. Just recently, Crystal's wedding business expanded by opening her own bridal boutique. “Bridal by Crown” is a modern dress shop rooted in tradition and southern elegance nestled in the heart of historic downtown Plant City. Crystal and her staff provide an elegant and premier wedding dress experience for brides looking for the perfect wedding dress tailored to their individuality, style, and vision. She aspires to create a dress shopping experience that makes every bride feel special and beautiful. Cliff and Crystal have three children: Jayden, Makyla, and Caydance. They are active members at Grace City Church. They love to travel, spending time with their families, trying new foods and restaurants, watching the Tampa Bay Lightning, and spending their time anywhere near water.

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

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TIM & LINDSAY HUNT Tim is a native New Yorker and attended Rochester Institute of Technology where he played lacrosse. After studying abroad in France and living in a tent in Alaska, he moved to New York City to sell custom clothing. Lindsay is a Plant City native. While she considers Plant City home, she has always loved New York. After graduating from the University of South Florida (Go Bulls!), Lindsay moved to New York City where she started her career with Enterprise Car Rental. They met at Enterprise when Tim was renting a car, ended up talking about the crazy suit he was wearing, and by the time he left, she had a new job offer to come work with him, not long after they were dating. They started their family in New York and loved having kids there, but they believe that there is no better place to raise their kids than Plant City. They left their tiny 2 bedroom apartment and moved back to the country. Tim still wears crazy suits, now he just wears boots with them. Lindsay is so happy to be back with family and friends. Tim now has an ice business with his brother-in-law and business partner, Trey Stevens. Lindsay is a sales rep for Parkway Specialty Pharmacy. Neither of their careers requires much dancing. They love spending time with their three kids, Cambell, Dylan, and Hayes, being involved in church activities, and going to USF football games. They spend summers in Skaneateles, NY, Tim’s hometown. Lindsay is involved in Cork Elementary and Tomlin Middle School PTA, and Tim coaches Lacrosse for Hayes’s team the South Tampa Stix. They love being involved in the community and are excited to be a part of Dancing with the Locals and raising money for an organization that does so much good.

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

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JAMES POLK & SHEILA JACKSON James Polk (known as Jimmy to most) is a native Floridian, born in Ft. Myers and raised in Hendry County. He lived in the Hillsborough - Polk County area for over 31 years. He now resides in Mulberry. He received an A.S degree in Computer Science and has been in the Computer Industry for more than 34 years and is a Technical Support Specialist. He has one daughter and two sons: Sabrina (39), James (38) who just recently retired from the U.S. Air Force, and Logan (31). Four grandchildren, Avery (18), Jazmyn (18), Thomas (13) and Little James (4). When Jimmy resided in Plant City he was head coach of Little League Baseball at Sansone Park, head coach of Turkey Creek Football and assisted with the Durant Baseball Team. He participated in Polk County Stepping Out for Education in September 2018 to help raise money for our future generation. Jimmy is excited to participate in this year’s Dancing with the Locals helping raise funds for the Plant City area. He’s honored for the opportunity to raise money for such a worthy charity. In closing, he would like to thank his beautiful dance partner Sheila Jackson for her commitment and Dance Instructor Kevin Rios. Sheila is a Florida native and is very proud to be a Florida girl. She was born and raised in Bartow and continues to live in Polk County through the years. After graduating from Bartow High School, Sheila attended Polk Community College, then later attended The University of Florida College of Dentistry Dental Assisting Program. She has been employed by the same dentist for 27 years. While raising three terrific children, her roles varied from being their mom, their dance teacher, their chaperone, band board committee and fundraising committee to being their biggest fan. They are all now successful adults: Chris (36) , Caitlin (32) and Ethan (23). After they were grown, she dusted off her tap dancing shoes and now enjoys tap dancing again. She sneaks away to the beach as much as she possibly can. Sheila is so excited to be participating in this year’s Dancing With The Locals with her incredible dance partner, Jimmy Polk, and the pair to be a small part of such a wonderful event.

