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Western & Outdoor Wear, Farm, Ranch & Pet Supplies I T F M I T S. F Jim M Redman February 2019 (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • SouthsideWesternWear.com Pkwy. 23014 N HE IELD
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FEBRUARY 2019 VOL. 14 • ISSUE 4
CONTENTS FSGA INTRODUCES 2019 AMBASSADORS
64 Cover Photo by: Karen Berry PAGE 14 Festival Livestock Schedule PAGE 16 Business Up Front PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter PAGE 26 Strawberry Field Day
PAGE 28 Florida Brilliance PAGE 32 Farm 2 School
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PAGE 46 John Dicks
Extension Workshops
PAGE 48 Endangered Species
PAGE 63
PAGE 50 Tomlin Middle School
News Briefs
PAGE 52 HCFB Board Memeber
AG Tour
Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
PAGE 72
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
A Closer Look
PAGE 62
Locally Grown
PAGE 66
PAGE 68
Funky Spork
PAGE 76
Hey Readers!
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! PAGE
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PAGE 38 NRCS District Conservationist
Rick Lott
Festival Livestock Shows
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Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
PAGE 58
Hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker and a FREE In The Field T-Shirt. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on the page you located the logo to the address below
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Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
PAGE 36 Jack Payne
PAGE 54 Literary Time Machine
PAGE35 Turmeric
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL.
February 2019
Dennis Carlton, Jr.....................President Jake Raburn................Vice President Tony Lopez..............Treasurer Buddy Coleman..................Secretary DIRECTORS FOR 2018 - 2019 Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Sambahv, Jay Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121
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
305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Sonia Valladares
AGENCY MANAGER Thomas O. Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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STAFF Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Patsy Berry Editor
Letter from the Editor The Polk County Youth Fair is in the history books and the Florida State Fair is wrapping up. Next up is the Florida Strawberry Festival, running February 28 – March 10. FFA and 4-H students put a lot of time and energy into their projects. But these projects aren’t just good for the students. The competitions help educate festivalgoers about agriculture while helping to build the skills, self confidence and leadership abilities of the students. Lesson’s learned throughout these projects include problem solving, time management, record keeping, networking, prioritizing and more. No matter the amount of work we put in to our projects, things don’t always go as planned. There are bumps along the way; some are easily overcome, while others seem almost insurmountable. So how do we handle these obstacles? Often times the road we have paved for ourselves isn’t the best one to take. Don’t be afraid to veer off the path and find a new way to reach your goals. Keep in mind; the good wouldn’t be as great if we never experienced those bumps along the way. A roller coaster wouldn’t be as fun if it only went in a straight line.
Sales Melissa Nichols Karen Berry Sarah Holt Robert Verner George Domedion Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks
Congratulations to all those who have competed and are preparing to compete in our fairs and festivals. You are to be commended for your hard work. 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.
See you at the Festival!
Sarah Holt The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. - Numbers 6:25
Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 33563-0042 or you are welcome to email them to: info@inthefieldmagazine.com or call 813-759-6909 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.
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Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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A Great Time for Agriculture HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
Dear Readers: This is an important time of the year for Agriculture as it represents an opportunity for people to learn about the history and impact of our industry by attending the Florida State Fair. My Uncle Doyle is serving his 8th year as Chairman of the State Fair. He has been on the Board since 2003. I talked to him recently about the Fair and here’s what he had to say. “I don’t ever remember the Fair not being part of my life,” recalling the first time he showed at the Fair in 1965 with his fellow FFA Chapter members. While there’s a great deal to do at the Fair, here are just a few things that come to mind that I hope you all will have a chance to enjoy: • Cracker Country – Tampa’s only living history museum that provides a perspective to the lives of the pioneers that settled here. It’s a great way for kids and adults to learn about old Florida. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Mildred W. and Doyle E. Carlton, Jr., Cracker Country Museum • Champion of Champions Program – With the help of many companies, organizations and family sponsors, this program offers youth many opportunities to show their animals and earn a premium for their sale. It begins in June with ethics seminar classes and ends with an award banquet. There are competitions for poultry, steer, swine, rabbit, sheep, goats and dairy cattle along with llama and dog exhibits. Some 1,300 youngsters will participate in this year’s program
• Ag-Venture – This is probably one of the best educational programs to help fairgoers young and old have a better understanding of our industry. That includes learning where food comes from, the importance of Agriculture to our local, state, national and global economies and critical importance to feed the world’s growing population. The Fair has a great deal more to offer, and I hope you will all take advantage of this opportunity. I would also like to commend the Agribusiness Committee of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce for its initial Ag Tour of 2019. This is another opportunity to learn about Ag and will include stops at the State Farmers Market, Hinton Farms, the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Audubon Ranch and Oak Ridge Fish Hatchery. Your Farm Bureau Board – as the Voice of Agriculture in Hillsborough County – is pleased with these opportunities for all to learn more about Ag and its importance to all of us. As succinctly put, “No Farmers, No Food!” Also, my thanks to the many Farm Bureau members participating in both the Fair and Chamber tour. Thank you,
Dennis Carlton Jr. Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 Board of Directors
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Dennis Carlton, Jr. , President; Jake Raburn, Vice-President; Tony Lopez Treasurer; Buddy Coleman, Secretary; Christina Andrlik, Carl Bauman, Jake Cremer, Tiffany Dale, Carson Futch, Jim Frankowiak, Chip Hinton, John Joyner, Lawrence McClure, Sambahv,Jay Marty Tanner, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes Judi Whitson, Executive Director
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WISHING YOU A
Berry HAPPY NEW YEAR
Perfect and Sweet
WILL MAKE YOUR
VALENTINES DAY GIFT COMPLETE!
Mark your Calendar - Annual U-Pick March 9th | Check Facebook for additional U-Pick dates Produce Stand: 5212 Drane Field Rd. | 813.478.3486 or 813.754.4852 | FancyFarms.com
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February 2019
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PARKESDALE’S Sweet LineUp.
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Strawberry Shortcake
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SStrawberry b Shortcake & Ice Cream
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SSunday d B Boat
Berries & Cream
(Strawberries &VanillaIceCream)
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Milkshakes VotedBest DrinkableDessert byFoodNetwork
PARKESDALE 3702 W. Baker Street • Plant City, FL.
Hwy 92 west of Plant City limits off I-4 between exits 17 & 19 OPEN 9-6PM OPEN 7 DAYS
w w w. p a r k e s d a l e. co m INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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75866-1
2019 Florida Strawberry Festival®
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Livestock Schedule
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Event
Date
Mosaic Poultry & Rabbit Shows
February 28 – March 10 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Swindle Family Pavilion
Youth Plant Show
February 28 – March 3
10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Swindle Family Pavilion
Mosaic Youth Swine Show
February 28
7:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Dairy Contestant Judging
March 1
1:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Mosaic Youth Swine Sale
March 1
7:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Dairy Show Showmanship
March 2
11:00 a.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Dairy Show
March 2
1:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Adult Dairy Showmanship
March 3
11:00 a.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Pee Wee Dairy Showmanship
March 3
11:30 a.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Dairy Costume Ball
March 3
12:30 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Youth Ornamental Plant Sale
March 3
2:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Lamb Jumping Contest
March 4
3:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Lamb Costume Contest
March 4
7:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Lamb Showmanship
March 5
3:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Lamb Show
March 5
5:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Mosaic Youth Steer Show
March 6
6:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Mosaic Youth Steer Showmanship
March 7
7:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Beef Breed Showmanship
March 8
6:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Mosaic Youth Livestock Judging
March 9
10:00 a.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Mosaic Youth Steer Sale
March 9
7:00 p.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
Youth Beef Breed Show
March 10
11:00 a.m.
Patterson Co. Livestock Arena
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
February 2019
Time
Location
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Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix
It’s A Hit! Artists Appearing on the
Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra
Soundstage:
An Evening With Steven Tyler and The Loving Mary Band Sun. Mar. 3, 7:30 $55
Chris Janson Fri. Mar. 8, 7:30 $30
Home Free Sat. Mar. 2, 3:30 $20
Pat Boone Mon. Mar. 4, 3:30 $20
Martina McBride Mon. Mar. 4, 7:30 $35
STYX Wed. Mar. 6, 7:30 $35
Gene Watson Wed. Mar. 6, 3:30 $20
Battle of the Bands Finale Sat. Mar. 9, 3:30 FREE
#berryfest19
Willie Nelson & Family
Thu. Feb. 28, 7:30 $45
Thu. Feb. 28, 3:30 $20
Brothers Osborne Fri. Mar. 1, 7:30 $40
Home of OUR
Alabama
The Oak Ridge Boys
Thu. Feb. 28, 10:30 FREE
Feb. 28 - Mar. 10, 2019 Plant City, FL
Keith Sweat Sat. Mar. 9, 7:30 $30
Fri. Mar. 1, 3:30 $45
Kool & the Gang Sat. Mar. 2, 7:30 $30
Chicks with Hits featuring Terri Clark, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss Sun. Mar. 3, 3:30 $25
Drifters, Platters & Cornell Gunter’s Coasters Tue. Mar. 5, 3:30 $20
NEEDTOBREATHE Tue. Mar. 5, 7:30 $35
The Kingston Trio Thu. Mar. 7, 10:30 FREE
Bill Anderson & Bobby Bare Sun. Mar. 10, 3:30 $20
The Lettermen Thu. Mar. 7, 3:30 $20
for King & Country Thu. Mar. 7, 7:30 $30
Old Dominion Make It Sweet Tour Sun. Mar. 10, 7:30 $45
Tanya Tucker Fri. Mar. 8, 3:30 $30
Concert dates and times are subject to change
Visit www.FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available!
• Images Everywhere! • Local Ford Dealers • Verizon Wireless • Alessi Bakery • DIRECTV • AMSCOT • Stingray Chevrolet • Dakin Dairy Farms • Uncommon USA • Circle K • Astin Farms • Grove Equipment Service • Candyland Warehouse • Netterfield’s • Smithfield • Global Frequency Technologies • Master Spas • Good Health Saunas • Metro by T-Mobile • Choo Choo Lawn Equipment • Vision Auto Glass • Wyndham Vacation Resorts • Florida Dairy Farmers • General RV Center • O’Reilly Auto Parts • Kellogg’s • Florida Blue • Carolina Carports • Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association/VISIT FLORIDA INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
February 2019
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Business Up Front
By Anita Todd
Mid Florida Nurseries
Bruce Rumph and his son, Chris, are enjoying the steady increase in construction in Hillsborough County. That’s because new residential and commercial projects need new landscaping and Mid Florida Nurseries, and the father and son team, stand ready to assist with those requests. Mid Florida Nurseries is a family-owned landscape nursery that caters to the wholesale plant industry in the southeast including landscape contractors, garden centers, construction companies, resorts, city municipalities, golf courses and more. “We try to carry virtually everything used in yards and other landscapes. And, we try to acquire anything our customers want that we may not have,” said Bruce Rumph, owner and president of Mid Florida Nurseries. “We like to stay focused on customer service,” The nursery covers 20 acres – four “shade houses” take up 117,000 square feet – and is the home of dozens of different types of woody ornaments, tropicals, perennials, annuals, trees and ground cover. Many of those are propagated there in order to provide customers with the most affordable products while ensuring the plants are as healthy as possible. The business user-friendly website offers an “Availability” area which includes a current listing of plants with up to date photos of some. Everything from Agapanthus to Viburnum to Umbrella Trees and Moses in a Cradle are grown and tended to at the Nursery all with the customer’s needs in mind. The plants are available in various sizes ranging from one to 15 gallon containers. When Mid Florida Nurseries opened their gates in 2008, the plan was to provide wholesale plants only. A veteran businessman, Bruce got his start years before in his family’s industrial laundry business. He worked alongside his father and brother building the successful business until they sold it in 1988. He continued to work for the new owners for several years but yearned to start another recurring sales business. So, he created an interior plant business, providing and caring for greenery in the offices of local companies. “I thought that the product (plants) was a lot more fun than industrial laundry,” Bruce said. But, when the economy started to fail, interior plants were among the first unnecessary expense for businesses to cut.
