FOCUS Magazine Plant City 22-12 by Floyd Publications

Making Her Way Angelina Giambo, owner of Style Bar & Angelina’s Deli

History of Plant City Christmas Parade A look back at a long standing tradition

Mike Goodwine with Traeger Sharing his recipe for Standing Rib Roast

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REAL

ESTA TE OF

FICE

Capture the Light:

CHRISTMAS EVE SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP December 24 - 10:15 AM PLANT CITY CHURCH OF GOD

2103 MUD LAKE RD., PLANT CITY, FL 33566 || (813) 752-4591 // WWW.PLANTCITYCOG.COM CONNECT WITH US! @PLANTCITYCOG PAGE

Table of

Contents 35

FEATURE: HISTORY OF PLANT CITY CHRISTMAS PARADE By Cierra Craft Thousands lined the streets for the 2023 PC Christmas Parade. Take a look back at this longstanding tradition and its decades of history.

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By Cierra Craft | Photos by Savannah Mett’s Studio

Mike Goodwine is best known as Captain of Blackneck Adventures. He is an Ambassador for Traeger, a line of wood pellet grills. Goodwine shares his recipe for Standing Rib Roast.

SPOTLIGHT: MAKING HER WAY Only one word describes Angelina Giambo: Girlboss. Meet Giambo as she shares her inspiring story as owner of Style Bar and Angelina’s Deli.

DINING: MIKE GOODWINE WITH TRAEGER

Source: Homes.com

FOCUS PLANT CITY

focusplantcity.com Issue 22-12 / December 2023 PUBLISHER Mike Floyd

mikef@floydpublications.com

MANAGING EDITOR Cierra Craft

cierra@floydpublications.com

ART DIRECTOR

Anthony Sassano anthony@floydpublications.com

OFFICE MANAGER Candy Owens

cowens@floydpublications.com

DISTRIBUTION Tony DeVane STAFF WRITERS Cheryl Johnston Victoria Shawgo CONTRIBUTORS Candy Owens David Moon Dr. Chap. Dan Middlebrooks

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) 707-8783 or e-mail editorial@floydpublications.com. The staff will fix the error in a timely manner. FOCUS Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Plant City businesses, restaurants and many local venues. Advertisers warrant and represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. Focus Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All letters and their contents sent to Focus Magazine become the sole property of Floyd Publications, Inc and may be reproduced thereof. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Floyd Publications, Inc. Use or duplication of material used in this publication is prohibited without approved written consent from Floyd Publications, Inc.

www.focusplantcity.com

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PUBLISHER

From The

Publisher

WRAPPING UP

2023

PAGE

The holidays are in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited at FOCUS. When you read this letter, our team will host our annual Christmas celebration and take some time off to be with our families. We hope you are surrounded by family and friends this holiday season. Our December issue features Angelina Giambo on the front cover. She is best known as the owner of Style Bar, a special event hair salon, but she is also the owner of Angelina’s Deli on Collins Street. Editor Cierra Craft and I visited the deli in its opening days, and the sandwiches were great. We found Angelina’s story of entrepreneurship inspiring as she fulfilled her dream of owning an Italian sandwich shop. We hope you are inspired as well. This issue also highlights the history of the Plant City Christmas Parade and celebrates this year’s parade. This longstanding tradition is one of the many events that make living in a small town unique, and we found its history fascinating as we looked back at articles published in The Plant City Courier as early as the late 1940s. Our city continues to come together to celebrate the season and support our youth, churches, and civic organizations decades later. We have been blessed at FOCUS with another great year and look forward to an exciting 2024. Next month, we will kick off our 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards and begin our coverage of the Florida Strawberry Festival pageantry. Our mission has always been to provide our readers with positive community news, showcase small businesses, and highlight the social and philanthropic events making Plant City a better place to live and work. The stories we get to tell through our magazine illustrate the difference people make in this community. We wouldn’t be able to do all of this if not for the loyal advertisers of FOCUS. We can’t thank you enough and look forward to continuing to work with you in 2024. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

With gratitude and hope,

Mike Floyd

Nate A. Kilton - Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis - Vice Mayor Commissioners

William D. Dodson Jason M. Jones Michael S. Sparkman PAGE

Community

FOCUS

CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY

2023 Plant City Pig Jam Winners Announced

By Cierra Craft

moke filled the air, and the delicious smell of barbecue came with it as Plant City played host November 17 and November 18 to the 20th annual Plant City Pig Jam. In a Kansas City Barbecue Societysanctioned competition, 47 teams went head to head for bragging rights and nearly $20,000 in cash prizes. Tampa’s Smokin’ Ain’t EZ BBQ and Catering was named Grand Champion of the event. The team earned a perfect score of 180 in the Chicken category, followed by First in Pulled Pork, 6th place in Ribs, and 10th in Brisket. They were named First Place in the ancillary Sauce competition and finished Third Place in Steak. Smokin’ Aint’ EZ BBQ also won first place in the US Soy Foundation award, presented by KCBS, for the highest combined score of Chicken, Pork, and Ribs. “It’s been a long time coming and a lot of hard work, but it was an amazing experience, and getting to celebrate it with our family in attendance was a moment we’ll remember forever,” said Smokin’ Ain’t EZ on their official Facebook page. Rum Runners BBQ was named Reserve Grand Champion, bringing home first place in the ancillary dessert competition and third place in the Chicken division, followed by fifth in Ribs, second place in Pork, and ninth in Brisket. The team was named 2nd overall in the US Soy Foundation award. Plant City teams Keepin It Smokin finished 7th overall, Matty B’s BBQ finished 9th overall, Smokin’ Aces BBQ finished 19th overall, and Poppell Insurance BBQ team finished 21st overall. The Plant City Chamber of Commerce is the organizer of the Plant City Pig Jam. The 2024 Plant City Pig Jam is scheduled for November 16 and November 17. For more information, visit plantcitypigjam.com or call (813) 754-3707.

