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“Paladin® gave me about a 20% yield increase over last year.” Cecil Howell, H&R Farms, Immokalee, FL
Cecil had heard about Paladin® soil fumigant’s higher yields and its effectiveness on weeds and soilborne diseases. So he made the switch, treating 110 acres of peppers with a tank mix of 79:21 Paladin® soil fumigant and chloropicrin with a pre-emergent herbicide. “I was tickled to death with the yield. Especially going through all the cold weather and rain,” said Cecil. “And it was definitely cheaper than previous treatments.” He got the quick nutsedge control he was looking for, too. “Within a week, it was already brown. It was the quickest thing I had ever seen.” Plant size also lived up to his expectations. “They were bigger and looked great. I was really pleased,” says Cecil. Cecil’s 20% higher yield translated to 1,800 boxes of peppers per acre. He smiled when asked if he plans on using Paladin® again. “It worked so good.” Paladin® soil fumigant is a restricted-use pesticide. Always refer to and follow the federal label requirements for crops, specific use rates and application directions. Paladin is a registered trademark of Arkema
Cecil Howell
paladin.com 2
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VOL. 11 • ISSUE 11
Bill George
page 70
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, Fl. Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121 OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Contents SEPTEMBER 2015 Cover Photo by Stephanie Humphrey
Page 10
Endangered Species
Old Earth
Florida Boniato
Business Up Front
Page 16 Hillsborough County Fair
Page 17
Fishing Hot Spots
Page 18
Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22
Page 28 Page 35 Dry Creek
Page 38 Economic Impact
Page 46
Glenda McNary
Page 48 Recipes
Page 50
Literary Time Machine
Page 54
Strawberry Crest
Page 58
Summer Nights
Page 64
Meet the Minks
Page 74
Closer Look
Page 84
Kenneth Parker....................President Will Womack................Vice President James Tew..........................Treasurer Michelle Williamson.............Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2015 - 2016 Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Gleen Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Erin Nesmith, Buddy Coleman, Jake Raburn ,Marty Tanner, James Tew, Ron Wetherington, Brantley Ferguson, and Vincent Tort
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents Valrico Office 813.685.5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Juile Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
13103 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL.33626 Greg Harrell, Jeff Harper, Ralph Russo
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AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
September 2015
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IN NTHEFIELD IELD MAGAZINE
September eptember 2015
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Letter from the Editor
STAFF
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor-In-Chief Al Berry Editor Patsy Berry
September is here, the days are getting shorter and the kids are back in school. The progressively shorter days are leading up to September 23, the day of the autumnal equinox, when night and day are of equal lengths. The freshest, safest, best tasting food is just around the corner! Buying local is easy, just find a farmer’s market near you and encourage your local grocery stores and area restaurants to purchase more products from local farms. This small step will help boost your local economy and get you exceptional flavor from fruits and vegetables that are recently harvested and packed with nutrients.
Office Manager Bob Hughens Sales Manager Danny Crampton Sales Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez
How do you know what’s in season? We are lucky to have something fresh and nutritious available in Florida 365 days a year. Check out the Florida Department of Agriculture’s web site at www.freshfromflorida.com for a chart of what is in season.
Photography Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey
It is so important to support your local farmer and rancher. They are the lifeblood of this county, state and our great nation!
Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins Nick Chapman Vanessa Caceres
As always, we would like to extend a special thank you to all of our advertisers for the support you show us each month. It is important to us to continue spreading the word about agriculture and you allow us the opportunity to do just that. ! Until next month
Contributing Writers Woody Gore Les McDowell John Dicks
Sarah The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 335630042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813759-6909 Advertisers warrant & represent the descriptions of their products advertised are true in all respects. In The Field Magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. All views expressed in all articles are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Berry Publications, Inc. Any use or duplication of material used in In the Field magazine is prohibited without written consent from Berry Publications, Inc. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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IN INTTHE HEFFIELD IELD M MAGAZINE AGAZINE
SSeptember eptember 2015 2015
77
100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121
Back to School and More Dear Readers: It’s no secret, school is back in session. I hope it’s a great year for students, teachers and parents. This is the time of year when both Hillsborough County and Florida Farm Bureau have their respective annual meetings. I hope to see many of you at our county gathering October 1. That steak dinner is a benefit of membership. We talk a good deal about the many different things Farm Bureau does. I would be willing to bet that many of you do not know where our action plans begin. Florida Farm Bureau staff and leaders get their “marching orders” from our policy book. These policies are adopted annually through a process that is designed to reflect and act upon concerns and issues that affect producers throughout Florida. Issues are introduced in resolutions developed by Florida Farm Bureau Advisory Committees and county Farm Bureaus such as ours here in Hillsborough County. In other words, much of our Farm Bureau focus begins at the grass roots level from among our members such as you. I see that as a very important fact, and I am pleased that it occurs. These resolutions are compiled into a workbook that is given to each county Farm Bureau. At the state convention, which is coming up later in October, voting delegates meet and discuss the work book during resolution sessions. Finally, the resolutions are voted into policies and become our road map or guide for action during the year.
This is another benefit of Farm Bureau membership since it gives you the opportunity to have your voice heard regarding policy matters you want the organization to address as it moves forward with lawmakers and regulators locally, statewide and nationally. If that is important to you, and I am sure it is, and you’re not a Farm Bureau member, I ask that you consider membership for your family. The modest fee associated with family membership in Farm Bureau is a great deal and your active involvement will be beneficial to both your family and our industry. If your family is already part of our Farm Bureau family, please consider suggesting membership to your friends and don’t hesitate to get involved in our policy-making process. To learn more, please visit: http://hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121 for more information. Sincerely,
Kenneth Kenneth Parker - President
While local input is sought, it is important to recognize the makeup and involvement of our state advisory committees. Members of those committees, and there are 16, are experts in their commodity or area of expertise and keep Federation staff attuned to pending needs of the agricultural community across Florida. Those various committees advise the voting delegates on resolutions that may become policies and help inform the state board of directors on specific issues.
Board of Directors
Kenneth Parker, President; Will Womack, Vice-President; Ray Wood, Treasure; Michelle Williamson, Secretary; Member-at-large; Bill Burnette; Board memebers: Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Gleen Harrell, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Greg Lehman, Erin Nesmith, Buddy Coleman, Jake Raburn ,Marty Tanner, James Tew, Ron Wetherington, Brantley Ferguson, and Vincent Tort Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8 8
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The Plant City location of Eye Express is open Monday through Friday and accepts walk-ins as well as appointments.
Business Up Front By Nicole Schoent
Eye Express Offers Personalized Customer Care For Over 35 Years
Eyes are a very delicate part of the body that allow vision as well as add depth to our communication. Some cultures even consider eyes to be the windows to the soul. It is no wonder that they should be well taken care of to ensure optimal vision, and the staff at Eye Express does just that. With 12 locations in the Central Florida region, Eye Express offers personalized care to ensure patients are treated fairly and their eyes are well taken care of. The practice began 38 years ago in Winter Haven by Dr. Stephen Phillips. “Dr. Phillips started the practice with patients’ care and needs in mind. He wanted to have an optometric practice that addressed eye health, good vision and excellent service. He accomplished this by having residency trained optometrists, the latest diagnostic testing equipment, and an one hour optical with the latest fashion and brand names for every person’s budget,” said Marketing Manager Erica Hagan, who has been with Eye Express for two years. Dr. Phillips is still active in the company and takes appointments daily. Fast forward to 2015 and Eye Express now has a patient base of hundreds of thousands throughout Central Florida - a testament to its success – and it provides care to patients with a 10
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Roxanne Buffano is one of 12 boardcertified optometrists on staff at Eye Express at the Plant City location.
staff of 19 doctors. The Plant City location at 102 Henry Ave. has been open almost four years with Dr. Roxanne Buffano as the resident optometrist. “We are different because we don’t try to mislead patients with bait and switch pricing,” said Hagan, who mentioned her favorite part about working at Eye Express is communicating and educating patients on their eye health and being able to help enWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
sure great patient care. “Our main goal is to provide the best possible eye health and patient care possible.” A five star rating on Eye Express’ Facebook page from customer Suzy K. confirms their care when she wrote, “We highly recommend Eye Express! My daughter is 10 and we could not have ever hoped for a better first time visit! She loves her new glasses and looks adorable in them!” Hagan mentioned everyone should have an eye exam at least yearly. Eye exams for children are a highly suggested back-toschool preparation since research shows that 80% of what students learn is through the eyes. On it’s website, Eye Express mentions, “When you visit Eye Express…you’ll be seen by a board certified optometrist who will perform all necessary eye tests to be certain that your eyes are healthy and that your vision is corrected to be as clear as possible. In addition to comprehensive eye exams for blurry vision, our eye doctors can diagnose and treat a number of different eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, agerelated macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, near sightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, keratoconus, retina and corneal diseases, dry eye, allergies and much more. The approach by our optometrists and Eye Express staff is all part of our commitment to providing the best eye care possible.” Most vision and medical insurances are accepted including Medicare and Medicaid, VSP, EyeMed, Spectera, BCBS, and Medicaid plans. They also offers a unique feature on its website where patients can request an appointment time, as well as a live chat feature where patients can address questions and concerns with the appointment desk. “The website is responsive and easy to navigate on mobile. We also have a great app on our site that lets you upload a photo to try on different colored contact lenses,” said Hagan of the website’s Air Optix Color Studio. There is also an “Education” tab on the website with a database of videos to watch that explains different eye exams, eye diseases, and lens options. This will help patients understand how Eye Express can help them see better and look better. Eye Express also accepts walk-ins, especially if it is an emergency like an eye infection or sudden blurry vision. Some of the frequent compliments Hagan mentioned she hears from patients are about the “wonderful doctors, caring services, and great selection of frames.” Eye Express offers designer frames, carrying name brands such as Coach, Burberry, Anne Klein, Ralph Lauren, Dolce & Gabbana, Ray Ban, Calvin Klein, Harley Davidson, Vogue, Versace, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., Prada, Guess, Coach, Dior, Candie’s, Gucci and Roberto Cavalli. Complete pairs of glasses start at $79 with the second pair offered at 50% off. They also offer contact lenses and prescription and non-prescription sunglasses. The Plant City location is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. To make an appointment at this location, or for any questions, call 813-704-6090. Visit www.eyeexpress. com for more locations or additional information. Also visit Eye Express on Facebook at www.facebook.com/eyeexpress or Twitter (@EyeExpress). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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r e k c o t S % 14 9 4 . 8 $ r e w Gro n e k c i h C B L 50 9 9 . 2 1 $ r e y a L l l i t r s e G d e e G w B S M g G o % D 1 1 l l A B L 8 9 2 9 . OFF Pellets % 0 Pellet $6 2 0 0 . 0 4 $ r o f 3 y g e t a r t S s B y o T 50 L g o D l l A $15.99 20% OFF 813-752-2379
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Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies 3014 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • www.southsidestores.com WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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WISH FARMS EXPANDS ITS ARGENTINA BLUEBERRY PROGRAM
Wish Farms, grower shipper and year round supplier of strawberries and blueberries, announces that its upcoming Argentina blueberry program is projected to double in volume over last season. The Argentina blueberry season will span from the beginning of October to the end of November and will segue perfectly into what will be another strong Chilean season for Wish Farms. Although there will be a light trickle of fruit beginning in early September, the first significant volume out of Argentina will be around the first week of October. “Our blueberry team continues to focus on steady, controlled growth. This season, our new partnership with a significant grower, helps solidify our Argentina program and stabilize volume for our customers,” said Teddy Koukoulis, Director of Blueberry Operations of Wish Farms.
About Wish Farms: Wish Farms, founded in 1922 and third-generation owned, is one of the largest shippers of strawberries in Florida and has been for over 80 years. Nationally recognized for quality and innovation, Wish Farms is a year round supplier of strawberries, blueberries and seasonal in select vegetables. Wish Farms utilizes How’s My Picking?™, a patented tool for traceability to ensure quality by tying consumer feedback to the harvest time, field location, picker, etc. For more information about Wish Farms, please visit www.wishfarms.com or www.facebook.com/wishfarms.
Wish Farms estimates it will be marketing close to 1.5 million pounds of Argentinean blueberries, much of which is grown under hoops providing protection from inclement weather. “The majority of our Argentina crop will be grown under tunnels, providing cover and protection from weather elements such as rain, frost, and hail,” said JC Clinard, Executive Vice President of Wish Farms. “Rain can cause a serious interruption to the Argentina blueberry harvest. The hoops protect us in these circumstances and ensure our customers have a consistent supply of quality berries.” Leading up to the season, weather in Argentina has been very favorable with adequate chill hours and no harsh weather events. As a result, fruit quality and volume is expected to be excellent.
