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Hillsborough County Farm Bureau
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Contents
VOL. 9 • ISSUE 12
Feature Simon Bollin Pa ge
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Kids Get Hooked
Recipes
Page 14
Page 50
Market Watch
Florida Fire
Page 17
Page 67
Tampa Bay Fishing Report
We Have To Address Cancer
Page 18
Page 70
Rocking Chair Chatter
Simmons Career Center
Page 22
Page 74
Green Living
Paying It Forward
Page 33
Page 77
Florida Beets
Rapid Growth
Page 35
Page 80
Business Up Front
FFA Hall of Fame
Page 38
Page 94
Gerbera Daisy
Dragon Fruit Revelation
Page 97 Page 46 INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
Insurance Services: 813.685.5673 Member Services: 813.685.9121
OFFICERS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Danny Aprile ..............................President Jemy Hinton ..............................Treasurer
Port of Tampa
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Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bill Burnett .........................Vice President
Cover photo by Stephanie Humphrey
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100 S. Mulrennan Rd. Valrico, FL 33594
OCTOBER 2013
DIRECTORS FOR 2012-2013
Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, James Frankowiak, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Kenneth Parker, Jake Raburn, Alex Ritzheimer, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Patrick Thomas, Ron Wetherington, Michelle Williamson, Will Womack, Ray Wood
Judi Whitson, Executive Director 813.685.9121
Farm Bureau Insurance Special Agents Valrico Office 813.685.5673
100 S. Mulrennan Rd., Valrico, FL 33594 Tommy Hale, CLU, ChFC, CASL, CPCU Agency Mgr. Julie Carlson, John McGuire
Plant City Office 813.752.5577
1302 S. Collins St., Plant City, FL 33563 Jeff Sumner Bill Williams
Tampa Office 813.933.5440
1046 W. Busch Blvd., Ste. 100 Tampa, FL 33612 Greg Harrell, Jeff Harper, Ralph Russo
AGENCY MANAGER Tommy Hale
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OCTOBER 2013
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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 EDITOR Patsy Berry
Floridians can take a step to improve their overall health by making one simple change, eat more fruits and vegetables! According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, simply changing your dietary habits can have an impact on overall health. The report states that nearly 38 percent of all adults in this state do not eat at least one fruit serving per day, while nearly 23 percent do not have at least one serving of a vegetable daily. The most shocking news, adolescents eat even less than their parents with 42 percent not consuming at least one serving of vegetables a day. Wow! Floridians are not alone. The consumption of fruits and vegetables here is close to the national average, with the exception of adolescents, with Florida youth eating fewer vegetables than their counterparts in other states. In Florida we are blessed with access to fresh fruits and vegetables all year long! When shopping for you and your family, check the label, make sure you are purchasing Fresh From Florida food. And whatever you do, don’t bypass the produce section! It’s loaded with great food that can improve your overall health. And who doesn’t want that? One family of fruits we are blessed to enjoy is citrus. And University of Florida researchers have some encouraging results in fighting greening. They have identified citrus cultivars, 16 citrus rootstocks, most of which show a lower rate of infection and more tolerance to citrus greening. For now there is limited data, but testing is on going. In addition to citrus, we are blessed with an abundance of strawberries – and the season is upon us! So grab them up as soon as you can. Until next month, eat your fruits and vegetables!
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 Hillsborough County businesses, restaurants, and many local venues. It is also distributed by U.S. mail to a target market, which includes all of the Greenbelt Property owners, members of the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau and Strawberry Grower’s Association. Letters, comments and questions can be sent to P.O. Box 5377, Plant City, Florida 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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INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013
OFFICE MANAGER Bob Hughens SALES MANAGER Danny Crampton SALES Al Berry Tina Richmond Danny Crampton Melissa Nichols CREATIVE DIRECTOR Mona Jackson PHOTOGRAPHY Karen Berry Al Berry Stephanie Humphrey STAFF WRITERS Al Berry Sandy Kaster James Frankowiak Sean Green Ginny Mink Libby Hopkins CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Woody Gore Les McDowell
Index of Advertisers ABC Pizza.........................................................93 Ace Air Conditioning & Electric.....................93 Ag Technologies ............................................88 Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers.....................44 Antioch Feed and Farm Supply.......................96 Aquarius Water Refining .................................92 Arrowheard Archery Shop ..............................29 Astin Strawberry Exchange .............................93 Bankers South...................................................76 Bill’s Transmissions...........................................89 Bingham............................................................30 Brandon Auto Services, Inc..............................98 Brandon Regional Hospital.............................63 Brewington’s .....................................................53 Broke & Poor...................................................42 Cameron Financial...........................................23 Cecil Breeding Farm.........................................62 Certis..................................................................58 Chuck’s Tire & Automotive ................................32 Crescent Jewelers............................................. 94 Dad’s Towing....................................................68 Discount Metals...................................................68 Dr. Barry Gaffney O.D. PA..................................81 Driscoll’s.................................................................73 East Coast Ag Products........................................43
Index of Advertisers Everglades Farm Equipment ........................................112 Farm Bureau Insurance/Jeff Sumner..............................36 Farm Credit ......................................................................83 Felton’s ..............................................................................51 Fischbach Land Company..............................................45 Fishhawk Sporting Clays ................................................95 Florida Ag in the Classroom...........................................61 Florida Dept. of Agriculture............................................79 Florida Mineral, Salt & Agricultural Products.............99 Florida Strawberry Growers Assoc................................42 Forbes Road Produce......................................................16 Fred’s Market.................................................................. 44 Gator Ford........................................................................85 Gier Roofing Services...................................................93 Grimes Hardware Center ...............................................39 Grove Equipment Service............................48, 92 & 102 Gulf Coast Tractor...........................................................84 Harold’s Feed & Pet Supply...................................3 & 12 Harrell’s Nursery, Inc.......................................................19 Harvest Holler Corn Maze.............................................99 Haystack Farms, Inc........................................................93 Haught Funeral Home....................................................72 Helena Chemical-Tampa ................................................69 Highland Packaging Solutions........................................23 Hillsboro Bank.................................................................66 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau...............................16 Hillsborough County Farm Bureau Insurance.............65 Home Pest Control..........................................................36 Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder, Inc....................................89 I-4 Power Equipment ......................................................25 International Paper...........................................................37 Jane Baer Realty.............................................................108 Jarrett-Scott Ford................................................................2 Jeans & Jackets Gala.....................................................109 Johnson’s Barbeque..........................................................27 Jon & Rosie’s Tree Farm.................................................19 Jumpin Crazy ...................................................................13 Keel & Curley Winery ....................................................49 Ken’s Well Drilling & Pump Services, Inc.....................44 Key Plex ............................................................................24 Loetscher Auto Parts .......................................................78 Malissa Crawford............................................................99 Mark Smith Excavating..................................................53 Mosaic...............................................................................15 MST Sod Equipment ....................................................107 Myers Cleaners.................................................................34 Parkesdale Market .............................................................9 Pathway BioLogic..........................................................101 Pattersons........................................................................103 Plant City Homestyle Buffet..............................................5 Plant City Chamber of Commerce................................21 Plant City Tire & Auto Service, Inc...............................93 Plant City Youth Fair ....................................................110 Platinum Bank..................................................................40 QLF Specialty Products...................................................34 Railroad Credit Union.....................................................69 RCS Company...............................................................107 Redlands Christian Migrant Association ......................13 Rogers Pump Service.......................................................93 Savich & Lee / Stalnaker.................................................20 Schiro’s Hay & Feed .....................................................105 Seedway ............................................................................31 Shrimp & Co Express.....................................................19 Southside Farm & Pet Supply...................... 59, 90 & 91 South Florida Baptist Hospital .........................................7 Southwestern Produce Company...................................27 Stephanine Humphrey ..................................................109 Super Service Tire & Auto..............................................82 Sygenta..............................................................................75 The Hay Depot................................................................85 Thompson Nursery & Vineyard ...................................93 Timberlane Pet Hospital & Resort................................53 Trinkle, Redman, Swanson, Coton, Davis & Smith .................................................................82 Turkey Creek Animal Clinic...........................................39 Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill...................................111 Vertigro .............................................................................32 Walden Lake Car Wash................................................109 Wallenstein........................................................................98 Wert’s Welding & Tank Service, Inc..............................73 Willie’s ...............................................................................60 Woodside Dental..............................................................78 Zaxby’s ...........................................................................106 W W W. 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100 South Mulrennan Road • Valrico, FL 33594 • 813-685-9121
FAREWELL Dear Readers: This is my final letter to you as President of Hillsborough County Farm Bureau. I have truly been honored to serve you and I have enjoyed my years as a member of the Board of Directors of Farm Bureau here in Hillsborough County. Farm Bureau continues to defend and support farmers and ranchers across the country. That work begins with our youth education efforts, Young Farmer and Rancher initiatives and our political activism which focuses on helping elect those individuals that understand the complexities and importance of agriculture today and tomorrow. Electing lawmakers who understand agriculture and its emerging challenges is critical to the future of our industry. Though my term as president has come to an end, I will always make myself available to assist Farm Bureau in any way that I can. While I am bidding my farewell, please join me in welcoming Simon Bollin, Hillsborough County’s new Agribusiness Development Manager. He is replacing Stephen Gran, who has become County Extension Director and admittedly a tough act to follow. Simon and his program are designed to initiate and assist with efforts to create a business atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses within Hillsborough County to the benefit of all of its residents. For your information the county Ag Development Program, which Simon heads, is focused on:
• Discouraging the premature conversion of productive farmland to non-agricultural use • Improving the economic sustainability of agriculture in the county through increased marketing options, alternative crops, value-added processing, capital financing opportunities and identification of other barriers to the expansion or sustainability of agriculture • Minimizing the impact of the regulatory process on agriculture’s ability to conduct business, while still achieving the goals of those regulations • Promoting the expansion and relocation of agribusiness firms to our county
As always, if you are reading this letter and are not a member of our Farm Bureau family, please consider joining. You don’t have to be a farmer or rancher and membership is one of the best values available to you. We look forward to having your family join ours. For more information, please visit http:/ / hcfarmbureau.org or call 813/685-9121. Again, my thanks and personal best to you and your families.
Thank you,
Danny Danny Aprile – President
Board of Directors
Danny Aprile, President; Bill Burnett, Vice-President; Jemy Hinton Member-at-large; Amanda Collins, Roy Davis, David Drawdy, Jim Dyer, Jim Frankowiak, Stefan Katzaras, Greg Lehman, Kenneth Parker,Jake Raburn, Alex Ritzheimer, Marty Tanner, James Tew, Patrick Thomas, Ron Wetherington, Michelle Williamson, Will Womack and Ray Wood, Judi Whitson, Executive Director 8
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OCTOBER 2013
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8TH ANNUAL FLORIDA AG-EXPO NOVEMBER 6, 2013 GULF COAST RESEARCH AND EDUCATION CENTER
A “Must Attend” for Tomato, Strawberry, Pepper and Cucurbit Growers
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he 8th annual Florida Ag-Expo – the agriculture industry’s leading Florida event – is set for Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC) in Wimauma. The day-long event is the only one of its kind in Florida, offering the state’s fruit and vegetable growers an opportunity to get the latest information on new production trends and techniques, sample new varieties and see new field trials. “Tomato, strawberry, pepper and cucurbit growers will discover great new ideas for increasing their yields and their business,” said GCREC Director Dr. Jack Rechcigl. The event program includes updates on new varieties, diseases, crop inputs, weeds, marketing, protected agriculture and more. Florida Ag-Expo also features an expansive exhibit area where industry suppliers will be spotlighting the latest product and service innovations.
“Registration is free for growers and includes the educational program, trade show and field trials,” said Dr. Rechcigl. “We encourage growers to join their peers for up-to-date information on the industry’s latest, share ideas and build valuable business relationships.” Florida Ag-Expo highlights include: • In-depth educational sessions covering a broad range of timely topics 10
INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2013
By Jim Frankowiak • Speakers include UF/IFAS Extension faculty and thought leaders from across the industry • Exhibits offering hands-on previews of the latest products, services and equipment • Growers sharing their success stories and best practices • Meals provided for those who pre-register The day’s activities begin with breakfast and the chance to visit vendor booths and exhibits at 7:30 a.m. Dr. Rechcigl will welcome attendees followed by UF/IFAS Senior Vice President Dr. Jack Payne who will address the future of UF/IFAS. Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam is tentatively slated to discuss Florida’s Ag Innovation followed by a grower panel led by Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association Public Affairs Director Lisa Lochridge. Panelists include Jamie Williams, Lipman Produce; Tom O’Brien, C & D Fruit and Vegetable Company; Michael Hill, Lakeshore Grower and Paul Orsenigo of Grower’s Management, Inc. Following a short break, Reggie Brown of the Florida Tomato Committee will discuss Florida’s Tomato Trade Suspension Agreement and Dispute with Mexico. Dr. Zhengfei Guan, UF/IFAS, will then speak about “Florida Tomatoes: Challenges and Opportunities” as he discusses production, market conditions and evolving trade relationships of the industry. Afternoon sessions will begin with Manatee County Extension staffer Crystal Snodgrass leading a series of presentations entitled, “Methyl Bromide is Gone. What’s Next?” Presentations include Results of FFVA Industry Survey (PTI and W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
GAPS New “Correspondence” coming from Wal-Mart and Wegmans) by Mike Aerts with FFVA; The Post-Methyl Bromide Resurgence in Diseases Caused by Soilborne Pathogens presented by Dr. Gary Vallad, UF/IFAS; Nematode Challenges, Dr. Joe Noling, UF/IFAS; Methyl Bromide and Beyond – The California Experience, Krishna Subbarao, University of California/Davis; and Soilless Production Strategies for Vegetable and Fruit Crops, Dr. Bielinski Santos, UF/IFAS. Alicia Whidden of Hillsborough County Extension will introduce a “Pest Management Update.” Dennis Howard of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services will lead with “The Future of Crop Protection Registations.” Dr. Hugh Smith, UF/IFAS, will then present “Managing Whiteflies and Caterpillars in Tomatoes,” and Dr. Vallad will conclude with “To Copper or Not to Copper? That is the Question for Managing Bacterial Diseases of Tomatoes.” Field tours, offered mid-morning and early afternoon at Ag-Expo, will include 15 stops, each involving discussions by UF/IFAS faculty. Tour stop topics include:
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• Using Copper and Copper Alternatives for Bacterial Leaf Spot Management on Tomatoes • Evaluating the Efficacy of Methyl Bromide and Alternative Fumigants Against Weeds, Nematodes and Soilborne Diseases for Tomato Production • Integrating Resistant Tomato Varieties, Mulch and Insecticidal Programs to Minimize Losses to Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus • Integrated Management of Arthropod Pests in Protected Agriculture • Post Emergence Herbicides for Nutsedge Control in Peppers, Tomatoes and Cantaloupes • Impact of Moisture Levels Within the Bed on Herbicide Effectiveness • Integrated Weed Management Plans for Tomatoes • Improvement of Tomato Cultivars Through Breeding and Genetics • Tomato Variety Trials • Strawberry Varieties for Early Planting • Improvement and Evaluation of New Ornamental Crops • Avoiding Soil Fumigation with Soilless Culture of Vegetable and Fruit Crops
• Using Soil Surfactants and Herbicides to Improve Metam Potassium Efficacy Against Nutsedge • Passive Removal of Nitrogen for On-site Wastewater (Septic) Systems In addition to UF/IFAS, Florida Ag-Expo organizers include FLORIDA GROWER Magazine, Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, Florida Tomato Committee and the Florida Strawberry Growers Association. For additional information and registration, visit: http:/ / www.cvent.com/ events/ 2013florida-ag-expo/ event-summarybbe0016923464097b86fb6b9c 2000456.aspx.
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Hey Readers, hidden somewhere in the magazine is a No Farmers, No Food logo. Hunt for the logo and once you find the hidden logo you will be eligible for a drawing to win a FREE No Farmers No Food Sticker. Send us your business card or an index card with your name and telephone number, the number of the page which you found the logo and where on that page you located the logo to the address below.
InTheFieldÂŽ Magazine
P.O. Box 5377 • Plant City, FL 33566-0042 *Winners will be notified by phone. You Too Can Be A Winner!
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OCTOBER 2013
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By Cheryl Kuck
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lue skies and a break from rain brought more than one hundred enthusiastic anglers, ages 5 to 15 years-old to the free, fall fishing derby held on Saturday, September 28. This is one of two derbies held biannually under the auspices of Plant City Parks and Recreation allowing area youth to fish in the large pond behind the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex off Gordon Food Service Drive (formerly Albertson Drive) at Park Road. The catch-and-release derby has been held for 17 years at the stocked mangrove conservation area pond where there are at
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least nine species including bass, catfish, mudfish, speckled perch, blue gill and others with fishing spots extending over a quarter of a mile happily occupied by 57 avid competitors.
can cast for and reel in their own fish,� said Deborah Haldane, Plant City Parks and Recreation Department program manager, who confesses she has only caught one fish in her life.
