FOCUS Plant City 23-01

Krystle Jaynes ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH, ENHANCE YOUR LIFE

Feeling Fit, Feeling Fabulous Jenny “From The City” Rothman shares her journey to inspire you to make 2024 the best year yet.

2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Pageant Contestants Get the first peek of the contestants before the January 20 pageants.

CELEBRATE FLORIDA’S YOUTH IN AGRICULTURE THIS FEBRUARY! Join us for 12 days of family fun at a friendly price showcasing the very best in livestock competitions, exhibits and learning activities.

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Table of

Contents 37

FEATURE: 2024 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN PAGEANT CONTESTANTS

By Cierra Craft | Photos by Jose Lozoya Seventeen young women are vying for the crown of 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. Get the first peek of the contestants before the January 20 pageants.

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FEATURE: FEELING FIT, FEELING FABULOUS

By Cierra Craft Plant City personality Jenny “From The City” Rothman has been working on her personal health, losing more than 100 pounds in the “old fashion and natural way.” Rothman shares her journey to inspire you to make 2024 the best year yet.

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SPOTLIGHT: ENHANCE YOUR HEALTH, ENHANCE YOUR LIFE

By Cierra Craft Enhanced Healthcare, on US92, offers primary care, supervised medical weight loss, hormone therapy, and more. Krystle Jaynes shares more about the clinic and learn more about her clients’ weight loss transformations.

FOCUS PLANT CITY

focusplantcity.com Issue 23-01 / January 2024 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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JANUARY 25 - APRIL 13

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

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PUBLISHER

From The

Publisher

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU, NEW BEGINNINGS

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I am amazed at how quickly another year has passed; it’s hard to believe it’s January 2024. We have an exciting year ahead, and the future looks bright for Plant City.

FOCUS was started to give Plant City a dedicated source of local journalism; whether you live, work, or visit Plant City, FOCUS is about you and for you. It’s about telling individual and collective stories in a way that gives more insight into what’s happening in and around our town. The goal of our team is to make our city’s residents more informed, more aware, and more connected.

One way we achieve that goal is through our annual Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s an exciting time for our small business owners to hear that they’ve been nominated. The link to vote will be posted on focusplantcity. com and on our social media accounts; voting will be held from January 29 to February 2, 2024. Congratulations to all of the nominees, and we can’t wait to announce the 2024 winners on February 15 at our 23rd Anniversary Party.

This month’s Spotlight highlights Enhanced Healthcare and its owner, Krystle Jaynes. I visited Krystle and the EHC team at the end of 2023 on 92.

I was inspired by the before-and-after photos of clients whose lives were transformed by EHC’s supervised medical weight loss program. Jaynes, a licensed Autonomous Nurse Practitioner, talks about obesity and all of the services offered at EHC to help clients achieve their wellness goals for 2024.

Jenny Rothman, best known as “Jenny From the City,” has lost over 120 pounds by working out at the Plant City YMCA and healthier eating habits.

Jenny says she has made a total transformation in mind and body and takes readers on a journey from 300 to 177 pounds and going down. We hope our readers are inspired by her story and make this their healthiest year yet.

Finally, this issue gives readers a sneak peek at the contestants competing in this year’s Strawberry Queen pageant. The young ladies have been working hard with pageant chair Gail Lyons and the “Queen team” to get ready for the January 20 pageant. We look forward to meeting the 2024 Queen; she will grace the cover of FOCUS next month and give us an exclusive interview. Who will take home the crown?

This month is all about a new year, new you, and new beginnings. If you have a story lead, please email Cierra Craft at cierra@floydpublications.com or call our office at 813-707-8783.

With gratitude and hope,

Mike Floyd

PLANT CITY OWNED AND OPERATED! EE

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Community

FOCUS

CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY

FOCUS ANNOUNCES

2024 Readers’ Choice Awards Details

By Cierra Craft

N

ow in its 23rd year, FOCUS Magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards contest continues to highlight the people and places that make up our incredible community. With over 60 categories and more than 200 individual nominees, this year’s voting will take place from January 29 to February 2. Our staff then gathers the results, makes a list, and checks it twice. On February 15, at our annual Anniversary Party at Keel Farms, the winners will be presented with plaques and announced in our March Readers’ Choice Awards issue.

We’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to explain how the RCA process works: 1. Who chooses the winners? Can we trust these results are fair and accurate?

You, the readers, vote in an online survey. The nominee with the most votes wins the category. We use third-party software that is able to detect cheating and bots or votes generated by a computer program rather than a human. Any nominees whose votes are found to have used a program or other means to gain an unfair advantage over the other candidates may be disqualified, and the next nominee with the most votes will be considered the winner. We don’t charge a dime for a candidate to be nominated. Even those who spend money with us (i.e., advertising and sponsorships) do not mean they’ll win. Companies cannot pay to enter or win the Readers’ Choice Awards. It comes down to the support of readers.

2. How do I vote, and how often can I vote?

On Monday, January 29, FOCUS will share a link on our website, focusplantcity.com, and on our social media channels. Voters must answer every question on the survey for their vote to count. Other forms of communication, like a phone call to our office, a social media comment, etc., will not count as a vote. Only votes made through the survey link will be considered. Voting will close on Friday, February 2. Readers can vote once per day per device, so encourage your friends to vote via their smartphone, laptop, or any device that connects to the web.

3. Can nominees market for votes?

Yes, this is actually encouraged! You may see ads in this issue asking for votes and/or may receive other communication from nominees asking for your vote.

4. Why are some businesses nominated for more than one category?

Businesses may be nominated for more than one category as long as they are relevant (subject to the approval of our staff).

5. Can I suggest a new category?

Yes, we are always open to feedback regarding categories, the voting process, and nominations. Please feel free to contact us with your suggestions.

6. How do I get notified of voting and the results?

First, follow us on Facebook @focusplantcity. If you’re a nominee, be sure to accept your nomination with your Account Manager before voting opens on January 29.

7. Do nominees have to attend the Anniversary Party in order to win?

No, your attendance isn’t required. But who doesn’t love a good party? We ask all nominees to please try to send a representative for your business to the event. If you are able to do so, please contact our office and let us know.

8. When will the winners be announced?

Winners will be announced at the FOCUS Magazine 23rd Anniversary Party on February 15 at Keel Farms. The winners will receive a free half-page story in the March issue, which is currently scheduled for release on March 18. This date is subject to change without notice.

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PLANT CITY PERSONALITIES!

CAN YOU GUESS WHO THIS IS?

This Is The 1977 Strawberry Queen Karen Owens Romero, Standing With The Very First Plant City Junior Royalty Pageant Winners!

Back In 1977, There Were Only 3 Categories; The Junior Queen, The Junior Duchess, And The Junior Princess! That’s It! That’s All There Was! Do You Know Who They Are?

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: ROXANNE GRIFFIN

Plant City Chamber Announces

2024 Board of Directors

T

he Plant City Chamber is proud to announce our 2024 Board of Directors. This year’s board will lead the chamber through an exciting time as it celebrates its 100th year anniversary. This year’s goals will include growing membership through recruitment and retention, increasing advocacy efforts with events like Capitol Coffee and Candidate Forum, and expanding educational and young professionals programming.

The board will be led by Lisa Rhodes, Owner/ Broker of Rhodes Realty Group. Rhodes has been actively involved in the chamber since 2015 and previously served as the Chair of the Chamber’s Ambassador Committee and Vice-Chair of the Membership Division. Lisa was also recognized as the Plant City Chamber’s “Spirit of the Chamber Award” in 2022.