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Market Watch:
Old Earth
“Our product is different from other products in that our food is hand made from scratch,” By Libby Hopkins The fall farmers’ market season is upon us and it’s my favorite time of the year to check out the markets. One of the new vendors at Tampa Bay Markets is Old Earth and they are on a mission to create foods that are bursting with nutrition and flavor. “Our product is different from other products in that our food is hand made from scratch,” said owner, Brooke Sparks. “We mill our own nut and seed meal/flour fresh for each batch.” All of Old Earth’s ingredients are raw, organic and non-GMO. Sparks and her husband, Hynek Sefranek, started Old Earth in the fall of 2014 with the idea of providing people with quality, healthy food. “I was working in the whole/vegetarian foods scene and I could see an interest in these types of foods but they were hard to come by,” Sparks said. “Hynek was growing a major interest in the markets as well, so we decided to go for it. We created Old Earth and got married all at the same time.” Sefranek grew up in a small city in the Czech Republic where his family had a lot of land and grew fruits and vegetable in addition to raising small animals. Sparks has a background in the restaurant business where she worked in a raw, vegan café for more than six years. She worked every position at the café and she learned a lot about running a kitchen. She also had a desire to grow produce. “I started with a small herb garden and now I grow some vegetables for home use but I would love to grow more. I always compost as well. “ The name Old Earth reflects the concept of reverting back to the old style of eating; before food was created in a chemist’s lab. “The oldest, most effective way to naturally preserve food is by dehydration,” Sefranek said. “Here at Old Earth we use a slow drying process of typically 20 hours at 110 degrees to preserve our products.” Their ingredients are whole foods, which by definition means food that has been minimally processed or not at all and contains no additives or artificial substances. “We believe that food should not only have 16
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amazing flavor but should also be packed with nutrition,” Sparks said. “The body is extremely sensitive when it comes to digestion and does not recognize most man-made chemical versions of nutrients. We are committed to making sure all of our products maintain the quality and wholesomeness.” Everything Old Earth makes is glutenfree. Some of Old Earth’s products are onion wraps, zucchini walnut flat bread, caraway bread and lemon coconut delights. “These are amazing little balls of sweet bliss,” Sefranek said. “They are made with medjool dates, almonds, coconut, chia seeds lemon juice and lemon zest. Only sweetened with dates, no sugar and they are exquisite.” The couple has always shopped for years at farmers’ markets and thought the markets would be a great place to start selling their products in addition to getting exposure to the public. “We like the exposure we get,” Sefranek said. “The markets attract a lot of people that have never heard or seen anything like our food before and we also like how well Tampa Bay Markets manage their markets. They are extremely well organized and are always very helpful.” The couple also loves the feedback they get from their customers at the markets. “We’ve heard our wraps are delicious, addicting, fabulous and people have told us their are happy to see us doing what we love and wish us great success.” Old Earth will be a part of Tampa Bay Veg Fest in November and they will be opening their storefront at a permanent location in the next few months in St. Petersburg. “We’re going to expand our product line by adding raw vegan cheesecake, chia pudding, mango custard and a variety of veggie chips,” Sparks said. If you would like to learn more about the products Old Earth offers or if you would like to know which markets they will be a part of, you can visit their website at www.oldearthveg.com. The soon to be open storefront will be located at 6105 54th Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY FAIR ANNOUNCES HARVEST AWARD WINNERS; 2015 FAIR DATES AND NEW EVENT TO PRESERVE CATTLE BRANDS By Jim Frankowiak There’s some important news from the Greater Hillsborough County Fair. Three individuals, a civic association and a local farm family will receive the Harvest Award from the fair October 22 at a noon luncheon. This will be the inaugural event for the 2015 fair, which officially begins at 5 p.m. October 22nd.
year’s Young Farmer/Rancher under the age of 40 award. Tort plays a key role in his leadership positions with the Tampa Chapter of the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscaping Association, County Extension Environmental Horticultural Production Advisory Committee and Hillsborough County Farm Bureau.
The Harvest Awards program was established by the Cooperative Extension Service as a way to preserve the agricultural heritage of Hillsborough County and to celebrate outstanding pioneers in the farming community. The fair took over sponsorship of the program several years ago. This will be the 15th year the awards have been given. The first Farm Family recognized was the Roy Parke Family of Plant City, while Mr. Marshal Platt received the first Lifetime Achievement honor.
The fair will also recognize the Progress Village Civic Association with this year’s Harvest Award for Outstanding Public & Civic Service in recognition of its community garden sponsorship. That garden helps to feed more than 1,000 people each year from the harvest of seasonal garden crops.
Farm Family honors this year will be presented to the Alvin Futch Family of Plant City. The Futch family ancestors immigrated to the United States and came to Florida in the early 1900s. Their contributions to the community are many and each generation of the Futch’s has demonstrated leadership through the provision of guidance to the agriculture industry. The family is involved in agri-tourism events like their annual corn maize and sunflowers activity at the Futch Ranch on Charley Taylor Road which helps to enhance community awareness and educate regarding Florida’s deep and rich farming heritage. Robert “Bob” Morris, once called “The Banker with Muddy Boots” by a Florida newspaper because of his hands-on involvement with the agricultural community, will receive the Harvest Lifetime Achievement Award in Agriculture. A Tampa resident, Morris was the first banker in Florida to make loans to 4-H and FFA members to purchase steers for their projects. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2004. Lynn Barber, an educator with the University of Florida-Hillsborough County Extension Service, is being recognized for her work in urban agriculture, particularly in water conservation and Florida Friendly Landscaping programs. She writes a weekly gardening column for the TAMPA TRIBUNE and hosts a weekly radio program called “Garden Talk.” Ruskin’s Vincent Tort, who manages his family’s Sun City Tree Farm, will receive this WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The fair’s Historical Committee, headed by Myke Morris, is inviting ranchers and cattlemen in Hillsborough County to participate in a new program, “Ranchers Roundup – Preserve the Brands” event set for 5 p.m. October 24. Ranchers headquartered in the county are asked to bring their branding iron(s) to the event so they can be burned into a piece of wood in the fair’s historical area. This will be preserved for future generation to remember this important part of agriculture in Hillsborough County. Every past and present rancher who brings his brand or brands will be given two complimentary admissions to the fair and two admissions to the ranch rodeo slated for that evening. The 2015 Hillsborough County Fair, which is held at the fairgrounds located at the intersection of State Road 60 and Sydney Washer Road (main entrance is on Sydney Washer Road just north of SR 60), will take place over two weekends, October 22 – 25 and October 29-November 1. Focused on preserving the American tradition of family fairs, the Greater Hillsborough County Fair offers a variety of free entertainment, events and community competitions plus a family fun Midway. For more information about the fair, visit: www.hillsboroughcountyfair.com. Or telephone: 813-737-3247. You may also visit that site for Harvest Award luncheon reservations. There is no charge to attend the luncheon, but reservations are required. Visit that site for added information about the “Ranchers Roundup-Preserve the Brands” event or call: Myke Morris at 813-294-0337. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Tampa Bay Area September 2015 Fast… Hard Fighting… Drag Screaming Action
take care of the rest. Tip: when you feel the first strike, pause before setting the hook; it’s best to give the fish a second or two waiting for them to load the rod. When the rod bends… then it’s time to start reeling.
These are two saltwater fish found throughout Florida that provide awesome light tackle action and are willing to challenge the best anglers. These toothy swimmers weigh in around 2 to 4 pounds, in our area, and anything over is a real treat.
Fast moving artificial lures resembling a baitfish, especially those including metal spoons, jigs, and tube baits, will certainly catch mackerel and bluefish. If you like jerk baits the new Sure Strike Lure can do the trick. This lure has the action and looks of a live sardine and the Spanish and Blues seem to like the action and flash. But make sure you take a couple of bags along because their teeth do a number on them.
can only describe two of Tampa Bay’s September Scrapers. So, if you’re looking for something different this month try one of these “Bad Boys” on, I’m talking about Spanish mackerel or a Bluefish.
Both are schooling pelagic (see caption) fish with relatively large heads, powerful jaws and a mouth full of incredibly sharp teeth. Their tapered bodies end with deeply forked tails making them powerful swimmers and equally matched fighters for any light tackle rod and reel. Bluefish on the other hand, are decorated with blue/green backs, silvery sides, and white/silver bellies, but don’t sell them short; these beautiful fish have plenty of muscle, incredible speed, and aerial antics to match the Tampa Bay Ladyfish. But pound for pound the Spanish mackerel is definitely one of the most beautiful fish, especially when first hooked.
(Pelagic) Like tuna mackerel are fast, streamlined-swimmers found near coastal and open water. They need to swim to maintain a sufficient flow of oxygenated water over the gills. Rigging for mackerel and blues is much like rigging for any toothy fish. Some folks use #4 or #6 wire leaders I use 50# - 60# Seaguar Fluorocarbon Leader with #2 - #3 long shank Daiichi hooks. When fishing live baits use a short piece (approximately 24 inches) of Seaguar leader tied to your braid and a long-shank Daiichi hook. I belly hook the greenback at the pectoral fin, cast it out and the fish 18
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Again, if you like artificial lures try a shiny silver spoon or for some “reel” fun try an old topwater lure tied to your braid with a dark wire leader using a loop knot. But make sure it’s an old lure; there is good chance you might not get it back. On these hot, humid, no wind days you might also try trolling. Then once you hook-up, stop and start fan casting the area. Being pelagic means they are constantly on the move, but you know they are in the area; so you just need to find them.
It’s not uncommon to find schooling mackerel and bluefish sharing the same bait schools as ladyfish and jacks. One good indication is diving birds. So, if you’re using whitebait/greenbacks start tossing a few overboard, if the fish are there it won’t take long to get them going. Keep the live chums going and the fish will usually stay within casting distance; as long as you’re mindful of the current flow. If you like eating fish; bluefish and mackerel are good table fare. I try to bleed them quickly and put them in a mixture of slushy ice and water. When you’re ready to clean your catch use a sharp fillet knife to fillet them, removing the bones and skin, cut into two inch WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
strips, and deep fry. Serve with grits, tomato gravy and hush-puppies. Another excellent way to prepare mackerel is by smoking the fillets using only garlic salt for seasoning. Enjoyable right off the smoker or used later for smoked fish spread. For other recipes, visit my website – www.captainwoodygore.com.
September 2015 Fishing Report Tampa Bay Area Fishing in September should be good and whether you use live bait or artificial lures remember to take a kid fishing.
Snook season opens and as usual the action should be excellent.
You’ll find plenty of fish, especially at night with free-lined baits like pinfish, greenbacks and jumbo shrimp. Fishing the flats around broken bottom potholes and mangroves will also be good. For some exhilarating experiences try tossing a good topwater walk-the-dog lure. MirrOlure and High Roller are excellent choices. If you like jerk baits the new Sure Strike Lure can do the trick. This lure has the action and looks of a real live sardine. If you’re not into artificial lures greenbacks always do the trick. However, this usually requires some experience throwing a net and a good circulating live well.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore has been guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas for over fifty years; his level of customer service, experience and attention to detail allows him to offer world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done.
Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814
Trout fishing is always productive around lush grass flats. It takes
moving water to get them eating but when they start… its fish-on. Popping corks with artificial plastic tails or live shrimp will produce..
Redfish
action will be steady with schooling fish moving around the area. Approach schooling fish carefully you don’t want to split them into several groups because it’s often difficult to group them back up. Always pole or slow troll to within casting distance, PowerPole down and present a low profile by getting off the bow. Try to pick off fish at the outer edges and never cast into the middle of the school. Reds eat shrimp, greenbacks, and pinfish. If they’re not looking for live bait, cut bait on the bottom usually works, but you must be patient.
Snapper If you’re looking for some late summer fun, particu-
larly for the youngsters, take them snapper fishing. Not only are these fish fun to catch but they are great eating. Small free-lined greenbacks or pieces of fresh shrimp around markers, bridges or rock piles will usually result in a limit of fish. If the tides a little strong add enough split shot to keep the bait down 3-6 feet. Don’t forget a chum bag.
Mackerel & Bluefish
Tampa Bay is still be loaded with plenty of threadfins and the mackerel and bluefish will be all over them. Mac’s and Blues are excellent targets this month. If you’re looking for awesome, light tackle action this is it. Threadfins are everywhere but look around marker cans, range markers or shallow reefs. Anchor up current, toss out a few baits for chum and throw to the striking fish. WWW.IN NTHE HEFIELD IELDMAGAZINE.COM AGAZINE.COM WWW.
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• Female alligators rarely exceed 10 feet in length, but males can grow much larger. • The Florida state record for length is a 14 foot 3-1/2 inch male from Lake Washington in Brevard County. • The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10-1/2 inches long) male from Orange Lake in Alachua County. • Alligator eggs are susceptible to drowning, being crushed by the female, predation, and other less common calamities. • Small alligators are eaten by a variety of predators including raccoons, otters, wading birds, and fish; however, larger alligators may be their most significant predator. • Alligators are ectothermic -- they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. • While most reptiles have 3-chambered hearts, the heart of alligators, and all crocodilians, has 4 chambers, a trait shared with mammals and birds. • The tell-tale eye-shine of an alligator (and other nocturnal vertebrates) is caused by a layer of cells called the tapetum lucidum (a Latin phrase meaning “bright carpet”). This structure is located beneath the photoreceptor cells (rods and cones) in the retina and reflects light back into these cells to increase the amount of light detected, which improves an alligator’s vision in low light conditions.