“This is a great community event. Fishing is a sport that you can participate in at any age. With catch-and-release you also learn a lot about conservation. The derby is always free and open to families who can give encouragement and provide help baiting hooks in addition to our own volunteers. However, children registered for derby competition are the only ones who
Thomas Black, age 11, in the older age group of 11 to 15 years, caught two fish winning the title of most fish in his age category. Kyle Ziegler, age 11, in the same group, was a double winner with the first over-all catfish caught and recorded, as well as, the biggest catfish at 1.6 lbs. Phebe Buckingham, age 12, won the trophy for over-all first bass caught and recorded.
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In the youngest age (5 to 10 –years) category, Julia Kripas age-7, won for biggest bass with her 2.6 lb. catch. Winning for the biggest catfish at 2 lb. was 9-year-old Khali Booth. The fish whisperer of the day was 10-year-old Blake Zajac for his catch of a total of 12 fish. During the derby, 44 fish were caught. “It’s less than last year’s total of 52 fish caught but everyone was happy to take what they could get and the beautiful weather was a real bonus,” said Haldane. The winner in each category receives a trophy provided by The City of Plant City, a new rod and reel from TA Mahoney Co. Inc., a boat repair and marine and tackle supply, and Landshark Charters provides a new equipped tackle box. Sponsor Y.J. Vail owner of Landshark Charters has been encouraged by efforts to help young people learn about more fishing, conservation and the environment. Now colleges like the University of Florida give full college scholarships for fishing to high school students with good grades who win fishing tournaments and are active in clubs and conservation efforts. “Wow, imagine that! Scholarships for fishing…life is good,” said Vail. •
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Market Watch SAUSAGE LABORATORY
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an sausage making be considering an art form? After meeting Tom and Bea Miranda of the Sausage Laboratory in Wesley Chapel, I truly believe it is an art form. The Miranda’s make artesian sausage with fresh local meats, cheeses and produce. I met them at a recent trip to the North Tampa Farmer’s Market. Once I sampled one of the couple’s sun dried tomato and arugula sausage and pepper sandwiches, I was hooked. Words cannot describe how good it was. My mouth is starting to water just writing about it. “We produce artisan hand linked sausages made with humanely raised natural meat and poultry free of hormones or antibiotics,” Tom Miranda said. “We grind our own spices and make our own curry powders as well as source the freshest ingredients to create a memorable eating experience.” Miranda doesn’t come from a meat and poultry background, he worked as an accountant in the hospitality industry. He always had a passion for smoking and curing meats and that seed was planted when he was a youngster working in the meat department at a grocery store. “It was not a glamorous job,” Miranda said. “I cleaned up after the butchers and rinsed out the trash cans, it wasn’t for me but I did do a lot of observation.” Miranda is a self-proclaimed “foodie” and always wanted to get into the food business. So making sausage just kind of evolved into a business once the economy to took a turn for the worse a few years ago and Miranda left the hospitality industry. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
By Libby Hopkins
Sausage making is one of the oldest forms of food preservation. The Babylonians recorded that King Nebuchadnezzar enjoyed sausages similar to modern salami. The recorded history of sausage making begins in the ninth century B.C. when Homer mentions it in the “Odyssey.” It is considered the earliest convenience foods of civilization. The word sausage is derived from the Latin word salsicia, which means something salted. Sausage can be soft or hard. For example, bologna and salami are considered “hard” sausage while breakfast sausage is considered “soft.”
The customers who visit their tent at the markets love the different sausage creations. He tends to sell out of his sausage pretty quick, but with flavors like feta-spinachkalamata sausage, apple bourbon kielbasa, or his latest creation for the fall season, pumpkin-sweet potato pork bratwurst, it’s easy to see why his sausages are in such great demand. He is currently looking for a permanent place to sell his unique sausages. “We are looking for an eat-in deli for us to sell our sausages,” Miranda said. He has more than doubled his business since he started almost two years ago.
Miranda is not your traditional sausage maker. He said when he and his family get together to make a batch of his sausages, they look like a Navy SEALS team deploying for duty. “We all have our stations that we man when we are making our sausages,” Miranda said. They can make about 100 pounds of their artesian sausage in a few hours. The next step is to get local produce and breads to serve with their sausages. Then it’s off to the market for Miranda and his family. Being part of the local farmer’s markets in Tampa is very import to the Miranda’s. “We started out as customers at these markets, so we bought all our produce and the different products the markets had to offer,” Miranda said. “Now, we buy our ingredients for our sausages from the vendors at the markets because shopping local and keeping things local is very important to us.” He gets his pork from a farmer in Wimauma.
The Sausage Laboratory will be teaming up with Tampa Bay Markets for their Beers and Brats event on October 24 at The Pour House at Grand Central near Channelside in downtown Tampa. The mission of Tampa Bay Markets is to support a locally-based food system that improves public health and well-being by increasing dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables as well as supporting tourism and economic development in the region by providing a profitable retail outlet for local agriculture producers, artisans, crafters, food vendors and their goods. If you would like to learn more about the Sausage Laboratory or if you would like to order some of their artesian sausages, you can visit their website at www.sausagelaboratory.com or call Miranda at 813-926-6106. The website also has a listing of the various farmer’s markets they are at in Tampa, so you can visit them in person to sample their delicious sausages.
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Spinning Reel Maintenance by Captain Woody Gore
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hen shopping for a lighter tackle spinning reel, you can purchase those designed for fresh or saltwater. However, just because it’s made for saltwater doesn’t mean you can quickly splash it with freshwater after a day on the water and you’re done. If you take this shortcut, when you get out the next time, I can almost guarantee you’ll have a reel that does not work or is stiff to reel. If you fish primarily saltwater make sure you purchase a reel made for saltwater, but remember they also work in freshwater. That is because saltwater reels are specifically designed to withstand corrosion and damage from salt water. Saltwater reels are created with extra layers that protect them from rust and corrosion. Regardless of how expensive your reel is, if it is not made for saltwater, it will corrode. In fact the more expensive the freshwater reel the more likely it is to become corroded and damaged from salt. Most reel companies advertise whether a reel is safe for use in saltwater. But even if you use a spinning reel in saltwater, you still need to flush and clean all the salt after each use. A good flush with fresh water will usually suffice because it usually removes salt from your reel. If for some reason the reel was completely submerged it must be completely disassembled, cleaned, dried, re-lubricated and re-assembled.
Below is a quick review of maintenance for today’s fresh and saltwater spinning reels. AFT ER EACH T RIP Start by removing the spool, gently rinse with fresh water, along with the rest of the reel. Then, dry with a soft cloth, loosen 18
(but do not remove the line roller) and use a few drops of light oil to lubricate the line roller bearing, bail hinge springs, crank handle knobs and shaft, beneath the antireverse selector switch, and where the center shaft exits the top of the reel. QU ART ERLY MAINT ENANCE Remove the handle, spool, rotor, side plate and crank gear, use a small brush (paint brush or large artist brush) to clean exposed parts with water and a mild detergent (such as dish washing liquid, I use mineral spirits). Dry with a soft cloth then apply lubricant as suggested below. SALT WAT ER MAINT ENANCE After each fishing trip, remove the spool and soak in fresh water, thoroughly rinse the reel body with a light spray of fresh water (do not soak the reel in a bucket of fresh water, it pushes the salt into the reel). Detailed cleaning after each saltwater trip is very important to the life and reliability of your reel. The reason for this is that every time saltwater gets on the reel and dries, it leaves a microscopic coating of "crystalline" salt residue. This salt coating will not only attack the components in the reel but will create the same wearing and/or binding effect as sand or dirt. LU B RICAT ION: The following points document the proper maintenance guidelines that should be used for all Spinning reels: • When applying oil and grease it should be a good quality, designed for fishing reels and used in small amounts when lubricating. • The more frequent or severe the use, the more often and thoroughly a reel should be serviced. Your reel should be cleaned
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and re-lubed after each trip of saltwater fishing or if dropped in dirt or sand. ANNU ALLY The reel should be professionally cleaned and lubricated, or for us DIY adventurist, we do it ourselves. They really are not that difficult to clean yourself. Find an uncluttered location, an old white towel, a small set of screwdrivers, both Phillips and blades, pliers, good lighting and for us old guys, our glasses. Here’s a good tip, don’t forget to take close up digital photos as you disassemble the reel. It really makes putting it back together much easier. Remember, the worst scenario is, you’ll have to put it in a plastic Tupperware and take to a professional to put together. However, if I can do it I’m certain you can.
OCT OB ER FISHING REPORT If August and September are any indication of what’s to come for the fall fishing season it should be excellent. The fish have been eating almost everything offered to them and we’re certainly doing more catching than fishing. This is a great time to fish, as late summer and early fall temperatures start dropping, it makes it more tolerable on the fish and most of all the anglers. If you want to catch a few fish, like snook, redfish, trout, snapper, grouper, or sharks, now is the time to do it. On recent trips, especially after the tide has slowed after the turn, we’ve been catching some really nice sea trout on the deeper hard bottom grass flats. Many times when you catch one, there will be several in the same sand hole surrounded by lush grass. We’ve been having our success on smaller pilchard’s and small dollar sized pinfish, but remember, live medium shrimp always W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
work. I nose hook my pinfish and pilchard’s and the shrimp in the carapace just under the horn, but very shallow. Depending on the depth, sometimes I use a popping cork sometimes not. While checking an inshore reef southeast of St. Pete Pier, we noticed schooling tarpon feeding on a giant bait schools. Of course I hadn’t brought any tarpon gear and did not have any live or dead bait, I never expected to find what I’d stumbled upon. Unable to withstand the pressure to fish this large school of fish I decided to attempt it, if for no other reason than the fun of getting a few jumps. I secured my deepest sinking artificial lure in the box, a MirrOLure Catch 5, and began casting toward the schooling fish. To make a two-hour story short I jumped five tarpon and landed one nice cobia. Unfortunately, I lost every MirrOlure in the boat, but man… what a tarpon ride on artificial’s. As for the rest of Tampa Bay, Redfish and Snook are everywhere, hanging around the many lush grass flats and mangrove shorelines. As redfish move from area to area scourging for food it’s usually easy to find them schooled up on the many grass flats as they move. It's also the time of the year when the really big reds show up. You never know whether you’re going to catch one in the slot or one of the giants over 30 inches. These big reds often top the scales at 15 plus pounds. The upper Bay area is also holding good numbers of fish, but you must pick your tide days when fishing north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, especially by larger boats. This area can get extremely shallow during low tide, so fish the higher tides with live pilchard’s or shrimp under a small cork. Snook are open to harvest from, September 1, but will close December 1 through the end of February. It will also close on May 1 through August 31 on the Gulf Coast. (The new slot limit is 28 to 33 inches). With most of the snook being caught averaging in the 22 to 25 inch range, it’s often tough to put a slot fish in the boat. But if you work at it, you’ll catch one or two especially as fall approaches. We did catch one or two in the 29 to 35 inch range using live greenbacks. For those who like the night life associated with snook fishing, this is great time. You’ll find them hanging under residential docks watching the light line for a quick meal. Use a shallow diving artificial lure or free-line a big shrimp. Make sure to use a weighty leader like Seaguar 30-40 lb. so you don't get cut off on the pilings. As for the others, we’ve been catching good sized mangrove/grey snapper at the bridges with some topping out around three pounds (remember they are a reef fish and you must use circle hooks and they must be 12” total length). Cobia are showing and for us, it usually only takes a chum bag over the side to spark their curiosity. If you hook-up, be ready with another rod and bait as other cobias will be following the action. Mackerel, bluefish, jacks and ladyfish are feeding on bait schools everywhere. If its glass minnows they’re after remember to match the hatch.
“Give Me a Call & Let’s Go Fishing” – 813-477-3814 Captain Woody Gore is the area’s top outdoor fishing guide. Guiding and fishing the Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tarpon Springs, Bradenton, and Sarasota areas 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, send an email to wgore@ix.netcom.com or give him a call at 813-477-3814. 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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Those were the days when sneakers were made of canvas and only in black and white. We had a phone, but it was on a party line and you had to wait for who ever was on the phone to complete their conversation before you could make a call. In the 50s we called jeans dungarees, and knew all the words to “Purple People Eater.” Nobody in the 50s had a purebred dog. I had a dog named “Butch.” I asked dad one day what kind of dog he was, and dad said Butch was a sooner dog. “A sooner dog,” I asked. “What is a sooner dog?” Dad said, “A sooner dog is one that just as soon do it in the house as in the yard.” To this day I have fond memories of rabbit hunting with Butch. I’ll bet he would have qualified to be buried in the prestigious “Coon Dog Cemetery” located in northwest Alabama. My sisters, Nettie Mae and Betty Jean, wanted to have their ears pierced, but mom would not let them. She thought a pierced ear was for girls who were too fast. Mom always had dad to buy gas at Dillard Brewington’s Service Station because he gave S&H Green Stamps. Oh yes, they would check your oil, clean your windows and pump your gas. This was the time when no one ever asked where the car keys were because they were always in the ignition and the doors were never locked. Some other things the 50s are noted for include Chevrolet rolling out the fiberglass-bodied Corvette. Hollywood brought in the first wide-screen process known as Cinemascope, first seen in “The Robe.” Sugar Smacks, filled with 56 percent sugar, was introduced by Kellogg. The TV Guide was born. Playboy magazine began publication, featuring nude pictures of Marilyn Monroe. Baseball star and pilot, Ted Williams, was uninjured when his plane was shot down over Korea and Jacqueline Bouvier married John F. Kennedy.
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few months back I was sitting on the porch overlooking the beautiful Blue Ride Mountains at our place just outside of Blairsville, Georgia. While watching the humming birds fight over the nectar my wife had put out in the feeder, I started thinking back when I was in high school back in the 50s. My how times have changed. I remember when our next-door neighbors, the Sweeney’s, got the first TV on the street. It picked up one station from Jacksonville, and you had to squint your eyes to make out the fuzzy picture. It would take five minutes for the TV to warm up, and oh yes, we had to get up out of the chair to change the channel. The 50s had great shows on TV, most of which are reruns today. Like, The Honeymooners, Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, Sky King, Rin Tin Tin, Lassie, and the Patty Duke Show. My favorite, and still is, as I watch it on Encore cable most every night, is “Gunsmoke,” with Marshall Dillon, Chester, Doc Adams and Kitty!
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You old timers will remember when cars had fins, but it didn’t make them seaworthy. Your Schwinn bicycle had only one speed, and we rolled up the right leg of our dungarees to keep our pants leg from getting caught in the chain. We had two ice cube trays made of metal and both had levers for getting the cubes out of the tray. Family life was much different in the 50s. To begin with most of us had a two-parent household, both a Mom and a Dad. We all sat down at the table together for dinner. My mother could make gourmet dishes out of leftovers. Dad would sometimes have her cook him up something special. I recall one day he brought home a pound of hog brains, and had her to cook them with scrambled eggs. Poor mother, she did it, but unwillingly. I still remember her holding her apron over her nose gagging as she cooked them up. We all left the kitchen table to dad as he savored every mouthful. Somehow we have survived being born to mothers who took aspirin, ate tuna from a can and never got tested for diabetes. The babies were put to bed on their tummies in a baby crib painted with lead-based paints. In our car we didn’t have booster seats, and no one had ever heard of a seat belt or airbags. Back in the 50s we had never heard of video games, Play stations, Nintendo’s, W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
X-Boxes, DVD’s. No computer or Internets. What we did have were friends. We had Little League tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those that did not make the team just learned to live with it. The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law. If we got in trouble, we got spanked, or even worse switched on our legs. As a kid we had broken bones, we would fall out of trees, get cut, chip our teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents. We didn’t have Wal-Mart, Lowes or Home Depot. We bought most everything from Sears Roebuck and Monkey Ward catalogs. We paid a nickel to mail a letter, and had ice delivered by a truck from the Artic Ice Plant in Plant City. Harold’s News Stand had the latest comic books and five cent Baby Ruth candy bars. The best way to travel outside of driving your car was either by Greyhound bus or train. Bell’s Lunch had the best hamburgers for a dime, and Cones Dairy delivered fresh milk in a glass container to your home every other day. But all of a sudden I have come to realize that I am headed to the far end of my life. Gee, how did I get here so fast? Yes, I have lost my youth physically, but not mentally. Last year I went to our class reunion. My how most of my classmates have changed. Guess they felt the same about me. Well here I am…my hair is white, and half of my teeth are gone, but thank goodness for eyeglasses, preparation H, Dulcolax and Depends! The 50s…. those were the years! •
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Florida Strawberry Festival® Announces 2014
Festival Theme
“We hope that upon leaving the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival, our visitors will see that we are, in fact, the best family recipe Florida has to offer,” said Davis.
About the Florida Strawberry Festival® The Florida Strawberry Festival is an 11-day community event celebrating the strawberry harvest of East Hillsborough County. Each year, nearly 500,000 visitors enjoy the Festival’s headline entertainment, youth livestock shows, exhibits of commerce and, of course, its strawberry shortcake. The 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival, celebrating “Florida’s Best Family Recipe!” will be held February 27-March 9, 2014 in Plant City.
