01.08.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

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OUR TOWN + Don’t miss Baby Parade registration You already know you have the cutest baby ever — shouldn’t the rest of the world know too? Registration for the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Annual Baby Parade will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, in the Badcock & More Media and Sponsor Center at the festival fairgrounds. This is the first year that registration for the event, which is presented by the Plant City Junior Woman’s Club and sponsored by South Florida Baptist Hospital, has been held at the fairgrounds. “Our Baby Parade committee felt as though we would like to work more closely with the festival this year to make this a more exciting event for the children, parents and spectators,” Baby Parade chair Kendelle Jimenez said in a statement. Parents of children between the ages of one and four can sign up in age groups on registration day. Registration for 1-year-olds and 2-yearolds will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Registration for 3-year-olds and 4-yearolds will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Spaces are limited to the first 50 children in each age group. Contestants will be judged and awarded for Most Beautiful Girl, Most Handsome Boy, Most Personality, Best Costume and Best Float. The event has been a staple of the Florida Strawberry Festival since the 1930s. This year, the Florida Strawberry Festival will be held from Thursday, March 3, through Sunday, March 13.

FINISHING THE JOB

by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

Volunteers to host day of service CareFest and the Improvement League have teamed up to lend a hand to those in need Jan. 18.

Emily Topper

Mildred Hightower and Timothy Knighten linked up last year to help find Carefest volunteers to repair her home.

CareFest, a well-known service project in the Tampa Bay area, has been helping those in need in Plant City for several years. But a new partnership with the Improvement League of Plant City will soon bring more service to the area. The two groups have joined forces to create the Martin Luther King Day of Service, which will be held Friday, Jan. 18. The day will be a onetime extension of CareFest’s services, which are typically held in September. For one day, CareFest unites churches, nonprofits and individual volunteers to complete housing and maintenance projects

from referrals from the city’s Code Enforcement department or other entities. “We wanted to keep the fires burning, so to speak,” Improvement League volunteer C.L. Townsend said.

PLANNING PROCESS

The seeds for this team-up were actually sown in September 2015, when the Improvement League was first approached by CareFest representatives. The two groups, which have overlapping members in the Plant City Democrats Club, painted a home on Laura Street. “It turned out to be a real

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good thing,” Townsend said. “I think all the members enjoyed it.” The partnership resurfaced later, as the Improvement League was in the middle of planning the city’s annual MLK Festival. There were several projects that were not adopted during the CareFest in September — which isn’t unusual — and the groups sought to find a way to knock some of those projects out without having to wait a full year. That’s when the idea for the

SEE SERVICE / PAGE 2

GLAM GIRLS

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

STORIES

START ON PAGE 3

PEOPLE & ISSUES TO WATCH IN 2016

+ Club donates to Meals on Wheels Plant City Republican Women’s Club President Judy Wise presented a check for $250 dollars to Eben “Mac” McKendrick, the president of Meals on Wheels, Monday, Dec. 28. The Plant City Republican Women’s Club raised the funds for Meals on Wheels at the club’s annual Christmas party and Chinese auction. “It is part of my responsibilities to spread the word that we are not just about politics, but about caring for America,” Wise said in a statement. “And Mr. McKendrick is hoping that our efforts might inspire other organizations to do the same.”

FREE

Emily Topper

Melanie Blue’s book follows an adventurous girl around the streets of New York.

Resident debuts her first novel Melanie Blue’s book is all about glamour. It’s a hot, summer day in New York when 8-year-old Madison is told that her family members are too busy to spend time with her. Bursting with energy and ready for some fun, the spunky girl takes to the streets of the Big Apple with her dog, Coco Chanel. The rest of the adventure plays out on the pages of “Glamorous Madison,” a debut novel from Plant City resident Melanie Blue. Many of Blue’s ideas for the book, which is set to hit shelves Jan. 16, came out of “girly gab” chat sessions with her daughters, Melania, 8, and Melia, 5. “Really, my girls are the inspiration for the book,” Blue, a former model, said. “I’ve always wanted to write a book.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

SERVICE / PAGE 1 MLK Day of Service was born.

HELPING HANDS

The partnership and event were formally announced in December. “As this is the 30th year Plant

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

City has celebrated the MLK Festival, it’s fitting that we find new ways to engage the community in the festival,” Bill Thomas, president of the Improvement League, said in a press release. “Since Dr. King’s message and mission was directed at the entire commu-

nity’s betterment, it is all the more fitting that partnerships be developed with other organizations and sectors of (the) community.” The day will officially begin at 7 a.m., with a kickoff event to be held at the Bing House. Work begins at 8 a.m. and

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Emily Topper

Mildred Hightower’s home needed Carefest’s help in 2015.

ABOUT CAREFEST CareFest is a weeklong event that helps people in need complete household projects and other work at no cost. It originated in the Tampa Bay area and has since spread throughout Florida and other parts of the nation. It is generally held each September and brings together volunteers from all over the community. According to its website, the mission of CareFest is “to do all the good we can by all the means we can.” If you wish to volunteer or otherwise get involved visit CarefestUSA.com.

NOVEL / PAGE 1

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ends at noon. Projects will be selected from the CareFest website, though the ones selected will most likely be suited to the basic skills of the volunteers. “Some of those projects had a pretty high demand for resources and skills, many far beyond what your average volunteer team might be up to,” Townsend said. “Electrical work, carpentry, repairing roofs.” At press time, the Plant City section of CareFest’s website had ten projects available for adoption. Anyone is welcome to show up on the day of the event and help out, but they will be required to fill out paperwork. The Improvement League is hoping that people will register to volunteer beforehand, so that it may get an idea of how much food to provide for breakfast and lunch. For more information about the MLK Day of Service, contact Townsend at (813) 6382260.

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Writing was my favorite subject in school. It’s so much fun. I love creating through writing.” Through her book, Blue encourages girls to follow their dreams and passions. The title character, appropriately named after Madison Avenue, is focused on fun, fashion and finding adventure. The girl-power sentiment is one that Blue maintains in her own life too. The mother of five runs Glam Girls for God, a ministry for girls ages four to 19. The ministry started at the beginning of 2015, with the goal of helping young girls match their dreams to God’s purpose. Since its inception, Blue has reached out to members of New Beginnings, Plant City Church of God by Faith. Her husband, Derrick, is the church’s pastor.

BUY IT For a copy of “Glamorous Madison” visit MelanieBlue.com.

Glam Girls for God Facebook: Facebook.com/ GlamGirlsForGod “It’s so important to let (girls) know that they can be anything they want to be,” Blue said. Blue plans to remain focused on her writing in 2016. She’s working on a second book, which follows Madison and Coco Chanel’s adventures through Paris. She is also developing spin-off stories about Madison’s brother and sister, which will be chapter books. While “Glamorous Madison” is geared toward young female readers, the chapter books

will target teens. “I’ve had that idea pretty much (as long) as I had Madison,” Blue said. Her daughters, she said, are excited for the debut of her book. As she continues to share her ideas with them for Madison’s future adventures, she also has shared her ideas for the chapter books with her sons: Derrick Jr., Darian and Daylin. “It’s magical, whimsical,” Blue said of her series. The book, illustrated by Isis Fenner, is available for pre-order on Melanie Blue’s website. Once the book is released, it will be sold at Books-A-Million and on Amazon. Blue, who will schedule a launch party at a later date, hopes to sell the books at local boutiques and shops in Plant City. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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What is your New Year’s resolution?