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High Heels Recently I received a sort video of a young girl receiving her high school diploma. The setting was a football field. She waddled over the track in her high heels (must have been her first time in heels) onto the grass to go up on stage. When she hit the grass she fell flat on her face. With a little help she made it on stage only to fall into the arms of the school principal who was handing out the diplomas. Heels, as many wearers know, present a physical problem. They can harm your feet, spine and your general ability to stay upright. In spite of all the problems they cause, shoe stores still do a booming business. In Russia a “High Heel-A-Thon” race was held in Red Square. Each participant, to qualify, must have high-heels at least 3.5 inches high. According to the media this bizarre international event had girls show up in short skirts and sexy cocktail dresses to match their shoes. This event was a stunning contrast to the American version that took place in New York City. The US event was hosted by fashion magazine Glamour, and the winner received a $4,000 shopping gift certificate. Some participants spent over two hours preparing for the race to make sure they looked glamorous enough to catch the eyes of the judges. Many used duct tape to tape their shoes to their feet. Some fell 30 seconds into the race. Don’t know how true this is, but they say the man that invented highheels, Francois Dullard, died recently at the age of 102. According to the record he created the evil torture implements for his wife Julie – she was only two and a half feet tall, and he was tired of always kicking her in the head when they walked through a park in Paris dodging pigeon poop! The Paris fashion houses soon caught on to the craze and female shoes, which were once comfortable to wear, were converted into lopsided, lethal stilts. At the beginning, woman had to be trained to wear them and instruction manuals with diagrams were provided in every shoebox. In the first year alone, 6,447 women died in accidents directly attributed to high-heel shoes. In order to promote his invention he actively started wearing the shoes himself, but the trend for men never took off, mainly due to a number of unfortunate instances of ground troops wearing them during World War One. For you runners that want something different, you might sign up for the “Big Foot’ race in Traverse City, Michigan every March. They 22
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have a lot of pre-race activity that’s fun filled for everyone. Usually they have about 500 to register, and about 100 rent snowshoes, probably their first time on snowshoes. The learning curve is zero, just strap em’ on and run. This is serious stuff, as it’s the Midwest qualifier for the yearly National Champion Snowshoe race to compete in the World Snowshoe Championship. As a kid I always had two pair of shoes. One black leather pair for Sunday, and a pair of tennis shoes. I remember my sisters wouldn’t let me listen to the radio in the living room with them because they said my feet stunk. Even after I took them off, they would make me go back and take off my socks and wash my feet. They aggravated me more than my mother making me wash behind my ears. They use to tell the story of a three-year old that learned to put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed that the left shoe was on the right foot, and the right shoe was on the left foot. She said, “Jimmy, your shoes are on the wrong feet.” He looked up at her and said, “No there’re not, Mom. I KNOW they’re my feet.” I have never seen so many different styles and colors of jogging and running shoes as they have on the market today. I heard the story of a man that went into a sports store in Brandon. He told the clerk he wanted a basic pair of jogging shoes. The shoe clerk brought a couple of pair. He mulled over them and said, “What is this little pocket thing here on the side for?” The clerk replied that’s to put your change in so you can call your wife when you jog to far. Did you hear about the teacher who was helping one of her kindergarten students put on his boots? He asked for help and she could see why. With her pulling and him pushing, the boots still didn’t want to go on. When the second boot was on, she had worked up a sweat. She almost whimpered when the little boy said, “Teacher, they are on the wrong feet.” She looked, and sure enough, they were. It wasn’t any easier pulling the boots off than it was putting them on. She managed to keep her cool as together they worked to get the boots back on the right feet. Then he said. “These aren’t my boots.” She bit her tongue rather than get right into his face and scream, “Why didn’t you say so?” He then said, “They’re my brother’s boots. My Mom made me wear them.” She didn’t know if she should laugh or cry. She then mustered up the grace to wrestle the boots onto his feet again. She said, “Now, where are your mittens?” He said, “I stuffed them in the toes of my boots... WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Shake It Off Before the Holiday’s
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Save the Sawfish! Another Endangered Species By Ginny Mink Ichthyology, it’s just a cool word, but do you know what it means? It’s fish science, or a branch of biology devoted to the study of fish. What’s that got to do with our endangered species series? Simple, we’re going to introduce you to a mad cool species of fish that is endangered. Meet the smalltooth sawfish, or Pristis pectinata. This incredibly unique looking fish was first described in the late 1700s, by Latham (1794). Pristis is the Greek word for saw and these fish are described as having, elongated, blade-like snouts that are studded with a bunch `o’ teeth on both sides. The smalltooth gets is difference in appearance because its teeth are smaller than the other fish in the same genus. There are a number of names utilized to describe this fish. They include: sawfish, comb shark, and wide sawfish. Historically these interesting fish had a wide range of habitat spanning from Brazil all the way to New York. They like the tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean, but they also like the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is believed that they may have inhabited the Mediterranean Sea at some point and have even been found on the southwestern coast of Africa. However, it is possible that the green sawfish and the dwarf sawfish were misidentified in those locations, which would then imply that the smalltooth sawfish is really only found in the Atlantic Ocean. This is seemingly up in the air according to our research. The sawfish can tolerate both fresh and salt water, so it is possible that one might encounter one in a river or offshore island location. Typically though they appear to prefer lagoons, bays and other coastal habitats. This fish is very distinctive in appearance as verified by the pictures provided to us through Gregg Poulakis of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and one from George Burgess (taken off the coast of Georgia). Gregg is a member of the Smalltooth Sawfish Recovery Implementation Team along with some other very dedicated individuals. In fact, we spoke with George Burgess (another team member) from the Florida Museum of Natural History, and he provided us with some additional information. 28
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Here’s what Mr. Burgess shared with us, “The process of dealing with this endangered species is at the hands of the National Marine Fisheries Service. This is a critter that is considered a marine critter, although a point of fact is that it actually moves into freshwater as well. The smalltooth sawfish, and its close relative the largetooth sawfish, were on the original petition to list sawfish as endangered but because the data was so lacking on the largetooth sawfish in the original petition, the National Marine Fisheries Service felt they could only list the smalltooth with some degree of accuracy. Then of course the largetooth would be covered through a clause in the Endangered Species Act, which allows you to provide coverage for lookalike species. For the average woman or man out there, telling these species apart is not an easy task so the largetooth got some coverage until it was listed later on. That said, the largetooth has not been seen in US waters for decades and for all intents and purposes it is extinct in US waters.” He returned then to describing the listing process, “You have to prove that their populations are going down. We looked at all available data on the things through museum collections or the occasional written word in the scientific coverage of geographic areas where sawfish were included. And probably more importantly through the popular press where captures of these things were often recorded in newspapers as curios, large curios, because these things got up to over 20 feet in length. We did a lot of data mining through old newspapers along with getting all the museum records and anything in scientific literature. We put it all together and were able to show the shrinkage of the range over the past 300 years. We started out in the 1700s. At one point, back in the Revolutionary War days, they were seen around Brownsville, Texas all the way down to Brazil, but were now shrunk in the United States to basically the southern tip of Florida. We were able to make the case of a perfect example of an animal in great distress even though we didn’t have actual numbers. We were able to prove that the animal was in decline, grossly. So it got listed.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
He then went on to explain the protection process. He told us, “Both of these animals are now protected, which means they cannot be taken in any way. ‘Taken’ is the official scientific jargon for capturing an animal. In theory, you are not allowed to capture this animal at all, but realistically that is not the case because an animal will take a hook and bait or will occasionally get caught in a net. The latter, getting caught in a net, is something National Marine Fisheries Service takes very seriously. In the case of sport fishing, it is a little bit of a difficult task because these things are going to take a hook. In South Florida, where sport fishing is king, and sawfish prefer shallow waters, the two are going to mix. Sawfish are captured and released by sport fishers on a regular basis but clearly the concern for all of us is that they be handled appropriately such that they aren’t injured and have a chance to make it and go back in the water. No death is allowed, period!” He admits that what they know about the smalltooth sawfish is limited. He told us, “I was fortunate enough to be on the listing team and am now on the recovery team. The next step is what are we going to do to get them to come back and how long is it going to take? Our understanding of the biology has been particularly low because they always were rare animals and scientist never really got to study them very much in part because they have no constituency. They were not a food fish, or a sport fish. There was no cause to put money into sawfish research because they weren’t going on a plate or on the end of a line. When we got to the stage where we did, which is when the populations had dwindled to very low numbers, we had very little information to go to.” So what’s taking these cool fish out? He said, “The losses were built from two major factors: the fishing mortality, with the saws they’re easily hung up on nets and these are animals that live in very shallow waters, exactly where humans fish and recreate and build docks and channels. The fishing pressure took its toll and then secondarily, modifications in the environment which have grown as populations use near shore waters as our own. We are putting in seawalls, and channels and getting rid of sea grass beds and most importantly mangrove habitat, which is an absolute requirement for the early stages of their lives. They have to have mangroves but we’re removing the mangroves.” Sadly, he shared, “Based on our calculations as a group, the recovery time for the smalltooth sawfish, assuming zero mortalities, no death by humans in any fashion, will be a hundred years. It’s an indication of how fragile our shallow waters can be and how we have impacted WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
the health of the ecosystem. In this case we’ve affected the largest single fish in Florida waters. There is not another species that gets as big as this species, over 20 feet long, that lived in Florida! The same thing is occurring worldwide. There are five species of sawfish worldwide, we have two of them here in the Western Atlantic and three elsewhere in the world and all five species are endangered on an international basis for the same exact reasons.” How can we help? Mr. Burgess explained, “It’s not so much planting mangroves as it is preserving mangroves that’s the great challenge for us here in Florida. Obviously mangroves grow well in South Florida. Their northward distribution is limited by the cold water. Right now they’re in such bad shape that management is pretty easy, you can’t catch any and you can’t kill any, that’s the bottom line, period. It’s going to take time for them all to recover. Once we see these animals start to migrate out of Florida into areas that they did in the historic past, then we can start thinking about upgrading their status and determining that recovery is making progress in the way that we want it.” Preserve habitat sure, but more importantly Mr. Burgess shared, “The biggest thing you can do for us is report your encounter with a sawfish if you see one, or you catch one, we want to know about it. They’re so rare that we want to milk as much data as we can out of even just a sighting. The International Sawfish Encounter Database, which we oversee, records every sawfish that is seen anywhere in the world including here in Florida. We have a questionnaire online. We are interested in where, when and how, the size, what habitat they were in and so forth. Each sighting is valuable, so if people see them or catch one they need to know that they’re endangered, you’ve got to keep it in the water, don’t take it out, no pictures out of the water. We need a report about it here at the University of Florida so we can record that for scientific use, which includes an indication of abundance. This will help tell us if our recovery efforts are working, will tell us the critical habitat for the animal and will help us identify nursery areas, know when reproduction occurs, movement patterns, etc.” If you happen upon a sawfish you should submit your information to: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/sawfish/form.html http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/sharks/sawfish/sawfishencounters. html Or email: sawfish@flmnh.ufl.edu For more information visit: http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/ descript/stsawfish/stsawfish.html INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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“Farm Credit is easy to work with and meets our needs.” — Shad and Billy Simmons
Shad and Billy Simmons grow strawberries on land Billy’s grandfather bought in 1920 — both are past presidents of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association.
Loans made for farmers by farmers, since 1916. Farm Credit is the nation’s leading provider of credit to agriculture and rural America. 813.719.7341 FarmCreditCFL.com
Loans for land, homes & country living
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Florida
Boniato
By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Not a potato and not a sweet potato, the unique Florida boniato is like a mix of both tubers. Boniato, a tropical sweet potato, is also called Cuban potato, camote, or batas. With an irregular shape like a sweet potato, the skin of a boniato can be purple, pink or red and the flesh inside is white or cream-colored. Boniato is drier, fluffier, and less sweet than sweet potatoes, making it taste like a cross between regular spuds and sweet potatoes. Once peeled, cover with water or the flesh will rapidly become discolored. With its mild flavor, boniato complements a variety of dishes, including meat or cheese dishes. Boniatos can be used in place of regular potatoes.
proper heart and kidney function. Potassium also regulates blood pressure and fluid balance.
Originating in Colombia and Peru, boniato in the United States is cultivated most widely in Florida, thanks to its tropical climate. Now an important commercial crop in Florida, the estimated value of boniatos in Dade County was estimated to be 10 million dollars in the 1980s, with over 5000 acres devoted to growing boniato. Though mostly available year-round, peak season for this tuber is late summer and fall. The two main commercial varieties in Florida are Picadita, with purple-red skin, and Campeon with lighter red skin.