SEAT 2 VACANCY Hillsborough Soil & Water Conservation District
The Florida Strawberry Festival has announced its theme for the upcoming 2014 Festival – “F lori da ’s Best F amily Reci pe!” Each year, the Florida Strawberry Festival is given a new theme to offer patrons a glimpse of the experience they will have at the upcoming 11 day event. Its annual themes also work to reflect the entertainment, excitement and family-friendly atmosphere provided at each year’s Festival. “We chose this theme because we feel it fits the essence of what we’re all about: food, fun and family,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “We also feel that we are a ‘slice of Americana’ and are the best all-around value in Central Florida.” The Festival’s iconic strawberry character, who is featured on various print materials, will now don a chef’s hat and a handkerchief and can be seen mixing a bowl of whipped cream – the topping of the Festival’s world-famous strawberry shortcake. Not only are the theme and strawberry character featured on print materials, they are also used to unify vendors, FFA chapters and other exhibitors who all create displays throughout the Festival grounds. 26
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There are currently 63 Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Florida. The governing body of a soil and water conservation district consists of five elected supervisors. The office of a soil and water conservation district supervisor is nonpartisan and district wide. Candidates are elected in a general election to a 4-year term. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the remaining supervisors until the next regular election. Supervisors receive no monetary compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses. All Districts also have a District Conservationist appointed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and an agent of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Agricultural Water Policy (FDACS-OAWP). Each District is a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida and receives funding from a variety of sources including county funding, grants, contracts for services, sales and donations. Districts thrive on developing partnerships with other government or conservation organizations. Each district develops partnerships with the area Water Management District and Resource Conservation and Development Council. These partnerships are beneficial to the community as the organizations work together for the common goal of protecting and preserving local resources. The Hillsborough Soil and Water Conservation District Seat 2 is vacant. If you are interested or for more information, please call (813) 752-1474, X3 or visit our website at w w w. h i l l s b o r o u g h c o u n t y. o r g / s o i l a n d w a t e r .
Deadline: Friday, October 25, 2013. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Fri. & Sat. October 18 & 19 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Fri. & Sat. November 15 & 16 • 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
*** All Items Are 8 lbs. Unless Otherwise Noted.***
VEGETABLES Foodhooks........................$22 Baby Butter Beans ...........$15 Green Beans......................$14 Pole Beans ........................$14 Speckled Butter Beans ...$14 Blackeye Peas...................$14 Butter Peas .......................$14 Crowder Peas ...................$14 Pinkeye Peas.....................$14 Sugar Snap Peas ..............$15 Zipper Peas.......................$14 Green Peas ........................$14 White Corn........................$14 Yellow Corn.......................$14 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 ................$14
Baby Carrots.....................$14 Broccoli .............................$14 Cauliflower........................$14 Mixed Vegetables ............$14 Soup Blend .......................$14
• Bats are considered natureʼs best bug control. • Trees in Africa and South America depend on bats to spread their seeds. • Night blooming flowers depend on bats for pollination. • The scientific name for bats is Chiroptera meaning “hand-wing.” • The largest bat has almost a 6 foot wing span. • The smallest bat weighs less than a penny. • One ear of corn contains about 800 kernels. • Over ½ of the U.S. corn production is used to feed livestock. • Corn is the third most important food crop in the world. • The record for eating corn on the cob is 33 ½ ears in 12 minutes. • Rabbits have got a strong jaw and generally only show two teeth but actually have 28 teeth in total. • Rabbits are abundant in the wild and as pets. Over half of the worldʼs rabbit population actually live in North America. • Rabbits are not rodents like rats, mice, etc but are actually lagomorphs. • Rabbits have a LOT of species and there are over 45 recognized breeds of rabbits in the world. • Rabbits have long ears and longest ears ever to be recorded measured up to be a massive 79 cm long. • Rabbits and hares are completely different animals but can actually interbreed with each other. • Rabbits that are in the wild can be destructive and destroy around $600 million word of crops each and every year. • Goldfish do not technically become pregnant, since they lay eggs.
FRUITS Blueberries 5# ..................$15 Blackberries 5# ................$15 Raspberries 5# .................$15 Dark Sweet Cherries 5# ..$18 Mango Chunks 5# ............$15 Pineapple Chunks 5#.......$15 Whole Strawberries 5# ...$15 Rhubarb #5 .......................$15 Green Peanuts ..................$15
Watch for our Fresh Georgia Pecans in November!
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Dry Creek
What History? By Les McDowell Photos by Linda Constant
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t’s been over three years since we started filming Dry Creek. What started as trying to bring back good wholesome TV to folks, has now turned into something more. My name is Les McDowell and they call me the creator of Dry Creek. But really it has created itself. Well, also with a lot of help from the Good Lord. It started as friends getting together in the woods filming stories I had written and not embracing early Florida. Heck, it was almost like the Simpsons, never saying where Springfield, their hometown, was. People would write me and ask “where is Dry Creek?” I always responded, “Dry Creek is inside each and everyone of us.” The more I read and heard about the true story of early Florida I was convinced that I was missing the boat.
be using one this season. It has papers that fill a notebook. It’s bloodlines lead back to that ship. This Cracker Horse will help tell the story of a land that deserves to be Remembered. Watch for Dry Creek Saturday nights on Bright House at 7:30 on BlueHighwaystv. Go to DryCreekTV.com to learn more. Everybody knows where Dry Creek is... It’s inside each and everyone of us... In Florida.
That boat landed on the Florida shores in 1521 and Juan Ponce De Leon stepped off it. That Spanish explorer brought with him the first horses and cattle to the new world. Long before there was a Chisholm Trail, Florida Cow Hunters were blazing a trail with ancestors of these horses and cattle. It has been said these tough Cracker Horses and Cattle could survive in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Dad used to have an old expression, “Sometimes it’s takes a two by four to get a point across.” That two by four that hit me on the side of the head was two things. That ship that landed in Florida and a book called, “A Land Remembered,” by Patrick Smith. Looking through its pages I found myself in early Florida long before Disney, back to the beauty of an unspoiled land. Back to the people unlike any of you had ever read about. The struggle and hardships that was draped in a majestic land of Spanish moss and white birds. BANG! This is where Dry Creek is at. Dry Creek will never turn into a documentary. But this story needs to be told. Through Dry Creek I hope to overturn a Florida limestone or two. To uncover a place, a time, a people who’s history was bypassed, who many only know where Disney World is located. Oh, and about those first horses that were brought over from Spain? Dry Creek will 28
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Online Continuing Education Courses Benefit
Pesticide License Holders, Extention Agents By Jim Frankowiak
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esticide operators in the state of Florida are required to follow a prescribed process that leads to certification and licensure. However, that overall process does not end upon the receipt of that license and certification. “There is an ongoing requirement for licensees to earn a specific number of continuing education credits (CEUs) to maintain their certification and license,” said Shawn Steed, Extension Faculty and Area Commercial Ornamental Production Agent for Hillsborough and Polk Counties. “The traditional way pesticide operators have had to meet this continuing education requirement is by enrolling in courses and personally attending the classes the specific days and times they are offered, but this presented challenges,” he said. “The dates, times and locations of course offerings, as well as related costs, proved challenging for those required to earn the credits. These individuals told me they wanted courses that were available online, cost efficient and less time-consuming. I also discovered that in many cases license holders were coming up short for the requirements of renewal due to these factors plus the reduction in available classes as a result of cost-cutting measures taken by those entities offerings required courses.”
counties in Florida, “greatly increasing the programmatic outreach of a topic and marketing for our program,” said Steed. “Participants have demonstrated a 90 percent subject mastery level and a 94.6 percent pass rate.” The new program enables sponsorship from the industry in the form of contact information placed on the website and donations. “The estimated economic impact from the program to date is $755,200 in terms of professionals obtaining CEUs to continue employment in pesticide application, while allowing Extension agents to maximize their time and automate the CEU process,” said Steed. “The online program efficiently registers users to the program, grades quizzes and alerts agents. It also allows clients the flexibility in terms of time and location to obtain required CEUs. Industry sponsorship also brings in revenue to Extension. It takes no more than five minutes for an agent to issue, register and email a CEU form to a client.” For more information on the web-based Pesticide CEU program, visit: tiny.cc/ ceus.
To resolve this multi-faceted challenge Steed launched a program to make CEUs readily available online with minimal impact on his time and few constraints to CEU seekers. The objectives he established to guide program development included: • Maximize availability of CEUs over time and space • Expedite the delivery of CEU credit • Minimize cost to both the agent providing the course offerings and license holder seeking CEUs • Automate the process as best possible To reach these objectives, Steed developed an industry-sponsored online CEU package. “The format integrates a web page with online quiz taking software. It allows license holders to readily search for CEU program availability and register for a credit anytime, anywhere they can access the web,” he said. Through the program, educational articles are posted on the web for easy access and reading by those seeking to maintain their pesticide certification and licensure. The CEU clients are redirected to the program online software to take knowledge post-test to insure instructional delivery, subject retention and mastery – a minimum 70 percent passing grade. Steed said the software program grades the test quiz and informs Extension agents via email, that a participant has taken the quiz. The program also stores all data of test takers and quiz information. “If the client successfully completes the post test, the agent can then register the particpant with the state of Florida and issue a signed CEU (PDF file) via email to the participant,” he said. The online program has seven course educational topics. The course awarded 54 CEUs in its first year to clients in 26 counties in Florida. The program grew by nearly 300 percent and awarded 182 CEUs in the second year to clients in 44 counties or 66 percent of the 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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Green Living I
t has been 20 years since the Recylosaurus was erected at MOSI. He has stood on his platform at the corner of Fowler Avenue through scorching heat, wind, rain and even a hurricane or two. He was only supposed to last four years, but because he is made completely of recycled materials, he may be around for another 20 years. When freelance artist, Terry Klaaren built him back in 1993, he placed a time capsule inside and on September 21 of this year the time capsule was opened during MOSI’s Environmental Expo. “They wanted to put something up outside that would attract attention,” Klaaren said. “Twenty years later and it’s still here.” At the time, MOSI had a lot of different construction projects going on, so Klaaren use the debris that was lying around to build the sculpture. He built it without the use of any electrical equipment, just ropes and weights. The project took about a month to complete. Klaaren was very tight-lipped about what was inside the time capsule, but he was very excited reveal the contents to the crowd that gathered at MOSI. “This event is something I have been looking forward to for 20 years,” Klaaren said. “There is nothing strange inside like cockroach eggs, just items from school kids and things from 20 years ago.” Klaaren was right about the time capsule contents. No, hatched cockroaches came out when it was opened, just some pictures and messages from area school children and other items like a plastic lunch tray and a recycled t-shirt to name a few. The items were a testament to the early stages of W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
recycling. We have come a long way in our recycling and green living since 1993, but we still have a ways to go. “I think certain aspects of environmental awareness is growing, but just having an event like this shows that people want to know what’s going on in Tampa,” said Lisa Custer of Going Green Tampa. She and Tara LaSalla are the creative minds behind Going Green Tampa. Their business was established in 2010 with the mission to bring awareness to the surrounding Tampa communities about local eco-friendly businesses, events and sustainable living. Their website, www.goinggreentampa.com serves as a onestop online eco-directory full of businesses, events and educational resources that are both sustainable as well as local. “We are starting to get people to realize that what they do on a daily basis affects our environment,” said LaSalla. Green living and being eco-friendly has been on the rise since 1993, but what exactly is green living? It refers to the way of life that contributes towards maintaining the natural ecological balance in the environment, and preserving the planet along with all of its natural resources. As our population grows, so do our needs and the supplies for those needs. This causes the perseveration of our green planet to slowly dwindle away. The Environmental Expo offered a wealth of information as to how we can do our part to save our natural resources and improve our environment. “Our goal is to get people thinking,” LaSalla said. “It’s not just about recycling anymore, we need to start making
By Libby Hopkins
more eco-friendly purchases like re-useable water bottles. We don’t need to keep buying more plastic water bottles because it’s not good for our environment.” Both Custer and LaSalla felt the expo was a great way to get the public thinking and excited about making a difference in our environment. There are many things we can do to live a greener lifestyle, such as reducing pollution, recycling non-biodegradable products, and planting more trees and plants on vacant land to name a few. Green living also involves the reduction of consumed natural energy. The less natural energy we use, the less we pay to other countries for their fossil fuel, because ours has run out. “Going Green Tampa is continually evolving and has become more than just an online resource,” LaSalla said. “We help to educate our community about the important economic benefits of supporting our local green businesses and the environmental impacts of being a good environmental steward in the community.” If you would like to learn more about Going Green Tampa, you can visit them on the web at w ww.goinggreentam pa.com. Their website also has a listing for different green events that are going on in the Tampa Bay area. •
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By Sandy Kaster, M.S. Clinical Medicine, B.S. Nutrition Science
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ibrant and bold in color and flavor, fresh Florida beets provide natural sweetness and plenty of nutrients. The entire beet is delicious and edible, including the ball-like root, leaves, peel, and shoots. Beet varieties grown in Florida include Early Wonder, Detroit Dark Red, Cylindra, Red Ace and Little Ball. Though the reddish-purple type is most well known, beets also come in varieties that are yellow, white, pink, and multi-colored. Beets are members of the Chenopodiaceae family, along with Swiss chard, spinach, and quinoa. The red and purple pigments responsible for beets’ vivid color contain healthy phytonutrients called betalains and anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Beets are commonly enjoyed raw, cooked, canned, or pickled. Beet greens are also edible, nutritious, and delicious. They can be eaten raw or lightly sautéed, much like spinach, and are rich in vitamins, minerals, and carotenoids.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE Beets are an excellent source of folate and a very good source of manganese, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also considered a good source of dietary fiber, copper, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, one cup of raw beets (136 g) contains 58 calories, 2.2g of protein, 0.23g of fat, 13g of carbohydrate, and 3.8g of fiber. It also provides 37% of the Daily Recommended Value (% DV) for folate, 22% for manganese, 15% for fiber, 13% for potassium, 11% for vitamin C, 9% for tryptophan, 8% for magnesium, 6% for iron, and 5% for phosphorus and copper.
DISEASE-FIGHTING ANTIOXIDANTS Beets are full of antioxidants, in the form of betalain, vitamin C, and manganese. Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, harmful compounds associated with cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and arthritis. A one cup serving of raw beets contains 11% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 37% of your daily folate requirements. These nutrients also fight inflammation and may reduce the severity of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and asthma.
MANGANESE Fresh Florida beets are full of manganese, with a one cup serving providing almost a quarter of your daily needs. Manganese is a trace mineral that has many important roles W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
in the body. It helps maintain strong bones, helps the body synthesize fatty acids, promotes proper function of the thyroid gland, and helps maintain normal blood sugar levels. Manganese is involved in many enzymatic reactions in the body and helps the body efficiently use nutrients such as biotin, vitamin C, choline, and thiamin.
HOW TO ENJOY Beets can be enjoyed raw, grated and added to salad. They can also be grilled, boiled, steamed, pickled, or roasted. Beet greens can be boiled or steamed, with a similar taste and texture to spinach. Other ways to enjoy this nutritious, versatile vegetable include: • Roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper
FOLATE Beets are very high in folate, a B vitamin, with one cup providing more than one third of your daily requirement of this vitamin. Folate plays a role in reducing levels of homocysteine, a compound associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In conjunction with vitamin B12 and vitamin C, folate helps the body use and make new proteins, form red blood cells, support normal cell growth and division. Perhaps folate is more famous for its important role in preventing neural tube defects and other birth defects.
• Made into soup, such as in borscht
HOW TO SELECT AND STORE
• Grated and used in dessert recipes, such as chocolate beet cake
Select beets that are firm, with deep color and smooth, unblemished skin. If the greens are attached, look for fresh looking greens with a bright green color. Smaller beets tend to be more tender and have a better taste. Separate beet greens from the root. Store unwashed greens in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to three or four days. The greens are more perishable than the roots, which can be stored, unwashed, in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Cooked beets can be frozen for up to several months.
• Grated raw and added to salads or as a topping for sandwiches • Juiced with other fruits and vegetables for a nutritious drink • Boiled and mashed with potatoes and other root vegetables • Using pickled beet juice to flavor hard-boiled eggs, a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty
Enjoy fresh, sweet Florida beets today. Full of nutrients, these super vegetables add delicious flavor, beauty, and nutrition to any meal. Selected References http:/ / www.floridata.com/ ref/ B / beta_vul.cfm http:/ / gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/ http:/ / www.usda.gov http:/ / www.whfoods.com
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Business Up Front
101 AND GOING STRONG JARRETT-SCOTT FORD
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et you didn’t know the oldest Ford dealership in Florida that’s still in business is right here in Plant City. Jarrett-Scott Ford, part of the Jarrett Automotive Group, is 101-years-old and like a fine wine keeps getting better with age. The dealership was established in downtown Plant City in 1912 by R. M. Fletcher. History buffs will appreciate the fact that Henry Ford, while en route to his winter home in Ft. Myers, spent a Saturday at the dealership in November of 1927, an event that is documented in a newspaper article prominently displayed at Jarrett-Scott Ford. “The dealership moved to its current location on the northwest corner of North Park Road and Baker Street (Highway 92) in 1967 by the Fletcher family,” said Managing Partner Jim Scott, who joined the Jarrett organization in 1999 after serving as a sales representative with Ford Motor Co. where his duties involved working with dealerships in various areas of the country. Prior to working with Ford, Scott had been in sales and marketing with the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Pistons. He is a native of Troy, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit.
