INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
1
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
813-752-2379
Mon. - Sat.: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
3012 S. Jim Redman Pkwy. (Hwy. 39 S) Plant City, FL • southsidestores.com
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
2
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
March 2013
1
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
3
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
MARCH 2021 VOL. 17 • ISSUE 5
CONTENTS 2020 - 2021 STRAWBERRY SEASON
40
Hillsborough County Farm Bureau 305 S. Wheeler St. Plant City, FL. Office Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Insurance Services: 813-685-5673 Member Services: 813-685-9121
Photo by Juan Alvarez PAGE 10 AG Tour
PAGE 30 News Briefs
PAGE 14 Drought Tolerant Plants
PAGE 32 Density Credit
PAGE 18 Fishing Hot Spots
PAGE 35 Golden Beets PAGE 36 State Fair Results
PAGE 22 Rocking Chair Chatter
PAGE 41
PAGE 24 Hillsborough 100
PAGE 26 Local Bites
PAGE 44
PAGE 46 Endangered Species PAGE 48 Recipes
PAGE 28 HCSO
PAGE 52 State officers PAGE 53 A Closer Look
PAGE 56 Scott Angle
U-Pick
John Dicks PAGE 25 HSWCD Contests
PAGE 50 Literary Time Machine
PAGE 58 Great Wine PAGE 60
Permaculture PAGE 62 Joanna Ortiz PAGE 64 Family Homestead PAGE 68 GCREC Field Day
Hey Readers!
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. 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
PAGE
InTheField® Magazine P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, Fl. 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
4
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 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, Vincent Tort, Will Womack, Gayle Yanes
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813-685-9121 Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents
Valrico Office 813-685-5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL. 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Julie Carlson, Amy Engle
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
305 S. Wheeler St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Summer Artis Griffin
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
6535 Gunn Highway, Tampa, FL.33625 Greg Harrell, Jared Bean
AGENCY MANAGER Thomas O. Hale WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
BUILD YOUR FLEET W36M
652R
Z930M
•
•
• • • • •
Commercial Walk-Behind Mower
• • •
36-inch (91-cm) floating mower deck Smooth-running, 14.5 hp (10.8 kW) V-twin engine Self-propelled hydrostatic drive system Easy-to-use controls for operator comfort and convenience
• • •
Compact design for easy hauling Hydrostatic drive system Commercial-quality engine Easy to maintain
ZTrak™ Zero-Turn Mower 7-Iron™ PRO deck Mulch On Demand™ Available Gasoline Engine Propane Option Available Rear Discharge Deck
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
5
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
QuikTrak™ Stand-On Mower
STAFF
Letter from the Editor Did someone say 2021 was going to change everything? All I know is 2021 has been a whirlwind for me. So much has been going on after a year of basically nothing, it’s been a bit hard to keep up. But I’m up for the challenge and I bet you are too. By the time you read this the Florida Strawberry Festival will be over. Please check our April magazine for full coverage of the agriculture events at the Festival. We are so pleased they made the massive effort to put the Festival on. The youth of Hillsborough County put in long hours getting projects ready and the Festival delivered them a place to showcase that work. Remember, beyond the beaches and theme parks that most people associate with Florida, are ranchlands and crops, yet the majority of the population don’t see it or even understand where the food comes from.
March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is a perfect time to spread the word that making informed choices about where your food comes from and developing good eating habits starts right here in Florida. This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate” and what better way to do that than to look for the Fresh From Florida label when you are shopping for your family. Your food is guaranteed fresh and you are supporting your local economy.
Also remember to support our advertisers. They help us to continue to cover what is growing.
Until Next Month
Publisher/Photography Karen Berry Senior Managing Editor/ Associate Publisher Sarah Holt Editor Patsy Berry Sales Karen Berry Sarah Holt Melissa Nichols George Domedion Creative Director/Illustrator Juan Alvarez Photography Karen Berry Staff Writers Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Breanne Williams Anita Todd Contributing Writers Woody Gore John Dicks Social Media Victoria Saunders
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.
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.
PAGE
Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
6
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
7
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The “Voice of Agriculture” in Action HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
-Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
Dear Readers – Those of you who have read past letters from me know that all of us who belong to Farm Bureau consider our primary role to function as the “Voice of Agriculture.” Currently, producers and landowners here in Hillsborough County face a serious challenge as a result of changes that have been suggested for the County’s Comprehensive Plan. These changes are being sought by the Board of County Commissioners to better manage the impact of the tremendous growth the county has experienced, particularly in South County. This edition of “In the Field” carries a detailed story of this issue; as well as how agriculture and landowners are responding to the “unintended consequences” of these changes should they be incorporated into the Comp Plan.
and landowners. Each organization has gone on record with letters detailing specific issues related to the changes and has and continues to be present at meetings, workshops and other gatherings where this subject is under discussion. I’ll not go into detail of the possible harm that could take place since the article presents that information, but I will tell you there is potential here to seriously hurt agriculture and negatively impact small landowners throughout the county, as well. While we oppose these changes, we stand ready to work with the Board of County Commissioners, County Planning Commission and its staff to better address the impact of growth while continuing to protect landowner’s property rights and enable producers in the county to continue to thrive.
I urge each of you to read this article so you have a clear understanding as to what is proposed, its impact and what alternative actions should be taken.
Please stay abreast of this issue and take action to support agriculture and landowners as this process moves forward. Thank you.
It is important to note that the response to these proposed changes has generated attention and action not just from Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, but the Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, individual members of each of those organizations, their attorneys, realtors, consultants
Dennis Carlton, Jr.
Dennis Carlton Jr. Dennis Carlton Jr. - President
305 SOUTH WHEELER STREET • PLANT CITY, FL 33566 • 813-685-9121 FARM BUREAU HOSTS AG TOURS FOR LEGISLATORS
Board of Directors
PAGE
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
8
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
9
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FARM BUREAU HOSTS AG TOURS FOR LEGISLATORS By Jim Frankowiak
Hillsborough County’s legislative delegation was recently given two opportunities to participate in an agriculture tour to update them on the diversity and impact of the industry, as well as issues of importance to Florida Farm Bureau and its members during the upcoming legislative session. Florida State Senators Danny Burgess and Darryl Rouson and State Representatives Mike Beltran, Andrew Learned and Lawrence McClure attended the day-long tours along with their aides and the aides of Representative Learned and Senator Burgess, as well as Congressman Scott Franklin. Senator Rouson chairs the Florida State Senate Agriculture Committee. The second tour was scheduled to accommodate members of the delegation that were not able to attend the initial tour due to schedule conflicts. The initial tour began with a visit to a Driscoll’s strawberry farm in Dover with a chance to taste some freshly picked berries, followed by a stop at the Oak Ridge Fish Farm and ended at the Audubon Ranch, both north of Plant City. “This tour, which is held annually, enables us to tell lawmakers about this important segment of Hillsborough County’s economy and the challenges agriculture faces,” said Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Dennis Carlton, Jr. “This is a chance for producers to share the facts on the challenges they face and how they hope to proceed.”
PAGE
“This is a particularly busy time of year for both lawmakers and producers,” noted Carlton. “I appreciate the time they de-
10
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
voted to the tours and their interest in both learning and sharing information about Florida agriculture.” The second tour day began at TrueAlgae, a company that works with farmers, providing micronutrient dense algae products to nourish the soil and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers. The Driscoll’s strawberry farm was next with a final stop at Audubon Ranch to view natural resource conservation initiatives. Both tours were sponsored by Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and included a number of Florida Farm Bureau Federation representatives. Among them Adam Basford, director of State Legislative Affairs; Brianne Bird, District 5 field representative; Landon Hoffman, assistant director of State Legislative Affairs; and, Curt Williams, assistant director of Government and Community Affairs. In addition to Carlton and Whitson, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board members Michelle Williamson and Sambhav also participated in the tour, as well as past president Kenneth Parker, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association and Simon Bollin, Hillsborough County’s manager of Agribusiness Development. Also in attendance were Juan Hernandez, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) State Conservationist, NRCS Area Conservationist Walter Albarran and Leslie Diaz-Alvarez, NRCS District Conservationist. Part of the information sharing that took place during the tour included key 2021 Florida Farm Bureau Legislative Issues. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
es (UF/IFAS),” noted Basford. “This year, UF/IFAS is requesting an additional $3.6 million in workload funding. Much of this funding will be used to perform critical research focused on optimizing nutrient recommendations that impact Florida’s Agricultural Best Management Practice Program.” Basford also noted Florida Farm Bureau will continue to support funding for the Fresh From Florida marketing program, the Rural and Family Lands conservation program and funding that supports Best Management Practices in the Office of Agricultural Water Policy. “I appreciated the opportunity to meet with our Ag community and learn firsthand about the challenges they face to keep us all fed,” said Beltran. “I particularly enjoyed learning about some of the innovative techniques the industry is using. I appreciate the economic impact this industry has on my district and the state, and I will continue to make sure Ag in Florida has the support needed to keep doing their vital work.”
They include Private Property Rights, which is a fundamental priority for Florida Farm Bureau. The focus this session is the support of legislation that will help streamline the process for property owners to seek relief when their property is unfairly affected by government action and will allow a prevailing property owner to recoup attorney fees.
McClure echoed those comments. “I was happy to take part in the Ag tour,” he said. “Agriculture is a vital part of my district and I am proud to represent the hard working, innovative efforts of the Ag community,” he said. “The tour provided hands-on education and information to the representatives of Hillsborough County and our staff members. Judi (Whitson) and her team of presenters provided a comprehensive and detailed educational tour that was a benefit to all of us who attended.
“Florida Farm Bureau continues to support funding for the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Scienc-
“I look forward to our continued relationship and support of Florida Farm Bureau,” McClure concluded.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
11
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Specializing in Foreign and Domestic Trucks and Cars
4X4 and NPR’s
BILL’S TRANSMISSIONS Tel: 813.707.9865 13350 Hwy. 92E WE NOW OFFER TOWING Dover, FL 33527 Come See Porky!
Bill Somerlott, Owner
SERVICES ALSO OFFERED:
PAGE
A/C Repair • Brakes • Timing Belts • Alternators • Starters •Suspension Drivetrain Repair • Tune Up • Differential Repair Specialist • Fleet Maintenance Specialist R.V. & Heavy Truck Repair • Trailer Repair • 7.3, 6.0 & 6.4 • Diesel Specialist • Same Day Service in Most Cases • 30,000 & 40,000 Pound Lifts and much more!
12
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
13
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS AND A DRY SPRING By Lynn Barber, Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Agent UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County Beautyberry photo credit: Larry Williams, UF
How can you balance a dry spring with your desire for landscape plants? Utilize drought- tolerant plants in your landscape. As always, consider the first principle of the Florida-Friendly LandscapingTM Program which is Right Plant - Right Place. This means you should consider your site conditions: soil type and pH, sun or shade, whether the plant prefers wet or dry soil moisture and mature plant size. Drought-tolerant plants still need water to become established, which means shoot and root growth. The plants in this article are suited for north, central, west central and south Florida.
pH from 4.5 to 8.0 and any soil texture. This shrub prefers medium drained soil moisture and tolerates drought well. It performs best in full sun, attracts butterflies and produces white, fragrant flowers from summer through fall. CALLICARPA AMERICANA – BEAUTYBERRY, a deciduous plant, can reach a height and spread of six to eight feet, prefers soil pH that is acid to slightly alkaline of 4.5-7.2 and any soil texture. This native performs best in well-drained soil and partial sun/ shade to full shade. Beautyberry tolerates drought well but not salt. It produces purple/light purple
LARGE SHRUBS:
PAGE
Aloysia virgata - Sweet almond bush can reach a height and spread of six to 12 feet, tolerates any soil
14
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
flowers from spring through fall, attracts wildlife and provides food for wildlife in late winter.
PERENNIALS:
website: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/hillsborough/ and check out our calendar of events: http://sfyl.ifas.ufl. edu/hillsborough/upcoming-events/. Remember to reduce, reuse, recycle and repeat! Contact Barber at labarber@ufl.edu.