Choose boniatos that are hard, and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with soft spots, bruises, wrinkles, or feel light. The skin may be pink, purple, cream, or red and these are normal variants. Store boniatos at room temperature for up to a few days. Boniato is sensitive to cold and should not be stored below 55°F, such as in the refrigerator.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
The boniato, much like its relative the sweet potato, is full of vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A and C. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one 3.5 ounce serving (100 g) contains 86 calories, 1.6 g of protein, 0.1 g of fat, 20 g of carbohydrate, and 3 g of fiber. It also provides 89% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for Vitamin A, 25% for Vitamin C, 16% for vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid, 12% for manganese, and 7% for phosphorus, potassium, and thiamin. Boniato also contains notable amounts of riboflavin, niacin, folate, zinc, and calcium.
DISEASE-FIGHTING ANTIOXIDANTS
One serving of boniato meets almost your total daily vitamin A requirement, as well as a quarter of your daily vitamin C requirement. Both of these vitamins are important antioxidants which protect the body from free radical damage. Free radicals damage cell membranes and are associated with conditions such as some cancers, heart disease, and atherosclerosis. Getting plenty of vitamins A and C may help ward off these diseases. These nutrients also fight inflammation and may reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma. Some researchers have also linked a high vitamin A intake with lower levels of lung inflammation. Most of the benefits derived from vitamins A and C come from eating the vegetable itself, rather than taking a pill.
HEART-HEALTHY NUTRIENTS
Boniatos are full of nutrients that work together to promote a healthy heart. This tropical tuber is high in potassium, which is essential for WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Boniatos also contain a significant amount of vitamin B6, which is needed to convert homocysteine into less harmful compounds. High levels of homocysteine have been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Eating more foods high in vitamin B6, such as boniatos and other fruits and vegetables, can help protect your heart.
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
HOW TO ENJOY
Boniato can be used in the same way as potatoes or sweet potatoes. They can be enjoyed steamed, boiled, baked, fried, roasted, mashed, or broiled, and their cooked taste is something like a slightly sweet potato. Wash under running water immediately before use. Keep the peel (and eat it) because that’s where many of the nutrients, fiber, and flavor are concentrated. Once peeled, submerge in water immediately to prevent discoloration. Here are some ways to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable: • Steam cubed boniato with broccoli for a simple side dish or a colorful addition to a salad. • Cut into sticks, toss with olive oil and salt, and bake for a healthier version of French fries. • Cube and toss with olive oil and roast in the oven. • Chop and toss into a soup or stew. • Bake whole boniato and pack in a lunch box or picnic basket for a portable lunch. • Prick the skin with a fork and microwave for 3-4 minutes until soft. • Boil and mash for a more nutritious version of classic mashed potatoes. • Make dessert! Boniatos are great in flan, custards, pies, quick bread, muffins, or pudding. Enjoy Florida boniato today in its peak season today. Delicious and highly nutritious, the boniato is a unique treat to savor in all kinds of dishes and desserts.
SELECTED REFERENCES
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he610 http://www.whfoods.com http://www.usda.gov INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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America’s First Frontier
By Les McDowell Photo by Linda Constant
My Little Town The summer heat will be gone soon. Fall will carry it’s cooler breezes through the magnolia and cypress trees that surround the little town of Dry Creek. Dry Creek is a fictional 1880’s town that is surrounded by woods and wetlands that keep it concealed from the public. To some it’s a television set for Dry Creek America’s First Frontier. To me, the creator of Dry Creek, it’s much more. It’s My Little Town. I walk down the street and I see the clothesline where Gladys hangs her customer’s clothes and deals out the town gossip. I think of how her mouth caused a big uproar in Dry Creek and we all learned how our mouths could hurt people. Around the corner is the Dress Shop owned by Miss Victoria, who came to Dry Creek to keep her sister Margret’s name alive. She did her best to keep Margret’s name alive. Margret was married to the railroad president. When she passed, the Railroad president Art moved on. He married the school marm, Miss Gale, and the retired railroad president moved to town. Life seemed to come to a whirl wind in Dry Creek when Art bought the General Store across the street from Miss Victoria’s Dress Shop. He bought the store but the big problem was.....the building belonged to Miss Victoria. At the end of town is Bunkies Blacksmith Shop. Bunkie is well known in Dry Creek for bringing back a Christmas Smile to our little town. It seemed like the folks of Dry Creek were even fighting over hitching rails for their horses during the season. We had forgotten what Christmas was all about. That is until Bunkie put a plan together to teach us all what Christmas really meant and returned a Christmas smile to Dry Creek. I own the Rock’n M on the outskirts of Dry Creek and have five guys that work for me that always seem to get into some kind of mischief. Like the day that one of them had a problem with keeping his word. He got a real lesson the day he was working up on the windmill. He lost his footing and ended up hanging upside down by his boot. He tried to reason with The Lord about his ways and how he would change if he was saved from the windmill. Poor guy talking to The Lord looking down....he finally got his bearings and ended up learning a valuable lesson that day. Oh and he did get down from the windmill.
Plant City Chamber of Commerce Salute to Agriculture Breakfast Presented by Farm Credit of Central Florida Photos by Ron O’Connor – Farm Credit Agri-Business of the Year The Hay Exchange Young Agriculturist of the Year Michael C. Lopez Ag Educator of the Year Judi Whitson Agriculturist of the Year Hugh M. Gramling Supporter of Youth in Agriculture William K. & Karen J. Grimmer
As a plane flies over the set of Dry Creek, I come back to 2015 and see some of the characters names on the signs of Dry Creek, Bunkie, Gladys, Miss Victoria, Miss Gale and that windmill out in the pasture. Then I hear a horse out in the wetlands pawing at the water. I think of Abby from Dry Creek and the love of her life, Springer, her colt. How she got lost in the swamps and the whole town looked for her. How Doctor Wall saved a young girls life and then became ill and we all thought we would lose him. This little town of Dry Creek is more than a television set. Its my little town and a lot of folks little town. It’s full of stories and life of another time that mirrors our busy lives today. Call me strange but thinking this as the creator of this little town called Dry Creek. But look inside yourself and I bet you’ll find your reflection that shows a little bit of you in all of them. After all...Everybody knows where Dry Creek is, cause it’s inside each and every one of us. 38
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Futch Entertainment presents Fox Squirrel Corn Maze Agritourism Event
2015 marks the 4th annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze Agritourism Event. The Futch Family has been working hard to outdo themselves by providing premier agricultural entertainment, thereby rapidly becoming one of Central Florida’s best autumn attractions. Wayne Futch has designed this year’s maze with a labyrinth of twisted pathways that is truly ‘amazing’. There are approximately 1.5 miles of paths cut through five acres of corn stalks intended to challenge all who enter. It won’t be just a walk in the stalks, but an adventure as you maneuver through puzzling pathways to find the exit. Visiting the ranch offers a unique experience and escape from the everyday humdrum. Leave the city behind for a beautiful day on the Single R Ranch. Grab your friends and family for some old fashioned fun in the heart of cracker country. There’s something for everyone, from a tractor pulled hayride, a pumpkin patch, games, arts and crafts, and great food, to just relaxing while listening to the sounds of good ‘ole country music. Don’t forget to visit Squirrely’s Gener-
al Store where you can find homemade goods, antiques and other unique gift items. The Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is home to one of the top five pumpkin patches named in the Tampa Bay area in 2014, making it the perfect backdrop for those priceless photo-opportunities and for taking home one of the best pumpkins around! You might even spot Sherman, one of the notorious fox squirrels that inhabit the ranch, to which the name of the Maze is owed. If you’re in the mood for a bit of problem solving, or just plain out of the ordinary fun, the Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is the place to be. Bring the whole family and enjoy Florida’s amazing fall weather. Follow us on Facebook throughout the year as we continue to add events. February we will have strawberries direct from the field on the Ranch. We’ll have strawberry shortcake, fresh berries for sale, etc. The General Store will be open for those unique gift items.
3002 Charlie Taylor Road, Plant City FL 33565 Cost: Adults $11, Children $10
Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is open October 3rd through October 25th Saturday and Sunday’s only. Gates open at 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Guests are asked to exit the venue by 6 p.m. Please visit www.FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com for additional information. Please like us on Facebook @ Fox Squirrel Corn Maze.
*Congratulations to the Futch Family, recipient of the Hillsborough County Harvest Award in the category of FARM FAMILY OF THE YEAR. This prestigious award recognizes their accomplishments, achievements and commitment to the preservation of Hillsborough County’s Agricultural Heritage.
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Farmers Feed Huge Hillsborough County Economic Impact by John Dicks
Do you remember that famous line once written by Mark Twain regarding rumors of his demise? It said that, “the report of my death was an exaggeration!” I often think of that quote when I’m asked about the current state and future of farming and agriculture in Hillsborough County. Here’s an interesting thought. I read that a Hillsborough County report some 40 years ago suggested that the Ag Industry would fade out of the county by the turn of the century. Certainly, and thankfully, that study was proved to be dead wrong. To recognize the significance of agribusiness in our area we should consider some statistics. For example, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (generally just referred to as IFAS) conducted a 2012 study entitled “Economic Contributions of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Food Industries in Florida.” It reported that in Hillsborough County alone the total employment generated included 154,912 jobs with value added impacts of some $10.32 billion. I would suspect that a more current study, reportedly to be in the works, will show an even more significant impact. The good news, of course, is that such studies bring recognition and respect to the Ag Industry. One such recognition that is much deserved but often overlooked is the designation of a property as a “Century Pioneer Family Farm.” The honor is issued by Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The program honors families who have maintained at least 100 years of continuous family farm ownership. It acknowledges the benefit that family farms and ranches provide and recognizes them for preserving environmental resources and for helping foster Florida’s Ag Industry.
a link you can use to download the application … http://forms.freshfromflorida.com/06716.pdf Through the program, the families of Florida’s oldest farms receive, along with the designation, a certificate and a sign that can be posted on the property signifying its designation and standing in Florida history. It’s a milestone worth respecting that recognizes the family’s traditions and, as good stewards, their commitment to the land and Florida’s future. Here are the 12 Family names listed on Florida’s Department of Agriculture as the Hillsborough County recipients of the Century Pioneer Family Farm recognition.
