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Contents
VOL. 7 • ISSUE 1
POLK COUNTY
CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 9005 • Drawer HS03 Bartow, FL 33831-9005
Cover Story
OFFICERS & BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Celebrating The Years
President - Charles Clark
Page 34 Master Gardener
(863) 528-8537 cclark@expoco.com Vice President - Dave Tomkow (863) 665-5088 cattlemanslivetock@earthlink.net Secretary/Treasurer - Justin Bunch (863) 425-1121 jbunch@agriumretail.com
Page 10
Al Bellotto - (863) 581-5515
Let The Learning Begin
Ray Clark - (863) 683-8196 rclark@tampabay.rr.com
Page 13 Tampa Bay’s Fishing Report
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L.B. Flanders, DVM - (863) 644-5974 Dewey Fussell - (863) 984-3782 Mike Fussell - (863) 698-8314 fussell.flafarm@verizon.net
A Modern Twist
David McCullers - (863) 528-1195
Page 17
Moby Persing - (863) 528-4379
Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Page 18 Internet Gardening
Page 21 Rocking Chair Chatter
Page 22 Farmer Gil
Page 28 Giving Wildlife A Helping Hand
Page 32 Grub Station
Ned Waters - (863) 698-1597 watersn@doacs.state.fl.us J.B. Wynn - (863) 581-3255 jbwynn29@gmail.com Alternate - Mike Facente - (863) 697-9419 Standing Committee Chairs: Membership - J.B. Wynn Events - Kevin Fussell (863) 412-5876 Rodeo - Fred Waters (863) 559-7808 watersf@doacs.state.fl.us Cattlewomen - President Marjorie Wood (863) 660-4137 onnie397@aol.com Extension - Bridget Carlisle (863) 519-8677 bccarlis@ufl.edu Sheriff’s Dept. - Sgt. Howard Martin
Page 40 Recipes
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OUR SERVICES • Social Security Disability • Supplemental Security Income: Children and Adults • Initial Applications Reconsideration • Hearing with Judge
• Wills • Power of Attorney • Estate Planning • Trusts • Guardianships • Adoptions Charles L. Carlton
Florida Native B.A. University of South Florida J.D. Florida State University Law School
Geraldyne H. Carlton
Florida Native B.A. Georgia State University J.D. Florida State University Law School
2310 Lakeland Hills Blvd. Lakeland, FL 33805 (1 mile south of I-4, Exit 33 Lakeland - across from Detroit Tigers Baseball Spring Training Stadium)
TOLL FREE 1. 800.315.4590 863. 688.5700 *The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisments. Before you decide, ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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From the Editor
ITFM Staff PUBLISHER/PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Al Berry SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR/ ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Sarah Holt
Index of Advertisers Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers ........................39 Arrington Body Shop, Inc. .........19 Ballclover ...................................19 Broke & Poor ............................37 Carlton & Carlton, PA ................5 Cecil Breeding Farms .................33 Chemical Containers..................31 Cornfusion.................................24
The freshest, safest, best tasting food is just around the corner. Yes, that’s right! And buying local is easy. Find a farmers market near you and encourage your local grocery stores and area restaurants to purchase more products from local farmers. This small step will help boost your local economy and get you exceptional flavor from fruits and vegetables that are recently harvested and packed with nutrients . Check out what’s in season. We are lucky to have something fresh and nutritious available in Florida 365 days a year. Check out the Florida Department of Agriculture’s web site at w w w. f r e s h f r o m f l o r i d a . c o m for a chart of what is in season. I am reminded daily of the wonderful, humble, few who make their living by feeding the rest of us. I never take for granted the hard work that went in to getting my meal from the field to the point of purchase and to my home. It is our duty to ensure that we continue keeping our food as close to our homes as possible. I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to depend on another country for my sustenance. This is not a new subject for me. But I can’t stress the importance of supporting your local farmer and rancher. They are the lifeblood of this county, state and our great nation. We are always looking for farmers and ranchers to highlight in the pages of In The Field. Please let us know if you have an article idea.
Until Next Month,
Sarah
The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. –Numbers 6:25
In The Field Magazine is published monthly and is available through local Polk 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 Polk County Cattlemen’s Association & Florida Citrus Mutual. 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. Published by Berry Publications, Inc.
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EDITOR Patsy Berry
Cowboy Ranch Rodeo...............25 Discount Metals.........................44 Ellison RBM Inc. .........................7
OFFICE MANAGER Bob Hughens SALES MANAGER Danny Crampton SALES Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton
Farm Credit ...............................26 Fields Equipment Co. Inc.............5 Florida Farm & Ranch Supply...............................7 Florida Dept. of Agriculture.......16 Florida Mineral & Salt ..............12 Fred’s Market.............................15 Grove Equipment ...............3 & 36 Gulf Coast Turf & Tractor ........48 Helena Chemical-Tampa............44
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mona Jackson
Hinton Farms Produce, Inc. .......23 International Market World.........7 Key Plex.......................................2
PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey Lacey Waters
Lake Miriam Pawn ....................43 Lightsey Cattle Co. ....................43 Mosaic .......................................39 Pathway .....................................35 Polk County
STAFF WRITERS Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankwoiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins
Cattlemen’s Association ...............4 Polk Equine, PL .........................23 Repair Solutions.........................43 Ring Power Corporation..............9 Sam Van Hook...........................30 Seedway .....................................43 Southeastern Septic, LLC ...........37 Southwestern Produce................27
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Woody Gore Les McDowell
Stephanie Humphrey....................9 Stingray Chevrolet .....................47 The Bug Man.............................19 Weather King .............................23 Wert’s Welding ...........................31
We have moved our main office to better serve you. Our new address is: 1501 S. Alexander Street, Suite 102 • Plant City, Florida 33563 Our phone number is still the same - 813.759.6909 W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
You Too, Can Be A Winner
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 Farmer 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 that page you located the logo to:
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InTheField庐 Magazine P.O. Box 5377 Plant City, FL 33566-0042
Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner! Search for the logo below and enter now!
Think Pink! We始ve changed the colors of the logo this month for Breast Cancer Awareness!
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On June 26, 2012, Polk County adopted a Stormwater Assessment Ordinance in response to state and federal mandates for local governments to improve quality of stormwater runoff. A preliminary rate was established at a maximum of $54.30 per equivalent residential unit of 4030 square feet of roof and impermeable surfaces combined. That will be the maximum rate. A lower rate could be established on September 13th when the County Commission adopts the county budget. Agriculture properties that meet certain conditions are exempt. One of the following conditions has to be met: operation has a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit; or operation has an Environmental Resource Permit; or operation has a Works-of-the-District Permit; or operation implements Best Management Practices. Cow/calf operators need “Water Quality Best Management Practices for Cow/Calf Operations” If you don’t have this designation you can get it by applying through Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The contact person for this area is Matt Warren, Environmental Specialist II. Cell 863-448-3354, Office 863-773-2164.
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Due to the short time span for applying for the exemption, a copy of the application can be sent/ faxed to the Parks and Natural Resources Department. Requests for exemptions will have to be received by Sept.14th to be on this year’s tax bill. Applications received between Sept. 14 and Oct. 1 will receive rebates. Any residence, even on agriculture parcels will have to pay the residential unit rate. Everyone should have received their TRIM notice from the county. If you have any questions about parcel specific charges or any other general questions call the Department of Parks and Natural Resources at 863-534-7377. They have been extremely helpful in answering all questions and have made every effort to get exemptions processed and a rebate option in place.
Charles Clark Charles Clark Polk County Cattlemen’s Association President
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• There are as many chickens on earth as there are humans. • Sharks can live up to 100 years. • Kangaroos canʼt walk backwards. • About 75 acres of pizza are eaten in the U.S. everyday. • Koalas and humans are the only animals that have fingerprints. • There are 200,000,000 insects for every one human. • It takes more calories to eat a piece of celery than the celery had in it to begin with. • The Octopus has three hearts. • The average person spends two weeks waiting for a traffic light to change. • 1 in 2,000,000,000 people will live to be 116 or older. • Most cats are left pawed. • More than 250 people have fallen off the Leaning Tower of Pisa. • A Blue whaleʼs tongue weighs more than an elephant. • Bamboo can grow up to 3 feet in 24 hours. • The average eyeball weighs about 1 ounce. • The Statue of Libertyʼs index finger is eight feet long. • A 75-year-old person will have slept about 23 years.
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By Debra Howell howy panicles of blooms in luscious colors, along with interesting bark and drought tolerance combine to make Crapemyrtle a smart choice for your Florida landscape.
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The Crapemyrtle is an excellent example of the necessity to apply the principle of Right plant-Right place. I can’t adequately stress the importance of doing your research before you buy this plant. Overlooking the research will probably result in a plant which you’ll be constantly pruning and possibly trimming in the wrong manner. In other words, if you wish to have a nice little specimen plant for a small front yard, you may want to use a dwarf cultivar such as Chickasaw, which will achieve a height of less than four feet in a five-year time span. Incidentally, Chickasaw has a nice mounded shape, is fairly disease resistant and blooms in pink lavender. Now if you want a Crapemyrtle in tree height, with white flowers, cinnamon brown bark and a vase-shaped form, then look for the Kiowa cultivar.
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Crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia) occur in the height classifications of Dwarf (less than four feet in five years), Semi-dwarf (Less than twelve feet in ten years), Intermediate (less than twenty feet in ten years) and Tree (greater than twenty feet after ten years). See how easy it is to avoid extensive pruning? Just choose the proper type! University of Florida IFAS Extension bulletin number ENH-52 is a real eye-opener, as it contains the specific data on 100 different cultivars of Crapemyrtle. Historically, Crapemyrtles have Asian origins, hailing from China, Japan and regions of Southeast Asia. Some types of these plants are harvested for timber in their own land. I’ve always thought the bark would be nice for woodworking purposes. Crapemyrtles were named by Carl Linnaeus for the director of the Swedish East Indies Company noted naturalist Magnus von Lagerstroem. With the exception of the Americas, most places globally refer to the Crapemyrtle as Lagerstroemia. As with all landscape plants, Crapmyrtles should be regularly watered during the first few weeks following planting, known as the establishment period. Following this period, they are extremely drought tolerant, and will let you know when they need a drink. To promote lush growth, you’ll need to water occasionally.