Executive Committee: • Chair of the Board Lisa Rhodes, Rhodes Realty Group • Chair-Elect John Haney, Ace Realty & Auction • Immediate Past Chair Wesley Joyner, Bank of Tampa • Treasurer Brittany Keys, Florida Insurance Center • Vice Chair Government Affairs Taylor Clark, Ling Realty

• Vice Chair Membership Michelle Engle, Suncoast Wealth Solutions • Vice Chair Community Events Shari Sun, Suncoast Community Health • Vice Chair Community Relations Chuck Gore, Stahl & Associates • Recording Secretary Christine Miller, Plant City Chamber President & CEO `Newly appointed board members include: • Lori Wilson, Tampa Electric Company • Jana Butler, South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation • Ryan Gill, Hillsborough Soil & Water Conservation • Ryan Danielik, Outback Steakhouse Returning board members include: • Irene Castillo, Raulerson, Castillo, & Company • Clay Keel, Keel Farms • Mike Arndt, Minuteman Press • Dr. Marty Clay, Hillsborough Community College - Plant City • Kayla Drawdy, Keel & Curley Winery • Alison Grooms, Fancy Farms • Shelley Jemison, Solution Source, Inc

• Tim Lovette, Florida Strawberry Festival • Courtney Paat, State Farm Insurance - Agent The 2024 Board of Directors was introduced at the Chamber’s annual Board Retreat on October 19, 2023. The Chamber’s 2023 Chair of the Board, Wesley Joyner, said, “In 2023 we saw the strengthening of our Military Affairs Committee, Non-profit Leadership Roundtable, and Connect & Grow group. We were committed to our advocacy efforts and continued to seek a permanent home for the Chamber. One of the most exciting things that happened this year was the introduction of the rebrand that you will continue to see throughout the year!”

2024 Chair of the Board, Lisa Rhodes, said.

“As we step into 2024, I am honored to serve as your 2024 Chairman during the significant 100th anniversary of the Plant City Chamber. Having moved to Plant City in 2005, I fell in love with this community and knew I wanted to make it my home.

Over the past 19 years, I’ve proudly raised six children here and operated my own small business alongside my husband, Jeremy Rhodes. This year, my goal is to continue building on the foundation laid by our amazing Chamber team and past Chairmen. My focus is on supporting the outstanding work already in motion and fostering strong relationships with current members, as well as welcoming new ones.”

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Community

FOCUS

CHECK IN WITH PLANT CITY

Durant Alum competes in Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway, Wins $20,000

By Cierra Craft

B

efore halftime at the Pac-12 Conference football championship game, Jeremiah Johnson’s heart is racing. The Durant High School alumnus and current University of Florida pharmacy student, listened to the roar of thousands of college football fans as he was about to compete in the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway in front of more than nine million viewers on national television.

Johnson says as a college football fan, he had seen past competitions on television and decided to make a submission this year to help with his own student loan debt. The competition features student finalists taking the field at halftime during the ACC, Big 12, SEC, Big 10, and Pac-12 conference championship games, competing to see who can throw the most number of footballs into an oversized Dr. Pepper can in 30 seconds. The winner of each halftime contest receives a $100,000 scholarship, with the runner-up earning a $20,000 scholarship.

Students are tasked with making a 60-second video explaining why they deserve the scholarship.

“The video I made was influenced by being in pharmacy school and mentioning that Dr. Pepper’s creator was a compounding pharmacist in Texas,” said Johnson. Charles Alderton created the soda in the 1880s.

The beverage company called Johnson five weeks before the game, informing him he would be moving on to the next round.

“I attribute my selection as a finalist from my faith,” said Johnson. “I

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prayed to my Lord and Savior Jesus to be selected to have a platform/ testimoney to spread his word. Winning the competition would be an amazing opportunity with paying off my loans, but having the experience and answered prayer to be selected for the trip was the greatest blessing.”

His grandfather and stepdad built Johnson a makeshift target to which to practice. After completing a day of rotations, he would practice throwing in the backyard of his Plant City home. He had about three weeks to practice the overhand throw, opting for that over the chest pass used by most previous winners.

Dr. Pepper paid for all of the expenses to fly Johnson and his girlfriend out to Allegiant Stadium for the competition. The couple said there was a fun event each day of the trip tied to the championship weekend.

He says he was nervous in the tunnel and said his nerves got the best of him. While he did not win the grand prize of $100,000, Johnson was awarded $20,000.

“Winning $20,000 is going to help bring down the burden of debt. I’m in my last year of school, so going out with a scholarship make the last year of college even better.”

Johnson will graduate from the University of Florida in May with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He is grateful for the selection committee giving him the opportunity of a lifetime to compete in the Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway competition.

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ICYMI: Durant’s Claybo Varnum Named Tampa Bay Buccaneers Coach of the Year

By Cierra Craft

O

n December 15, 2023, Durant High School Head Coach Claybo Varnum was named the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers High School Coach of the Year.

Varnum was given a tour of the Bucs’ training facility and met Bucs Head Coach Todd Bowles, backup quarterback Kyle Trask, and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. presented Varnum with two tickets to Super Bowl LVIII, scheduled for February 11, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Very humbled that the Bucs would choose a small-town kid from Hillsborough County, from the Tampa Bay area. It’s surreal to be here and be honored like this,” said Varnum. “It’s much bigger than myself, it’s about our community, it’s about Durant High School.”

Varnum attended Durant High School, played for the Cougars, and began assisting the coaching staff in the 2010-2011 season. He joined the staff full-time after graduation. He worked his way up from junior varsity defensive coach to the varsity team. When longtime Durant head coach Mike Gottman retired, Durant promoted Varnum to the position in 2021. Since then, Varnum has led the team to back-to-back district 4M-8 titles.

On January 4, 2024, it was announced Varnum is a finalist for the 2023 Don Shula Coach of the Year award. The NFL will recognize one winner from each conference (ACF and NCF). The winners will receive an invitation to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando on Feb. 4 and will be recognized during the week. Coaches will receive VIP access and accommodations to attend the practices for each conference, get on-field access on Sunday for the Pro Bowl Games, and have a chance to engage with members of the football community.

The NFL Foundation and Nike have teamed up to provide each winner with a $15,000 award for their high school football programs and a $10,000 cash award.

The Don Shula Award winners will be announced in the week prior to the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, which will televised on Sunday, Feb. 4, from 3-6 p.m.

ET on ESPN, ABC, Disney XD, ESPN+, and ESPN Deportes. The winners will also walk the red carpet at NFL Honors, which will air nationally on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 9 p.m. ET on CBS. Congratulations to Coach Varnum and the Durant High School Cougars for this achievement.

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Kiwanis Club of Plant City to Host 65th Annual Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award Luncheon

T

he Kiwanis Club of Plant City will host the 65th Annual Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award Luncheon on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at the Florida Strawberry Festival TECO Expo Hall. The doors will open at 11:00 a.m., and the buffet will begin at 11:30 a.m.

The event program will begin at approximately 12:02 p.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m. The luncheon is open to the public, and admission is $35 per person. For tickets, contact Kiwanis Club of Plant City, Sharon Moody, email sharonmoody91@yahoo.com, or call 813.453.7134.

Beginning in 1960, the combined civic clubs presented the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award to express their appreciation to these good citizens for their unselfish giving of their time, talents, and resources for the betterment of the community and the benefit of all.

The program is supported by Plant City’s civic clubs, including the Kiwanis Club, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, GFWC Woman’s Club of Plant City, Plant City Lions Club, Plant City Optimist Club, Plant City Noon Rotary Club, and Aspire Plant City.