• Zane C. Blanton • William Edward Bugg • Arthur W. Fisher Jr. • Thomas and Ellen Folsom • Elisha Futch • Eugene Griffin Hawthorne • Glenn H. McDonald • John A. Mulrennan Jr. • Richard D. Purvis • Richard and Martha Sue (Hawkins) Skinner • Judith Branch Trauner • William L. Williams
Most states throughout America have similar programs. Some, like (surprisingly) New York, even have a Bicentennial Farm recognition for families with some 200 years of continuous farming. Our Florida “Century Pioneer Family Farm” program got started in 1985. Other states have been running theirs for much longer. That may explain why in Florida we have only about 250 families who have received the honor, versus Wisconsin that lists more than 8,500. Frankly, though, I wonder whether folks actually know about the program. For example, according to the Ag Department’s web site, for Hillsborough County there are only 12 names on the list. I’ve listed them below. That there are only 12 is a bit of a surprise to me. I suspect that there are actually several, if not many more, farming families who are also deserving of the honor because of the multi-generational family members who are still plowing away. If you or someone you know might qualify, you can apply directly online through the Ag Department’s website, just search for it with the words “Florida Century Pioneer Family Farm.” If you’d rather do it the old fashioned way with pen and paper, here’s 46
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John Dicks is both a lawyer and a farmer. He and his family own a blueberry farm and have agricultural lands which they lease for cattle operations, as John says, “to someone who knows and handles cattle much better than I do!” John is both a Gator, having received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida, and a Seminole, with his Law Degree from Florida State University. He and his wife, Sharon, live in Plant City, where he served nine years as City Commissioner, including three years as Mayor. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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FIRST STRAWBERRY GROWERS ASSOCIATION EMPLOYEE RETIRES
Glenda Sloan McNary is Now Headed to the Beach By Jim Frankowiak It’s probably best said in the words of Bob Hinton, the very first president of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). “It’s hard to believe where we have come from to where we are today. Thanks to the work and organizational skills of our first two employees – Glenda McNary and Dr. Chip Hinton—we have made tremendous strides enabling us to devote substantial sums of money on research activities leading to new varieties of strawberries when at the beginning we had to rely strictly on berry varieties from California.” Hinton, one of the five FSGA founding growers along with Tommy Brock, Johnny St. Martin, Carl Grooms and Allen Williford, hired Glenda in 1982 to bring order and organization to the fledgling association shortly after it was incorporated in February of 1982. All, except for St. Martin, were in attendance at the special ceremony held in conjunction with Agritech to honor McNary. Brock, who has been the FSGA president on three separate occasions, recalls the challenge the local growers faced at the time. “We had no strawberry varieties grown for our climate and soils and the modest Dover research facility was in jeopardy,” he said. The Florida State Representative at the time, Carl Carpenter from Plant City, recommended that the growers organize and gather funds so he could seek assistance from the state for strawberry research. The top five growers then were organized as the Hillsborough County Marketing Group, but more had to be done. “We had to show Tallahassee that we were organized and in a position to provide some support, but needed more.” And that’s where Glenda and Chip were especially important. The founding growers all admit to being pretty good farmers, but not all that good at organizational skills the new association needed for membership development. “It was tough to farm all day and then to have to work on correspondence that our wives typed and other aspects of the association,” said Hinton who noted Williford “piggybacked the Tomato Committee’s by-laws for the FSGA.” Grooms, who has known Glenda “for about 50 years,” said, “She has always been nice to me and the berry industry from FSGA’s be48
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ginning 33 years ago. Glenda knew more strawberry growers than I did. While she was not a farmer or farmer’s wife, she knew as much as some and more than others about the industry. I wish her and her family the best and good health in her retirement.” A former legal secretary of 13 years, Glenda graduated from Plant City High School in 1968 and attended St. Petersburg Junior College. She was approached by Brock and asked if she would be interested in helping recruit new members and get the young association organized. Glenda agreed to an interview with Hinton, who actually hired her. At that interview “Bob dictated a letter to me and then wanted me to transcribe it. He took me into another office and sat me down at a typewriter that had “keys,” something foreign for me even in 1982. When we turned it on, it shook the whole table. I looked at Bob, a man I had just met, and asked if this was for real or is this joke? We both had a good laugh about that, but he was serious. It took me forever to type that short letter, because I spent most of my time pulling the keys apart as they kept sticking.” Well she got the job and began her association with the FSGA and that one-day-a-week position turned into a fulltime position in 1983. After the FSGA hired Dr. Hinton as executive director, it was just the two of them running the association for the first 10 years. Their first office was in a tiny room that the FSGA rented from the Plant City Chamber of Commerce at its old location on Baker Street in 1982. “The space was so small, our two desks were pushed together and we were literally face-to-face while in that office,” she said. Glenda and Chip worked together for 25 years and she “appreciates their friendship and everything Chip taught me. He was a great mentor.” As the FSGA’s Director of Member Services and Community Relations, Glenda has been responsible for keeping grower, associate and handler members up-to-date on new laws and regulations that may affect their business, sending out notices of meetings and seminars and distributing advertising materials to growers on behalf of associWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
DR. CHIP HINTON AND THOUGHTS ON
Glenda Mcnary’s ate members. She participates in many community events throughout the year – from Hillsborough County Ag Venture, Florida Strawberry Festival and the Florida State Fair to the FFA State Convention and the annual EPCOT Fresh From Florida & Garden Show. She also travels with FSGA Ambassadors annually to Tallahassee for Legislative Appreciation Day. Even in her new “status,” Glenda will assist, if needed. Glenda’s duties are being assumed by Tiffany Dale, a native of Valrico and alumna of the University of Florida who has volunteered at FSGA community events the last six years and as such knows many members of the FSGA “family.” Glenda is single and counts herself, “lucky to have her family living in Plant City.” She has a daughter, Shawnia Kummelman and son-in-law, Mark, “who have always been there for me” and a son, Chad McNary. Glenda also has two grandchildren that she adores: Cody McNary, now proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, and Savannah Kummelman, an aspiring golfer and junior at Plant City High School. She loves to relax at the beach with friends and a good book, and says she may very well become a beach bum after retiring. Glenda plans to spend a lot of time down in Englewood at the “Brock Retreat,” beautiful home of her best friends, Carol and Tommy Brock. She also plans to spend more quality time with her parents, Earl and Nettie Sloan. There will also be shopping trips with her daughter, going to the movies, dining, out, watching TV, Pinterest, family holidays and “eating lots of Florida strawberries, especially those dipped in chocolate.” Retirement is a “little bittersweet” for Glenda. “I’m excited about retirement, but a little scared, too. This is an unfamiliar life for me; I have worked in some type of an office since I was 15.” Though she won’t miss having to set her alarm to get up in the mornings there is some sadness on her part. “It has been a real blessing working for Kenneth Parker, (FSGA Executive Director). Kenneth has brought motivation, enthusiasm and happiness into our workplace, something that’s been missing in recent years, but the time is right for me to retire and pass on my duties to Tiffany. She is much younger, healthier and physically more able to better serve the FSGA,” said Glenda. “Glenda has celebrated the good times and endured the many challenges the growers have experienced the past 33 years,” said Parker. “Hopefully, I can speak for everyone in our industry and say that we all love Glendie and appreciate her many years of dedicated service. We joke around the office about Glenda looking up to everyone because she is somewhat vertically challenged, the truth is we all look up to Glenda for how she has gone the extra mile in meeting the needs of the members. The Florida Strawberry Growers have all benefited from Ms. Glenda’s efforts. She will be missed and we wish her the very best in her retirement.” “To all of the board members, growers, handlers, associates and friends that I’ve made throughout the past 33 years, I cannot fully express to you the gratitude I feel in my heart for your support, trust and faith in me while working full-time and raising my two children and my grandson,” said Glenda. “My heart is full of respect for the FSGA and its mission to make the Florida strawberry industry second to none and for Chip Hinton, Kenneth Parker and my co-workers throughout all those years, as well. I want to thank the FSGA for the wonderful surprise retirement presentation at this year’s Agritech. I will never forget all of the love I felt in that room and the sweet words that were spoken by the founding growers. I leave the FSGA with a very happy heart! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FSGA RETIREMENT With Glenda McNary’s retirement, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association has lost a lot of its institutional memory. She remembers when the Association’s total assets were a donated typewriter from Hinton Farms and a filing cabinet. She remembers the Association’s 99-square-foot office at the Plant city Chamber of Commerce’s storeroom and constructing that office on the weekend. She remembers the first Board signing a personal note the first year to pay salaries until the strawberry harvest. She remembers the Christmas freeze of ’83, followed by the January freeze of ’85 and how devastating and demoralizing it was financially and to the IFAS (University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences) research program. She remembers the Border Patrol roundup, congressional hearings, the SBA, IRCA, SAWS and all the alphabet soup the Association faced those early years. There was the early failure of an attempt for a Federal Market Order and moving forward a voluntary program. She also remembers the early successes. There was passing the two cent per flat grower assessment later matched by the handlers that finally got the budget into six figures. There was the funding for the well at the Dover Center that protected valuable research when power was lost during a freeze. There was our first major agreement with IFAS, with provided funding for a full-time Strawberry breeder…the beginning of the long road to dependable Florida varieties. There was the successful battle with West Coast Water Utility that kept public supply wells out of rural east Hillsborough County. She was there for the auction of a flat of strawberries for the scholarship program, and watched it grow to support several hundred youngsters in their efforts to gain higher education. She was there for the first successful legislative support for strawberry research, for the bittersweet closing of the Dover Center, a move to the Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) and the successful transfer of the Dover facility to the strawberry community for future research. She was a part of the dramatic revision of the patent and royalty program that insured industry support from around the world for Florida strawberry research. She was there for the Canadian Captan scare, sinkholes and the Golden Nematode Quarantine that could have devastated the strawberry community without the Association’s intervention. She was there from the time there was nothing to the time the Association became a well-respected entity in the agricultural community. She saw the rewards of a lifetime of her efforts as her commodity’s value increased tenfold and enjoyed the appreciation of those around her for a job well done. The FSGA wouldn’t have been the same without her dedication and loyalty to the strawberry community. She takes a piece of the south that is the Association with her, but she leaves it in good hands with those equally committed to the original goal … a strawberry community second to none
Good luck Glenda and all the best! INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Gator is one of those meats that either you love it or are afraid to try. To those of you who love gator meat, there is no convincing involved because you are willing and ready to bite into these delectable corn dogs. To those of you who are on the fence, take the step and make my gator corn dog the best first bite of gator you will ever try. The blend of the pork with the gator provides your palate familiarity in the flavor of the sausage. Secondly, who doesn’t love a corn dog? It is comforting and brings back nostalgic memories of your childhood and ball games. Now that I have your mouth watering, let me tell you how easy it is to make corn dogs. I have to admit that I thought it was more complicated than it is. For easy preparation, make the gator sausage links a day ahead. If you can make pancake batter then you can make the corn dog batter. It is 50
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as simple as cornmeal combined with the pancake mixture. After a quick dip of the sausage link in the batter and then into the fryer, the corn dog is ready to eat. It has everything you want in a corn dog from its crispy exterior and moist, slightly sweet interior of the coating to the savory, succulent sausage. So, its game day and your thinking what should I make for tailgating. Look no further than these gator corn dogs. Your tailgating guests will definitely be impressed with the food but don’t forget presentation as well. To serve, fill a deep bowl or cute bucket with grits or corn and then stick your corn dogs inside. Serve the sauces in individual bowls or mini mason jars for easy dipping. Now the rest of the décor is up to you but for my family, its orange and blue.
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Find other great tailgating recipes in the cookbook Whitney Miller’s New Southern Table, to be released in October. Whitney Miller, winner at twenty-two of MasterChef, has been featured across the globe in Southern cuisine cooking promotions and as a judge in food competitions including the 2013 World Food Championship. Her recipes and articles have appeared in People, Women’s Health, MasterChef, Clean Eating, and Cooking Light magazines, and her cooking demonstrations have been featured in the MasterChef app. She lives in Plant City, Florida. “Whitney’s God-given ability to cook can only be matched by her incredible desire to serve others. For 5 years, Whitney has faithfully dedicated her time and talent in support of my foundation and the children we serve around the world. It has been a blessing to see the joy she brings through the gifts she has been given, and now we can all enjoy the recipes that I have seen bless everyone from firefighters to W15H children!” -Tim Tebow WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Gator Corn Dogs 2 pounds ground gator/pork sausage 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup yellow cornmeal 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups whole buttermilk 1 large egg Canola oil for frying Honey Mustard (recipe included) Remoulade (recipe included)
Creating one sausage link at a time, layer two medium-size pieces of plastic wrap on the kitchen counter. Measure 1/3-cup of the sausage and form into a 4 1/2-inch log, by rolling in your hands. Place the sausage in the middle of the two layers of plastic wrap and tightly roll the sausage link in the plastic. Twist the ends tightly and tie a tight knot with the plastic at each end. Set aside and repeat with the plastic wrap and additional sausage to make 12 sausage links altogether. Bring a large saucepan full of water to a boil. Place the sausages in the boiling water and cook for 4 1/2 minutes. Transfer the sausage links to a baking sheet with tongs. Allow cooling at room temperature for 10 minutes and then cut the plastic knot off each end of the sausage links and remove the plastic.
dogs around while cooking for even browning. Cook until browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a cooling rack to drain for a couple minutes. Repeat the process with the additional sausage links. Serve the gator corn dogs with the honey mustard and remoulade dipping sauces. Makes 12
Honey Mustard
1/2 cup coarse ground Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons honey 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard
Preheat a charcoal grill to 300 degrees F. Grill the sausage links over indirect heat for 8 minutes on each side. Allow cooling for 10 minutes and then store in a zip-top bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Combine the Dijon mustard, honey, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
To prepare the batter, combine the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl. Melt the butter in a small bowl. Add the melted butter and buttermilk to the dry ingredients. Whisk to combine. Add the egg and whisk until smooth.