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

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TRENT LOTT & ZORA MILLERLEILE Trent Lott is a 27-year-old fifth-generation hunky Plant City native, son of Rick Lott and the ever-so-brilliant Lady Diana. His economic endeavors into the Plant City area include his College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving franchise, where he employs 50 of the cities Hunkiest young men. He has been involved with the Rise Plant City group and coached both Boys Tennis and Boys soccer at PCHS. He hopes to continue getting involved in the community and continue servicing this great city to the best of his ability with his business. He has returned to the dancing stage where he shall hope to give the crowd a performance they can really take a bite out of! Zora Millerleile is a 26-year-old world traveler that has already been to 26 countries. Her favorite hobbies include long walks on the beach and talking about shoes. Zora has just finished her 200 hour yoga teacher training certification and has begun teaching private lessons with a more individualized approach. She is in the process of combining her 2 loves of travel and yoga to form "Zoga". She hopes to organize relaxation and yoga retreats in the future.

Alisa Burkina

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

Alisa Burkina is an Elite Pro Teacher at District Dance Academy specializing in Argentine Tango, Tango Barre, Salsa, Ballroom, and Wedding Choreography. You may recognize her from Rising Star American Smooth Championship Finals, International Tango festivals around the world, and Em Rossi’s music video “Young Hearts”. She is currently the 2021 Argentine Tango USA Stage Tango Champion. PAGE

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ELIAS & AYERIM CALVILLO So there they were, Elias and Ayerim, staring at each other in the middle of a dance club. They had an attraction for each other. Elias gave it a follow-up by contacting Ayerim, establishing a relationship, going on dates, having long talks over the phone, and many other experiences that would mold them together. Both had recently separated from a four-year relationship, but that soon was forgotten as destiny was shaping something better for them both. Elias and Ayerim shared many things in common, one of which was establishing a better future for themselves and their family to come. At the time, they were in their early twenties and didn’t know how they would do it, but knew what future they wanted for themselves. Ayerim was a home school graduate (2004) and Elias was a Durant High School graduate (2008), where he was also involved with student government. After graduation, he joined the military, where he earned Soldier of the Cycle among his platoon and attended HCC before being deployed overseas. While deployed, he earned Soldier of the Month, earned physical fitness recognition, earned ribbons and medals for his performance duty. After returning home from deployment, Elias and Ayerim decided it was time to get uncomfortable, open business, and get to work! Their passion for health and fitness lead them to open a fitness and nutrition shake shop, VEV Fitness and Nutrition. With the focus of providing a healthier alternative for the community to enjoy a low calorie high nutritional shake or one of their favored mega teas for improved energy and focus. They continue to operate their business in downtown plant city. Serving shakes, energy drinks, smiles & good vibes!

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

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CHAD & MCKENNA JORDAN McKenna Jordan is the 18-year-old daughter of Chad Jordan and Tiffani Mercado. McKenna had four siblings: Miranda, Kaden, Parker and Presley. She graduated with honors from Strawberry Crest High School, where she was active with in National Honor Society and graduated as a certified vet assistant. She is a member of First Baptist Church Plant City and currently attends Hillsborough Community College, seeking an AA degree. She will continue her education at the University of South Florida, where she plans to major in nursing. After graduation, she plans to gain experience as an RN and eventually become a travel nurse. McKenna has spent the past 10 months serving as 2021 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. She is excited to represent the Festival this year dancing alongside her father. Chad Jordan was raised in Antioch, Florida and now resides in Dover with his wife, Calley, and their four children: McKenna (18), Kaden (14), Parker (9) and Presley (8). Chad is the Branch Manager of Jerue Truck Broker, Inc. He enjoys spending time at his river house in Weeki Wachee, fishing, and spending quality time with his family. Chad is a member of First Baptist Church Plant City. Chad does in fact have two left feet, but he's excited to dance with his daughter, McKenna, and can't wait for the experience he will gain