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A Tampa native and University of South Florida graduate, Bruce looked to the property where the nursery is now located for inspiration. He’d purchased the land as an invest-
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ment and decided the location was a prime spot for a nursery. Working with interior plants in his previous business had created an appreciation in him for greenery. Fast forward to today where the nursery’s sales have increased to about 250,000 plants a year. The sheer number is creating the need to begin using an additional five unused acres of the property. An additional three shade houses have been added since opening, increasing the total by 36,000 square feet. Another sign of growth is the retail service they now provide. “Residential customers just kept on coming and coming so we opened a retail area,” Chris said. “We saw the potential and ran with it.” The retail business is held in one of the greenhouses and the father/son team would like to eventually build an upscale retail store and provide new materials like sod and hardscapes. As an additional service, homeowners are invited to bring in a layout of their yards for complimentary advice on landscaping from the staff in the retail store. The business has 16 employees and reaches customers beyond Hillsborough County. They provide plants for wholesale purposes in Jacksonville, Florida and in Georgia, Louisiana, Texas and South Carolina, as well. Chris, a Florida State University business major, started out part time and summers working for his dad at the nursery while in school, but came on full time in 2011. “I enjoy it. I wouldn’t be anywhere else,” Chris said. “I really lucked out to be able to have a job that I love.” Bruce said that although he is still actively involved in the business, much of the heavy load is transitioning to Chris. Business looks good for the company since, specifically, new residential home permits doubled this year from January of last year with most other categories of construction increasing, as well. (*Statistics from HillsboroughCounty.org Permits and Records) “Even though we are in other states, the majority of our business comes from the I-4 corridor,” Chris said. “We aren’t going anywhere. Our company is in it for the long haul.” For more information about Mid Florida Nurseries products, visit www.midfloridanurseries.com or stop by 2451 County Line Road, Plant City or call 813.707.5555. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
When you’re pregnant, there are so many questions. WHERE TO HAVE YOUR BABY shouldn’t be one of them. Which car seat? What stroller? And oh, the discussions about the name. With so many questions surrounding a new baby, we want to give you one definitive and easy answer. The hospital you choose. At BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital, we have exceptional doctors and nurses to give you and your new baby an extraordinary level of care during labor and delivery, in a comfortable, spacious room. If you’re expecting, or thinking about having a baby, come in and see for yourself. Take a tour of South Florida Baptist Hospital and sign up for one of our free prenatal classes. Visit SouthFloridaBaptistMaternity.org to register.
OUR MATERNITY CENTERS:
Mease Countryside Hospital • Morton Plant Hospital • St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital • St. Joseph’s Hospital-North St. Joseph’s Hospital-South • South Florida Baptist Hospital • Winter Haven Women’s Hospital
18-594618-1118
SOUTHFLORIDABAPTISTMATERNITY.ORG INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
February 2019
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Increased Fishing Pressure Equals Over Harvesting Capt. Woody Gore
Assuming you’re a Cracker like me and have fished our wonderful state for most of your life, I’m certain you noticed the numbers of anglers is on the increase. It’s been shown time and again that as one thing increases something else usually suffers. Well, in this case, it’s our fish populations. It seems the thought process today is similar to that of years past; there are plenty of fish, so the answer is just keep catching without releasing. Well, that is the wrong answer for today’s everincreasing angling population. • Ever wonder why we have catch limits? • Ever wonder why we have size limits? • Ever wonder why we have closed seasons? • Could it be to help protect certain species and aid in their survival? Florida’s FWC and many DNR Department of Natural Resources programs are trying to control our fish populations by regulating the fish size and bag limits for their waters. However, when heavy fishing pressure comes together with anglers deciding to keep their catch it can quickly ruin a great fishery. Therefore, catch and release benefits everyone, because there might be fish to catch if the larger females are left to spawn and contribute to the species. On the other hand, when dealing with heavy fishing pressure, it’s important for anglers to practice proper catch and release. As responsible anglers we must learn to practice catch and release fishing, especially if we plan on having a healthy population of quality fish in the future. Ok, now that we’ve dealt with fishing pressure and overharvesting it’s time to go fishing. But let’s remember, unless we’re going to keep a few non-breeder sizes for dinner the rest are just for catching fun and are going back to catch again. Where harvesting is legal, keeping a fish or two for dinner is an enjoyable aspect of the sport. Early mornings, light wind and a mirror ripple on the water are outstanding times to fish topwater lures, especially for Snook, Redfish, and Trout. Anglers, especially throughout Florida, seem addicted to MirrOLure. Located in Largo, Florida, this lure manufacturing company has committed to the highest quality since their beginning. They continually improve and create state of the art fishing lures, resulting in millions of fish caught in both fresh and saltwater. From topwater prop baits and surface walkers to new slow sinking C-Eye Skin Series and diving lures to soft plastic’s MirrOlure is the favorite of everyone. One of my favorite topwater techniques and lures is a MirrOlure Top Dog Jr. over a shallow broken bottom grass flat.
Here are a few tips on setting the hook when using topwater lures or hooks in general;
Snook are much like freshwater bass; they both strike suddenly with an open mouth sucking strike. The key to setting the hook is waiting until you feel the fish before you ever begin your hookset. If you try to set the hook prematurely you’ll pull the bait or lure out of the fishes open mouth. Redfish on the other hand, when a red strikes a topwater lure they do it with a swirling open mouth sucking motion. Since they normally feed facing down, they’re forced to get their mouth up kind of on top of the lure, which often pushes it forward ahead of the fish. This means they occasionally miss on the first attempt particularly in shallow water. So if you’re “walking the dog” slow it down, but do not stop it. Stopping during the attack usually causes the redfish to lose interest and turn away. Do not set the hook prematurely; wait until you feel the fish before setting the hook.
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Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
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Here’s a little something about hook setting. We’ve watched TV bass professionals wrench back on their rods to set the hook. However, today with many anglers switching to braided line these aggressive, snatch back and set the hook techniques are completely unnecessary. Braided line has no stretch and no memory, just getting the slack out of WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
your line usually forces the hook to set itself. Remember, the braided fishing lines have no stretch, so you feel everything. All you have to do it keep a taut line and the hook does the rest. One final point on hook setting involves circle hooks that have been around for centuries. Over the last 10 to 20 years, and with a move toward environmentally friendly fishing, “Circle Hooks” increased in popularity with recreational anglers and have become mandatory when targeting certain reef species. They’ve proved to be an almost foolproof way of catching fish while producing the least amount of damage. Hook sets normally occur in the outer edge of the fish’s mouth and seldom if ever are they throat or gut hooked. If you try setting a circle hook yourself, before you feel the fish pulling, guess what? The fish wins.
March Fishing Report Tampa Bay 2019 Snook: If February was an indication
our snook bite should be good in March. As the water temperatures begin rising snook should continue moving into their summertime patterns and start chasing a few sardines. Greenbacks should begin showing up and live bait anglers will be getting out that dreaded cast net. Look for Snook to pattern along outside edges and points along mangrove islands and shorelines, especially where tidal flows move bait. Our miles of grass flats with sandy potholes also offer excellent ambush locations. Live bait, suspending lures, topwater’s and soft plastics always produce.
they follow schooling mullet, eating the bait they stir up. So I guess it stands to reason that fishing mullet schools usually produces reds. Some anglers use the dead stick method with cut ladyfish, mullet or chunks of crabs; others still prefer artificial lures or live bait. Whatever you use just remember schooling mullet on a grass flat.
Spotted Sea Trout: March, incom-
ing tides, outgoing tides, fifty-cent size pinfish, shrimp, small sardines, popping corks, grass flats, broken bottom. What does all this equal? It equals good catches of spotted sea trout. Also, I cannot overemphasize the excitement of using topwater lures on calm early morning trout grass flats. Trout love MirrOLure Top Dog Jr. and MirrOMullet. Twitch or “walk-the-dog” and pause the lure momentarily after each series. The anticipation is unnerving.
Sheepshead, Snapper, Cobia: Are showing up almost everywhere, especially around docks and canals. These tough, toothy, boney mouths mean aggressive hook sets. Try fishing for these great fighters around markers, bridge fenders, docks, seawalls, rock piles, oyster bars or practically any type of structure. I like shrimp. Cobia: Check markers and cans holding bait and be ready to toss something in the path of a circling Cobia. Not picky about food, Cobia will readily take large shrimp, small crabs, and pinfish or toss them an artificial jerk bait or plastic eel.
Redfish: There’s nothing more exciting
to a redfish angler than easing onto a shallow grass flat and seeing tailing fish. The first thing is to identify which direction they are feeding and approach quietly from the other. Now comes the tricky part, using a perfectly placed cast try picking off the outside fish; never casting directly into the school. I’m mentioning mullet schools again because it bears repeating. When trying to locate feeding redfish remember
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the west central Florida areas for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Multi-boat Group Charters With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Captain 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 me a call at 813-477-3814 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
February 2019
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The ancient Romans thought strawberries could cure bad breath and chronic fainting. Madame Tallien, a prominent woman in Emperor Napoleon’s court, was famous for taking baths of fresh strawberry juice. Brushing your teeth is important, but eating strawberries can actually help whiten your teeth. The acids in the fruit help to remove stains. There is a legend that strawberries were named in the nineteenthcentury by English children who picked the fruit, strung them on grass straws and sold them as “Straws of berries.” Swap your carrots for some fruity strawberries instead. Strawberries have a higher antioxidant value, helping prevent cataracts and other degenerative eye problems. Strawberries contain high levels of nitrate. This has been shown to increase blood and oxygen flow to the muscles. Research suggests that people who load up on strawberries before exercising have greater endurance and burn more calories.
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I woke up this morning, put in my partials, inserted my hearing aids and put on my glasses. I exercised my recently new artificial knee and took my medicine. If my body were a car, I think I would trade it in for a newer model. I’ve got bumps, dents and scratches on my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull. But that’s not the worst of it. My headlights are out of focus, and it’s especially hard to see things up close. My traction is not as graceful as it once was even with a walking cane. I slip, side, skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. My whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently. But here’s the worst of it – almost every time I sneeze, cough or laugh, my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires.
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When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tears with their talk about how hard things were when they were growing up. Walking 15 miles to school every day, up hill, barefoot both ways and what have you. But now that I’m on Social Security, I can’t help but look around and notice the youth of today. They have it so easy. Compared to my childhood, they live in a Utopia! They really don’t know how good they have it.
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When I was a kid we didn’t have the Internet. If we wanted to know something, we had to go to the library and look it up ourselves, in the card catalog! There was no email. We had to actually write somebody a letter. Then you had to walk all the way across the street and put it in the mailbox, and it would take about a week to get there. Stamps were a nickel and post cards a penny. Child Protective Services didn’t care if our parents beat us. As a matter of fact, the parents of all my friends also had permission to kick our rear. There were no iTunes, MP3’s or CD’s. If you wanted to steal music, you had to hitchhike to the record store and shoplift it yourself. Or you had to wait around all day to tape it from the radio and the DJ would usually talk over the beginning of the song. We had tape decks in our car. We would play our favorite tape and eject it when finished, and then the tape would come undone rendering it useless. We never heard of call waiting. If you were on the phone and somebody else called, they got a busy signal. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
We never heard of cell phones either. If you left the house, you just didn’t make a call or receive one. I never heard of ‘Texting.’ Never heard of Caller ID either. When the phone rang, you had no idea who it was. We just picked up the phone and took a chance. We are the generation that didn’t use seat belts, bike helmets or hand sanitizer. We frequently licked the lead paint on our cribs because it tasted good, and we always sat too close to our color television sets after school because we were alone in the house until mom got home. We rattled around in the back of our family’s station wagons like marbles, on endless road trip vacations. These journeys didn’t include TV screens on the seat backs in front of us that spewed out entertainment mile after mile we just had to make do. Many of our mothers smoked while pregnant, and they were often told that having a drink with dinner would help them sleep better until the baby came. We were hit on the head with metal lunch boxes on the playground, and babysat siblings and younger neighbors when we were far too young to do so. We used to sleep outside in the backyard, were expected to be home by the time the streetlights came on without checking in during the afternoon, and were dropped off at the movies for the Saturday matinee so our moms could run errands without us. We drank Tang because the astronauts did. I remember when Nixon resigned, and am a witness to the beginning of terrorism as we now know it. And if all of these things are not enough, we are the generation that grew up with grandparents who endured the Great Depression. During my lifetime, I never said a word when my grandmother added warm water and salt to her cornflakes, because that’s how she’d learned to do it as a child when milk was unavailable. We learned from our grandparents to do without, if necessary, because that’s what needed to be done. We learned to work when it was time to work, without complaint, or fuss. In my older years I have learned that it is impossible to lick your elbow. A crocodile can’t stick its tongue out. A shrimp’s heart is in their head. In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand. I have also learned that it is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. A pregnant goldfish is called a twit. More than 50 percent of the people in the world have never made or received a telephone call. Rats and horses can’t vomit. If you try to suppress a sneeze, you can rupture a blood vessel in your hear or neck and die. And for the record, over 75 percent of people who read this will try to lick their elbow. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Celebrating a most fruitful relationship
between Florida Strawberry Growers and International Paper.
1979
Together we’re sure to enjoy many more years of sweet success.
711 E. Lancaster Rd Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 855-2121
1996
2402 Police Center Dr Plant City, FL 33566 (813) 717-9100 6706 N. 53rd St Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 744-2220 Sales: Dean Fultz (901) 355-5197 or Jim Johnson (813) 205-0355
2001
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Present
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STRAWBERRY FIELD DAY BLENDS FOOD, FELLOWSHIP AND IMPORTANT INDUSTRY UPDATES
By Jim Frankowiak It begins with a tailgate luncheon catered by Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) Gold and Silver associate members and transitions to information sharing sessions during which researchers bring strawberry growers up to date on various topics of importance. This annual event is co-hosted by the FSGA at its Dover headquarters and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). Extension Agent and Moderator Alicia Whidden opened the informational portion of the day recognizing attendance by visiting nurserymen from the west and northeast, as well as Canada. She also noted the father and son team of Carl and Dustin Grooms of Fancy Farms as “one of just five nationwide recipients to earn the 2019 4R Advocate Award from the Nature Conservancy.” The 4R honors recognizes growers who work with The Nature Conservancy to implement cutting edge technology to conserve natural resources and reduce environmental impact. 4R stands for nutrient stewardship utilizing the Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time and at the Right Place. Dr. Natalia Peres of the GCREC provided an update of disease management, noting Charcoal Rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina “has been detected on an increased number of fields this season.” She said this increase was particularly noticeable on “fields using second year plastic since the fungus survives over summer in the old strawberry crowns.” Dr. Peres recommended an integrated approach for Charcoal Rot management, involving crop destruction, crop residue removal, cultivar selection, pre-plant fumigation and the utilization of white-striped plastic. Her presentation also reviewed the susceptibility of UF cultivars to crown rot diseases and new, emerging leaf spots along with recommendations for management of these threats. Dr. Peres concluded her remarks with information on the status of research using UV light for management control of powdery mildew.