The award luncheon, which was begun in 1960 by the First National Bank in Plant City as an adjunct to the Florida Strawberry Festival, has been hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Plant City since 1970. Recent recipients of the award include Rick Lott (2023), Jack Holland (2022), Sandee Sytsma (2021), and Jim Scott (2020). For further recipients or photographs, contact the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center.

Plant City Garden Club to join state-wide Arbor Day Celebration of Florida Garden Clubs

T

he Plant City Garden Club will celebrate Florida Arbor Day with a tree-planting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at Everyday Blessings in Lithia. This event will kick off a year-long celebration of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs 100th anniversary. All garden clubs in Florida will take part by planting a tree on the same date.

“Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Florida celebrates in January as it is the perfect month to plant a tree in Florida”, said Tracey Brannigan, President of the Plant City Garden Club. Arbor Day is traditionally the third Friday in January in Florida.

Besides providing shade from hot weather, trees also reduce electric bills, provide food and shelter for wildlife, and help reduce greenhouse gases. Arbor Day Co-Ordinator, Cheryl Norton, added, “replacing trees lost to hurricanes, storms, development, and old age is extremely important.”

In conjunction with Arbor Day, the Garden Club has also donated 100 Loblolly Pine seedlings to the City of Plant City. These seedlings will be planted at the McIntosh Preserve on January 18, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The McIntosh Preserve is located at 775 East Knights Griffin Road. These seedlings were funded by a Duke Energy Foundation grant. This grant’s goal is to increase climate resiliency and support biodiversity.

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Wishing you a prosperous 2024!

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At The Bank of Tampa, the relationships we have with our clients and communities go far beyond transactional banking—we stand by them every step of the way. Each person, business, and situation is unique.

You deserve personalized service. You deserve a relationship. And we are in the relationship business.

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People of Plant City

Peggy

Meek

By Cheryl Johnston

P

eggy Meek loves Plant City for its friendly people and small-town ambiance. With a passion for discovering artistic treasures in resale shops, she enjoys time browsing through the downtown consignment stores or the Lighthouse Ministries Thrift Shop.

Other favorite stops include the Parkesdale Farms Market (for veggies and shortcake), the Strawberry Festival for its special entertainment, and Fred’s Market Restaurant for the sweet potato casserole with pecans, fried green tomatoes, and yummy pumpkin dessert.

“We bring all of our visiting relatives and out-of-town guests here because Plant City is a unique, convenient, and welcoming town that opens its arms to everyone,” she explained. “It feels comfortable here and helps us recall simpler, slower-paced, and less hectic times. Truly, this place is a gem.”

Describe your childhood and family life.

I was born in Flint, Michigan, as one of three daughters. We moved to Florida when I was three because of my father’s health, so I grew up and raised my two children in Tampa. My sister Paula and I are ‘superfetation’ twins, which is a rare situation. We were conceived two months apart but born just nine minutes apart – I was the nine-month-old baby, and she was the seven-month-old. We’ve always been close, which is such a gift.

Our father died from diabetes complications when we were just ten, so our young mother raised three girls alone. As a teenager, I enjoyed riding horses, writing poetry, and playing volleyball.

I’ve lost two husbands who suffered from disease, so I live alone now.

Today, my daughter Janese lives in Wimauma with her husband Scot, and my son Jarrod has lived in heaven since 2018. I cherish my family, which also includes two grandchildren and one great-grandson as well.

What direction did your education and career take you?

After I earned my Associate of Arts degree from Hillsborough Community College, I worked with the Tampa Homebuilders Association before entering the commercial real estate banking industry. I was blessed to work with several great financial organizations that enabled me to live comfortably in my retirement years.

How else do you like spending time?

Gardening is both my exercise and relaxation, as I work in my yard several days weekly for six to eight hours. I cherish time with my family and enjoy music, especially tunes in three-quarter time that inspire dancing.

I like ‘60s mellow tunes from artists like Gene Pitney, Billy Joe Royal, Linda Ronstadt, The Carpenters, and Anne Murray. Watching sunsets and inspiring movies brings me joy. I also love laughing at clean comedies.

Who do you admire?

My own widowed mother raised three girls and taught us to be hardworking and independent. Our childhood was filled with love, so we never realized we were financially poor. As a celebrity, I admire Keanu Reeves, who has risen above many personal difficulties in his own life and is generous to help the less fortunate.

What advice would you offer our younger readers?

Walk in faith, not by sight. God is so merciful and has spared me from many mistakes I could have made in life. Enjoy the nature around you instead of spending too much time with technology. Grow your mind through education and reading. Read, read, read because it allows your imagination to take you places you’ve never been. Realize early that success isn’t all about money; rather, it is liking who you are and what you want to become, with God’s guidance, because ultimately, He is always in control.

And love one another as God so loves us.

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2024 NOMINEE

BEST M O RT LENDE GAGE R

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Did You

Know?

Do You Remember When Plant City Took the Cake in 1999?

A

By David Moon, Executive Director Plant City Photo Archives & History Center

t McCall Park in historic downtown Plant City on February 19th, 1999, the City of Plant City, the Florida Strawberry Festival, and many other local sponsors set out to set a new Guinness World Record by creating the largest strawberry shortcake. It would take 107.5 five-gallon buckets of processed strawberries weighing 4,000 lbs. and an added 500 lbs. of sugar and 45 flats of whole strawberries. Also, 678 half-sheets of baked shortbread and 40 cases of whipped topping for a whopping 8,150 lbs. shortcake covering 827 square feet. Q105 Country broadcasted the results live during the festivities.

The title of “World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake” was last set from a hotel school in Quebec a year earlier. Their entry weighed 742 square feet with a weight of 5,258 lbs. Watsonville, CA, held the previous record holder at a mere 42 square feet.

Several local businesses sponsored the project, with Winn Dixie Supermarkets providing more than 300 cakes to help set the record.

Winn Dixie and Superbrand Diaries checked and rechecked the whipped cream status, and Winn Dixie furnished refrigerated trucks to transport the ingredients. Crystal International provided 400 lbs. of sugar, while 500 flats of fresh strawberries were given by more than 25 local growers and handlers through the Strawberry Growers’ Association.

LaRoyce Keen and Tim Martin from LaRoyce Keen and Heritage Construction constructed the table to support the mammoth shortcake.

Dart Container donated 6,000 forks and plates, and Farm Credit of Central Florida and Sparky’s Food Store donated 10,000 napkins.

Volunteers stemmed and processed the strawberries.

After a short food fight amongst volunteers before adding the whipped cream, the cake would be cut into 12,000 pieces for locals and visitors to help clean up this massive undertaking.

More than 300 volunteers and six months of planning went into the all-day event, and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Lee Roy Selmon would serve as master of ceremonies.

Since then, a new standing record for the largest strawberry shortcake has gone to the Municipality of La Trinidad, weighing in at 21,213.40 lbs. during the La Trinidad Strawberry Festival in Benguet, Philippines, on 20 March 2004.

Maybe it’s time for Plant City to take the honor of “World’s Largest Strawberry Shortcake” again?

David Moon is the Executive Director of the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center in Historic Downtown Plant City, Florida, at 106 S. Evers Street. Visit the Archives online at plantcityphotoarchives.org.

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Like nothing you’ve ever seen or tasted before ...

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THE THEWOLF WOLF FAMILY FAMILY THANK YOU PLANT CITY...

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Whoever said Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend

Never Had a Dog!