1/2 cup mayonnaise 3 teaspoons ketchup 2 teaspoons ground horseradish* 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Pinch cracked black pepper Salt
Pour the oil in a large heavy pot and heat to between 365 and 375 degrees F. Insert a bamboo skewer into each sausage link two-thirds of the way through. Working with half of the sausage links at a time, dip each sausage link into the batter and allow excess to drip off for a second. Immediately drop into the oil. Using tongs, pinch the skewer to flip the corn WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Remoulade
Combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, horseradish, mustard, lemon juice, cayenne pepper and black pepper in a small bowl. Stir until smooth. Season with salt to taste. *Find the ground horseradish in a jar in the refrigerator section of the grocery store. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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By Ginny Mink
Part 12
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Sometimes we wish we could actually hop aboard a time machine and return to the 1920s, the time when flappers were cool and prohibition was a challenge. What a different time that must have been, a time when the news wasn’t inundated with senseless murders (not that they didn’t occur but knowledge of them wasn’t so readily broadcast). A time when socializing meant face to face time and not “face time” via a time delayed screen. Seriously, take a look at some of the “cool” attire then, there’s a link in the resources section². Since we can’t really take that voyage, we do well to enjoy Charles Torrey Simpson’s descriptions of ornamental gardening during that time. This month we have the pleasure of diving into his chapter entitled: Wind Breaks and Hedges. This might actually be helpful as we enter hurricane season full force. He explains, “It will often be found necessary to throw a screen or protecting wall of trees or shrubs around all or part of a place as a shelter against wind or frost. In fact,”¹ he states, “in many locations fronting on large bodies of water…it is almost impossible to get ordinary vegetation started without something of the kind.”¹ This really wasn’t something we’d ever considered as we contemplated the concept of ornamental, or decorative, gardening. And perhaps you are like us, envisioning a straight border. However, this is not what Mr. Simpson suggests at all, quite the contrary. He tells readers, “As a general thing I do not like straight rows of trees in an informal garden for the reason that they look too artificial.”¹ On that point we would have to agree as God certainly didn’t get out the straight edge when He scattered the seeds, or spoke and the plants arose. Therefore, Simpson suggests, “…it is better to make an irregular border.”¹ If you have been on our time machine this past year, you have become quite fond of Mr. Simpson’s proclivity toward beauty. No doubt his next statement then will come of no surprise. He adds, “This may consist of lofty growing trees, shrubs and even herbaceous plants so arranged that they will give an irregular sky line and a variety of form and color.”¹ He does admit that a straight hedge can be used when one is simply separating one part of the garden from another, although he concludes that irregular shapes are preferable. According to Mr. Simpson, the main concern is, “…that it will have a natural appearance.”¹ We have to love that about him because he lived in Florida when it was still wild and wooly and was adamant about maintaining its native woodland feel and presentation. Oh that people had taken his advice and adhered to it. He then delves into the nitty gritty of his recommendations stating that, “…it will be necessary to use trees which are practically evergreen and wind resistant,”¹ at least that’s the idea, but he continues, “and as yet, we have scarcely had sufficient experience to be able to select the best species.”¹ He then suggests the Australian pine explaining, “It is one of the most rapid growers known, is fairly wind resistant and is little affected by salt air, but it will not stand fire or frost.”¹ Which of course amuses us because it would seem that no tree would stand fire too well. So, we chuckled, hopefully you did too. He obviously saw no problem in the statement. Next he discusses date palms stating, “…the date palms will stand the wind well and if used for wind breaks should be allowed to sucker fully.”¹ Maybe you know what “sucker fully” means, but we didn’t so we had to look it up. Apparently, palms that are multi-stemmed are “suckering” palms. You are supposed to allow them to grow their “suckers” or additional stems to about six inches in diameter before you start pruning for propagation³. You can read more about that on 54
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the site we notated in our resources section. Newly informed, we can imagine that a multi-stemmed palm would be beneficial in creating an irregularly shaped wall as Mr. Simpson suggests. Recent chapters have revealed Mr. Simpson’s love of the sea and his ornamental gardening suggestions often focus on landscaping done in that area. That said, he moves on to how best to create a wind break on the coast. He says, “A wind break planted against the sea has to withstand not only the power of the wind but driven sand and salt spray and hardly any plants are known but what may be injured somewhat during a severe storm from the ocean. Even our native mangroves are sometimes hurt in a West Indian hurricane.”¹ Surely we have all seen the ravaging a hurricane can bring on our shores and the plants and shrubs found therein. He chooses then to give credit to the authors of a book entitled: In Florida Gardens, for their recommendations of the loquat, red maple, wax myrtle and various other plants/trees/shrubs that appear to be, “…adapted to seaside situations in the northern part of the state…”¹ Of his own accord he suggests, “If one has the common saw palmetto growing on land facing the sea it should not be disturbed for it is a most excellent wind break throughout the length of the state.”¹ This is of course an interesting statement as we’ve often heard people complain about the saw palmetto and describe their desire to remove it from their lands. That’s why his next suggestion makes us all the more amused. He says, “Some of the bamboos make fine wind breaks if planted away from the sea and they are more effective if placed alternately in a double row.”¹ Surely we’ve all listened to people bellyache about the invasiveness of bamboo and how desperately they wish to rid themselves of it. Perhaps we should take a second look at these two common Florida irritants? He comes to the end of that chapter and enters into a chapter on Plants for Special Purposes. This chapter is comprised of four pages and lists plants for: seashore, shady places, hedges, house foundation work and those with “striking growth or foliage.”¹ He says he is frequently asked for, “…lists of plants suitable for certain places…”¹ Interestingly enough, he cites the authors of In Florida Gardens again, but this time he uses their names adding, “Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Ferguson have given several in their excellent book…and these are mostly hardy species. I have freely copied from these lists…”¹ He shares that he added some tender plants and marked them each by suitable location. These lists are far too long to include here, but if you are interested in seeing them, send Ginny Mink an email (ginnymink@gmail.com) and she’ll send you a picture of the lists. Finally, Mr. Simpson warns, “It should be remembered that dead air fills spaces left among plantings and that in such places frost is more likely to occur than in open spots. Any unplanted area on the north or west of a forest or wind break is peculiarly subject to frost for the reason that cold air is driven in and lodged there.”¹ Take note of that as we approach our winter months. Perhaps we will see the cold spells we all hope for while anticipating that they will only sit a spell and then be on their way! Happy planting! Resources: ¹ Simpson, Charles T. (1926). Ornamental Gardening in Florida. Published by the Author; Little River, FL. Printed by J.J. Little and Ives Company, New York. (p. 60-65) ² http://www.bluevelvetvintage.com/vintage_style_files/2015/03/12/whatthey-wore-1926-spring-fashion/ ³ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/prune-palms-side-sprouts-64424.html WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Strawberry Crest High School Ag Comm Team Heads on to the Nationals By Vanessa Caceres
A group of industrious students at Strawberry Crest High School in Dover are on their way to a national competition for Agricultural Communications in Louisville, Kentucky, next month. The four 12th graders—John Banks, Jacob Bessey, Clay Joyner, and Meredith Del Castillo—are part of their school’s Agricultural Communications team. The team’s school advisor is Susan Mayo. Established by the national FFA—known by many as Future Farmers of America—Agricultural Communications helps prepare students for careers in journalism, radio, TV, web design, marketing, and other areas, according to the FFA website. At the beginning of this year, the Ag Comm team began to prepare for the Florida state competition that was held in Gainesville in April, says Banks. Participants had to design an ag-related product to market with a fictitious $10,000 budget. At the competition, three team members presented their idea to judges. They also had to complete editing quizzes where team members proofread sentences for mistakes. Banks says the process of preparing for the state competition was stressful. “We spent our days staying after school, sometimes staying until 5 or 6 pm,” Banks says. The night before the competition in Gainesville, the team stayed up until after midnight practicing their presentation. It helps that the teammates get along well. “We’ve all known each other since kindergarten,” Banks says. 58
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The FFA’s Agricultural Communications teams include three members, but the Strawberry Crest High School team keeps their fourth member as an alternate, in case one member can’t participate for some reason, Banks says. When the team found out they won the state Agricultural Communications competition, enabling them to go on to the nationals, they were shocked but relieved that their hard work had paid off. “This team has worked so hard,” Mayo says. “They knew nothing about the Agricultural Communication contest, but they studied hard and persevered to win this contest.” Mayo said the team especially wants to thank Drs. Telg and Perry from the University of Florida as they helped the team prepare for the nationals. The nationals contest will take place in late October in Louisville in conjunction with the 87th annual National FFA Convention and Expo. To prepare for the national contest, team members are taking part in a practicum where they are writing a press release, designing a flier, and doing a video, all to promote a product designed by the team, Banks says. The students even worked over the summer on the materials. They also are putting together several pages worth of information about their hypothetical product, which is called FleaU-Later and is a flea repellant. The idea for Flea-U-Later came from the constant battle that Florida has against bugs like fleas, Banks says. Made of citrus and water, “it’s a hypothetical product, but it does actually work,” Banks says.
Using Ag Communications in the Future Members of the team are not all certain what they want to do after WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
high school, although there’s a good chance their ag communications background will come in handy. “I can’t speak for the others, but I know I do want to minor in ag education,” Banks says. He said part of his future career hopefully will involve teaching ag education. The University of Florida has a Department of Agricultural Education and Communication that Banks is considering. The Strawberry Crest Ag Comm team has used UF as a resource for their contest preparations, Banks says.
“Just Do It” If high schoolers in Hillsborough or Polk County are considering whether Agricultural Communications or another FFA related activity is good them, Banks urges them to find out where their local FFA meets and to “just do it.” “You never know what it’ll be like until you try,” he says. He says the organization has a great focus on community service and introduces students to a wide range of agricultural activities, be it livestock, vegetables, public speaking, poultry and more. Some of the skills learned through FFA can even help with academic studies, he says. Banks explains how when he was a high school freshman, he never could have given a speech in public, but now with his background in FFA and Agricultural Communications, he feels at ease with this important skill and is in fact the senior class president. He also spoke about the value of FFA contest judging, telling the story of a friend who he begged to do poultry judging. After graduation, that same friend said she regretted not getting involved earlier in FFA, Banks says. “I try to get everyone to do as many contests as they can,” he says.
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Giving back to our communities is
Mike Bennett, Supply Chain Operator, Florida phosphate operations
As a DeSoto County resident and operator in Mosaic’s supply chain team, I help ensure our phosphate crop nutrients get to farmers in America and all over the world. At Mosaic, we share our passion for agriculture and environmental stewardship with the next generation of local farmers and ranchers. In fact, I’m one of hundreds of Mosaic employees who volunteer annually with youth agriculture organizations and at county fairs. For me, giving back is more than a job. It’s about nourishing the communities where we all live, work and play.
®
We help the world grow the food it needs.
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Summer Nights In The Garden By Libby Hopkins
Organic gardener and educator Robert Rodale once said, “ In almost every garden, the land is made better and so is the gardener.” When I interviewed Will Carey and David Whitwam a few years ago about their collaboration on the Sustainable Living Project in Tampa, they both had many hopes and goals for their sustainability project. The little garden by the river, as its volunteers and creators know it, has grown into a large garden that continues to give back to the Tampa Bay community. “We are moving along with the Sustainable Living Project,” Carey said. “As of March 7th we have installed and planted 10 of the proposed 12 grow boxes. David and his crew from Whitwam Organics, have the irrigation system in place and are going forward with the installation of seedling tables, composting set ups and much, much more.” The garden has also installed an aquaponics system with tilapia. The Sustainable Living Project came to life from community meetings with local organizations whose focus was to help end hunger in Tampa Bay. The JP Morgan Chase Foundation decided to invest in the project and The Salvation Army donated the land for the garden. “All of this began with an effort to get healthy foods for folks in need in our community,” Carey said. In addition to helping feed the needy in the community, the two men wanted the garden to also be a source of education as well. They partnered with local schools, businesses and community organizations so these groups could not only help maintain the garden, but they could also learn about gardening and sustainability. Since so many local organizations have become involved with the garden, it has become somewhat of an outdoor community center. Carey and Whitwam realized this as well, so they decided to create the Summer Nights In The Garden Series. “We created this series mainly as a way to bring like-minded people together to swap ideas, seeds, plants and advise,” Carey said. “We have had movies, workshops and speakers, too.” One of the recent speakers who spoke at the series was Andy Firk, 64
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who is a native Floridian and owner of Bamboo Grove Organic Farm in Arcadia. Firk has been a wild crafter since the age of 15 and has led hundreds of wild edible and medicinal plant walks across Florida. He is also the founder of Yam Fest which is a perennial vegetables gathering and Forage Fest which is a wild, edible plant gathering. He is currently working on a book about Florida’s wild, edible plants. “We had an amazing turn out for Andy’s workshop,” Carey said. Carey and Whitwam are thrilled with the success of the Summer Nights In The Garden Series. “The feedback is more than just positive,” Carey said, “The last event had 136 people RSVP and 145 showed up. Many of our guests asked us to continue the series.” They are planning on continuing the series because they realized how much urban gardening is becoming more of the norm nowadays. “When you add sustainability, renewable energy, bees, chickens and fish, now you really have something more to talk about,” Carey said. “We want to become the go to resource for people in the community and we also want to make it fun and entertaining for them as well.” Whitwam Organics has been sponsoring the summer series and they are free to attend. “We charge nothing and pay nothing,” Carey said. “All you need to bring is a comfortable chair and some bug spray.” Mosquitos do attend the summer series too! Carey and Whitwam welcome any local businesses or sustainable educators that would like to get involved with the garden or would like to be a part of the summer series. “We do accept donations and we welcome most anyone with a particular expertise in gardening or sustainability that they would like to share,” Carey said. If you would like to be a part of the Summer Nights In The Garden Series, you can email Carey at tbhgm@aol.com or you can send a message to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SLPTampa. If you would like learn more about The Sustainable Living Project, you can visit their website at www.tampabayharvest.org. If you would like to learn more about the services offered by Whitwam Organics, you can visit them on the web at www.whitwamorganics.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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GROWING GATOR HUNTING GEAR BUSINESS BASED IN PLANT CITY
Five Years and Growing
By Jim Frankowiak
Bill George is at a crossroad regarding the next step he takes in his lifelong career path. He could continue as an Information Technology (IT) executive or consultant or he could devote himself fulltime to G & B Gator Gear, LLC, a company formed a number of years ago with his very first IT boss and hunting friend Curtis G. Snyder, who prefers George which is the G in the company name and B is for Bill. “If it was all about money, I would continue with either IT consulting or a permanent IT management position,” said George. “However, my wife and I are at a stage in our lives where our children are both in college and we are contemplating a move to a smaller home with more property since we are now empty nesters.” That has given Bill the enviable position where he can opt for what he loves and that is hunting in general, including gator hunting and the manufacture and sale of gator hunting gear. “That’s a tough call and we’ll just have to see the way things go.” G&B traces its beginnings to the mid-1980s when Bill took his first IT job at Hillsborough Community College (HCC), working for George Snyder. Bill oversaw computer labs at HCC, while George, who is about 15 years Bill’s senior, has responsibility for science labs at the Dale Mabry campus of HCC, a position he holds today over 41 years since first joining the college. 70
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Born in Pittsburgh, George was raised “around the world since my dad was in the military and he was stationed at Mac Dill in 1978 enabling me to grow up in the Tampa Bay area,” he said. George and his wife, Suzanne who is a math subject area leader at Tomlin Middle School and instructor at the Plant City campus of HCC, have two children: Belinda, a senior at North Florida, where she is a member of the golf team, and William IV, a sophomore at Florida Polytechnic. Both William and Belinda are active members of the George family gator hunting team. The George’s live east of Plant City near the Hillsborough/Polk county line and that is also the base of operations for G&B Gator Gear. In addition to working together at HCC, George and Snyder are both avid hunters and that’s just not gators. “Hunting is in my blood and I will hunt anything from turkeys in Pennsylvania to deer, pigs and, of course, gators. Here in Florida we have nearly year round hunting seasons for various species and that’s great for someone like me,” he said. It also helps to have an understanding wife and George does. It was the late 1980s when George and Snyder decided to try hunting gators. “At that time we found limited information resources and essentially followed a trial and error approach to gator hunting,” he said. “We thought we had the right gear, but had little luck so we hooked up with a guide and learned the techniques that were successWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ful and equipment that worked best. We were happy catching 7- to 8-foot gators and found as our skillset improved we were regularly getting gators up to 12-feet in length. “After seeing what other hunters were using, we began to recognize that the experienced and successful hunters were using equipment that was simple and functional. That has guided us as we progressed. We wanted to help others learn about gator hunting and we also started to make hunting gear that we initially made just for ourselves and then friends and relatives. Their collective reaction to our gear was so positive we decided to form a company and that’s what we did in 2010. What we believe makes our company different is that we are actively involved in advancing opportunities in the outdoors as well as giving back to outdoor programs especially those involving youth.