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PLANT CITY PERSONALITIES!

CAN YOU GUESS WHO THIS IS?

This Sassy Southern Belle is a Plant City Beauty Queen. She was raised in our small town and is loved by many. She is not just pretty on the inside and outside. She has spent many an hour making things beautiful. She is a true Artist and has God given talent. I cant give out too many clues, so try and guess!!!

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: TAMMY DOWNING SIMPSON

Wreaths Across America:

Honor Fallen Heroes This Holiday Season By Cheryl Johnston

imberly Kitchen hoped the Wreaths Across America event on December 16, 2023 would be another great community project like the one last year. The 10:00 a.m. tribute to deceased veterans ceremony in Veterans Memorial Park at Courier Field on Wheeler Street preceded the move to one of five cemeteries where flags were placed at graves of veterans buried there. The five cemeteries included Garden of Peace, Oaklawn 1, Oaklawn 2, Memorial Park, Shiloh, and Turkey Creek Baptist (in honor of 22-year-old Army Sgt. David Andrew Croft, Jr, a Plant City resident and Durant High School graduate, who was killed in action by a roadside bomb in Baghdad in 2010 and posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star medals) The dream of Kitchen is to add an additional cemetery each year to the effort. Again, the Boy Scouts from Troop 744 and the local American Heritage Girls will be involved. Last year, they were among the more than 300 volunteers gathered to place 1 164 wreaths on

graves in four cemeteries. Many others, as have done so far for the 2023 event, donated monies for the purchase of wreaths. Kitchens is grateful for the $5,000 donation by Unity in the Community and for the contribution by Mission BBQ to purchase 300 wreaths. Nationally in 3,400 locations across America, ceremonies like the one here are held on this date. Since 1992, the outreach that began at Arlington National Cemetery when Maine businessman Morrill Worcester donated 5,000 wreaths to lay on the tombstones there, this patriotic tradition has touched many hearts. And since the charitable Wreaths Across America organization was officially established in 2007, its impact has increased each year, even outside of the United States. Kitchen took an interest in Wreaths Across America because her father, Alonso Murray, served in the Korean War. At the family’s annual Christmas breakfast, he started a tradition 18 years ago that had the family focusing on the military

men and women who served to preserve American freedoms. Last year, Kitchen’s grandchildren placed a wreath on their great-grandfather’s grave in a tangible act of love and appreciation for his service. Kitchen stays busy year-round performing acts of kindness through the Generations Renewed non-profit she established in 2017. A few of those efforts include mobile food pantries in partnership with Feeding Tampa Bay each Saturday at various locations. These include Glover School in Bealsville, The Dwelling Place in Pinecrest, Dover Advent Church, Harmony Baptist Church, and Greater New Hope Anointed Ministries. Other outreaches include the Friends in the Park nightly dinner feedings (involving 30 various churches/ organizations/families) at the Winter Visitors Center, back-to-school haircuts for children by Five Kings Barber, and cold weather provisions through Hillsborough County and Greater New Hope church. “We have so many generous folks in our community, including our city officials,” Kitchen explained. “People like Jeff Black (Superintendent of Cemeteries for Plant City), Terry Jones (Marcone Supply transports the wreaths locally), Judy Wise, and Sherry Scheitler, just to name a few.” “I’m so proud of and feel privileged to live in Plant City,” she added. “It’s a beautiful place to teach children about sacrifice and paying it forward so the next generations will do the same. To sponsor a wreath or to learn more about community development efforts, visit https:// wreathsacrossamerica.org/FL1006P, https:// generationsrenewd.org, or call Kimberly Kitchen at 813-562-4495.

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Community

FOCUS

CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY

Mount Union QB with Plant City Roots Semifinalist in Gagliardi Award By Cierra Craft

ount Union senior quarterback Braxton Plunk is one of five finalists for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy given to the nation’s top all-around football player in NCAA Division III. Plunk was a senior at Plant City High School in 2018 and led Hillsborough County with 2,602 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and five interceptions en route to a 7A District 8 championship. Plunk was named Hillsborough County Offensive Player of the Year by the Tampa Bay Times. A back-to-back finalist for the Gagliardi Trophy, Plunk was voted the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC) Bob Packard Offensive Back of the Year and All-OAC First Team in four straight years. Plunk led the OAC in passing yards (3,006) and completion percentage (73.2%), to go along with 33 touchdowns. Plunk broke the NCAA Division III record for career passing yards with 14,599. Off the field, Plunk has a 3.5 cumulative grade point average as a marketing major with a minor in entrepreneurship. Plunk is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. He has volunteered for multiple organizations and functions, including Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, a domestic violence awareness event, Be the Match, to encourage students and staff to sign up for the Be the Match Registry, Read with a Raider, reading to a local elementary school, and volunteered at a local library. Three quarterbacks, a wide receiver, and a linebacker make up the five finalists for the 2023 Gagliardi Trophy, an award presented to the most outstanding football player in NCAA Division III. The award is presented by presenting sponsor Stearns Bank. The Gagliardi Trophy, which was first awarded in 1993, recognizes excellence in athletics, academics, and community service. The award is named after the late John Gagliardi, Saint John’s legendary Hall of Fame head football coach. The other finalists are North Central quarterback Luke Lehnen, Gustavus Adolphus wide receiver Jake Breitbach, Wartburg linebacker Owen Grover, and Trinity (Texas) quarterback Tucker Horn. The winner of the Gagliardi Trophy was announced by D3football.com on Friday, Dec. 15, prior to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl as Lehren, from North Central. Nominations were submitted by colleges across the country, and 20 semifinalists were selected by the J-Club Board of Directors. The finalists then moved on to the Gagliardi Trophy national selection committee, which is comprised of 18 coaches, six NCAA Division III administrators, 12 regional voters, and seven national Division III experts. Each cast a ballot ranking the top three semifinalists. A fan ballot, which served as the 41st committee member, was operated on D3football.com and had more than 40,000 votes cast.