HELIANTHUIS DEBILIS – BEACH SUNFLOWER can reach a height of one to four feet and a spread of two to four feet. It prefers soil pH that is acid to slightly alkaline of 4.5-7.2 and sandy loam soil texture. Beach sunflower needs well-drained soil moisture, full sun and tolerates drought and salt. This fast-growing native produces year-round flowers and attracts butterflies and birds. GAILLARDIA PULCHELLA – BLANKET FLOWER, a native, can reach a height of one to two feet and spread of two to three feet. This beauty prefers soil pH that is slightly acid to slightly alkaline of 6.0-7.2, sandy/loam soil texture and well-drained soil moisture. Blanket flower needs full sun and tolerates drought. It also tolerates medium salt amounts. It produces yellow/ orange/red summer flowers and attracts butterflies. All are worthwhile additions to your landscape. For information about our upcoming horticultural programs at UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, visit our
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
15
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
16
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
17
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Tampa Bay Fishing Report
Florida, what a great place to live, especially in the winter! All winter, if you can call it that, we’ve had plenty of comfortable fishing days. For the most part, the bite’s been strong, with the fish only slowing for the occasional passing front. For some reason, when the weather becomes unsettled, it usually means a front is approaching, bringing either cooler or warmer air temperatures. Suppose you’re looking to catch fish. Over the past 25 years, I worked as a saltwater charter captain, and during that time, I discovered the best time to catch saltwater fish is just before a front passes. Another good indicator is when barometric pressure begins to drop. Measurement of barometric pressure can be expressed in millibars(MB), inches, or millimeters of mercury (Hg). Normal-pressure at sea level is at or around 1013.3 millibars or 29.92 inches of mercury. I’ve concluded the better fishing days are when the pressure is dropping. Spring is here! So, Get Ready, Get Set, and Let’s Go fishing. Shortly the water will be in the 70s and 80s, and the fish will be coming out with their gloves off. They’ll be eating anything that moves or looks like bait, so be ready. Keep your eyes open as many species begin showing up in April. Kings, Mackerel, Permit, and Tarpon start heading our way looking for easy meals.
Snook: The snook bite should get stron-
PAGE
Capt. Woody Gore (www.captainwoodygore.com)
18
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
ger as the water continues to warm. It seems like the magic number is around 70 degrees. Deep passes early in the mornings, spreading out to the shallower waters as the day continues. Greenbacks, pins, and grunts seem to be the
Capt. Woody Gore
baits of choice for those looking for live bait action. Suppose you like artificial topwater lures. Try any with a walk-thedog action MirrOlure Top Dog Jr.s, Heddon’s Zara Spook, and Spit’n Image work great. Soft plastics are always producers, especially when rigged on a 1/16th or 1/8th ounce jig-head. Try tossing these close to the mangroves and working them away slowly using a walk-the-dog action.
Redfish: Like snook, the redfish should
become easier to catch as the temperatures climb. They’ll cruise the outer flats, then travel into the mangroves as the tide gets higher. Look, for large schools of mullet, they are good places to find redfish mixed in together. If using live greenbacks, you can sometimes start them eating by tossing several baits around the flats or near the mangroves. Try keeping the baits within casting distance to draw the fish to you. Expect some good excitement when pitching soft plastics around the mangroves during a high incoming tide.
Spotted Sea Trout: April should pro-
duce good trout action on incoming or outgoing tides. Especially when using topwater popping plugs on a calm early morning grass flat. Try popping the lure several times and letting it float. Repeat until you get a strike. On the other hand, live shrimp or artificial DOA shrimp suspended under a popping cork should also produce nice trout. Since everyone wants to catch big gator trout, we must remember these large fish lay the most eggs, so fish responsibly, try putting the big ones back. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Cobia, Kings, Mackerel, and Sharks:
With the onset of Threadfins come the Kings, Cobia, Mackerel, and Sharks. Cobia usually cruise markers holding bait. Mackerel could be feeding on bait schools, and large kings and sharks will be feeding on the smaller mackerel.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing”
813-477-3814
Capt. Woody Gore operates Tampa Bay’s #1 Outdoor Fishing Guide Services. Guiding and fishing Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater areas for over fifty years, he offers first-class customer service, family-oriented charters, and a lifetime of memories.
Visit his website at www.captainwoodygore.com or send an email to fishing@captainwoodygore. com or give him a call at 813-477-3814. Member: FOWA-Florida Outdoor Writers Assoc., MemberSEOPA Southeastern Outdoor Press Assoc. CEO/Pres. Sport-Fishing Unlimited & Outdoor Communications, Outdoor Writer & Speaker
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
19
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
20
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
AGRICULTURE FACTS • There are approximately 47,000 commercial farms in Florida • The average Florida farm size is 201 acres • Florida agriculture provided a total of 1.35 million jobs in 2010 • Florida produces nearly 300 different commodities, making it one of the most diverse production agriculture states in the nation • Florida agriculture generates an economic impact of $148 billion • Florida accounts for 45% of the total U.S. citrus production • Florida ranks second among the states in the value of vegetable production • Florida is the world leader in phosphate rock production •Florida ranks first among the states in the production of greenhouse and nursery products • In 2010, Florida ranked third among the states in agricultural exports with $3.1 billion • More than 140 countries imported Florida agricultural commodities in 2010 Source websites http://www.nass.usda.gov/ | http://www.florida-agriculture.com
Connecting our mission to our communities At the heart of every local fair are young people learning about responsible farming, ranching and food production. As a global leader in the production of essential crop nutrients, Mosaic takes pride in fulfilling our mission of helping the world grow the food it needs. We also produce high quality feed ingredients that provide the critical building blocks of animal nutrition – for farmers and ranchers here in Florida and around the world. Quality food on our tables begins with quality feed on farms. That’s why we’re proud to support our local FFA and 4H programs – where commitment to teaching responsible agricultural practices is about growing a safe and healthy future, for all of us. Mosaic extends its best wishes to local students who made the livestock shows a success, and to the supporters that help keep our communities growing, together.
www.mosaicfloridaphosphate.com
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
21
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Sponsored by:
FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971
HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM YOUR AROUND TOWN SPONSOR Editor’s Note: This Rocking Chair Chatter was originally printed in the March 2017 issue
I have discovered a number of famous people lived in the city of Zephyrhills. Stock car drivers, Buzzie and David Reutimann, Ramiele Malubay, American Idol finalist and Carl Tanzler (aka Carl von Cosel), best know for stealing and preserving the corpse of Elena Milagro Hoyos. I suggest if you have a weak stomach, you may not want to read this story. Most people never heard of Elena. She never did anything note-worthy, but died of tuberculosis. The story goes that Carl Tanzler, who lived for three years in Zephyhills, had a morbid obsession for a young Cuban-American TB patient, Elena Milagro, that carried on well after she died of the disease. The story goes, in 1933, almost two years after she died, Tanzler removed Hoyos’ body from its tomb, and lived with the corpse at his home for seven years. One evening in April 1933, Tanzler crept through the cemetery where Hoyos was buried and removed her body from the mausoleum, carting it through the cemetery after dark on a toy wagon, and transporting it to his home. He reportedly said that Elena’s spirit would come to him when he would sit by her grave and serenade her corpse with a favorite Spanish song. He also said that she would often tell him to take her from the grave. Tanzler attached the corpse’s bones together with wire and coat hangers, and fitted the face with glass eyes. As the skin of the corpse decomposed, Tanzler replaced it with silk cloth soaked in wax and plaster of paris. As the hair fell out of the decomposing scalp, Tanzler fashioned a wig from Hoyos’s hair that had been collected by her mother and given to Tanzler not long after her burial in 1931. Tanzler filled the corpse’s abdominal and chest cavity with rags to keep the original form, dressed Hoyos’s remains in stockings, jewelry, and gloves, and kept the body in his bed. Tanzler also used copious amounts of perfume, disinfectants, and preserving agents, to mask the odor and forestall the effects of the corpse’s decomposition.
PAGE
In October, 1940, Elena’s sister Florinda heard rumors of Tanzler sleeping with the disinterred body of her sister, and confronted Tanzler at his home, where Hoyos’s body was eventually discovered. Florinda notified the authorities, and Tanzler was arrested and detained. Tanzler was psychiatrically examined, and found mentally competent to stand trial on the charge of “wantonly and maliciously destroying a grave and removing a body without authorization.” After a preliminary hearing on October 9, 1940 at the Monroe County Courthouse in Key West, Tanzler was held to answer on the charge, but the case was eventually dropped and he was released, as the statue of limitations for the crime had expired.
22
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
289704-1
Grave Robber Shortly after the corpse’s discovery by authorities, Hoyos’s body was examined by physicians and pathologists, and put on public display at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home, where it was viewed by as many as 6,800 people. Hoyos’s body was eventually returned to the Key West Cemetery where the remains were buried in an unmarked grave, in a secret location, to prevent further tampering. Then there’s the story of Jean Stevens and her twin sister, June. They were so inseparable they married brothers. When June was diagnosed with cancer, Jean shared a bed with her and rubbed her back. And when June died in October 2009, she was buried in her sister’s backyard—but only for a few days. Lonely and claustrophobic at the thought of her sister trapped underground, Jean had June dug up and brought inside to live with her, just like she had done 10 years earlier with James, her husband of 60 years, who had been buried at a nearby cemetery. There they lived—well, she lived—with her husband’s body on a couch in the extended garage and her sister propped up in a spare room off her bedroom for almost a year before the cops were tipped off that the 91-year-old was not alone. In an interview shortly thereafter, Stevens was aware that her behavior appeared disturbing, but explained unapologetically that she “felt differently about death.” I’ve always loved reading the head stones in old cemeteries. Some folks have a great sense of humor for their loved one. Enjoy a few of the better ones I have collected: “Here lies Johnny Yeast, Pardon me for not Rising.” Memory of an accident in a Uniontown, Pennsylvania cemetery: Here lies the body of Jonathan Blake Stepped on the gas Instead of the brake. In a Silver City, Nevada, Cemetery: Here lays Butch, We planted him raw. He was quick on the trigger, But slow on the draw. In a Georgia cemetery: “I told you I was sick!” In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England: On the 22nd of June – Jonathan Fiddle –Went out of tune. The grave of Ellen Shannon in Girard, Pennsylvania: Born 1903 – Died 1942 Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was. In a Ribbesford, England, cemetery: The children of Israel wanted bread, And the Lord sent them manna, Old clerk Wallace wanted a wife, And the Devil sent him Anna.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
23
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
REQUEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS, CLUB, ORGANIZATION OR SCHOOL TO SERVE AS A COOPERATING PARTNER FOR THE HILLSBOROUGH 100 April 17 – May 9, 2021
WILL YOU MEET THE CHALLENGE? Join groups from throughout Hillsborough County to complete a conservation project during the Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge (April 17 – May 9, 2021)! This period covers Earth Day (April 22, 2021), National Arbor Day (April 30, 2021) ) and National Stewardship Week (April 25 - May 2, 2021). Your group chooses the project, works with HSWCD and reports outcomes. Those committing to completing a project become part of the Hillsborough 100. Cooperating partners include: Coalition of Community Gardens and Individual Gardens * Hillsborough County Commission * Florida Department of Agriculture * Hillsborough County Extension Service * USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service * Hillsborough Environmental Protection Commission * Hillsborough County Ag in the Classroom * Hillsborough County 4-H Foundation * Hillsborough County Farm Bureau * Hillsborough County Fair * Florida State Fair Authority * Hillsborough County Property Appraiser Bob Henriquez * Commissioner Stacy White * Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee * Hillsborough Community College * The Community Roundtable * Center Place Fine Arts & Civic Association * Florida Strawberry Growers Association * Kiwanis Club of Greater Brandon * Rotary District 6890 and Clubs * Tampa Metro Civitan * Lions and Leos Clubs * Brandon Republican Club * 4-H Clubs * Girl Scouts * Boy Scouts * FFA Chapters and Federation * Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce * Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce * Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce * Busch Gardens * Odiorne Insurance * American Legion Auxiliary * Lipman Family Farms * Mosaic * The Southern Peach Company * Fancy Farms * T.R.E.E. Inc. * M & B Products * Blues Berry Farm * Brandon Auto Salvage * Tampa Bay Times * Duggal & Sons Farms * Next Level Dive Club * numerous schools and other groups and businesses. Groups plan one or more projects with project selection assistance available. Projects include:
PAGE
• Community and school gardens and green spaces. Goal: To develop and support garden programs for elementary, middle, and high schools throughout the county, as well
24
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
as community gardens in areas where food deserts, underserved populations and inadequate availability of fresh produce exist. • Tree plantings and environmental enhancements for pollinators, etc. • Clean up campaigns and recycling programs throughout the county. with “Gasp Our Beads of Tampa Bay” dive to clean Tampa Bay. • Advocacy and educational programs for youth and adults in inner-city, urban, suburban and rural communities. • Special programs, projects and activities directed towards underserved and disadvantage populations. • Projects submitted by March 10, 2021 will be included in the Times tabloid. Request for your organization, business or school to join other agricultural, business, civic and community groups, schools, governmental agencies and youth organizations to commit to a project and serve as a cooperating partner during this challenge. Your business’s logo will be used in conjunction with this program. Coordinated by: Betty Jo Tompkins, Executive Director for the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District (813) 477 – 8332; (813) 752 – 1474 Extension 3; bjt6890@yahoo.com or tompkinsb@hillsboroughcounty.org 201 S. Collins Street, Suite 202 Plant City, FL 33563 Thanks for your commitment to conservation and our Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District . . . . . LEADING FOR TOMORROW!!