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Field Day attendees than proceeded to the adjacent FSGA fields to observe various plots where trials had taken place with updates on each.
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Dr. Shinsuke Agehara, a GCREC Plant Physiologist, reviewed the findings of his work related to nitrogen fertilization recommendations for new cultivars: Florida Radiance, Florida Beauty and Florida Brilliance. “We have found that a higher rate at the beginning of the season for three weeks is sufficient, particularly for Florida Brilliance,” he said. He also reviewed the results of plastic mulch trials that involve black, metalized and metalized-striped. “Metalized or silver-plastic mulch is especially important with early plantings to help prevent heat stress during plant establishment.” Weed Scientist Dr. Nathan Boyd discussed the results of his fumigation and weed management trials. The first trial was done to address concerns about berry damage growers had expressed over the use of the herbicide Chateau under plastic. “Our trial determined that Chateau can be safely applied up to eight times the approved label rate,” he said. Dr. Boyd also reported on the evaluator trials of two unregistered fumigants, EDN Fumigas and a second under the code name XRC-245. “Both have proven very effective in controlling weeds and soil borne diseases. EDN was particularly effective in the control of Macrophomina,” he said. Drs. Johan Desaeger and Joe Noling brought attendees up to date on nematode management and fumigation trials. Some of these trials take place at fields adjacent to the FSGA offices and have been going on for more than 15 years. “This location has high sting nematode pressure,” said Desaeger, “and our trials are evaluating non-fumigant options and new nematicides. We are using a combinations of herbicides and fungicides and looking for ways to integrate non-fumigants, as well as deep shanking to achieve the best, safest and most cost-effective approaches to controlling nematodes.” Strawberry Breeder Dr. Vance Whitaker was the final speaker who urged growers to “look at the whole strawberry season when selecting varieties” not just the newly introduced ‘Florida Brilliance’. While ’Florida Brilliance’ will most likely become the main variety once sufficient stock is available to meet demand, it will help growers to use other varieties. For example, ‘Florida Beauty’ early in the season and ‘Sweet Sensation’ at the end of the season,” Whitaker said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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UF/IFAS-Developed
‘Florida Brilliance’
Shines on State’s Strawberry Industry
By Brad Buck For years, University of Florida scientists looked for a few characteristics in a more desirable strawberry. Among those traits was a higher yield in November and December -- the early part of the Florida season when prices are highest. They also sought better fruit for the consumer. That meant a longer shelf life, better flavor, improved shape and other traits, said Vance Whitaker, an associate professor of horticultural sciences at the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. After a lot hard work, and through traditional breeding methods, UF/IFAS researchers came up with ‘Florida Brilliance.’ “Our farmers need to produce more strawberries during this period in order to remain profitable,” Whitaker, the strawberry breeder for UF/IFAS, said. “This variety has beautiful, flavorful fruit that is available consistently throughout the season, from Thanksgiving to late March in Florida, and thus on grocery store shelves in the eastern United States during this period. Much of the beauty of the fruit comes from its glossy, shiny appearance, thus the name ‘Florida Brilliance.’ ” Adam Young, who runs a farm in Dover, said he’s using ‘Florida Brilliance’ on about 45 acres, which represents about 25 percent of his land. Thus far, he’s happy with the results. “It takes the weather better,” Young said. “The fruit shape is more uniform. It definitely looks like we’re going to use it as our workhorse.” Todd Jameson of Berry Bay Farms in nearby Wimauma, said rain does little damage to ‘Florida Brilliance’ strawberries.
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“Vance has a winner with this one,” Jameson said.
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Whitaker and his research team developed ‘Florida Brilliance’ through conventional cross-pollination, in which scientists choose two strawberry varieties as parents. Researchers chose the parent strawberries for their different but complementary characteristics. They transfer pollen from one plant to the flower of the other using a camel’s hair brush and collect the seeds from the resulting strawberries. Scientists then grow a couple of hundred seedlings from each cross and evaluate them. They choose and test the seedlings with the best characteristics from both parents. Farmers are growing ‘Florida Brilliance’ on about 1,500 acres in Hillsborough County, according to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. That’s about 15 percent of the overall strawberry acreage in Florida. The previous record acreage for the first year of a new UF/IFAS strawberry variety was 500 acres for ‘Florida Beauty,’ and that was in 2017, said Whitaker, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Balm, Florida. “This is definitely unusual and represents the high level of interest generated among growers from trials the last two years,” Whitaker said. “Growers tell us that this variety will replace the current standard ‘Florida Radiance’ as quickly as planting stock is available. Next year, 40 to 50 percent of the industry could be planted in this variety.” For growers, ‘Florida Brilliance’ resists many diseases, and that cuts production costs, Whitaker said. It is also very easy to harvest because it has long stems and an open plant canopy that allows the pickers to see the fruit easily. Labor is the largest cost in strawberry farming, so this is import, Whitaker said. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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HANDS-ON
Growing
By Libby Hopkins | Photos Courtesy of Farm 2 School It has been said that, “The family farm is more than a business, it’s a lifestyle that needs to be preserved.” Elizabeth Leib agrees with this statement because farming is in her blood. “I like to think that my present work, building community and school gardens has to do with my genetic heritage. My maternal grandmother and grandfather both grew up and worked on their family farms in Pennsylvania,” Leib said. She is the Director of Tampa Bay Farm2School, which is local nonprofit that empowers youth for health and success through hands-on agriculture experiences. “A conversation in early 2011 with a Temple Terrace City Council member led me to organize a volunteer gardener group to start the Temple Terrace Community Gardens,” Leib said. “The city committed space in a public park for the new garden that opened in fall of 2012. Then, a call came from the principal of the local middle school asking if we would set up a second community garden on school property. Three years and two community gardens later in spring 2013, I passed the community garden leadership baton and began work organizing a non-profit to support youth gardens. Temple Terrace Farm 2 School, now Tampa Bay Farm 2 School, is a volunteer driven organization.” As Director of the organization, Leib created partnerships with the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council, the USF College of Public Health, Morsani School of Medicine, Patel College of Global Sustainability and the USF School of Architecture and Community Design to bring resources to garden projects. “I’ve also secured funding from the Tampa Garden Club, Sprouts Healthy Community Foundation, Temple Terrace Junior Women’s Club, Ward Mitchell Civil Trial Attorneys and private donors,” Leib said. “I was honored to be recognized at the October 16, 2018 Temple City Council meeting for my leadership role in building garden programs in the Tampa Bay area.”
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Tampa Bay Farm 2 School was created for the simple reason which is to believe in the power of “hands-on” growing food to help kids make better nutrition choices as well the health
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benefits of spending time outside. “The fact is, youth gardens experience a high rate of failure,” Leib said. “Many enthusiastic teachers and youth counselors want a garden because of the well-established benefits to students, but maintenance can quickly become burdensome and become neglected when teachers move to another school or resources become scarce. A group of us who had worked on setting up the community gardens felt that youth gardens needed an organization dedicated to helping outdoor garden classrooms succeed over the long term. We wanted to provide resources and support to ensure the gardens we build are sustained over time.” Schoolyard Gardens Food systems can play a dual role. First, they present living classrooms in which students are offered an engaging hands-on learning activity at the same time they produce the elements of food literacy. Successful farm to plate educational systems take the food literacy and food system transparency inherent in the farm to table movement and unites it with the educational requirements of public schools. “Three of our partner schools are Title 1, Greco Middle School in Temple Terrace, Cork Elementary in Plant City and Muller Elementary, an environmental magnet school in the university area of Tampa,” Leib said. “The one exception is Turner-Bartels K-8 in New Tampa is not a Title 1 school. Over the years at Greco, where there is an agriculture program, the sixth and seventh grade agriculture students have planted several varieties of lettuce, herbs, peppers, corn, eggplant, strawberries, and over the summer, sweet potatoes. There is a small animal farm as well where students experience caring for miniature horses, sheep and chickens. At Cork Elementary, where we’ve just built a vegetable garden, fourth graders are planting a variety of vegetable seeds. Also we have a commitment from a Plant City farmer to donate strawberry and tomato plants for spring planting.”
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Leib hopes more organizations become involved with the program and more funding can be found to help as well. “Our team has made the strategic decision to describe our work as a pilot program focused on just a few schools,” Leib said. “We are actively seeking funding to create a paid garden educator position. This person, likely a retired teacher, would be hired by Farm 2 School to assist teachers with integrating the garden into science, math, English and writing lessons and to organize volunteers to help with garden maintenance. This is the same model used by the Edible Peach Patch in St. Petersburg. While we would like for every child to have access to a garden, we think this will only be possible with supportive policies at the school board and state government level. If we can work deeply with our partner schools to help them integrate the outdoor classrooms with state standards, we believe this might inspire the change we are working towards.” If you would like to learn more about the Tampa Bay Farm 2 School program, you can visit their website at www.tampabayfarm2school.com or contact Leib at 813-892-5704.
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A GROWING JOHN DEERE FAMILY:
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Florida
Turmeric By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science
Turmeric has been in the news a lot lately and is becoming well known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to ease some aches and pains. A member of the Zingiberaceae family, turmeric is in the same family as ginger, cardamom, and galangal. These are often referred to as rhizomes, or underground stems that put out roots and shoots. Best known for its bright yellow-orange color and its flavor in curry dishes, turmeric is popular in many cuisines, including Indian, Asian, African, and Caribbean dishes.
Gut Health
Fresh turmeric grows easily in Florida and provides yards with tropical foliage and beautiful flowers. The plant grows to three feet in height and has dark green leaves and yellow flowers. The rhizomes are harvested in the winter when the plant becomes dormant. Turmeric root has a complex, interesting taste and aroma. Its flavor is peppery, warm, and slightly bitter and its fragrance is mild. Fresh turmeric looks a lot like ginger root, but smaller in size. When cut open, turmeric has a bright orange flesh that can easily impart color to any food.
Anti-inflammatory effects
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
Choose firm rhizomes that are free of moisture or soft spots. The skin is very thin and can be scraped off with the tip of a spoon. Turmeric can be grated or chopped fine before use. Roughly one inch of fresh turmeric will yield one tablespoon of grated turmeric. Store fresh turmeric in resealable plastic bags in the refrigerator. Rhizomes can also be frozen in airtight plastic bags. How to Enjoy Fresh turmeric can be used to add a yellow color to any dish and can be enjoyed in juices and smoothies. Other ways to enjoy turmeric include • Add to any curry • Toss with steamed cauliflower or baked chicken • Grate and mix into your favorite salad dressing • Sautee with fresh vegetables • Sprinkle into mashed potatoes • Add to cooking water for rice or pasta to impart a bright yellow color • Use the leaves as an edible wrap Enjoy fresh Florida turmeric in its peak season today. Easy to grow, with a distinctive, right flavor, turmeric can be enjoyed in many foods and beverages.
Turmeric has many beneficial effects in the body, and researchers are continuing to find more and more health benefits in this rhizome. It has anti-inflammatory effects and may help relieve muscular aches and pains. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, two teaspoons (4.4 g) of fresh turmeric contains 16 calories, 0.34 g protein, 0.43 g fat, 2.86 g carbohydrate, and 0.93 g of dietary fiber. One serving of turmeric also contains 15% of your daily requirements for manganese, 10% for iron, 5% for vitamin B6, and 3% for dietary fiber and copper. Turmeric also contains notable amounts of potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and calcium. Heart health Usually after eating a meal, triglycerides, a type of fat, tends to rise in our bloodstream. Studies have shown that eating turmeric in a recipe may result in lower triglyceride levels following a meal. However, these studies have usually included turmeric in combination with other spices including ginger, cinnamon and black pepper, so it’s hard to know if the benefit would still be there from turmeric alone. Turmeric may also be associated with better control of blood pressure and cholesterol levels in animals. There has not yet been enough research in humans.
Many people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis report decreased swelling, reduction in their pain level, and improvement in mobility when using turmeric supplements. Curcumin is the main anti-inflammatory compound found in turmeric. Recent research suggests that curcumin may also inhibit the growth of cancer cells of the colorectal area and stomach in animals.
How to Select and Store
SELECTED REFERENCES http://www.whfoods.com http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/
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Preliminary research studies have shown that turmeric may be effective in relieving chronic digestive health problems such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Scientists believe it may be turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties that help relieve symptoms related to inflammatory bowel disease. Turmeric’s relative, ginger, is well-known in its ability to reduce dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and sweating associated with motion sickness.
The Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory By Jack Payne Roy Yanong made what turned out to be a multimillion-dollar house call a few years back. His diagnosis and treatment of an emerging aquatic animal disease saved a major tropical fish farmer in Hillsborough County from a year’s lost zebrafish sales. The Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory in Ruskin is essentially the R&D branch of Florida’s tropical aquarium fish industry, by far the nation’s largest. The Laboratory – specifically Dr. Yanong -- is also the industry’s go-to veterinarian. To Hillsborough County, its financial support for the Laboratory is an investment in the local economy that supports sales, jobs, and businesses. One of the lab’s recent annual returnon-investment statements to the county documented a 16.5to-1 payoff for all the public funding the lab receives. Any time I see an ROI that high, I want to invest more. That’s why one of my priorities for the coming legislative session is to champion new funding for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences lab so it can do even more. More early detection. More research on the species people love to display in their tanks. More success stories like the one I call “Farming Dory,” in which Laboratory-affiliated scientists figured out how to raise the blue tang in captivity so that a movie-driven surge in demand would not have to be met entirely with wild-caught fish. I want more Roy Yanongs out there putting veterinary expertise in the service of the Tampa-area economy. Roy wasn’t the first scientist with the University of Florida’s Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory to help the farmer with the zebrafish. Roy’s Lab colleague Jeff Hill had done the investigatory work to make the case that the company’s zebrafish was not a serious invasive species risk so the company could get the federal permits to sell it. Roy leads the fish health team at the state’s only dedicated tropical fish disease diagnostic lab, assisting producers, wholesalers, state agencies, and research facilities. The Lab’s location in the hub of the tropical fish industry gives its scientific staff access to the leading producers. They become collaborators in research as well as a sounding board that informs Lab scientists what producers need to maintain Florida as the hub of a national industry. These scientists write recipe books on how to raise exotic fish in tanks, and then give it away to producers statewide. They also don’t spend all their time at a desk or even in the lab. They get “off campus” to visit fish farms frequently. No industry stays on top for long without R&D to propel it with new products and services. It helps when that R&D crew makes house calls. Roy was up on the latest trends in bacterial diseases and his lab is equipped with state-of-the art equipment, so he was able to determine quickly what unpronounceable malady was afflicting the zebrafish. Not only that, but he was able to tap industry contacts to develop a vaccine to help prevent it (no, they don’t inject it into the fish; it involves giving the fish vaccine in their feed).
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The Laboratory’s director, Craig Watson, has been telling stories like this for 20 years. In fact, he has enough of them that the Florida Tropical Fish Farms Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame last year.
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Watson will be telling the story at the Florida State Fair this year. Aquaculture will be the featured commodity in the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame building at the Florida State Fairgrounds in February. The stories all center on how UF/IFAS helps our clients solve problems and realize opportunities -a principle that is ingrained in all the faculty and staff at the Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory. I’ll be telling the story in Tallahassee, in Hillsborough, and anywhere else I can make the case for a dollar for the Laboratory that can turn it into $16.50 in our economy. If you go to the fair, please stop by the exhibit and learn the story of how public science supports an industry. And if you get the chance, repeat the story to your friends, neighbors, and your elected and appointed government officials. A bigger, better UF/IFAS Tropical Aquaculture Laboratory is essential if we want a bigger, better tropical fish industry. In fact, a bigger, better Laboratory may be necessary just to protect the industry by providing the early response to problems that can drag a business down.
TROPICAL AQUACULTURE LAB AT A GLANCE Year established: 1996 Location: Ruskin, Florida Mission: To support Florida’s aquaculture industry by solving problems and creating opportunities through research, Extension, and teaching. Achievements: New species development, health and disease remedies, advice to regulatory agencies, and general improvement of farm management have all led to a bigger and better fish farming community. Positive return on investment has continued even as the Lab has grown, proving it to be an excellent investment of public and private dollars. Website: https://tal.ifas.ufl.edu/ Phone: (813) 671-5230 Public access: TAL is open between 8 am and 5 pm, Monday – Friday. For visits and tours, please call our Extension faculty, Eric Cassiano at (813) 671-5230, ext 109. Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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DIANA AVELLANET NAMED NEW NRCS DISTRICT CONSERVATIONIST Responsible for Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties By Jim Frankowiak
Diana Avellanet has been appointed the new District Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), with responsibility for both Hillsborough and Pinellas counties. She is based at the NRCS office in Plant City. NRCS provides conservation and financial assistance to private landowners, conservation districts, tribes and other organizations. The agency uses a conservation planning process and provides a conservation plan base of participant interest and works closely with participants to meet their respective conservation goals. Financial assistance is authorized by the Farm Bill. Additionally, the agency collects and shares information on the nation’s soil, water, air and plants. The NRCS has a variety of programs available such as Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Ground and Surface Water Management (AGSWM) and Easement to help with natural resource concerns property owners may have regarding their land. “Under these programs we have a variety of practices such as irrigation, high tunnel systems, cover crops, herbaceous weed control, wetland restoration, fencing, prescribed grazing, livestock pipelines, structure for water control, water wells, subsurface drainage, forest management planning, brush management, forest stand improvement, stream crossings, energy improvements, forage and biomass planting and others,” she said. Born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Avellanet is the oldest of four children. She is married to Jorge De Jesus, who is also an NRCS staff member, and they have two daughters, Jumalay and Juliette. Avellanet graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, in 2011 with an undergraduate degree in Agronomy and Soils and a minor in Biology.
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While growing up in Mayaguez, Avellanet was a 4-H member and part of a long distance running team. “I am a product of the Student Temporary Experience Program (STEP), which employs students during the school year and/or in the summer.” She started working
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with the NRCS as a STEP student in Huron, Ohio. Later in 2012, she was offered a permanent position in Huron and Erie, Ohio as a Soil Conservationist, working with practices such as waterways, heavy use area protection, access road, waste storage, roof and covers, cover crops, filter strips, buffers, windbreaks and other areas. “As the new District Conservationist for Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, my main goal is to reach all farmers who need assistance to improve their land and help them as much as I can in meeting their goals,” she said. “This area has a variety of crops and this is one of the primary reasons why I decided to move to the southeast so I can expand my knowledge and horizons with new challenges, new crops and new people,” Away from the office and her NRCS duties, Diana enjoys spending time with her husband and their two daughters. Avellanet’s contact information: 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, FL 33563. Telephone: 813752-1474; Fax: 855-464-1062, and email: diana.avellanet@usda.gov. Additional information about the NRCS and its program offerings is available at: https://www. nrcs.usda.gov. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Helping Tomorrow’s Farmers Get a Head Start Feeding the world is a big job, but thanks to youth agricultural programs like 4H and FFA, the future of farming is in good hands. Mosaic is proud to support organizations like these—and the young people they serve—at county fairs, local livestock shows and more. // Learn more at MosaicCo.com/Florida
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FARM BUREAU ENCOURAGES PUBLIC COMMENT IN SUPPORT OF EPA’S CLEAN WATER RULE
Although the public comment period has not officially opened on Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean Water Rule, Florida Farm Bureau is encouraging members to provide comment now via text on personal cell phones. To send a message, click on the message icon on your phone, type 52886 in the “To” field, type “Clean Rules” in the message box and send. Click the link in the reply and send your message to EPA by clicking “Send Mail.” American Farm Bureau has contracted with a firm to collect and hold the comments which will be submitted to the EPA once the official comment period on the rule has begun. “Each comment is vitally important to show support for this rule that takes the place of the onerous Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule that extended federal authority to most of the private lands in Florida,” said Florida Farm Bureau President John Hoblick. More information is available at www.floridafarmbureau.org. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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City Wildlife Looks Like Country Living by John Dicks
The Polar Vortex that so recently gripped the nation in frigid weather has come and gone, for now. During the middle of it all, while our own Florida temperature soared to a high of 70 degrees between its swing back and forth to the 40s, I was sitting on my porch in Plant City with my iPad in hand getting caught up on all the zany news constantly filling the airwaves and spilling over to the print of my digital screen. A glimpse of rapid motion caught my eye, causing me to look up and see, to my surprise, what appeared to be an otter, less than 30 feet away, staring right at me. Apparently he (or she, I really don’t know) quickly assessed that I was no threat to her speedy scampering ability, so she darted a good 50 feet toward the lake before stopping to check behind her. Glancing in the same direction, I noticed another bit of furry frenzy when her family member (husband, father, son, daughter, who knows?) went running after her. Wow, two of them, I thought. Yet no sooner had the conclusion reached my brain when yet another member came blasting out of the woods towards both of them! Well how many of these critters can there be? It turns out that there were just the three of them and they promptly finished in unison their race to the lake for a swim and what I presumed was a search for breakfast. Perhaps it would startle some people to have three otters rush from the bush when supposedly we are living in the city. Chances are, though, since you’re reading this in our beloved and great In The Field magazine (now brandishing its new ITFM logo), you’re probably like me and, all things considered, would much rather be spending time outdoors than cooped up inside.
The first one worth noting is deer. I’ve never seen any in the woods beside me, but other people in the city swear they have. I won’t believe them until they show me a picture, but frankly it wouldn’t surprise me if there were some out there. Supposedly, too, we have bears. I’ve never seen one here and frankly, don’t want to. As an avid hiker and camper, I’ve had more than my fair share of bear sightings. Some were close enough that it was not a pleasant, cuddly experience. All ended well, which is why I am able to be writing just now, but still, I’d prefer not to see any bears living, nor leaving, these woods. Another wild inhabitant of central Florida is said to be bobcats. They’re rare, though actually, I think I saw one. It was at dusk, so it was hard to see. He paced with a confident swagger, but then so did my neighbor’s big cat, before his demise, so I can’t really lay claim to a bobcat. The elusive coyote is said to be lurking in lands nearby. Sometimes, late at night when all is still and the imagination kicks into high gear there seems to be a faint yelping in the distance. I’ve seen plenty of them further north and been amazed at night, listening to their earnest howls, but never, so far, seen them around here. Probably the bobcat keeps them at bay! Gators and snakes always make the list of wildlife spotted in the area. Certainly I’ve seen them around, particularly the occasional gator who suns beside and floats in the lake nearby. I suppose that I should count them in my list, but technically I haven’t seen them come out of “my” woods. The City is really a great place to live, especially when it feels like county, with such wonderful wildlife to keep us entertained!
So the rush of quick excitement by three otters doing what they “otter” do was a bit of a highlight for my day. These same woods from where the otters emerged from hiding was home recently to a fox, which I was delighted to see trotting down the driveway. It’s also been the romantic reserve for some Barred Owls who have made their appearance each spring for the last five years. In those very woods in the middle of our fine city I’ve been witness to turkeys, opossums, raccoons, gopher tortoises, armadillos, a stray cow, and several lions, tigers and elephants! Okay, I made up the part about the lions, tigers and elephants, but seriously, that’s really quite a menagerie we’ve got cohabiting within our borders! After the otter encounter, it caused me to wonder. What else might be out there or in a spot of woods near you? With a bit of research, still with the iPad firmly gripped in my hand, I listed some of the others species of wildlife known to call central Florida home.
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John Dicks is both a Lawyer and Businessman, including an interest in farming. He and his family have owned 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 terms as Mayor.