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MINEE

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2024 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL

QUEEN’S SCHOLARSHIP PAGEANT CONTESTANTS

BY CIERRA CRAFT

On Saturday, January 20, seventeen contestants will take the stage in the 2024 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Pageant. Hosted by the Plant City Lions Club, the scholarship pageant will crown the next Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and the pageant will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Charlie Grimes & Family Agriculture Center at 2508 Oak Avenue in Plant City. This year’s emcees are Kelsey Fry Humphrey, owner of PawBerries Bandanas and 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen, and David Lang, owner of Ragalia Magnificent Apparel in Orlando, Florida.

“These girls have rehearsed non-stop over the past few weeks to show Plant City their beauty inside and out,” said Gail Lyons, chair of the annual pageant. “We can’t wait to see these young ladies own the stage on January 20.”

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at four locations:

SPONSORED BY

Florida Strawberry Festival Admin Office 303 BerryFest Place, Plant City, FL 33563

RAOK Boutique 2804 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City, FL 33566

Fringe Boutique 108 NE Drane Street, Plant City, FL 33563

Holiday Inn Express & Suites 2201 North Park Road, Plant City, FL 33566

Please contact Gail Lyons at (813)-967-6366 or George Domedion at (813)-240-2727 with questions about pageant night or ticket questions.

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HOPE STORTER

ANNISTYN GRIFFIN

MILEE HASTING

SAVANNAH WILLIAMS

ALIVIA EBEN

CARSON BUTTRAM

BAILEY POLK

YESENIA CARRANZA ESPINOZA

TAYLOR GREGORY

ASIA HODGE

SARAGRACE SPARKMAN

DAYANARA BENITEZ- BALTAZAR

GRACIE GARNER

ABIGAIL SPIVEY

ADDISON GRIFFIN

MAKAYLA MAHONEY

ZION KEESE

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Hello! My name is Courtney Miller and I am the founder of Fireflower candles!

One of my few passions along side being a mother and caring for my animals on our little ranch. located in Plant City Florida!

I have a beautiful little blue eyed girl named Scarlett Montana. who doubles as an adorable business partner and helpful ranch hand. We spend our days caring for horses and chickens, and dedicate our nights to crafting heavenly scented crystal and herb candles.

Our purpose is to help incorporate candles as a piece of art beautiful enough to display in your home. Each candle is unique and completely made by hand, by myself and Scarlett. If you're lucky enough you might just receive a candle with Scarlett's little finger prints. We hope you love them as much as we loved making them!

Love , Courtney & Scarlett

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CocoRow 103 E Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Plant City

2 Krazy Chicks Antiques and More 14232 7th St, Downtown Dade City

www.fireflowercandles.com email: fireflowercandles2023@gmail.com / facebook.com/fireflowercandles

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Feeling

Fit

By Cierra Craft

Looking Fabulous Jenny “From The City” Rothman stood on the scale in 2020, and almost “300 lbs” stared back at her. The small boutique owner and busy realtor knew something had to give. She was at her heaviest despite joining the YMCA in 2019. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rothman put the weight she had lost back on plus some.

“I had enough; I was tired of not feeling good in my own skin,” said Rothman. “I wanted to be able to shop anywhere; I was tired of only shopping at Torrid and Lane Bryant.”

She knew right then and there: I’m going to start making better choices, cutting portions, and exercising. She started going to Zumba, a fitness class that combines cardio and Latin-inspired dance, and she found an incredible support group of other women.

Brandie Trimble instructs Jenny Rothman on the leg press. Trimble added weight to the barbell by sitting on it, challenging her client to push through the workout.

“The Y was a great place to start; I was going to Zumba and started moving,” said Rothman. “The women in Zumba were–and still are–so encouraging and motivating. As a woman, it can be intimidating to go to a gym that is predominantly machines or weight training when you’re just starting out on a fitness journey.”

She then joined Y’s BODYPUMP class, a barbell workout that trains all major muscle groups, and her hard work, dedication, and discipline were paying off. Rothman lost around 60 pounds, and friends started to notice. But, Rothman said she hit a plateau in her weight loss.

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“I would lose five pounds, then gain fifteen,” said Rothman. “I was teetering, and I was stagnant, and I knew I needed help to keep going.”

She had met Brandie Trimble in BODYPUMP, but at the time, Rothman didn’t know Trimble was a personal trainer and nutritionist. When she hired Trimble, she gained more than just someone to teach her how to use machines or lift weights. Trimble became Rothman’s cheerleader, teacher, and friend. She says Trimble changed her life forever.

“Brandie gave me so much education,” said Rothman.

“I thought I knew what I was doing. At that time, I was intermittently fasting and not eating until 2:00 p.m. every day. But Brandie told me I was starving myself, and we had to kickstart my nutrition. So, now I eat small meals throughout the day. Instead of living to eat, now I eat to live.”

Rothman (right) hired Trimble five months ago. Since then, Rothman has lost more than 60 pounds. In addition to personal training, Rothman now has a healthy relationship with food, thanks in part to education by Trimble. “Brandie changed my life,” said Rothman.

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The pair have worked together for five months, and since then, Rothman has lost another 67 pounds.

At the time of this interview, Rothman weighed 177 pounds.

Not only has she experienced a physical change, but Rothman has credited seven aspects of this lifestyle change: Hard work, dedication, discipline, food education, portion control, healthy eating, and working out. She now has a healthy relationship with food.

“For some people, intermittent fasting works, it doesn’t work for me,” said Rothman. “I was scared of weight loss pills, shots, and surgery because I was afraid I put the weight back on. I know for some people that is a great kick start, but I believe that it really comes down to still having healthy eating habits and exercise to maintain forever. It is the mentality to make it a lifestyle change.”

300lbs

240lbs 240LBs

She said she meal-preps healthy lunches and keeps a cooler in her car with snacks and protein shakes so she can maintain her lifestyle change between appointments with home buyers.

Rothman says despite her 123-pound weight loss, she’s got goals for 2024. She is still working towards her goal weight of 160 pounds and says she has blocked her workouts onto her calendar, continuing to make her time in the gym a priority. She said she is blessed with an incredible support system of friends and family who continue to encourage her as she works towards her goal.

Rothman said: “This has been by far one of the hardest things that I have ever done in my life but one of the most rewarding. I finally made myself a priority and I got my life back again. I’m so grateful for everything Brandie has taught me. I still have a long way to go on this journey, but I ain’t stopping now. I am also grateful for all my friends and family who have been so supportive during these last few months.

I am so blessed to have all my wonderful ladies at the YMCA and all the amazing instructors who help motivate me as well.”

To learn more about Brandie Trimble, visit her on Instagram @livesimplybewell, or to learn more about the Plant City Family YMCA, visit tampaymca.org/ locations/plant-city-family-ymca

Now At 177 lbs

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Krystle Jayne, a lifelong Plant City resident, specializes in Primary Care, Medical Weight Loss, Hormone Replacement, and much more. “I want to bring back that patient-provider relationship where the patient can reach out to the provider at any time, and they actually know each other,” said Jaynes.

By Cierra Craft

Enhance Your Healthcare

Enhance Your Life IT’S A NEW YEAR, AND IT’S TIME TO START FRESH. THIS YEAR, STRESS REDUCTION, MONEY SAVING, AND HEALTHIER LIVING ALL TOP THE LIST OF NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS.

P

lant City residents may be looking for a medical provider that works with their schedule, a clinic focused on a deeper relationship between the provider and patient, or a medical office offering quality healthcare without the stiff clinical setting.