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They grow best in slightly acid soils of pH 5.0 to 6.5. Hardiness Zones are 7 to 10b. Available colors are white, pink, red, purple and lavender. I have a cultivar with white and pink flowers which reminds me of the cherry smashes we would buy at the pharmacy soda counter. Normally, Crapemyrtles need very little pruning if you’ve done your homework and selected the proper cultivar. For plants of a size still easily manageable, tip pruning may be all you need. I rarely even do this, because birds of the seed-eating variety enjoy the seeds. Severe pruning, or pruning into the hardwood is called “Crapemurder” and causes unsightly gnarly knots on the otherwise beautiful bark. I’ve included a photo of this ever-increasing phenomenon. A good rule of thumb for any plant is never cut off more than one-third of the plant in a pruning season. A good time to prune is while the plant is dormant, as the branch structure is visible at that time of year. Remember that the flowers are formed on new growth. Blooming season is May through fall. I have two Crapemyrtles which are mostly in shade, and they both get Powdery mildew, caused by a fungus. This appears as white powder on the leaves. It’s never bad, so I ignore it. However, I have a light lavender Crapemyrtle, which is apparently very attractive to Tinocallis kahawaluokalani. That’s right—it’s the dreaded Crapemyrtles aphid! This tiny yellow creature, not found on any other common plant, extracts sap by inserting mouthparts into soft tissue, most notably from the undersides of the leaves. When you begin to see black stuff on the leaves, you know you have aphid infestation. Aphids secrete a sugary “honeydew” substance, which promotes growth of a black fungus which may interfere with the plants photosynthesis. If you treat an affected Crapemyrtle with horticultural oil spray or insecticidal soap to control the aphids, these products will assist in removing the sooty mold. I have seen this mold so bad that it covered the ground beneath the plant. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Other issues which you probably won’t encounter are metallic flea beetle, Florida wax scale, mushroom root rot and Cercospora leaf spot. You may propagate Crapemyrtle from seed capsules which ripen in the fall. This is easy, and the seeds will readily germinate. But I’m just not that patient, so I’d buy one at your usual landscape center, where hopefully, you’ll find them tagged with all the pertinent information. You may also cultivate vegetatively with cuttings. Use hardwood cuttings while the plant is dormant, with root hormone to enhance the process. Present in the U.S. landscape from California to Florida, they’re so successful that I’ve seen them at abandoned homesteads and in the river swamp. Imported to the southern United States over 150 years ago, Crapemyrtle has become a staple of the water-conscious Florida yard. It’s drought tolerance, relative low maintenance, lush blossoms, striking bark and stately growth habit will make Crapemyrtle a stand out in your landscape. •
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Overbaugh
Brock previously lived in Central Florida and after ten years in Pennsylvania he and his family relocated back to Lakeland. He graduated with a degree in Geoenvironmental Science from Shippensburg University located in South Central Pennsylvania. Geoenvironmental Science involves the study of geology, soils, hydrology, groundwater, land use, and cartography/GIS. Brock has ten years of Commercial and Business lending experience working with clients in various industries from Agricultural, Industrial, and Professional industries.
FARM CREDIT
OF
CENTRAL FLORIDA HIRES
Brock Overbaugh
Brock and his wife, Lacy, have two daughters ages 4 and 6. He was a board member of the Carlisle YMCA and a former Rotarian. “I believe in the mission of Farm Credit and our agricultural community and look forward to utilizing my experience to serve them,” he said.
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Farm Credit of Central Florida, a Member-Owned agricultural lending cooperative created in 1916 serves 13 central Florida counties including, Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Pinellas, Pasco, Hillsborough, Polk, Orange, Osceola, Lake, Seminole, Volusia, and Brevard. Farm Credit assists growers, ranchers and farmers with funds for capital expenditures, operating capital, residential mortgages, as well as selling crop insurance. •
arm Credit of Central Florida President & CEO, Reggie Holt, announced the agricultural lending cooperative has hired Brock Overbaugh as a Relationship Manager in its Agribusiness Lending Group. “Brock has an impressive resume with more than a decade of commercial and business lending experience. We believe Brock will quickly ingratiate himself to our Member/Borrowers and prospective Members,” he said.
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Let the Learning Begin ROBERT SCOTT’S ROAD ENDS 4H CLUB By Ginny Mink
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obert Scott’s zeal for his 4H club resounds in all he says about them. The Road Ends 4H Club is obviously his pride and joy. Robert’s family has a history in agriculture as he explains, “Where I live actually is my parent’s place. I’ve been out there since about ’58. I’m 68 years old. I ended up with 65 acres of that property. Cattle is what he (Robert’s father) was into, of course I was brought up raising cattle and I let the kids show cattle. I’ve lived there since 1968 and at that time I was working for a phosphate company. I retired after 35 years from phosphate at Cargill. And then, before I retired is when a kid got me involved, wanted me to be a 4H leader. So I did. I’m going on my sixteenth year of being a 4H leader and we’ve just spread from there as far as the kids have got projects. We’ve had over 50 kids in our club.” Robert has a unique vision in regards to raising financial support for his group. He says, “We do fundraisers different from other clubs. I’ve encouraged the kids to work for the money. You don’t just go for a handout. We’ve done things like work for the Winter Haven Optimist Club unloading Christmas trees and getting them prepared for them to sell them. We actually went to North Carolina twice and picked up trees for them. They give us a donation every year because we work for them. I don’t want any money from a club or an organization unless the kids have done something to earn it. We park cars for the Red Hat ladies. The kids are going to enter the BBQ contest in Davenport on Labor Day.” As if that activity list isn’t enough, Robert goes on to illuminate some of the club’s other endeavors. “We’ve got a thing we do every October 13. I’m in the Lion’s club, too and we get 4H, ROTC and FFA to get their projects together and come entertain the old folks. It’s a barbeque type thing. They demonstrate their projects, which will be practice for them. We split the fundraiser between the Lion’s and our 4H club. I got a big ole tent and the kids present to the Lion’s members. Last year we had a dog agility and longbow. They bring their animals out and its all good practice for them, the more you do it, the better you get.” October is obviously a busy month for them because he continues, “On Halloween, our club has a haunted house we’ve been building ten or eleven years, in a semi-trailer. We do it for the City of Davenport and the kids basically scare the crap out of the people in the haunted house. That’s not a fundraiser, we’re just doing that for the city. We do presentations for the Chamber and the haunted house and they appreciate that and that’s how we get a donation.” W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Robert’s work-to-earn concept has served the club well. He tells of a time in which his members were in need of money to attend a national final. He explains, “These are kids that have shown my cattle and that have won in the different fairs that we carry them to. Once they’ve established themselves and have shown in all those different places, they qualify to go to a national final. One year, Mr. Bellotto had a lot of grove work that he needed. He put us to work. We came up with 454 hours and he paid us $5000 and everybody got to go to Texas, we won a lot of things and the kids really enjoyed it. Really makes you proud of the kids when they so something like that.” His club has done other work for Mr. Al Bellotto, such as putting up fence, repairing fence and working in the orange grove. When it comes to the types of projects his kids participate in, Robert says, “Several times our club had over 100 entries in the youth fair. They do chickens, hogs, horticulture, rabbits, cattle, horses. That’s whenever we had a huge club and that’s when it only cost $10 to enter, but now it’s $10 per entry. We’ve really done well. We’ve ended up with Grand Reserve cows and we’ve never won champion hog, but we had a Grand Reserve hog. We’ve been in the Parade of Champions every year at the youth fair. Anything the kids wanna do, we do it. And, what’s really good about it, I’ve had two kids that went through my club that are veterinarians and I’ve got one at ABAC that's going to be a veterinarian.” Pride exudes from every pore. In closing, he adds in a funny story, “I teach whip-poppin’. You gotta teach ‘em a couple little things and they’re gonna experiment and do their own thing. We put on a whip-poppin’ demonstration for Macy’s in Winter Haven, if you can believe that. We brought some cattle up to the parking lot. We had about 8 or 10 kids doin’ a whippoppin’ demonstration. I ended up trying to teach the manager to pop a whip and he ended up poppin’ his-self in the face!” He laughs. Apparently this was all on video, too. As the leader of Road Ends 4H Club, Robert’s kids came up with the clever slogan, “Where the road ends, the learning begins.” It would appear that Robert is teaching them a number of positive lessons, not the least of these being the value of hard work. •
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by Captain Woody Gore
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his little diatribe got me started when I was told I could no longer fish an area I’ve fished for over 50 years. The conversation between me and the governmental authority challenging my right to fish the area quickly became futile. So I pulled up anchor and left, grumbling to myself that it wasn’t right and what ever happened to my freedom and civil liberties as an American citizen and the right to fish, where and when, that I’ve enjoyed for so many years. So, here goes. Since the attacks on September 11, 2001 our government has adopted and repeatedly used the phrase "the war on terror" and supported and endorsed the Patriot Act, which, at best, is somewhat problematic because it was initiated during the aftermath of 9-11 when fear was at its highest. It was created with the impression that we are fighting against a “known enemy” instead of terrorism. During times of war, our government has a seemingly natural tendency to ignore the secured liberties of the Constitution (Bill of Rights). Our freedom, especially during times of conflict, should not be precluded by the endless loss of our personal and recreational liberties. Freedom was the very thing our country was founded on. I live in America, the land of the free and I’m not ready to cower down and live in fear of terrorism or surrender my personal freedoms in the interest of national security. While we can agree that America has a strong interest in national defense, it can also be said that Constitutional rights are not to be ignored for the sake of good intentions. Whenever legislation affecting our rights or civil liberties is enacted it
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must be looked at not only for its end, but also for its resources. The continued infringement on our personal and civil liberties can quickly become a way of life and certainly not one our forefathers would have agreed to. When such governmental legislation, regardless of its intentions, ignores and violates the long-standing fundamental principles of freedom, then our country has failed the test. Since September 11 we’ve seen an increasing number of security zones being put into place in the name of Homeland Security. These outdoor recreational, hunting, fishing and boating closures throughout the nation are restricting admission to the same areas we’ve had access to for many centuries. Governmental authorities must begin to rethink their level of responsibility and begin relaxing the restrictions on security zones. The responsibility for securing water entrance must revert to the operations of the ports or business that are now being secured by restricted water security zones. I don’t know of a security area that does not have guards patrolling its grounds and if they don’t have guards they certainly should be required to have them simply because of the sensitive nature of their operations. They should also be required to have security camera’s monitored from the security facilities. It’s not the general public’s businesses that are creating the security problems, so why are we being restricted and penalized from enjoying the areas we’ve enjoyed for so many years? Is the thinking of the governmental officials so shallow as to believe that a water
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security zone is going to stop someone from entering a facility from water landings? In actuality, the only thing it’s preventing is recreational anglers and boaters from enjoying areas they’ve enjoyed for centuries. As citizens, we need to voice our objections to present and continued closures and begin reestablishing our freedoms. We also need to challenge our governmental representatives, and when it comes to elections, find out how they stand on certain issues relating to your recreational freedoms. The majority of people spending time on or near the water generally understands what is normal and what is not and are well suited to notice suspicious activities. It’s also time for local anglers and boaters to become recognized as part of the security solution rather than identified and labeled as potential terrorist. It’s these people that ultimately increase the level of security. Who better than people fishing or boating to recognize when the behavior of visitors in and around an area is inconsistent with what usually takes place? Who better than the port worker or longshoreman to identify a suspicious individual loitering near a restricted area, video taping, photographing, or making sketches? Who better than a marina operator or dock master to recognize a customer or crew acting suspicious? “People are not suspicious”… it’s their behavior that is suspicious. Regardless of how many homeland security zones are in place we cannot be so naïve as to believe if a terrorist organization decides to invade an American coast, river, bridge, W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
tunnel, port, ship, military base, or waterside industry, that it’s not going to happen? The United States has more than 95,000 miles of shoreline, over 290,000 square miles of water. Given our current economic situations and continuous cutbacks on law enforcement personnel, why not take advantage of some of the 70 million recreational boaters in the United States to identify and report suspicious persons or behavior without taking away their recreational civil liberties and recreational freedoms. Whether you agree or not we must understand and challenge those we vote into office to explain their stand on the issues that concern each and every one of us. Our vote counts, but make certain you know who, what and where they stand on the issues that affect us all!.