Kevin Rios

DANCE INSTRUCTOR

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By Cierra Craft The Plant City Pig Jam took a hiatus in 2020 due to the global pandemic, but barbecue competitors are itching to get back in front of their smokers and throw down at the 2021 Plant City Pig Jam, slated for November 19 and 20 at the Randy Larson Softball Four-plex. Plant City resident Robert Jordan is among the eager, ready to jump back into the Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event for a chance at cash prizes and bragging rights. For Jordan, his love of barbecue began many years ago when he began collecting smokers and grills. Joined by his wife Trish and the couple’s three children, Jennifer, Robbie, and Josh, the Jordans opened Smokin’ Aces as a food truck at the corner of U.S. 92 and County Line Road. It was 2014 when Mark Poppell encouraged Robert Jordan to enter his barbecue into the Pig Jam, and Robert won many accolades. That was all it took for Jordan to become hooked on the barbecue competition scene. “I just want to build a legacy of barbecue,” said Jordan. With his family serving up delicious barbecue every day at their Park Road restaurant, the family is coming in hot to the 2021 Pig Jam, with sights set on the top prizes and a laser focus on competition barbecue. Meet Robert Jordan and his family as they discuss Pig Jam, food, and family. Robert, how did you get into barbecue? Tell us about your family business Smokin’ Aces I’ve been doing barbecue forever and it started with collecting smokers and grills. In the business, I couldn’t do it without my wife, Trish, and our kids Jennifer, Robbie, and Josh. Trish keeps me straight; I do the meat and she does everything else. The kids have been instrumental in the business’s success and we come from a serious humble beginning and now, we are here. This October is nine years in business. We decided to name it Gator’s Smokehouse, but we were sitting around playing a game of Texas Hold ‘Em and Jennifer says, “Why don’t we call it Smokin’ Aces?”

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Share with our readers about the early days of Smokin’ Aces and some of your earliest Pig Jam memories? We started with a food truck at County Line Road and U.S. 92 in 2012. It was Mark Poppell from Poppell Insurance and founder of the Pig Jam who encouraged me to enter my barbecue in the 2014 Pig Jam competition. Unfortunately, we didn’t place in 2014, but in 2015, we won 1st place in ribs in the professional division, out of 77 other vendors and our business blew up after competing in Pig Jam. That year we won Best Taste at the Taste of Plant City awards and FOCUS Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Chicken Wings AND Best Steak! I also have to say Joe Keel gave us a huge opportunity when he allowed us to open at Keel & Curley Winery before we found a permanent home on Park Road. There are hundreds of vendors at Pig Jam. What makes Smokin’ Aces different from the others? First, I want to say we are the only Kansas City Barbecue Society certified restaurant in Plant City and one of three in all of Hillsborough County. Smokin’ Aces is the #1 restaurant in Plant City on TripAdvisor for 5 consecutive years. What’s is like being in the competitor’s perspective during Pig Jam? My wife has been to every Pig Jam with me and I can’t be a one-man-show. Jennifer, my barbecue buddy Larry, and Tammy and Chad Gasaway are instrumental in being successful in competition. It’s a lot of stress, you’ve got to be on time to the judge’s table, even one second late and your entry is not accepted. You’re being judged on appearance, so with appearance, you’re thinking about color and garnishing your box with kale, cilantro, green leaf lettuce or parsley. You’re also judged on taste, and tenderness with a score of one to nine. You’ve got to put all three together and present at least six pieces of meat for each category: Ribs, Brisket, Chicken, and Pork. In competition BBQ you’re submitting your best cuts of meat; no offense, but this isn’t meat from your local supermarket and these are KCBS-certified judges, who judge at many events and earn that title. Then you have an ancillary competition, which is judged by locals and selected by the Chamber of Commerce. This competition is for Best Sauce and Best Dessert, both of which we’ve entered and won in the past. Pig Jam can be stressful, but what makes it worthwhile? The best part of the competition is being around these other BBQ guys and we’re all competing, but at the end of the day, we just like the atmosphere created. I enjoy talking to Dustin and Layla Drawdy from Hardwood BBQ and talking to Rub from Swamp Boyz BBQ at events like Pig Jam. Rub’s invited me into his set up and let me see everything and I asked, ‘Rub, why are you letting me look at your set up?’ And he said he just likes meeting people and talking about barbecue.

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The Smokin’ Aces BBQ competition team comprises, from left to right, Jennifer Jordan, Larry Clarke, Trish and Robert Jordan at the 2019 event. The team competed at Pig Jam for the fist time in 2014

SMOKIN’

THE COMPETITION Here is a complete list of all of Smokin’ Aces’ title wins at BBQ competitions. Get a taste for yourself daily at 2509 N Park Road in Plant City:

2015:

• 1st place in the professional division for ribs (out of 77 other vendors) at Pig Jam • Best Taste at Taste of Plant City • FOCUS Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards winner for Best Chicken Wings AND Best BBQ

2016:

• 3rd place in the sauce competition at Pig Jam • People’s Choice winner at Lakeland Chamber’s “King of the Wings” challenge • Best Taste at Taste of Plant City • FOCUS Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards winner for Best Wings AND Best Steak

2017: Meat submitted to the KCBS judges is judged on taste, appearance, and tenderness. In this box of brisket, it’s garnished with greens and must include at least six pieces of meat.