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
2021 HSWCD POSTER AND SPEECH CONTESTS UNDERWAY
”Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities” is the theme of the 2021 Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District’s Poster and Speech contests. The poster contest, open to students from kindergarten through the 12th grade, and broken down into K -1; 2-3; 4-6; 7-9 and 10-12 grade levels, represents the local competition that leads to area, state and national finals. Students entering the poster contest may use any art media, including colored pencils, watercolor, paints, crayons, charcoal, stickers, paper, or other materials. Posters must be 14 inches by 22 inches and have the theme “Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities written of the front. All grade levels offer cash prizes and every student who enters the competition will have their poster on display at the Hillsborough County Fair, which this year opens on September 23. In addition, all students entering
the contest will receive a free ticket to attend the event. According to HSWCD Executive Director Betty Jo Tompkins, “Our District has done very well at the area, state and national levels in the past. In fact, just a couple years ago, our local K-1 entrant was the national winner.” The speech contest, with the same theme, is divided into two competitions, a junior category of grades 6 – 8 and a senior category covering grades 9 – 12. Prizes in the junior category are: 1st - $50.00; 2nd - $40.00; and 3rd $30.00, while seniors receive: 1st $100.00; 2nd- 70.00; and 3rd - $50.00. All non-winning speakers in each category receive $10.00 gift cards. Speeches must be original in content and be 5 – 7 minutes in length. The highest scoring speaker will advance to the area competition.
The deadline for both poster and speech contest entries is April 30, 2021. Further information is available by calling 813.477.8332 or by emailing: bjt6890@yahoo.com. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
25
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
S u e & Ti
ny
w
it h
s
L
ocal Bite
a
SHELLS SEAFOOD by: Sue Harrell and Tiffany C. Dale
If there is one thing Florida has to offer, it’s fresh seafood! We are so fortunate here in Florida to enjoy fresh seafood while sitting on a perfectly soft sand beach while sipping on a refreshing drink. Thanks to Shells, you can have that same experience, in your backyard! Shells has been serving the Tampa Bay area since 1985. With a focus on quality, service, and value, you will not be disappointed when you visit the great return of Shells in Lakeland. While Shells serves up that famous fresh seafood everyone knows, you don’t have to drive to the beach for a quality experience. If you’re not a seafood fan, they still have plenty for you! Their angus burger and Tropical Chicken Salad will blow your socks off.
PAGE
As we entered the restaurant, we had no idea what a surprise it would be as we both had been patrons of Shells years ago, and somehow drifted away. Needless to say, we are now Shells’ greatest fans! General Manager, Jason Gargiulo, showed us behind the scenes with a tour of the kitchen and an outstanding dining experience. Shells has created a great system in order to offer freshness, quality, and service. As we entered the kitchen, Gargiulo gave us a heads up that things might be crazy as it was the height of dinner time as he yelled, “I need runners.” The strategy blew us away in the kitchen.
26
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
Each person had a specific job and executed it with great pride. Shells seafood arrives fresh and unbattered. The battering process alone is an art that must be learned. It is a process that ultimately produces a fried product that consumers can enjoy, but also taste the great quality of the seafood itself. Even the garlic bread that is served with every entrée has actual pieces of garlic on top. The entree sauces and cocktail sauce are also made from scratch. Shells has artfully created recipes and expectations so that each dish is prepared to a specified standard. As quality is evident when you are served your meal, service is also bar none. Gargiulo began working at Shells as a teenager. He left Shells when ownership changed, moved away, and now is back in Florida and has served Shells in many capacities. His experience at many levels of the company has instilled in him a true passion for the Shells company. If you have the pleasure of meeting Gargiulo, you will not forget him. He is proud of Shells, passionate about service, quality, and the mission of Shells company. While the recipes are a sacred component of what Shells does, they were made famous from their Shrimp Scampi and the Shells Clam Chowder. The chowder was chock full of bacon, clams, potatoes, and flavor WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
with each spoonful. Even if you don’t like clam chowder, we recommend a taste! In addition to a great dine-in experience, Shells also offers curbside and catering options. Curbside was critical to business with COVID-19. Now that the dining room is open, you can enjoy happyhour all day, every day, and a hot, fresh meal for a great value. If you have corporate meetings, a party, or family dining, Shells will come to you with equally outstanding service and options. They take great strides to maintain the quality and freshness of their product even off site.
Since 1985 Shells has been a neighborhood seafood favorite in the Tampa Bay area. Over the years, there have been transitions, but the original family is back in the business and better than ever! The Christen family is proud to offer quality, service, and value to all who enter their doors. A local company who supports local industry and of course, had Florida strawberries in the house, Shells is a renewed favorite for Strawberry Sue and Tiffany too.
Shells is located at 5125 SOUTH FLORIDA AVE LAKELAND FL. 33813 Or give them a call at: Tel: 863-213-4889 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
27
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
HCSO UNVEILS LIVESTOCK REGISTRATION PROGRAM Sheriff Chad Chronister also required to provide the number and type of animals (and any other additional identifying information, such as tags and branding) located on their property and any photos they may have of them, among other details. "Our goal here at the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is to continue being as relevant and as proactive as possible," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "This is an opportunity for the community to help us, help them. The livestock registration program allows a dispatched deputy to have all the information they will need -- like the owner's contact information and address -- even before responding to a loose animal call. Our goal is always to make sure we can reunite lost livestock with their rightful owners. This information will, without a doubt, help expedite that process." In an effort to more quickly identify and return loose livestock to their owners, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is now offering a program that will allow people to register their domesticated animals with the agency. Livestock owners who have animals like horses, cows, goats, sheep, donkeys, emus and pigs can register them with HCSO. In the event that an animal escapes the owner's property, a responding deputy will be able to immediately look up the registered owner's address and contact information.
PAGE
The registration process takes only a few minutes and requires a name, phone number and e-mail address. Registrants are
28
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
Information entered into the livestock registration program is strictly voluntary. It is available in English and in Spanish. To register, visit www.teamhcso.com, and click the "Online Registration Services" tab under "Services" located on the main page. The program is called "Livestock Registration." Anyone with information about an agricultural crime or a loose animal is asked to call (813) 247-8200. You can also stay updated with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office by following @HCSOSheriff on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
29
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
NEWS BRIEFS
Compiled by Jim Frankowiak
DISTRICT CONDUCTING PRESCRIBED FIRES
The Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) is conducting prescribed burns through March on the Lower Hillsborough Flood Detention Area (LHFDA) in Hillsborough County. Setting prescribed fires in controlled settings can reduce the risk of wildfires burning out of control, as well as provide additional benefits such as new plant growth, maintaining the character and condition of wildlife habitat and access for public recreation. The LHFDA is located south of Cross Creek Boulevard between U.S. Highway 301 and Morris Bridge Road near Thonotosassa. Approximately 150 acres will be burned in small, manageable units. COVID-19 Resources on Florida Farm Bureau Website Florida Farm Bureau has developed a COVID-19 resources website page that includes a variety of agricultural and state and federal links related to the pandemic. The site is continually updated and can be accessed at: floridafarmbureau.org/ covid-19-resources/. FARM BUREAU SEEKING PROSPECTIVE WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS Florida Farm Bureau is seeking members who are willing to serve on their water management district governing board as a voice of Florida agriculture. Agricultural water use is very unique and often is misunderstood. A governing board member with this knowledge is critical to protect agriculture’s future use of water. Board members are appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis. All five governing boards in Florida have current vacancies. To find out more about the selection process, contact Curt Williams, email: curt.williams@ffbf.org. BMP PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS URGED TO COMPLETE RECENT UF/IFAS SURVEY Florida Farm Bureau is encouraging current agricultural producers who are enrolled in the Best Management Practices (BMP) program with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) to complete a University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) related to the program. This survey is being conducted to better understand the informational needs and perceptions of the agricultural producers related to BMPs and the Clean Waterways Act. The survey goal is to create an “educational toolkit” to inform producers about BMPs and new regulations.
PAGE
FARM BUREAU MEMBERSHIP SAVINGS Farm Bureau members are reminded of the range of savings available to them. Among those savings are 20 percent at Choice Hotels, $500 Bonus Cash toward the purchase of eligible new Ford Ranger F-150 or Super Duty trucks after 30 days of membership and 5 percent savings on car rentals. Information on all member savings is available at www.floridafarmbureau.org/benefits/save/.
30
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
PRODUCERS ENCOURAGED TO COOPERATE WITH BMP VISITS Florida farmers and ranchers ar e encouraged to cooperate with Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation verification visits by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service (FDACS) staff. These visits collect data that is collated and sent to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) - without identifying participating producers - in compliance with Florida Statute, quantifying contributions to help protect the environment. FDACS INTRODUCES BILINGUAL PANDEMIC VACCINE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN KEYED TO THE AG COMMUNITY The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) has introduced an education campaign to encourage COVID-19 vaccination among Florida’s farm workers and agriculture community. Created in partnership with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the campaign includes a safety video, printable materials and events available in both English and Spanish. The educational campaign toolkit can be downloaded here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3yk3ub27gecwjv0/AAArekiZlclwNc_nOQxym0wxa?dl=0 GCREC on Social Media The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) is sharing its research via several social media outlets: YouTube.com, Facebook and UF/IFAS Blogs. New, social media highlights: * How to prune and prep hops for the spring season in Florida – https://youtu.be/vvMyN1117e04 * How to grow hops in the subtopics – https://youtu.be/POPBiDb84U * Horticultural Crop Physiology La b updates – https://www. facebook.com/UFHortLab * Hops research updates – https://facebook.com/UFHops Member Savings on Select Case IH Tractors and Equipment Farm Bureau members can save $200 or $500 on select CASE IH tractors and equipment. Tractor savings of $200 are available for Farmall Compact A and C Series, Farmall Utility A, C and U Series, Farmall 100A, N and V Series. Hay equipment includes Round Balers, Small Square Balers, Disc Mower Conditioners and Sicklebar Mower Conditioners. Members can save $500 on Vestrum and Maxxum Series Tractors, Large Square Balers and Self-Propelled Windrowers. To generate a CASE IH savings certificate , visit: www.floridafarmbureau.org/discounts/case-ih/. Questions may be emailed to Ali Baker at Ali.Baker@ffbf.org. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
31
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
AGRICULTURE STRONGLY OPPOSES DETRIMENTAL AND “UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES” ASSOCIATED WITH REMOVAL OF THE DENSITY CREDIT FOR WETLANDS FROM COUNTY’S COMP PLAN By Jim Frankowiak
The character of southern Hillsborough County, particularly the area along both sides of U.S. Highway 301, has changed dramatically over the last two decades. What was once a twolane roadway passing through acres of farm, ranch and open land before reaching Sun City Center and Wimauma, has become a highly populated residential part of the county. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized that this growth had highly taxed the county’s ability to provide transportation, water, schools and firefighting to this area. Consequently, the BOCC directed the County Planning Commission staff to pursue changes to the Comprehensive Plan and Development Services to update the Land Development Code (LDC). To help achieve the most appropriate results, the Planning Commission retained WTL+, a national real estate and economic development consulting firm, in December of 2019 to prepare a Future Land Use Market Study on two designated zoning districts in South County – Wimauma Village Residentail-2 and Residential Planned-2, both of which are targeted for development. Both of these two large areas are in the rural service area and are currently under moratorium for certain rezonings. The purpose of each moratorium is to provide the opportunity to improve the county’s policies and promote more sustainable and responsible growth. The Planning Commission is an independent consolidated planning agency, led by appointed citizens, which serves all the citizens of Hillsborough County by providing a vision for improving the quality of life. The Planning Commission and its staff serve as agents with the community to promote and coordinate the involvement of all people in comprehensive long-range planning, growth management, transportation and environmental protection. The Commission includes appointees of the BOCC and the City of Tampa, one representative each from the City of Temple Terrace and Plant City along with two, Ex-Officio members.