LET’S GO FISHING! SNOOK – Action has been fair, but still closed. You’ll find plenty of large fish around bridges and passes, especially at night with free-lined baits like pinfish, greenbacks and jumbo shrimp. Fish the broken bottom grass flats and mangroves for some exciting action. Live bait or artificial lures should do the trick. MANGROVE SNAPPER – If you’re looking for some late summer fun, particularly for the youngsters, take them snapper fishing. Not only are these fish fun to catch, they are great eating. Small free-lined greenbacks or pieces of fresh shrimp around markers, bridges or rock piles, will usually result in a limit of fish. If the tides are strong add enough weight (1/4 – 3/8 oz), knocker rig to keep the bait down. Here’s a tip: Put them on ice immediately, this makes them much easier to clean because it gels the fat in their stomach – keeping it from sticking to your knife.
Matthew Snook
Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing 813-477-3817
Bobby Baker
Captain Woody Gore is the areas top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, and Bradenton for over fifty years; he offers world class fishing adventures and a lifetime of memories. Single or Multi-boat Group Charters are all the same. With years of organizational experience and access to the areas most experienced captains, Woody can arrange and coordinate any outing or tournament. Just tell him what you need and it’s done. Visit his website at: WWW.CAPTAINWOODYGORE.COM or send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814.
Pastor Eddie Williams
MACKEREL AND BLUE FISH - Tampa Bay is still be loaded with plenty of threadfins, so if you’re looking for awesome, light tackle action, Mac’s and Blue’s are excellent targets this month. Threadfins are everywhere, but look around marker cans, range markers or shallow reefs. Anchor up current, toss out a few baits for chum, throw to the striking fish and hang onto your rod and reel. REDFISH - Action will be steady with fish moving around the area. If they’re grouped up always approach carefully, you don’t want to split them, it’s often difficult to get them back together. When approaching fish, pole or slow troll to within casting distance, Power-Pole down and get off the bow, so as to present a low profile. Try to pick off fish at the outer edges, never cast into the middle of a school. Reds eat shrimp, greenbacks, pinfish and crabs. If they’re not looking for something natural remember cut bait always works. SPOTTED TROUT - Fishing is always productive around lush grass flats. It takes moving water to get them eating, but when they start… its fish-on. Popping corks with artificial DOA of Gulp Shrimp or live shrimp and greenbacks will produce a mess of trout. Deeper water rocky bottoms and some markers are producing some really nice catches of larger silver trout. COBIA - They are still hanging around the markers and can throughout the Bay if you’re interested in using a lot of fuel chasing around and checking things out.
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A MODERN TWIST
ON AN
Old Fashion Market By Libby Hopkins
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he Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market has been a part of Lakeland’s downtown community since the 1920s. The market got its name from customers who would pull up to the curb and the get produce they needed from the farmers selling it on the curb. Becky Abel, administrative assistant for the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority, wanted to keep the old traditions alive with the current curb market, but give it a new and more modern twist. “It’s an old fashion name for driving up to the curb and getting what you want and leaving, so it became the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market to pay respect to the memory of the original market,” Abel said. Many people who come to the market share their stories with Abel about how they used to come to the original market with their grandparents and she loves listening to each and every one of them. “We stayed at the original location of the market for the first two years,” Abel said. “Then in 2006 we moved to our current location of the plaza at the Curtis Peterson Building located at 200 North Kentucky Avenue.” The market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. from September to July. When the market starts its eighth season on September 1, it will no longer be on the curb, but in the street. The market has expanded into the street, from North Kentucky Avenue from the railroad tracks on the southern end, up to Trader’s Alley. North Kentucky Avenue will be closed to through traffic within that segment during market hours, but Pine Street will remain open. The Downtown Farmers Curb Market is a key component of a vibrant, diverse and exciting downtown. It is designed to serve and bring together all the elements of the community. It is a positive force in bringing people downtown to purchase fresh produce, plants and local handcrafted items. The 50-week Market is a showcase for the talents and the work of local artisans and local growers. “It’s more of an artisan market and we strive to have organic and higher quality items,” Abel said. “We are trying to attract more farmers who want to come and sell their produce at our market.”
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The market is a project of the Lakeland Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). The LDDA was established as an independent taxing district by the Special Act of the Legislature of the State of Florida in 1977. The Act was amended several times, expanding the LDDA’s powers and boundaries. The LDDA was formed to act as a catalyst that assists, recommends and participates in the rehabilitation of slum and blighted areas in downtown. “The underlying theme of the market is to keep it local,” Abel said. “We don’t have any vendors who buy, sell, or imports anything from China, they either grow their own food or make their own stuff.” Other business around the market love that it brings more traffic into their establishments as well, and they notice a decline in their sales during the month of August when the market is closed. Jim Luna is the market manager and he as been there since its beginning. “I started the market originally and it’s grown into a wonderful community market,” Luna said. “I hope it continues to grow and helps the community grow as well.” There is an average of 31 vendors at the market and they offer an array of items from plants to seafood. On any given Saturday, there can be live music or demonstrations to promote healthy living. One of the market’s biggest events is the Dr. Scissorhands Pumpkin Carving Exhibition in October. Local doctors carve pumpkins to auction off for local charities. During the Christmas holidays, the market sells poinsettias to help raise funds for the market to have events and live music. Abel said you have a true feeling of community when you come to the market because everyone knows each other. “We want to maintain the market and keep it local with local people,” Abel said. “Nowadays, a farmers market is a must in any city and ours is always evolving and turning into something better.” For more information on the market or if you would like to become a vendor at the market, you can visit their website at www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org. You can also call the market manager at 863-221-4633.
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Working Together to Keep Crime Down For 40 Years By Sheriff Grady Judd robbery, aggravated assault and battery. Nonviolent crimes include burglary, larceny and motor vehicle thefts.)
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reat news! Crime in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office primary law enforcement response area1 is down 8.48% in the first six months of 2012 compared to the first six months of 2011. Part of that reduction is due to violent crimes decreasing 17.1%. According to the Uniform Crime Report (UCR) statistics, as reported semi-annually and annually to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), there were 455 fewer crimes overall in the first six months of 2012 than in the first six months of 2011 in the Sheriff’s Office primary jurisdiction. There were 4,912 crimes in the first half of 2012, as compared to 5,367 crimes in the first half of 2011. Compared to two years ago (2010), crime in the first six months of 2012 is down 12%. According to the UCR comparison, the number of non-violent crimes in 2011 went down 337 crimes from 4,677 crimes to 4,340 crimes, a reduction of 7.2%. Violent crimes went down 118 crimes from 690 crimes to 572 crimes— a reduction of 17.1%. (Violent crimes include: homicide, forced sex offenses,
It is very clear to us that our partnerships with the community and our innovative crime fighting and crime prevention tactics work, because crime in our jurisdiction – unincorporated Polk County -- continues to decline. In fact, since 1972, the crime rate in Polk County has steadily declined, thanks in part to these key partnerships. We use annual (not semi-annual) crime statistics to get the current crime rate. The most recent crime rate, which is the number of crimes per 100 residents, is down 9.1% from 2010 (2.97) to 2011 (2.70). This is the lowest crime rate ever measured in the Polk County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, breaking the alltime record low of 2.97 crimes per 100 comparing 2010 to 2009. Reliable crime statistics in Polk County started in 1971, when the crime rate was recorded at 4.16 crimes per 100. Since 1997, the crime rate in Polk County has fallen by 59.5%. The state of Florida is also seeing record reductions in crime as a direct result of laws that hold criminals accountable and proactive police work. Before truth-in-sentencing legislation was passed years ago requiring manda-
tory minimum sentencing — forcing inmates to serve at least 85 percent of their sentences — crime rates in our Florida communities were at an all-time high. By keeping criminals in jail, we are keeping crime down. We must all work together to keep our communities safe — this includes Florida's legislators.. •
Polk County Sheriffʼs Office Jurisdiction Crime Comparison:
Polk County Crime Facts: The crime rate is down 9.1% in PCSO jurisdictions. Polkʼs crime rate is 34% less than the state-wide crime rate & the violent crime rate is 41% less than the state-wide violent crime rate.
Captain Ray Changes Uniforms
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he Polk County Sheriff’s Office is bidding a fond farewell to a 25-year veteran of the agency, Captain K. Andy Ray. Captain Ray is retiring from PCSO and has been hired as the Auburndale Police Department’s new Deputy Chief of Police.
Captain Ray receiving his retirement plaque at his retirement party on August 22, 2012
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Captain Ray was hired as a deputy sheriff in 1987 at the young age of 22, and quickly moved up through the ranks, being promoted to Sergeant in 1991 and Lieutenant in 1996. Captain Ray became the PCSO resident “traffic expert,”
successfully supervising the traffic unit (which he helped establish) for over half of his career. He was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2003, and his most recent assignment was commander of the Bureau of Support Operations – overseeing the Aviation Unit, Marine Unit, Environmental Unit, Traffic Unit, School Resource Unit, School Crossing Unit, Honor Guard, and Animal Control.