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By Jim Frankowiak
“I left the franchisor (Ford Motor Co.) and joined a franchisee (Jarrett Automotive Group) at a time in my life when I was single and able to try an opportunity that differed from my previous posts,” said Scott. Now married to Leigh and the father of two boys – Nick, 7; and Connor, 6 – Scott is pleased with his decision. “Corporate life is fine, but it typically means a move every several years. I’m happy to be in Plant City and part of the Jarrett family,” he said. In his nonwork time, Scott enjoys baseball, basketball and fishing with his sons. There is some knowledge from his prior position with Ford that Scott feels the auto-buying public ought to know. “Ford franchisees or dealerships all pay the exact same price for vehicles they purchase from the franchisor. That’s the law in Florida and it protects us all and assures a level playing field in terms of what each of us pays the manufacturer for cars and trucks we buy,” he said. “We are a relatively small, but very nimble dealership. However, the Jarrett Automotive Group consists of five Ford dealerships (one of those is dual branded and markets Lincoln vehicles, too) and that gives us and our customers ready access to a very substantial inventory of both new and used vehicles,” said Scott. That inventory typically
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averages more than 750 new vehicles and 250 used. “Prospective customers can view that entire inventory and pricing of each vehicle by visiting our website and that also means if we don’t have the specific model a customer wants on our lot, we can easily arrange to have it relocated from one of our other dealerships. And, there’s no cost for that service,” he noted. “I feel it is important for our customers to have access to any member of our management team, including me, and not be forced to deal with layers of people to have their questions answered and complete transactions in a timely manner. I guarantee we will do what is right. The majority of our customers come from within a 10mile range of our dealership and about 75 percent of our customers are either repeat buyers or referrals from other satisfied customers. We will simply not doing anything to jeopardize those relationships and their importance to our future,” said Scott, who also noted the long tenure of many of his nearly 60 employees. “Our approach has been very important in enabling us to effectively weather some very tough economic times, and I am delighted that we are now on the upswing.” The best-selling vehicle at Jarrett-Scott Ford is the F-Series truck “and that’s W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
certainly very understandable given the strong agricultural focus of many of our customers, but our inventory both here in Plant City and at other Jarrett dealerships enables us to match just about any customer’s vehicle choice,” said Scott, who also has some added advice for car buyers. “The information that’s available on the web today makes it easy for customers to become wellschooled on the value of their vehicle, if they have a trade-in, plus the cost of the type of vehicle they want to buy and any specials the manufacturer may be offering. We like to deal with customers who have done their homework. It makes our jobs that much easier. We also encourage them to compare what I call bottom line pricing from one dealer to another. No gimmicks, just the total out the door price. I am confident we will do very well with such a comparison.” Scott said he will also “take just about anything in on trade against the purchase of a new or used vehicle.” In addition to new and used Ford cars and trucks, Jarrett-Scott Ford offers oil change specials with most gas-powered cars costing $20 and diesel-powered vehicles $100. “That’s the full price including taxes and any other fees,” said Scott, “and we use Motorcraft parts and oil.” Giving back to the community is another aspect of the JarrettScott Ford Dealership. “We try to support every community organization that asks for our help,” said Scott. “That’s an important part of working and living in a community like Plant City.” Scott is currently Chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. For more information about Jarrett Scott Ford or its new and used vehicle inventory, visit: www.jarrettscottford.com.
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My Florida Farm Weather Program Operational By Jim Frankowiak every eight weeks, while network sensors are tested annually. In addition to UF/IFAS, primary system sponsors include the South Florida, Southwest Florida and St. John’s River Water Management Districts, FDACS and an impressive array of Florida growers, allied organizations and corporate entities.
lands,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. “Real-time weather data will also help producers save costs and mitigate environmental impacts.”
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gricultural producers across Florida can now use their smartphones or computers to access real-time local weather information through the “My Florida Farm Weather” program. It was developed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) in partnership with the University of Florida’s Automated Weather Network (FAWN). FAWN provides up to the minute information on several weather variables, including rainfall, temperature, humidity, dew point, wind speed and wind direction.
This weather information is available online, where a map of the state of Florida aggregates weather data collected from weather stations on private agricultural lands throughout the state. Those interested in accessing this weather information resource should visit http:/ / fawn.ifas.ufl.edu/ mffw/ and check the box next to “Grower” to view current weather data. Data can also be accessed via recently released applications for both the iPhone and Android platforms. Site enhancements, including historical weather data, will be added to the program in the months ahead. “This technology will help Florida agricultural producers more efficiently manage irrigation and the application of nutrients on their W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
Over the past year, FDACS has partnered with agricultural producers statewide to install weather stations and input data into a test site. Seventy-nine operations are currently participating in the pilot program and more station applications are pending. Producers enrolled in Florida’s agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs) are eligible to participate in the program. Utilizing weather station data assists producers:
“FAWN truly benefits a wide range of agriculture in Florida,” said FAWN Project Director Rick Lusher. “It enhances cold protection for multiple crops and helps with irrigation scheduling for citrus, strawberry and row crops. It provides freeze protection information to growers via both email and text and even helps urban/landscape irrigation scheduling. FAWN also provides access to data and tools to producers while they are in the field via their mobile devices. The potential impact of FAWN is impressive. “The system’s cold protection toolkit offers potential savings of 7 – 38 billion gallons of water and that translates to $3 - $20 million,” said Lusher, who noted the system recorded more than one million page views during the 2010-2011 period.
• Determine when to delay irrigation after rainfall and when to irrigate during frost/freeze events, which can reduce water use and associated costs. • Determine when to use fungicide or pesticide sprays or fertilizer applications, which can help reduce waste and costs. • Optimize water use and minimize runoff of fertilizers and other farm chemicals into the water.
“Water savings for citrus irrigation scheduling alone can be 20 percent, while potential water savings via the urban irrigation scheduler are even higher at an estimated 30 percent,” he said. “Additionally, FAWN data provides added benefits through its use by the National Weather Service, Florida Divisions of Forestry and Emergency Management, other agricultural industry members, homeowners and others.”
Producers are eligible to receive funding for one weather station for each 300 acres of their operation. FDACS provides 75 percent of the costs of each weather station device up to $5,000, with a total cap of $25,000 per producer.
For additional FAWN information, visit: http:/ / fawn.ifas.ufl.edu.
Developed statewide by UF/IFAS, the FAWN network consists of 41 automated observing sites with weather data reported every 15 minutes. The sites receive routine maintenance INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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Fire Orange
Mango
Canary
Powdery Mildew-resistant
Gerbera Daisy Golden Eye
Tangerine
Cultivars By Zhanao Deng
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erbera daisy is one of the most popular, most valuable flowers in the world. It is well accepted in the cut flower and potted plant markets, and can also be grown as a patio, garden or landscape plant. Powdery mildew, a fungal disease, can infect gerbera daisy and rapidly blight gerbera daisy plants and flowers. To control powdery mildew on gerbera daisy, greenhouse growers and nurseries have to resort to frequent applications of fungicides, which increases production costs and may pollute the environment. On the other hand, home gardeners have few tools at their disposal facing this destructive disease. Plant breeders in the U.S. and other countries have been trying to incorporate powdery mildew resistance into gerbera varieties. Plant breeder Zhanao Deng and floriculturist Brent K. Harbaugh (emeritus) recently introduced two new gerbera daisy cultivars that
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are resistant to this common, destructive disease. ‘FuntasticTM Tangerine Eye’ and FuntasticTM Golden Eye’ gerbera daisy cultivars were selected specifically for resistance to powdery mildew. Their resistance has been tested and validated over multiple years. The two cultivars produce dark green leaves and many large flowers, 4-inches or greater, in bright orange-red or yellow-orange bicolor, with a contrasting dark eye in the center of the flowers. Flower stems are 15 to 20 inches long, making the attractive flowers stand out in garden plantings and also suitable for use as cut flowers in vases. ‘FuntasticTM Tangerine Eye’ and FuntasticTM Golden Eye’ will be marketed with other FuntasticTM gerbera daisy cultivars, which have shown exceptional heat tolerance and container and garden performance in industry and university trials. The two new members
will expand the plant palette in this series of gerbera daisy and offer exciting new choices to flower producers and gardeners. Deng and his visiting student Xiaohe Song have used DNA fingerprinting techniques to track the genes that control the powdery mildew resistance in these gerbera daisy cultivars. Their studies unveiled that two major genes in one of gerbera daisy’ chromosomes control about three quarters of the mildew resistance. The genetically built-in mildew resistance will be very beneficial to gerbera daisy producers and customers. The recent outbreak of impatiens downy mildew in the U.S. and Europe is an excellent example of how valuable disease resistance can be to flower growers, commercial landscapers, and home gardeners. •
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Specializing in Agricultural, Transitional and Commercial Land
110 ACRE STRAWBERRY FARM GRANGE HALL LOOP, WIMAUMA
45 ACRE RECREATIONAL PROPERTY BUNKER HILL ROAD, PARRISH
Turn-key farm! 16, 14 and 12-inch wells, Drip and Freeze Protection installed. Abundant water supply with 397,000 Avg GPD and 14,357,000 Max GPD. Properties are level and well drained. $2,799,000
Excellent 45 acre tract for the sportsperson. Property has a wide variety of habitat! $269,000
40 ACRE HORSE FARM OLD WELCOME ROAD, LITHIA
20 ACRE EQUESTRIAN ESTATE POWERLINE ROAD, LITHIA
Incredible opportunity to own a turn-key horse farm located in Lithia, near Fishhawk. The property includes two homes, 50x100 horse barn and a lighted arena. Rolling, lush land and mature oaks border a creek that intersects the property. $800,000
4,448 gross SF executive home, four bedrooms and two and one half baths. The kitchen opens to the family room and has beautiful views of the farm. The 15 stall center aisle barn features a tack room, feed room, 2 wash racks and an air-conditioned office. $825,000
12 ACRE HOME SITE TRAPNELL ROAD, PLANT CITY
5 ACRE RANCHETTE POLO CLUB LANE, LITHIA
Great vacant parcel for home site or farm. Use as pastureland now or look to future development. The property is already platted into four parcels. $215,000
A great country home site or ranchette that is close to Fishhawk and A rated schools, but still secluded. Horses welcome. $150,000
Reed Fischbach, Broker
813.546.1000
Fischbach Land Company
P.O. Box 2677 • Brandon, FL 33509
Note: While every attempt is made to provide as accurate information on the property offering as possible, FISCHBACH LAND COMPANY, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy thereof. Buyer shall rely entirely on their own information and inspection of property and records.
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A Closer Look
The Port of Tampa By Jim Frankowiak
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here’s a very good chance that you have heard and read – perhaps more than once – that the Port of Tampa, with more than $15 billion of annual impact, is “the largest economic engine in the region.” That translates into 80,216 direct and indirect jobs related to activity at the port as well as personal earnings, business revenue and state and local taxes. Those jobs represent $4.2 billion in wages and salaries and those salaries of port-dependent jobs average $46,300, substantially above average in this region. But what does that mean to you? If you consider what takes place at the port, both incoming and outgoing, every one of us in the west central Florida region has multiple daily experiences as a result of the port’s presence and its activities. Maybe a family member or friend works in a port-related job, the food you eat each day is grown with nutrients courtesy of fertilizer manufacturers who rely on phosphate shipments from the port or maybe it’s the vacation you, a friend or relative took aboard one of the cruise lines that calls the Port of Tampa home. Each time you fuel your vehicle – whether gas or diesel – keep in mind that fuel came to your local station by way of the port.
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Cargo shipments coming to and leaving the port have global destinations and points of origin and that is not just bulk items. A growing number of distribution centers with countless retail and wholesale customers in the region are served through the port. Many of those goods fine their way to your homes, offices and businesses. The Port of Tampa is actually comprised of several locations, totaling approximately 5,000 acres. Its businesses include cargo, cruise and shipyard activities. It is Florida’s largest and most diversified seaport. Annually 33.9 million tons of cargo come through the port. Four cruise lines carry nearly one million passengers every year and four shipbuilding and repair yards generate nearly $175 million in economic activity annually. And, based upon most recent studies, each of those categories is growing and initiatives are underway to continue diversification of port activities to further assure the vibrancy of the port and its contributions to the regional economy. But this economic asset had humble beginnings. Native Americans had long recognized the significance of what we know as the Port of Tampa and early Spanish
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explorers regarded the port as “the best in the world.” Shortly after the United States bought Florida from Spain in 1819 and established Fort Brooke four years later, the Port of Tampa was welcoming steamers and sailing ships from distant locations. In the middle of that century, Capt. James McKay, considered the father of Tampa’s port, began operating ships between Tampa, Mobile and New Orleans, while shipping cattle to Cuba. Railroad tycoon Henry B. Plant completed a railroad line to Tampa in 1884, making Tampa an inter-modal transportation hub of vital importance to the region’s newest discovery – phosphate. And it is phosphate operations that formed the solid foundation for the port’s economic engine. For decades the phosphate industry annually tallied the highest volume of shipments from the port. Petroleum products now rank #1, but phosphate is a strong occupant of the #2 spot. Additional inbound cargoes include liquid sulphur, coal, anhydrous ammonia, limestone, granite, containerized cargo, steel products and vehicles. Bulk phosphate and fertilizer head the list of outbound cargoes followed by scrap metal, citrus pellets, containerized cargo and vehicles. W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
(PORTS) that promotes safe and efficient navigation within Tampa Bay. That system is critical to us in that it enhances the economic efficiency and competitiveness of our maritime partners while reducing risks to life, property and the coast environment.” That tax is required of anyone engaged in the business of severing solid materials, phosphate rock and heavy minerals from the soils and waters of Florida. The current severance tax rate is eight percent of the value at the point of severance. Initiatives are in place to expand containerized and vehicular shipments, coincident with the experience and solid track record of the Tampa Port Authority’s new president A. Paul Anderson, who came to his current post after a successful tenure at the Port of Jacksonville and its significant growth in those two areas. The authority is headed by a seven-member commission whose policies are implemented by a staff of 130.
The port’s cargo business represents more than $14.4 billion of its total regional economic impact and within that category the phosphate industry has far and away the highest value with an annual impact of $10,554,910, more than two-thirds of the port’s overall regional economic impact. “The Port of Tampa serves as the conduit between the large presence of phosphate mines and fertilizer production facilities in Central Florida, specifically Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee counties, and consumers both internationally and domestically,” according to the Martin Associates economic impact study commissioned by the Port Authority and released this past June. “The regional phosphatic fertilizer production industry accounts for nearly 12-million tons (roughly 35 percent) of cargo through the port of Tampa. Key commodities handled at the port’s public and private docks include raw phosphate
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rock, liquid sulphur, liquid ammonia and processed (finished) phosphatic fertilizers. This movement of phosphate rock and fertilizer products by port shippers and consignees such as Mosaic and CF Industries creates about 43,500 jobs generating $2.3 billion in personal income in the regional economy. In addition, the phosphatic fertilizer industry generates nearly $461.2 million in revenue to the Port of Tampa and an additional $10.1 billion in related output resulting in over $10.6 billion in total economic value to the region.” the study said. Jobs created as result of this industry total 43,493 for direct, indirect, induced and related users. Direct jobs are those that would not exist if activity at Port of Tampa cargo facilities were to cease, while induced positions are those created in the Tampa area by the purchases of goods and services by those individuals directly employed by each of the Port’s lines of business and indirect jobs are those created throughout the region as the result of purchases for goods and services by the firms directly impacted by the Port of Tampa activity, including the ship repair facilities and firms providing services to cargo operations. Jobs with shippers and consignees (exporters and importers) using the marine terminals for shipment and receipt of cargo are termed related user jobs by the study. “Beyond that significant overall economic impact, the phosphate industry over the years has been a very supportive member of our port family,” said John Thorington, the Tampa Port Authority’s Vice President for Government Affairs and Board Coordination. “One excellent example is the industry’s decision to support the contribution of $150,000 of its annual severance tax proceeds to help pay for the National Ocean Service (NOS) Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System
In addition to growing existing business and diversifying with new initiatives, the port is also looking ahead for the maritime workers of tomorrow through a career training program at Blake and Jefferson high schools in Tampa. In partnership with Hillsborough County Schools, the program is a key component of the maritime education outreach initiative of the International Propeller Club of the United States, Port of Tampa, which, with more than 450 active members, is the largest Propeller Club in the world. Dave Sessums, vice president of International Ship Repair & Marine Services Inc., originated the program as chair of the Propeller Club’s education committee. The program has resources for up to 50 students each school year. “Our goal is that the student will graduate ready to take the next step in the maritime career of his or her choice,” said Sessums.