are cable television shows that depict gator hunters leaving baited hooks at various swamp locations. They then return to those sites to see if any alligators have been snagged. “Here in Florida, you must keep the lie attached to the boat at all times,” notes the G&B website. “The way we have been most effective is to take a section of small rope and attach it to the bait with the peg. Then we attach a fifty foot section of ¼-inch rope. We then attached hundreds of feet of small rope or line and wind it all up on an electrical cord reel. When we put the bait out where an alligator has been hanging out, we just leave out line as we move the boat away. When the alligator grabs the bait he will then have line on the spool to run with if he wants. Once you feel that he has swallowed the bait you can then have someone reeling in the line as you move towards the alligator. “Once you get close to the gator you can slowly pull up the gator and harpoon it when you see it or use a rope and a big hook to try to snag the gator and pull it up.”
“We work with the regulators and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, as well as loAnother option is to sneak up on an alligator cal gator hunting clubs across Florida to fosand use a harpoon to get it. This is, according ter responsible hunting and assure that it will to the G&B website “the more exciting” way be available well into the future,” said George, to catch gators. who has missed only one commission meeting in the last two and a half years even though In addition to encouraging visits to its website, they take place across the state. One of the The George Family; Suzanne, Bill, George encourages novice and experienced alCommission actions that we lobbied for led Belinda and William ligator hunters to call. “We are happy to share to lawmaker approval was the elimination of information and provide advice and guidance,” he said. Since officiala $50 fee gator hunters under the age of 18 had to pay. “We thought ly forming G&B, the co-owners have seen an increase in sales from that was a lot of money for young, potential gator hunters to have to year to year with customers not just in Florida, but across the U.S. pay even just to experience gator hunting,” he said. Beyond such acand many from other countries. tion, George and Snyder often donate products to local gator hunting groups to enhance their outreach activities. “We decided to reinvest profits back into the company and that has been helpful as we expanded our product line and also assures invenThe G&B web presence (www.alligator-hunting-equipment.com) oftory is available throughout the year, especially during peak periods fers a range of products for experienced and new gator hunters, as such as just before the start of the season and throughout its durawell as other helpful information such as regulatory issues, application.” tion dates for alligator tags and related drawings, legal gator hunting methods, hunting technique information and much more. The As an avid hunter, George will go just about anywhere to hunt. “We current gator season runs from August 15 – November. The site also have some great options nearby, including many in Polk County and provides information on the location of alligator meat processors a few right here in Hillsborough,” he said. “But never forget that the and current gator harvesting information. most important thing when hunting is to keep safe. When a gator is on things can get hectic and exciting, but you have to remember to The products, all of which George and Snyder use when they hunt keep safe. Many things out there can get you, a snatch hook laving on alligators, include bangsticks or powerheads; rods and snatch hooks; the deck, a bang stick, and last but not least the gator you just made and harpoon poles and darts, usually referred to as points. In addimad by sticking him with a pointy stick,” said George. tion to images and information on the various products, the site goes into detail about the use of these products and tips for successful To find out more about gator hunting, visit the G&B website: hunting. One of those information sections has to do with using bait www.alligator-hunting-equipment.com to get an alligator. or give them a call: 813-365-3132. Florida differs from some states with regard to the use of bait. There WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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By Ginny Mink This year’s Meet the Minks could not continue without a trip to the new Bass Pro Shop in Brandon. Now, that might seem like an odd place to go, but no one in my wee family has ever entered the doors of an establishment by that name. We did not actually even realize the enormity of this venue (both in girth and popularity) until my dear friend, Tracie, decided to miss church the Wednesday it opened. I thought she was out of her mind, mostly because I don’t do crowds but also because, really, what was the big deal? I now understand the “wow” behind this trademark that represents all things outdoorsy. We arrived in the pasture sized parking lot at roughly 7 pm on a Thursday night and there were a ton of cars parked therein. I’m not going to lie, the place was still hopping, and that I’m sure is attributable to the fact that they don’t close until 10 pm! Anyhow, when we pulled in I announced that we had arrived at our Meet the Minks adventure and I asked the children what they thought. Hazel made a noise synonymous with an upward shoulder shrug indicating she had no clue what to think of the place. She had never even heard of a Bass Pro Shop. J had a gleam in his eye and Zeke was pretty quiet. We got out of the van and loaded Zeke into his stroller. Then we stopped at the front entrance to take pictures. I think the kids could have hung out there for a good time as there is an incredible water feature with bridges and rock formations. I mean, it’s really cool, a sight to see for sure! They all seemed a little disturbed by the fact that there were no fish in the water. At one point I thought I would have to tell Hazel to back up because she looked like she was going to attempt to walk the rock as if we were checking out a real stream. It was amusing to say the least. When you walk through the enormous front doors with their frosted glass beauty, you are immediately accosted by the amount of taxidermy utilized in décor. I mean there are all kinds of wild animals hanging from the walls. The kids were enamored by the giant shark replica (and Zeke pointed another one out elsewhere in the store). Then through the gate we went, complete with an iron work, fish shaped gate latch (I should have taken a picture). Of course, the four wheel ATVs and boats are immediately to your left and that caught everyone’s attention. Hazel wanted to take pictures in them and then Zeke was jealous and began trying to escape his stroller restraints so we had to breeze through that section. As we were nearing our last boat, there were two mannequins on deck and Hazel, said, “Hi, boys!” When there was no response, she turned to me with furrowed brows and said, “Why aren’t they talking to me?” She was quite indignant and J and I cracked up. “They’re fake!” He told her between chuckles. She was shocked, and her facial expression readily revealed it. In truth they were quite life like. In fact, she spoke to another one in the camouflage apparel area and we just shook our heads. You probably had to be there to appreciate the hilarity of a four year old getting mad that the mannequin ignored her, but I hope I conveyed it well here. The next thing that caught Hazel’s eye were the wakeboards, “I want one of these!” she declared with glee as she tried to remove one from the display. J told her what they were and informed her, “We’d have to get a boat first.” To which he was reminding me of his affinity for the Mako we saw at the front of the store. No doubt a boat would be quite an enjoyable toy to have. Though I have heard the adage that boat owners are happy two times in their ownership experience, the day they buy the boat and the day they sell it. We had boats when I was a kid and there were fun moments, but I can certainly remember the not so fun (like crashing into a dock when the throttle cable broke) as well. 74
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From there we ended up in the fishing section. I love to fish (salt water especially) and had I been alone, I would have spent a good deal more time in that area. Unfortunately, Zeke, who was wearing a most appropriate shirt, “Mom’s Mischief Maker,” was steadily trying to snatch anything he could get his wee hands on. Therefore we avoided the aisle with the lures and other such small things. Inevitably, we came across a middle kiosk that housed three colors of mini poles. I got the puppy dog eyes from all three of the monsters and was persuaded to buy one of each color at $10.99 apiece. Which, in reality wasn’t a terrible deal but when there’s three, it adds up, and you can’t just buy one or else the other two feel hugely wronged. Now, with everyone gleefully fulfilled by their individual fishing poles, we proceeded to the section of the store with the giant fish tank, which was fantastic. Hazel climbed up the rock formations and pretended she was fishing while J made jokes about the presence of Black Crappie in the tank. He informed me amidst smirks and giggles, “That’s not the kind of fish you want to eat.” He’s nearing the teen years and has developed that slightly repulsive boy humor. I think I probably just shook my head at him as we proceeded to the gun section. He tried to convince me to buy him a BB gun but I reminded him that he already had a fishing pole. When we passed the knives he suggested that he needed a pocket knife. I told him that Big Dog (my dad) had already given him some, they were just in a box somewhere. We walked through the camo area, where Hazel spoke to another mannequin, as previously mentioned and then we arrived at the wall of shoes. Immediately, J started pulling at the bottom of his shoes showing me that they were separating (a result of using his shoes to stop his bike, instead of his brakes). What he was trying to convince me to buy was a pair of boots. I informed him that he’d have to wear them all the time because we pretty much only get him one pair of shoes at a time since his feet are monstrous and constantly enlarging (like every 3 months or so). He promised me he would and therefore, he walked out of the Bass Pro Shop with a fishing pole and a new pair of boots. I wanted to get something for my husband, who had actually wanted to attend this excursion with us but ended up having to work late. The fact that he wanted to go to a “store” (that didn’t sell building materials) had shocked me but now, having been there, I can see the draw and have already promised the kids that we will go back. Anyhow, I looked at a Browning hat but I didn’t think he would like the Velcro so I ended up getting him two (relatively cheap) Bass Pro Shop hats as he only wears white ones. I think he liked them, but long days make for grouchy husbands so I’ll just have to wait and see if he wears them. I walked out of there having spent less than $100. I got three fishing poles, a pair of boots and two hats, so I’d say that was a pretty decent trip. The kids are hugely thrilled by their poles and are looking forward to fishing at Mammaw’s tomorrow with their Uncle John. That said, once in the car, Hazel told me, “I liked the water and getting to sit on the 4 wheelers.” Out of the blue Ezekiel announced, and yes, this is a direct quote from my less than 2.5 year old, “Mommy, thanks getting me a fishing pole. I like fishing poles.” That random sentence of appreciation was worth the expenditure, for sure. So, if you haven’t made your way to Bass Pro Shop in Brandon yet, I would recommend it even if you don’t buy anything. The décor is out of this world, or more accurately described, so completely of this world. In fact, there’s a taxidermy lynx in the camo section that J couldn’t resist touching. “It’s soft!” he exclaimed in shock. Go check it out, I can assure you, we weren’t the only ones taking pictures! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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A Closer Look
Plant City’s Epidemic Heroes
By Sean Green Photo: Plant City Photo Archives & History Center.