PAGE
In addition to these studies, the BOCC has requested a text amendment to potentially change Policy 13.3 of the Future Land Use Element of the “Future of Hillsborough Comprehensive Plan for Unincorporated Hillsborough County.” The Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year blueprint for future growth within Unincorporated Hillsborough County. The proposed text amendment would potentially eliminate the Environmentally Sensitive Land Credit, better known as the “wetland density credit” within the Rural Area of Hillsborough County. With this proposal, rural area property owners who have par-
32
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
cels containing wetlands would be affected. If this proposal were to be adopted, the allowable density (residential units)) and intensity (non-residential) entitlements that can be considered for parcels of new development would potentially decrease. Community engagement has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual sessions are not practical, particularly for Wimauma residents without internet access. The rezoning moratoria are proposed to be extended through the end of 2021 and ongoing initiatives are in place to foster public feedback and to permit Planning Commission staff the opportunity to share information and analysis regarding the impact of proposed changes. The response of agricultural interests to the proposed changes to the “wetland density credit” has been comprehensive and clear. Florida Farm Bureau Federation, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau, the Florida Cattlemen’s Association, Florida Strawberry Growers Association, individual members of these groups and landowners, their legal counsel, realtors, consultants and others have written to the BOCC, Planning Commission and staff, detailing their respective concerns. They have also attended BOCC meetings and related workshops and will continue to do so to help assure there is a clear understanding of the harmful impact the proposed change would have on them all. In a letter to Commissioner Pat Kemp, Florida Farm Bureau Federation President John Hoblick acknowledged the mission “to reduce urban sprawl and conserve open space,” but opposed the amendment in its current form, referring to “unintended consequences” of the amendment in its current form. “First, this amendment would likely increase sprawl over time. With fewer units allocated to rural properties, more properties will need to be developed over time in order to house the same number of people. “Second, this amendment will have detrimental impacts on an industry that is creating jobs, growing sustainable food and fiber and already slowing urban growth by maintaining and expanding large agricultural acreage. This amendment and the reduction in property values may very well put producers out of business, only compounding the current issue.” Speaking on behalf of 3,638 members in Hillsborough County and 137,000 across Florida, Hoblick noted “farmers and ranchers across the country utilize the value of their land as collatWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
eral for financial loans on items such as new farm equipment, farm infrastructure, irrigation supplies and pumps, plants and seed for next season’s harvest and even to purchase additional farmlands to keep up with the demand for fresh fruits and vegetables associated with the boom in population we are experiencing across the state.” He concluded by encouraging utilization of “the vast knowledge within the Hillsborough County Agricultural Economic Development Council to develop a solution that meets the needs and desires of this Commission, but which also protects property rights in order to provide agricultural landowners with the financial leverage needed to continue to operate and thrive within Hillsborough County.” While in full agreement with Hoblick, Hillsborough County Farm Bureau President Dennis Carlton, Jr. reminded BOCC, Planning Commission and Staff the proposed amendment would “remove over 30,000 units outside the Urban Service Area. Frankly, the rural area is catching the brunt and doesn’t have much density to begin with. This proposed change would be devastating to the ag community and to the values of these lands.” Carlton also reminded recipients of his letter that farmers and ranchers take pride “in conservation and environmental stewardship. We follow Best Management Practices, which are implemented and regulated by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The agriculture community works tirelessly on these lands and takes it seriously when government action intervenes in ways that can damage instead of protect agriculture.” Florida Cattlemen’s Association Executive Vice President Jim Handley stated in his letter, “It is our belief that trying to solve infrastructure problems and growth, cannot and will not be solved by impeding current zoning, people’s property rights and the negative impact that has on the agricultural community. Florida Strawberry Grower Association Executive Director Kenneth Parker noted, “Today’s high value crops, like strawberries, require access to capital in the form of borrowed money. The ability to borrow money at reasonable rates is greatly impacted by good land values. Any changes to land use that negatively affects the borrowing power will cripple the very farms and ranches that generate 28,000 jobs and have an economic impact of over $3 billion in Hillsborough County. The only way to keep agriculture alive and well is to keep agriculture profitable.” AEDC member and realtor Reed Fischbach encouraged a clear “understanding the true implications” of the proposed change. “The wetland density credit may sound like an environmental issue, but it has nothing to do with regulation of wetlands. “The proposed change is for the entire rural service area of Hillsborough County and would reduce values for the smallest landowners the most. Imagine you own 10 acres with 1 acre of wetland and in an area zoned for 1 home per five acres. Under the proposed change you would no longer be allowed to subdivide your property into two, 5 acre parcels. In today’s market that would be a 30 – 40 percent change in value of the underlying land.” Additional information on this issue, as well as a schedule of upcoming workshops and information-sharing sessions can be accessed at: http://www.planhillsborough.org/environmentally-sensitive-land-credit-hc-cpa-21-04/
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
33
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
34
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FLorida
GOLDEN BEETS By Sandy Sun, M.S. Clinical Medicines, B.S. Nutrition Science Although the most well-known type of beets are the dark red type, other types of beets exist in colors of yellow, white, pain, and multi-colored. Golden beets, in particular, are sweeter and milder in flavor than their earthy red counterparts. The taste is mellow, mildly sweet and nutty. Its beautiful sunny yellow color can brighten up any salad or dish. Golden beets are very nutritious, high in heart-healthy compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals. This humble root vegetable is high in fiber, iron, potassium, folic acid, as well as beta carotene, vitamin C and phytonutrients. Beets are members of the Chenopodiaceae family, along with Swiss chard, spinach, and quinoa. The entire beet is delicious and edible, including the ball-like root, leaves, peel, and shoots. Beets are commonly enjoyed raw, cooked, canned, or pickled. When raw, gold beets are crunchy, and when cooked, they develop a tender, smooth consistency with a very mild and sweet flavor. Beet greens are also edible, nutritious, and delicious. They can be eaten raw or lightly sautéed, much like spinach. Interestingly, beets are the second largest source of sugar next to cane sugar, making whole beets a good natural source for sweetness and a good way to boost your energy. There are many ways to enjoy golden beets, including roasted, baked, pickled, and juiced. While available year-round, fresh Florida golden beets are at their peak season now, during the spring months.
Nutritional Profile Golden beets are an excellent source of folate and a very good source of manganese, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also considered a good source of dietary fiber, copper, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw beets (136 g) contains 58 calories, 2.2 g of protein, 0.23 g of fat, 13 g of carbohydrate, and 3.8 g of fiber. It also provides 37% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for folate, 22% for manganese, 15% for fiber, 13% for potassium, 11% for vitamin C, 9% for tryptophan, 8% for magnesium, 6% for iron, and 5% for phosphorus and copper.
Disease-fighting antioxidants Both golden and red beets are full of antioxidants, in the form of betalain, vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, harmful compounds associated with cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and arthritis. A one cup serving of raw beets contains 11% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 37% of your daily folate requirements. These nutrients also fight inflammation and may reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma.
Manganese Fresh Florida beets are full of manganese, with a one cup serving providing almost a quarter of your daily needs. Man-
Folate Beets are very high in folate, a B vitamin, with one cup providing more than one third of your daily requirement of this vitamin. Folate plays a role in reducing levels of homocysteine, a compound associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In conjunction with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, folate helps the body use and make new proteins, form red blood cells, support normal cell growth and division. Perhaps folate is more famous for its important role in preventing neural tube defects and other birth defects.
How to select and store Select beets that are firm, with deep color and smooth, unblemished skin. If the greens are attached, look for fresh looking greens with a bright green color. Smaller beets tend to be more tender and have a better taste. Separate beet greens from the root. Store unwashed greens in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three days. The greens are more perishable than the roots, which can be stored, unwashed, in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. The roots can be stored for longer when separated from the leaves. Cooked beets can be frozen for up to several months.
How to enjoy Fresh golden beets can be enjoyed raw, shredded, shaved, or grated and added to salads, slaws, and soups. They can also be grilled, boiled, steamed, pickled, pureed, juiced, or roasted. Beet greens can be boiled, sautéed, or steamed, with a similar taste and texture to spinach. Other ways to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable include: • Roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper • Made into soup, such as in borscht • Grated raw and added to salads or as a topping for sandwiches • Juiced with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink • Boiled and mashed with potatoes and other root vegetables • Grated and used in dessert recipes, such as chocolate beet cake. Enjoy fresh, sweet Florida golden beets today. Full of nutrients, these super vegetables add delicious flavor, beauty, and nutrition to any meal. Selected References http://www.floridata.com/ref/B/beta_vul.cfm http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ http://www.usda.gov http://www.whfoods.com INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
35
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ganese is a trace mineral that has many important roles in the body. It helps maintain strong bones, helps the body synthesize fatty acids, promotes proper function of the thyroid gland, and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. Manganese is involved in many enzymatic reactions in the body and helps the body efficiently use nutrients such as biotin, vitamin C, choline, and thiamin.
2021 RESULTS
***Pictures provided by Berry Sweet Memories
STEER SHOW Showmanship Winners Intermediate Reagan Hancock of Morriston Senior Emile Limoges of Zephyrhills
PAGE
Show Premier Steer Jessalyn Balliet of Orlando Producer: West Cattle of Alachua Reserve Premier Steer Nick Hammer of Tampa Producer: Syfrett Ranch of Okeechobee Grand Champion Kylie Nemecek of Orlando Producer: Jones Cattle of Trenton Reserve Grand Champion Jessie Bennett of Lakeland Producer: West Cattle of Alachua Class 1 Winner Haley Murphy
36
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
of Groveland Producer: Alachua Ranch of Alachua Class 2 Winner Jessalyn Balliet of Orlando Producer: West cattle of Alachua Class 3 Winner Zephyrhills FFA (Showman: Emile Limoges) of Zephyrhills Producer: Phillips Ranch of Morriston Class 4 Winner East River FFA (Showman: Olivia Smith) of Orlando Producer: AW & VJ Banks LLC of Balm Class 5 Winner Jessie Bennett of Lakeland Producer: West Cattle of Alachua Class 6 Winner Brady Ward of Williston Producer: Richardson Bros. of Evinston Class 7 Winner Gabe Mitchell of Trenton Producer: Roman III Ranch
March 2021
of Wauchula Class 8 Kylie Nemecek of Orlando Producer: Jones Cattle of Trenton Scholarship Winners Charlie Moore Anna Tsemba of Tampa Bill Carey Nick Hammer of Tampa A.L. Buddy McCullough Bryce Brown of Apopka Cindy Revels Charles Phillips of Morriston 2020-2021 FLORIDA STATE FAIR YOUTH STEER FUTURITY CALF DONORS A special thanks to the following producers for donating and providing calves for the 2020-2021 Florida State Fair Youth Steer Futurity. Roman Three Ranch West Cattle Phillips Ranch Richardson Bros.
C & B Cattle Co. Carlton & Carlton D.H. Ranch, Inc. Dixie Ranch B & B Land & Cattle Lykes Bros. Inc AW & VJ Banks LLC Patrick’s Cattle Co. Barto Farms Lightsey Cattle Syfrett Ranch Williamson Cattle Co. 3-B Ranch 3D Cattle Company P & H Cattle Alachua Ranch Usher Land & Timber Chiefland Barthle Bros. Jones Cattle Hines Cattle Co. Donations Oak Knoll Ranch Lake Wales 5 Amy Lawhorn Lithia Market Lamb WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Grand Champion – McKenna Burke of Osteen Reserve Grand Champion – Tyler Watson of Lake Helen Market Goat Showmanship Winners Junior – Hunter Roof of Oak Hill Intermediate – Grady Callahan of Osteen Senior – Alaina Blair of High Springs Grand Champion – Tyler Watson of lake Helen Reserve Grand Champion – Grady Callahan of Osteen Swine Show Showmanship winners Junior – Preston Woodham of Parrish
Division 1 Reserve Champion – Merissa Mahoney of Myakka City
Senior – Hayden Fowler of Deland
Division 2 Champion – Hayden Fowler of Deland
Purebred Division Reserve Champion – Taylor Waller of Inverness
Division Winners
Division 2 Reserve Champion – Lindsay Neal of Parrish
Charlie Moore Scholarship $300
Division 3 Champion – Delaney Deadwyler of Branford
Winner – Zak Miller of Dade City
Division 3 Reserve Champion – Macie Waller of Inverness
Herdsman Winners
Grand Champion – Delaney Deadwyler of Branford Producer: Lyon’s Show Pigs of Mayo, FL. Reserve Grand Champion – Macie Waller of Inverness Producer: Stolquist Show Pigs of Poplar Grove, IL. Division 1 Champion – Carley Bellamy of Morriston
Division 4 Champion – Brendon Turcios of Lakeland Division 4 Reserve Champion – Tobey Price of Bartow Purebred Division Champion
Junior – Kiersten Sikes of Brooksville Intermediate – Lane Polson of Bradenton Senior – Wyatt Land of Brandon
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
37
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
– Emile Limoges of Zephyrhills
Intermediate – Maggie Mosley of Green Cove Springs
SPRING IS HERE! Supplement your cattle with FMS Super-Min Minerals and FMS Super-Pro Blocks with Fly Control Fortified with
The tastier trace mineral option!
Family owned and operated by Floridians just like you!
Wacaser Ranch SUPER-MIN
Visit us
|
SUPER-MOL
|
SUPER-PRO
www.floridamineral.com
PAGE
Give us a Call and Let us EARN your business! Greg Clark 813-765-4557 or Gary Peeples 863-559-3315
38
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
The tradition of the Florida State Fair continues this April with over 100 open and youth agriculture livestock competitions and shows, educational exhibits and animal experiences. Fair fun, thrills, deep-fried food, and entertainment for the whole family!
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
VISIT FLORIDASTATEFAIR.COM TO LEARN MORE
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
39
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
2020 - 2021 STRAWBERRY SEASON A MIX OF GOOD NEWS AND THE ONGOING CHALLENGE OF MEXICAN IMPORTS
The 2020 – 2021 strawberry season was noteworthy for a number of reasons from weather and especially strong consumer demand plus the ongoing detrimental impact of imported strawberries from Mexico. Weather had its impact as “cooler temperatures early in the season slowed down our volumes,” said Kenneth Parker, Executive Director of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association (FSGA). “Demand was good and that suggests consumers recognize the many benefits of strawberries, including both taste and high nutrition.