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E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
Florida Endangered Globally Imperiled: Carter’s Orchid By Ginny Mink
Orchids are some of the most interesting plants in existence. In fact, the author’s mother is particularly adept at cultivating and caring for a vast array of gorgeous specimens. Yet, if you know anything about orchids, or have ever tried to keep them at home, you learned quickly how fragile and temperamental they can be. No doubt, this makes them a plant that will increasingly find itself on the endangered and/or threatened species list. Such is the case of Carter’s Orchid (Basiphyllaea corallicola). While Florida is certainly home for the Carter’s Orchid, it can also be found in the Bahamas and the West Indies. It was originally discovered in 1903. Unfortunately, since that time there have been very few documented sightings. This is especially troubling since its range is inclusive of only two Florida counties: Miami-Dade and Monroe. Not only is this species endangered in Florida, it has been deemed globally imperiled as well.¹ When you think about orchids, you probably don’t consider anything beyond their flowers. However, they are considered terrestrial herbs. And, the Carter’s Orchid prefers habitats that are composed of pine rocklands. Sadly, most people that are able to get a picture of this endangered “terrestrial herb” have had to venture to the Bahamas to do so because it “has seldom been seen in its type locality (pine rocklands south of Miami).” However, there is “one sizable population at a small regional park in a suburb in the Miami metroplex.”² Further research suggests that there are five populations in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties. Yet, a couple of these populations are not seen every year. Researchers attribute that to the plants’ ability to remain dormant for years. It would appear that throughout the globe, there are only 6-20 places in which these plants are seen with any regularity. No doubt that is why they are deemed globally imperiled.³ They are quite small and only have one or two basal leaves, but these are only present when they are flowering. There are 3-10 small yellow-green flowers at that time, but they don’t all open. If you are fortunate enough to see an open flower, you’ll note that the labellum is mostly white with a suffusion of purple or crimson. It is also lobed.¹ These flowers are incredibly tiny, only about one centimeter long. And, as stated above, they don’t open fully in most instances. This is because they have a tendency to self-pollinate before their buds even reveal their beauty. On the positive side, the fact that they are self-pollinating enables them to form large colonies if given the necessary time to thrive. Most unfortunately, though, the areas in which they would be best suited have a tendency to become shopping malls.²
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Flowers appear during September, October, and November. They have one stamen and a hairless stem and stalk. The lower petal is considered to be intensely red-veined, though the
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pictures seemed a good deal more purple than red. Because insects are not necessary for pollination, we can rest easy that the plight of the bee will have little bearing on the existence of these incredibly rare flowers.¹ That said, it is apparent that mankind’s ever-present desire for expansion has caused great damage to these fragile entities. Urbanization is the top cause of decimation. However, the suppression of naturally occurring fires, and exotic pest plant invasions have also contributed to their demise. Apparently, the Burma Reed and the Brazilian Pepper Tree are particularly to blame.³ Having little experience with the Brazilian Pepper Tree and Burma Reed we delved a little deeper. According to IFAS they are both part of the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s List of Invasive Plant Species. The Brazilian Pepper is kin to poison ivy and can cause respiratory problems during its blooming periods.⁴ Whereas the Burma Reed’s biggest issue is that it’s highly flammable and promotes frequent fires which help proliferate its existence.⁵ Though there is no documentation of the Carter’s Orchid being involved in horticultural trade, there is speculation that it might be the victim of illegal wild collection for a niche or specialty market involving private collections. This information is particularly disturbing as anyone who is that attached to orchids should understand the negative effects such illegal activity is having on the existence of the Carter’s Orchid.³ While there doesn’t appear to be much we can do about this poor little flower, we can certainly avoid utilizing invasive species in our own gardens. And, we can always help protect the lands on which the Carter’s Orchid calls home. As always, we would suggest to you that these plants are here for a Godordained purpose and it is our jobs as stewards of this earth to care for all He has placed here. Do what you can, where and when you can. References: ¹North American Orchid Conservation Center. (2019). Basiphyllaea corallicola (Small) Ames. Carter’s Orchid. http://goorchids. northamericanorchidcenter.org/species/basiphyllaea/corallicola/ ²Florida Native Orchids. (2019). Carter’s Orchid (Basiphyllaea corallicola). http://www.flnativeorchids.com/natives_gallery/ basiphyllaea_corallicola.htm ³Nature Serve Explorer. (2019). Basilphyllaea corallicola (Small) Ames. Carter’s Orchid. http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Basiphyllaea+corallicola ⁴UF|IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. (2019). Schinus terebinthifolia. Brazilian Pepper Tree. https://plants.ifas.ufl. edu/plant-directory/schinus-terebinthifolia/ ⁵UF|IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (2019). Neyraudia reynaudiana. Burma reed, silk reed. https://plants.ifas. ufl.edu/plant-directory/neyraudia-reynaudiana/ WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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TOMLIN MIDDLE SCHOOL 7TH & 8TH GRADERS ARE FARMING By Jim Frankowiak Farmers in Plant City are certainly not news, but what is are more than 90, 7th and 8th graders at Tomlin Middle School who just finished harvesting their first crops as part of a class that’s learning about farming by doing just that.
mately one-half acre where strawberries are grown and sold to help support chapter activities. The FFA chapter at the school has more than 180 members. Added FFA plot crops include collard greens, onions, cabbage and broccoli.
The students, led by agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor Robert Wilder, each have 10-x-2-foot raised plots where they grow radishes, lettuce, onions, cauliflower, beets, broccoli, kale and peas. The 7th graders are all in the Tomlin Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Program and the 8th graders are second year Ag students. “Our program consists of 6th graders that pick Agriculture as an elective, STEM students take this class and agriculture biotech in 8th grade and the rest of our students take fundamentals of Ag and then an Ag foundations class in their 8th grade year,” noted Wilder.
“Vegetables grown by our 7th graders are initially made available to their families,” said Wilder, who is now in his third year on the Tomlin faculty. “Produce that remains is then offered to faculty and administrators here at Tomlin and the balance is made available to the community.” In addition to the handson experience of farming and family help with harvested crops, successful completion of the class also provides each student with one high school credit.
“It took us a while to redo our garden area as a result of damages from Hurricane Irma,” said Wilder, a Plant City Native whose father taught Agriculture at Plant City High School. “Our first crops were fall plants the students planted early in the first semester and recently completed harvesting. Spring crops have now been planted.” Fall crops are primarily leafy greens, while tomatoes and peppers highlight spring crops.
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Tomlin’s garden also includes a larger FFA plot of approxi-
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Wilder, a University of Florida alumnus with a degree in Agricultural Operations Management, and his students are appreciative of the community support for their garden plots. Raised crop beds similar to those associated with growing strawberries are formed thanks to the assistance of growers Andy McDonald and Joel Connell. Chemical Dynamics donates fertilizer and plants are given to the students by the Grooms family at Fancy Farms. One of the 7th grade farmers is Peyton Eatman who appreciates “the increased knowledge of agriculture” she has received “by growing plants and vegetables.” Tregg Aguero, WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
another 7th grader, also likes what he has learned and “plans to grow more plants and vegetables in the future.” For Michaela Arroyo the class has truly “been a hands experience helping to learn about agriculture.” There’s general agreement among the student farmers that the work “is harder than you think, but rewarding.” “Even though this is our first year, we see growing interest among our students,” said Wilder. Going forward he hopes
So, while farming is not new to Plant City, there’s a growing number of farmers thanks to the Tomlin Middle School 7th and 8th grade Agriculture class.
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to have a nursery at the school, grow potted plants and more crops. Coincidentally, his family has been part of the Plant City agricultural community since 1851. That legacy began and continues on an 80-acre farm where they initially raised chickens and cattle and put in citrus in the 80s. “We no longer grow citrus, but the cattle operation continues,” he said.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
CHRIS ANDRLIK –
New Farm Bureau Board Member By Jim Frankowiak Christina “Chris” Andrlik’s love for farming developed at a young age and has continually grown over the years. She recently joined the board of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, replacing her Mosaic colleague John Joyner, who retired. “It was an easy decision for me to make when presented with the opportunity to join the Farm Bureau board,” said Andrlik. “Agriculture is very important to me and this opportunity will provide me with the chance to help educate the public about our industry and its importance.” Andrlik, who is married to Bryan and the mother of two adult children, joined FFA while a student at Turkey Creek Middle School where she was mentored by “my Ag teacher Mr. St. Martin who helped me learn about agriculture. My passion began from day one.” Andrlik also became involved with horses, cattle, and swine projects at a young age. Her first job, while just 12 years of age, was at a local vegetable farm where she worked in the field with various crops, okra was the least favorite. “I still remember having to get up so early in the morning to get to the markets and help move our crops,” she said. After graduating from Plant City High School, Andrlik joined Nitram Inc., a fertilizer manufacturing facility where she worked for 15 years. “I started heavily involved in the operational side of that plant, working in material handling, quality control, and even maintenance. I gained a massive amount of knowledge and respect for what it takes to make fertilizer,” Andrlik stated. “After learning the operational side of the business, I moved into the commercial side managing multiple departments including Customer Service, Procurement, and Logistics. My time in Logistics led me into Transportation Compliance where I am still heavily involved today,” said Andrlik. Over the years, Andrlik advanced her skills and acquired a range of compliance certifications with the U.S. Department of Transportation and Department of Homeland Security relative to hazardous materials transportation and supply chain management. After the Nitram Inc. facility was acquired and closed, Andrlik joined Walpole Inc. as a Leasing Manager for approximately five years.
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“An opportunity arose with The Mosaic Company and I excitedly accepted the position,” said Andrlik. That was 12 years ago and she has spent the ensuing years involved in the Mosaic’s Supply Chain/ Distribution Services and Transportation Compliance. “My focus today is on directing a team that manages the data in our systems for all inbound raw materials Mosaic receives and finished goods that Mosaic sends out via
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all modes of transport domestically and internationally. I work out of the Mosaic facility at FishHawk mostly and out of the Regina Saskatchewan office in Canada occasionally.” Andrlik’s husband, Bryan, is a heavy equipment technician with a local company that also serves the agricultural industry. Both of her children, Jessica and Nicholas, were FFA members while in middle and high school, participating in county and state fairs with many steer and swine projects. Jessica served in many FFA officer roles throughout her high school years and was the Florida State Beef Ambassador in 2013-14. Jessica now works with her soon to be husband and son, David and Jack, as owner –operators of Dixie Service Station and Dixie Station Tattoos in Plant City. Nicholas now works at Mosaic, too, in operations at the company’s New Wales facility. Andrlik also has guardianship of her niece, Ariel, who has now been exposed to agriculture as well and recently place as reserve grand champion in Hillsborough County’s 2018 swine show. Needless to say the Andrlik’s are well tied to agriculture. The Andrlik’s reside in the Lithia area where they keep their show horses, cattle and swine. Andrlik is an active member of both the Florida and Hillsborough Cattlewomen’s Association, and of course now Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. “I enjoy the time I spend at various events, competitions, and educational seminars advocating agriculture. The ones involving horses, cattle, and swine of course are my favorites,” said Andrlik. “Jessica’s stepson Jack, who is eight years old, likes to come to our little farm and always joins us at the shows.” He intends to show for his first time this year. There’s also a very good chance that Andrlik’s granddaughter Madison, the daughter of Ana and Nicholas, who is not quite two years of age, will follow in the family tradition and also become fond of all things ag, especially horses. Agriculture has been an important part of Andrlik’s life, both at work and while at home. “It is very important to me to have the public understand about agriculture and its importance to us all. My Farm Bureau position will enable me to continue helping that mission with people of all ages. I am truly blessed to have so many opportunities to educate others in what I am so passionate about, AGRICULTURE.” WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Part 53 By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Given the weather of late we are hoping that once you hop on this month’s Literary Time Machine jaunt we’ll be welcoming spring. We understand that it’s only February, but we do live in Florida and it would be nice if our state recognized itself as the Sunshine State again. Mr. Torrey Simpson probably wasn’t bothered by the ups and downs of Florida weather as we have discovered throughout the reading of his book. He lived through some of the coldest weather on record in Florida. So let’s get started on this month’s trip down memory lane and see what plants he’s bringing to the forefront of our thoughts. We’ll begin with Rondeletia, “A genus of shrubs and trees belonging to the coffee family, of which I introduced R. odorata from Cuba. The plant I had before that had met with a variety of vicissitudes and finally perished. It grew in its native habitat in the open in a dry place high up on the bank of a stream and since I brought it here it has been twice run over by automobiles and to save it I finally moved it. It is growing now and when it shows its flat heads of brilliant brick-red flowers with a yellow eye it is a beautiful thing.”¹ Being lovers of coffee, this plant sounds particularly intriguing. Of course, he didn’t mention that it would actually produce coffee beans, but we had to find out more information nonetheless. They are quite unique looking, but apparently the flowers don’t have a fragrance. The author of the Typical Gardener’s Blog writes, “The Rondeletia odorata or Fragrant Rondeletia, also know as the Panama Rose, is definitely not scented and the flower does not bear any resemblance to a rose…They may not be edible, but they sure look a treat!”²
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Given the previous plants name implying it’s a rose, it makes sense that Mr. Torrey Simpson would move onto “Rosa, the Rose. Under this I stated in the first edition of this book that I did not think one could honestly say that roses are at home in Florida, certainly as they are on the western coast of the United States. I have been hauled up and criticized repeatedly for what I said but today I can only repeat and even add to it. True, I have seen an acre of the finest roses that could be produced, in northern Florida, strong, healthy plants full of wonderful vigor and loaded with perfectly magnificent blossoms and I was assured that they bloomed and grew this way throughout the year. But this acre was artificially sunk a couple of feet or more and soil--- partly leaf mold--- was hauled in from the woods and used for a foundation. Then a watchful gardener fed and watered them and--- why shouldn’t they succeed?