Barabra Key, 79 “To be kinder to other people.”

Glenda Messer, 76 “To travel more and see my out-of-town relatives.”

Gwen Faulkenberry, 72 “To have some more alone time.”

Hannah Arbermann, 19 “I’m going to be healthier.”

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

BAD SPLICE by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

A COURSE DIVIDED

WALDEN LAKE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB’S REZONING PLANS HAVE SPLIT THE COMMUNITY IN HALF.

rime rib night, Sunday brunch, a well-stocked pro shop — this was Sharon Philbin’s experience at her golf clubhouse in San Diego. So when she and her husband relocated to Florida after their retirement in 2008, the couple was attracted to the Plant City community of Walden Lake for its country club and two 18hole golf courses. They bought in Spring Meadow, but then moved near the fourth hole on The Hills course in 2010. “How long did we live on the golf course? Shortly,” Philbin says.

“Within several years, this is what happened.” This — the grass grew knee high, the club started serving microwavable hot dogs, bridges collapsed and riding the course in a golf cart felt like a bad roller coaster. The Walden Lake Golf & Country Club was in bankruptcy. But the residents’ nightmare had just begun. Steve Mercer of Visions Golf Inc., the company that owns the golf and country club, announced plans to develop portions of the two courses. It would be the only way to salvage the club’s vast assets: two clay

tennis courts, fitness center, junior Olympic-sized pool, 27,000-squarefoot clubhouse and its golf legacy. The announcement was made several years ago. Since, the plans have been revised to include an assisted living facility, 156 multifamily homes and 154 single-family homes. But first, Visions Golf must get the portions pegged for development rezoned by the City of Plant City. Visions Golf is expected to submit revised plans to the city in 2016. In the meantime, residents against the rezoning have been vocal. They’ve gathered 1,500 sig-

natures during Saturday meetups at the community’s park. They’ve made matching red t-shirts. They’ve started a website. They’ve joined a lawsuit and then filed a separate lawsuit. But throughout the past two years, another group has emerged — residents who believe that Walden Lake cannot support 36 holes of golf. On the brink of a decision, the Walden Lake community is divided like a fairway cutting through the rough. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com.

ARGUMENTS FOR REZONING

ARGUMENTS AGAINST REZONING

Balance through the swing

Angle of approach

“W

alden Lake is not unique. It’s happening all over,” Bill Griffin says. He is sitting in the living room of Karen Olson’s home on The Lakes course. Griffin, Olson and resident Carrine Narey have done their research on the development and golf in general. When the plans were first proposed for development they, too, were against them. But folders of data on Olson’s coffee table have changed their minds. Courses around the United States have found themselves in sand traps. BridgeWater in Lakeland closed in 2011 after bankruptcy. Temple Terrace Golf & Country Club, for which the city was built around in 1925, has had trouble making its payments. Plantation Palms Golf Club in Land O’Lakes closed last year. The list drives on and on. It begs the question: is golf dead? Tough economic times and an oversaturation of courses have contributed to golf’s decline. The 462 million rounds played in 2013 is the lowest since 1995’s 441 million and down from the peak of 492 million in 2000-01, according to Golf Datatech. “People against (the rezoning and development) think they’re going to have 36 holes of golf again, and everything’s going to be great. But it’s not,” Griffin says. Rezone supporters don’t think golf is gone for good. In Walden Lake’s case, it needs to be revamped so that its two 18-hole courses don’t compete with each other. The plan is to renovate the back nine of The Lakes course, currently open, and the back

nine of The Hills course, currently closed. Front holes one through nine of The Hills and front holes one through three and nine of The Lakes, along with the driving range, would be used in development. Holes four through eight of The Lakes will remain, either converted to a nine-hole executive or practice course. “So when all is said and done there will be at least 23 holes of renovated golf for the community to enjoy,” Mercer says. Lakeland-based Ron Garl, who has designed over 250 courses around the world, would lead the renovation if the rezone passes. The renovation follows in the footsteps of other efforts by local courses. Rocky Point Golf Course underwent a $700,000, seven-month renovation and reopened Dec. 4. Twin Brooks, St. Petersburg’s oldest golf course, reopened Nov. 6 after a $1.5 million, six-month renovation. The possible renovation of Walden Lake Golf & Country Club complements the neighborhood’s pressure to stay updated. Varrea, a development in north Plant City, will break ground in 2016. Varrea will be a live-workplay community with cafes and boutiques nestled between nine subdivisions — but Varrea won’t have a golf course. “There’s a lot of people in this community who are golfers, and there are people who want a club,” Narey, who works as a carrier for the Plant City Times & Observer, says. “(Varrea residents) will want a place to golf.” The plan may be better than the alternative. “(The land) just sits … pretty soon it’s going to have 36 holes of weeds,” Griffin says.

espite a rough picture for golf nationwide, the National Golf Foundation says that “golf continued its macro trend toward stabilization in 2014.” 2014 was the fourth consecutive year that the golfer number (participation) was at about 25 million golfers who played at least one round of golf in the past 12 months, according to the National Golf Foundation. Those living on the holes planned for development say that Walden Lake can support 36 holes of golf, but it isn’t so much about golf. It’s about the culture of the Walden Lake community. While the opening of Disney’s Magic Kingdom made newspaper headlines in the early ‘70s, so did the groundbreaking of Walden Lake. The Lakeland Ledger reported that Walden Lake would increase the size of Plant City by 50% and that land planning included provisions for green areas, such as golf courses and parks. The Walden Lake Golf & Country Club took decades to grow into the massive course it is today. Developers built the first 18 holes in the late ‘70s. Then, in the ‘80s, the second nine holes were built, followed by the last nine in the early ‘90s. The golf and country club became ingrained in the lives of Walden Lake residents. Bogeys restaurant hosted parties, players took lessons, teenagers worked at the club. “Then the pro shop closed. Then no more brunch,” Shelly Orrico says. Her family moved to a house on The Hills after her husband, U.S. Army veteran Dan Orrico,

retired. It was their dream to live on a golf course. The Orricos joined the club for $4,000 a year. “There were golfers,” Shelly says. “Then there were gophers,” Philbin says. “And gopher turtles,” says Harley Herman, the attorney handling the Walden Lake Community Association’s lawsuit against Visions Golf. Residents first filed a class action lawsuit in January 2015, which the WLCA joined. Later, the WLCA submitted its own lawsuit, which was withdrawn after Visions Golf’s motion for dismissal. The WLCA filed a new lawsuit. In each lawsuit, it is asserted that Walden Lake’s intent was to be modeled around 36 holes of golf. The suit references a Restrictions and Easement Agreement that was signed in 1993, when Walden Lake Inc. and its affiliate entity, Sun City Center Corp., sold the properties within Walden Lake that comprised the two 18-hole golf courses to Fairways Group LLC. “All portions of the golf and country club shall continue to be operated and open for use by members during the term of the restriction … Fairways (or successors) shall not attempt to initiate any change in the existing community unit zoning district pertaining to the golf and country club pursuant to the Plant City zoning regulations,” according to the portions of the agreement quoted in the first lawsuit. “To put more homes on there is full unholy to the plan,” Bob Hunter, WLCA president, says. “It’s taking what 2,300 people bought into and destroying it.”