The Port of Tampa has come a long way since Capt. McKay began operations in the mid 1800s. It is a valuable and vibrant resource for the region and all who reside here with initiatives and leadership in place to foster continued growth in the years ahead. For more information about the Port of Tampa, visit: www.tampaport.com.
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RECIPES Recipes Courtesy of the Florida Department of Agriculture
Pan Roasted Florida Vegetables with Garlic and Fresh Herbs
Once the pan is hot again, add 1 tablespoon oil and the other half of the diced onion. Let the onions cook for 2 minutes and then add the garlic, mushrooms and eggplant. Lightly season the cooking vegetables with salt and pepper. Let the vegetables cook until the eggplant is just tender (about 2 minutes). Remove the vegetables from the pan and place them into the bowl with the other vegetables. Add the fresh herbs to the bowl of vegetables and stir to combine. Serve warm.
Florida Strawberry Cheesecake Dip
1 large eggplant, large diced (remove skin if desired) 2 zucchini, large diced 2 large squash, large diced 2 bell peppers, seeded and diced large 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced 12 mushrooms, rinsed and quartered 1 large yellow onion, diced 1/4 cup fresh parsley, hand torn 2 teaspoons fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano) Canola or olive oil for cooking Sea salt to taste Fresh ground pepper to taste
ʻʼ 1/2 cup fresh Florida Strawberries, rinsed, dried and chopped fine 1/4 cup Florida pecans, toasted and chopped fine 1/4 cup Florida honey 1/3 cup freshly squeezed Florida orange juice 1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened 1 cup low-fat sour cream Assorted cookies, graham crackers and fresh Florida fruit for dipping and spreading
PREPARATION Pre-heat a large-sized sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the hot pan. Add half of the onion to the pan and cook for 2 minutes. Add half of the garlic and all the bell peppers to the onion mixture in the pan. Continue to cook the vegetables in the pan and add all of the yellow squash and zucchini to the pan. Lightly season the cooking vegetables with salt and pepper. Let the vegetables cook until the squash is just crisp-tender (about two minutes). Remove the vegetables from the pan into a large serving bowl. Place the sauté pan back over the heat and use a spatula to remove any debris. 50
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PREPARATION Set aside 1 tablespoon each of the strawberries and pecans for garnish. In a small bowl, lightly mix the strawberries, honey and orange juice. In a separate bowl, blend the cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add the strawberry mixture and fold together. Fold in the pecans. Cover and chill. Garnish the top of the dip with the reserved strawberries and pecans. Serve with cookies and fruit for dipping.
RAY FELTON Meat Department
You can cash your checks, pay your light, phone and cable bills with us!
Specialty Meats Ducks, Capons, Fresh Ham, Rabbits, Quail, Fresh & Smoked Turkey Wings and Drumsticks, Beef and Pork Kidneys, Hog Heads, Hog Maws, Pork Skin, Tripe & Honeycomb Tripe, and Alligator Meat.
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Florida Farm Bureau ‘Cares’ Program Recognizes The Greenest of the Green
Farmers and Ranchers
By Jim Frankowiak
BMPs can include structural improvements such as settling ponds, terracing and fencing or filtration lagoons. Provisions of BMPs can also specify production strategies such as rotational grazing, conservation tillage and the precise use of fertilizer applications. Farmers and ranchers who are recognized earn the right to display a CARES sign on their respective properties designating their operations as outstanding natural resource stewards.
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t’s no secret, farmers and ranchers were green when it was just a color and not the catch-all description it has become to signify any one or any action that has to do with protecting and/or preserving the environment. But not many knew of this long-standing commitment to practices that conserve and protect natural resources. Common sense should make that readily apparent since to do anything to the contrary would threaten the livelihood of a farmer or rancher. To promote public recognition of state-ofthe-art agricultural production techniques, Florida Farm Bureau created the CARES Program in 2000. CARES stands for County Alliance for Responsible Environmental Stewardship and recognizes farmers and ranchers who have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) that are designed to maximize the conservation and protection of natural resources. The CARES Program began as a cooperative initiative with the University of Florida /Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) and the Suwannee River Water Management District. The program initially focused on farms located in the Suwannee River Basin and has since expanded to include the Santa Fe River Basin, the Indian River Area, the Northern Everglades Agricultural Area and the Tampa Bay Area. Florida Farm Bureau is
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developing similar CARES initiatives in other areas of Florida to highlight outstanding agricultural environmental stewardship. In addition, more than 60 local, regional, state and federal agencies, including several water management districts, as well as private businesses and organizations, have joined the program as co-sponsors. Through the middle of this year, Florida Farm Bureau has recognized more than 500 farm producers with a CARES award for their voluntary accomplishments. Farmers and ranchers certified under the program have voluntarily implemented superior natural resource management systems, which have been examined and verified by third-party inspectors during visits at their respective properties. By statute, FDACS acts as the agency that certifies the implementation of BMPs on farm properties. Producers adopting such practices are designated as compliant with water quality and water quantity regulations. Many of these producers have taken advantage of technical and cost-sharing assistance offered by UF/IFAS, FDACS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resource Conservation Service to enhance their conservation practices. Locally, the Southwest Florida Water Management System’s Facilitating Agricultural Resource Management (FARMS) Program has been a source of assistance to Hillsborough County producers.
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Here in Hillsborough County where the BMP Program has been operating since 2006, Florida Farm Bureau Federation has recognized 10 farmers for their participation. Some of the practices in this area include tailwater recovery systems, alternative frost-freeze protection systems, weather stations, irrigation components, fertilization efficiency and nutrient testing systems. This year, certifications were awarded to Ray Wood of Woods Tree Farm and Steve Mathis of Mathis Farms, both with operations in the Plant City area. Coincidentally, Ray and Steve are brothers-in-law. This recognition and certification by Farm Bureau is to continue annually. CARES is designed to help non-farm residents, including public agency personnel, understand the superior natural resource stewardship of Florida’s agricultural producers and the vital role of their properties in the preservation of green space, fresh water recharge areas and wildlife habitat. Open to all farmers and ranchers, the CARES program demonstrates that voluntary BMP programs are effective at improving water quality and appropriate water usage throughout Florida. Most importantly, the CARES Program promotes a basic fact of Florida agriculture: most farm owners are routinely proactive in conserving and protecting our natural resources as they produce food, fiber and fuel for our society. For more information about the CARES Program, contact Scot Eubanks, Florida Farm Bureau assistant director of Ag Policy at: 352-384-2633 or via email: scot.eubanks@ffbf.org.
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A PROBLEM-SOLVING ‘RENAISSANCE MAN’
SIMON BOLLIN By Jim Frankowiak
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imon Bollin is Hillsborough County’s new Agribusiness Development Manager. He brings a strong agricultural background to his new position, plus a good deal more ranging from experiences in New Zealand in both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, a list of program management engagements in a number of states and a penchant for speed on land and sea. The eldest of six children, three boys and three girls, Bollin grew up on a farm near Nauvoo, Illinois, in Hancock County close to the Mississippi River and Iowa in west central Illinois. His family grew corn and soybeans and had 250-head of mixed breed cattle. Simon was active in FFA and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout while a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy degree from Purdue University with a specialization in Soil and Crop Management. While an undergrad at Purdue, Bollin worked as a laboratory technician in the Soil Physics Lab. He is also a Certified Crop Advisor and Technical Service Provider, Pest and Nutrient Management Planner – USDA and Certified Compost Facility Technician. Bollin is also a heavy equipment operator, diesel mechanic, Class A truck license holder with tanker endorsement and a mig and arch welder. He studied abroad at the Akademia Rolnicza in Krakow, Poland and has basic fluency in both Russian and Polish, plus basic understanding of Spanish and German. After receiving his undergraduate degree, Bollin spent the next year in New Zealand, working in the engine room of a mega yacht and at a farm. “I wanted to travel and work in different locations in the world,” he said. Returning to the U.S., he worked as an assistant farm manager at Huber Ranch Sod Nursery in northern Indiana and then as an agronomist at Miles Farm Center in southwestern Indiana. Next was a six-year period as Special Projects Manager for Soil Solutions Company at Lafayette, Indiana. There he was involved in a range of projects focused on composting, siting and permitting, including the largest industrial land application program in the state of Indiana.
For the last four years he was a vice president of agricultural and environmental services with the Global Waste Solutions Group, a company engaged in developing and implementing small and mid-sized agricultural, environmental and mining solutions around the world. “Our mining focus was precious metals, fertilizer and gems,” said Bollin. “Each of those positions has exposed me to different challenges involving the environment and regulators, most often in an agricultural setting.” His experiences have included the development and startup of a compost facility, management of a municipal lagoon closure, and various municipal, agricultural and industrial land application programs. Bollin has also designed multiple processing and composting operations of municipal/agricultural waste for use as an organic fertilizer in several countries, overseen the sizing and W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
evaluation of equipment for a large farm and ethanol plant project, calculation of mixing ratios for composting with a variety of feedstocks at several international sites and consulted on several lead remediation projects using innovative technologies resulting in increased productivity and decreased costs in excess of 50 percent. Amid the varied engagements Bollin had domestically and abroad there were opportunities for him to become involved in another interest area: speed. “My first vehicle was a diesel-powered pickup truck that I rebuilt and that experience has led to motorcycles, Indy cars and offshore boat racing.” His activities have run the gamut from sales and marketing to the production of races, sponsorship development and relations with varied economic development groups across the U.S. His Hillsborough County post is his first in government. “I hope to bring my problem-solving skills to bear on the issues and concerns of the Agriculture Economic Development Council (AEDC). That coupled with my experience and interest in agriculture should be helpful,” said Bollin. “I have to credit my dad for teaching me a process he developed and used with respect to identifying issues and solving problems. I call it a common sense approach and it has been successful more often than not. I typically lead by example, based on my diverse experience, with the ability to connect the dots and apply out of the box thinking for efficient practical project completion.” The AEDC membership, which is confirmed by the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners, originates with nominees approved by the council. The council is limited in size to 13 members with at least 60 percent representing major agricultural commodity groups and the remainder consisting of at-large agriculturally related representation. It was established by the Board of County Commissioners in 1998. Bollin joined the county in late August and is spending much of his time currently “meeting with members of the agricultural community throughout the county, as well stakeholders. From what I am hearing work force availability and water use are among current critical concerns.” He is one of only two agribusiness development managers in Florida. The other is on the Dade County staff. The county’s Agriculture Industry Development program has as its purpose to initiate and assist with efforts to create a business atmosphere that is conducive to the continuation and expansion of agricultural businesses in the county, benefiting all of its residents. Specific program services include: • Discouraging the premature conversion of productive farm land to non-agricultural use • Improving the economic sustainability of agriculture in the county through increased marketing options, alternative crops, value-added processing, capital financing opportunities and identification of other barriers to the expansion or sustainability of agriculture INTHEFIELD MAGAZINE
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• Minimizing the impact of the regulatory process on agriculture’s ability to conduct business, while still achieving the goals of those regulations • Promoting the expansion and relocation of agribusinesses firms in Hillsborough County The primary focus areas for Bollin’s position are to explore ways to grow jobs and capital investment and to ensure that county policies are supportive of agricultural interests. In addition, he is to provide technical support to the AEDC as well as utilization of information gained from the council to support the best interests of the agribusiness community in the county. The AEDC is currently comprised of 12-members. Hugh Gramling, who represents ornamental horticulture, is chair, while cattle representative C. Dennis Carlton is vice-chair. Other council members and their affiliations include: Michelle Williamson, vegetables; Ted Campbell, strawberries; George Farkas, citrus; David Drawdy, aquaculture; Billy Martinez, Dairy; Danny Aprile, Farm Bureau and at large representatives Ed Sherwood, Stefan Katzaras, Tony Lopez and Sally Thompson. The council meets quarterly. “We are fortunate to have Simon working for agriculture in Hillsborough County,” said Gramling. “He will be a great asset. Simon has already integrated himself into the position and is moving ahead quickly. I feel confident he is up to the task of continuing the good works of Stephen Gran and, while we miss Stephen in that position, Simon will also excel.” For more information on Hillsborough County’s Agriculture Industry Development Program or the Agriculture Economic Development Council, contact Bollin at bol lins @hil lsboroughc ount y.org or call: 813/276-2735.
Photo by Stephanie Humphrey
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2nd Annual
Oct. 12 - Nov. 3
Pictured left: The Futch Family
Pictured left: Anna Pictured above: Cohen
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he 2nd annual Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is gearing up for another fun and exciting year! Locally owned and family operated in the heart of cracker country, The Futch Family begins its second year of what is easily becoming known as one of Central Florida’s best area attractions for families. As Fall brings the change of season and color, it also kicks off this fabulous countryside event! In an effort to revive the family property and renew some of the local heritage, the Futch’s began this venture with high hopes that their visitors will experience the joy that comes from a good and wholesome autumn attraction. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze boasts everything from traditional tractor pulled hayrides, a pumpkin patch, games, butterflies and pony rides, to antiques, homemade jams, jellies, breads, and arts and
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crafts. Be sure to visit Squirrely’s General Store for gift items and more. There are games to be played, great foods to be tried, and music to be enjoyed. And, of course the main attraction, a fiveacre corn maze planted and designed to amuse visitors of all ages. Maps and check points will guide you along your way! “Can You Out Fox Their Squirrely Maze?” Visitors may have the chance to glimpse wild turkey, deer, cattle, raccoons and the ever frisky Sherman, the Fox Squirrel, to which the name of their Maze is owed. Fox Squirrel Corn Maze is open October 12 thru November 3, Saturday and Sunday only. Fridays are for pre-arranged groups and field trips. Interested parties can contact the family thru their email, FutchEntertainment@comcast.net and visit their website, www.FoxSquirrelCornMaze.com for information on the event, and please like them on Facebook! Vendors may vary. •
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Antioch Days
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ince 1854, Christian pioneers were in Antioch. Antioch Days is a time set aside each year to celebrate our founding as the church at Antioch, established in 1854. It is a solemn recognition of the faithfulness and dedication of early Christians, who in obedience followed the leading and direction of a sovereign God in establishing a church in the wilderness near the shores of Lake Thonotosassa.
Antioch Days is a tribute to a band of believers who, together in kindred spirit, faced tremendous obstacles, endured great hardships and literally gave blood, sweat and tears for the foundation of a rock solid church, one which is still alive and well today, the Church at Antioch. This annual celebration serves to pay tribute and speak loudly a heart felt “thank you” to all those past generations of church families, to each and every family member who chose to covenant their hearts together and cast their lot to become the church on the corner where people meet friends and friends meet Jesus, at The Church at Antioch, East Thonotosassa Baptist. •
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By Sean Green
Photo Credit: April McDonald & Karen Berry
A Closer Look
Garden Spiders (Argiope) became active at dawn both marked and unmarked webs survived at a rate of about 80 percent. In the timeframe between dawn and noon, all but 8 percent of unmarked webs remained intact compared to 60 percent of webs marked with stabilimentum. The presence or absence of stabilimentum has not been determined to be a significant factor in the predation by birds. Regardless of its function, this spiders fascinating use of stabilimentum has inspired a variety of common names for a truly extraordinary spider.