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They can be grown successfully all over the state. The climate is not too warm even on the Keys for in the Island of Haiti I saw on a hillside near Port-au-Prince a magnificent field of roses. What they need is a strong, rich, well-drained soil and plenty of feed and water. Our Florida soil is generally too poor and light for their best success. The Common People, for whom I am writing, cannot spend fortunes in order to raise roses. But it may be possible to haul in some marl, to dig up a couple of feet and mostly replace it with this marl, to use cow manure, to give plenty of water in just one little bed and then one can have roses. But the bed must be well drained for standing water is death to these plants.”¹ While he’s fond of roses, it would appear that he certainly doesn’t believe they are made for Florida. If you are set on growing them in your garden you would probably do well to follow his advice. This is the last piece of that advice, “Reasoner says that roses must be budded or grafted, that they must be planted deep, that they should rest during summer and have no fertilizer between June first and fall, all of which is sound sense, the result of half a lifetime of experience.”¹ By the way, if you are wondering what marl is, like we were, the Encyclopedia Britannica says it’s an old term that applied to a mix of fine-grained minerals. The composition of marl is widely varied but often includes limestone and clay type sediments.³ Perhaps cow manure or leaf mold would be more readily available today. With only two plants on this trip, we are left wondering which you think you’d prefer to try in your own garden? We know our preference, but given our own lack of funds, we suspect neither will be in ours anytime soon. Until next time, happy gardening! 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. 176-177). ²Typical Gardner’s Blog. (2013). Fragrant Rondeletia (Rondeletia odorata) aka Panama Rose. https://typicalgardener.wordpress. com/2013/12/29/fragrant-rondeletia-rondeletia-odorataaka-panama-rose/ ³Encyclopedia Britannica. (2019). Marl. Mineral. https://www. britannica.com/science/marl-mineral Picture Credits: Avery, Drew. (2009). Fragrant Panama Rose (rondeletia odorata). Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/6s3pSf). Lumiago. (2008). Rosa. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/5bixrH). Vazquez Murillo, Eduardo Francisco. (2009). Rosas. Flickr (https://flic.kr/p/6cKgMe). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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Mayor Rick Lott: A Lott of Hometown Pride By: Erica Der Hall
Many in the Plant City community are familiar with Mayor Rick Lott. You have seen him at Johnson’s Barbeque with his family or working on new deals to help Plant City to grow and thrive. However, what many may not realize is how deep Mayor Lott’s agricultural roots run. A native Plant City resident, Rick grew up in a family that gave him a deep understanding and appreciation for the industry. His father worked for TECO and his mother worked for the post office, all the while owning and operating citrus and cattle operations in Zolfo Springs and a livestock processing facility on Knights Griffin. Rick recalls how their family spent any spare moment working in the grove, on the ranch or in the slaughterhouse. It was during these years that he developed a strong appreciation and devotion for the land. As a student at Plant City High School, Rick excelled as a member in the Plant City FFA Chapter. He competed in land evaluation, livestock judging, parliamentary procedure, public speaking and even served as chapter president. In 1973, Rick achieved one of the crowning moments of his young life when he won grand champion of the Strawberry Festival steer show. The steer show had only been in existence for two years and it didn’t take long for Rick to rise to the top. FFA solidified his love for agriculture and gave him the skills to be a lifelong advocate. In 2005, Rick’s love for community and farming were combined when he was elected to serve as an Associate Director for the Florida Strawberry Festival, where he and the board work diligently to showcase Plant City’s most prized commodity, the strawberry. During this same timeframe, Rick was first elected to the Plant City Commission where he has served ever since. He brought with him a deep appreciation for agriculture and his highly sought after business skills to help ensure that Plant City thrives for generations to come. He believes the agriculture industry and Plant City’s future go hand in hand.
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“The agriculture industry is the heart of the Plant City business community. The reach of agriculture begins in the fields and extends well beyond the harvest to include packaging, purchasing, logistics and more. We look at agriculture and business as being interconnected,” Mayor Lott said.
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When you think about the breadth of the agriculture industry in Plant City, it not only provides food on the table but it also produces jobs, a stronger economy and hometown unity. “Agriculture will always be the economic engine of Plant City. It is the center of job creation and includes areas often not thought of such as software development, on time delivery of produce, packaging science and more. It is more than the growth of a plant but rather it is the entire trail from production all the way to consumption,” Lott said. “As a city, we are always trying to make sure we are friendly to the agriculture industry.” Lott served as mayor from 2007-2010 and was re-elected in 2014. Through his nearly 15 years on the city commission, he has seen Plant City grow but continue to maintain the friendly, down home feel that makes the town so special. As a successful businessman and entrepreneur, Lott has helped the city to embrace economic expansion, all while striving to preserve the small town charm. As we look to the future, Plant City is estimated to reach 55,000 residents by 2030. However, these figures excite Mayor Lott as he and the Commission plan for ways Plant City, with the agriculture industry as a foundation, can be bigger and brighter than ever before. As the leader of Plant City, Mayor Lott will continue to stand for the agriculture industry and the important and necessary role it plays in defining the future of the town. Mayor Lott put it best when he said, “The agriculture industry, along with our local churches and non-profit organizations, sets the character of our community. It allows us to keep that down home charm, all while embracing the future.” Mayor Lott is an example of how important it is to teach young people the value of agriculture at an early age and as they grow to be the business owners and community leaders of our town, they will continue to represent the industry with dignity and pride. He can often be found supporting the livestock projects of local 4-H and FFA members at the Strawberry Festival or speaking to classrooms of elementary students, all in an effort to instill an appreciation for agriculture in the next generation. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Closer Look
by Sean Green
Plasterer Bee (Colletes)
When we think of pollinators most of us think of bees and with that the most common is the European honey bee which in fact is not a native pollinator. The European honey bee also known as the Western honey bee was introduced to the Americas in the 1600s. The Native Americans call the European honey bee the white man’s fly. Although this technically invasive species has been in the United States more than 400 years it has not displaced our truly native species. Our American species have adapted and found ways to share resources with this foreign guest. One of the ways our native species remains successful despite the invaders is in its nesting characteristics. The European honey bees create a hive for a nest, however more than 70 percent of the 20,000 bee species worldwide are solitary bees that nest in the ground rather than build a hive. This month we are featuring the more common ground nesting solitary bees in the United States and discover why scientists and researchers are taking a closer look. Bees of the genus Colletes are solitary, ground nesting bees. We have at least 15 species, in Florida, nine of which are spring species and five are fall species. One species (C. mandibularis) is active in both spring and fall but ironically, not in the summer months when other bees are the most active. One extremely rare species (C. titusensis) is a spring species found only in central Florida (endemic). Most species of this genus collect pollen from a variety of plants (polylectic) and forage on shrubs and trees. Their short tongue limits nectar sources to shallow flowers such as a variety of Umbellifers or crops in the Apiaceae and Fabaceae family. The female plasterer bee digs her own nest, an 18-inch-deep hole the diameter of a pencil that goes straight down into the soil. She digs a new brood cells on the sides of the tunnel. These small chambers will become individual rooms for her offspring. Each brood cell is lined with a polymer substance that is secreted from her abdomen. She uses her paintbrush like tongue to coat the entire inside of the brood cell with the substance. This activity is what gives her the common name “plasterer bee.” The polymer substance she spreads inside the brood cell hardens into a flexible waterproof bag that resembles cellophane. This natural polyester not only protects the brood cell from moisture, bacteria, and fungi, but also insulates the cell for optimum temperature. When the coating is dry, she fills the bottom of the chamber with a syrupy meal that she makes with pollen, water, and nectar for her offspring. The female bee then lays a single egg on the side of the brood cell just
Researchers have been studying these bees for close to a decade now trying to understand how they manufacture polymers. One of the goals in this research is to learn how we can do the same and improve the quality, efficiency and sustainability of our own plastics manufacturing processes. In one of the studies researchers buried the polymer linings the bees made for their brood cells to determine how long it would take for their organic polymers to decay. They found the average decay rate for the polymer substance the bees made was five years. Early plastics were made from organic polymers such as eggs, tree sap, shellac, and blood or milk proteins. Evidence of the early use of plastic in North America dates back to 1600 BCE with examples of figurines and other object made of natural rubber. The industrial revolution of the 19th century fostered many new products including Parkesine. This substance was a type of celluloid regarded as the first man made plastic and was invented in 1856 by Alexander Parks, an English metallurgist. Parks invention was expensive and prone to cracking, ultimately failing in the market. In 1870 America inventor John Wesley Hyatt invented cellulose nitrate, better known as Celluloid. His motivation shaped the world of manufacturing forever. Prior to the 1800’s billiard balls were made of a variety of materials, ivory being the most elegant. By 1863, Ivory was becoming scarce and expensive. An American ivory billiard ball manufacturer offered a reward of $10,000 to any inventor that could find an alternate material for billiard balls. This challenge that motivated John Wesley Hyatt to invent Celluloid as an ivory alternative and billiard balls were manufactured in Celluloid until it was discovered that the celluloid was volatile and carried the risk of minor explosions. Although Hyatt’s invention was not the perfect solution for the billiard ball industry, there were many other uses for his early plastic and his patents became the seed from which our modern plastics industry began. It is not likely that we will reduce the use of plastics as a manufacturing option anytime soon, however, if we take a closer look at nature and specifically at the plasterer bee, it is conceivable that we can reduce the environmental impact of plastics in the future. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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above the meal she has prepared. She then seals the opening to brood cell with a polymer window and closes it in by packing soil against the window.
CROP INSURANCE: IT PAYS TO MANAGE YOUR RISK When you purchase risk management coverage with Farm Credit of Central Florida, we return a portion of our commission as patronage dividends to eligible stockholders. Patronage dividends could help lower the cost of insurance premiums, saving you money as you manage your risk. Farm Credit of Central Florida is glad to discuss how we can save you money on your crop insurance with patronage dividends. Feel free to contact our crop insurance specialist, Regina Thomas, at 407.721.4687 or rthomas@farmcreditcfl.com. Patronage dividend distribution is subject to eligibility. Certain limitations, conditions, and exclusions apply for crop insurance. Please refer to the policy for more details.
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gowanco.com 800.883.1844
Compost, Microirrigation and Rainwater Harvesting Workshops at Extension Lynn Barber, UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
gallons of water for landscape irrigation instead of using potable water. By attending, you will receive a drilled and spigoted rain barrel.
If you have not previously attended these three workshops on a Saturday at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Extension Hillsborough County, we hope you will attend. You will be in for an educational feast. Make plans to register and spend an upcoming Saturday morning, March 2, April 6, May 4, June 1 or July 13, at the Compost, Microirrigation and Rainwater Harvesting workshops at our office in Seffner. Workshops are for Hillsborough County residents, one time only, one set of items per household and pre-registration is required. If you want to learn how to create your own compost, attend the Compost Happens workshop and learn how to turn trash into treasure. This workshop teaches attendees to recycle kitchen and yard waste, while creating a rich soil amendment. Compost adds nutrients to the soil and retains moisture in the root zone where it can be used by plants. Instead of hauling your yard waste to the curb, compost it on site. By attending, you will receive a compost bin and thermometer.
By attending one, two or all three workshops, you will expand your environmental conservation education and have fun while learning something new. Cost to attend is $5.00 per household, per workshop. For additional information and to register, go to: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. Workshops are sponsored by UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, Tampa Bay Water, City of Tampa Water Department and Hillsborough County Public Utilities. For more gardening information, please contact or visit the UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 744-5519, or visit us at 5339 County Road 579, Seffner, FL 33584, where you can walk through the Bette S. Walker Discovery Garden and see Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM in action!
Come to a Microirrigation workshop which teaches you how to have a healthy and attractive landscape while conserving water. Tips on installing and using microirrigation are presented. Using miroirrigation conserves water and is excluded from our current watering restrictions. By attending, you will receive a microirrigation kit.
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Learn how to harvest rainwater with a Rain Barrel, made from a 55-gallon plastic food-grade drum. Recycling food grade barrels is useful in collecting rainwater for ornamental plant irrigation, while reducing erosion and stormwater runoff. One inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot of roof provides 623 gallons of water. In our area, we receive 50-52 inches of rain per year. This means all of us could harvest in excess of 31,000
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Is Produce Grown Locally More Nutritious?
By Alison Grooms, MPH, CPH, CHES® Nutrition & Health Agent with UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County is ranked fourth in the state for agricultural product sales, as reported by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, so it may not come as a big surprise just how important the purchase of agricultural products from our county are to our local economy.1 You may have heard about the importance of purchasing crops grown locally for the welfare of our economy, our environment, and our nation as a whole, but are you aware of the relevance locally grown produce has on nutritional quality? When seeking fresh produce of the highest nutritional value look no further than what might be growing across the street. If you live in eastern Hillsborough County, you are no stranger to the cascading strawberry fields that are found around each corner, but did you know that the county is top five in the state for vegetable production as well? 1 As obesity rates continue to rise, consumers are becoming more aware of the impact a healthful diet can have on improving quality of life. This is a diet that consists of plenty of fruits and vegetables that are filled with many of the nutrients our bodies need to sustain a healthy and potentially disease-free life. Of course consuming produce of any kind is better than not consuming any at all, but you can shop smarter by purchasing those that are grown close to your home for the most nutrition. Many consumers are often unaware of the process it takes for fresh produce to go from the farm to the grocer. When travelling great distances, this process may take days. Because of this lengthy travel time and the many steps in-between, produce picked fresh to be shipped across the country or the globe, may be harvested under-ripe. This is to
What exactly defines the term “locally grown” you may be wondering? There really isn’t a standard definition. Some individuals consider it to consist of whatever is grown in their county of residence; others think it’s those items grown in their home state; while still many consumers believe it to be anything grown within the continental U.S. For policy purposes the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 defines the term as “the locality or region in which the final product is marketed, so that the total distance that the product is transported is less than 400 miles from the origin of the product” or “the state in which the product is produced.”2 Any way you may define it, it really comes down to purchasing food
that is as close to the farm where it was harvested as possible, with minimal inbetween handling time, to ensure the highest nutritional quality. Purchasing from a local farmer’s market, produce stand, or from the farm itself are some great places to find locally grown produce. Also, purchasing these items when they are in season at your local large retail grocer can ensure that the shipping and handling time is significantly shorter. Items that are “out of season” will have to be shipped in from a geographical region where they can be grown during this time of year. This means they may be travelling a great distance before they will ever reach your kitchen. While you may love the taste of watermelons, for example, save them for those hot summer months when they are grown right here in Hillsborough County. You can bet they will be the freshest and most nutritious you’d find all year. * To see what’s grown locally visit the Hillsborough County website at https:// www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/ residents/sustainability-and-green/ homegrown-hillsborough. References: (1) Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (2012). Florida agriculture overview and statistics. Retrieved from https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Agriculture-Industry/ Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics (2) Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-246, 122 Stat. 1929 Available at https://www.congress.gov/bill/110th-congress/housebill/2419/ (Accessed: 22 January 2019). INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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ensure that by the time it reaches the retailer it can sit on store shelves and be close enough to ripe for purchase. However, when produce is harvested under-ripe, it may not have had time to reach its full nutritional quality. Conversely, when produce is harvested at its peak, it has had time to receive all the nutrients it needs from the soil and therefore would be more nutritious than the prior. In addition, once produce has left its source of nutrition – the field, the tree, the vine –– whatever it may be, it begins losing some of its nutrients over the course of time. Produce leaving the farm to be taken to a storage facility, to be shipped to a distance that may take a couple days or more of travel to then reach the retailer and sit on store shelves for a few days before arriving at its final destination – the consumer’s kitchen– can result in many more nutrients lost along the way. Due to this lengthy process, fresh produce exported in won’t have quite the same abundance in its nutrient profile as those grown in close proximity to the point of purchase.