What the future may bring

rom Pacific Ocean views at cliffs near Shanghai to coastal wetlands drenched in a Florida sunset, Ron Garl has seen a lot in his 40 years as a golf course designer. After all, he’s the one who created the opportunity for those stunning vistas to take play alongside those who read the green. Garl has designed over 250 golf courses around the world. Although he says he’s in current email chats with the King of Morocco about a course and commutes to the airport the same way people commute to work, the Lakeland-based designer soon may be digging his spikes into something closer to home —

Walden Lake Golf & Country Club. Steve Mercer of Visions Golf Inc., the company that owns Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, first contacted Garl in 2013 to Ron Garl gauge his interest in a renovation if a rezone to develop part of the courses passed. The plan is to renovate the back nine of The Lakes course, currently open, and the back nine of The Hills course, currently closed. Holes one through nine of The Hills and holes one through three and nine of The

Lakes, along with the driving range, would be used in development. Holes four through eight of The Lakes will remain, either converted to a nine-hole executive or practice course. “Currently, (Garl) is mainly doing renovations to existing golf courses in the U.S. because there are not too many new golf courses being built these days, and his thoughts on how to make the golf courses easier for the golfer is in line with what I think needs to happen to a lot of the golf courses,” Mercer says. If Garl does renovate the courses in Walden Lake, there will be no hidden hazards, plenty of natural elements and the course will sit

softly on the land. “That’s what people enjoy playing, enjoy seeing,” Garl says, fresh off a business trip from Bogota, Colombia. “Strategy is the real key.” There will also be some new tee boxes, wider fairways and redesigns of some sand traps. Of all the places Garl’s designed, Walden Lake Golf & Country Club has a sentimental value. His wife is from Plant City. Perhaps more intriguing: he designed 18 holes when the courses were first developed. “It used to be one of the most exciting places … it was just a vibrant place,” Garl says. “It’s great to see people try to recreate that.”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

ALL THE (ROAD) RAGE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Don’t blow a gasket About $1 million has been allotted out of the City’s budget for road resurfacing projects this fiscal year. But if a half-cent sales tax is approved by Hillsborough County voters, Plant City’s streets could get a better makeover. “One million is not an adequate amount of money,” City Manager Mike Herr says. “We’re doing the best we can with the resources we have. You could easily spend more than $1 million just in Walden Lake. We’d like to have $3 million to $4 million per year.” If the half-cent sales tax is approved, Mayor Rick Lott said, in August 2015, that the revenue from the half-cent tax would go toward improving Plant City’s infrastructure.

The half-cent sales tax is expected to generate over $100 million each year for Hillsborough County, and the revenue from it would be split between Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace and Hillsborough County. The half-cent approval could bring in $2.5 million each year to Plant City, bringing the total for road resurfacing and similar improvement projects to $3.5 million. “That would really, really benefit the city if that was approved,” Herr says. “That would go a long way to repairing and resurfacing roadways here in the city.” The Hillsborough County Commission will most likely make a decision in mid-February about putting the half-cent sales tax on the ballot. According to County Commissioner Stacy White, three commissioners are for a referendum, and three are against the referendum, leaving a swing vote when a deci-

Plant City roads are notoriously bumpy. A half-cent sales tax could help to smooth them over.

sion is made in February. The idea for the tax was created when Policy Leadership Group, a gathering of elected county and city officials, polled residents throughout the county about their needs and wants for transportation. After collecting data for two years, the results were brought to the Hillsbor-

ough County Commission. In November, Policy Leadership Group endorsed the half-cent sales tax referendum that would go on the 2016 ballot. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

WALDEN LAKE ROAD RECAP

THE INNER WORKINGS OF A ROAD

• Thackery Way had its base material replaced, and the road was resurfaced.

Plant City’s roads, the oldest of which date back to the late 1890s, vary in when they were first constructed. A weak base causes them to crack and form potholes.

BASE: Older streets were built on sand; others on limestone, soil cement or crushed concrete.

• The intersection of Barrett Avenue had its base replaced, and the intersection was resurfaced.

REPAIRS: If a street’s base fails, it must be be given a new surface course.

WATER: High amounts of water can often damage a road’s base.

Emily Topper

Neighborhood streets, like Maryland Avenue, are in need of repair. Older streets in Plant City were built directly on sand bases. Other bases, such as soil cement, are susceptible to excessive water damage.

• Forest Club Drive received a new black base and was resurfaced. The road’s valley curbs also were removed and replaced. • The costs for the resurfacing and repairs of all roads totaled at about $600,000. Because of the size of Walden Lake, it would be easy for the city to spend the full $1 million budgeted for all city road improvements within the community. Many Walden Lake residents have spoken at City Commission meetings about the need for major road improvements. City Manager Mike Herr says that it is possible for Walden Lake residents to take improvements into their own hands. If they desired, Walden Lake residents could agree on an annual special assessment for the resurfacing of their roads. “The plus side of that is ... they would be paying more, but receiving a higher level of service,” Herr says.

DONE RIGHT: Streets that have a good base typically only receive one resurfacing.

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

GROWTH SPURT by Abby Baker | Staff Intern

BUILDING FAITH Plant City’s First Baptist Church will start construction on its new campus in 2016.

fter 150 years, Plant City’s First Baptist Church has grown from its original congregation. Packed parking lots, a sanctuary bursting at the seams and busy classrooms are the norm on any given Sunday, and the church is now 250 people over its capacity. Luckily, there’s a solution: First Baptist will be building a new sanctuary in 2016 on property it owns in south Plant City. The church’s current location is on Palmer Street, in the heart of Historic Downtown Plant City. The new location is at 3309 James L. Redman Parkway. Despite the changes that the church will undergo, Senior Pastor Brian Stowe is happy to be leading the congregation three miles across town. “For future generations to grow, and we hope and pray to be effective, we realized we’d have to make several decisions,” Stowe says. “One of those is to relocate.”

THE 10-YEAR PLAN

Ten years and two pastors ago, church leaders realized that the fast-growing campus had nowhere to expand in downtown Plant City. The church has 4,000 members, but many are not present at every service. On Sundays the church has around 1,500 people attend services, 250 of which are children, and 150 are students from sixth to 12th grade. With only 1,250 seats the church is past maximum capacity and is continuing to grow. After much deliberation,

The new campus in south Plant City will be 60,000 square feet and include a children’s area with a two-story slide.