How has competition BBQ changed in recent years? TV shows like ‘Pitmasters’ has really brought competition barbecue to the forefront. Now, we have people from Canada, UK, Mexico embracing KCBS and they’re getting out there competing at Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue in Lynchburg, Tennessee and The American Royal World Series of Barbecue in Kansas City. I do these competitions knowing win or lose, I have my family and we have the restaurant, but it’s fun to get out there and match what I’m doing with these top 20 teams. You said in the beginning of the interview, you want to build a legacy of barbecue. What does that mean to you? I mean a legacy in terms of the kids continuing the business and soon, maybe I’ll retire and won’t have to worry about this. I think my son Josh would want to continue the competition side. He’s really taken the time to learn and develop his craft for barbecue. I think Robbie, Jennifer and Josh will all continue on with Smokin’ Aces when I’ve decided to retire.

SMOKIN’ ACES BBQ

2509 N PARK RD, PLANT CITY, FL 33563 TUESDAY-THURSDAY, SUNDAY: 11AM TO 8PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 11AM TO 9PM

• 1st place in the sauce competition at Pig Jam • People’s Choice winner at Lakeland Chamber’s “King of the Wings” challenge • 2nd place in the Fan’s Choice category at the Flying Tiger’s Wing Ding Challenge • 2nd place in the Best Overall category at the Flying Tiger’s Wing Ding Challenge • FOCUS Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Awards winner for Best Steak

2018:

• 3rd place in the sauce competition at Pig Jam • 3rd place in the Judge’s Choice category at the Flying Tiger’s Wing Ding Challenge

2019:

• 2nd place in the sauce competition AND dessert competition at Pig Jam • People’s Choice winner at Lakeland Chamber’s “King of the Wings” challenge • 2nd place in the Fan’s Choice category at the Flying Tiger’s Wing Ding Challenge • 7th place in the pork sauce category for National Barbeque News’ 2019 Sauces of Honor • 3rd place for the mustard-based sauce category in the Spicin Foods Sticky Jar Sauce Contest

2020:

• 1st place for our Smokin’ Sweet, Smokin’ Gold, and Hot Strawberry BBQ sauces at the Florida Strawberry Festival PAGE

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Photos: (Left) In 2019, Dustin and Layla Drawdy’s Hardwood BBQ was named the Best of Plant City Professional within the competition. One local team is picked every year as the city’s best team. (Middle) Plant City Pig Jam is a family-friendly event and families enjoy meals from vendors, take in free entertainment and check out the kids’ zone for little BBQ fans. (Right) In 2019, one of the crowd favorites was BBQ Brisket Mac and Cheese.

By Cierra Craft

When November rolls around, it’s time to break out the stretchy pants for the Plant City Pig Jam, slated for Friday, November 19 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Here is a complete look at the event to help you get the most out of your visit to the Plant City Pig Jam: In its 18th year, Plant City shines bright as nationally recognized barbecue competitors roll into Gordon Food Service Drive and flumes of smoke fill the air surrounding the Randy Larson Softball Four-plex. Plant City Pig Jam is a Kansas City Barbeque Societysanctioned event, this designation makes Pig Jam just one of hundreds of competitions under the KCBS, the largest competitive food sanctioning body in the world. Some of the biggest names in the competitive barbeque circuit make an appearance, including five-time World Barbeque Champion, Myron Mixon. Mixon was inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in Kansas City in 2013. He is also a judge of the reality shows, “BBQ Pitmasters,” “Smoked,” and “BBQ Pit Wars.” Professional and amateur teams from a number of states plan to compete for more than $20,000 in cash prizes. That number will fluctuate leading up to the event as more teams enter the competition. The contestants are vying for the title of Grand Champion and bragging rights.

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The four categories for Pig Jam competing teams are Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Beef Brisket, which will be judged by a panel of KCBS Certified BBQ Judges. The competitors will stay up all night, smoking and preparing for the competition, which officially begins with the first KCBS turn-in at 12:00 noon on Saturday. The teams will turn in each of the meats at thirty-minute intervals. The Plant City Pig Jam also allows competitors to enter a dessert and a BBQ sauce, judged by a panel of locals. Past entries included strawberry shortcakes, banana pudding, and more. The desserts and sauce entries are due at 10:30 a.m. There are cash prizes for the first, second and third place winners of the ancillary competition. Admission to the Plant City Pig Jam is free and parking is $10 per vehicle. The public is invited to visit the teams on Friday night and enjoy live entertainment on the stage. To get the most out of your visit to the Pig Jam, Saturday after 1:30 p.m. is when the teams have wrapped up their turn-ins and are open for conversation. Upon admission, cash must be exchanged for Pig Bucks, as Pig Bucks are the only currency vendors can accept; one dollar equals one Pig Buck. Prices vary among vendors and it can be a little overwhelming to decide what to try first. This writer recommends trying at least one dish from the four competition categories, and leave space for unusual