Enhanced Healthcare, located on 92, operates on these principles. Krystle Jaynes, a lifelong Plant City resident, specializes in Primary Care, Medical Weight Loss, Hormone Replacement, and more. The clinic offers telehealth services and in-person appointments, offering

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early morning and evening appointments during the week and Saturdays for patients in need of weekend appointments.

Jaynes’ goal is to help everyone enhance their healthcare in 2024. She shares more about the clinic’s practice and talks about Enhanced Healthcare’s Supervised Weight Loss program, which treats obesity as a chronic disease.

Jaynes shares her personal testimony in this month’s Spotlight feature.

Please tell us about yourself and Enhanced Healthcare.

My name is Krystle Jaynes, and I own and operate Enhanced Healthcare. I am an autonomous nurse practitioner with a background as a hospitalist and primary care provider. I’ve grown up and lived in Plant City my entire life, and I love our little town. I started my business to change the way healthcare is done. At your typical 9-5 provider’s office, you make an appointment at a scheduled time only to get there and wait two hours in the waiting room just to be seen for a total of 15 minutes or less and not have all of your concerns addressed. NOT at Enhanced Healthcare! We are by appointment only with 30, 45, and 60-minute appointments; we give you the time you need and deserve, no more feeling like just a number. We understand and value your time; our hours are convenient Monday-Friday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and we also offer Telehealth visits so you don’t have to miss work over something that can be handled over the phone or virtually.

What are the services Enhanced Healthcare offers?

We are a one-stop shop and offer many different services.

I will elaborate on three to give people an idea of the services we offer: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) BioIdentical Hormone Replacement (BHRT) Each treatment program is tailored to your specific needs; we start with blood work in our office to see where your levels are and do a full evaluation/exam. We do a deep

EHC patient Rebecca Lofton has lost almost 100 pounds.

dive into your lab work utilizing comprehensive panels that help to form a detailed understanding of your hormonal profile and point out any areas that are lacking or need improvement. We use this data to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your individual needs in order to get your levels optimized and get you feeling whole again. With our program, we will help alleviate common symptoms caused by imbalanced hormones, such as fatigue, lack of focus/mental clarity, reduced libido, sexual dysfunction, depressive or anxious episodes, mood swings, insomnia, weight gain, loss of muscle mass, hair changes, etc. We not only balance your hormones but optimize them by creating the appropriate ratios and levels that lead to improved health outcomes, physique changes, better physical and mental performance, optimal sexual function, and increased motivation. We help you feel your very best.

Direct Primary Care Our goal is to bring back the patient-provider relationship.

Our DPC Program gives you access to your provider around the clock. Anything you can do in a traditional primary care office, we do here, but in a more costeffective way. Our appointment times are longer, so you get the time you need to voice your concerns and find the root of the problem with your provider. We guarantee same or next-day appointments and also offer Telehealth at no additional cost. Our DPC membership covers primary care visits with no co-pay or hidden fees.

Enhanced Health Care does not accept or bill insurance.

“I started my business to change the way healthcare is done” PAGE

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Jessica Romine is another client who has seen a total body transformation since joining EHC.

Krystle Jaynes personally lost 70 pounds with medical weight loss. Her first hand experience allows her to help her clients and give them a new lease on life.

Mercedez Hoffa shared these before and after selfies. EHC will work with clients to determine the best course of action.

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Insurance has no role in our practice, helping us give our patients the care they need without the “approval/denial” of an insurance claim. We charge a flat monthly or annual fee, which will cover all comprehensive primary care services. We also dispense many common medications in the office to save you time/money versus a traditional retail pharmacy; if we don’t carry it, we can always write your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. Our subscription plan is $150/month, which includes your first full lab panel (can be done in our office), then $85/month; you can save 10% by paying the annual fee in full upon enrollment. As a member, you also save with discounts on other services and programs offered. We also collaborate with other small businesses that want to offer a plan to their employees.

Aesthetics We provide corrective and enhancement treatments to help you reduce the appearance and prevent the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, enhance features, and or restore the volume in your face for a natural-looking, youthful essence. Gentlemen, this includes you! If you are looking to improve deep brow lines, crow’s feet, or overall facial wrinkles, we’ve got you covered with affordable, minimally invasive options. In-home or office parties are available!! Ask about our host/hostess rewards!

VIRTUE RF Are you looking for a non-surgical way to achieve a more youthful appearance? Look no further than VIRTUE RF, an innovative skin rejuvenation treatment that combines the benefits of microneedling and radio frequency energy.

This treatment can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring, leaving you with smoother, more youthful-looking skin. VIRTUE RF offers a range of benefits for your skin, including increased collagen and elastin production, improved skin texture and tone, and reduced fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring, helping reduce pore size and improve skin hydration, leaving you with a more youthful, radiant complexion.

Tetra Cool Peel Cool Peel is not your average laser treatment. It’s a modern, advanced procedure that focuses on skin resurfacing without the harshness associated with traditional lasers. The treatment targets only damaged skin cells, sparing the healthy ones, which leads to quicker recovery and fewer side effects. Whether you’re dealing with fine lines, acne scars, or uneven skin tone, Cool Peel offers a tailored solution. Cool Peel employs a specific type of laser that emits short pulses of light energy. These pulses target the damaged skin cells, breaking them down so that they can be naturally eliminated by the body.

What sets Cool Peel apart is its ability to do this without generating excessive heat, which is often the cause of prolonged recovery times in traditional laser treatments.

The advantages of opting for Cool Peel are numerous. The

The team at Enhance Healthcare is ready to help you enhance your life and reach your wellness goals in 2024.

treatment is non-invasive, and you can return to your daily activities almost immediately. It’s also incredibly effective, with most patients reporting noticeable improvements after just one session. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and darker skin tones. Traditional laser treatments often involve removing entire layers of skin, leading to longer recovery times and a higher risk of complications. Cool Peel, on the other hand, offers a more targeted approach. This results in fewer side effects and a more comfortable treatment experience.

down is that it works your stomach to tell your brain you’re full and delays gastric emptying. It’s for long-term weight loss and can be taken for the rest of your life if needed.

Semaglutide is for chronic disease. Obesity is a chronic disease, so we treat it as such. Anyone interested in losing weight should come in for a consult and see if it’s right for them. Not only am I a provider, but I’ve lost over 70 pounds on it myself and am now in maintenance mode. I know the struggle firsthand and can help on a personal and professional level!

Weight Loss typically leads the pack for New Year Resolutions. Tell us more about your medical weight loss program.

There are multiple Supervised Weight loss Programs offered at Enhanced Healthcare. We offer programs that include injectable medications such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. We also offer Phentermine, which comes in pill form. We have Lipotropics, Fat Burners, MICC Injections, B12, Lipo Mino, Lipo B, Lipo C, and many others to give you that extra boost to reach your goals.

We work with several compounding pharmacies that are 503a and 503b certified to get you the medication that you need at an affordable price. If you know that your insurance does cover these medications for weight loss, we will complete a prior authorization to try to get it approved for you.

Who are the patients who have had success with Enhanced Healthcare’s weight loss program?

I have been in business for less than two years and have treated HUNDREDS of patients in our medical weight loss programs. We have so many success stories from men and women, from 18-year-olds to 84-year-olds. We are here to help everyone find what works for them and ENHANCE their health.

Semaglutide has taken the world by storm, marketed under brand names like Ozempic & Wagovy. What is Semaglutide, and who does Semaglutide work for?