Congratulations and good luck to Captain Andy Ray!
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Clark
Cox
Hurst
Lee
Whittle
Florida FFA Hall of Fame to Induct Five in 2012 The Florida FFA is pleased to announce the 2012 FFA Hall of Fame Inductees. The 2012 inductees are Harold Ray Clark, Alfred Rankin Cox, Jr. (deceased), Donald Charles Hurst (deceased), Gary Doyle Lee and Winton Oziel Whittle. “Florida FFA owes an immense debt of gratitude to these outstanding leaders,” said Adam Putnam, Commissioner of Agriculture. “Their dedicated service in agriculture education helped make FFA the outstanding student organization recognized throughout the State.” Bill Hamm, President of the Florida FFA Foundation Board of Directors states “these individuals are to be highly commended for their years of service and dedication to the enhancement of agricultural education and FFA.” Harold “Ray” Clark of Lakeland spent his entire professional career as an agriculture teacher at Plant City High School in Hillsborough County before retiring in 2008. Clark received honorary FFA degrees at both the state and national levels. More than 30 of his former students have become agriculture teachers. His FFA members won state competitions in six different career development areas, and 21 of his students served as state or national FFA officers. Clark continues to be an active supporter of agricultural education and FFA. Alfred Rankin “A. R.” Cox, Jr. earned his B.S. degree from the University of Florida in 1937. After teaching agriculture at Summerfield-Weirsdale and Reddick, Cox served as the Florida FFA Executive Secretary from 1949 until he retired in 1965. Under his guidance and leadership Florida FFA members became much more active in national level FFA programs and events. In 1955 Cox was instrumental in organizing the state FFA officer Goodwill Tour, which continues to provide the new state FFA officer team each year with a firsthand look at Florida’s agriculture. He passed away in 2005. Donald Charles Hurst graduated from Lafayette County High School in 1944 and received his B.S. degree in agriculture from UF in 1949. Hurst spent most of his teaching career at Bell High School, where he taught agriculture for 18 years. He then served as vocational director for Gilchrist and Levy counties until his retirement in 1985. Also serving as a guidance counselor while teaching, Hurst made a positive difference in the lives of literally
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hundreds of students as they went on to enjoy successful professional careers. He passed away in July 2012. Gary Doyle Lee was an agriculture teacher and coordinator of career and technical education in Polk and Highlands counties for 33 years before retiring in 2006. He also served as a consultant for the Florida Department of Education for three years before moving from Polk to Highlands County in 1978. In addition to his direct influence on youth through his teaching, Lee has provided outstanding leadership to the FFA alumni organization at the local and state levels. He received the National FFA Alumni Achievement Award and Legion of Merit Award. Lee has continued to serve as a part-time teacher and resource for agriculture teachers in Highlands County since his retirement. Winton Oziel “W. O.” Whittle was both an agriculture teacher (6 years) and County Extension agent (6 years) before spending a majority of his professional career as Chief of the Bureau of State Markets for the Florida Department of Agriculture. Whittle’s efforts have had a positive influence on many 4-H and FFA members and agriculture producers in the state. He received citations for meritorious service from USDA and the Florida Department of Agriculture and has also been very active in community service organizations throughout his life. Whittle retired in 1985 and lives in Quincy, FL. The recipients will be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame during the sixth annual awards celebration held Monday, October 1, 2012 at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City. The Florida FFA Hall of Fame began in 2007 to pay tribute to those outstanding individuals who have helped make the Florida FFA Association the premier youth leadership organization in the state. Because of the support of these individuals, Florida FFA has become home to more than 16,000 FFA members in more than 300 FFA chapters across the state. FFA members are engaged in a wide range of agricultural education activities, leading to more than 300 professional career opportunities in the agricultural industry. If you have questions or need further information, contact Gary Bartley at 863-439-7332 x 6321 or ggbartley@hotmail.com
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Internet Gardening
By Libby Hopkins
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owadays, more and more people at realizing that sustainability is an important factor in our lives. People have different reasons for wanting to live a sustainable lifestyle, some do it because of the economy, others do it because they want to become healthier and eat more organic foods. Whatever the reason may be, sustainability is a necessity. Today, we are beginning to learn that environmental resources are limited and are getting quite sensitive to everything that we do. We are starting to experience the effects of the actions of generations that came before us. To make sure that future generations will not experience worse, we need to be aware of the ideals and the requirements of sustainability. As we become aware, we need to put what we learn into action because that is the only way we can allow nature to catch up with us. Patty McGauley realized the need for sustainability about six years ago. Even though she was in her 80s, she still saw the need to improve the way we produce our food. She started a gardening club called The Barefoot Gardener Club. The unique thing about this club was that McGauley started it online. The Barefoot Gardener is an organic and permaculture volunteer gardening group centered in Lakeland, and it includes Tampa on the West and past Orlando on the East. It was established for those in Central Florida who want to learn how to grow their own fresh seasonal produce and raise their own animals humanely using organic practices, permaculture and biodynamics. The group also want to give others information on where their products can be obtained. Peggy Campbell is the moderator for the group and has taken over for McGauley since her passing a few years ago. “She formed the club from an idea she had to have a traditional gardening club but using the Internet as a way to share the information,” Campbell said. “ I had heard about it from a friend and I wanted to get back into organic gardening and I was into being barefooted, so I thought it would be cool to join.” The club has 472 members and they all offer different classes, workshops, tours, field trips and conferences throughout the year. They just share their information on the clubs website or Facebook page so all the members can stay in constant contact with one another. It’s gardening in cyber space. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Campbell likes the idea of an online club. “I had been involved with many other organizations over the years and I really didn’t want to have to deal with keeping track of member lists or paying dues on time,” Campbell said. “ I really liked the idea of it being a little less formal.” The club does strive to keep their members local. They don’t want people from other states or even other countries to join. They want to put money back into the local economy. Most of the members take the extra produce they grow and sell it at local famer’s markets. Campbell and her husband, Jeff or “Scotty” as he goes by, have their own farm called “Barefoot Creek/Scotty’s Produce.” It’s located in Lakeland, and they take the extra produce they grow to the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market to sell. Scotty also teaches various gardening classes at their farm. The couple is working towards producing everything on their farm that they need to survive. “Our goal is to eventually never have to go to a store at all to get food,” Campbell said. “We want to sustain ourselves from our own property and right around our neighborhood.” Campbell knows for this to happen, it would mean a radical lifestyle change, but she is convinced it could possibly happen one day. She feels that with all the information the garden clubs shares with one another about how to live a more sustainable lifestyle, her goal may happen sooner than later. “It is wonderful having all these other people at various stages of the same kind of thinking to help support you and to inspire you to keep going,” Campbell said. For more information on The Barefoot Gardener Club or if you are interested in joining the club, you can visit them on the web at www.thebarefootgardener.org or you can contact Campbell at 863-904-8620. For more information about the Lakeland Downtown Farmer’s Curb Market, you can visit their website at www.downtownfarmerscurbmarket.org.
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AL BERRY’S
mustard and catsup. Their special soup of the day on Friday is “Whiskey.” When we take a long road trip Patsy likes to stop at Cracker Barrel, especially in December. She does most of her Christmas shopping there. The only thing I have ever bought in their gift shop is chocolate covered almonds and a harmonica. The food is pretty good, and I enjoy the little triangle golf tee game. The object of the game is to finish with the fewest tees possible, and it gives you an equivalent intelligence to your score. I frequently score “eg-no-ramoose” which is probably right because I spend way too much time trying to score higher than an “eg-no-ramoose.”