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he orb weavers as a family of spiders have fascinated humanity for as long as we have coexisted with them, inspiring cultural and biblical stories that endow this spider with enchanting qualities. The classic children’s novel Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, for example, was inspired by the Barn Spider (Araneus cavaticus), a small member of the Araneidae family. Rabbinical references to Psalms 57 describe a spider weaving an intricate web at the mouth of the Cave of Adullam, discouraging King Saul from searching the cave in which the fleeing David and his men were hiding. These are the legendary image weavers that have evoked common names such as the Writing Spider, St. Andrew's Cross spiders, Priest Spider, X Spider, and even Koganegumo, Japanese for (wicked looking spider). One thing is clear; while these harmless spiders may appear wicked, with a closer look, there are few that can resist being drawn into fascination by them. Despite its alarming guise, Garden Spiders (Argiope) are rather timid. When threatened, some species may vibrate the web but more often, will plunge to the ground to hide in vegetation. Garden Spiders (Argiope) are large orb weavers that, unlike other orb weavers, are active during the day. One characteristic of daytime orb-weavers is the use of intricate zig zag patterns (stabilimentum) within their web. Scientists still debate the purpose of web stabilimenta and popular theories include prey attraction and the provision of structural stability. Though many theories abound, the theory that stabilimentum is a bird deterring design is compelling. In 1982 entomologist Thomas Eisner and ornithologist Steven Nowicki tested the hypothesis at Archbold Biological Station in central Florida and demonstrated that before birds
Building a web is no trivial task, Argiope spiders spin at least six different types of silk and the entire process of making a web takes a couple of hours. For those of you willing to get up a few hours before dawn, you may be able to catch this spider in the process of creating her marvelous web. Juvenile Argiope tend to spin more elaborate stabilimentum and are a real treat when you find them. The impressive web of the Argiope is usually immaculately clean. Argiope dismantle, ingest and rebuild their web every night to refresh the sticky capture threads, consequently keeping it free of debris. Argiope are most abundant in autumn, spiderlings will soon emerge from egg sacks and can make interesting pets for those so inclined. Argiope is a prized beneficial insect and is reputed to eat a greater variety and volume of insects than birds do, prey include mosquitoes, moths, flies, grasshoppers, bees, and wasps. Florida is home to four species of Garden Spiders (Argiope), all of which habitually build their webs within eight feet of the ground or on porches and window sills. The Black and Yellow Argiope (Argiope aurantia), is one of the largest and most common of orb-weavers. The natural habitats for this species include grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands and of all Florida species, this one is the most likely to show up in urban environments. Argiope aurantia only breeds once per year, so survival of the young have necessitated some interesting survival characteristics. After mating, the female produces between one and three brown papery eggs sacks, each containing between 300 and 1400 eggs that will hatch in autumn. The egg sack is hung from the center of her web to prevent ant predation. The egg sack itself is a multi-layered fortress designed to prevail over the burrowing larvae of wasps and flies. In one study, 19 insect species and 11 spider species emerged from one Argiope aurantia eggs sack in addition to the unharmed Argiope spiderlings the egg sack was designed to protect. The Silver Argiope (Argiope argentata) and Banded Argiope (Argiope trifasciata) thrive in warm dry environments of the Southwest but are also common in Florida sand scrub, pine flatwoods, and Prickly pear in the fall. The Florida Argiope (Argiope florida) also known as the Silver Backed Argiope, is similar in appearance to the Silver Argiope (Argiope argentata) and can be found throughout the southeast from North Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana. Argiope leaves an impression with everyone; fear, fascination, or both. From her we learn to acknowledge virtue despite our fears. •
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our heat level is the medium one, which is the Key West (which is our number one seller actually). It’s a jalapeno, key lime. One level up is the hot sauce, the Daytona Beach, and that one particular, the pepper that we use is the datil pepper and that’s grown in Saint Augustine. It’s a small little pepper, it’s a sweet pepper with a little kick to it. Our last one, which is extra-hot, is the habanero. South Beach is the extra-hot.”
By Ginny Mink
F
eel the burn! It is hard to understand the proclivity towards eye watering, sweat popping, extinguisher requiring food accoutrements. However, the concept of hot sauce has been around since the early 1800s. The oldest recognized version is, of course, Tabasco, which came about in 1868. However, many people have added their own variations and heat indexes. By the way, if you’re not a hot sauce connoisseur, the method in which the temperature is measured is by Scoville Units. That said, the hottest pepper measures in at 2 million Scoville units and the habanero is in the mere 500,000 range. Since the majority of the world believes the habanero to be the hottest we thought this might be interesting information. Even more so is the fact that Florida has its very own market on hot peppers!
MEET FLAVORS OF FLORIDA: All that taken into consideration, it seems fitting that a Florida based company would utilize its vast array of tasty vegetation. Thusly, we present to you, Flavors of Florida, owned by Pete and Joyce Mallas. We had the opportunity to chat with Pete. Though he admits he has no agricultural background, he’s real quick to go into conversations about hot sauce. He told us, “I don’t have any experience in the agriculture business per se, I’m in the hot sauce business. We have a deli here in Tampa, we cater; my wife creates all these different sauces and she felt there was a need for hot W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
sauce because the hot sauce that she had been purchasing did not fill the need for her clientele. So she created her own hot sauce basically with an Indo-Trinidadian styleflavor infused with Florida themes, (Florida citrus).” He expounded, “My wife is from Trinidad and her heritage is from India, fourth-generation from India, and we have a deli, like I said, here in Tampa and we have created our own hot sauces. The flavors are unique because of the ingredients that are put in, it’s not just vinegar, salt and peppers. There are different ingredients as well, mustard, cilantro.” The key to any good hot sauce venture is the additives that no one else has. We suspect Joyce has figured that out. Pete told us, “The deli business was opened in 1984. The thing is, we provided catering to a number of companies in offices and whatnot and as it progressed, as she created her dishes, she incorporated different sauces. Customers sort of asked for some hot sauces and what she found was not palatable for her. She created her own sauces that gave it more flavor as opposed to just the vinegar.” The signs of a true chef!
SO, WHAT FLAVORS ARE MAKING FLAVORS OF FLORIDA FAMOUS? Pete explains, “We have four different, unique flavors, and they’re different heat levels as well. Our mildest is the Clearwater Beach, that has cayenne pepper in it with citrus notes (lemon juice). The next one in
We wondered how Pete discovered the datil pepper. He said, “I did my research and we wanted to see a pepper that is indicative to the region. That was the pepper that is indigenous to Saint Augustine.” So, we did some research too and we discovered, that Pete’s description may have been a little bit on the modest side. In fact, the datil pepper is an exceptionally hot pepper. Some people say they are as hot, if not hotter, than habaneros! One other wee bit of trivia is that the datil is similar to the West African Fatalii, which means fatal! Now that’s hot. (Read about it on: www.datilpepperfestival.com)
WHERE DO WE GET THIS HOT SAUCE? Pete answered that question by telling us, “Right now we only have one bottle size, which is a five ounce bottle and we’re in pretty much most of the gift shops especially along the Atlantic East Coast, if you will. We’re also in the West Coast, don’t get me wrong, but predominantly in a lot of gift shops. I believe we’re in the Florida Turnpike, we’re part of that as well. Actually, we are in Whole Foods, too.” If you can’t get to a tourist style gift shop, or a Whole Foods, Pete provided us with some other options, “The deli is called the Westwood Deli and Catering. We are in the heart of the Westshore business district. We try to keep the cost the same as everywhere else because we don’t want to undermine our clients. It’s five dollars. My prices on the website are a little higher, again not to compete with my clients.” If you’ve a hankering for some fresh from Florida hot sauce, the website is: www.flavorsofflorida.com and you can contact them at: info@flavorsofflorida.com.
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We Have To Address Florida is #2 in the U.S. for New Cases
external factors (tobacco, infectious organisms, chemicals and radiation) and internal factors (inherited mutations, hormones, immune conditions and mutations that occur from metabolism). These causal factors may act together or in sequence to initiate or promote the development of cancer. Ten or more years often pass between exposure to external factors and detectable cancer. Cancer is treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, biological therapy and targeted therapy. “A substantial proportion of cancers could be prevented,” said the ACS. “All cancers caused by cigarette smoking and heavy use of alcohol could be prevented completely.” This year, it is estimated “…174,000 cancer deaths will be caused by tobacco use.” The World Cancer Research Fund estimates that about onethird to one-quarter of the new cancer cases expected to occur in the U.S. in 2013 will be related to overweight or obesity, physical inactivity and poor nutrition and “thus could also be prevented.” Certain cancers are related to infectious agents and many of them could be prevented through behavioral changes, vaccines or antibiotics. Here’s a special note for all of us in the Sunshine State: “Many of the more than 2 million skin cancers that are diagnosed annually could be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.”
Moffitt Cancer Center The Breast Center at Brandon Regional
In addition to preventing cancer through the avoidance of risk factors, regular screening tests that allow the detection and removal of precancerous growths can prevent cancers of the cervix, colon and rectum. Early detection of cancer, which usually results in less extensive treatment and better outcomes, can also be achieved through screening for some cancers. Screening is known to reduce mortality for cancers of the breast, colon, rectum and cervix. Anyone can develop cancer. However, the risk of being diagnosed with cancer increases with age.
By Jim Frankowiak
B
eing ranked #2 in a list of the 50 United States is most often an enviable position, but in this instance it is not. In the American Cancer Society’s (ACS) “Cancer Facts & Figures 2013” report Florida ranks second among all states for the estimated number of new cancer cases to be diagnosed this year with 118,320. California leads the list with 171,330 new cases of cancer estimated, while the report lists 1,660,290 new cases for the entire country. Sadly, the report also anticipates 580,350 Americans will die this year from cancer – that’s nearly 1,600 a day. However, on the positive side, the report notes the five-year relative survival rate for all cancers diagnosed between 2002 and 2008 is 68 percent. “The improvement in survival reflects both progress in diagnosing certain cancers at an earlier state and improvements in treatment,” the report said. Therefore, the onus is on each of us to work towards dropping Florida’s new cancer case ranking and increasing the survival rate for those diagnosed with cancer. And we can do that by using the information and resources available to us. But first, let’s take a look at some basic facts. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. If the spread is not controlled, it can result in death. Cancer is caused by both
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The ACS encourages us to find out more about cancer, its detection and prevention by visiting its website: www.cancer.org or by calling its toll-free number: 1-800-ACS-2345. There are also a number of local resources, as well. Among them: • T HE B REAST CENT ER AT B RANDON REGIONAL HOSPITAL – 813-315-2080 or http:/ / brandonhospital.com/ our-services/ breast/ index.dot. The center is located at 427 South Parsons Avenue, Suite 100, Brandon, FL 33511 • SOU T H FLORIDA B APT IST HOSPITAL’S B REAST CENT ER – 813-757-8350 or www.southfloridabaptist.org. It is located on the first floor of the hospital. • ST. JOSEPH’S WOMEN’S HOSPITAL’S SHIMB ERG B REAST CENT ER – 813-879-4730 or www.stjosephswomens.org/ breastcenter. • MOFFIT T CANCER CENT ER SCREENING AND PREVENT ION – 813-745-6769 or www.MOFFIT T.org The outpatient clinic is located at 4117 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa. In addition to its Breast Center, South Florida Baptist Hospital operates a Cancer Resource Center, 1708 Palmetto, directly behind the hospital. The Center works to improve cancer patients’ quality of life in several ways:
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• Providing information about free programs and services
South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Breast Center
• Providing gift items, such as wigs, hats, turbans, scarves, bras and breast prostheses • Assisting cancer patients with making informed decisions about their diagnosis and helping them cope with some of the side effects of cancer • Offering large meeting rooms for groups and a family-style room for small groups For more information about the Cancer Resource Center, call 813-704-4838. St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tampa has been treating cancer patients since its inception nearly 80 years ago and became an American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer approved multidisciplinary cancer program in 1981. St. Joseph’s Hospital’s Cancer Institute opened in 1983 and today treats more cancer patients in Hillsborough County than any other facility. It serves as a community resource dedicated to improving survival and quality of life for cancer patients through collaborative efforts in prevention, testing and diagnosis, research, education and the monitoring of comprehensive quality care. Board-certified surgeons, oncologists and radiologists at the Cancer Institute specialize in diagnosing colorectal cancer, breast cancer, pediatric cancer and blood diseases, gynecological and ovarian cancers, lung cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer and other types of cancer. More information is available at www.stjosephscancer.org.
Entrance to Breast Center
Gowned Dressing Room
Another significant resource is Moffitt Cancer Center, based on the campus of the University of South Florida with several offsite locations. It is focused solely on the prevention and cure of cancer, and is the only Florida-based National Cancer Institutedesignated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Moffitt devotes more than 2 million square feet to research and patient care. It includes a 206-bed hospital, a 36-bed blood and marrow transplant unit, an outpatient clinic with a complete digital imaging center and radiation therapy department and infusion center, 14-opeating rooms and two research buildings. Offsite locations include a screening center for high-risk patients and Moffitt at International Plaza, an outpatient facility near Tampa International Airport. Moffitt also has a subsidiary corporation, M2Gen®, which is focused on the discovery, translation and delivery of personalized therapies for cancer and other diseases. More information about Moffitt is available at www.moffitt.org. Mammo Suite
Dexa Room
In addition to the resources listed previously, added sources include: • CANCERCARE at 1-800-813-4673 or www.cancercare.org (Cancer care information and support to people with cancer, caregivers and loved ones) • NAT IONAL CANCER INST IT U T E (NCI) at 1-800-422-6237 or www.cancer.gov (Provides up-to-date cancer information to patients, their families and the general public) The resources are available, both locally and nationally, via the web and by phone for all of us to take the next steps to help lower our national ranking for cancer incidence and to help us live longer. No need to wait, act now! • 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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Roy E. Moore, 60, of Plant City died September 27, 2013
Ada Catherine Clay (Solomon) passed away Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Dawsey Norman Craig, 78 of Lakeland died September 16, 2013, at Palm Terrace of Lakeland Tilda Paola Harris, 43 of Plant City, died September 17, 2013
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Helen Verne Miller, 93 of Plant City, died September 17, 2013, at The Meadows at Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven Katherine Miles Douglass “Kathy,” 59 of Plant City died September 20, 2013
Maxwell “Max” Ellis Tate, 72 of Plant City, died September 24, 2013, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center
June Esther Hamblen, 71 of Greenville, Florida formerly of Lakeland, died on Friday, September 27, 2013 Donnie Eugene Norman, 67 of Lakeland, Florida died on Friday,September 27, 2013
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Melissa Sampson is the wife of Adam and is the mother of two sweet little boys, Levi who is 4 and Brock who is a year and a half old. While Melissa was out on maternity leave as an elementary education teacher, she and her husband moved back to Plant City from Madison, FL. Moving back made Melissa look back on her teenage years and realized that the best days of her life were spent in an Ag classroom. She was very involved in FFA while in school. She held many officer positions, competed in many Career Development Events and throughout her high school years was able to show a steer. The steer experience was her favorite. She is a third generation FFA member as her parents Dee-Dee and Jay Wheeler were both active in FFA in school as well. Her dad Jay was on a state winning Par Pro team at Plant City High School with advisor Ray Clark. Melissa always knew she wanted to be an Ag teacher she just wasn’t sure exactly how or when it would ever happen. During this maternity leave Melissa was able to take time to reevaluate where she wanted to go with her career. With the support of her family and friend Pam Walden, she took and passed her agriculture education certification exam. This decision was by far the best decision she could have made.
By Melissa Nichols
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ew people realize that a little school in the middle of town is making some big things happen. This school, Simmons Career Center, and their Agriculture education teacher, and FFA Advisor Melissa Sampson, are helping kids in a way that most people don’t realize. Simmons Career Center is often known as a troubled school, although my opinion of the students I met led me to see troubled is far from the truth. Much focus in today’s school system is put on the FCAT, most of her students, whether it is due to lack of home support or testing anxiety, have a hard time passing this mandatory test. When these students don’t pass the test they can be held back, leaving them searching for what to do. Simmons Career Center is focusing on getting students a diploma or certificate while training them with real life activities and career skills. These students have to fit the criteria that the school accepts.
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Melissa applied for a position at Simmons Career Center because she felt God opened doors and put her in a place she needed to be. Melissa quickly helped get the program at Simmons recognized as a FFA Charter in 2010 and began working with the kids to teach them the basics of Ag. Some students had previous experience whereas others had none. Melissa has a support system that is very helpful to her and has made the transition easy and successful. This support system is her administrators, her family, her parents, and her brother Brett Wheeler, who is an Ag teacher at Hardee, as well as her previous Ag teachers Mr. Cribbs and Mr. Sturgis. Melissa has taught her students to garden, and they have been selling produce and plants to staff members and the general public. Each year she continues to expand her program as her number of students and her ideas grow. Last year they were able to raise a State fair hog, which placed third in its class. These activities are helping her students through learning to take care of a project animal in every aspect of the way. She has had a team participate in Forestry, an individual participate in tractor driving, and has been able to take her officers to several leadership conferences.
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This school year is proving to be the most exciting year so far for Melissa Sampson. She has been contacted by Southern Sweet Farms who graciously donated all the necessary tools and supplies to have a strawberry operation started. In the Field Magazine donated a State Fair chapter market hog. Wesley Christie and Scott Clements, both local commercial pig farmers, donated a State Fair hog and after Simmons had a student draw a Strawberry Festival hog, Wesley Christie donated a festival hog as well. Melissa has a motto that is “it truly takes a village to raise a child.” In this case, it truly takes a community to support that village raising children. After hearing about the hogs donated to the program and knowing the need for feed, Richter Engineering and Mark & Sue Harrell contacted Melissa and offered to sponsor the feed expenses for the market animals. None of the businesses or people who donated have a child in the program or school, they made these donations to help these children in general without having ever met any of them.