Abby Baker

Plant City’s First Baptist Church owns the 57-acre property at 3309 James L. Redman Parkway. First Baptist decided to set its flag on James L. Redman Parkway. Today, there is an outsized blueprint draped along the church’s white office walls. It symbolizes phase one of the new campus.

PHASE ONE

Phase one of First Baptist’s new campus is the largest of three phases. The church hired Myrick Gurosky & Associates, a Birmingham, Alabama-based design-build firm. The first phase will cost $17,500,000 and will create around 130 jobs. “As far as churches go, this one definitely falls on the larger end,” Donald Myrick, senior project manager, says. Parking is one of the bigger issues. With over 1,000 people attending on Sundays, downtown’s limited parking can’t keep up. The church had to purchase another parking area across the railroad tracks. The new campus will have an extensive parking with room to grow.

Current location

Both locations

New location*

• Balcony in fellowship area • Holds 1,250 people • Located in Historic Downtown • Extra parking over railroad tracks

• Children’s area separated by ages/grades • Modern worship service every Sunday • Stage for live music/performances • Classes: Sunday school, home groups, women’s meetings, finance and Bible study

*New features subject to change.

While the current location of the church is small and charming, the new location will be 60,000 square feet. Phase one of the new campus also includes a large commons area and a two-story slide for the children’s area. The official plans for phase two and three are still not set in stone, but the last two phases will include the creation of larger youth building and an administration building. The completion of the new campus will take around 15 months. “We’d love to break ground in January but it’s a process,” Stowe says. “We don’t know exactly when it will happen.” The current building will be used for as long as it’s needed, but the church is planning to sell it once it officially relocates.

• More spacious parking lot • Large commons area for socializing • Theater-style seating that can hold 1,800 people • A two-story slide in the children’s area

LEADING THE FLOCK: PASTOR BRIAN STOWE Originally from Georgia, Senior Pastor Brian Stowe believes he is guiding First Baptist’s relocation for a spiritual reason. Before accepting his current spot, Stowe was a pastor for two years at a Maysville, Georgia, church. In his last few months there, he had a gut feeling that there would be change. “I could not put my finger on anything being wrong, but I just felt uneasy for a while,” Stowe says. “Then a friend of mine told me, ‘I’d like to recommend you to a church.’” For a week he heard nothing of the suggestion, but during a time of prayer in his office the nonchalant comment became more. “No kidding, about a minute later I got a text

Abby Baker is a journalism student at Hillsborough Community College and an intern for the Plant City Times & Observer.

Pastor Brian Stowe used to be a pastor in Georgia. from my pastor friend saying that he was going to put my name in at (First Baptist),” Stowe says. Stowe, his wife, Bonnie, and their four children drove to the Winter Strawberry

Capital of the World to start a new chapter. “When He was working on my end, He was also working down here to get everything ready,” Stowe says.

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CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Emily Topper, etopper@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Design / Terry Chapman; tchapman@YourObserver.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

WHAT’S COMING?

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

MONEY MAKERS by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

HOTEL STAYS: Site plan work is underway for an 88-room Hampton Inn, located across from the strip of restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations along Thonotosassa Road. The inn will be 50,000 square feet and is expected to create about 24 new jobs. Construction, estimated at $7 million, will begin in January 2016 and will take about a year to complete. SWEET TREATS: Toufayan Bakery, on U.S. Highway 92, will be expanding its existing facility by 150,000 square feet. The additions to the facility are expected to create between 100 and 200 new jobs. “That’s a huge investment,” City Manager Mike Herr said. “We’re very appreciative.” NICE WHEELS: Cody Talbert Distribution, a wholesale RV parts and accessories supplier, is adding 7,500 square feet to its existing facility at Airport and Sydney roads. The expansion is expected to create 30 new jobs.

ONLINE To see what the City of Plant City, the Plant City EDC and more are doing to attract businesses to the area visit PlantCityRightNow. com. (You’ll recognize many areas of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World in a promotional video on the homepage.)

Emily Topper

Randy Larson, Plant City Economic Development Corp. chairman, with President/CEO Jake Austin and Vice Chairman David Sullivan. The Plant City EDC is working to bring businesses to Plant City and maintain and assist current businesses.

Business Boom

From County Line Road to Thonotosassa Road, Plant City hopes to continue its trend of business growth in 2016.

or the City of Plant City, 2015 was a year of marketing the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World as one of the most desirable business locations in Florida. The year saw rapid business growth, especially along the County Line Road corridor. Central Florida Development made a capital investment of $20 million to build two 100,000-square-foot building in this area. It has since leased 90,000 square feet to three different companies. Jeff Lucas, who works in commercial real estate for Central Florida Development, said that Plant City’s location near Interstate 4 is one of the main elements that makes the area great for business. “It’s a combination of things,” Lucas says. “You can reach over nine million peo-

ple within two hours. There’s a good quality and good quantity of labor available.” Business growth will again be a main focus for the City of Plant City in 2016. Along with the newly-formed Plant City Economic Development Corp., Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Main Street Program, the city plans to grow manufacturing corridors, as well as revitalize downtown, by attracting new companies to the area and maintaining and assisting existing ones. “The pro-business atmosphere of the city ... they make it a great place to do business,” Lucas says.

COUNTY LINE ROAD CORRIDOR

In January 2015, Central Florida Development began building its first 100,000-square-foot building along the County Line Road corridor.

Since its completion, Central Florida Development has leased 15,000 square feet of the building to Fitlife Foods, a company that produces healthy, prepared meals. The expansion of Fitlife Foods from Tampa into Plant City has created 100 new jobs. Besides leasing to Fitlife Foods, Central Florida Development also has leased 60,000 square feet to Appalachian Insulation Supply Inc., and 15,000 square feet to SparkleSkirts. Central Florida Development then began working on constructing a second 100,000-square-foot building in October, located at the corner of County Line Road and U.S. Highway 92. It is expected to be completed in February. “We’ve been very fortunate,” Lucas says. Central Florida Development has begun work on is next project: the Central Florida Commerce Center, a business park

that will be located at Rice Road and County Line Road. “It’s one of the hottest industrial quarters in Central Florida,” City Manager Mike Herr says. The City of Plant City also sees the value of the County Line Road corridor. It has invested $3.5 million to bring utilities and water and sewer expansions to it. “The city is planned very well,” he says. “The lack of infrastructure from standpoints of utilities is not an issue. New development will pay for itself.” But County Line Road isn’t the only area of Plant City that’s seen growth in the last year — and one new organization might be the reason.

ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

In September, Plant City’s Economic Development Corp. passed its bylaws and became an official organization, after local business leaders came together in June. By the end of 2015, the EDC had over 30 voting members, six general members and nine executive committee members. The organization named Jake Austin as its president and CEO. “We’re off and running,” Randy Larson, the EDC’s chairman, says. “This is a very pivotal year for us. There’s a lot to do for it to be a success.” “I’ve been impressed with the level of enthusiasm from board members already,” Austin adds. “It’s been really fun.” Through partnerships with the City of Plant City and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the EDC has worked diligently to attract new businesses to the area. At the EDC’s first meeting in November, a number of businesses, including Hillsborough Title Company and Quality Grassing Services, announced that they would either be launching new companies or expanding existing companies in Plant City. In 2016, the EDC plans to grow and retain its membership, in addition to forming a workforce committee. Aus-

tin said that at the next EDC meeting, which will be held Monday, Jan. 11, at Stingray Chevrolet, more businesses will announce expansions for the first wave of 2016. As businesses continue to pop up along the County Line corridor and near I-4, Plant City’s Historic Downtown — another primary focus — remains largely untapped.

UP NEXT FOR DOWNTOWN

In 2016, the City of Plant City plans to continue to promote new business growth in Historic Downtown. In 2015, the city’s Code Enforcement department, led by Tray Towles, encouraged business owners to maintain the outsides of their storefronts. In May, Towles and his department members, Tina Barber and Omar Cortez, also told business owners about the city’s vision for Historic Downtown. Since then, store owners have painted the outsides of their buildings and made their own improvements. By maintaining a polished exterior in Historic Downtown, the City of Plant City hopes to attract other businesses to the area. “We’re trying to facilitate more and regulate less,” Herr says. The city is marketing a family-friendly downtown district by promoting the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, local shops and events through the chamber. “Hopefully it helps merchants with their existing business,” Herr says. In the upcoming year, Herr hopes to see more development and growth from the efforts of the City, combined with those of the EDC. “I think that 2016 is going to be a great year,” Herr said. “We’re going to be the friendliest place to do business in Central Florida. It’s Plant City — right now.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

MILLENNIAL MIND by Abby Baker | Staff Intern

The Not-So-New Guy in Town Business is a focus for Plant City in 2016, and one man leading the way is Jake Austin.

n two years, Jake Austin climbed the ranks from project manager to director of business retention and expansion for the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp. During that time, he served as a liaison between the Tampa Hillsborough EDC and the City of Plant City. He oversaw twelve expansion projects that represented over 3,200 jobs and $170 million in capital investment. Now Austin has returned to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World as the CEO and president of the newlyformed Plant City Economic Development Corp.

LOCALLY GROWN

Despite going a traditional route after high school by joining the United States Air Force, like his brother, father and grandfather, Austin also has been an innovative millennial in his career. He graduated from Lakeland High school in 2004 and became a staff sergeant for six years. He then went on to attend Western Kentucky University and received a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship and business administration. “I wanted to own my own business, but I had no product and service in mind,” Austin says. In 2012, Austin joined the Tampa Hillsborough EDC as a project manager, and in 2014, he became the director of business retention and expansion. One of his main duties was to manage the successful growth of Plant City from his Tampa office. Austin saw

more economic activity and potential in the eastern portion of Hillsborough County than anywhere else in the county. With Plant City quickly approaching 40,000 people, it was time for the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World to take the spotlight — and Austin would play a bigger role than he had before.

So Far, So Good Take a look at the success the Plant City Economic Development Council has helped with since it started last year. • Sunshine Bank, a bank with $580 million in assets, is headquartered in Plant City. President Andrew Samuel has decided to keep it headquartered in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World as the bank grows throughout Florida.

THE RIGHT FIT

In June 2015, local business owners gathered to form the Plant City EDC to help attract new businesses to Plant City and retain and assist existing ones. The Plant City EDC passed its bylaws in September and held its first meeting Nov. 9, but it needed a CEO and president before the close of the year. Board members were prepared to do a national search for a CEO and president. When Austin’s name came up in discussions, the board was surprised that someone so young had so much viable experience in the area. “Whenever you hire someone there is going to be a learning curve,” Yvonne Fry, an executive committee member, says. “But he really hit the ground running. It was such a win for us to have someone familiar with the area and who really loves the community as much as we do.” Austin officially became CEO and president Nov. 30. “It was important to have someone to understand the city and what its assets are, but who is also comfortable with Tampa and Lakeland,” Austin says. “I felt like I was the right fit.” Austin will have his work cut out for him. At the Plant

• The City of Plant City has begun installing water and sewer along County Line Road. The infrastructure will in turn allow for bigger businesses to come into the area without having to install their own infrastructure. The project costs about $3.5 million. Abby Baker

Jake Austin was chosen as the CEO and president of the Plant City Economic Development Corp. for his knowledge of the Plant City area. City EDC’s first meeting, local business owners announced expansion plans. Hillsborough Title, the largest title company in Florida, is making a $5 million investment by constructing a 12,000–square-foot building on South Alexander Street. The project will bring 50 jobs to the area and about 100 in the next five to 10 years. Recently, CEO of Hillsborough Title and Plant City native Aaron Davis was considering relocating to Tampa. “I approached Aaron about

the Plant City EDC and how we want companies here,” Austin says. “It made him think, and he ultimately decided not to leave Plant City. It was a huge win for us.” Another project is the Lakeside Station Logistics Park, a 1,400-acre industrial business park on County Line Road, south of U.S. Highway 92. The landowner is in the process of selling off pieces of the park. Its development is projected to create 18,000 new jobs. The park, along with Park Road and County Line Road,

will be built up in the next five to 10 years. “We live in our small town, and we love our small town,” Fry says. “Economic growth doesn’t mean that our city will lose its small-town charm … we’re looking to bring in highwage jobs and positively impact life here.”

• Quality Grassing Services is relocating from Lithia to Plant City. Its 15,000-squarefoot office and 10,000 square-foot-warehouse will be built on Park Road, in the Lakeside Station Logistics Park. The full relocation will take about four years and relocate 200 jobs.

Abby Baker is a journalism student at Hillsborough Community College and an intern with the Plant City Times & Observer.

Evangelical College & Seminary

“Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15

Classes Begin:

Evangelical College & Seminary (ECS) was established to provide biblical teaching and training of the highest quality to the Plant City community. The focus is on teaching “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9), “teaching others to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2), and teaching “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27). The school is rooted in the biblically based principle that God’s plan for every believer is spiritual maturity. Christ clearly indicated in John 17:17 that such maturity (sanctification) is based on the work of God through the Word of God. It is not a result of man-made programs, “religious” entertainment, extravagant buildings, big budgets or body counts, but rather with the purpose of giving glory to God.

Monday, January 11 @ 6:30pm Located @ Liberty Baptist Church 2505 W. Granfield Ave. Plant City, FL 33563

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During that week, all classes will be open to the general public with no charge or obligation. There is no need to preregister. Simply come to ECS at the date and time indicated on the course listing. Psalms 1 encourages believers to immerse themselves in God’s Word and experience the blessings of growth in their faith and spiritual stability in their day-to-day living. It is our purpose to help believers develop a deeper understanding of God’s Word and experience its transforming power in their lives. While we have students that are in degree or certificate programs, we have many that take classes to just have a better understanding of God’s Word.