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ecently I took Patsy, my wife, out for dinner. We went through the same thing most all couples that have been married a while go through. That is, “Where would you like to go?” “Oh, I don’t care, where would you like to eat?” “How about Chinese?” “Ugh”, she replied! “Would the Longhorn Steakhouse work?” “We ate there last week!” I decided to take the matter into my own hands, and drove straight to a Mexican restaurant in Brandon. BIG MISTAKE! When we opened the menu much to our surprise they had at least 50 items to choose from. I speak a little Spanish, and could pick out a couple of items. Patsy went through two glasses of tea before she made up her mind. When her food arrived she asked if that was what she ordered. I said, “How would I know, I was taking a nap when you placed your order.” Why do restaurants have such big menus? It’s hard enough to make up your mind
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where you want to eat, then comes the challenge of surfing through the menu. Why not four entrees, five salads and a dish of ice cream for dessert. Life is stressful enough without restaurants compounding the problem. Why not have a menu that reads, buy one hotdog for the price of two and get one free. Put a little humor into dining out. Then there’s the Olive Garden, whose food is about as Italian as Burger King. I know why they dish out unlimited bread sticks and salad before you get your meal. A manager told me that most people eat so much that they don’t order the main meal, and that saves them a lot of overhead. McDonald’s has a different menu in all the different countries around the world. In the Phillippines they serve “McRice Burgers” with beef and chicken on a sticky rice patty. In Hawaii try a Hula Burger featuring pineapple instead of hamburger. At the Road Kill Grill in Mississippi try one of their “Coronary Bypass” burgers made with a one pound sirloin patty, a fried egg, three slices of cheese, four slices of bacon with a topping of mayonnaise,
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I am not much on fast foods, but I must admit that Wendy’s has the best French fries around. My friend George Banning owns a number of the Wendy’s franchises in Polk County, and says business has been good. I went through the drive-thru at Wendy’s on Jim Redman Parkway in Plant City the other day, and spoke with a real southern drawl. “I want one of them thar chittlin’ sandwiches with lots of catsup and mustard, and a glass of diet water. Be sure to toast the bun too,” I said. There was dead silence! “Scuse me, sir but we don’t serve that kind of sandwich,” as she leaned out the window to see what kook was placing the order. We both had a laugh, and I got my order and moved on. I recall going on a fishing trip with Ercelle Smith and Ron Wetherington and stopping in at a small country restaurant in Marion County. One of the customers was bothering the waiter. He asked that the air condition be turned down because it was too hot. After a few minutes he asked him to turn it up because he was too cold. This happened several times while we were eating. To my surprise the waiter was very patient. He politely walked back and forth and never got angry. A customer sitting next to our table asked the waiter why he didn’t he throw the guy out. “Oh, I really didn’t care,” said the waiter with a broad grin on his face. “We don’t have an air conditioner.” Years ago I asked a waitress what was the funniest thing that had ever happened to her since she started in the food business. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
She said, “I started out working the car service window at a fastfood restaurant. This lady drives up and I said through the intercom, ‘may I take your order.’ She replied, “hamburger, cheeseburger, double cheeseburger, deluxe burger, small and large roast beef, turkey club, chicken sandwich, regular fries, large fries, apple pie, chocolate shake, vanilla shake, strawberry shake, Coke, Diet Coke, 7-Up and orange soda.” I asked her to drive up to the window. I immediately gave her the bill. She was stunned. “But I haven’t ordered yet,” she said. “I was reading the menu to my little girl.” In closing, the waitress took a customer’s order and was walking to the kitchen when she realized she had forgotten something. She turned around and hollered, “You wanna roll with your dinner?” “No thanks,” the customer replied. “I’ll just sit here and eat it.” •
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t’s been an exciting summer and I have many adventures to share with you. Our State Officer Team was given the opportunity to visit the state of Iowa and study the pork industry. While there, my team and I were able to go on industry tours and learn all about agriculture in the Midwest. We learned about the very early stages of how they plant the corn through the final harvest phases. Some of the fields were thriving while others were struggling to survive due to lack of rain. This reminded us of just how blessed we are back home in Florida to be getting rain almost every afternoon. While in Iowa we also got to visit some swine operations. Several on our Officer Team had raised hogs back home for our local and state fairs, but after this tour we had a much better understanding of the whole process. We had the chance to see hogs from the cute piglets being born right through the final phases at the packing plant. When we came back to Florida we had a much better perspective of the pork industry and were so thankful for this this opportunity and experience. The next adventure was right back here at home in Florida at the FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City. We are so fortunate to have this beautiful facility provided to us! Among the greatest opportunities provided to our State Officer Team is the chance to interface directly with the chapter members and to help impact the future leadership of this great organization. I participated in Florida Outdoor Adventures (FOA) on August 15, 2012 along with several of my team members. We got to interact with the members on a personal level, talk with them about all that the New Year will hold and share with them the excitement of all that is to come. Last week my team had the privilege to go and serve at the Florida Citrus Expo in Fort Myers, Florida. During this week we were allowed the opportunity to learn about the citrus industry that has had such a tremendous impact on our state for so many years. We got to meet many of the people who work behind the scenes to benefit our state in so many diverse ways through the citrus industry. This was a very hands on, interactive learning experience and left me with a greater appreciation of all that the citrus industry does for the state of Florida. We finished up the summer with attending and participating at the Alumni Retreat at the LTC in Haines City. This was a great time remembering all that has been accomplished, recognizing the alumni members that work behind the scenes to keep our organization running, and sharing the excitement of the year that is to come! Our alumni truly exemplify the meaning of "support". No matter the challenges that may come, we have the comfort of knowing that our awesome alumni are always in our corner and cheering us on. I want to leave you with this inspirational quote from Albert Einstein, “There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” I would encourage you to live in the moment and enjoy all of Gods blessings, large and small. As we see all of those who benefit us and support our great agricultural industry, let us never take for granted anything that they do for us. Let us always remember to use the words “thank you” and understand that they can never be over used or underestimated. Sincerely,
Katie Hutchinson Area IV State Vice President 26
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*** All Items Are 8 lbs. Unless Otherwise Noted.*** Foodhooks.........................................$22 Baby Butter Beans ............................$14 Green Beans.......................................$14 Pole Beans .........................................$14 Speckled Butter Beans.....................$14 Blackeye Peas....................................$14 Butter Peas ........................................$14 Conk Peas .........................................$22 Crowder Peas ....................................$14 Pinkeye Peas......................................$14 White Acre Peas................................$14 Sugar Snap Peas ...............................$15 Zipper Peas........................................$14 Green Peas .........................................$14
GEORGIA PECANS HALVES 1 lb bag . . . . . . . . . . $10 2.5 lbs bag . . . . . . . $25 5 lbs bag . . . . . . . . . $49 10 lbs bag . . . . . . . . $97
White Corn .........................................$13 Yellow Corn ........................................$13 Cream White Corn 4#........................$6 Cream Yellow Corn 4#.......................$6 Collard Greens ...................................$13 Mustard Greens..................................$13 Turnip Greens ....................................$13
Spinach ...............................................$13 Cut Okra .............................................$13 Breaded Okra.....................................$13 Whole Okra ........................................$13 Sliced Yellow Squash........................$13 Sliced Zucchini ..................................$13 Brussel Sprouts..................................$13 Baby Carrots ......................................$13 Broccoli...............................................$13 Cauliflower .........................................$13 Mixed Vegetables..............................$13 Soup Blend.........................................$13 Blueberries 5# ...................................$15 Blackberries 5# .................................$15 Dark Sweet Cherries 5# ...................$18 Mango Chunks 5# .............................$15 Pineapple Chunks 5#........................$15 Whole Strawberries 5# ....................$15 Rhubarb 5# ........................................$13 Peaches...............................................$15 Green Peanuts ...................................$15
WALK-INS WELCOME Call – or go on-line to place your order today and we’ll have it ready for you to pick up!
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By Libby Hopkins
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il Daigneau is known as “Farmer Gil” to many people in Lakeland. He is rarely seen without a big smile on his face or his trademark cowboy hat and bandana. Daigneau is the owner of Go Natural Organics, which is a community supported agriculture (CSA) establishment. CSAs have become very popular over the last 20 years because they are a way for local residents to buy local seasonal food directly from a farmer. It’s a simple enough idea, but its impact has been amazing because it’s a great way to support local farmers. Daigneau runs his business as a Co-Op of sorts. A farm membership will require a $100 deposit which will becomes a credit balance. Initially, you will be able to pick $10 to $20 (or reasonable amount) of vegetables per week until you use up your credit balance. At that point you have the option to join again. In essence, with your deposit, Diagneau plants the crop for you. Families or individuals become farm members and come to the farm to pick the crops on a regular basis. This allows the farmer to concentrate his labor on growing the crop. “Actually, in agriculture, most of the labor is involved in the picking of the crop,” Daigneau said with a flash of his famous big smile. Since visiting the farm
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and picking the crops are the focused enjoyment for the farm members, Diagneau values the relationships he has formed with his customers. His member range in age from toddlers to 92-years-old and Daigneau knows them all personally. He is at his farm everyday from sun up to sun down and wouldn’t have it any other way. Daigneau started his business 17 years ago after he sold the computer business he had in Winter Park. He leased a small plot of land just off of Edgewood Drive in Lakeland. He used the knowledge he had from his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Florida. Although, his vegetables are not certified organic, he does not use pesticides and fungicides to treat his crops, just neem oil, a natural, medicinal cure all that repels damaging insects. He stands firm on his belief that pesticides and toxins are making people develop various forms of cancer. “Cancer has made a devastating invasion in my direct family,” Daigneau said, “My mother survived breast cancer and a radical mastectomy but my dad was taken by a brain tumor, about the worst possible way to die”
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He was born in Texas but moved to Lake Placid. When he was about 9-years-old, his father was hired as a bookkeeper and accountant for the Archbold Biological Station. For the next few years, Daigneau was influenced by the work being done at the facility. He became interested in science, specifically entymology. He graduated from high school and went to Mexico to work as a research assistant for the Australian Department of Agriculture. “During that trip, I did some soul searching on what I wanted to do with my life,” Daigneau said. “I knew I wanted to be outside and working with the environment.” He is an advocate for all food production to be done in the United States. “Let's bring it back home,” Daigneau said. “I feel it is our responsibility to demand that our government represents our best interests and that certainly starts with the staples of our lives.” He believes our food must be produced in this country and preferably on a local basis. “Each year nine million shipments of food products enter the United States and about 20,000 are actually inspected,” Daigneau said.
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Cheyenne... She’s A Natural
He has done a variety of thing in his life and he will tell you he’s had some incredible experiences as well, but his passion is farming. Rain or shine, hot or cold, Daigneau is at his farm in his cowboy hat and bandana. “I’m never going to quit doing this,” Daigneau said. “I’m going to do this until I can’t walk because this isn’t a job for me, it’s my passion.” For more information on Go Natural Organics, you can visit Daigneau’s website www.gonaturalorganicsinc.com or call 863-272-0740. The farm is located at 2035 Edgewood Drive South in Lakeland and is open from 6 a.m-8 p.m. seven days a week.
heyenne Roberts is a junior at Tenoroc High School and is very active in Tenoroc FFA. She currently serves at the FFA Vice President and is an important part of the Tenoroc High School Agriculture Department. In fact, Cheyenne was a chapter senator and officer in her ninth and tenth grade years.
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Cheyenne has participated in many Career Development Events in the two years she’s been a Tenoroc FFA member. Some of those CDEs include Forestry, Opening and Closing Ceremonies, Parliamentary Procedure, Livestock Evaluation, Rabbit Judging, Creed Speaking, Ornamental Horticulture Demonstrations, and the County Greenhand Contest. Cheyenne isn’t afraid to try new contests and always does her best. She even participated in the Chili Cook-Off at the Polk County Youth Fair last year. Cheyenne has received her Greenhand and Chapter Degrees, including the Star Chapter Farmer Degree in tenth grade. She plans on earning her State FFA Degree, the highest degree achieved at the state level, at the State FFA Convention next year. Cheyenne has attended the Chapter Officer Leadership Training, University of Florida’s Livestock Judging Clinic, FFA Day, Forestry Camp, Florida Leadership Adventures, Florida FFA State Convention, National FFA Convention, and Tenoroc FFA’s Officer Retreat. She plans to represent Tenoroc FFA at the Chapter President’s Conference in Daytona Beach this year. Cheyenne has also represented Tenoroc High School by attending HOBY, a nationally recognized leadership conference this past summer. Cheyenne is great at encouraging other members to be leaders by teaching them leadership skills she has learned through FFA and HOBY. She has hosted Tenoroc FFA’s Leadership Day and is an integral part of the chapter’s Farm Fair. Cheyenne’s Supervised Agricultural Experience includes market hogs and cattle. Community service is important to Cheyenne. She volunteers at her church and various ways through FFA. Cheyenne has participated in Wreaths Across America, Farm Fair, Ag Literacy Day, Agri-Fest, and countless FFA BBQs and car washes. She uses every opportunity available to serve others. Tenoroc FFA wouldn’t be the same without Cheyenne. She lives in Polk City with her proud mother, Erin Roberts. •
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Naturally Amazing Activities This wasp trap is similar to the flea trap activity we published in 2009. It uses simple bait and an oil mixture to trap the insect. No toxins are needed and it is not likely to affect other insects in the capacity that it is expected to affect the Yellow Jacket.