PAGE
“The pandemic had an impact on food service business with many restaurants closed, but consumers purchased Florida strawberries in high quantities for home cooked meals and snacks.”, he said. Parker estimated strawberries were grown on approximately 11,000 acres in the greater Plant City area. “There was a jump in organic strawberries grown this season to 1,330 acres compared with 1,116 acres last season.”
40
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
Despite these positive signs associated with the season, one major issue continues and that is the continued negative impact of Mexican grown strawberries. “With Mexico shipping in excess of a half million flats of strawberries each daily in March, there was simply no way for our growers to cope,” said Parker. “That is a very significant challenge that must be addressed. It is not fair. “We highly appreciate the buy local effort, but more has to be done to level the playing field for our growers,” said Parker. This season also saw the introduction of the new “White Strawberry” variety. It smells a little like a pineapple and it’s the first white strawberry to go to marketing in the United States. “When it is ripe and ready to eat it is white inside and out, with a slight pink blush on the skin and red seeds,” said University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Strawberry Breeder Dr. Vance Whitaker. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Fancy Farms U-Pick Benefits Conservation District Youth Programs By Betty Jo Tompkins
Carl, Dee Dee, Dustin, Allison, Skylar and Kristi Grooms, owners of Fancy Farms, once again opened their strawberry fields on February 27 to U-Picks benefiting youth programs. No strangers to serving others, the farm has hosted the annual Hillsborough County 4-H Strawberry U-Pick for the past 14 years. Anticipating the 15th annual event in 2021, circumstances related to COVID resulted in 4-H being unable to participate in a U-Pick. But rather than let the fabulous strawberries go to waste, the Grooms made the fields available to the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District to raise funds for their multiple youth activities. With just a couple of days notice through social media, hundreds of families, both local and statewide, descended on the field on a beautiful Saturday. For some, it was their first experience picking their own luscious strawberries, while for others, it was “old hat.” Funds raised from the event will provide scholarships, support the poster and speech contests, land judging, Envirothon, as well as other conservation programs, projects and activities. HSWCD activities serve inner-city, urban, suburban and rural students in public, private, parochial, charter, home and virtual school settings. Ever since Fancy Farms started operations in 1974, the family has held true to their roots of helping others. According to second generation farmer Dustin Grooms, “I think serving others is just part of our family’s DNA. When we see a need, we always try to step up and offer our support. With our commitment to conservation within our strawberry operation, it was just natural to support the HSWCD youth programs through this U-Pick.”
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
41
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
HILLSBOROUGH
PAGE
PROJECTS SOUGHT
100
2021’s Hillsborough 100 Conservation Challenge is scheduled for April 17 through May 9, with a wide range of activities from cleanup campaigns to recycling programs to tree plantings, community and school gardens, and even a blueberry U-pick. The series of events, covering Earth Day, National Arbor Day and Soil Stewardship Week, is sponsored by the Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District. Now in its fourth year (an abbreviated schedule was held last year due to COVID), it supports the Conservation District’s theme: “Conservation is Everybody’s Business.”
Hillsborough 100 Kickoff Luncheon in the fall. Today, more than ever, there’s an awareness of the critical need for responsible stewardship of our land, air and water. It’s everyone’s responsibility to practice the basic steps of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” in their daily activities. Simple actions like turning off the water when brushing your teeth, using less water in the shower, being more efficient in daily travel, using recycle bags when shopping and keeping the thermostat at a reasonable level can all play a role in improving the world’s environment.
Everyone is invited to submit potential projects. This includes businesses, civic groups, churches, governmental entities, schools, senior centers and youth organizations. Even families can participate with an activity of their own. Groups and individuals are encouraged to provide project information prior to the beginning of the Challenge in mid-April and the best projects will be recognized at the annual
If you have a project you’d like to submit, mail to : Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District, 201 South Collins Street, Suite 202, Plant City, Florida, 33563; email: bjt6890@yahoo.com or tompkinsb@hillsboroughcounty. org or call: 813.477.8332.
42
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
For further information, visit our website at: hillsboroughswcd.com. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
43
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Season For Lawmakers by John Dicks
A new season is upon us.
FLORIDA’S BUDGET
Yes, springtime is here, of course. For that we can all be thankful, particularly this year when like new sprouts starting to shoot forth, hints of potential, at least partial, relief from the pandemic are beginning to peek brightly just a bit.
Governor DeSantis insists that our state’s economy is flowing along quite swimmingly. Even after having dealt for the past year with a punishing pandemic, the Governor is proposing a budget that is nearly 5% HIGHER than last year!
Our hope is that the vaccines are having an effect, particularly as the task of administering the program is slowly, yet surely, improving of getting shots in our arms to provide some protection.
The Governor proposes that a budget busting in at $96.6 billion is just about right, a solid increase of some $4.3 billion!
There is, too, right now, another season which will have effect upon our lives, if not our livelihood; and likely, too, like always, will attract our attention. It’s the 60 days of the Florida Legislative session which started March 2 and will run feverishly fast till April 30. Yes, now is the time for the annual rite of passage (or failure) of hundreds of bills filed by Legislators so convinced of so many wrongs which must be righted. Unique this year is that process has been tainted by the pandemic, requiring appropriate social distancing during debates on the floor of both the House and Senate chambers. Worth noting was the opening day ceremony, traditionally held in joint session, where the Governor delivers his annual State of the State message. This year, though, Gov. DeSantis spoke in person only to House members, while Senators stayed put down the hall of the Capitol watching the presentation on the big screen. Frankly, I had wondered whether there would be an effort to conduct this year’s Legislative session virtually, meeting by Zoom or some other of the high tech multi-party video sessions which have, during the coronavirus, become popular and so common place. Apparently the answer to that question of concern has been, thus far at least, a resounding “Nope.” It seems that in person camaraderie carries the day and better facilitates the occasional acquiescence for compromise. Here’s some significant issues and bills to keep into focus.
Legislators have already been downplaying that number, suggesting that Florida’s economy might be a little less rosy than would be hoped for. There are reserves available, but the consensus seems to reflect no desire to dip too deeply into those “rainy day funds.” ELECTION LAWS Most political pundits acknowledge that Florida’s 2020 election went smoothly. Legislators likely will not want to tinker too much with such success. There is, however, proposed legislation moving through the process that would make voting by mail more difficult. One bill getting attention would restrict vote-by-mail applications to one specific election. It would require voters to re-apply for their ballot for future elections. TAXES Sometimes legislative proposals take on a life of their own. They continue being re-introduced and debated every year, over and over again. One fitting that bill regards collecting sales taxes on internet sales. As you would imagine, local businesses in Florida pound their drums to the notion of equity and fairness. Why should they have to add on sales tax to a transaction when online outof-state companies skip the surcharge and effectively sells things at a lower price? Then again, no Legislator wants to be branded as the one responsible for tacking on taxes to a transaction. I suspect that unless there is strong legislative leadership, accompanied by support from the Governor, the proverbial kicking of the can down the road will likely continue as always.
PAGE
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. John serves as Of Counsel to Trinkle Redman, a law firm in Plant City where he also served nine years as City Commissioner, including three terms as Mayor.
44
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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.
Important Sales Closing Dates Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) . . . . . . .Feb. 28 Citrus Fruit & Citrus Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .April 15 Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 1 Pasture, Rangeland, Forage (PRF) . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 15
86 6 . 245 . 3637 farmcreditcfl.com
Apiary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 15 Blueberries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 20
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
45
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
E n d a n g e r e d S p e c i es
MAKE A DIFFERENCE HERE: FLORIDA BOG FROG By Ginny Mink
You just never know what might hop across the lines here! This month we’ll be taking that leap with the Florida bog frog. Mostly, it was the rhyming name that caught our attention, but as we proceeded with the research we found out about some interesting legislation that could affect the Florida bog frog and eight other endangered/threatened species.¹ In January of last year, apparently, legislation was filed to “… require Florida officials to continue protecting endangered and threatened species, even after the federal government removes those classifications.”¹ If passed, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission would have to provide protection for nine endangered species, including the Florida bog frog, should the federal government want to delist any of them.¹ Why is that important? Well, it’s important to the Florida bog frog because it is endemic to Florida. That means you can only find these “true” frogs here. The University of Florida calls the bog frog a “species of special concern.”² This is incredibly obvious when you discover that these frogs are literally only found in two Florida counties: Okaloosa and Santa Rosa. Both of these are located in Florida’s panhandle.² The Florida bog frog is a very rare species. It lives near, or in, seeps that are both shallow and non-stagnant. However, you can also find them in the boggy overflows of bigger seepage streams. The water has to be somewhat acidic for them though. Meaning, ideally, that it has a pH of 4.1-5.5.³ “More than 90 percent of known Florida bog frog localities occur on Eglin Air Force Base.”⁴ They are the smallest frogs within their genus, at less than two inches in length. And, no one even knew they existed until 1982. The only two rivers they are associated with are the Yellow and East Bay rivers, along with the Titi Creek.⁴ These are frogs that need some serious help. According to Adam Hattersley, one of the politicians trying to pass this legislation, we have the highest population of endangered species in the US. He adds, “Maintaining our ability to protect and preserve the innocent creatures that call our state home is our duty, not only for their sake, but also for the vital role that Florida plays in our national and global ecosystem.”¹ So, what do you really need to know about these frogs?
PAGE
They have unmarked, yellowish-green or brown backs, but they have definitive raised ridges that go along each side of their bodies. Their bellies are yellowish and have a sort of black wormlike pattern while their lower sides have light spots. Their throats and upper lips are also a yellowish green. And because they are true frogs they have webbed hind feet and large eardrums.²
46
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
While they are true frogs, the webbing on their hind feet is lesser than most other frogs. This is one of the distinctive qualities that separates the Florida bog frog from other “American congeners.”³ Unfortunately, not much is known about how these frogs develop. What we do know is that they lay their eggs in gelatinous masses near the surface of the water. Adults will stay where they breed.³ The best way for us to ensure that this breeding continues, and these frogs remain on the planet, is to take note of the threats they endure. So, these are the most popular threats: “fire suppression and habitat succession; erosion, siltation, and flooding (roads and borrow pits); impoundment; invasive nonnative species (principally hogs and plants); pollution; impacts of military training and testing; silvicultural operations; habitat fragmentation; and potentially hybridization.”⁴ That’s a lot riding against them. As a species endemic to Florida, the legislation that we shared with you is significant. We are talking about ensuring that living things, which only exist in our state and no where else in the entire world, are protected. We may not be able to change the life expectancy of all the endangered and threatened species, but we can make a difference here. This is where God put us, and these species are our responsibility. Let’s do what we can, where we can, whenever we can. Resources: ¹Nicol, Ryan. (2020). Jose Javer Rodriguez, Adam Hattersley seek to extend protections for endangered and threatened species. Florida Politics. https://floridapolitics.com/ archives/314860-rodriguez-hattersley-endangered-threatened-species ²University of Florida|IFAS. Florida’s Frogs. https://ufwildlife. ifas.ufl.edu/frogs/floridabogfrog.shtml ³Al Nasa’a, Marwa. (2003). Lithobates okaloosae Florida Bog Frog. Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Lithobates_ okaloosae/ ⁴ Jackson, D.. (2004). Florida Bog Frog: Management Guidelines for Species at Risk on Department of Defense Installations. NatureServe, Arlington, Virginia. https://www.denix.osd.mil/nr/threatenedendangeredandatriskspecies/ candidatespeciesandspeciesatrisk/reports/florida-bogfrog-management-guidelines-for-species-at-risk-on-department-of-defense-installations/42_03-154-Florida-Bog-FrogManagement-Guidelines.pdf Photo Credits: Enge, Kevin. (2011). FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Florida Bog Frog. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/oR981t Enge, Kevin. (2012). Florida Fish and Wildlife. Florida Bog Frog. Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/bYA8Rb WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Where Plant City's seniors come together as neighbors.