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor. An easy way to break it

Highlighting just one patient is tough, but I’ll share about my patient Melissa. Melissa came in to see me in January 2022, desperate to make a change, as she was recently diagnosed with hypertension and sleep apnea. She had a hard time getting up from a chair or even tying her shoes on her own. When we first met, she was in tears, thinking she was out of options and had no help in sight. I assured her I was there for her and would help guide her to find her healthier self. Together, we created a plan to help her lose weight, and she is down 110 pounds and continuing to work towards her goals. Her hypertension is now controlled, and she has stopped all medications. She can PAGE

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What is your goal for 2024?

My goal for 2024 is to ENHANCE the healthcare experience and continue to GROW! I want to reach as many people as possible with our programs. I know that we’re known best for our weight loss, but we offer so many other things that help so many people in the community.

Enhanced Healthcare offers the following services: Direct Primary Care Telehealth Visits DOT Physicals In office Labwork Bio-Identical HormoneReplacementTherapy Testosterone Replacement Therapy IV Therapy NAD+ Injections Vitamin Injections Exomes Virtue RF Micro Needling Tetra Co2 Cool Peel Zimmer Chiller Botox, Dysport, Xeomin and other neurotoxins Medical Grade Skincare products, including ZO Skin Health and Skin Better Science.

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Jaynes is an Autonomous Nurse Practitioner with a background as a Hospitalist as well as Primary Care. Enhanced Healthcare offers medical weight loss, hormone therapy, and primary care.

“We have so many options to help you achieve your health and wellness goals!

We offer everything the bigger places offer but with a hometown feel,” said Jaynes.

now sleep without a CPAP because her sleep apnea has resolved, and now her marriage has improved because she can be more active with her husband, who loves to bike. It is the people in our own community with success stories like this that touch my heart so deeply and make me want to continue improving lives the way we do.

What other New Year goals can Enhanced Healthcare help clients achieve when it comes to health and wellness?

Enhanced Healthcare is a one-stop shop for ALL of your 2024 goals. We have so many options to help you achieve your health and wellness goals! We offer everything the bigger places offer but with a hometown feel. If we don’t have what you’re looking for, let me know, and we can get it if it fits the clinic.

IV Hydration Therapy- Tired? Dehydrated? Hung Over?

Sick? We have an IV that fits your needs! Vitamin injections and/or IV drip therapy are effective ways to deliver nutrients, vitamins, and medications to the body because this technique bypasses the digestive system. Supplements are administered directly into the bloodstream or the muscle depending on the treatment selection, making nutrients available for immediate use.

Vitamin injections and IV drips ensure 100% absorption for maximum effect and minimal waste. With an IV, vitamins and medications are delivered directly to the cells that need them, which is why IV drips have the potential to impact and improve the function of a wide variety of body systems. There are many different options offered, such as Immunity Booster IV, Myers Cocktail, Hair Skin and Nails, Weightless Drip, NAD+, Metabolism Booster, etc, just to name a few.

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IT IS OUR OFFICE POLICY THAT THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR PAYMENT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED-FEE OR REDUCED-FEE SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. DN18996.

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RISING STAR Chawkton

Dillon

By Victoria Shawgo

“I

can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 This verse is commonly quoted as inspiration to give someone the gumption to approach a difficult task, but for Chawkton Dillon, reliance on Jesus Christ for strength has played out in the truest and most practical of ways. As an infant, Chawkton struggled with food intolerances, which made it difficult for him to grow and thrive, and as a young boy, he was diagnosed with asthma. His parents held the expectation that sickness would be a part of his life and that sports would not be something he could pursue.

“When he was younger, I was sad because I was afraid I was going to have to be a ‘no’ mom,” confided Chawkton’s mother, Charlotte. “I thought I would have to say no to all the sports because they all involved sprinting. So, when Chawkton came to me with an interest in swimming, I felt like it was really the Lord giving me a yes.”

Swimming is an excellent option for children with asthma. Doctors are not exactly sure why, but the act of swimming does not typically trigger asthmatic reactions. An added benefit of the sport is that the exercise helps to strengthen the lungs and increase their capacity. Chawkton began swimming at the local Plant City YMCA four years ago, and this year, he had the opportunity to join the competitive Stingrays team.

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Despite it being his first year to swim competitively, Chawkton has placed consistently at the swim meets his team participates in. He participates in multiple individual and relay events at every meet, but his favorite is the freestyle. Most recently, he placed 7th overall in his division at the Florida Harry Meisel Championships-West meet, which serves as a state qualifier. He practices four days a week and then competes monthly.

His favorite thing about swimming is the way it helps improve his asthma, but he has also made a lot of friends and really enjoys pushing himself to swim faster.

“If you push yourself past your limits, that will be your new limit that you can push past faster next time,” he explained.

With wisdom beyond his years, he shared that his competitive journey started because he prayed about it and really felt that the Lord was leading him to it.

“God has helped me overcome adversity,” he remarked. “When I was in [the] developmental [league], I prayed before each event, and I really think it helped. I prayed that if I got first place, that I wouldn’t take the glory, but that it would be His first place.”

Through Christ alone, Chawkton plans to continue swimming competitively and is looking forward to advancing to higher competitive levels in the years to come.

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Trinkle Redman, P.A.

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Plant City Little League

Softball

By Victoria Shawgo

E

stablished in 1954, Plant City Little League has been an integral part of the fabric of the Plant City community for nearly 70 years.

Though typically synonymous with boy’s baseball, the league also offers an excellent softball program for girls ages 5-16. Though the program flourished in the late 90s and early 2000s, recent years have seen a decline in numbers due in part to the rise of travel ball teams. Vice President of Softball Ben Wells and fundraising chair Jaymee Borelli are working hard to change that.

“We’ve been doing everything we can to try to rebuild the sport, trying to remind people that softball is here,” explained Borelli. “It’s so good and amazing for the girls to play. Our girls love it.”

According to Borelli, many residents are unaware that PCLL has a softball program.

“I recently attended a community pop-up at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds, and so many people had no idea we had a program. We were able

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to get quite a few new girls from that event, which was wonderful, but it was crazy to see how many people don’t know we have softball.”

For Borelli and many like her, the ball field is a place where generations connect. Many players are following in the footsteps of their parents and grandparents who played with PCLL. It creates a special, family-oriented atmosphere that gives the players the opportunity to be a part of something historical and lasting.

“The girls have so much fun and create such a special bond,” Borelli shared. “These girls are from all different backgrounds and home environments, and they all go to different schools, and they get to come here to this neutral place and build friendships that wouldn’t have been there without the sport.”

One of the benefits of the local softball program is that it fosters a strong sense of community and allows participants to play right here in town.

“Nothing is during the weekend,” shared Wells.

“It’s all during the week, and there’s zero travel.”

This is an attractive option for families who want their children to have the opportunity to grow in the sport but are unwilling or unable to commit to the more rigorous travel ball schedule. The league is also volunteer-based, keeping costs down and affording parents the opportunity to be involved by coaching a team.

“Right now, we’re raising money to sponsor the teams,” Borelli shared. “We’re trying to raise money and awareness so we can make softball just as loud and fun and exciting for our girls as baseball is for the boys.”

Over the last few seasons, numbers have increased, and Wells and Borelli are hopeful that this trend will continue.

“Back when we were kids, this was the place to be,” Borelli remarked. “To see the family atmosphere and see the generations of us that have played, I don’t want that to stop. I want it to keep going and get back to what it once was: a really awesome family-oriented community.”

Registration is currently open for the softball program and will close on January 21st. Evaluations will be conducted on January 22nd, and opening day, for baseball and softball, will occur on February 24th. To learn more about the league or register for the upcoming season, visit the league’s website at plantcitylittleleague.com.