Wasp Trap By Sean Green Those of you that consistently follow my insect series “A Closer Look” will probably attest that I am pretty passionate about ecology and its natural balance. Every insect has a very specific role in our ecosystem and none can be eliminated without consequence. Wasps are no exception. They serve an important role in our ecology as predators of crop pests, food sources for birds and other animals, and secondary pollinators. Even in my passion for ecologic balance, I acknowledge the occasional necessity to eliminate insects when they become a threat to human safety. I for one am allergic to bee stings and it would be in my best interest to avoid a nest in the wild and eliminate a nest that prevents me from entering my home without a defensive reaction from the nest. I do not condone eliminating insects based solely on fear, understanding the insect will remedy the fear. If wasps present a physical danger to you, your family, or even a neighbor, this activity is for you.
Materials Needed: • • • • •
Bowl or Dish Water Vegetable Oil Wooden disposable Skewer Meat (Ham, Turkey, Bacon)
Skewer the meat and lay the skewer across the edge of the bowl centering the meat over the bowl. Fill the bowl with water so the water level is ¼ to ½ inch from touching the meat. Add just enough vegetable oil to cover the surface of the water. The meat will attract the wasps and the water and oil mixture will trap them in much the same way the flea trap worked. Dump the oil and repeat these steps when the trap gets too full of wasps to trap more. •
For Sale
2003 White Astro Chevy Van/Cargo
A/C, Automatic, AM/FM Radio. $3,200 Please call Karen 813-759-6909. 30
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GIVING WILDLIFE
A
HELPING HAND
By Libby Hopkins
T
hey say the earth is a great big orphanage for most animals. If that statement is true, then Joan Waters of Woodland Wonders in Auburndale is the nurse of the orphanage. The truth is, Waters is an RN and throughout her career she has been helping all kinds of animals. “I was being asked by neighbors, ‘You’re a nurse, can you help?’ and because I love animals, I became very interested in helping wildlife,” Waters said. Her first patients were domestic animals such as dogs and cats. She would give the animals immediate first aid and then refer them to a local veterinarian. As word spread, her patients then became songbirds, fawns, squirrels and foxes. Each time a new patient arrived at her doorstep, she heard the same statement, “You’re a nurse, can you help?” This went on for a year when she decided to get the proper permits to open Woodland Wonders. She built enclosures to create a wildlife care facility. “We have 14 walk-in enclosures, a flight cage and a bird and mammal room,” Waters said. “We have established a rescue and release program with patients such as bald eagles and all other birds of prey.” Their expertise is rehabbing eagles and other birds of prey. The mission of the non-profit organization is to provide care and treatment for injured, ill and orphaned wildlife. The focus is on the rehabilitation of wild animals for the successful release to their natural habitat, also education will promote and enhance peaceful coexistence, respect and preservation. They hold state and federal permits and endorse professional standards of the Florida Rehabilitation Association, National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and the International Wildlife Council. They are not equipped to handle some forms of wildlife, such as alligators or wild boars, but they have treated approximately 300 plus animals a year. One of those animals, which stole Water’s heart, was an orphaned baby otter she called “Molly.” She came to Waters when she was just two days old and against all odds, she thrived in Water’s care. She first had to teach the otter to swim and then to hunt for food. She did this in the bathtub at her home. “A bathtub is not the most professional thing to use to raise an otter, but it worked well,” Waters said. Since she had Molly for such a long time, she became imprinted, which means she could not be released back into the wild, so she was transferred to a wildlife sanctuary. “It’s the belief of vets and otter experts that an otter acquired so young doesn’t do well in the wild,” Waters said. “Molly captured my heart and will be forever in my heart and memory.”
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Woodland Wonders has ongoing community education programs as well. “We do a lot of community education programs which I dearly love doing,” Waters said. “We are an all volunteer effort and we get out in the public to teach how to identify wildlife and how to temporarily care for wildlife until they can get professional help.” They also offer information on the conservation of wildlife. Woodland Wonders had the opportunity to be a part of the memorial service for Ken Morrison in April of 2011. Morrison was the director of Bok Tower and a giant in the Audubon community in Florida. They released an eagle at the Ken Morrison Celebration of Life service that was held at Bok Tower. The organization gets no funding from the state and survives completely on donations. Their rescue area covers all of Polk County. “We try to stay within Polk County and we try to answer all our calls as they come in,” Waters said. “If we can’t get to them right away, we offer advice as to how to care for the animal until we can get there to help them.” The organization also helps with domestic animals that have been abandoned in the wild by their previous owners. Waters said that since the economy has gotten so bad, pet abandonment is on the rise, especially with iguanas. “We will not accept anymore iguanas because I can’t find anyone who will take them or find them a home,” Waters said. For more information on Woodland Wonders, you can visit their website at www.woodlandwonders.org. If you have a question about wildlife or need help with an animal, you can contact the organization at 863-967-3298. If you would like to make a donation to Woodland Wonders you can mail the donation to 2210 Betty Ann Drive, Auburndale, Fl. 33823.
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nother year has passed and In The Field’s Polk County
A
edition is celebrating. For six years we have been covering
what is growing in Polk County and we are starting our
seventh year. Thanks to our advertisers, farmers, ranchers, readers, family and friends we are celebrating another year of success. The relationships that started in 2006 with this edition are only getting stronger and we are looking forward to strengthening them even further as we continue to bring you articles that show the faces of agriculture.
In this day and age when it is tough for small business to succeed, we believe strong work ethic and integrity will keep the publication shining and bring many more years of success as we serve our advertisers and readers, bringing a publication that is sought throughout Polk County. We are passionate and dedicated to agriculture and committed to continuing the coverage, introducing our readers to the faces behind their meals. The food you purchased for your daily nutrition didn’t just miraculously appear in your grocer’s shelves or in the bins at your local farmers market. It appeared in these places after your farmers and ranchers put in the blood, sweat and tears to produce the safest most abundant food supply available. We also celebrate a multi-year endorsement from the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting the cattlemen and youth of Polk County. Charles Clark, president of the Polk County Cattlemen’s Association, said, “During Ned Waters tenure as President of the Polk County Cattlemen's 34
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Association, Ned brought forth a proposal during one of our Directors' meetings, for PCCA to partner with “In The Field Magazine.” After a short discussion, a unanimous decision by the board set us down a trail that has been very beneficial to our organization. While the magazine covers all facets of agriculture from production to processing to food preparation, it has given us a way each month to reach out to a broad audience. In this fast moving world with new rules, new technologies and new problems constantly coming forth, it lets us get information out to our members as well as give our non farm citizens and politicians a look into our industry. Karen Berry and Sarah Holt, along with their staff of writers and photographers, attend our dinner meetings and other functions and do an outstanding job of helping us get our story to the public.” As we embark on our seventh year, we are looking forward and its an exciting view. The future is bright for In The Field. We enjoy those we have come to know in the agriculture industry in Polk County. We have made many friends and look forward to many more. • W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
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Keith D. Mixon APPOINTED TO FARM CREDIT OF
CENTRAL FLORIDA BOARD
OF
DIRECTORS
utes blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries for various independent growers located in North and Latin America.
F
arm Credit of Central Florida Chairman of the Board, David J. Stanford, announced Keith D. Mixon, of Winter Haven has been appointed to the cooperative’s Board of Directors to fill an open seat effective until the next Director election in April of 2013. “Keith’s blend of youthful enthusiasm and innovative spirit will greatly augment the existing expertise already on our board,” said Stanford Mixon serves as President of Dole Berry Company, LLC. Dole is a subsidiary of Dole Foods and is the second largest grower and distributor of fresh berries to the wholesale and food service markets in North America. Dole packages and distrib-
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Dole Berry Company was formed in the fourth quarter of 2011 as a result of its acquisition of SunnyRidge Farms. SunnyRidge was a family business owned and operated since 1993 by Keith and his siblings. Keith served as President and CEO from 2004 until the Dole acquisition in 2011. Established by Keith’s father, Gerald, who was recently inducted into the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame, SunnyRidge sales skyrocketed under the younger Mixon’s guidance from 65 to 200 million pounds. “Farm Credit of Central Florida Members will benefit greatly from having a proven, highly successful, executive with vast knowledge of the berry industry on our board,” said Farm Credit of Central Florida President & CEO, Reggie Holt. Keith Mixon, who also owns and operates a beef cattle ranch in Winter Haven, earned his Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of
SEPTEMBER 2012
Technology and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Previously, he was Vice President and General Manager of Haines City Electric, Inc., a turnkey electrical engineering, manufacturing, and construction company focused primarily on the phosphate industry. Farm Credit of Central Florida is a Member-owned agricultural lending cooperative providing funds for agricultural operations, residential mortgages, as well as selling crop insurance. The association serves 13 central Florida counties including, Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Sumter, Volusia and Brevard. It has outstanding loan volume exceeding $800 million serving almost 1,100 Member/Borrowers. Farm Credit of Central Florida is part of the nationwide Farm Credit System created in 1916 to provide a stable, reliable source of credit to America’s ranchers, farmers, and growers. The Farm Credit System celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2011. •
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By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science
T
he tomatillo, or “small tomato” in Spanish, is an essential ingredient in salsas and mole sauces. Somewhat different than tomatoes, tomatillos are higher in both sugar and acid and have a tart-sweet, bright flavor. The interior is densely packed with seeds and the exterior of the fruit (botanically a fruit, though often thought of as a vegetable) is wrapped in a papery husk that resembles a lantern. A member of the nightshade family, along with potatoes, eggplant, and peppers, the tomatillo varies in size from a cherry tomato to a golf ball. Other names for this fruit are husk tomatoes, Mexican green tomatoes, jamberberries, and strawberry tomatoes. An important crop in Mexico and Central America, the tomatillo grows well throughout Florida in the fall and winter months. They turn from green to yellow when fully ripe, but are usually eaten while still green.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE The tomatillo packs plenty of nutrition in a small package! It’s a good source of copper, iron, phosphorous, manganese, and other minerals. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, a 100g portion of chopped tomatillo contains 32 calories, 0.96 g of protein, 1.02 g of fat, 5.84 g of carbohydrate, and 1.9 g of fiber. It also provides 30% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for Vitamin A, 38% for Vitamin C, 18% for Vitamin K, 12% for potassium, and 7.9% for dietary fiber. Tomatillos are a fantastic source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, niacin, and manganese. ANTIOXIDANTS FOR OVERALL HEALTH Tomatillos are high in antioxidants. 38
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Withanolides, one type of antioxidants, have properties that fight bacteria and cancer. Other antioxidants found in tomatillos are flavonoids, which contribute to good vision, healthy skin, and protection from some types of cancers. While tomatillos have more minerals by weight than tomatoes, they don’t contain lycopene like their larger cousins. Tomatillos are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. These potent antioxidant vitamins travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and increase inflammation. Antioxidants may decrease the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer.