Florida Land Real Estate Agriculture, Development, Brokerage Services Commercial, Industrial, Country Estates Since 2008
54,424 SF cold storage and distribution facility is being offered on 3.57 +/- acres located on E Trapnell Road. There is the opportunity to purchase adjoining land, with frontage on County Line Road and easy access to I-4. This building features 31,534 SF, with 4 coolers, loading docks, a 3,600 SF mezzanine, and 432 SF of office space. Great opportunity for growth with adjoining acreage and proximity to Plant City, Lakeland, and minutes from I-4. $1,825,000.00
Fischbach Land Company 510 Vonderburg Dr., Suite 208 Brandon, FL 33511
165 +/- acres located in Dunnellon Immerse yourself into the serenity of this 165 +/- acres located in Dunnellon, backing up to Citrus Springs. This land is heavily wooded and has a unique elevation change of up to 50 feet, providing a great wildlife sanctuary, just 10 +/- miles from the 24,000-acre Gulf Hammock Wildlife Management Area. $1,100,000.00
Reed Fischbach, Licensed Real Estate Broker Blaise Lelaulu, Licensed Real Estate Associate Melissa Raburn, Licensed Real Estate Associate
813-540-1000
FischbachLandCompany.com
Information provided on properties is as accurate as possible. Fischbach Land Company does not guarantee the accuracy thereof. All parties shall conduct their own due diligence, research, inspection, and records to come to their own conclusions.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
47
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
Recipes
Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Chef Justin Timineri
White and Dark Chocolate Mousse with Florida Strawberries Ingredients
12 large strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced fresh mint, for garnish White Chocolate Mouse Ingredients 3 ounces white chocolate for baking, broken into pieces 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Dark Chocolate Mousse Ingredients 3 ounces dark chocolate for baking, broken into pieces 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream, divided 2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS In a small saucepot, combine 1/4 cup heavy cream and the white chocolate pieces. Cook over medium heat until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from heat and cool completely. Beat remaining cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla extract in small mixing bowl until stiff peaks
form (do not over beat). Fold melted baking bar mixture into whipped cream; refrigerate. Spoon into serving bowl or individual dishes. To assemble dish, layer the two mousses with the strawberries in four wide-rim glasses. Keep cold and garnish with fresh mint.
Florida Strawberry Mascarpone Panini INGREDIENTS 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced thin 8 slices fresh bread (1/2 inch thick) 1/2 cup mascarpone cheese confectioners’ sugar for dusting 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
DIRECTIONS
PAGE
Heat a panini press or griddle over medium heat. Spread a thin layer of mascarpone on top of each of the 8 bread slices. Add an even layer of fresh sliced strawberries to 4 of the bread slices. Use the other 4 slices of bread to top the sandwiches. Brush the sandwiches with butter and grill or press until golden, about 5 minutes. Transfer the panini to a cutting board and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve warm.
48
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
49
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
By Ginny Mink
Ornamental Gardening in Florida Welcome back to this month’s voyage on the Literary Time Machine where we will, once again, join Mr. Torrey Simpson on a nearly 100-year-old experience with Ornamental Gardening in Florida (1926). We will be in his chapter entitled Exotic Ferns and Fern Allies as we take our journey. Let’s see what new wisdom we might glean.
Cuba and the Isle of Pines introduced by Mr. John Soar. It has large, finely cut bi- and tripinnate leaves which are glossy metallic above and is a splendid plant for a fern pool or moist hammock. This name was given to me and I do not have any reference to it in any of my literature.”¹ So, “What fern might he be talking about?” We are forced to wonder.
He describes the Maidenhair fern as “exquisitely delicate,”¹ but quickly moves on to Asplenium. “A large genus of tropical and temperate ferns that is widely distributed over the world. One of the most beautiful is A. nidus, Bird’s nest fern, with broad, entire, glossy leaves, from the tropics of Asia. I have had this a number of times and always it is attacked by a disease in which the leaves come to look as if they had been dipped in scalding water and the plant invariably dies.”¹
There really isn’t a lot of information, even now, about the fern he was given. However, we did find that it appears to have first been discussed in publication, by the Smithsonian, in 1916, ten years before Mr. Torrey Simpson published his book. We also found that Florida is included in its areas of distribution along with the West Indies in Greater Antilles, Central America, and South America in Ecuador. “Have warm climate, will travel,” appears to be this fern’s motto!³
If you have spent much time traveling with us, we are sure you know our next question… What disease was affecting his Bird’s nest ferns? Based on some research, it would seem that bacterial blight is the most common problem since these ferns don’t like soggy soil or having their leaves soaked. So that’s interesting, but we also learned that the Bird’s nest fern is different from other ferns because it has wavy, crinkly, and flat fronds instead of the normal airy, feathery, kinds associated with ferns in general.² Thusly, its unique appearance makes it a desirable plant for your home or yard.
And now for one that people will know… “Platycerium. Several species of very striking and handsome ferns usually epiphytic and natives of the Oriental tropics. They have two kinds of fronds, the sterile ones being rounded and usually entire, lying close to the tree on which they grow while the elongated and more or less fertile ones are lacerated and free. I have cultivated several of them in my hammock where they seem to be at home though they grow slowly. P. hilli from Queensland has the ends of the fertile fronds once or twice forked. P. alcicorne from the more temperate parts of Australia is somewhat hardy and is a fine fern. P. grande. A magnificent species from North Australia with fronds six feet or more in length, the sterile ones somewhat split up. They are all called Staghorn ferns
As we continue on, he makes some brief references to other ferns, but then pens a decent amount about Maxonia apiifolia. “A magnificent, half climbing fern from PAGE
Part 78
50
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
But, before this trip is over, we wanted to make sure you knew what tree fern would work for your yard. The answer, it would appear, is the Australian tree fern (Sphaeropteris cooperi). Its trunk can reach 15 to 30 feet tall! And these ferns are evergreen in both Central and South Florida.⁴ So, if you were looking for a tree fern that will “look happy” in your yard, but isn’t the typical Staghorn, here’s your answer! Until next time, happy gardening!
and all grow from offsets except grande which must be reproduced from spores.”¹ He finishes up the chapter saying, “Tree ferns of a number of species have been introduced into South Florida… Mr. John Soar and the writer have introduced some of them from Cuba but as far as I know they do not succeed very well here. Occasionally I see one or two among plant collections in Lower Florida but they do not look happy.”¹ Maybe we need to do some research on Mr. John Soar?
Photo Credits: Malone, Anika. (2007). Australian tree fern. Flickr. https:// flic.kr/p/PggVD Yarde, Therese. (2012). Bird’s nest fern. Flickr. https:// flic.kr/p/bmtytp
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
51
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
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. 221-222). ²Duran, Martin. (2018). The Bird’s Nest Fern Care Guide (Asplenium Nidus). Big Boy Plants. https://bigboyplants. com/the-birds-nest-fern-care-guide/ ³Moran, R. & Christensen, C. (1916). Maxonia apiifolia. Flora of North America. http://beta.floranorthamerica. org/Maxonia_apiifolia ⁴University of Florida|IFAS. Australian Tree Fern. UF|IFAS Gardening Solutions. https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl. edu/plants/ornamentals/australian-tree-fern.html
March State Officer Column
By Emma Poole and Christian Bentrovato These past couple of months have been really jam packed with exciting events! To start things off both Emma and I have had the pleasure, along with the entire State Officer Team, to meet with 15 chapters for zoom meetings. I think it has been an amazing experience getting to meet with so many chapters from across the state of Florida as a whole state officer team. During a normal year it is difficult for an entire state officer team to meet with one school. However, using new tools like Zoom we can accomplish this! This just shows one way that utilizing all our resources available to us has allowed us to expand our reach and deliver our message in even more ways to even more FFA members. Over the next several weeks we hope to meet with even more chapters! In mid-February Parker, Jonathan, and I had the pleasure of helping at the State Fair Swine Show. It was nice being able to see all the blue jackets in the ring showing their animals! Its amazing how our members can do what they love safely and successfully even in these uncertain times. I had never been able to work a swine show before, so it was interesting to be able to learn about all the specifics! Watching the FFA members work their pigs around the ring was fascinating to watch and you can tell all the hard work and dedication our members put into their animals. Emma and I also had the pleasure to meet all our 2021-2022 Florida FFA State Officer Candidates! We were very excited to be able to see the next generation that will carry the torch forward for Florida FFA. Emma and I both know the energy and ambition it takes to prepare for State Officer Screening, and we wish everyone who is competing the best of luck! -Christian Bentrovato Area V State Vice President
PAGE
As many of you know, the week of February 20th through the 27th was National FFA Week. Every year, state officers around the country make it a goal to visit as many chapters as they can. This year was no exception for Florida FFA! As we entered the week, each of us found our calendars full of dates and our hearts full of anticipation. I was determined to make my National FFA Week experiences memorable and intentional, and so began the best week of my year so far. I’m so glad I have all of those memories to hang onto. Here are a few of my favorites.
52
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
On Sunday I walked up to an outdoor church service, surrounded by blue jackets and cow pastures. Along with three other FFA members and alumni, I was able to share my music and a message of choosing to build people up using the power of your words. Five years ago, I had attended that same church service with the dream of becoming a state officer, and on February 21st, I returned, having achieved that goal, with the desire of planting that spark in someone else. Monday I visited Interlachen virtually, and Tuesday, Christian and I travelled to Randall. Wednesday was no less of an amazing day. I spent the morning hanging out virtually with FFA members from Jay High School. After that, I headed off to possibly the most beautiful and historically rich place I have ever seen – Bartow High School. The campus, originally built in 1887, has housed the Bartow Agriculture Department since 1947. I found myself enthralled as I looked at the rows upon rows of pennants, trophies, books, and plaques, dating back to 1927, before Florida FFA had even been established. Holding in my hands those pieces of history sent a feeling over me that I don’t think I can adequately describe, but I’ll try. I thought about the many FFA members who had won those awards, and how they were just like me – young people wanting to make a difference in the agriculture industry and the world. It was amazing to imagine that the people who had come before me shared my passion, and that perhaps, they might be smiling down on us as we carry forward the example and the standard that they set all those years ago. I left Bartow that day with renewed determination that I carried with me through my visits with Turkey Creek Middle School and Durant High School. I can only hope that I was able to have the impact on Florida FFA this week, that its members had on me. I end this chapter of my year of service feeling immensely thankful, and extremely loved. - Emma Poole Florida FFA State Secretary
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
ANaturally Closer Look Amazing
by Sean Green
Red Maple (Acer rubrum)
Happy Springtime!! Looking forward to springtime just feels like looking forward to Friday doesn’t it? A lot of folks are finally getting outside to celebrate life and I’m glad to see it. The days are warm but not (yet) sweltering. We can open our windows at night to enjoy a cool breeze and the concert of bustling wildlife we tend to shut out all year long. The natural world is beginning to wake from a wintertime slump and the party has already started. We will soon experience and participate in a long awaited (and deserved) renewal of life. The Red Maple (Acer rubrum) is one of the first plants to erupt with flowers kicking off the coming of spring. Patches of red flowers dot the landscape like the first fireworks introduce a spectacular event. This month we are going to take a closer look at the Red Maple. Sometimes called the swamp maple, or soft maple, Acer rubrum is most often called the red maple. According to an old but still authoritative report published by the USDA Forest Service, the red maple was the most common and abundant of deciduous trees in North America (Elbert L. Little, 1953) and probably remains so because it is a highly adaptable species that tends to thrive in areas that have been disturbed by deforestation, and we have had plenty of that over the past two centuries. Historic records suggest that this species is more abundant today than it was when the first Europeans began settling in North America. Logging operations thinned our eastern woodlands in North America and with a reduced canopy, the red maple quickly filled the void by replacing the pioneer species. It’s really amazing how well nature takes care of us. I hate to think what would have happened if there were not a fast growing tree like the red maple to patch up what we clear out. The red maples success lies in its ability to adapt to a large variety of environments. The red maple has a high PH tolerance and can survive in nutrient deficient soils ranging from dry ridges to peat bogs and swamps. It can grow in either shade or full sunlight. Ideal conditions for this species are in well drained soil at low elevations, however, this species is commonly found in Florida along slow streams, swamps, and both wet and dry savannas. In addition to its tremendous adaptability, red maple can produce an enormous number of seeds. On average, a single tree can produce between 21,000 and 91,000 seeds
Native Americans have long understood the value of red maple for medicine and use the bark as an analgesic and wash for eye inflammation, cataracts, hives, and muscle aches. A tea made from the inner bark was used for treating coughs and diarrhea. North American colonists learned much from the Native Americans and from the 17th century onward made maple syrup by drilling holes in the maple tree to collect the sap in the same manner they would collect sap for turpentine from pine trees. Unlike turpentine collection, the sap from a maple tree typically only ran during a brief period when the temperature rose above 40 degrees following a freeze. Though the maple syrup was less expensive than sugar from cane or molasses, it was not as reliable as a source of income and was typically only used as a personal source for sweetener. By the 18th century, North American colonists used the bark of red maple with a vinegarroon mordant to dye worsted and linen fibers a slate blue-grey color and when used with an alum mordant, would produce a cinnamon-brown color. (Adrosko, 1971) Additionally, Iron sulphate was added to the tannin from red maple bark to make ink. Today, red maple is valued as a popular ornamental for its bright red coloration during the change of seasons. This species is easy to grow, it grows quickly, and because it is so adaptable a cultivar can be found that will work in nearly any environment. As an environmental solution, the red maple is a useful species for reestablishing disturbed natural habitats. It can grow in soil that other plants can not and while pioneer species are being reestablished, the red maple can thrive to provide food and shelter for animals such as various rodents, deer, rabbits, and cavity nesting birds. A word of caution however to horse owners, red maple is toxic to horses. If you own horses, please plan appropriately before planting red maple on your property. The red maple is a beautiful tree to look at, there is no doubt and if you take a closer look, I hope you will find it’s benefit as a species equally as beautiful.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
53
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
in one season and studies have documented larger trees producing nearly 1,000,000 seeds.