There are many upcoming opportunities to help support Simmons Career Center FFA program. On December 19, March 6, and May 1 they will host Conference Night BBQ Fundraisers. Melissa can always use people who are willing to donate their time by speaking and sharing their talents. She can always use cuttings and plants for the nursery program she is trying to continue to develop, as well as people to buy plants and produce from the students. Individuals and business owners can bid or give ad-ons to her students who will have a festival hog this year. Advisor Melissa Sampson and her entire chapter, as well as the administration at Simmons Career Center are very grateful to the support of the community that has stepped up to help and make donations. •
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Paying It Forward By Libby Hopkins
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ino and Katerina Korovessis’ story is one of love, faith, family and paying it forward. The Greek couple own Melina International Trading Company and For A Cause. They met in Athens, Greece in 2004 just before the Olympics. Dino was from the Kalamata area, which is the olive growing region of Greece and Katerina, or “Kat” as she goes by, is from Northern Greece, where they produce cheese and yogurt. Dino said, “Kat fell madly in love with me and I couldn’t resist her charms.” Kat begged to differ and said, “This is fiction we are talking about, right?” The truth is they met the end of May in 2004 and by August of 2005 they were married, moved to the states and had their daughter Melina. “In 14 months we had done everything and here we are nine years later,” Kat said. There were a few roadblocks the family experienced on their journey over the last nine years. Melina was born prematurely, weighing 1 lb. 12 oz. with a slim chance of survival. The family went through months of hospitalizations, ER visits and surgeries. Melina’s grandmother, Virginia Ioannou, visited a monastery in Greece to pray for a miracle. The family got one because Melina is a happy and healthy 8-year-old today. “Dino and I were always the ones who volunteered and gave back, but after what happened to our child, we realized that we needed to pay it forward,” Kat
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said. Dino’s family has an olive oil grove in Kalamata and he inherited a small olive oil grove. He and his family are in charge of taking care of it. Dino worked as a management consultant but wanted to start a business where he could carry on his family’s traditions and pass it onto his daughter. The couple decided to start selling olive oil. Melina International Trading Company was born. “We first stated out with just Greek olive oil and then we started picking up other products that other people wanted because a lot of chefs in the area loved our products,” Dino said. They avidly support organic farming, the slow food movement, sustainable agriculture and all efforts to return our food supply, as well as our planet to a more healthy state. “We constantly provide the marketplace with access to traditional products from all around the world that enrich both the lives of the producers and consumer alike,” Dino said. They are strong believers in keeping things local and giving back to the community. They also felt that everyone should be able afford to eat healthy. “We wanted to make our products affordable because it shouldn’t be so outrageously expensive to eat healthy,” Kat said. They created their For A Cause olive oil line to be affordable and a way to give back to a local charity. The charity they support is the Tampa-based Faces of Courage Foundation. They are a
he Korovessis Family: Dino, his wife Katerina and their daughter, Melina. The couple is the owners of The Melina International Trading Company and For A Cause.
non-profit organization that offers free camps and events for women and children with cancer and blood illnesses. The foundation strives to provide a judgment-free, comfortable atmosphere where women and children can relax and just have fun. They met Peggie Sherry, founder of Faces of Courage, through a mutual friend. “We wanted to give to a local charity and when we met Peggie, we realized her foundation was head and shoulders above the rest,” Dino said. He and Kat liked that they were able to meet Peggie face to face and go to one of her camps to see how their donation
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Dino Korovessis next to a 2000-year-old olive tree in Greece.
was helping others. “For every For A Cause product you buy, we donate a dollar to Faces of Courage,” Kat said. “So now when you buy your everyday food items, not only will you be eating well, you’ll be helping us promote the wellness of others.” They kept their business simple. Money was not wasted on extravagant packaging and expensive advertisements. “We maximize the contribution and we go straight to the source,” Kat said. If you would like to learn more about the Melina International Trading Company or For A Cause, you can visit The Korovessis’ websites at www.melinainternationaltrading.com or www.ForACause.us or call 727826-0760. For more information on The Faces of Courage Foundation, visit them on the web at www.facesofcourage.org. The Melina International Trading Company is located at 2643 Gulf to Bay Blvd. #1560-151 in Clearwater.
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just for two classes just to kind of help see if we had the interest back, to see if we could do anything to get back the program and from that, when Brittany Mess came in as a full time teacher, it just exploded from there.” She shares her theories on the Ag program’s current success, “I guess it’s having our background in Ag, our interest really being with kids in their interests as well. This area, since it is the Fishhawk neighborhoods, Riverhills, I guess there’s not a lot of exposure to agriculture so it’s something new. It’s something fun that the kids aren’t used to doing. They’re really excited about it and the interest is there. I think it’s just the teachers that we have here now are really what helped it, and the administrative support.” The proof of an Ag program’s success is always in the numbers. Jyll revealed, “Last year there were probably between 180, 200 in the program and that was having one full time teacher and a part time teacher. That grew, to this year, we have about 350 kids enrolled in agriculture and we have 160 members, currently, in our FFA chapter.” That’s a huge FFA!
By Ginny Mink
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here is little that can match, let alone surpass, the enthusiasm found in new teachers. However, we have discovered that this fervor is exponentially magnified when confronted with two new teachers. That said, Randall Middle School has been dually blessed and their Ag department is definitely showing it. We had the opportunity to chat with one of the new teachers there, Jyll Highsmith.
JYLL’S B ACKGROU ND She shared, “Personally, I was raised on a 30 acre, family farm. We raised cattle, but mostly black and red Angus and that kind of developed my interest in agriculture and just kind of grew from there. I actually came to Randall Middle School in eighth grade and then I went to Newsome High School and I was Treasurer on the officer
team for FFA. I went through all their agriculture courses and then I went to University of Florida and my degree is in Ag education and communication. Then I started teaching this year at Randall.” Randall was in need of some assistance according to Jyll. She said, “They just opened the program back up. This is the second year and it has grown tremendously! We are just trying to build from there. It was open the very first year that Randall was open and the teacher didn’t really have the interest in it so the program closed down. The principal really has a love for Ag and is from the Plant City area and really appreciates that, so she wanted to try to reopen it. We had a first year teacher last year who also graduated from UF with the same degree. She opened it up and then this year it has just grown so big that we needed a second teacher.”
RANDALL’S T REMENDOU S CHANGES According to Jyll, Randall’s Ag program has had some serious alterations. She explains, “Brittany Mess opened it. We also have Woody Summerlin, he is a full time teacher at Newsome High School and he teaches part time, which is two classes, here at Randall as well. He kind of came over after the program closed down. I think he has been here three or four years doing part time. So he’s been coming over 80
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ADDIT IONAL CHANGES COMING SOON There’s still much to do and Jyll divulged their hopes and dreams with us. She said, “Currently we are working on our land lab. We take the kids to Newsome right now during our class time to go over to their land lab but our goal is to really build up our program. We’re building our fenced in area, our barn; we’re going to have the rabbit hutches and the hen houses (which the kids are helping us build and they’re very involved in that). The more CDEs we can do the better, we’re training our kids in CDEs and contests and things like that so that’s our main focus right now, getting our land lab put together.” Anyone interested in helping them achieve their goals should pay attention to this list of necessities. Jyll explained, “Right now we don’t have anything, that’s why we go to Newsome. We don’t even have a tractor, we don’t have tools, we don’t have anything. That’s what we’re working toward. As far as large equipment goes, definitely a tractor. We need a livestock trailer, we’d love a greenhouse, that’s one thing the kids really love, the horticulture part of it. We hope to do that. Really just anything we can use for Ag is a huge help. Yeah, we definitely need a shed, that kind of thing for storage. Again, we’re starting from ground up so we don’t have anything.” W W W. I N T H E F I E L D M A G A Z I N E . C O M
PAST SU CCESS
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FU T U RE GOALS
According to Jyll, Brittany did a great job last year and they hope to improve from there. She told us, “I know she placed third place in the meats judging contest. I think that was like the highest placing they got. They didn’t do very many last year with it just being one new teacher. This year we will have four kids showing pigs at the Florida State Fair, and then we have about 6-8 kids who are doing rabbits and chickens and that’s the county fair, the Florida State Fair and the Strawberry Festival. We will eventually have several crops that we’ll be doing at Newsome. I know we’re doing strawberries, blueberries, squash, watermelon. I think we’re doing some peppers, cucumbers, those sorts of things.”
In concluding Jyll adds, “We actually just had the officers placed in a position on Friday. I’m excited to work with them, it’s a great group. We have four eighth graders and four seventh graders. They have just shown a true passion for agriculture and all the leadership skills that I think officers should have.” •
As the contest time approaches Jyll adds, “Personally, I’m doing prepared speaking, creed, OH demos (which is the ornamental horticulture demonstration) and livestock judging. I know Brittany Mess is doing meats judging, extemporaneous speaking, open and closing ceremonies. Mr. Summerlin is doing tool identification and soil judging and I believe also veggie judging. ”
SO, WHY
T EACH?
“Honestly, it was my internship that really made me want to teach. Teaching is in my family. My mom’s a teacher, my grandmother is, it just goes on and on and so it’s kind of where I felt I should be. I just have a love of working with the kids. Actually, having a big Ag background, I just l felt that in my internship those kids had an ah-ha moment because they don’t have a lot of knowledge of agriculture so for me to be able to influence them in such a positive way, that was something that really made me say, ok, this is where I’m supposed to be.”
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2014 Florida Strawberry Festival
Pig Draw
The following students will be showing swine at the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival. Make plans now to come out and show your support for these hard working young people. Abigayle Almon Kagen Alred Tanner Ashley Sophie Aten Ali Baker Jaycob Baker Jenna Baker Bernard Bentz Selena Berrios Zachary Bozeman Drexyl Brewer Taylor Brown Justin Cain Joey Carter Rachel Carter Bryar Christian Kenley Connell Destiny Cox Carlos Curnow Alejandro Davila Carly Day Alexa Diaz Matthew Diem Colten Drawdy Amber English Chase English Jake Fitzpatrick Jeremiah Ford Joseph Ford Emma Futch Jacob Gainer Tori Griffith Benjamin Gude Coleton Hanson Eric Hartman Kenneth Hattaway Lacey Hicks Austin Holcomb Nathan Hood Chloe Hoplight James Jurnigan Jenna Keely Kasey Kleinatland
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Savannah Kummelman Gracie Lee Katie Leonard Landon Lofley Cailey Lord Brett Love Erin Lytle Kyle McConnell Justin McQuaig Reagan Messick Colton Miller Destinee Miller Anthony Nadal Michael Nading Zoe Odon Nicole Patten Meagan Petit Lindsey Roberts Savanna Rogers Jacquelyn Ryan Tyler Salvato Cade Shissler Samuel Shiver Morgan Sodders Jared Upthegrove Marybeth Stewart Jace Stines Madilyn Stone Colton Stubbs Reghan Telfer Chloe Tew Rylee Vanstronder Meghan White Olivia Whitman Tiffany Wilson Victoria Wood Chelsea Woodard Tyler Wright Corbett Wyatt Marissa Zolna Haley Zvirblis Hillsborough County FFA Federation
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Keeping the “Blue Wave” Rolling By Jim Frankowiak
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lueberry growers from across the state gathered at the Trinkle Center on the campus of Hillsborough Community College at Plant City last month for the latest information on a range of subjects important to them and the industry in the day long Fall Blueberry Short Course. The “course” began with an interesting and informative presentation by Kathy Blake on how the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council has helped to create and plans to continue the industry’s “Blue Wave,” that phenomenon that has sparked demand for blueberries since the council was formed in 1999 and continues to match increasing demand with the heightened production of members. Blake, an executive with PadillaCRT, the agency charged with developing and implementing public relations and marketing initiatives for the council, noted “per capita demand for blueberries in the U.S. has grown from .26 pounds in 2000 to 1.3 pounds in 2011 with a 2015 goal of 3.0 pounds.” Blake’s firm has been involved with the council for more than 13 years. The basis for increasing blueberry demand is straightforward. “Health drives blueberry consumption,” she said. That is borne out by national consumer surveys undertaken on behalf of the council. “Health is number one on our survey findings with 84 percent of respondents, while taste is next in line at 81 percent.” Consumers in the U.S. learn of the health benefits of blueberries through research-based education outreach supported by the council. “Blueberry consumption and the benefit of antioxidants is a match that just did not occur on its own,” said Blake. “Research funded by the council determined the relationship between blueberry consumption and oxidants and the results of those studies was communicated to the consuming public through a variety of techniques ranging from print and electronic media relations, production and distribution of educational materials and messaging via social media activities.” She noted crop value tracks with the promotion of council-funded health research findings. “There is a definite correlation between the two. As more studies are published, the higher the crop value.” Research suggests that consumers may receive health benefits by consuming a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries each day. The current focus of council-funded research is on brain health, cancer and the metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical disorders that, when occurring together, increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Those disorders include abdominal obesity, high cholesterol
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no cost. Many of those items were on display throughout the day at the short course gathering and all are available for review on the council’s website: www.blueberrycouncil.org.
and high blood pressure. Blake said the syndrome also leads to reduced cognitive functioning. “Research has shown that 10 percent of those ranging in age from 18 – 39 suffer from the syndrome, while it is much more prevalent among those aged 60 – 79 when the incidence is 40 percent. “Researchers at Harvard University are working with a $1 million grant from the council on a study regarding the impact of blueberry consumption as a potential way to reduce the metabolic syndrome,” said Blake. In addition to health education initiatives based on the findings of medical research, the council is engaged in other activities designed to reach women ranging in age from 25 – 45 with average or above average income, typically mothers and young professionals, while females age 45 and up are secondary targets. The council has engaged Alison Sweeney of the “Biggest Loser,” the NBC reality television show, to help promote various aspects of blueberry consumption via consumer media outlets nationwide and paid media on the foodnetwork.com. Sweeney has appeared as a guest on the Katie Couric show, as well as the Rachael Ray Show and a host of others. “We also place food and nutrition experts on regional television programs throughout the year,” Blake said. This coverage is typically on morning television programming that reaches primary and secondary targets of the council’s program.
“We will send them materials in any quantity needed,” said Blake. “And, we have tons of recipes they can use on their websites, in ads, on posters, at farm stands or any where they like. If anyone wants cooking DVDs, we have plenty of those, too. T-shirt artwork is also available and we can direct interested parties to the company that printed t-shirts for us so they can make their own arrangements.” The council is also targeting exports specifically to China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, India, the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Brazil and northern Europe. “Currently, seven percent of our domestic blueberry production is exported and the council wants to more than double that to 15 percent by 2015,” Blake said. She encouraged attendees to visit www.ridethebluewave.com for updates on the overall initiatives of the council, which are funded by annual assessments to growers, to continue increasing the demand for blueberry production in the U.S. both domestically and overseas. Other presentations at the Short Course included:
Blake and her colleagues also utilize a range of social media to share important information about blueberries via Twitter and the @blueberry 411 account and Facebook with twice daily feeds, seven days a week. “I am pleased to report that our Facebook page has more than 50,000 followers and the number keeps growing,” said Blake. To reach the important food service segment of the marketplace on behalf of the council, promotional programming includes outreach to chefs, including initiatives at the college level targeted to reach campus chefs. That effort included the University of South Florida last year, and the University of Texas-Austin and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, as well as others. The council also advertises in a range of food service publications. “We also share information with school nutritionists nationally and have available information materials for students to take home and share with their parents,” Blake said. She also noted the council has educational materials available for member use at
• Spotted Wing Drosophila Update • Production of sugar-free nutraceutical extracts from Florida blueberries as antiglycation dietary supplements • Results of a blueberry grower survey • Influence of kaolin clay applications on blueberry yields during low-chill seasons in west-central Florida • Hydrogen cyanamide use in southern highbush blueberry production in Florida • An update on the annual Florida Blueberry Festival • On-farm research: A grower’s perspective • Update on southern highbush blueberry cultivars from the University of Florida breeding program; and an overview of blueberry research projects In the UF Horticultural Sciences Department • Effect of pruning time and intensity on vegetative and reproductive growth of southern highbush blueberry in Florida • Sparkleberry: A potential rootstock for southern highbush blueberry Information on Fall Short Course presentations is available at: http:/ / floridablueberrygrowers.com/ grower/ presentations/
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FFA Hall of Fame By Melissa Nichols Photos By Ron O’Connor – Farm Credit
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n Monday September 30, 2013 the Florida FFA hosted the 7th annual Hall of Fame Ceremony. Five new members were inducted into the Hall of Fame that night. These members are longtime supporters of agriculture, agriculture educators and FFA supporters. One of these men inducted into this prestigious group is near and dear to the heart of Central Florida. Mr. O. Edward “Ed” Swindle was recognized and inducted into the Hall of Fame for his years of dedication to youth and agriculture. Mr. Swindle was announced and recognized by Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam. Mr. Swindle was
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joined by his wife of 62 years Myrtle Lou and their family, sons Rodney (Sherrie), and Larry (Debbie), grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were all at the ceremony to watch Mr. Swindle be recognized. Over the years Mr. & Mrs. Swindle have been financial supporters of youth involved in agriculture. The Swindle’s recently made a generous donation to the Florida Strawberry Festival to build a livestock barn. They have also made donations to South Florida Baptist Hospital to build the Swindle Diagnostic Center. Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle are believers in agriculture and the benefits of
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youth involved. For this reason, Ed has served on many committees and boards of directors over the years. He served on the Florida FFA Foundations Board of Directors and the Boards Finance Committee. He has made valued and generous contributions to the Beast Feast held annually at Leadership Training Center. Ed has been known to purchase market animals and give student’s top dollar for their animals as an investment in the student’s college fund. Mr. Swindle has been recognized several times over the years for his contributions and support of local programs. In 2010 he received the Honorary State FFA Degree. He was recognized as Citizen of the Year in Plant City in 2010, Farm Credit later honored him with the Supporter of Youth and Agriculture Award in 2012. Mr. Ed Swindle has a heart of GOLD, his dedication and support of youth in agriculture is an inspiration to the younger generations of supporters. Mr. Swindle will continue to support programs, livestock shows and youth. All five inductees were men who made a difference in the future of the FFA program they were involved with. They are men who gave without expecting anything in return. These men, Thomas “Tom” Barrineau, Panhandle; Robert Philpot, Jr., Williston; Larry Reese, Alachua; Jack Williams, Columbia; and Ed Swindle are all men who touched lives, made a difference, and believe in the Future Farmers of America. Without supporters such as them Florida FFA would not be as successful as it is today. These men are what FFA stands for as E. M. Tiffany said:
“I believe in the future of agriculture with a faith born not of words but of deeds--achievements won by the present and past generations of agriculturists; in the promise of better days through better ways, even as the better things we now enjoy have come to us from the struggles of former years.” Thanks to these men the current generation of agriculturalists have learned exactly what a faith born not of words but of deeds stands for. These men have given unselfishly of themselves and their plaques will forever be a reminder of their devotion, dedication and commitment.