goodies like Bacon-Wrapped Meatballs, Alligator Ribs, and Pulled Pork Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE: The opener for Friday night’s entertainment is Shevonne & The Force. Shevonne, better known as Shevizzle, is a Tampa native and this entertainer is known for her unique stage presence. Shevonne performs at Music Festivals and venues across the country and her entertainment level is often compared to Prince, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, all rolled into one. The headliner of Friday’s entertainment will be Samantha Leigh, a nationally recognized musical artist. Originally from the home of rock and roll, Cleveland, Ohio, Samantha grew up with a heavy rock and country influence. She has shared the stage with artists such as Andy Grammar, Josh Turner, REO Speedwagon, Kenny Loggins, Rick Springfield, and Brandie Carlile, and sang back up for artists such as Mary J. Blige and Josh Groban. Live entertainment will also be on stage Saturday. Follow Plant City Pig Jam for announcements on Saturday’s entertainment schedule. The Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers for this event. To take advantage of volunteer opportunities for this fun, family-friendly event, contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at (813) 754-3707

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Home Protection Pest Control By Emily Topper

or Home Protection Pest Control Inc., keeping your home or office pest-free is a family business. Steve and Kathy Paul opened Home Protection Pest Control in 2006 offering 100% kid-safe and pet-safe pest control services for residential and commercial properties, including the treatment of roaches, ants, bees, wasps, spiders, and other pests, as well as removal services for rats, mice, and squirrels. With the couple retiring in 2019 Dean and Lynn Roberts took over the business. Since Lynn and Kathy are cousins, the business was staying in the family -- and in good hands. In preparation for Steve and Kathy’s retirement, the Roberts purchased the business, located at 1105 Woodlawn Ave. in Plant City, in 2016 and started learning the ropes. Dean worked in commercial banking for over 25 years, while Lynn is a school librarian. Prior to the Paul’s retirement, Dean earned his state license in 2019 after training with the Home Protection team. The Roberts fully took over the business in 2019. The Roberts want new and existing clients to know how eager they are to continue serving the Plant City community. “We want our reputation to be that of professionalism and integrity,” Lynn Roberts said. “Everyone within the company has deep roots in our

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Home Protection owner Dean Roberts

community, so our reputation is important to us. At Home Protection Pest Control, the team can be held to their word. Dean said there are never any hidden charges after a customer has been provided with a written quote. Additionally, customers are never asked to sign up for contracts. With help from team members including Mitch Harvill, field manager, field tech Jay Roberts and office manager Cindy Merrill, the Home Protection Pest Control team is looking forward to serving the Plant City area for years to come. “Our team takes pride in their work and cares about our customers,” Dean Roberts said. “Cindy is a great listener and helps communicate our customers’ needs so we can provide them with the best service possible. Listening to our customers’ needs and providing a solution in a timely manner is important to us.” “To our customers who have used our services over the years, we appreciate your business and will continue to offer you our best,” Lynn Roberts said. “To our new customers, we look forward to serving you. We know no one wants to find unwanted pests in their home or business, and there is a sense of satisfaction when we can take care of those pests for our customers.”

The business has rave reviews on Facebook and Google, with an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Customer Elivia Miller wrote, “The price is great, the owner is very knowledgeable, the response time is unheard of and the service is top notch. I’ve used other companies in the past, but this one is by far the best. I am very satisfied by the service and will 100% be using this company for routine pest control.” Joshua Thornton, another customer who left a five star review, agreed. “Home Protection Pest Control is a very professional business,” he wrote. “They showed up on time and completed all the necessary services to get rid of our ants. Other companies couldn’t do the job, but they successfully did the job the first time out. I would recommend them to anybody looking for a pest service!” The Thornton family, pictured, even added a visual to prove it. Just look at their sign to see that Home Protection Pest Control is both kidand pet-friendly. To book an appointment, visit HomeProPestControl.com or call (813) 757-6752 and Cindy will gladly get you scheduled.