During the week of January 11th, you are invited to sample the courses that will be offered this spring. Some Course Recommendations For New Students Christian Evidences - Also referred to as “A Reasonable Faith.” Because of its popularity, this course has been taught every semester for the last several years. It focuses on the rational evidence for the Christian faith. While the evidence is overwhelming, tragically, most people, including Christians, have never been exposed to it. The course also includes an evaluation of the arguments typically used against Christianity and is structured such that parents and their high school-aged children can take the course together. Old Testament Survey - While the teaching of the Old Testament is under greater attacks today, every believer needs a firm foundation in its foundation for today’s society. The accounts of history demonstrate the results of obedience or disobedience of God’s demands for righteousness with individuals and with nations. New Testament Prophecy - The daily events forming our world today must be understood in light of God’s revealed truth. The evidence of fulfilled prophecy forces us to study the events ahead as foretold through the inspired Word of God.

Christian Evidences, 2: Beginning Monday, January 11 at 6:30 pm ........................................Professor Robert Westlake Bible Doctrines: Beginning Monday, January 11 at 6:30 pm ........................................................................Dr. Gary Williams Evangelism and Discipleship: Beginning Tuesday, January 12 at 9:00 am .....................................Tom & Carolyn Curtis New Testament Prophecy: Beginning Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30pm ..................................Professor Robert Westlake Introduction to Missions: Beginning Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 pm ......................................................... Dr. Oscar Tichy Introduction to Counseling: Beginning Thursday, January 14 at 9:00 am ................................................. Dr. Betty Tower Old Testament Survey: Beginning Thursday, January 14 at 6:30 pm............................................................Dr. Jack Weitzel Corinthian Epistles: Beginning Thursday, January 14 at 6:30 pm ...............................................................Dr. Gary Williams

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

Lisa A. Rhodes

PURPLE LADIES by Abby Baker | Staff Intern

Leading the Race

Your Residential Specialist throughout Tampa Bay!

Two Knights Elementary School teachers are making a switch that will alter one of Plant City’s largest events: Relay for Life.

inda Herman and Joanie Petty have been involved with the widely-attended Plant City Relay for Life for over a decade. Herman just finished serving for three years as the head chair, and now she has passed the baton to her closest friend and fellow relay enthusiast, Petty. Together the duo has brought Plant City to the forefront of the relay scene by helping survivors, caregivers and supporters raise hundreds of thousands of dollars. In 2015, after slipping to the 11th rank in Florida in 2014, Plant City’s Relay for Life was back in the top 10 with over $230,000 raised and over 70 teams. Several years ago, Plant City ranked in the top five in Florida. While it’s obvious Petty and Herman make a great relay team, they also have a history that goes deeper than fundraising.

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THE LONG DRIVE

After graduating from Georgia Southern University, Petty lived in St. Petersburg. When she got a job at Knights Elementary School, the beach views and palm trees were exchanged for long weekday commutes on Tampa Bay’s congested roads. Petty made fast friends with Herman, a New Jersey native and fellow teacher. The two became roommates. Twenty-eight years later, the former roommates may have moved out, but they share a classroom teaching a special needs kindergarten class. When Relay For Life started in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World 18 years ago, the duo already had a decade

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Joanie Petty, right, has taken Linda Herman’s position as Relay for Life head chair for it’s 2016 fundraiser. of teamwork under their belts. “I’m a little bit crazy,” Herman says. “Joanie is more level-headed, and she thinks before she speaks.” Petty and Herman became involved in the Knights Elementary team in its first year. Climbing the rope from team captains to committee members, both women have maintained a solid role in the nationwide fundraiser. “She made me,” Petty says, gesturing at her teammate.

LINDA’S LEGACY

When Herman was a student at the University of South Florida she did her student teaching hours at Knights Elementary. Through building renovations and Common Core, Herman has been at the school nearly three decades. She was teaching at Knights when Plant City was first introduced to Relay for Life in 1997. While she was a part of the first fundraiser, her mother’s battle with cancer made the fight much more real. “My mom died of cancer, and I told her when she was dying that I would fight till the end,” Herman says. “So I will.” Herman is dedicated to fighting cancer. The entire back window of her car, nicknamed the “hope mobile,” is covered by a huge Relay for Life sticker, and her wrist is inked with a purple “hope” tattoo. Herman spent three and one half years as head chair, but Relay for Life rules say head chairs can only be in the position for two years. She was able to stay as head chair for so long because of a limited pool of willing volunteers and an outstanding track record with the event. Under her command, Plant City Relay for Life jumped to fifth in the state of Florida. By comparison, the population of Miami is 11 times greater than Plant City. The City of

Q&A What is your favorite part of Relay for Life? “My favorite part is the luminary ceremony because my mom’s picture is in the slideshow, and she is my reason for relaying,” Linda Herman says. “The themed laps. I like to see people walking around in duck feet, people in baby costumes. It’s great,” Joanie Petty says. Do you have a favorite Relay for Life memory? “At the Orlando summit we had to lip-sync “Love Shack” in front of hundreds of people,” Herman says. “The same one. We had to run up there, with teased hair, the denim skirt legging thing, our shirts off one shoulder. I even had a huge Madonna bow, it was fun. We didn’t win,” Petty says. Tampa is 10 times greater. Those numbers should add up to more money, more community involvement and bigger relays than Plant City’s. But Plant City placed above both. As head chair, Herman had to keep the strings of the event together, spread the word and get businesses and schools organized to form teams. “We always want to go bigger and better,” Herman says. “There’s still cancer out there.”

TIME FOR A CHANGE

With a worn notebook and her phone’s calculator, Petty has a goal to make the 2016 Relay for Life climb in the rankings. “I did a little calculating,”

Petty says. Last year there were 75 teams. Though the number was high there were some teams that didn’t raise any money and some that raised a strikingly high amount. So far, for 2016, there are 48 teams, but that number is climbing. Petty figures if there are 75 teams this year, and if each team can raise $3,000 that’s already $225,000, a little less than last year’s total. Anything extra would be icing on the cake. Considering the fact teams like Plant City High School and the Health Center of Plant City typically soar past $3,000 each year, 2016 would be a record year. With a load of teams to lead until the event in April, Petty and Herman will be spreading the word like crazy for the next few months. “Because we are best friends we can do everything together as far as Relay goes,” Petty said. “We put our purple shirts on and ask anyone if they’re interested in becoming a team. They say, ‘Here come those girls coming around here about Relay again.’” To encourage her teams to be on their game Petty has incorporated a few easy changes. She creates to-do lists for her team leaders so that each passing week is an effective one, and the teams have meetings much more frequently. “When she came along she just brought along a whole new way of doing things and a whole new perspective,” Herman says. “I think it’s good that we changed.” Relay for Life will begin at 6 p.m. Friday, April 8, at Plant City High School. Abby Baker is a journalism student at Hillsborough Community College and an intern at the Plant City Times & Observer.