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Garden Club:

Plants Needed for FSF Horticulture Show By Cierra Craft

he Plant City Garden Club is accepting entries for the Florida Strawberry Festival Horticulture Show. It is free to enter both adult and youth divisions. Plants will be accepted for the Horticulture Show on Tuesday, February 27th, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm. The drop-off location is in the Neighborhood Village Building, on the south side of the Administration Building, right next to Gate 4, off Berryfest Place. Eligible plant specimens to be entered into the competition must be grown by Hillsborough County residents. To enter your plants for prizes, they must be in your possession for three months prior to the opening day of the Strawberry Festival. There is an exception for multiple plants (Dish Gardens, Fairy Gardens, Terrariums), which must have been in exhibitors’ possession for at least six weeks. For the complete list of rules, regulations, and awards for the contest, please visit flstrawberryfestival.com, click Info, then Contests. Under Miscellaneous Contests, select the 2024 Garden Club Horticulture Show.

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Community

FOCUS

CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY

United Food Bank Demolished for Rebuild By Cierra Craft

emolition Day was November 20 for the United Food Bank of Plant City, as the organization prepares to re-build a new facility at 702 E Alsobrook Street. Wetherington Tractor Services’ James Surrency is in charge of the demolition, and the new facility will be reconstructed by Dykstra Construction, taking six to nine months to complete. Executive Director Mary Heysek says the clientele of the food bank is changing again. While their focus is the working poor, not the homeless population, Heysek says the food bank staff has seen an increase in people who are coming to the organization for the first time. “With the high inflation and interest, people are struggling to make ends meet,” said Heysek. “The new building allows us to triple our capacity and allows for intake stations to better accommodate the clients and be able to refer to other agencies and businesses.” The UFBPC moved its entire operation to the former Autotronics Building at Hillsborough Community College- Plant City Campus on October 16 in preparation for the demolition. The UFBPC distributes nearly 4 million pounds of food per year to residents in 15 zip codes in eastern Hillsborough County. Boxes of food are distributed to clients five days per week, and UFBPC provides over 7,000 meals to area students during winter, spring, and summer breaks in its Feeding Our Future program. According to a report on the Food Bank’s website, the current Food Bank building is currently just over 50,000 square feet and has become ineffective in meeting the needs of the food insecure. The new proposed building will be over 111,000 square feet, featuring new in-take stations, a demonstration kitchen, a larger warehouse, a loading dock, a sorting & kids room, and more. The United Food Bank has five in-house employees and requires 2,500 volunteers to run the food bank each month. To volunteer, visit www.ufbpc.org/volunteer/ to fill out the application and for more information on the United Food Bank programs or the new facility, visit www.ufbpc.org.

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Devin Johnson named PC Fire Rescue Firefighter of the Year

By Cierra Craft

n Monday, November 20, Plant City Fire Rescue announced Firefighter/Paramedic Devin Johnson as Firefighter of the Year. Johnson has five years of dedicated service to the citizens of Plant City. Interim Fire Chief Timothy Mossgrove said: “I am honored that Firefighter/Paramedic Devin Johnson was recognized and nominated by his peers for his dedication to Plant City Fire Rescue by always answering the call when he is asked. This has been displayed by Devin’s efforts through his leadership in the paramedic internship program as a Field Training Officer (FTO).” Johnson joined Plant City Fire Rescue in 2018, quickly proving to be a reliable and hardworking firefighter. In 2021, Johnson obtained his paramedic certification, providing life-saving specialized care throughout the city. In March 2023, he became a Paramedic Field Training Officer, uplifting others also to obtain their certification to become paramedics. As stated by his peers, “He always answers the call when he is asked.” Devin has provided over 1000 hours of oversight as an FTO in the paramedic internship program this year and worked more than 500 hours of overtime to keep the department running operationally.

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People of Plant City

Ramona

Bartlett By Cheryl Johnston

aithfulness is a word that describes 88-year-old Ramona Titkemeyer Bartlett, a widowed resident of Grace Manor here in Plant City. Her marriage to Roy lasted 54 years and together they had three children: Randy, Rhonda, and Roger. Those children’s marriages made Ramona a grandmother to seven devoted grands. Another word describing Ramona is patriotic. From the time of her birth in Patriot, Indiana as the sixth of nine children (3 sisters and 5 brothers) she was taught to love and appreciate America, education, and hard work. On the family farm, she helped tend to the chickens, pigs, cows, and crops of corn, grain, and tobacco. Although she didn’t have access to many books, Ramona loved to read and learn. This love of learning (and love for children) led her to become a substitute teacher first, and then a kindergarten teacher once she studied at Michigan State and earned her degree from Miami University in Ohio. Her educational philosophy for 31 years was to teach children to live honest, productive lives and to be thankful to God for their families and their country. What was your childhood like? Our free entertainment was playing in the snow. We siblings played well together because mother wouldn’t have it any other way. We all had lots of love and none of us felt more special than the other. We had chores and responsibilities, too. We also watched our mother fight to get our brother Buster into school. He suffered from epilepsy and school employees thought his seizures would scare the other children. But Mom won and Buster did well in school. I think we all learned how to better care for others.