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Dave Crum’s
Dragon Fruit Revelation By Ginny Mink
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istory may be boring to a great majority of us but as we age we begin to place a little more value on those people who can share real history with us. It is safe to say that if you are unfortunate, and have not experienced the blessing that can be found in a conversation with a grandparent, or someone of considerable age difference, you are missing some of the greatest joy available. I am infinitely blessed to share several times a week with my 80-year-old Mammaw. This month I also got to chat with Dave Crum, an almost 81-year-old Plant City native. Please, take the time to be a fly on the wall of our conversation. Dave started by saying, “Well, I was born in Plant City on Reynolds Street in nineteen hundred and thirty-three, November the fourth. We usually have a big barbeque out here but we don’t do it for the birthday. We just do it because not many people have the privilege of coming out in the woods, seeing the deer, seeing the cattle, so we just do it for a good time to get in the woods. We have a big barbeque, fix some swamp cabbage and stuff like that. We do have a good time and we have a hayride. I invite anybody that I associate with. I teach tennis down there at Stepping Stone with the girls, they’re all invited. We all get together, I give ‘em a hayride. It’s just sort of people I know.” This is a man who willingly gives his time to those less fortunate, something that this generation seems to lack.
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He continues, “My grandfather lived here and my daddy, he was in the fresh fruit business (back then when there were plenty of oranges in the woods). The plant that he worked at was in Highlands City so he lived in Lakeland and I lived over there, but every weekend, Friday, when I got out of school I would catch the train. Of course back in those days they stopped in Plant City and I got off there and my grandfather would come pick me up or have one of the ranch foremen pick me up in a truck and he’d take me out and put me on horseback and we’d pen cows or whatever he was doing. That would give my momma and daddy a chance to get rid of me.” He chuckles here and I laugh with him as I recall weekends with my Mammaw and Pappaw so my parents could get rid of me! It seems leaving Plant City was never part of Dave’s plan though, and the disappointment about it can be heard in his voice as he recalls, “My mother had me in Plant City but when I was growing up they moved back to Lakeland so I had to get out of the room I was born in and go back to Lakeland with them and go to school, but every weekend I would come back home in Plant City on Reynolds Street where I was born and stay with my family and help my grandfather.” That’s another thing that seems lost on this generation, the concept of deep familial ties.
I asked him what he did once he finished school. He revealed, “Out of high school, my mother and daddy wanted me to go to college, so I went to Florida Southern College. I was there four years and in the meantime I went in the service, you know. I took ROTC and when I graduated from college I was a commissioned officer and I went right from there to Fort Benning and training, went in the army. I was a reserve officer, I spent a total of ten years in the army. I went six months active duty and the rest of the time I would go to meetings once a week and stay in reserve in case they had an uprising and then I would go fight, but I didn’t wanna do that. But that’s what I obligated myself to do.” His voice reveals a tenderness of heart that hated the idea of having to utilize violence. Still chatting he adds, “I went through that, got out of there and I started teaching school. I taught at Lakeland Junior High School for four, five, six years, I forgot exactly how long. Then when I got out of there, I had moved to Lakeland, still coming over here on the weekends to help my grandfather. Finally, after I got through teaching school, I moved to Plant City, back here in the woods off of 39, where I live now. I had a family at that time, I had a wife and a couple of children. This is where I was born and this is where I really wanted to go. I spent time in other places, but I really wanted to come back home.” He means that, the emphasis is intense. Then a ring of pride resounds, “My grandfather was one of the oldest cattlemen in the state of Florida back then. I remember going to a place in Kissimmee, the cattle market, where the Cattlemen’s Association presented him with a plaque saying he was the oldest living, active cattleman and he was in his eighties, high eighties, then when that happened. I sort of kinda took over his spot. My grandfather wanted a
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cowboy and my daddy, he didn’t wanna do that, he wanted to be in the orange business so, I was elected. I had no choice about that, that was my spot so that was what I did.” There is less resignation in the tone than his words portray. As we move towards the catalyst for this story Dave shares a little more family history, “My grandfather had pastures, he had all kind of pastures and the place that I live right now was just one of those places. It’s a thousand acre ranch, I live one mile off the road back here in a house that I found when I was in Lakeland. I bought a grove and built a house in it, the caretakers that died had a little ole lean-to house in my grove. I cut it in half, brought it to Plant City and that’s where I live right now. I’ve been in it 40 some odd years I guess. I’ve kind of added a little room here and a little room there. Although it’s small it’s pretty nice. I’ve got all the conveniences. I’ve got a TV set in here, electricity and fan, all the goodies!” We both laugh. Now we’ve arrived, “When I used to go spend some time with my grandfather when I was growing up, my grandmother and my grandfather, at the time that I started remembering good, they were in the same room but she had her big bed on one side of the room and my grandfather had his little bed on the other side right by the window. Outside his window, he had this cactus, this night blooming cereus we call it, growing out his window where I could see it, growing up a trellis out there. It would bloom at night, when the sun came out the bud, which is beautiful, the prettiest flower you ever saw in your life, bout the size of a softball, would wither up and that would be it. It was mostly a single bloom.” There is a deep love of this memory, he is obviously inspired by that cactus bloom. In fact, he says, “I planted one when I moved out here and it did the same thing, the bloom would wither and fall off. Well, this year, lo and behold, it bloomed and I looked and there was fruit hanging there about the size of an egg. The fruit comes from the flower, that’s the seed of the flower see. I’m looking at it right now! It’s solid red about the size of an egg and it’s growing right on the cactus. I never saw that and that’s what kind of got my interest up. The first thing I did was call the extension service. I wanted them to tell me the story of why I’d never seen a fruit come from the flower before. It was a very nice lady that I talked to, they sent me some information.” Indeed they did and Dave discovered that he has a dragon fruit producing cactus outside his window. The crazy part of the story, the thing that drew us to Dave is this, “The cactus has been planted by the tree growing up the trellis, 14 or 15 years I guess. Never saw a fruit, never have. It’s got a gorgeous bloom. All I know is it’s there early in the morning, ‘cause I get up pretty early and it’s right out my kitchen window where I can look at it. I get up at five in the morning and it’s already there and it stays beautiful until the sun comes out. When the sun comes out it closes back up. There’s a wilted bloom on it right now and I’ve got one that’s coming out tonight or definitely tomorrow night. The thing about it is that it’s developed a fruit there. I never had seen that!” Certainly Dave reveals his disappointment over the commonality of the cactus, but at least he has now had the joy of seeing it produce like it’s supposed to. He concludes by saying, “My thing that I had never seen, turned out to be something other people had seen. But I had never seen it, that kind of shot me out of the saddle with it. That’s me, I’m second in line. It’s no big thing, but I never saw it! I’m a simple man, I’ve been here a while and this is my country.” We hope he’s here a while more to see other new and exciting things! • 98
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he Hillsborough County Farm Bureau celebrated their proud tradition at their annual meeting held October 3 at the Agricultural Center of the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. The organization is the voice of agriculture in Hillsborough County and keeps members informed of things that affect the industry.
What is Farm Bureau? The Hillsborough County Farm Bureau web site, at www.hcfarmbureau.org, lists the following: Farm Bureau Federation is a free, independent, non-governmental, voluntary grass-roots organization for farm and ranch families and anyone interested in Agriculture, united for the purpose of analyzing their problems; and 100
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by formulation action, seeks to achieve educational improvement, economic opportunity and social advancement, thereby promoting the national welfare. Farm Bureau Federation is local, statewide, national, and international in its scope and influence. It is non-partisan, non-sectarian, and non-secretive in character. It is an organization which makes it possible for the voice of the people to be heard where it will count. It has a reputation for fairness in State Legislatures and the Congress of the United States. It is a family organization. Membership is determined on the basis of families, not of male members, or female members, but of whole families; father, mother, and children.
Farm Bureau Federation believes in the American capitalistic, private, competitive enterprise system in which property is privately owned, privately managed, and operated for profit and individual satisfaction. We believe in a competitive business environment in which supply and demand are the primary determinants of market prices, the use of production resources and the distribution of output. We believe in the right of every person to choose their own occupations; to be rewarded according to their contribution to society, to save, invest, spend, or convey to their heirs, their earning as they choose. •
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Battle Against Greening By Robert H. Wells
U
niversity of Florida researchers have some encouraging results in the battle against citrus greening.
They have identified citrus cultivars, in this case 16 citrus rootstocks, most of which show a lower rate of infection and more tolerance to citrus greening – the dreaded disease that has wreaked havoc through Florida’s citrus industry since its arrival in the state in 2005. Growers use citrus rootstocks, part of a plant that includes a portion of root, as a foundation to graft new trees, as opposed to growing them from seed. For now, data on the rootstocks are limited, but the scientists will gauge their potential in test plots, and UF fast-tracked their release this summer for large-scale testing by an industry in dire need of solutions. Greening has cost Florida’s economy an estimated $4.5 billion in lost revenues since 2006 and poses a huge threat to the 104
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state’s $9 billion citrus industry, the nation’s largest. It weakens and eventually kills infected trees. Greening has also spread to the country’s other big citrusproducing state, California, where it was detected in 2012. Large-scale trials of the promising rootstocks could begin in March 2014, and it could be another three to five years before they are available to growers, said Jude Grosser, a horticulture professor with UF’s Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.
Shown here is a grapefruit rootstock trial with trees infected with citrus greening that is being studied by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers with the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred. The tree in the foreground, although infected with citrus greening, is healthy in appearance, while the trees next to it are also infected but are in poor shape. Through trials such as these, UF/IFAS researchers have identified citrus cultivars, in this case 16 citrus rootstocks, which show a lower rate of infection and better response to citrus greening – the dreaded disease that has wreaked havoc through Florida’s citrus industry since its arrival in the state in 2005. – IFAS photo submitted by the UF/IFAS CREC.
Grosser and Lake Alfred colleagues Fred Gmitter, a horticulture professor, and Bill Castle, a horticulture professor emeritus, have led the effort to develop the rootstocks. They are all faculty members in UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. “What’s happening is fields are becoming living laboratories now because the greening disease is spreading so quickly,” Grosser said. “Some people have estimat-
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ed that 70 percent of the trees in the entire state are infected now, and it’s predicted to go up in the 90s in a very short time.” “Everything’s being challenged by the disease, and we’re seeing differences in the rootstock material in the field,” he said. “We’re seeing very genetically diverse material interact with the diseases, and some things are reacting better than others.”
is something the researchers will continue to monitor. One of the reasons greening has hit the citrus industry so hard is that growers depend on just a few varieties to produce their crop, because they’re most likely to withstand Florida weather and still make fruit consumers want to buy, Grosser said. “For the course of the last several 100 years, we’ve been eliminating the genetic diversity in the wild, so citrus has kind of gone to a monoculture where there are just a handful of varieties grown,” Grosser said. “So you’ve limited your ability to adapt when there is a new pressure that comes along.”
Gmitter said he is cautiously optimistic about the rootstocks and that they need to be validated on a large scale. “They may be part of an integrated solution to citrus greening that includes managing psyllids, the insect that spreads greening, and improved nutritional programs to keep citrus trees healthy,” he said. “All of those things together might contribute to an effective way of managing this disease and remaining profitable and keeping this industry alive.”
Gmitter said it’s fortunate the researchers have maintained a diverse selection of citrus varieties for just such an occasion. In some cases, the researchers have seen commercial rootstocks with 70 percent infection rates next to experimental varieties that are only 10 to 20 percent infected, but still producing fruit, after four years of exposure to the disease. Whether the trees grown on the less affected rootstocks will survive and remain productive
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“We took that approach from the beginning to try and get as much genetic diversity into our breeding program as possible,” Gmitter said. “You don’t know what the future is going to bring or what the future problems are going to be.”
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Classifieds ANIMALS & NEEDS CECIL BREEDING FARM Full service thoroughbred farm from foaling to the track. Broodmare care. Investment opportunities. 863-899-9620 ANIMAL CONTROL Complete Nuisance/Destructive Wildlife Removal & Management! Wild hogs, coyotes, raccoons, opossum, armadillo, squirrels, bobcats, etc. (licensed & insured professional Services) 863-287-2311 ANIMAL & BIRDCAGES Equipment serving the fur bearing animal & exotic bird industry! Cages built to order. Wire by roll or foot. (813) 752-2230. Call Don Ammerman. www.ammermans.com Swaps July 14, 2013 and December 1, 2013 CHICKEN MANURE FOR SALE Dry and available immediately! Call Tim Ford or Danny Thibodeau 863-439-3232 DOVE HUNTS Lithia area limited number of memberships still available. Call Fish Hawk Sporting Clays. 813-689-0490.
BUILDING SUPPLIES WINDOW SCREENS We make window screens of all sizes available in different frame colors. Call Ted 813-752-3378 T1-11 4 X 8 SHEET 5/8-INCH THICK B-grade $22.95. 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 $155.00
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FOR SALE KITCHEN CABINETS & VANITIES Get quality all wood cabinets for less than the BIG BOX STORES! Call Today! Ask for Blake. 813-752-3378 DOORS AND WINDOWS SPECIAL ORDER No upcharge. House & mobile home. Many standard sizes in stock. Call 813-752-3378 Ask for Blake PAINT 5 gallon top quality paint $55. Colors available: Terra Cotta, Coral, Green, Gray, Blue, Beige and Yellow. Call 813-620-3006
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 T he Field Magazine is looking for independent account managers to join our team! Please contact Danny@inthefieldmagazazine.com or call 813-759-6909.
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MAHINDRA 8560 40 actual hrs., 2wd, diesel, 83hp, shuttle shift, warranty. $22,500 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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MASSEY HARRIS FERGUSON NO. 16 PACER With belly mower $1950 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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KUBOTA L345 TRACTOR 34hp, 2wd. $4,250 Call Alvie (813)759-8722 BAD BOY CZT50 Zero turn 26hp Kawasaki. 138 hrs., Warranty. $4,995 Call Alvie 813-759-8722
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MISC. PRIVATE INVESTOR Will consider any situation 813-986-9141
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info@inthefieldmagazine.com REAL ESTATE LAND WANTED 10 to 100 acres, no improvements, Hillsborough, Polk or East Pasco. Call Lee 813-986-9141 WANTED TO BUY Problem real estate mortgages. Will consider any situation, defaults, delinquencies. Hillsborough, Pasco and Polk County. CASH OUT! Call H. Lee 813-986-9141 FOR LEASE Barn Conveniently located off of Highway 60 E. 4000 sq. ft. $600 per month. Call 863-533-2579 or 863-221-0986 FOR SALE 2.66 acres, Pless Road, Paved Road by owner. 65K, 10% down, owner financing. 813-986-9141 4 ACRES FOR LEASE Livestock or farming located south Plant City, Neismith and Jackson King. Call 813-210-6816 for details. 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 FOR LEASE 24 Acre Farm 5" Well Gulf City & Willis Road. Ruskin FL. Call or email Lee@leepallardyinc.com 813-355-6274 FOR SALE 50 acres farmland $275,000 Greenbelt in place. 6” Permitted well @175,000 GPD & 3 other wells irrigation in place. Near country road #579 and Safford road. Call 813-662-2744. 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 FOR LEASE 15 acre for hay. State Road 70 & Vernon Road. Manatee County. Call or email Lee@leepallardyinc.com 813-355-6274 JANE BAER REALTY Looking for that mountain getaway home? We have what you are looking for. Check out our website at www.janebaerrealty.com or call us toll free 800-820-7829. We are located in Blairsville GA, North Georgia Mountains!
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Walden Lake Car Wash & Service Center Purchase Any Mobil 1 Oil Change and Get A Full Service Car Wash for
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www.waldenlakecarwash.com
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