EPIDEMIC Florida has long been associated with mosquitoes, in fact, at one time it was even named for them. Old Spanish maps dating back to the 1500’s designate much of Florida “Los Musquitos”, (The Mosquitoes), a designation that persisted until 1844 when “Musquito County” was split into St Lucia County and Orange County. Memoirs of Florida’s earliest settlements detail epidemics of “bilious” fever that often left entire cities ghost towns. Yellow Jack, as it was called then, was one of the most devastating diseases of the Americas through the 19th century. Gene Burnett wrote, “The fevers symptoms alone could evoke terror,” and described the stages of the disease “Chills first, then delirious fever, followed by headaches and intense pain in the limbs and back, the skin turning light yellow, then red splotched. Finally, the agonizing retching. After death, the body turned bright yellow, then black.” (Florida’s Past, Volume 2) New York was the first state to document an outbreak in 1668 with Governor Francis Lovelace proclaiming a “General Day of Humiliation,” convinced that the “unusual sickness” was the result of careless, ungodly living. For more than 200 years thereafter, early settlers accepted various notions of the source and transmission of Yellow Fever. It was not until 1905 that New Orleans recorded the last major outbreak in the United States of America. A closer look at the conditions that favor the transmission of Yellow Fever were needed to subdue it’s threat and early settlers of Plant City were instrumental in fulfilling that need and pioneering mosquito control in Florida. Not much was known about Yellow Fever before the end of the 19th century. What we do know from historic records is that there were maritime fevers as early as the 15th century when Christopher Columbus and his crew were scourged by disease during the Battle of Vega Real in Hispaniola (1495). By the 16th century, the Columbian Exchange was well established and stimulated the widespread trade of animals, plants, culture, human population, technology between the “Old World” (Eastern Hemisphere) and the “New World” (Western Hemisphere) and incidentally seeding European Colonization and disease. When Spanish explorers reached the shores of the Tampa Bay area, they found several chiefdoms. Tocobago (old Tampa Bay), Uzita (Little Manatee River), Mocoso (Alafia River). European explorers delivered Old world diseases that were more destructive to Native American populations than the bloodshed of colonization. Small Pox, for example, led to the largest decline of Native American populations in history, exceeding any war, and exceeding even the Bubonic Plague of Europe. It is estimated that over 80% of the Native American population perished by disease alone. According to University of South Florida’s (USF) College of Education, some tribes such as the Tocobaga became extinct within 100 years of exposure to the disease and violence brought on by Spanish explorer Pánfilo de Narváez in 1528. Likewise, historian John Hann conveys a 1659 epidemic that killed 10,000. Many Native Americans that survived the European diseases or war were initially used as slave laborers on large plantations that exported crops back to the old world along the routes used for the Transatlantic Slave Trade established by the Portuguese. The “Tri84
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Wilbur Fisk Burts built The Tropical Hotel at the cor ner of Reynolds and Palmer streets
HEROES! angular Trade Routes” formed a three pointed circuit through West Africa, the West Indies and alternate destinations of either Europe or the New England Colonies of North America. Portugal and Spain became increasingly involved in the African Slave Trade throughout the 16th century when it became obvious that Native American slaves were succumbing to disease more readily than African slaves. Nearing the middle of the 17th century, the Buccaneering period of the Golden Age of Piracy (1650 – 1730) began as Anglo-French “privateers” such as Henry Morgan prowled the “Spanish Main” (Caribbean Sea and Gulf of Mexico) for opportunities to pillage Spanish merchant ships that were involved in the slave trades. We know from written accounts that yellow fever often plagued the Pirates and Privateers of the Caribbean. While the fever was not deadly to all, anyone that ventured into a fever infested area was certain to suffer at least a mild infection. Any infection is a threat to a port city and most cities tried to avoid disease by avoiding the people and objects that have been exposed. The bubonic plague of the 14th century was initially spread by sailors, rats, and cargo much like the spread of yellow fever in the Americas. Quarantine was originally established to separate possibly infected travelers from the healthy communities of the city. The first recorded threat of infection to the New England Colonies were triggered by a chain of epidemics along the trade route in 1648. Hearing of the epidemics in Barbados, Cuba, and the Yukatan, the general court in Boston Massachusetts ordered a strict quarantine of all ships traveling from the West Indies because of “ye plague or like grievos in[fectious] disease.” it was ordered that “no pson shall go ashore in any towne, village, or farme or come within foure rods of any othr pson”. Charleston and Philadelphia could not secure their ports and suffered the first confirmed Yellow fever outbreak in the American Colonies around 1699, nearly shutting down both cities. After the Spanish Succession Period (1716-1726), many Anglo-American sailors and privateers were left unemployed and drawn towards piracy along the eastern seaboard of North America, throughout the Caribbean, and further along the Triangular Trade Routes into West Africa and the Indian Ocean. By the early 1800’s, fever and deadly disease struck the Americas on only a few notable occasions but in Hispaniola a major Yellow Fever epidemic occurred causing many to flee the turbulence and begin a new life. Among them was the famous Pirate Jean Laffite and his brother Pierre who migrated to New Orleans around 1804. By 1808 the importation of slaves had been banned in America but the invention of the cotton gin created a demand for laborers to work the cotton fields, (which by the way was Plant City’s original main crop.) The Spanish were still importing slaves from Africa to work the sugar cane plantations in the West Indies, these exported slaves would be as good as gold to the pirates and privateers that smuggled them into America. With the advent of steamers, Yellow Fever infections became more common as ports became busier. New Orleans brought fever to the Tampa Bay area on at least two occasions, in WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
1838, steamer Fashion, and 1853, the government steamer Magnolia. In 1867 Capt. McKay navigated the cattle steamer Southern Star from Havana into Manatee, bringing with it not only more stock for our infamous Florida Cracker Cows, but also a major Yellow Fever epidemic. It was during the 1873 epidemic that a young Dr. Joseph Yates Porter, of Key West, was appointed acting assistant surgeon in the United States army, and stationed at Fort Jefferson, on the Dry Tortugas’, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. While there, Dr. Porter was exposed to several epidemics of Yellow fever and earned a reputation as the number one authority for the management of Yellow Fever. In 1869 Dr. John Perry Wall and his family moved to Tampa and in 1871 the fever was brought to Tampa on the steamer H.M. Cool from Cedar key. Dr Wall attended a cabin boy that was critically ill with the fever. The cabin boy recovered, but Dr Wall contracted the fever, which he then passed along to his wife and 2 yr old daughter, both of which died shortly thereafter. Dr Wall persisted in researching the fever through the loss of his family. That year, a Spanish – Cuban physician and scientist by the name of Carlos Juan Finlay presented the paper “The Mosquito Hypothetically Considered as the Transmitting Agent of Yellow Fever” to Havana’s Academy of Sciences, proposing the idea that mosquitoes were the ultimate source of the disease. Finlays ideas were ridiculed in favor of the popular misconception that Yellow Fever is a result of dirty living, or bad air. By 1872 Dr Wall had successfully courted and eventually married Miss Matilda McKay, daughter of the prominent Captain James McKay, captain of the cattle steamer Southern Star that infected Manatee in 1853 and 6th Mayor of Tampa. Dr Wall and Matilda, his second wife, settled in Tampa (Kennedy Blv. & Florida Avenue) where he ran his practice for the next 20 yrs later becoming the 15th Mayor of Tampa. Charlie Wall, the child of Dr Wall and Matilda McKay, became somewhat of an icon himself. After the death of his father, Charlie became distressed and at the age of 12, events culminated to Charlie’s attempted murder of Matilda, his stepmother. Matilda survived, but Charlie was sent to military school, and shortly expelled from it. Charlie spent the remainder of his formative years hanging out in Ybor City gambling casinos. The regulars liked him and groomed him for a life of crime, fascinated by his mathematical finesse. He grew up to be known as “The Dean of the underworld” and is considered one of Tampa’s original crime lords; his rivals were the likes of the Italian mafia boss Ignacio Antinori, and the Trafficante crime family. By 1887 the completion of the railway and the introduction of cigar manufacturing in Ybor City created the boom Hillsborough County had hoped for. Henry B. Plant had plans for bringing steam ships to the area and building a big luxury hotel (University of Florida) to compliment the railroad system. The opening of Ybor City cigar factories brought 3000 new inhabitants to the area and the Descriptive Pamphlet of Hillsborough County put out by the Hillsborough Real Estate Agency advertised that the county wanted “those of an agricultural and horticultural turn of mind.” By 1888, all three cities were bustling with the potential for enormous economic growth when a major epidemic infected Key West. Tampa imposed a quarantine against anything and anyone from Key West. Hillsborough County board of Health set up a quarantine camp at Ballast Point that was funded by the Plant Investment Company. All vessels arriving in the port of Tampa from the West Indies, Central America, South America, or Mexico or any port where contagious or infectious diseases are prevalent were quarantined. A refugee station was also established on Egmont Key to keep possible disease carriers away from Tampa. Jacksonville had grown to a population of 26,700, over 10,000 of which deserted the city. Jacksonville soon thereafter imposed a quarantine against all travelers from Tampa. The epidemic spread to Manatee, then Tampa. Refugees escaping the Tampa epidemic fled east to Plant City (formally Cork), a new town of only about 300 that had been founded only 4 years earlier along Henry B. Plants South Florida Railroad. Ten cases occurred at a hotel where some refugees were staying, possibly the Tropical Hotel (later renamed Rose Lawn) owned by W.F. Burts, on the corner of Reynolds and Palmer Streets, which is known to have served as a refugee for Tampa residence fleeing the Yellow Fever epidemics through the 1890’s.
Wall visited the city and diagnosed yellow fever. According to Wall, “nothing was done to stamp out or prevent the spread of the disease.” The number of cases grew steadily through December and January, while Tampa’s epidemic waned. Dr. Robert D. Murray of the U.S. Marine Hospital Service visited Plant city in March and confirmed Porter and Wall’s opinion then commanded attempts to clean up the town, but the disease persisted. On April 24, the county board of health met at Plant City, and, at last, actively tried to get rid of the disease. Over $1,500 worth of bedding and $500 worth of disinfectants were used to cleanse the town. Outbreaks seemed to decline but in by July, returned to “an epidemic form”. The Board of Health then took stringent quarantine action and Plant City, to its displeasure, was totally cut off from the world. Richard D. McCormick, a salon owner from Plant City, left Tampa for the city of Jacksonville. As soon as it was found out that McCormick had a confirmed case of Yellow Fever, the city promptly sent McCormick to the Sand Hills quarantine station, disinfecting all of his belongings and burning down the Mayflower Hotel where he had been staying. Jacksonville also ensured that all people arriving from Tampa, Plant City and Manatee had to be arrested before coming in the city and taken to Sand Hills. When the residents of Jacksonville started to contract the disease, many tried to flee to other cities. No one in the city knew what carried the disease, it was thought to be spread through filth. Residents tried everything they could think of to stop the spread of disease; they burned infected clothes, sprayed mixtures of sulfur and lime into their homes, scorched homes and lit bonfires of pine and tar in the streets, they even blasted off cannons every night, hoping the reverberations in the air might kill the infection. Families hung yellow flags to warn neighbors, and black ones soon after. Outbreaks continued until the weather got cold enough to kill the mosquitoes and the epidemic was finally declared over and refugees could go home again. In 1889 the State Board of Health was formed and Dr Joseph Yates Porter served from 1889 to 1917 as Florida’s first State Health Officer. A year later, as Yellow Fever casualties festered in the SpanishAmerican War, members of the U.S. Army Yellow Fever Commission, headed by Walter Reed, traveled to Cuba to study the disease. Only a handful of scientists suspected the true cause: a specific type of mosquito, including Dr Juan Finlay , who had been ridiculed for it for nearly two decades. Jesse Lazear (U.S. Army Yellow Fever Commission) hatched Finlay’s mosquito eggs and let the mosquitoes feed on patients infected with yellow fever at a Havana hospital. The mosquitoes were then allowed to feed on study volunteers for more than two weeks. Volunteers soon fell ill, finally validated Dr Finlays hypothesis that mosquitoes (specifically, the Aedes aegypti variety) were the transmission vector of yellow fever. The group proceeded to discover that a gestation period of 12 to 20 days is required within the body of the mosquito before infection can be transmitted to another human being. It was not until 1900 that it was confirmed that it was an insect, and not airborne germs, that spread yellow fever and preventative practices began to exclude the burning of homes in favor of the increased use of pesticides such as DDT. Epidemics continued up until 1905 when the last confirmed outbreak of Yellow Fever was recorded in New Orleans LA. Efforts to understand and control the mosquito continue even today, thanks to a few brave pioneers of Plant City, Florida.
Dr. Joseph Y. Porter, Key West’s health officer and Dr. John Perry WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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7X15 LAWN TRAILER Used Lawn Trailer with aluminum plate tool IN THE FIELD MAGAZINE is lookbox. 5ft tongue & heavy duty gate. $1,650 Call ing for independent account managers to join our team. Appointment setting Alvie 813-759-8722
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FORD 600 GAS TRACTOR Good Condition. $2,750 813-759-8722 Ask for Alvie
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3H Slant w/Mid Tack and full living quarters, $19,000. Email brie1936@gmail.com for more information.
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE - 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground, A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information (863) 899-9620
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A low cost service that enables you to Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the communicate important information about BIG Box STORES! Call Today! your business to customers while they are Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 on hold. No monthly payments or annual DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER payments. Call today and ask for Al (813) 763-2220 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 MISC.
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12 ‘ X 20’ walk in cooler. Works Great! $6,000 is looking for agriculture/tractor mechanics Call Greg 813-763-1340 at both the Bartow & Plant City locations. Having own tools is a plus. Pay based on skill and experience. Call Bartow at 863-537-1345 or Plant City at 813-759-8722
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