How did you come to live in Plant City? After my husband Roy died, I met Bart Bartlett online. I lived in Clearwater then but was at my Ohio for the summer. We continued phone conversations but didn’t meet in person until he was hospitalized with COPD. I flew down to help him and since he didn’t want our first official meeting to be in the hospital, he got better real quick and we finally met over lunch. Our comfortable friendship grew into love, and we made a villa our home in Walden Lake. This was where we introduced the idea of a children’s “Liberty Camp” to our church leadership and helped organize a team of teachers and volunteers. Bart and I were married five years before he died and went to live with the Lord in heaven. Oh, how I treasured that man. Can you share one memorable example from your years of teaching? Unlike his brother who I’d taught the year before, one little boy was so ornery at the beginning of the year. When I explained that I loved him, he seemed not to believe me. I was puzzled about how to reach him, but that night when I attended a Home Interiors party, a framed print of a small boy in an oldfashioned nightshirt caught my eye because the child looked like little Nathan. I ordered the print for my home as a reminder to pray for Nathan and then took the brochure to school for him to see. He seemed proud to show the other students how Mrs. Titkemeyer thought the boy looked just like him. From that day forward, he was a different child, no longer ornery or difficult. I think he finally understood that his teacher really did love him. What advice at this stage of your life would you offer to others? Love children, be a good and generous citizen, and never stop learning. Love the Lord your God with your whole heart and be thankful and content as you enjoy a simple life. Remember, every day you live in our free country is a gift.

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Tickets On Sale Now! • FLstrawberryfestival.com

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Fri. Mar. 1, 7:30 $55

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Kirk Franklin

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Zach Williams Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 $40

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Craig Morgan

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Did You

Know? The Salvation and Rededication of Union Station, the “Depot”

he town of Plant City was created soon after the railroad arrived. It was 1885. By 1900 the town’s population reached 720, more than doubling its population; by 1910 the population grew to 2,481. The town had two railroad companies combining their resources in sharing railroad terminals. In July 1908, the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad planned a jointly operated Union Depot for Plant City and completed its construction in 1909. Over the next six decades, the Union Depot saw many goodbyes and many reunions; and dozens of passenger trains a day. In 1967 the Atlantic Coast Line and the Seaboard Air Line merged; the newly formed Seaboard Coast Line (SCL) operated Union Depot until 1970 when it ended passenger service at the Plant City Union Depot. It sat vacant, out of service, and deteriorating. In 1974 SCL offered to deed the depot buildings and property to the City of Plant City, contingent upon the city’s demolition of the passenger station which was too close to the tracks and was dangerous to the public. City officials were undecided. In June 1974, the embryonic Arts Council of Plant City requested a “stay of execution” for the depot and obtained a six-month unofficial moratorium. Meanwhile, SCL officials urged the Plant City commission to make up its mind. In December 1974, the Arts Council asked the commission for more time, emphasizing that “once it’s destroyed, the building’s gone forever.” City officials met with the SCL superintendent in Tampa and the Arts Council gained more time to save the building. The first move was to request the U.S. Department of Interior for a designation and on April 14, 1975, the Union Depot was placed on the Register of Historic Places - a major achievement to protect the historic building. Fundraising progress was slow. Architectsin-Partnership designed plans for the restoration. Small local clubs made donations, and grants from

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Writers in Residence Program, Huang History Center Plant City Photo Archives, Inc.

the federal Economic Development Administration and the National Parks Service were expected, along with financial support from the Fine Arts Council of Florida, and SCL. On October 20, 1977, the city announced it had $100,000 in federal funds for the project. On May 7, 1978, The Tampa Tribune reported “Citizens Save Plant City’s Depot.” The Arts Council reported spending more than $350,000 of grant money and relying on no city funds. The windows were still boarded up, but by 1985 the Arts Council had moved the platform and the tower building, restored the old baggage room, and installed bathrooms. In 1988 the council received a check for $130,000 from the Bureau of Historic Preservation. In the years following the Arts Council’s initial achievement, it staged numerous fundraisers. In 1997 the Plant City Chamber of Commerce undertook the final task of getting the Union Depot open to the community. The city secured a grant of $100,000 from the Florida Department of Transportation. The Chamber of Commerce staff and volunteers removed the old debris, filled two roll-off dumpsters, painted, acquired furniture and, along with the city, prepared the interior of the building for occupation. The Chamber-trained docents constructed a binder of historical information and books for the main waiting room. The Henry Plant Historic Railroad Club installed a model railroad. On Thursday, December 11, 1997, a crowd of close to two hundred gathered in a light rain awaiting the opening. At 5:30 p.m. City Manager Nettie Draughon and Chamber Chairman Dan Raulerson cut the red ribbon opening the Union Depot after a hiatus of 27 years. County Commissioner Ed Turanchik congratulated the Arts Council, the city, and the Chamber of Commerce

for the Union Depot’s new role as the Plant City community’s hub of events and downtown tourist information center. Guests were greeted by Chamber president Gil Gott, staff members, docent chairman and facility manager Al Collinge, and historian Ray Myers. The Tampa Tribune reported the newly opened depot “also features a small museum with railroad memorabilia and souvenirs including commemorative T-shirts.” The back of the T-shirts read: “The Depot Is Back.”

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THE PLANT CITY

Christmas

Parade By Cierra Craft

Santa and Mrs. Claus closed the 2023 parade as its final float, waving to the boys and girls along the route. The Christmas couple was portrayed by Plant City couple Gary and Gina Blake.

AN EAST HILLSBOROUGH TRADITION

The Plant City Christmas Parade is one of East Hillsborough’s oldest and most loved holiday traditions. The parade has delighted Plant City natives, newcomers, and visitors alike from beyond the area for more than 60 years. The parade, traditionally held the first Friday of December, features displays from local businesses, organizations, student groups, and more.