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PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

SPORTS by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

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The easiest way for any coach, in any sport, to have a positive impact on team culture is to win games. Fortunately for the Raiders, it didn’t take long to do so in 2015. Plant City rode an 11-game win streak throughout the season, boldly going where no Raiders team has ever gone before. The Raiders were often cited as a potential district winner, so long as they learned how to maximize their talents, but weren’t widely considered a playoff force until later in the season. Losing defensive stalwarts Tommy Bennett and Peyton Collins didn’t help either. But Meyer and his staff were able to maximize talents. “I think the biggest thing that was different was the effort to keep things as simple as possible,” Meyer says. “Even as the challenges increased with the level of the opponents we faced, we didn’t over-analyze.” This line of thinking is possibly Meyer’s biggest takeaway from last season, and it appears that it’ll stick with the team for as long as he’s around. “One of the biggest things we talked about at the beginning of the year, with Armwood, was that, as a coaching staff, we over-schemed,” he says. “We over-prepared. The main lesson we learned in that defeat was not over-coach — just to stay within the framework of what your kids can do well and letting that speak for itself. Be willing to win and lose with that.” Of course, it’s easier to craft simple offensive and defensive schemes when the talent pool is deep. Plant City has been known to have some of the top talent in the Tampa Bay area in recent years and, even with a huge senior class set to leave, Meyer says that his group of youngsters looks ready to step up to the challenge. He’ll drop nearly enough names to fill a

off the field are crucial to any program’s success, and Meyer is doing his best to ensure that everyone on board feels like they’re part of something great.

OFF THE FIELD

Before becoming head coach, Meyer devoted much of his time to helping his athletes get collegiate offers. He’s helped get kids on the radar of NCAA Division I programs, such as Alabama, Clemson, Nebraska, Purdue, Temple, Air Force and Florida International, and many others found homes in programs like Stetson, Southeastern, New Mexico Military Institute and more. For the athletes, knowing that they’re playing at a school that college scouts know to look for is encouraging. But there’s more to the program than just wanting to play

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

1822 James L. Redman Pkwy, Plant City, FL 33563

813.719.1822

WILLIAM M. MIDYETTE “BILL”, D.D.S., F.A.C.D. announces his retirement and the closing of his practice of General Dentistry located at 1607 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, FL Phone 813-752-8071 effective December 31, 2015

Our Vision:

We are Christ centered, church connected, and community minded as we equip the body of Christ. Our Core Values:

Christ, Biblical Truth, Integrity, Accountability, Discipleship, Love, Witness, and Faithfulness

Patient care and records will be in the office of David S. Ferry, D.D.S. located at 1805 W. Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563. Phone 813-754-2605.

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193126

ON THE FIELD

phone book: Ashton Mincey, Cody Cribbs, D.J. Gordon, Treshaun Ward and Corey St. John will be asked to fill big roles, and experienced guys like Tydre Ward, Tammarion Faison and Steven Ogletree will be expected to pave the way as experienced seniors. That’s including the return of Antoine Thompson, whom Meyer describes as Clemson-bound wideout T.J. Chase’s equal. Another goal is to retain as much of the coaching staff as possible. Meyer says that many of his staffers are capable of becoming head coaches and, noting former assistant John Thompson’s success at Gibbs High this year, Meyer could be correct. But keeping players and coaches from switching schools is a deeper task than putting a good team on the field every Friday. Things that happen

190560

lant City High enjoyed an excellent 2015 season. Its 11-2 record and regional championship appearance added up to the best year in school history. For a program that had to undergo a surprise head coaching change and lost key talent, it’s not a bad look at all. Naturally, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World will have high expectations for the Raiders in 2016. Head coach Greg Meyer already appears to be up for the challenge and, now that he’s had a year to put his own stamp on the program, it sounds as though the entire program is with him. “We’ve got a good culture breeding right now,” Meyer says.

All participants will receive a shirt and medal of completion

191242

Greg Meyer has big plans for the Plant City Raiders in 2016, on and off the field.

college football. “College football is not for everybody, and that’s fine,” Meyer says. “We just want to make sure we did our best to facilitate the opportunity. We stay involved and support as much as we can, but that’s really what it’s all about. When they walk out these doors, they’ve got something to work toward. I think it gives kids a little extra boost for when they’re trying to take on new things.” Meyer says that he and his staff are committed to helping the players find their calling after high school, whether that means helping them find internships, writing letters of recommendation or inviting military recruiters to work out with those interested in serving. “One of the things I’ve taken pride in — one of the things I took from working at Plant (High School) — is that there’s a fundamental idea,” Meyer says. “People ask how you motivate kids to perform at a high level and commit. Our mantra for the kids is, ‘If you sell out for us, and you do this the right way, you’re going to get a commitment from us to sell out for you.’” 192906

Raiders rising with Meyer

Justin Kline

191881

Greg Meyer won High School Coach of the Week and High School Coach of the Year from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

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owntown business owner David Schultz has spent years trying to get the Main Street Program up and running in Plant City. In 2016, it appears he’s finally seeing his hopes come to life. Main Street leaders appointed a full board of directors Tuesday, Jan. 5, and created a plan for action for 2016. Main Street’s primary goal is to revitalize the downtown area, and find ways to draw both new businesses and consumers into the Historic District. The program is under the Florida Division of Historic Resources. “The template calls for stakeholders to get involved, improving the downtown area,” Schultz says. “It calls for forming partnerships with the organizations that have the most influence and can help the most to achieve the objectives.”

COMING TOGETHER

Before Main Street, there was the Downtown Merchants Association, which was a collaboration of business owners working together to attract clients to stores and restaurants through events, sales, marketing and other means. It has now been converted to Main Street and has struck up new partnerships with the City of Plant City, Plant City Greater Chamber of Commerce and the Plant City Economic Development Corp. The program has also filed for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, rather than 501(c)(6) status. “It means we can support a broader base,” Schultz says. “Whereas, with the Downtown Merchants Association, we could only work for its members.” To allow Main Street to achieve its goal of helping businesses thrive in downtown and to create an inviting, familyfriendly atmosphere, it has appointed 15 board members and

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Patricia Rogers and David Schultz are spearheading the program. formed four committees, each pertaining to the Main Street organization’s four-point approach: economic restructuring, promotion, organization and design. Another new component of the Main Street program is its Tourism Task Force, which looks to be the driving force behind the group’s efforts to draw consumers to Plant City.