FSGA INTRODUCES 2019 AMBASSADORS; HONORS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
The Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA) recently held its annual Scholarship Awards Banquet, which also served as an opportunity to introduce the FSGA’s Ambassadors for 2019 and two special memorial awards. The Association’s Scholarship Program was introduced 36 years ago and has awarded scholarships “totaling over $467,000,” noted FSGA Scholarship Committee Chairman Mike Lott. An additional $18,500 was added to that total at the 2019 banquet. Lott noted “the Best Flat Competition is the primary fundraisers for the scholarship fund, and the FSGA appreciates those who take the time to pick that perfect flat to enter for the judging, the community supporters and especially the handlers who bid at the auctions.” He said additional funds were collected the past year through other events, as well. “Perhaps one of the greatest investments made by members of the FSGA is in the young people of our community,” Lott said. “It is gratifying to know that assisting outstanding students in their efforts to attain a higher level of education will return great dividends not only to our community, but also around the world.”
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Following are student recipients of $1,000 scholarships and pad folios: • Amber Boykin – Hillsborough Community College • Reagan Brown – Plant City High School • Sarah Carter – Durant High School • Leah Harrell – University of Florida • Alyssa Shepherd – University of Florida • Raelyn Hudson – Strawberry Crest High School • Katelyn Yarbrough – Plant City High School
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By Jim Frankowiak
In 2001, the FSGA introduced the Strawberry Ambassador Program. To be eligible for consideration, program applicants must be a high school senior in Florida during the immediate school year. Each must submit a completed application, letter of confirmation from a college or university to which the applicant has applied and ensure attendance at a minimum of 75 percent of the required events as a FSGA Ambassador. A sampling of events includes the Florida State Fair booth, Florida Strawberry Festival booth, Ag Venture and Florida Farm Bureau Legislative Appreciation Reception in Tallahassee, which is a three-day commitment. Additional application requirements include an autobiography, list of awards or school/community related activities, three letters of recommendation from previous employers, teachers or mentors, a current copy of their official scholastic transcript and photo. “Over the year, our FSGA Ambassadors will have the opportunity to learn from growers about the industry, travel to event to represent our industry and gain a greater understanding of the role we play in the community and beyond,” Lott said. Each was presented with a $1,500 scholarship check, award plaque and pad folio. The FSGA’s 2019 Ambassadors are: • Lily Batley – Plant City High School • Amanda Clark – Brandon High School • Madilyn Conrad – Plant City High School • Kendall Gaudens – Plant City High School • Cole Hanson – Durant High School • Kenneth Hattaway – Durant High School • Reagan Tears – Plant City High School WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Kendall Gaudens is a senior at Plant City High School where she is captain of the Varsity and Competition Cheerleading teams, secretary for the National Honors Society and member of the Peer Jury, Interact Service Club, Cosmetology Skills USA Relay for Life. She also serves as student liaison on the PTSA Board. Kendall is a member of FFA and has raised and shown steer, rabbit and prized plant lots. Most recently, she was crowned Queen of the 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival.
In addition to recognizing the scholarship recipients and 2019 FSGA Ambassadors, two awards were also presented at the banquet “that have a great importance and significance to this industry that we are pleased to honor,” said Lott. “Mr. Osburn Griffin and Tekkla Hinton Ericson are individuals who are unforgettable and possessed traits that we feel inspired the decisions of those students who will be awarded memorial awards. These students stand out and we know Mr. Osburn and Tekkla would be proud to recognize them if they were still with us. Garrett Gould of Plant City High School received the Osburn M. Griffin Award and Katelyn Yarbrough, Plant City High School, was given the Tekla Hinton Ericson Award. The students each received $1,000 cash awards, a plaque and pad folio. Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients and welcome 2019 Ambassadors! FSGA 2019 AMBASSADOR PROFILES Lily Batley is a senior at Plant City High School where she is the secretary of the Plant City Senior FFA Chapter, president of the National Honors Society and member of Interact. She is also a member of the Varsity Cheerleading Team and Varsity Tennis Team. Outside of school, Lily is involved with the Relay for Life Team, Team ToMarrow, youth group at First Baptist Church of Plant City and Team Santa. She plans to attend the University of Florida where she will major in Biology. Amanda Clark is a senior and Brandon High School. She is an active member of her FFA program, student government and the Honor Society. Amanda is also pursuing a Certified Veterinary Assistantship (CVA) and Child Development Associate (CDA). She has a great love of the outdoors, livestock, her family and her faith. “Overall, I am very passionate about the things that are important to me, one of them agriculture, which is where my career will lead me when continuing my education.” Madilyn Conrad is a senior at Plant City High School and dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She is involved in FFA, National Honors Society, National Technical Honors Society, Interact Girls Club, Junior Florida Cattlemen’s Association and the Welcome Baptist Church youth group.
Kenneth Hattaway is a senior at Durant High School where he serves as Chaplain for the Durant Senior FFA Chapter. He is also an active 4-H member, serving as an office during middle school and on the Hillsborough Federation Team.
Reagan Tears is a Plant City High School senior dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. She is a member of FFA, National Honors Society and four-year member of the Varsity and Competition Cheer teams. Reagan also serves as a Buddy to Raider Elite special needs students, volunteer for Relay for Life, Cosmetology student, Senior Class Council and Interact Club member. She has shown livestock and plans to attend Warner University majoring in Agricultural Education while utilizing her cosmetology license.
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Cole Hanson is a senior at Durant High School and dual-enrolled at Hillsborough Community College. He is a member of the National Honors Society and vice president of the Durant Bass Fishing Team. Cole serves as president of the Hillsborough County FFA and Durant Senior Chapter. He shows both steer and swine and serves on the Chicken and Rabbit Committee at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Cole is a member and volunteer with the youth group at Country Side Baptist Church. He plans to run for Area 5 state FFA office and a degree in Agribusiness Management at either Florida Southern University or Warner University.
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
Swiftmud Suggests Skipping a Week of Lawn Sprinkling The Southwest Water Management District (SWFWMD) is reminding residents that lawns don’t need to be watered as much during the cooler months of the year. Research undertaken by the University of Florida (UF) shows one-half to three-quarters of an inch of water every 10-14 days is sufficient. Your grass needs watering when:
• Blades are folded in half lengthwise on at least one-third of your yard • Blades appear blue-gray • Blades do not spring back, leaving footprints on the lawn for several minutes when walked on Watering every other week at most during the winter months also helps to conserve water supplies.
Controlled Burns Slated Through March Near Thonotosassa
Farm Bureau Redesigns CARES website
Florida Farm Bureau has redesigned its CARES (County Alliance for Environmental Stewardship) website. The revamped site now includes a listing of 2018 CARES recipients, Best Management Practice (BMP) resources, cost-share information and a contact page. It can be viewed at: www.this.farmcares.org. and functions as a hub for information on agricultural environmental stewardship.
2019 Farm Bureau Youth Speech Contest Topic and Rules Now Available The topic and rules for the 2019 Florida Farm Bureau Speech Contest are now available by visiting: ffbf.org, selecting “education & Outreach” and “For Teachers.” Contestants must be at least 14 and not over 18 as of September 13, 2019. This year’s topic is “How have recent natural disasters that have impacted Agriculture affected consumers?”
The SWFMD is conducting prescribed burns through March on the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (LHFDA) located south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Morris Bridge Road near Thonotosassa. Approximately 500-acres will be burned in small, manageable units. The District conducts prescribed burns on approximately 30,000-acres annually to reduce overgrown plants, which decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfires; promotes growth of new, diverse plants; maintains the character and condition of wildlife habitat and maintains access for public recreation.
Farm Bureau Legislative Days March 5-6 Farm Bureau members are being encouraged to participate in Legislative Days in Tallahassee to impact public policy at the state level and learn about current legislative issues. This annual event also includes the opportunity to interact with state lawmakers on behalf of Ag interests in Florida. More information is available at www.floridafarmbueau.org/legislative-days/. That is also the site for participant registration.
Women’s Leadership Conference March 28-30 Florida Farm Bureau’s Women’s Leadership Conference will take place March 28 – 30 and will be held at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary Hotel. More information is available at: https:// www.floridafarmbureau.org/wlc2019/.
New “Ask NRCS” Brochure Available for Organic Farmers
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida has a new brochure, “Ask NRCS,” covering a variety of natural resource concerns and conservation practices including soils, water, air, plants, animals and energy. To learn more about the new brochure for organic farmers, contact the USDA Service Center in Plant City, 813752-1474, or visit 201 South Collins Street.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY HOSTS ANNUAL MILITARY AG TOUR
By Jim Frankowiak
Hillsborough County and several partners hosted the 4th Annual Military Agriculture Tour of Ag businesses in the county to provide military veterans, reservists, transitioning activeduty personnel and their spouses an opportunity to explore career options in the agriculture industry. During the tour, which was offered at no charge, participants were introduced to career paths and job opportunities within modern production agriculture operations and supporting industries through visits at a variety of farming operations and the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) at Balm in southern Hillsborough County. The day-long tour was organized through a partnership among Hillsborough County Economic Development, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, Hillsborough County Extension Service and community partners the Mosaic Company and Farm Credit of Central Florida. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office provided a tour escort. Mosaic provided the tour bus, while Farm Credit paid for the group’s luncheon. The tour’s first stop was DiMare Fresh in Riverview. The company is a nationwide network of repack distribution facilities, five farms and multiple sales locations, supplying grown-inground tomatoes, as well as squash, avocadoes and lettuce. It was founded more than 90 years ago by the DiMare brothers. At the GCREC, tour participants learned how center researchers develop and share new science-based information and technology that helps Florida’s agriculture industry compete in the global marketplace. Specializing in different disciplines, the researchers work on a variety of ever-changing projects from breeding new disease-tolerant fruit and vegetable varieties to developing new treatments to control weeds.
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Following lunch, the group next toured Fancy Farms, a strawberry operation of the Grooms Family located in the eastern portion of the county. The farm was founded in 1974 by Carl Grooms and his wife Dee Dee.
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AG TOUR
The final tour stop was at Oak Ridge Fish Hatchery, a tropical fish farm with more than 360 ponds, and a supplier to major retailers around the U.S. The farm was founded in 1983 and three generations of the Drawdy family have grown the business since that time. The diversity of the tour stops matched the makeup of attendees. Walter Mathews, a retired Navy Public Affairs officer, is an entrepreneur who was raised in a military family. “I am new to this area and want to learn about this segment of business and potential it may have for me going forward,” he said. Retired Air Force colonel and surgeon Sarla Saujani came on the tour “to understand more about agriculture.” She has what she calls “an inquisitive mindset” and sees similarities between health care and agriculture. “I love trees and plants,” she said. Saujani also seeks to “give back to the country that gave me so much,” seeing agriculture as a potential avenue for that desire. “I want to learn more before I decide on the next steps in my quest to give back.” Jose Chamorro, who retired from the Air Force in 2014, and his wife Marlene, joined the tour to learn more about growing fruits and vegetables. A native of Puerto Rico, Chamorro believes there is an opportunity to grow many of the commodities he grew up with, lessening the need for imports. “Our home is surrounded by fruits and vegetables that we have grown that are typically imported,” he said. Another tour participant was Army veteran Jeff Whealton, who just celebrated his 20th year as a member of the Southwest Florida Water Management District staff. Currently, a senior environmental scientist, he shared information with tour participants on the variety of employment opportunities available at the District, which serves 16 counties in west, central Florida is one of five regional agencies directed by Florida law to protect and preserve water resources within their respective regions.
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Making Food Funky By Libby Hopkins
“I try to shop local as often as I can. Especially, when it comes to purchasing produce, and eating out.” ~Mara Latorre What do you get when you mix an Afro-Latinx woman who creates art, wanders about, dances awkwardly, and can slay in the kitchen? You get Mara Latorre and she is bringing the funk back to food. She is the chef and creator of The Funky Spork Blog and she is a powerhouse. “I wear quite a few hats,” Latorre said. “I’m a Tampa Bay native who’s lived in Plant City for well over a year. I’m a city planner by day, and a visual/ food artist all other times.” Her culinary background is self-taught and community minded. “For as long as I can remember, cooking was something that had always fascinated me,” Latorre said. “When I was little, I remember pulling up a chair to watch my mother cook dinner. After a while, she took notice and would put on little ‘cooking shows’ for me, where she would gradually teach me how to cook, beginning with measuring ingredients and sitting the pot. As I got older, I began to experiment with so many dishes, by seeing what type of concoctions I could throw together in a skillet.”