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The Parade Through History The Plant City Courier reported in 1947 that Santa Claus would “make a tour of the business section as an honored passenger in Plant City’s new $11,000 fire engine…” and was followed by the high school band. A horn blast from the fire engine signaled for the Christmas street lights to be turned on. Throughout the 1950s, the Courier reports the city’s “Christmas Window Night” would include Santa’s arrival and a parade throughout the city to celebrate the season. Newspapers of the mid-1960s touted the parade as a “colorful” and “jolly” celebration to kick off the Christmas season. The Tampa Tribune in 1964 said the East Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce canceled the parade due to road construction on Collins Street. However, the First National Bank and the City Recreation Department teamed up to ensure the city had a festive parade. That year, Frank Robinson was named parade marshal, with Sheena the Elephant and Susie the Chimp from Tampa’s Fairyland as “co-marshals.” The Plant City Jaycees began sponsoring the event in 1965. Frank LaBarbera, a member of the Jaycees, told FOCUS in November 2020 that the group began the tradition when group member Charlie Keene wanted to portray Santa Claus. He said the group made thousands of candy bags to hand out to kids, but when that created chaos, it was decided Santa should ride in the parade. The Jaycees then created the Christmas Party and Parade, where Santa would meet and greet with kids after the parade. Each Plant City kid got the opportunity to sit in Santa’s lap and receive a small toy. The Tribune said in 1966, Plant City Mayor Bill Ricket kicked off the parade festivities by giving Santa the key to the city. In 1965, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office unveiled their new Mounted Posse deputies on horseback and, in 1966, showcasing the department’s K-9s. A young boy greeted Santa Claus at the 1965 Christmas Party. The party was sponsored by the Plant City Jaycees, the organizers of the Christmas Parade. Photo by Bill Friend Studios, published in the Plant City Courier December 16, 1965. From the archives of the East Hillsborough Historical Society.

“...in 1966, Plant City Mayor Bill Ricket kicked off the parade festivities by giving Santa the key to the city.” The Plant City Jaycees float in the 1965 parade ushered Santa into town. The Jolly Old Man in Red waved to children through the streets of downtown. Photo by Bill Friend Studios, published in the Plant City Courier December 16, 1965. From the archives of the East Hillsborough Historical Society. PAGE

Students of Jackie’s Dance Theater and Gym lineup alongside a float featuring Santa Claus in his sleigh pulled by his reindeer. The parade staging along Haines Street (now MLK Jr Blvd) took place in front of the former Paradise Fruit Company. Photos provided by Sharon Everidge.

In 1971, the parade had grown to 50 units, making it the largest Christmas parade since its inception. In 1978, the Parade was organized and presented by Lani Purcell’s Holiday Inn, featuring a cast of characters like Kermit the Frog, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Big Bird (1981), and E.T. (1982). Santa rode in the rear of the parade in a train-themed-float, the Holiday Inn Express. Under Purcell’s direction, the parade would hand out approximately 5,000 stockings per year to spectators along the route.

In 1984, the parade organizer again changed when Purcell sold the Holiday Inn in 1983. The parade was stopped in its tracks in 1985 because of a lack of sponsors. The parade returned in 1986 and since then has continued to grow, at one time featuring more than 100 units. Today, the annual tradition continues to feature marching bands from area schools and performers from throughout Tampa Bay, dancers, baton twirlers, and animals.

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2023 Plant City Christmas Parade

The parade in 2023 featured more than 70 entries, including churches featuring the Nativity, familiar Christmas characters, and students from local schools performing Christmas tunes in the marching band. Steve and Susan Hurley were selected as the Grand Marshals for their generous philanthropic giving, including the donation of a brand new Chevy Corvette for the annual Corvette Raffle benefiting Unity in the Community. The couple owns Stingray Chevrolet on North Park Road. The parade featured city and county officials, law enforcement, businesses, civic groups, and schools against the backdrop of festive holiday lights. City Commissioner Jason Jones brought his dog, Harley, through the parade, and Newsome High School FFA brought a calf and a sheep as part of their holiday display. Several groups featured iconic holiday characters, including The Grinch, Buddy the Elf, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, and Chick-fil-A Plant City brought its iconic spotted cow. Kids on Collins Street told FOCUS Magazine that this year’s parade was the best Christmas Parade they had attended. They shared that their bags were full of candy and beads.

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Santa and Mrs. Claus made their annual appearance as the final float of the parade. This year, the reindeer pulled the jolly couple in a sleigh. This year, the Man in Red and his wife were portrayed by Plant City couple Gary and Gina Blake. Gary began his career as Santa in 1987 at a holiday party. He married Gina in 1990, and she joined him as Mrs. Claus. Every year, the couple makes several appearances throughout town as the famous Christmas characters, including Christmas Lane, private holiday parties, and more. The judges selected Tyndale Christian Academy as the overall winner. The Christian school featured its Kindergarten students dressed as angels in front of an open Bible that read Isaiah 9:6: “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” “Tyndale Christian Academy is proud, honored, and excited to be chosen as Best Overall for the Plant City Christmas Parade this year!” said Rachael Bowen, Principal of Tyndale Christian Academy. “We pray that our float encouraged others to celebrate the TRUTH of God’s Word, the GOOD news of Jesus Christ being born on Christmas Day and the BEAUTY of worship.”

Tyndale Christian Academy dressed its Kindergarten students as angels. Rachael Bowen said the school is excited and honored to be named Best Overall float by this year’s judges.

The Marshall Middle Magnet School Marching Band was selected as the best marching band. The school played a selection of holiday songs and many band members wore Santa hats to add a festive touch to their performance.

Other winners included Marshall Middle Magnet School for Best Marching Band, Newsome High School FFA for Best School Entry, First Baptist Church of Dover for Best Religious/Church Entry, and Hillsborough County Public Schools Transportation for Best Business Entry.

The winners were presented trophies and cash prizes on Monday, December 11, at the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum. While Plant City may not have a white Christmas, as described in the holiday jingles, the community gathers by the thousands to celebrate the season with family and friends.