GOT PESTS? 757-6752 | HomeProPestControl.com | Facebook: Home Protection Pest Control PAGE

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RISING STAR Gillian

brown By Katie Hamilton

Gillian Brown is a Junior at Plant City High School who actively participates on the Varsity Raider Swim Team. Brown has been on the team since her freshman year but has been swimming for as long as she can remember stating, “I have been swimming my whole life; my mom stuck me in the pool as soon as she could and with time, I could swim all the strokes by the age of 6. That’s exactly when I joined the YMCA swim team; since then I have been a committed swimmer.” Not only does Brown take time out of her week to swim for PCHS, but she also swims on club teams, explaining, “After the YMCA swim team dismembered, but I also joined TYS, then TBAY, and now Riptide. I have been on Riptide for five years now and it’s the best swim team since. My coaches are very supportive, including Coach Lee who's the head, and Coach Jared who is an Olympic trainee.” Brown is an active student on campus with involvement in NHS, Relay for Life club, as well as taking Dual Enrollment classes at Hillsborough Community College. With everything on her plate, Brown relies on her strong support system stating, “My biggest supporter would be my mom, who is also my high school coach, ironically. She has been through it all, and I am so thankful for her because I would not have come this far without her. She is also my biggest inspiration for many reasons including how successful she is as a person, and I hope to be where she is one day; she's an all-around wonderful person and I couldn’t ask for better inspiration.” After High School, Brown plans to attend the University of North Florida to pursue a career in their physical therapy program in hopes of one day becoming an Aquatic Therapist.

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Trunk N Treat Sunday, October 31, 2021 Time 5-7 p.m.

Location 4815 W. Sam Allen Road, Plant City Fl. 33565

Cork Methodist Church (813) 704-4873 4815 W. Sam Allen Rd. Plant City, FL 33565

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

CARLASHA ERMONFILS

JOSE ERMONFILS

Excellent job for shooting the New Epcot commercial and print ad as the clients just loved your whole family! You are all amazing and we have you up for more exciting auditions!

Great leadership for having your wonderful family out for this big commercial and print ad for Epcot. So excited for you all as we have more opportunities coming your way!

CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT TODAY!

ZAYAH ERMONFILS

We are so proud of you Zayah for doing an incredible job on a new Epcot commercial and print ad.

They’re the JESS ANDERSON MODELS!

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

ADDRESS: 809 EAST PALMETTO STREET • LAKELAND, FL 33801 863-688-9939 OUR NEW Established For 42 Years

JULIO PADILLA Disney and Epcot TV Commercials. Heartland Living Magazine Fashion Print Ad.

LIC#1290000013

MARVETTE ROBERTS Disney World TV Commercial and Print Ad for Disney Cruise Line.

DAN LA PLACA Principal Roles on The One and Only Ivan Movie and The Right Stuff Series. Universal Studios TV Commercial.

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4/26/2021 2:14:12 PM PAGE

Team of the Month PCHS Color Guard Raiderettes By Katie Hamilton | Photos by Hunter Nunnery

he Plant City High School Color Guard Raiderettes is a strong group of girls who have provided an immense sense of school spirit during the athletic seasons of the school year. The Color Guard is known among lots of high schools as a way to enhance the visual effects of the marching band while under the Friday night lights. This Raider team is guided by their team captain Isabella Fowler, and by their coach Bonnie Vance—a former Class of 2021 Raiderette herself. Because of Vance’s positive personal experience with the Color Guard, she decided to take steps to become the coach, and as such, has fostered a promising connection and friendship with this year’s Color Guard team. The girls dedicate their time and effort to the sport every week practicing from 4:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., endeavoring to perfect particular

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skills for the next game. Sophomore Ayeniah Ghent possesses a strong love for her sport and commits at least one hour of her day every day to practice. Ghent stated, “You have to stay constant and committed if you really want to see improvements.” Ghent loves every second of her participation in Guard explaining, “I chose Color Guard because dancing is my passion. I was also looking to challenge the way I could express myself while doing flag and other things. On the way, I met some amazing people who are my friends today.” Hayden Jeffries, a junior, also has motivation to improve explaining, “I push myself to be better by setting a good example for my peers. I think that human interaction and the influence we have over each other plays a major role in our lives.” Throughout her school career, Jefferies

has developed a passion for her education she states, “I love that high school offers such a broad range of subjects that young people (the future) can find a liking in. I also love how it offers free education, wherein some countries, it would be taken for granted.” Faith Brown, a sophomore on the team, has been working hard and gives thanks to her mother for all the support she provides which helps her excel in her passion. After high school, Brown plans to attend college and pursue her dreams in becoming a medical assistant or a history teacher. Freshman Erykah Washington has “had a blast on the team” so far since joining this year, stating, “I have been doing flag for about 4 months now and I love every second, especially the opening act when there is so much motion on the field.” Be sure to catch the Plant City Raider Color Guard on the football field during half-time when the Raider Marching band performs.