STRONG BONES Tomatillos contain significant amounts of bone-building nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin K. The most abundant mineral in the body, calcium lives mainly in bones and teeth. An adequate amount of calcium is needed to maintain bone density and strength. Additionally, calcium plans a role in muscle contraction and proper heart function. Calcium absorption is enhanced by other nutrients, including vitamins D and K, magnesium, and phosphorus. The second most abundant mineral in the body, phosphorus also plays a major role in bone health. Like calcium, it resides mainly in bones and teeth. Phosphorus is required for the growth and maintenance of tissues and cells throughout the body, and helps to filter waste from the kidneys. Tomatillos are also a great source of vitamin K, which is essential in bone health. Vitamin K activates osteocalcin, one of the main proteins in bone, which acts to anchor calcium molecules inside the bone and increase bone mineralization. This vitamin may reduce the risk of bone fractures, particularly in postmenopausal
women who are at risk for osteoporosis. Vitamin K is also well known for its essential role in proper blood clotting. Inadequate levels of vitamin K can lead to excessive bleeding.
HOW
TO SELECT AND STORE Choose tomatillos that are very firm and smooth, with a dry, crisp husk. Look for ones that have a bright green color with a light tan husk. Avoid any that are soft, yellow, or bruised. They can be stored in their husks in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or without the husks for a couple of months. Tomatillos can also be canned or frozen for later use.
HOW
TO ENJOY Immediately before using, remove the husks and rinse well. Unripe tomatillos can be cooked and added to soups, stews, curries, and sauces. Ripe tomatillos are often enjoyed raw, eaten out-of-hand. They can be chopped and added to any salad, soup, or salsa. Other ways to enjoy Florida tomatillo include: • Puree with cucumbers for gazpacho • Slice thinly and use to top sandwiches or pizza • Chop and add to omelets, stir-fry, salads, and sandwiches • Stir-fry in olive oil with other veggies • Drizzle with olive oil and roast • Slice and eat with salt and basil Enjoy fresh Florida tomatillos both raw and cooked today!
SELECTED REFERENCES http:/ / www.floridagardener.com/ http:/ / www.extension.iastate.edu/ Publicat ions/ PM1895.pdf
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is currently assisting in chef instruction at the Rolling Pin Kitchen Emporium at the Westfield Brandon Town Center with owner Chef Dave West who says, “Devin is doing great!” The teen cooking prodigy entered four pies in each of the First Friday categories. Three of his pies, a creamy guava, a white chocolate banana coconut cream pie and a macadamia nut coconut pie, garnered three of the top pie prizes with the exception of savory pie. That honor went to Lori Powell of Lakeland whose entry was a wonderfully presented black-eyed pea, ground beef, Monterey Jack and chorizo pie. Davis also collected the overall high score prize. His winning white chocolate macadamia nut coconut cream pie received raves from judges Joanne Caccamisi of Central Food Equipment, Inc. and entrepreneur Matthew Wengerd, who called the pie totally “unique, ”earning Davis a display of his pie and recipe at Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro, as well as an offer of an internship at their restaurant from owners Tina and Tim Calhoun. It seems there is much more to come from this rising culinary star as he is now branding his own award winning steak rub. There will be more to follow, as he has a both chicken and barbeque rub’s in the works.
BY CHERYL KUCK
T
he Downtown Lakeland Partnership has been sponsoring First Friday events for eight wildly successful years and is credited with creating major interest in the businesses and activities of the downtown and historic areas of the city. The events vary from month-to-month and encompass every free family-oriented event imaginable, live music, theatre performances, art, contests, etc. Streets are closed to traffic and open to pedestrians, vendors, dog walkers, singers, balloon-makers, folks who like to dress up, Chinese dragons, martial artists, all stores and restaurants.
Bakers from Polk and surrounding counties vied for the prizes, with 16-year-old Devin Davis from Plant City, as the youngest contestant. Devin, at 15 years of age, was the youngest baking judge in Strawberry Festival history and he also gave a pie baking demonstration at the Festival. Devin has already won two Crisco National Pie Championships, is a four-time Lakeland Barbeque Champion and the 2010 Grand-Champion winner of the Plant City Pig Jam, cooked a Thanksgiving dinner for Fox News 13 “Charley’s World” Television personality Charley Belcher and
Of particular interest to the Grub Station was the July First Friday, “Hats On to Summer,” open-to-the-public pie baking contest. There were four baking categories including fruit, nut, savory and all other types of pies. The winner from each category was awarded $25 Downtown Dollars, as well as a $50 Downtown Dollar prize to the overall high score and the opportunity of having their pie recipe featured at Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro during the August First Friday event. Happy winners – Devin Davis, Lori Powell and Tiffany Logan
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By now, we locals have become avid Devin Davis fans and are looking forward to further news of his career. Here is his First Friday winning pie recipe...
Macadamia Nut Coconut Pie Prep Time: 30 min. • Chill Time: 30 min. Bake Time: 55 min.
Crust 1 1/3 cup flour ½ teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons sugar 4 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes 4 tablespoons cold butter flavored Crisco, cut into cubes 4 to 5 tablespoons ice water Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a small bowl. Add the butter and Crisco to the flour mixture. Toss it to coat each piece in flour. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter and Crisco into the flour mixture until it is the size of green peas. Using a spoon, carefully stir in the water one tablespoon at a time until it is moistened and starts to come together. Form dough into a ball and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for thirty minutes. Once chilled, roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch in thickness. Fit the dough into a nine inch pie plate and trim the excess off the edges. Then crimp the edges and mold into desired fashion. Prick the dough with a fork and set aside.
Filling ½ cup butter 3 large eggs ¾ cup light corn syrup ¼ cup maple syrup ¾ cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. salt 1 ¼ cup chopped macadamia nuts ½ cup flaked coconut Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. In a small sauce pan, heat the butter over medium-low heat until it turns golden brown, then set aside to cool. It a medium sized bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Add the remaining five ingredients and whisk until combined. Stir in the nuts and coconut and pour into the prepared pie crust. Bake for 10 minutes and then reduce heat to 325 degrees. Lay a piece of tin foil over the pie and bake for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for 15 more minutes. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Serve with whipped cream if desired. First Friday served up a great party, including mouth-watering pies and is a monthly ‘happening’ that should be on everybody’s calendar. If you want to talk to Executive Director Tiffany Logan about First Friday or are interested in becoming a vendor, contact her through the information numbers, Web site or e-mail listed. At monthly events, look for the woman in the hot pink shirt. She always wears it so people can find her in a crowd. She likes to tell folks, “Explore downtown Lakeland, that’s where the cool stuff happens.” • W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Tenoroc FFA’s 5th Annual Farm Fair February 21, 2013 9:00 am-12:30 pm Tenoroc FFA is seeking local vendors and industry representatives to participate in our 5th Annual Farm Fair. There is no cost to participate- just your time! This event will be held at Tenoroc High School’s Agriculture Department. Farm Fair is put on by our dedicated FFA members. The purpose of Farm Fair is to educate local pre-school and elementary children about agriculture and the role it has in everyday living. They visit Farm Fair as a field trip and we’re working on recruiting local schools. Last year we had about 1100 children attend!
This is a great way to represent your industry or advertise your business for free! This event could not be a success without the help of you and the many other volunteers who donate their time to help our visitors. If you would like more information, or would like to sign up, please contact Jenna Barefoot at 863-614-9183 or email: jenna.barefoot@polk-fl.net. INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2012
41
RECIPES Recipes Courtesy of the Polk County Cattlewomen始s Association
Family Beef & Rice Skillet
Flat Iron Grill with Red Pepper Mango Salsa From Sherry Kitchen
From Cecilia Harrison Speight
INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS 4 slices bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 (14.5-oz.) can diced tomatoes, undrained 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 (2.25-oz.) can sliced ripe black olives, drained 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped 1 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
2lbs. flat iron steak (top blade), cut 1" thick 戮 tsp. salt 2 tbs. honey 2 fresh mangoes, peeled, diced 4 tbs. fresh lime juice 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 red pepper 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded, minced 1 tsp. dry mustard
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 tsp. salt
PREPARATION
2 cups uncooked instant white rice 2 cups water
Prepare a honey lime glaze by mixing honey, 2 tbs. fresh lime juice, cumin, dry mustard and 1/2 tsp. salt in a small bowl and set aside.
PREPARATION
Make Red Pepper Mango Salsa by combining mangoes, red bell pepper, jalapeno pepper, 2 tbs. fresh lime juice and 1/4 tsp. salt in another mixing bowl and set aside. Place beef steaks on grill covered 10 to 14 minutes for medium rare to medium doneness, turning occasionally. Brush with honey lime glaze during grilling.
Cook bacon in large skillet over medium-high heat until brown. Add ground beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic and salt; cook until beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring frequently. Drain. Add water, tomatoes, olives and Italian seasoning; mix well. Bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 5 minutes or until rice is tender. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand until melted.
Remove steaks from grill. Carve across the grain into thin slices. Top steaks with Red Pepper Mango Salsa.
In place of plain diced tomatoes, try this skillet recipe with Italian-style diced tomatoes, tomatoes with garlic or tomatoes with celery and green bell peppers. 42
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Cheap!
Thousands of 8 ft & 10 ft sheets in stock. Prices from $6 and up. Custom lengths available.
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Located at Plant City Farm & Flea Market One mile north of I-4, corner of SR 39 and Sam Allen , easy access to I-4
813-752-7088 Website: www.metalsystemsinc.com email: atfabcutting@hotmail.com W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
A Closer Look
By Sean Green
Looking for us?