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Making Her Way By Cierra Craft Photos by Savannah Metts Studios

Women—we are resilient and stand in the face of adversity. We build compassionate connections with others, and we work with great zeal, drive, and empathy. Angelina Giambo is one such woman. This single mom says she’s always been an entrepreneur, with hobbies that turned into businesses. Giambo’s determination and grit for hard work have opened doors for her. She owns Style Bar and Angelina’s Deli, the two businesses couldn’t be more different. Style Bar is a salon that offers hair styling services called blowouts and special event updos. Angelina’s Deli is a quick-service Italian sandwich shop. Learn more about this girl boss who is making her way into Plant City’s business scene.

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Angelina Giambo is the owner of Style Bar and Angelina’s Deli. While the two businesses couldn’t be more different, Giambo is passionate about filling the void of businesses our city needs.

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Style Bar is located at 120 N Collins Street. It’s not a full-service hair salon, but a hair styling service offering blow outs, updo, braiding, and other special event beauty needs. All stylists are licensed cosmetologists ready to help clients feel relaxed and pampered.

Style Bar

The Style Bar is not a full-service hair salon for haircuts or coloring. It’s a blow dry bar offering blowouts, curling, special occasion updos, and braiding. What was the inspiration behind Style Bar? I could never curl my own hair, but I loved how I looked with curled hair; I loved how I felt when it was curled. The first time I went to a blow dry bar was three years ago in Las Vegas, and I thought it was such a cool concept. When I came back to Florida, I drove an hour to a blow bar to get my hair done. I began thinking about Plant City and our special events—Strawberry Queen, Jr. Royalty, Galas, Balls, etc. Women and girls want to look and feel their best for their big event. So, I wanted to create a place to go to get ready for your big event. I ran the idea by my own hairdresser and friend, Eric Randall, who said he thought it was a great idea as a place to go to between appointments with your hairdresser and special occasions. I did a lot of research on other blow-dry bars, and while this was certainly not my dream, I put 110% of myself into anything I do. I did tons of research, I took classes, and opening Style Bar took a lot of trial and error. It taught me a lot about myself and the Plant City clientele. We opened on Thonotosassa Road in 2022 and moved to downtown at the corner of Collins and Reynolds Street in November 2023.

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From glam curls to sleek and straight, the stylists at Style Bar can help clients achieve any look. Style Bar offers hairstyling, makeup, and waxing services.

“I wanted to create a place to go to get ready for your big event.”

What can clients expect when they visit Style Bar? First and foremost, all of the stylists at Style Bar are licensed cosmetologists. We just recently started offering haircuts, but we do not do color. Our top service is hairstyling. We offer blowouts, which means we dry your hair into your desired style after a wash. So, we can create glamorous curls, straight hair, beachy waves, or, for those special occasions, we can elevate your look with an updo. We also offer makeup services, facial waxing, brow lamination, tinting and shaping, and semi-permanent makeup. All of our stylists will have a consultation with the client to understand what their wants and needs are. We may ask why you are getting hair or makeup done and what clothes you are wearing to match your look. We may ask a lot of questions to work together to figure out what you need. If you’re wearing a blue gown, we won’t put red lipstick on you, and if you’re going out for the night, we would suggest a smoky eye. At Style Bar, our goal is for you to relax, feel pampered, and leave with the confidence to conquer the day. What is the clientele like at Style Bar? We have a broad clientele. We have girls in the salon for Princess Blowouts and Tinsel, and in January, we will be booked with girls for Junior Royalty. Then, we also have teens who come in for hair and makeup for Prom. We have busy moms come in weekly to get their hair done, and we have a few older women who come into the salon as they struggle to wash their hair independently now. So, we really can help girls and women in all stages of life look and feel their best.

“I came in for a dry style, and she listened intently to what I wanted. I was going to a beach wedding, so I told her wanted beach waves but I needed them to hold up in the heat. And she 100% delivered. Even after sweating through the ceremony, my waves held up perfectly all night.” -Christine Lee Photography PAGE

Angelina’s Deli Angelina’s Deli is a quick-service Italian deli specializing in sandwiches, salads, wraps, and paninis. The restaurant celebrated its grand opening on December 1.

Did you open Style Bar and then decide to open Angelina’s Deli? How did you make the leap from one to the other? I have always wanted to open an Italian-inspired deli. My very first job at 17 was working at a true Italian deli. After that, I started with a franchise deli shop, and within six months, I was promoted to management. Shortly after that, I was promoted to a District Manager, overseeing 20 stores, all while going to school for Human Resources (HR) and being a mom. After receiving my Bachelor’s degree, I started my HR career with the same company for many years. I literally started at the bottom and grew as far as I could go with this company. I grew in my HR career through multiple companies in different fields. That experience taught me so much about running a business and all that came with it. I figured out I was actually pretty good at it! That’s when the road to entrepreneurship started for me. In 2018, I opened my first business, a DIY home decor shop (a hobby of mine) that then sold once I moved back home. I got into real estate after that, which led me to Style Bar. Once Style Bar took off, I decided to chase my dream, but I waited until the right space opened up. I spoke to Jay Hollenkamp about this building he was renovating. I said, “Let’s do it.” I think I went with Style Bar first because I was afraid of failing at my dream. But the city was offering grants for businesses, and it just seemed like a great start. We’ve been busy, and Plant City has really embraced us.

Angelina’s Deli is an Italian-inspired deli with an elevated take on sandwiches, wraps, paninis, and salads. Giambo uses premium meat and cheeses, fresh from Florida produce, and bread from a local bakery. PAGE

How did you develop the menu? I always wanted to do an Italian deli, but I wanted to create an elevated sandwich shop. Again, I did a lot of research on delis in New Jersey and New York’s small towns and local cities. I was inspired by the menus I saw and started experimenting with sandwiches. I changed

Angelina Giambo’s first job at 17 was in a true New York deli. Since, she has dreamed of opening her own sandwich shop. In November 2023, she made that dream a reality on Plant City’s North Collins Street.

the menu three times before finalizing it. At Angelina’s Deli, we offer sandwiches, salads, wraps, paninis, charcuterie, and catering platters. Please tell us about the ingredients used at Angelina’s Deli. We slice the meat fresh every single morning, and each meal is made to order. So, even though we’ve sliced the meat, it’s built when the customer orders.