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The most “professional” experience she gained with cooking was when she was in high school. She briefly worked at a local pizzeria in St. Petersburg, where she made custom pies for their customers. “I also spent a summer working in a soup kitchen and prepping large-scale meals for an inner-city urban ministry in San Francisco, known as Youth With a Mission,” Latorre said. “Aside from that, I’ve just kind of picked up cooking by watching people or practicing recipes on my own.”
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Since Latorre is a creative, the name of her blog had to be unique. “I wanted to come up with a simple, yet catchy and memorable name for my blog, something that people could easily remember,” Latorre said. “I was not interested in putting my personal name anywhere in it, because the point of the blog was not to highlight me, but to feature incredible dishes. I thought of funky, because that’s an adjective that pretty much describes my quirky and eclectic personality. I used spork, because sporks are just weird and unique utensils, so when I put funky and spork together, it had a beautiful ring to it.” Latorre started her food blogging journey as a result of a demand. “Ever since I started my personal Instagram account, I began taking photos of my recipes, posting and sharing them on Facebook,” Latorre said. “After doing this for years, I noticed that friends would constantly comment on my photos asking for my recipes. After doing this for a while, it got me thinking that I could possibly take my food posts to the next level. The next logical step was to launch a blog, which started with me creating a separate Instagram account that exclusively focused on my recipes, as well as the occasional local dining feature. I figured that launching this would provide me with an opportunity to share my recipes with a larger, global audience, while connecting with other like-minded food artists.” The Funky Spork was born! WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
All of the dishes Latorre creates and shares on social media are plant-based dishes that are influenced by her Puerto Rican/Dominican background. “I’m Puerto Rican and Dominican and quite a chunk of my recipes will be influenced by those two beautiful islands,” Latorre said. “While a lot of my people’s recipes are heavily meat-based, a lot can be veganized. I’m already thinking about the rice, beans, and garlicky tostones.” So, you may be wondering why Latorre decided to go the plant-based route with all her food creations? The answer is, she’s just not a big fan of meats. “For one thing, I have never really been a huge carnivore, so sticking with plant-based recipes has always been more of a personal leaning, over the course of time,” Latorre said. “While yes, the Keto lifestyle has become increasingly popular, it is not the only dietary lifestyle that people are interested in pursuing. There’s Paleo, whole30, gluten-free, you name it. People choose to go plant-based for various reasons. Some chose to do so for their faith, while others chose to go plant-based for animal welfare, the environment, their health, or a combination of these reasons. I don’t think plant-based eating is ever going to fizzle. There are so many creative recipes you can create that do not involve using any animal-based ingredients, and plant-based ingredients are super versatile. I know that people are always looking for new recipe ideas and inspiration.”
Since Latorre is very involved in the community, she strongly believes in keeping things local. “Keeping things local is extremely important,” Latorre said. “I try to shop local as often as I can. Especially, when it comes to purchasing produce, and eating out. The majority of the produce that I purchase is local. My favorite place to purchase produce comes from the Branch Forbes Produce Stand. They’re a locally run operation that carries an incredible variety of produce at really amazing prices. I also like to go to Parkesdale Farm, and supporting Eco Farm, a local organic farm based out of Plant City. They grow amazing produce. I have also gotten in the habit of saving my compost, and dropping it off at the Plant-City Commons Community Garden. Community gardens are a vital component of our local food system.” Latorre hopes to take The Funky Spork to local community by doing pop-up plant-based food demos in the community. “I would love to do healthy and affordable plant-based cooking classes, as well as demos for the community,” Latorre said. “I’d love to organize fun and healthy cooking classes in various settings like libraries, community centers, churches, prisons, veteran collectives, bookstores, museums, weekend retreats. Wherever the opportunity presents itself. There’s something really special about showing people how you cooked a dish and having them sample your creations in-person. Food is a really special and sacred way to connect and unite people.”
If you would like to learn more about The Funky Spork, you can visit Latorre’s website at www.thefunkyspork.com or follow The Funky Spork Facebook at www.facebook.com/thefunkyspork.
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PARTS & EQUIPMENT IN STOCK AT KENNCO YEAR ROUND!!!! You know what works... and we’ve listened to you.
Kennco’s new line of Strawberry Equipment is compatible with your current equipment and proven to form rounded beds on 48” row centers, lay tight plastic and drip, resulting in the
best berries.
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Call for details!
KENNCO MANUFACTURING, INC. P.O. Box 1158 | Ruskin, FL 33575 | 800-645-2591 | Fax 813-645-7801 Sales@KenncoMfg.com | www.KenncoMfg.com
Hear about specials and deliveries in your area. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Festival Livestock Shows Ingredients for Success
One of the heavily visited exhibit areas of the Florida Strawberry Festival is the agricultural area. It is located in the northwest area of the Festival grounds and is the location of animal and plant shows, animal and plant sales, and livestock judging. The success of the events in the area has many components and all are necessary to continued success. The first component is great youth who work to raise and exhibit quality animals and plants. It is the featured ingredient for which all the others exist. All the activities involve youth in grades three to twelve. Fortunately, most of the young exhibitors receive much help from family and club leaders. With few exceptions all exhibitors are 4-H or FFA members. For many exhibitors, such as those participating in the steer show, preparation for next year’s Festival begins immediately after the end of the Festival this year. The goal of all who support the youth is to provide the opportunity for success for the more than 500 exhibitors involved in the agricultural area shows. Rick Lott, current Plant City Mayor, is one of many examples of former exhibitors who attribute life success to experiences at livestock shows and other FFA and 4-H activities. Rick credits much of his success to the confidence he gained exhibiting steers, including a grand champion, at the Strawberry Festival.
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Volunteers are an important part of the operation of the Festival and that is particularly true of the seven agricultural youth shows. Each show is organized and conducted by a committee of volunteers and others who assist. The committees consist of FFA Advisors, former exhibitors, parents, 4-H Leaders, agricultural industry leaders, and others who support youth involved in agriculture. Committee members and chairmen generally serve for many years and function year round. Notable examples of committee members who have been involved for an extended period of time are Ray Clark, Jon Poppell, Brian Shepherd, and Kenneth Parker. Ray began teaching in 1972 and soon became a member of the Steer Committee. Not long after he began serving as emcee of the Steer Show and Sale and later began to serve as emcee of the Swine Show and Sale and Livestock Banquet - all positions he still holds today. Jon, Brian, and Kenneth were exhibitors in the early 1980s. Their children also exhibited at the Festival. Jon now serves as Steer Show Chairman, Kenneth is
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Steer Show Superintendent, and Brian is Swine Show Chairman. The more than 150 who volunteer in the agricultural area do so to serve youth and agriculture. The next ingredient is a location and venue sponsor. The primary sponsor is the Florida Strawberry Festival. The Festival President, Chairman of the Board, and Board members fully support youth and agriculture of Hillsborough County and surrounding areas. They are pleased that the Strawberry Festival has one of the finest youth livestock facilities in Florida. Three Plant City area residents and their families helped provide the three agricultural buildings. The Charlie Grimes Family sponsored the building in which all shows and sales are held. Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle and Family sponsored the West Pavilion and Sam Astin and Family sponsored the East Pavilion. The pavilions are large buildings in which the animals and plants are housed. The show ring is sponsored by Patterson Companies. These and sponsors of shows are listed elsewhere in this publication in an advertisement recognizing buyers, scholarship sign sponsors, and major sponsors. Last are the supporters, exhibitors and committee members know are very important and the key to successful shows and sales. These are the ones who purchase scholarships signs and those that purchase steers, swine, and plants at the sales. This group is chiefly responsible for the financial success of exhibitors of the Steer, Swine, and Plant Sales. Last year over 50 signs (banners) were purchased and displayed on the walls at the ends of the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center. The proceeds from the signs allowed the Festival to provide over $38,000 in scholarships to 17 graduating senior exhibitors. Another group, the buyers, pay premium prices for the steers, swine, and plants because they know they are supporting the youth. Backing from the buyers, who are listed in the aforementioned buyer and sponsor recognition ad, is likely the best of the Florida youth livestock and plant shows and sales. Please take a moment to check out the ad and know how important to the agricultural youth and the Strawberry Festival those listed are. Please plan to visit the Festival and stop by the agricultural area. The 2019 Festival livestock shows schedule is listed in ad. Exhibitors would like to see you there. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Congratulations
OLIVIA FRAZIER 2019 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Court Member
STRAWBERRY EXCHANGE
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Charity Events Benefiting the Florida FFA Foundation
SATURDAY • MARCH 23 THIRD A NNUAL
FUTURE FARMER CLASSIC REGISTRATION - 8:00 AM SHOTGUN START - 8:30 AM
$125 PER INDIVIDUAL SHOOTER $450 PER TEAM OF FOUR SHOOTERS 50 Bird Tournament. Carts are $125 each. Limited Quantities Available.
and stick around for the 16TH AN N UAL
BEAST FEAST & AUCTION FOOD & SILENT AUCTION - 11:00 AM LIVE AUCTION - 1:30 PM
Wild Game Dinner to include Gator, Venison, Swamp Cabbage and more! Silent & Live Auctions include Hunting & Fishing Trips, Travel Packages and much more!
$25
DONATION
$100
5 TICKETS
Florida FFA Leadership Training Center • 5000 Firetower Road Haines City, Florida 33844
For more information, visit FloridaFFA.org • Sponsorship Opportunities are available. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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In The Field Classifieds ANIMALS & NEEDS
Info@inthefieldmagazine.com
Tel: 813.759.6909
2012 MAHINDRA 4025-4
Low hours with 6ft rotary cutter. Ready to get to work! Call Alvie for Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & additional information. $12,500 exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire 813-759-8722 by roll or foot. (813)752-2230. Call Don TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Ammerman. www.ammermans.com Plow - good condition. $1750.00 July 14, 2019, Nov. 24, 2019 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES
BUILDING SUPPLIES
JOHN DEERE
Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris.
Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660
ALUMINUM
FMC 352
METAL ROOFING
We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378
WINDOW SCREENS
Air Blast Sprayer. Good condition. $3,500.00 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
ELECTRIC PLUCKER
All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Blake 813-752-3378
VINYL SIDDING
Many colors and styles to choose from. Ask for Ted. 813-752-3378
MOBILE HOME SUPPLIES
Everything you need under ONE roof! Call Blake 813-752-3378
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE.
Plucks 4 chickens in 15 seconds. Barely used! Call 863-409-8496
TILLER
5ft wide tiller. Very low hours, like new. Call 863-409-8496
FOR SALE OLD ANTIQUE BLUE STOVE
Bread warmer, chrome trim. You have got to see it to believe it! Call Ted for more details. 813-752-3378
We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378 No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Many standard sizes in stock. FARM EQUIPMENT Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
3 POINT BACK HOE ATTACHEMENT KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES VTEKSHDVTZS - Self contained. Asking $3,650 Call today and ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378
2003 TAFE TRACTOR 4010 2wd in excellent condition! $4,950. Call today and ask for Alvie. 813-759-8722
2013 MAHINDRA 5010 TRACTOR 4X4 Cab with 7ft rotary cutter. Low hours. $18,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PERFECTA II
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8ft scratcher cultivator. Very good condition. $1,750 Ask for Alvie 813-759-8722
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MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES BRAND NEW HUSTLER RAPTOR
Zero Turn Mower 52” cut, 23hp. Kohler engine, 3 year warranty. $2,999 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
HUSTLER RAPTOR 54
New! Has a flip deck. New price $5,499 SALE for $4,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
2005 MAHINDRA 6500
4X4, 65 hp with loader. We make window screens of all sizes available 1,000 hours. $15,900 in different frame colors. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 Call Ted(813) 752-3378
CABINETS
JOBS
PRODUCE FRESH PRODUCE
Forbes Road Produce. Open everyday from 7:30am - 8pm. Forbes Rd. & I-4 @ exit 17. Come out and see us!
MISC. FREE
Wooden Shipping Pallets All sizes! Call Alvie 813-759-8722
RUBBER MULCH
All Colors, $8.99 a bag. Call Ted (813) 752-3378
24 HOUR SERVICE
Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173
PROPERTY
Two acres at 1670 Lake Buffum R., Forte Meade, Fl., in Polk County. Well and septic may be on property as there was a home on property previously but condition and/or existence can not be guaranteed. $29,900.00 with $2,900.00 down and $300.00 per month. One acre in Lake Wales Estates (Hammermill Ave.) Zoned for mobile home and only 3 blocks from and has access to Lake Lizzie. Will need well, septic, and power pole. $6,900.00 with $900.00 down and $200.00 per month. 813-541-1815. See owners other properties at ccproperties
TRADE • BUY • SELL? Since 2004 In The Field has been Hillsborough and Polk Countys #1 Agriculture Magazine. Call Us at 813-759-6909 to place your Ad Today!
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