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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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Meet the

Maker: Benji Padgett By Emily Topper

lant City residents might recognize Benji Padgett as a friendly face serving them at Fred’s Market Restaurant. But when he’s not taking care of local patrons, he can be found working on his debut album, “Dara Seans.” Benji, who earned his bachelor’s degree in music business from Lakeland’s Southeastern University last April, has been putting his tips and paychecks from Fred’s toward paying for the creation of his album. “I’m finally in a place financially to be able to make an album without having to ask anyone for money,” he said. His first EP was partially financed through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform for artists. “I found a really great job at Fred’s which has allowed me to meet new people and be able to save for the past few years. I wanted to be able to work for what I want.” While Benji has been actively working on the album for the past two months at Sound House Studios in Lakeland, some of the songs -- all written by Benji -- date back to his freshman year of college at Southeastern. “The name of the album means ‘second chances’ in Irish, and that’s what the album is really about,” he said. “I wanted to make sure it has a cohesive meaning, and not just songs put together. You can either write music and put lyrics to it later, or write the lyrics and then add the music. I write the lyrics first and pick the music based off of them. When I write a song, I have a feeling of the sound that’s needed to accompany it.” Benji has been interested in music his entire life, but pursuing music as a career clicked for him in early high school. “I started writing songs around my sophomore year of high school and learning piano by ear,” he said. Writing, he said, helps him cope and come to terms with emotions. Since “Dara Seans” was written from a personal place, he hopes it will resonate with others. “Being an introvert, I can’t keep anything inside for too long because it starts to build up,” Benji said. “Songwriting was a gateway for me to deal with a lot of my problems. The concept of this album is about coming back from something you struggled with, almost like having a second chance at life.”

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Benji said that includes relationships, restarting from a personal struggle and having a second chance at being a new person who has grown from the experience. “One song on the album that sums it all up is called ‘June,’” he said. “I say that because it’s a very personal song, but it’s about coming to terms. I played it live once and it’s already touched a lot of people. The last six months or so has probably been a turning point in finding the theme of the album. I’ve been reshaping what I’ve written before. It’s about being vulnerable and changing and growing up. I wasn’t ready to share personal stuff until recently, so that’s been a big thing for me too.” Lyrically and musically, Benji’s influences for this album include Bon Iver, Yebba and Coldplay. He’s also been inspired by the songs “Alaska” by Caiola. “At Sound House, I’ve enjoyed working with [sound engineer] Jonathan Gautier because he understands my style and how I want the songs to sound,” Benji said. “I’m trying to experiment a little. My EP was very indie and alt rock, but for this album I’ll be adding violin and probably some guitar.” The 10-song album “Dara Seans” is set to release in the early part of 2022. “It’ll be on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora and YouTube,” Benji said. “I’ll also be promoting it on my Instagram when I get a final release date.” Fans can follow along and keep an eye out for the album on Benji’s Instagram, @benjipadgett, or by searching Benji Padgett on YouTube. They can also catch him performing live at Krazy Kup in Plant City, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd., on Friday, Oct. 29.

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MEET

ASONJA PORTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AT A+ LEARNING CENTER As a childcare center director, my job is to help supervise the daycare and watch over the children on behalf of their parents. In my role, I provide early childhood education with an age-appropriate curriculum, while ensuring a safe and nurturing environment. I have worked in childcare for 25 years and as a mother of three and a grandmother to one, I know A+ Learning Center parents are looking for a positive role model in their children’s lives, so I demonstrate kindness, patience, and love to not only the children but to the parents, my colleagues and our center’s leadership. In the position of Assistant Director, some of my responsibilities include ensuring our school-aged students are transported to and from school safely each and every day, so I maintain a clean driving record as the van driver. As the lead teacher of our afterschool program, I assist with PAGE