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home/hōm/noun: a comfortable and familiar place where family and friends gather; especially somewhere that just feels right.

At First Baptist Church Plant City, family and friends gather each week in a comfortable and familiar environment to encourage one another as they live life together. It just feels right.

WELCOME HOME! WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY | 9 AM + 10:30 AM 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy Plant City, FL 33566

Join us! Scan the QR code or go to fbcpc.com/visit

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Meet the

Maker: Brittney Loetscher

By Victoria Shawgo

“I

just love to make people happy with a slice of cake.”

These are the sentiments of Brittney Loetscher, a local mother of five who started a cottage bakery in her home as a way to honor the memory of her grandmother, Betty McCoy. According to Loetscher, she spent a large portion of her childhood learning cake decorating at her grandmother’s side.

“My grandpa would pick me up from daycare, and we’d go straight to Wyndle’s Foodland almost every day,” she shared. “I would stay in the bakery with her until she left. She’d always give me a bag of frosting and a cake and say, ‘Have fun!’”

These experiences developed a love for baking and decorating in Loetscher, and that carried into her adulthood as she started making birthday cakes for her children and other family members.

Her grandmother’s passing was the impetus for her business.

“That’s why I started Cake House because I miss her,” she confided. “I figured, why not take something that we love so much and share it with the world?”

Initially, she named the new business ‘Twisted Cakery’, based on feedback from family and friends, but ultimately decided that Cake House better fit her brand as a cottage bakery.

Through her business, she offers a vast array of baked goods, including but not limited to cakes for every occasion, cake pops, decorated cookies, and large, bakery-style cookies. She even

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developed a recipe to mimic the chocolate chip cookies made at Levain Bakery in New York.

“I’ve never had them,” she admitted, “but it’s a goal of mine to go to New York to have some Levain chocolate chip cookies.”

Though she enjoys baking in general, wedding and birthday cakes are her personal favorites.

“I love making Wedding cakes,” she remarked. “They’re beautiful and timeless, and everyone has their own style.”

All of her creations are fully customizable, and she works with clients in Plant City and the surrounding areas, up to two and a half hours away. She can also accommodate gluten and dairy-free diet restrictions.

“I am a bespoke baker,” she explained. “Clients can bring me their inspirational photos, and we will pull off that idea to create a cake that no one else has.”

Loetscher is the perfect embodiment of the old motto: love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Creating unique baked creations that reflect the personalities of her clients and helping them celebrate the special occasions in their lives brings her great joy and fuels her passion to continue innovating her craft. To learn more about her business or to enlist her to design your own custom creation, visit her on Facebook at facebook.com/CakeHouse.FNA.TwistedCakery. She can also be reached by phone at 813-763-1219 or by email at CakeHousePC@ gmail.com.

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414 N. Alexander St. Plant City, FL 33563 813.754.3561

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Leaders in

Faith

America Locke

By Cheryl Johnston

A

Colombian and South American native, America Locke will never forget the process of obtaining her United States citizenship. This patriotic conservative Christian cherishes our freedoms and takes seriously her responsibility to defend those by voting, speaking out against injustice, and seeking God’s will for our country. Having lived in Plant City for many years now, her joy these days stems from a passion for worshipping Yeshua (Jesus Christ, the Messiah) and interceding in prayer for the nations of the world.

She lives alone in a small home but enjoys hosting many various Feasts of the Lord celebrations throughout the year. She especially loves inviting others to her outdoor Hanukkah gathering (always on the eighth night) to learn the miraculous story (in English and Spanish) of this eight-day worshipful “Festival of Lights.” Along with the teaching, Hebraic music and dancing, lots of friendly Christians love helping children light the eight candles on the many hanukkiahs tabled under the large tent in her driveway.

Weekly, on Friday evening and Saturday, America celebrates Shabbat and attends two Messianic congregations in Brandon: an English speakers’ service at Shoresh David and a Spanish speakers’ service at Yeshua Ner Tamid.

Practicing contentment on a daily basis, she studies her Bible., devotes hours to intercessory prayer, and labors to maintain her lovely “Little House of Legacy” on Keene Drive. Although she lives frugally on a limited income, America is also a world traveler as God directs her steps. Before her husband’s death, she and John Locke had traveled all 50 states by motorcycle. And since then, God has directed this adventurous woman to pray in numerous countries and learn more about those cultures and people. In a typical year, she also visits Israel for several months (sometimes twice a year) and spends time with her large extended family in South America.

Tell us about your trips to Israel, especially the last one.

So far, I’ve visited this beautiful land and its people 30 times, which God expects us to bless. While there, I mostly walked and prayed. I also volunteer.

This recent visit was from August until I returned to Plant City for my Hanukkah open house. Along with many other harpists from around the world, I played during the Jerusalem House of Prayer for All Nations (JHOPFAN) annual convocation. It was a wonderful week of worshipping the Lord and being encouraged by the spiritual leaders who share the Good News!

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You chose to remain in Israel for a time, even after the October 7th attack by Hamas, correct?

Yes, I was impressed to stay and pray. To witness so much human suffering and feel unable to help physically is difficult, but God listens to our prayers on behalf of others.

Were you fearful?

I was cautious but not afraid because no matter what might have happened to me, I was ready to spend eternity with Him in heaven. And I have always felt so at home in “The Land.” Many friends live there, and I wanted to encourage them.

As patriotic Americans, how can we help in this situation?

Citizens should continue praying, being productive, and contributing to society here.

We can also encourage our legislators to stand with Israel, seek the release of hostages, and contribute financially to the humanitarian efforts. Ultimately, we must trust the One who is always in control.

To visit your “Little House of Legacy,” what should folks do?

Simply e-mail me at littlehouseoflegacy@gmail.com, and we’ll schedule your date and time.

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SPONSORED BY

Candy’s Corner

By Candy Owens

W

hen I was a kid my parents, my sister, and I would ride over to Searstown in Lakeland to shop.

My father would park the family car in front of Sears and in the store we would go. Back in the 1960’s and 1970’s Sears was the store that had everything. We would look at sporting goods, tools, perfumes, shoes, records, record players and my least favorite of them all, were the clothes. My mother would drag me to the section called: “The Lemon Frog” (which was for chubby little girls.) My mother never mentioned that part to me. She was always very careful with my feelings and just said that the “Lemon Frog” section had a more generous cut. We, as a family always enjoyed a visit to the television department. My sister and I would always sit on the carpet in front of a brand new color television set and watch a game show like: “The Newly Wed Game” or “Truth or Consequences” while our parents talked to the salesman. If my parents needed to shop in another department and we were tired, we could and would sit in front of that television set forever without moving. Back in those days, people did not have to worry so much about watching their child’s every move.

If we were shopping in Sears and my mother turned around and I was gone, she would send my sister to the appliance department to get me. I was totally fascinated with the vacuum cleaners. I thought that it was magic how a beach ball would go round and round in the air and not get stuck in the vacuum cleaner hose. I also loved to stand in front of the air conditioners and watch the colored fringe blow in the air. Sometimes I would sing in to the air conditioner vents and get embarrassed when the salesman caught me. My favorite of all the new appliances were the new refrigerators. I would love to open them up and stare at the fake hams and fake cakes that they put inside for display. Sometimes my sister and I would play “Let’s Make a Deal”. I would be Carol Merrill (the show’s model) and stand in front of the refrigerator or washer and dryer and wave my hand back and forth like I was showing the prize just like she did on the program. We had loads of fun until my parents came to get us and told us that it was time to go to the next store.