Photo by April Wietrecki
Yellow Jacket (Vespula) “Hey look at that cool bee!” “That’s not a bee, that’s a wasp”, says a childhood friend of mine. “Those are Yellow jackets! You can tell by the markings on the tail” says yet another friend. This is the typical dialog of my earliest memories of observing insects. Sound familiar? We see these critters every summer swarming the garbage cans in public places. They seem to have an affinity for soda and can quickly become a nuisance as the summer progresses. In my recent hikes I have noticed that there seemed to be more yellow jackets than nearly any other species along the trails, and there is good reason for that. This month we will take a closer look at the Yellow jacket. Regarding this critter as friend or foe will largely be a matter of perspective. For some, they are reason enough to abandon a picnic, for others, a blessing in disguise. Regardless of the perspective from which you make your conclusion, like any other insect, the Yellow jacket is part of our ecosystem and has important contributions to its overall health. The Yellow jacket is a common name for two main genus of wasps; Vespula, usually ground dwelling and Dolichovespula, usually aerial nesting. Yellow jackets share a distinction as predatory wasps, meaning they prey on other insects for food. In the natural order of ecologic balance, yellow jackets hunt other insects to feed their larvae. Adult yellow jackets do not simply gather insects for delivery to their young; they chew it into a pulp for them as well, feeding them soft slurry of protein that is critical for their development. The propensity of the yellow jacket to require meat for development has earned it the nickname of “meat bee.” When the nest is growing, yellow jackets will be attracted to any easy source of meat such as a dead animal, fish, or your partially eaten picnic. Many hunters will tell you, their passion for hunting is paid with suffering the yellow jackets and often fending them off their kill. The adult yellow jackets meat collecting efforts are rewarded by a sugary substance produced by the larvae that serves as the adult’s primary food source late into the summer. Yellow jacket colonies only last a year. They begin when an inseminated queen emerges from overwintering in late spring to build a small paper nest for her first eggs. The queen feeds her first brood of larvae herself and by W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
midsummer, the first 50 or so adults emerge as small infertile female workers. The newly emerged workers begin expanding the nest by foraging for food, feeding developing larvae, protecting the nest and caring for the queen while she remains in the nest laying more eggs. The nest and its resources begin to grow exponentially. Adult yellow jackets rely on the sugary secretions of the larvae for nutrition and the larvae, in turn, need the meat pulp created by the workers if they are to reach adulthood. A yellow jacket nest can grow to over 10,000 cells by late summer and accommodate more than 4,000 workers. Once the colony reaches its peak size, resources are re-allocated for the benefit of the next generation. Reproductive cells are created and eggs that will become new reproductive males and queens are produced. These reproductive adults remain in the nest while the new queens fatten up for overwintering. Once mature, the reproductive adults leave the nest to mate, soon afterwards the male dies and the inseminated queen seeks shelter in protective logs, tree bark, or even manmade structures to overwinter. It’s in the late summer and early fall period that the queen stops laying eggs, once the remaining larvae become adults, there is no longer a source for sugary substance adult yellow jackets eat. Adults do have a proboscis that can be used for sipping nectar or sweet fluids and will seek sweet substances for nourishment in the absence of the sugary mixture provided by larvae. This is the time of year that yellow jackets are noted for being a nuisance. Garbage cans, picnic tables, fruit stands, and even groves and orchards are great places for yellow jackets to find sweet liquids to feed on. Last month along the hiking trails, April and I have seen the expected drama of yellow jackets hunting caterpillars, which is always disturbing for her. We did not see many caterpillars but saw plenty of yellow jackets most of which were chewing on the railings of boardwalks and decaying trees and logs in Hillsborough County parks. The abundant rain we have had has softened the wood making short work of gathering wood fibers for what may be among the last new cells created for the colony before the next generation prepares for overwintering. •
®
MAGAZINE
Find us in your neighborhood... Fields Equipment Company 3203 Havendale Blvd. Winter Haven, FL Phone: 863.967.0602
Chemical Containers, Inc. 413 ABC Road Lake Wales, FL Phone: 800.346.7867
Arrington’s Body Shop, Inc. 301 Sixth St.. S.W. Winter Haven, FL Phone: 863.293.4192
Fred’s Southern Kitchen 2120 Harden Blvd. Lakeland, FL Phone: 863.603.7080
Grove Equipment 5905 Hwy. 60 E. Bartow, FL Phone: 863.537.1345
Lay’s Western Wear & Feed, Inc. 5530 Old Hwy. 37 Lakeland, FL Phone: 863.646.1003
Circle R Ranch & Livestock Eq. 16490 U.S. Hwy. 27 Lake Wales, FL Phone: 888.693.4283 Note: This is just a sample of our distribution points. We’ll list different locations each month.
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Classifieds
Tel: 813.759.6909 FARM EQUIPMENT
ANIMALS & NEEDS ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES Add living microbes to improve your soil, equipment serving the fur-bearing and exotic bird industry. Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. 813-752-2230 • www.ammermans.com Swap July 15, 2012 and Nov. 25, 2012 1998 HART HORSE TRAILER All aluminum gooseneck trailer. Two horse slant load with dressing room. Original one owner. Call Today 813-650-3173! $9,500 CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232 FOR SALE – WESTERN SADDLE With bridle and blanket. $600 obo Call Today! 813-752-5554 DOVE HUNTS Lithia area limited number of memberships still available. Call Fish Hawk Sporting Clays. 813-689-0490
AUTOMOTIVE 1997 FORD F-250 4X2 Lariat Super Cab. This is a very low mileage (83,000) original one owner (non smoker) vehicle that has been professionally maintained and garage kept since new! Call 813-650-3173 $6,500 2003 WHITE ASTRO CHEVY VAN/CARGO A/C, Automatic, AM/FM Radio. $3,200 Please call Karen 813-759-6909.
BUILDING SUPPLIES DECKING BRDS. & TILL SIDING Call Ted 813-752-3378 DOUBLE INSULATED THERMO PANE Starting at $55. Call Ted 813-752-3378 WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted 813-752-3378 TILL 4 X 8 SHEET B-grade $17.95. Call Ted 813-752-3378 NEW DOORS CLOSEOUT SPECIAL!!! $75 to $295. Call Ted today 813-752-3378 MOBILE HOME TUBS Metal brand new in box 54” Mobile Home Tubs. Call Ted 813-752-3378 $135.00
FARM EQUIPMENT MASSEY FERGUSON 135 TRACTOR Perkins engine, power steering. $3,250 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 FERGUSON T020 TRACTOR Gas model, Good condition. $2,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 46 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
MASSEY FERGUSON 245 W/ STRAWBERRY WHEEL KIT Diesel tractor. Good condition. $6,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON 175 Diesel tractor. Runs good! $4,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 KUBOTA L345 TRACTOR 34hp, 2wd. $4,250 Call Alvie (813)759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTOR 1980 Massey Ferguson 230. 34pto hp, power steering. $4,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON 255 Grove Tractor with 6’ mower $7,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722. KUBOTA L275 With shuttle shift. Ready to work! $3,500. Call 813-759-8722 2005 BUSH HOG ES 2052 Zero turn mower, 52 inch cut. 20hp Koholer engine. $3,950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 MASSEY FERGUSON GC2300 4 X 4 hydro stat transmission, 2702 hrs. $4,750 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 NEW HOLLAND 462 Hay disc mower $2,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722 1984 MASSEY FERGUSON 240 tractor, 42 pto hp, 2wd, works great! $5,950. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 JOHN DEERE 6420 Cab with a/c, 4x4 3345 hrs. 90 pto hp. $37,500. Call Alvie 813-759-8722 USED EQUIPMENT Mowers, disk, box blades & disk plows. Call Alvie TODAY! 813-759-8722
FOR SALE TRAILER FOR SALE 44x12 single wide trailer in Winters Mobile Home Park. Zephyrhills 5k or best offer. Call (813)967-4515 $$ HUGE PLANT SALE $$ 4.00 & under for all, 3 gallon &1 gallon containers. We have a wide selection to choose from! Roses, hibiscus, viburnum, crotons, azalal's, jasmine and many more varieties. 18KT GOLD TANZANITE RING Beautiful piece of jewelry. 1.05kt round nice blue gem with diamonds. Would make nice Christmas gift - never been worn. Appraisal papers included. Size 7-1/2 $1,200 Call 863-370-8891 14KT GOLD AMMOLITE RING Multi-colored fossil gem with unique mounting. Great for gifting. Size 8 $250 or best offer. Call 863-370-8891
SEPTEMBER 2012
info@inthefieldmagazine.com JOBS CONTRIBUTING WRITER Write about events in your community. Immediate openings in Hillsborough and Polk Counties. Paid per article. Responsibilities include covering community events and taking pictures. Email your resume to sarah@inthefieldmagazine.com INDEPENDENT ACCOUNT MANAGER In The Field Magazine is looking for independent account managers to join our team! Please contact Danny@inthefieldmagazazine.com or call 813-759-6909.
LAWN EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES RUBBER MULCH All colors, buy 10 bags, get 1 FREE! $8.99 a bag. Call Ted 813-752-3378 TSG50 WOODS 3pt. stump grinder. Clearance Sale! $3,381. Call Alvie 813-759-8722
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE – 45 ACRES VACANT LAND (Pasco County) 45 acres are comprised of gently rolling hills with big trees & solid ground. A great setting for residential development. To the east of the property is a 60 acre parcel (Lake Gilbert) that adds significant aesthetic value to the 45 acres. Zoning: AR (Agricultural-Rural) Call Heidi Cecil for more information 863-899-9620 2.66 ACRE NURSERY FOR SALE OR LEASE N. Lakeland with 1,000 sq ft frame house, 2 sheds, irrigation throughout. Call Bruce 863-698-0019 HOME FOR SALE 4 bedrooms, 2 bath, 1984 SF on 3 acres! 8001 Knights Griffen Rd. Contact Malissa 813-967-0168 FOR SALE – WHAT WAS 900K, REDUCED TO 375K? 20 ACRES LAKELAND AGRICULTURE RELATED, INCOME PRODUCING 1600 ft of I-4 frontage. Call us now to see how much you're losing by not owning this property! Estate Brokers USA at 813-986-9141 FOR SALE The Cat is out of the bag. Check this out- 2005 4/2 2300 sq ft residence income producing farm owner finance- non qualifying- zero interest. Antioch Call now, it might still be available. Estate Brokers USA at 813-986-9141 FOR LEASE Established fish camp, mobile home, RV park with full hookups in eastern Polk County. Located on a renowned bass fishing lake within the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes. 14 acres of beautiful oak hammocks with canal and recreation hall. Call 863-692-1013
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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER 2012
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