homework, helping students with time management, organization, and providing a structured environment and routine. During the summer, my responsibilities include introducing the children to hands-on activities through field trips to local parks, museums, and more. As an Assistant Director, I am under the direction of the owners to accomplish various daily tasks including managing staff, writing and filing paperwork, working with our Statewide Food Program, and one very important role, I assist the owners in making sure our daycare center is within compliance with state regulations, such as with children-toteacher ratios and that our teachers are accurately performing assigned duties and responsibilities. It is my responsibility to communicate with parents and be available to listen

to their concerns or answer questions, and keeping them informed about their children, our facility’s rules, procedures, and regulations. If they have questions about payments, meals, curriculum, I am there to help. I order to become an Assistant Director, I had to obtain my Florida Child Care Professional Credential through the required organizations. I also had to take training in CPR and First Aid courses for child care. I also had to complete the Florida Director Program, a nine-month course. Upon completion of these steps, I received my Florida Directors credential and have been the Assistant Director of A+ Learning Center for approximately six years. A+ Learning Center 1109 W. Grant Street, Plant City, FL 33563

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Leaders in

Faith Awaken Plant City By Cheryl Johnston

s we enter the year-end holiday season, one local church is determined to share some additional hope with everyone in our wonderful community. So determined in fact that Life Family Church and Jack Myers Ministries mailed 35,000 postcards to area residents inviting all to the Awaken Plant City event on Sunday, December 5 at the Plant City Stadium. “We just want the community to come together and celebrate,” said Pastor Jack Myers. “We want to bring a message of hope. Calling it “A Night of Joy and Miracles,” Dr. Jack and his wife, Rev. Marie Myers, feel it’s the perfect time to spread more cheer in a year that has not been easy for many. “As a result of the pandemic, people losing jobs and the supply chain decrease, it seemed people were losing hope,” Dr. Jack said. “We felt led of the Lord to share some joy and family fun.” “Some may have lost jobs or are experiencing financial difficulties,” added Rev. Marie. “So, our church and ministry members decided to invest funds and energy to help families who may need food or Christmas gifts for their children.” The fun at the stadium begins at 5:00 p.m. with gates opening at 4:30 p.m. The evening will include special live music performances along with praise and worship, free groceries (while supplies last), toy giveaways for the children, and a chance to win a car. Three food trucks will also be onsite to sell meals and refreshments. The highlight of the event will be an encouraging 15-minute message of hope presented by Dr. Jack Myers. A ministry team will also be available for those who would like personal prayer for specific needs. Tickets for this free event at 1810 S. Park Road are available at AwakenPlantCity.com. Those who register online will receive one extra raffle ticket for the car giveaway simply by bringing their eTicket or printed Eventbrite confirmation to the registration area at the stadium. Rev. Marie encourages everyone to join in “sharing the joy.” She added, “We want our community’s families to know we care about their concerns and that even in these chaotic times, there is hope for our future.”

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VETERANS WE WANT TO HONOR YOU 2 FREE Tickets for Veterans

(with Military ID such as DD214 or VA Card) Join us at this event as we thank Veterans for the freedoms we enjoy. BBQ lunch will be provided by Wooden Spoon. Advance �ckets only, no �ckets available at the door. This is a coopera�ve eﬀort between the Elks Lodge, Historic Plant City Main Street, and the City of Plant City. WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Military Memorabilia on display. "Quilts of Honor"

DATE: TIME:

Sunday, November 14, 2021 Doors Open at Noon Event starts at 1:00 PM PLACE: TECO Expo Hall, Strawberry Fes�val Grounds TICKETS: $10 for non veterans

Keynote Speaker State Senator Danny Burgess (former Executive Director of Florida Department of Veterans Affairs)

FIRST 100 VETERANS WILL RECEIVE A SPECIAL GOODY BAG! TICKET OUTLETS: CASH or CHECK ONLY

* Bruton Library 302 McLendon St.

* Walden Lake Car Wash 1414 S. Alexander

* Lands Used Trucks 2900 James L. Redman

* NAPA Auto Parts 304 E. Alsobrook St.

* YMCA 1507 YMCA Place

* Chamber of Commerce 118 W. Reynolds

(across from Sonic)

Donation checks may be made out to Historic Plant City a (501(c)3 organization and Main Street Plant City.

Contact: Judy Wise (863)370-8389 *2706 Pine Club Dr. Plant City, FL 33566 PAGE