PAGE
54
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
55
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
FROM THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD By J. Scott Angle
The whole idea of the Gulf Coast Research and Education Field show great promise for HLB tolerance. We will deliver more Day is to give growers one-stop shopping for a whole panoply solutions to provide for a future for Florida citrus. of science at one time. When we did it virtually in February, we • Alternative crops. Diversifying our options is essential for the were able to condense time itself to give you even more. future of agriculture in a state buffeted by climate change, urOur scientists are great at what they do, but even they could banization, pests and disease, global competition, labor shortnot have shown you hops grow from seed to the top of an 18- ages and more. At Gulf Coast REC, we are researching whether foot trellis in just three minutes at a live in-person event. Shin- we can make Florida a hops-growing state so our craft brewersuke Agehara did it at the virtual event through the use of time ies can serve a home-grown product! lapse photography in a video (starting at the 1:30 mark www. youtube.com/watch?v=P0PBiDb8s4U&list=PLk3py1RNkc1Wc • Inclusion, diversity, equity and access. I asked all my department heads and unit leaders to devise plans for how to U27pXVoo6D3PXup2f7l1&index=19&t=36s). increase diversity in their section of UF/IFAS. This will directly Vance Whitaker looked like an anchorman behind the desk as benefit Florida growers because it will improve the quality of he presented visually appealing graphs on the performance of our science. Innovation comes from diversity of thought, and his new cultivars. And I was proud to kick off the field day via diversity of thought comes from diversity of people. As a result, Zoom and used what would have been my drive time back and we’ll have more ways of thinking about and solving the chalforth from Gainesville to pursue the resources our scientists lenges you face in the field, on the ranch or in the grove. need to do even more for you. • Updating BMPs. Some fertilizer recommendations are beWe had to cap entrance to our Zoom event at 300, and the ing applied to varieties of fruits and vegetables and to farmspots went fast. So if you missed it, here’s why you should go ing techniques that did not exist when UF/IFAS first did the research. This cannot continue. Even in this uncertain budget back and look at the recordings: time, I refocused funding internally to jumpstart work on to• Gulf Coast REC is among the most cutting-edge units in all of matoes and potatoes at four sites across the state, including UF/IFAS, so many things that will happen in coming years will GCREC. happen here first. The field day is an update from that cutting • Incentivizing ecosystems services. Partly through the use of edge. artificial intelligence, we will be doing research to quantify the ecosystems services agriculture provides, such as carbon seHere’s how I’ll help GCREC keep on the cutting edge: • Artificial intelligence. I have approved two AI-related positions questration. With that information in hand, we can then inform for Gulf Coast REC, one dedicated to mechanical harvesting, a public policy discussion of how we can incentivize you to precision ag and robotics, and another focused on turbocharg- continue and even do more of it. I don’t know yet what that will look like, but I advocate payment for ecosystems services. You ing our already outstanding plant breeding team. should get rewarded for all that you • Hands-on learning. Through the Vice President’s Promise, I produce, not just food. have pledged that all UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences undergraduates will have the opportunity for at least If you weren’t there, it’s worth going one meaningful beyond-the-classroom learning experience. back for a look. I hope to see you That could be undergraduate research, internships, study in person at the Florida Ag Expo in abroad, participation in professional conferences, and more. November. This is not a Gainesville-only thing. All our students at Plant City will have access to expanded and enriched real-world learning experiences.
PAGE
• Saving citrus. Every day I am working to ensure that Florida remains a citrus powerhouse for decades to come. We have learned more about HLB in the past decade than the rest of the world did in the previous century. Our advances in nutrition, for example, have kept infected trees productive, and some of the cultivars we’ve developed and are developing
56
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
Scott Angle is the University of Florida’s Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources and leader of the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
57
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
A Great Wine is Made at the Vineyard By Libby Hopkins
When you think of growing grapes and making wine, you envision California, Italy or Spain. Does Lithia come to mind? No? Well it’s the perfect place for small batch wine maker John Beckwith. “I’m originally from Charleston, South Carolina and growing up, I was around a lot of farms,” Beckwith said. “Fast forward to present day, I have five and a quarter acres of land in FishHawk. I’ve also planted and grown things or had gardens. When I moved to Florida, I joined the Grape Growers Association of Florida because I started growing Blanc du Bois grapes for wine making.” For those of you, like me, who don’t know what Blanc du Bois grapes are, they are a hybrid grape variety used for making white wine. First bred by John Mortensen at the University of Florida in 1968, the variety is now found throughout the southeast United States, most commonly in Florida and Texas, but also in Georgia and Louisiana. While it holds no well-known Vitis vinifera grape varieties among its parentage, it has the potential to make crisp, fresh white wines with floral, citrus flavors. It is also used to make sweeter wines, some fortified in the style of Madeira.
PAGE
The main draw card of Blanc du Bois is its resistance to Pierce’s disease, a major issue in the humid climate in this corner of the country. It is also resistant to downy mildew and grows well on its own rootstock with nematode resistance, so grafting is not required. As it is also high yielding, it is an economically viable variety for growers.
58
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
Blanc du Bois was named for Emile DuBois, a noted grower who emigrated from France to the U.S. in 1882. The variety is a crossing of another hybrid, Florida D 6-148, and Cardinal, a Californian table grape. It was released to commercial growers in 1987. (www.wine-searcher.com/grape-49-blancdu-bois) “I planted about 30 bushes about six years ago and currently we get five gallons of wine a year from them,” Beckwith said. “When I harvest them, my neighbors come over and help me crush the grapes and with the wine making process.” Beckwith entered some of his wine in the last Florida State Fair’s wine contest. “There were about ten entries for Blanc du Bois wine and I won a silver medal for my entry,” Beckwith said. Beckwith planted his latest crop of grapes and if the Florida weather and wildlife cooperate, his Blanc du Bois grapes will be ready for harvesting and wine making in July. “A good wine maker is just a steward for grapes to become wine,” Beckwith said. “It’s not like a chef with a recipe, where they add a little bit of this or a little bit of that, it’s a process.” Beckwith doesn’t do what he does to make money from his wine; he actually gives his wine away. “I can’t sell it because of Florida laws, I do it because I like growing the grapes and the wine making process,” Beckwith said. “A lot of my friends get great Christmas gifts from me during the holidays!” He has also made custom wines for his friends’ wedding too. Beckwith has a great job at a biotech company as a software engineer to pay for his garden/vineyard. He knows WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
many local farmers and grape growers who grow their crops as their main source of income. This fact alone is why Beckwith has great respect for our local farmers and growers. “If a bad frost hits me and I lose 50 tomato plants or the buds on my grapes are burnt, I have no financial impact, but farmers are impacted like I would be impacted if I were laid off from my job,” Beckwith said. “I also remember the 2009 freezes in our area that went on and on and the strawberry farmers had to pump water constantly to keep the berries insulated from the cold. My heart broke for them. They would not sleep at night as they were in the fields with the sprinklers, but as a farmer of any kind, we remember each year, some dry or wet springs, delayed afternoon thunderstorms season, hurricanes, even an overabundance of certain pests. Bottom line, if you are a farmer, you are in touch with nature and weather unlike the rest of the population.” Growing conditions in wine making also affects “wine terminology.” “When you hear the phase for wine ‘that was a good vintage, or that was a good year,’ it means, the conditions and weather for making the perfect wine grapes,” Beckwith said. “A good vintage also means the price will be much higher. I heard a saying once that ‘great wine is made in the vineyard’ and I understood what that meant since I grow the grapes and make the wine to share with friends and family.”
If you would like to know more about Beckwith’s wine, you can email him at jqbeckwith@gmail.com.
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
59
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PERMA – WHAT? Defining What Permaculture Means to the Average Person
What is permaculture? By definition permaculture is: the development of agricultural ecosystems intended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. But what does that really mean? To begin, it’s a term that an early mentor told me never to use. He advised me to stay away from terms that needed further explanation. “Because if you need to further explain you’ve already lost a client or customer.” And he was right. As a soil specialist, landscape designer and salesperson, I have learned to gauge my customer’s knowledge, needs, and goals to understand if we even needed to discuss ecosystems, soil microbes, cover crops, or mycorrhizal fungus.
So why would I want to define permaculture?
PAGE
Because the market is desperate for a change and customers are using words like: organic, natural, and locally-sourced products. Permaculture may be the answer. Not only will con-
60
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
By Stephanie Koeser
sumers get what they want, but a change in the way we grow can help create healthier water ways; economically provide healthier growing environments; and continue to see the necessary food production. Whether farmers are growing blueberries, citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, etc. they are grasping at resources to help navigate a change. Permaculture can help make this easier. And you don’t have to call it permaculture. If regenerative agriculture is your answer, use it. If sustainable business models are your answer, use it. No matter the vocabulary, we are on the cusp of a change in agriculture. Permaculture is more than just a better way to grow, it’s a way of life. My own journey began nearly 15 years ago. A good friend of mine was studying urban planning and was applying what he learned in the classroom to his garden and home. He had a knack for natural/native landscape design and gardening. Together we had planned a commune-like homestead where our partners provided money so we could tinker in the fields. Though, our dreams were big, our pocket books were slim. So that dream transformed into the reality of a shared commuWWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
nity garden to a small farm where we spent many hours experimenting.
permaculture is not just an agricultural design technique for me.
I learned to defend chickens from a healthy population of raccoons; to winterize a bee hive; to install rain barrels to water animals as well as plants; and to prune raspberries and blackberries. I owned things like a dehydrator, pressure cooker, and hot-water bath canner. We were serious gardeners. I sold organic eggs and even invested in a book called, “The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It,” by John Seymour. My farm was fun and comfortable, but I never labeled it permaculture; we called it sustainable, off-the-grid living. My lack in vocabulary never stopped me from living the lifestyle.
The key to permaculture is the skill of observation. Permaculture is taking what nature already uses and applying it in the field, the garden, or the landscape. I always tell customers to consider what they have before they consider what to change. Don’t make changes just because you’re told this is the ‘it’ product. Make a change because it fits your farm’s needs and also because it works with your farm’s system. Permaculture considers the system as a whole and this includes the soil, the seeds, the plant, the farm workers, the available machinery, the growing season, and the budget.
Everything I did was derived from instinct and through experimenting. Yet, it was ingrained with permaculture and taught me skills that have fostered a sustainable lifestyle in my urban backyard. It was a really great time in my life. I’m now trying to replicate this life in the tropics on a smaller scale in a more urban area.
Your farm may need to grade a hillside to alleviate flooding, but your budget can only afford a swale. My advice is stay educated and don’t over complicate the system.
I’ve educated myself in permaculture through a permaculture design course taught by Koreen Brennan with Grow Permaculture. It transformed my life in ways I never anticipated. Embracing
These techniques can be applied in sales relationships, growing ecosystems, and agriculture consultations. There is no limit to a healthy holistic view.
Make operation decision consciously considering a view that embraces health for the entire ecosystem. Observe what is already present within the system and interact with the flow of the reality. See the connections of every element and through those connections see a bigger picture. View a problem as a possible solution. Learn to let things
Stephanie Koeser
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
61
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
be and control only what is in your power. Most importantly, listen.
JOANNA ORTIZ
NEW CHILDCARE & FAMILY LIFE EXTENSION AGENT
Hillsborough County Extension Service has a new Childcare and Family Life Extension Agent, Joanna Ortiz. She is assuming some of the areas of responsibility held by former Agent Diana Converse who retired early last year. “The primary focus for my position is designing, evaluating, teaching and reporting on parenting and family programming,” said Ortiz, who was born and raised in Clint, Texas near El Paso. “This includes, but is not limited to, helping parents develop skills and assets that will aid their parenting and overall family dynamic.” Prior to joining Extension, Ortiz was a Florida Department of Health, Bilingual Health Educator and substitute Public Information Officer (PIO). She pursued the Extension opportunity when she realized “my values align very well with Extension. I believe that programming, especially when it comes to health in whatever aspect or level is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather through evidence-based research and programming can one really help a community. As a young Chicana female, this position offers me the potential to grow my career and expand my education. Fortunately, I can do so by helping others, especially populations that need adequate access to resources.” Ortiz has several accomplishment goals she hopes to achieve with Extension; • Provide programming to Hispanic minorities in rural parts of the county • Prepare and foster healthy relationships between parents or caregivers and children • Help child care agencies and providers to advance their education within the scope of case as well as prepare them to care for a child’s social, emotional, cognitive and physical needs adequately • Lower the incidence of maltreatment and neglect of children on all levels • Promote healthy interpersonal relationships that benefit our community in the long run
PAGE
Following graduation from high school in 2015, Ortiz went to college in her hometown and then attended the University of Texas at El Paso, starting out her post-secondary educa-
62
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
By Jim Frankowiak
tion as a nursing major. “After volunteering at local hospital, I realized that the demand of a nursing career wasn’t for me,” she said. “I then changed my major to Multidisciplinary Studies where I focused on anthropological and sociological studies. I had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester and studied Spanish topics at the University of Salamanca, Spain, where I also interned in various clinical settings, learning about the health care system that existed there while serving as a translator. This opened my eyes to a very different scope of health. After graduating with my bachelors, I knew public health was for me. I completed my Master’s in Public Health in December of 2019 and was able to join the Florida Department of Health as a bilingual health educator serving monitories within the Tampa Bay region. Once the pandemic struck, I became a substitute PIO spreading COVID-19 messaging and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) mostly in Spanish, what a time it was to see public health first-hand. This became very eye opening for me and my family and put my future in to perspective. Upon learning about the opportunity as an Extension agent, I realized how great this position would target helping others, my family, and I.” Ortiz is engaged to Matthew Courtemanche, who is an Army veteran associated with the United States Central Command at MacDill, AFB. He has four children. “Although my academic background is not in family and youth development, family is single handedly the most important part of my life and ironically, I get to help other families prosper together,” she said. “In the few months of program planning that I’ve done and a glimpse of teaching, I have come to learn that parenting is an ever-evolving subject, therefore, ongoing education is vital to the overall well-being of our future generations of Floridians.” Ortiz can be reached at Extension by telephone: 813744-5519, ext. 54140 or via email: ortizjo@hillsboroughcounty.org.