I am sure those sales people got a good laugh watching us, or did they?

We would next continue down the sidewalk of the shopping center to the kiosk where a man stood all day and made keys. I was fascinated with all of the different shapes and colors of the keys. As a kid, I thought that the man that made keys had a very cool job. When my mother got me away from the key maker, we were on our way to Belk-Lindsey. We always bought our Buster Brown shoes there. My

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WELLS MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME 813-752-1111

sister and I never minded getting new shoes because the salesman always gave out balloons.

When we were finished with Belk-Lindsey and had our new shoes in hand, my sister and I would run next door to the Gandee Toy Shop. I can remember Mr. Gandee sitting behind the counter of what my sister and I thought was the happiest place on earth. Gandee Toy Store had everything that you could imagine. There were baby dolls, Barbie Dolls, and G.I.Joe Dolls.

There was Play Dough, Silly Putty, Slinkys, Etch A Sketchs, Silly Sand, Creepel People, doll houses, playhouses, toy cars and planes, board

“We, as a family always enjoyed a visit to the television department.

My sister and I would always sit on the carpet in front of a brand new color television set and watch a game show like: “The Newly Wed Game” or “Truth or Consequences” while our parents talked to the salesman.” games, yard games, tents, drum kits, guitars, hat, horns, and whistles, stuffed animals, model trains, model cars, model rocket ships, and Hot Wheel cars, beauty kits, and tea sets. It was a kid’s paradise. My father would always without fail, buy my sister and I a play fashion ring before we left the store. Mr. Gandee always had a box of toy rings up at the register. My sister and I took forever to select the ring that we wanted.

Next, we were up the ramp to the Green Stamp store, to look in the window at all the groovy things you could get with stamps. Our parents would never let us go in the store unless we were ready to redeem our stamps. Next was to the piano and electric organ store. We would

stand in the doorway of the store and listen to the salesman play show tunes on the organ.

When we were finished listening to the piano and/or organ concert it was down the ramp which meant walking by this weird looking Octopus shaped sculpture. My sister always told me to not look directly at it or it would come after me. Next we went to Woolworth’s which had the old wooden floors and a lunch counter.

I always wanted to have a snack at their counter but my mother always had a reason why we were too busy to stop. I would usually come out of Woolworth’s with a new book of paper dolls. Sometimes there would be a blind man that stood outside the store and played a guitar and sang. People would put money in his cup as they walked by. This would always upset me therefore my parents would walk me by very quickly. I was worried about that man and wondered if he had a family and a home.

We then went to the Empire, the Colony Shop, the Halmark store, the Singer Sewing Center, and finally we were at the end of the shopping plaza. “Time to Eat!” There was a restaurant at the very end of the shopping center which was like a Morrison’s Cafeteria. I do not remember the name but I sure remember their great food. We always left there with a full tummy.

So many years have passed since our shopping days at Searstown. The center itself is no longer a shopping complex but more like a group of private office space. Times have changed since those days and I am sure that the kids of today would never be interested in the things that brought us excitement during our shopping trips back then, but I would not change a thing. I often wonder if the blind man that played the guitar and sang is still alive.

I also wonder what happened to the scary Octopus looking sculpture. Maybe a kid starred at it too long and it came after the kid. Who knows, but at least it didn’t get me. HA! HA! I would like to close with this happy thought for 2024.

During the year may you have Enough happiness to keep you sweet.

Enough trials to keep you strong.

Enough hope to keep you happy.

Enough failure to keep you humble.

Enough success to keep you eager.

Enough friends to give you comfort.

Enough wealth to meet your needs.

Enough enthusiasm to make you look forward to tomorrow.

Enough determination to make each day better than the day before.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Plant City

Happenings January 28

Southern Sunday at GraceWay Church 9AM, 11AM, & 6PM Kingdom Heirs from Dollywood will take the stage at 9am & 11am, followed by The Perrys at 6pm. Don’t miss this special day of worship in song!

GraceWay Church @ 3106 S Wiggins Cost: Free Info: GraceWay Church, www.GraceWay365.com

Feb 06

Make Your Own Sushi Class 6:45PM Immerse yourself in the art of sushi making with Chef Sedd from Sedd’s Edible Creations! From traditional style Cali and Philly rolls to spicy salmon and tuna hand rolls, explore a variety of flavors and techniques.

Larson Family Farms @ 4812 Bruton Road Cost: $85; Ticket Purchase Required Info: (813) 478-4738

January 24 Sunset Yoga in the Vines 6:00PM Katie will be guiding a 50-minute yoga flow at sunset in the vineyard. Join us and enjoy some fresh air during your practice with wine after!

Keel Farms @ 5202 Thonotosassa Road Cost: $10 per person Info: (813) 752-9100

Jan 29 - Feb 02 FOCUS Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards The link can be found on Facebook @focusplantcity

February 3 January 27

Plant City ChiliFest & RailFest

6:00PM Pack the hive at Three Hands Mead for a night of great live music and your favorite covers with The Birthday Saps.

Three Hands Mead @ 111 S Evers Street Cost: Free Info: (813) 707-6323

10:00AM Enjoy homemade chili at the 2024 ChiliFest and vote for the Peoples’ Choice Award winner.

Plus, explore Plant City’s railroad history at the annual RailFest. More fun for everyone in two great events!

Robert Willaford Railroad Museum @ 102 N Palmer Street Cost: $5 per person Info: Marsha Passmore, mappmore@msn.com

The Birthday Saps at Three Hands Mead

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February 7

February 12

Dog Tales with Fuzzy Rogers

PC Garden Club Meeting

3:00PM Fuzzy Rogers loves to snuggle up with anyone who wants to share a book and some pats on the head. You can find him in the children’s area ready to listen!

Bruton Memorial Library @ 302 McLendon Street Cost: Free Info: (813) 757-9215

9:30AM Coffee meet & greet, followed by a general meeting with guest speaker Richard Skinner, discussing Florida citrus growth.

First United Methodist Fellowship Hall @ 303 N. Evers Street Cost: Free Info: Tracey Brannigan, traceyk@aol.com

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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PLANT CITY

BUILDING CODES

F O R A H E A LT H Y M A R R I AG E MARRIAGE CONFERENCE F E B R UA RY 1 6 & 1 7

It’s no secret that marriages take work if they are going to grow and thrive! Whether you are newly married or approaching a milestone anniversary with your spouse, we can all use a little help understanding and applying foundational principles that contribute to a healthy marriage.

In the Bible, the relationship between Jesus and those who follow Him is the model and design for a healthy and thriving marriage.

Join us February 16 and 17 for an opportunity to gain practical advice and biblical wisdom to strengthen your marriage. Our guest speakers, Darin and Deborah Saley, will offer a diverse and experienced perspective on building a marriage that thrives.

To register visit FBCPC.com/marriage

Sunday Services: 9 AM & 10:30 AM Dr. Brian Stowe, Senior Pastor 3309 James L. Redman Pkwy. | Plant City, FL 33566 813-752-4104 PAGE

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Vote Best Server Brenda Doerr

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Kelsey Walden

Kelsey started working at Johnson Barbeque when she was 18. She is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Engineering.

Kelsey is known for her kind spirit, bright smile and friendly attitude.

Her favorite item on the menu is the Freddy Burger.

Brenda began working with the Johnson family back in 1982 at Buddy Freddy’s. She is an invaluable team member who portrays commitment, willingness, and the attitude to get the job done. Brenda is always cheerful and willing to go the extra mile. Her favorite item on the #MarketTable is the fresh Vegetable Medley.

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