Formerly New City Church of Plant City, 204 S Collins Street has a fresh new look. In Angelina Giambo’s signature teal and gold branding, Angelina’s Deli has become a popular hot spot for a quick bite to eat. Angelina’s Deli is a quick service lunch and dinner spot offering cold sandwiches and pressed paninis. Giambo says one of the most popular sandwiches is the Little Italy. Made with salami, prosciutto, ham, provolone, red onion, fire-roasted pappers, pepperonchinis, and balsamic glaze.

In the deli case, we’ve got Italian meats like salami, capicola, and prosciutto, deli classics like ham, turkey, and roast beef, and a selection of cheeses. One of the brands we use is Metro Deli, a higher-end premium brand of deli meats and cheeses. Our bread is delivered every other day from a bakery in Lakeland, and we support Florida farmers with our produce in the salads and sandwich toppings. We are passionate about serving fresh, delicious food. What are the two most popular menu items? It’s The Bella; I’d say that’s our “signature sandwich.” Ham, salami, capicola, mortadella, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, fire roasted peppers, pepperoncinis, balsamic glaze, served on a hoagie roll. We had a limited menu when we had our soft opening. Now that we’ve released the full menu, our paninis are rocking. The most popular panini is The Little Italy is Salami, Prosciutto, ham, provolone, red onion, fire-roasted peppers, pepperoncini, and balsamic glaze.

“This was my first time eating here, and they did not disappoint. They have a good variety of sandwiches, salads, and wraps. The atmosphere is great, the service is amazing, and the ingredients are fresh. Highly recommend this place!” -Nicholas Zadravec PAGE

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RISING STAR Parker

Forsberg By Victoria Shawgo

Parker Forsberg, an all-around athlete at Marshall Middle Magnet School, is a hard worker who doesn’t quit. In her fourth year of playing basketball, she has established herself as an exceptional athlete and an asset to her team. “Parker is a leader in and out of season,” commented Hope Sims, Marshall’s girls basketball coach. “She is willing to go the distance and try anything I ask of her. She is a “Quiet Storm,” as she learns quickly and helps her team out in any way she can.” Originally from Washington, Forsberg and her family moved to Plant City last year when Parker was in seventh grade. This year, as an eighth grader, she leads well by example with determination. “She doesn’t give up,” shared Parker’s mom, Jen Forsberg. “They can be down in a game, and she goes out there and still does her best and encourages her teammates. If she’s not out there playing, she’s cheering for them on the side.” “I enjoy when she asks to try something new,” continued Coach Sims, “because I know she will dominate in that area. She brings much excitement, leadership, dedication, and focus to our team.” But Forsberg doesn’t keep all that determination on the basketball courts. She also takes her skill set to the soccer field, the flag football field, and the volleyball court. “She’s trying to play all the sports,” laughed her mom. “Her passion for any sport she participates in is highly noticeable and appreciated,” added Coach Sims. Next year, Forsberg will attend Plant City High School, where she looks forward to continuing to pursue excellence in all her athletic endeavors.

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Y Swim League T By Victoria Shawgo

he Tampa YMCA is a family-friendly organization that has served the area for over a hundred years. They offer nine locations across the Tampa Bay area, one of which is right here in Plant City. Among the vast array of programs and activities they offer, is the Y Swim League, a pre-competitive program open to students ages five to eighteen. To participate in the league, swimmers must try out by successfully swimming one length (25 yards) of freestyle with side breathing, and one length of backstroke across the pool. “We have 300+ kids in that program between all nine locations,” shared Alexis Mendenhall,

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Director of Competitive Swimming. Mendenhall has been with the program for over twenty years. She has coached at all levels, and currently coaches the competitive team at the New Tampa location. Participants in the Y Swim League practice three times per week for fifty minutes. Inter-squad swim meets occur monthly at every location. During the meets, swimmers have the opportunity to race against other competitors at their level. The program allows swimmers to get competition experience, while also providing training needed to learn the breaststroke and butterfly stroke, equipping swimmers to advance to the YMCA Stingrays competitive team.

The Stingrays Competitive teams are offered at the New Tampa, Tampa YMCA in Valrico, Bob Sierra in Carrollwood, and the South Tampa YMCA locations. This team is a registered team with USA Swimming and will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2024. Currently, there are approximately 250 participants between those four competitive sites. “We compete mostly within the state of Florida with other USA teams,” explained Mendenhall. “We’re currently getting ready to head to a big meet in St. Pete. The last two years we took home the first place trophy and we’re hoping to make it a ‘three-peat.’” According to Mendenhall, the team has grown exponentially post-Covid, due in part to the YMCA owning its own pool and being able to offer a wellkept facility that affords first priority to the team for practice space and times. Another factor has been her leadership in moving the competitive program forward. “We’ve created some really consistent communication with the parents, and provided a really good path for our swimmers from Y Swim League to competitive,” she explained. “For the first time in the history of our organization, we have been able to send kids to high-level national meets based on their qualifying times,” she continued. “This year, we added the South Tampa site as a fourth location, and we hope to add a fifth location in 2024. We’ve been able to do that because we have such a wonderful coaching staff.” While school swim teams are available to high school students (and many swimmers participate simultaneously in both), for younger swimmers, the YMCA Swim League and Stingrays Competitive team fill a gap in offering competition at younger ages. The benefit of the YMCA as an organization is that the whole family can participate. While one child is having swim practice, the parents can work out, and the other children can participate in childcare. “The team environment is very welcoming,” Mendenhall remarked. “We do social events and other things that really make it fun for swimmers of all levels who want to compete. We do have elite athletes, I have a couple of kids who have committed to colleges for next year, but we also have younger swimmers who just want to get exercise, compete, and have fun.” To stay abreast of the Tampa YMCA Competitive team, you can visit their website at www.tysswimming.com To learn more about the swim programs offered at the YMCA, email stingrays@tampaymca.org or visit the website at tampaymca.org.