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
CHEST PRESSURE
CAUTION NARROWED ARTERIES AHEAD
Chest pressure, a squeezing sensation or chest pain. These feelings may be angina, a symptom of heart disease. Your heart comes with a warning system called angina, which happens when part of the heart doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Angina is a symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD), a type of heart disease that occurs when arteries that carry blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked. Although angina often feels like a pinching sensation in the chest, it can also be accompanied by sluggishness, fatigue and chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, the heart experts at BayCare’s South Florida Baptist Hospital can quickly get to the cause and treat it with a procedure that’s right for you. Diagnosing and treating CAD is just one area of our expertise in heart care. Using state-of-the-art technology, our compassionate and multidisciplinary team of experts provides a suite of other advanced heart care services. From treatment options for rhythm disorders like AFib and heart attacks, care for advanced heart failure through our Heart Function Clinic, to helping you recover with cardiac rehab, South Florida Baptist Hospital is here when you and your heart need us. And we have enhanced safety measures to help keep you protected, so you can feel secure getting the care you need. Learn more and get a cardiology referral: SouthFloridaBaptistHeart.org
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
63
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM 21-1392669-0221
The FamilyHomestead By Libby Hopkins
Alecia Scales-Lawson grew up on a small farm complete with horses, goats and dogs. “I’m in my thirties now and farming is something I wanted to do my entire adulthood,” Alecia said. “We are originally from Indiana and we moved to Florida in 2019. We purchased our property in July of 2020 with the intention of making it into a small farm and homestead where we could get our kids in touch with farming. In homeschooling, you touch on things, but what I found interesting and alarming was that the average age of a farmer is 65. Farming is a dying career field. So, it’s something to get into and get our children into as well.” Alecia does have a small background in crop farming but she wanted to learn and do more of it. She also wanted her children to learn about crop farming, too. “I have a little background in crop farming and we recently planted a small blueberry garden, and we have the workings of a market garden started on our property,” Alecia said. “We do take strawberries to local markets, but our farm is up and coming. Eventually, I want our farm to be open to homeschool groups to come out and work on an actual working farm. We want to grow produce for our community. We strongly believe in the phrase, ‘No farmers, no food’.” Alecia will also be raising Kunekune (pronounced “cooney cooney”) pigs on her property. Kunekune pigs are a smart option for small farms. Kunekune means “fat and round” in the Maori language. These tasseled, sweet-tempered, mediumsized pigs hail from New Zealand. While no one knows for sure, they are thought to be a cross of Berkshire, Poland China and possibly Gloucester Old Spots among pigs from Indonesia.
PAGE
Females average 100 to 175 pounds, while males can reach the 200 to 250-plus ranges. They have short, upturned snouts that discour¬age rooting and they do not challenge fences. Kunekunes are grazing pigs and are able to grow on low inputs, making them an ideal breed during periods of escalating grain prices. Gourmet chefs in Los Angeles have declared Kunekune pork outstanding. Kunekunes are odorless, quiet and safe for children. (www.ecofarmingdaily.com/ raise-healthy-livestock/pigs/kunekune-pigs-perfect-forsmall-farms/) “Our first set of Kunekune pigs came to us this March,” Alecia said. “We chose them because they don’t root and destroy the land and our goal with raising them is to keep the heritage breed because this breed almost went extinct.”
64
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
If you ask Alecia what she likes most about farming, she’ll tell you everything. “When we lived in Indiana, I owned a cleaning company, so I did the nine to five and then some,” Alecia said. “I lost many, many hours of family time because of this. Farming means I work my dream. I’m going to something I love, and it allows me to be my own boss and build a relationship with my customers. My kids can also work with me. My favorite part of my job is waking out my front door and I’m doing something I love. I don’t ever walk out my front door and hate what I’m doing because my kids are right there with me.” Keeping things local is extremely important to Alecia and her family. “It so important to keep things local because farmers need our support,” Alecia said. “We need to keep the faming industry in business. When we support local famers, we get to know them and also know what goes in the food we eat because it’s grown right here in our community. It is so important to me because I want people to eventually come to my farm looking for vegetables or looking for pork and me to be able to take them out into my field and see their vegetables or to see how their pork is raised. We are a small working and up and coming family farm.” Alecia hopes to be able to open her farm to the public within the next year. She is a work in progress but is making great progress.
If you would like to learn more about Alecia and Scales Family Homestead, you can visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Scales-Family-Homestead. WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
GCREC VIRTUAL FIELD DAY COVERS RANGE OF CROPS AND TOPICS
By Jim Frankowiak
The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) held its first Virtual Field Day last month in response to the challenges prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditionally an onsite, day-long event held at the GCREC, the inaugural virtual event was broadcast via Zoom, enabling interested parties to link to the broadcasts throughout the day and afterwards via YouTube. Event organizers included GCREC faculty member Dr. Gary Vallad; Craig Frey, Hendry County Extension; Lisa Hickey, Manatee County Extension and GCREC Administrative Assistant Christine Cooley. More than 300 participants - both domestic and international – registered for the free event. Presentations covered Strawberry Breeding, Ag Economics, Pest/Disease Control for Strawberries, Tomato Breeding, Pest/Disease Control for Vegetables, Soil and Water Science, Geomatics and Plant Physiology. Strawberry Breeder Dr. Vance Whitaker shared information on two new available UF strawberry varieties: Florida Medallion and Florida White Pearl. An early variety yield, Florida Medallion offers “excellent fruit quality, shape, color, firmness and outstanding flavor,” he noted. The variety is both upright and compact and Whitaker suggests planting no later than October 15. Additionally, “the variety needs more nitrogen fertilization and perhaps more fertilization for all nutrients than Florida Brilliance and Sensation.” His additional management recommendations for Medallion include planting in fields that have heavier or wetter soils and avoiding planting in fields with Macophomina infestations. Availability of Medallion is limited for the 2021-2022 season to between 150- and 200-cares, but should increase to 2,000-acres the following season. Whitaker than discussed the new Florida Pearl white strawberry, often referred to as “Pineberry” because of its pineapple essence aroma. The plant’s seeds came from Japan nearly a decade ago and were crossed with red varieties yielding a pure white fruit, with red seeds and a pink blush. He noted
Growers were advised to recognize the reduced harvesting period for the variety and the need to train pickers to watch for any signs of yellow surface color. “Harvesting more frequently than red varieties is an important consideration for growers,” he said. GCREC Plant Pathologist Dr. Natalia Peres then presented the latest information on the Neopestalotiopsis disease in Florida strawberry as compiled by her team. During the past two strawberry seasons, severe outbreaks were reported in Florida commercial fields where root, crown petiole, fruit and leaf symptoms observed. Yield was severely affected and several acres of strawberry fields were destroyed. The source of initial diseased plants were nurseries in North Carolina, Canada and then nurseries sourcing from those initial nurseries. However, the current season source of diseased plants was not traced to nurseries meaning the fungus has been established in selected, local fields. Peres noted similarities among plant diseases and encouraged growers to have samples tested at the Diagnostic Clinic should there be any question regarding a plant’s disease. “Water and warm temperatures are highly conducive for the disease,” said Peres, whose team is studying fungicide trial results for commercial fields and the use of heat treatment for nurseries. Some of the recommended actions include avoiding harvesting and equipment movement in the field when plants are wet, rotate effective fungicides, plan early strategies for crop inoculation and removal. Additionally, “better management of the disease is more likely if starting with clean transplants,” she said. All Virtual Field Day presentations may be viewed on the GCREC YouTube Channel. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
65
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
the White Pearl is smaller than red varieties and should be planted no later than October 15. “The variety should not be exposed to wind or other environmental areas to avoid bruising and Ridomitt should be applied shortly after planting,” he said.
Classifieds BUILDING SUPPLIES METAL ROOFING Thousands of 8ft. & 10ft. sheets. In Stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available. 813-752-7088 ask for Ferris. ALUMINUM We have all your aluminum needs! Screen Room, carports & awnings. Call Blake (813) 752-3378 WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted(813) 752-3378 CABINETS All wood kitchen cabinets. All wood vanities. Granite counter tops. Custom made to your size. Call Chris 813-752-3378 VINYL SIDING 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 NEW, USED & ABUSED.
Info@inthefieldmagazine.com
Tel: 813.759.6909
CITRUS PACKING HOUSE Citrus packing house equipment for sale. Mikey Fertilizer Spreader, FMC juice machine & two wind machines. Call 863-324-2833 2011 MASSEY FERGUSON 1529L Massey Ferguson Tractor 4X4 with loader. 200 hours. $11,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
WANTED WANTED If you need a place to dump clean wood chips/leaves from your tree trimming business etc. I need about 10 loads. Located on Dorman Rd near Fishhawk, no gate. Call John at 239-821-1253
FOR SALE BETOMIX 320 3 pointy lift, pto driven cement mixer. Very good condition. $850 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 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
CALL FOR A WINDOW QUOTE. We are a MI Windows dealer. Our windows are energy star, lifetime warranty. Call Broke & Poor 813-752-3378
LAWN EQUIPMENT/ SUPPLIES
YEAR END SALE! On select models of Bad Boy, Hustler, and Bush Hog zero turn mowers. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
USED BAD BOY OUTLAW XP Zero turn mower. 61” cut, kawasaki engine. $4,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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 24 HOUR SERVICE Coggins Plumbing licensed • bonded • Insured. www.cogginsplumbing.com 813-643-7173 FARM BUREAU INSURANCE We have you covered! Call us today. 813-752-5577 LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? Call Rhonda Wetherington, P.A. Realtor, GRI. 813-933-1761
DOORS & WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER ALAN’S AIR CONDITIONING No upcharge. House & Mobile Home. Residential, Commercial Sales SVS & ReMany standard sizes in stock. pair. Legendary service for over 20 years! Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 813-752-0821 FARM EQUIPMENT KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the FOR RENT I4 POWER EQUIPMENT Millcreek Pine Bark Row Mulcher. BIG Box STORES! Call Today! Trade-Ins Welcomed, Service For blueberry farms, six yard, Ask for Blake. (813) 752-3378 Department Available. Exit 22 • S. Frontage Rd. PTO drive need at least a 30hp Plant City 813-752-4459 tractor. Call 863-604-2526 for rental details. HUNTER JUMPER SADDLE Marcel Toulouse Candice Double TAYLOR WAY TILLER DISC Leather hunter/jumper saddle. Size 17. Plow - good condition. $1750.00 Very little use. $650 813-323-0222 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
SOLD
JOHN DEERE Looking for your new tractor? Come see us at Everglades Farm Equipment. evergladesfarmequipment.com 2805 SR 60 West, Plant City 813-737-1660 MASSEY FERGUSON 3435 Vineyard Tractor. 80hp, 1523 hrs. Cab with A/C. $23,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 OVERSTOCK SPECIAL Barn doors starting at $80.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378 ALLUMINUM SKINS Staring at $30.00 Call Ted 813-752-3378
JOBS MECHANIC NEEDED Agricultural equipment. Pay with benefits based on experience. Call David 863-537-1345 PARTS COUNTER HELP Wanted for parts look up and sales. Experience in the agriculture equipment service. Speak with Alvie. 813-759-8722
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!
2002 GMC (Isuzu) 16 ft flat bed, diesel, 142,174 miles. $5,500. Call Tony at 813-205-6145 FERTILIZER SPREADER 2019 Chandler 5-ton stainless steel fertilizer spreader never used. $15,000 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
PAGE
SOLD
66
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
67
PAGE
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM
PAGE
68
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
March 2021
WWW.INTHEFIELDMAGAZINE.COM