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Meet the

Maker: Jose Lozoya

By Victoria Shawgo

-Shirt Time Tampa, a company founded in Dover, FL by Jack Miltner in 2007, is now owned and operated by Jose Lozoya and his family. After purchasing the company in 2020, Lozoya, who is a Plant City native, aimed to bring the business closer to home. “When we got the company, a lot of the existing accounts were from Tampa,” Lozoya explained, “so it was our main priority to bring it back to town, to Dover and Plant City because we maintain a home here.” The family continued servicing the existing accounts but also made an intentional effort to introduce the company to people they had relationships with and to build connections around town. Over the past three years, the company has grown tremendously. They accomplished their goal of bringing the company home but also extended its reach, now serving clients in Hillsborough, Polk, Pinellas, and Hernando counties. While the shop is a full-service t-shirt shop, providing both screen printing and embroidery, its largest focus is on working with local schools to provide fundraising opportunities for their many teams and programs. Though many t-shirt companies offer school fundraisers, T-shirt Time Tampa is unique in its approach. They custom design a shirt for the organization, but rather than opting for a digital fundraiser with a link that students can share with friends and family, the company prints paper order forms and asks the students to do the literal legwork of procuring orders. “Many companies run their t-shirt fundraisers in a fully digital format,” Lozoya shared, “but we haven’t done that on purpose because we find something special in the student walking around with that paper order form, and going to

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their grandparents, aunts, and uncles and really earning the money.” According to Lozoya, they have only received positive feedback for using this strategy, and if sales are any indication, it really works. Fundraisers can be small or large, yielding anything from 80 to 1100 t-shirts. The size of the organization is definitely a factor, but the students’ commitment and understanding of how much the fundraiser can benefit them is really the driving force. The money made goes back into the organization and is used in a variety of ways, providing for everything from team uniforms and gear to competition fees or even pre-game meals. Beyond fundraisers, the sky is really the limit for what the company is able to offer to individuals, families, or businesses. They can screen print or embroider just about anything, and their handiwork can be seen around town, sported by studentathletes, business owners, and even on the red coat of the Strawberry Festival director. Their design team works hard to make the ideas clients have become a reality, and they put an emphasis on building relationships with their customers. “Even though our business keeps growing,” commented Lozoya, “and we’re in different counties and have so many new clients, we want to keep the small-town idea that you aren’t our customer, you’re our friend.” “When I was in school, our t-shirt fundraisers came from this company,” he continued. “We knew Jack Miltner. It was personal, and I want it to continue to be that way.” To view their current designs or discuss a custom order of your own, visit tshirttimetampa.com or email Jose directly at jose@tshirttimetampa.com.

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Leaders in

Faith

Joe & Diana Merrin By Cheryl Johnston

ewlyweds Joe Merrin and Diana Corzine Merrin are moving to Alaska in January to serve in youth and young adult ministry. After graduating from Plant City High School, Joe served as a middle school Bible study leader and assistant director with LifeWay Christian ministry at one of their camps (FUGE CAMPS). When he returned, he felt the calling to empower and bring up the next generation. For the last two years, he and Diana have served with mission teams in Alaska, which is where they fell in love with the churches and other ministries there. Their prayer is that we include their service to God in ours. Tell us a little about yourself. Joe: I’m a Plant City native, PCHS graduate (2018), and University of Central Florida (2023). I enjoy hiking and being outdoors with Diana, which was a factor in our move to Alaska. I also enjoy reading, watching baseball (Go Rays!) and hockey (Go Bolts!), playing video games, grabbing a meal with close friends, and spending time with family. Diana: I was born in Spring Hill and moved to Plant City in 2000 when my father became the pastor at the Plant City Community Church of the Nazarene. After graduating from PCHS in 2014, I earned my degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville in 2018. I LOVE traveling, exploring, and going with Joe or a good friend to the local coffee shop in a new place we’re visiting for the first time. I also like to read and play board games and most sports. How did you come to faith in Jesus? Joe: During a worship set at a Discipleship Now weekend at age 16, I was still dealing with my parents’ divorce and my mom’s time in and out of the hospital. I tried things in the world to find fulfillment and was never fulfilled. That day, I found fulfillment in Christ, felt seen and loved by Him, and have never looked back. Diana: My dad has been a pastor my whole life, so I’ve been in church almost as much as at home. At around age five, I prayed with my parents to ask Jesus into my heart. At age 15, in youth camp, I fully surrendered my life to Christ and have been on a continuing journey to learn about having faith in Jesus. How do you best like to share your faith? Joe and Diana: Our staff used Philippians 1:27 for encouragement over the summer of ministry in 2019. It’s Paul’s assignment to the Philippian believers, which we believe applies to all believers today. We enjoy hearing people’s perspectives and

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where they find fulfillment in life. Surprisingly, many don’t know where they’re going when they die (Even many Christians say they THINK they’re going to heaven instead of knowing). We usually build on that. Ultimately, the best way is to live it out, taking on the image of Christ. Heaven and Hell are REAL places. God created everything and sent His son, Jesus, to live a perfect life here on earth, to bear our sins and die on the cross. He rose three days later, defeating sin so we can be with Him. Believers, keep up the good fight during this temporary life here on earth and be encouraged that Christ will be here at any moment. If you knew He was coming back TOMORROW, what would you change? Hopefully nothing. So, continue being the light to your neighbor, as the mission field is everywhere. Jeremiah 29:11 gives us peace: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It explains how God loves you, the individual, AND respects you as a human; therefore, He allows you the choice to believe in Him and follow His word or turn away. We love you and encourage you to reach out to a Christian for prayer.

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