TASK FORCE

The idea for the task force came in late 2015, after approval to start the Main Street Project had been granted, and it had held its official kickoff meeting in mid-December. Yvonne Fry, head of Fryed Egg Productions and Fresh Picked Talent, among other businesses, is leading the task force. Fry says that it’s possible to market Plant City as an attractive tourist destination beyond the Florida Strawberry Festival. It’s up to the task force to find the best ways to do so. “There’s already amazing number of tourists who come here,” Fry says. “We want to capitalize on that. We also want to bring out reasons to be a day trip destination or a nighttime getaway.” City Manager Mike Herr, Plant City EDC member Jake Austin, Recreation and Parks members Jack Holland and Tim Hanlon, Jarrett-Scott Ford owner Jim Scott and Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis are also involved in Main Street discussions, and Patrick Harrison, with Visit Tampa Bay, was also present for the first meeting. The task force will work hand-in-hand with Main Street, the City of Plant City, the Plant City EDC and the chamber. It also has plans to work with Visit Tampa Bay to gain a presence on social media platforms and to further utilize the #PlantCity hashtag on such mediums. The group has scoured Plant City to single out what it believes to be the most attractive tourism options and plans to run further with them as 2016 progresses. “We’re really looking to take introspective look at what’s here and how we can market this city,” Fry says. “We’re going to try to break it down into actual strategy.” Besides the obvious Florida Strawberry Festival, the task force is planning on using Plant City’s location along the

Tourism Task Force Meeting WHEN: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, WHERE: Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, 106 S. Evers St.

General Main Street Meeting WHEN: 5:30 p.m., third Monday of every month WHERE: Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, 106 S. Evers St.

Interstate 4 to its advantage. It’s identified the Hillsborough County Fair and Dinosaur World as key items to promote, as well as unique Plant City businesses such as Keel and Curley Winery, Parkesdale Farm Market, Johnson’s Barbeque, Hole-in-One Donuts and Maryland Fried Chicken. It also plans to promote the city’s abundance of antique stores. Another big area for the task force is the city’s sports scene. While Plant City has not had any major sporting presence since the Cincinnati Reds left town, the Recreation and Parks Department hosts a number of sporting events that draw thousands of people. Everything from the UYFL tournament to the CollClub Sports spring break baseball and softball tournaments is seen as marketable. Plant City’s culture will also come into play. The task force considers the people of the community to be a selling point, along with the charm of the area. It is considering promoting chamber events, such as Car Show, Bike Fest and Pig Jam, and plans to use the Robert Willaford Railroad Museum to its advantage. “There’s a lot going on in Plant City now,” Schultz says. The group’s next meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center, and Fry says that this meeting will turn the wheels of action. The public Main Street meetings will be held on the third Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Plant City Photo Archives. The next one will be held Jan. 18. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

REAL ESTATE by Justin Kline | Sports Editor

Welcome Home

Plant City’s newest premier residential community will see shovels in the ground in 2016.

Varrea — a live-work-play community — will consist of nine interconnected, walkable neighborhoods that resembled developments such as FishHawk, in Lithia, and Lakewood Ranch, in Manatee County. There will be 2,640 single- and multi-family units and 345,000 square feet of commercial space in the

form of two village centers. Some residents near Varrea plots aren’t happy. Right now, the land is a green cow pasture with oak trees, a creek and a church on the hill. It’s peaceful — exactly what surrounding residents sought when they moved to the area to be away from the busier parts of town and even further from the traffic nightmares of Brandon and Tampa. Putting a sprawling residential and commercial area in their backyards would be a step back into hectic city life. Marsha Spivey lives on Frazier Lane. She voiced her opinions at a June 2015 City of Plant City Planning Board meeting. “It’s beautiful out there where I live,” Spivey said. “That’s why I bought my home there, because I love the country. Now instead of opening my

front door and seeing a beautiful pasture, I’m going to see a concrete city.” By then, the Planning Board said it was too late to do anything to stop the development, as the land had already been sold and numerous permits had been approved. Travis Emerson, who owns nearly 2 acres of land in the area, says that he was given the cold shoulder by both Walton and the City of Plant City during the process. He says that Walton did not notify him of Varrea plans. According to Phillip Scearce with the city’s Planning and Zoning Division, residents within 250 feet of the future development were notified of Walton’s plans and public hearings. Scearce also says Walton held its own public meeting in fall 2014 at Midway

Baptist Church, which borders the property. Emerson is considering a move to Thonotosassa to replicate the peace and quiet of his current home. “Nothing they’re building has the feel of Plant City,” he says.

ROOM TO GROW

The bucolic, open-country feel nearby residents know and love wasn’t the vision for Varrea. Instead, what Varrea will be complements Plant City’s plans for the future: economic and residential growth. Hillsborough County has adopted a set of “Imagine 2040” plans that should improve economy, transportation and residential situations while accommodating population growth. According to PlanHillsborough.org, Plant

City’s population is expected to grow from about 40,000 in the present to an estimated 71,523 by 2040. Varrea fits into the Northeast Plant City Area Master Plan, which sees the area around Varrea becoming the most frequent target for annexation. “The major focus is economic development,” City Manager Mike Herr says. “Creating new jobs and capital, expanding the tax base and creating a more sustainable community.” Herr says that communities such as Varrea are going to be beneficial for Plant City going forward. These “thriving” communities can lead to the kind of economic development he and other city officials are hoping to achieve. “I think that what’s important to understand is that Plant City is in a strategic location on the I-4 corridor,” Herr says. In the near future, Herr expects Varrea to start creating growth. The construction process will open numerous short-term job for people to take advantage of — jobs that Herr considers important to the economy, even if they’re only temporary. As for Varrea retaining Plant City’s charm, some of that will fall on the aesthetics: Walton plans to ensure that the nature in the surrounding area isn’t destroyed and to add touches of “old Florida” flair throughout the nine neighborhoods. “I think it’s going to tie in very well with the 2040 plan,” Herr says. “As we grow, Plant City always wants to retain its great sense of community, its charm and personality.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

1,008 Number of acres

18.1 million Amount of dollars Cone Ranch sold for to Walton

722 Number of residential acres

9 Number of neighborhoods

2,640 Number of residential units

2.6 Number of dwellings per acre

345,000 Number of square feet for commercial use

322

Number of acres of open space

ABOUT CONE RANCH The 1,008 acres of pastureland north of Knights Griffin Road and west of Charlie Taylor Road was once owned by Bob Graham. The Robert G. Graham Family LP and the David J. Tozlosky Family LP sold the land in October 2013 for $18.1 million to Calgarybased Walton in what was one of the largest land deals in Plant City’s history.

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191296

NOISY NEIGHBORS

Justin Kline

Among Varrea’s nine neighborhoods, there will be two commercial areas — one off Knights Griffin Road and another off Midway Road — that will contain cafes, boutiques and office spaces.

190416

t won’t be long before what Plant City knows as Cone Farms becomes Varrea. The former 1,008-acre cattle ranch, in the northeast quadrant of the city, is slated to be the newest residential community in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The groundbreaking is set for 2016. While landowner Walton International Group says it does not have a set timeframe for development, the City of Plant City confirmed it could come early in the year. According to Bob Sebesta, Walton’s general manager for Florida, the group is getting more permit approvals before it can officially start. Walton is currently working with homebuilders, the South Florida Water Management District and the Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Agency. “Everything is coming together,” Sebesta says. “We’re trying to make sure we do it the right way.” Sebesta has also says that Walton is hoping to make an announcement soon. Generally, within the Plant City community, there have been two opinions of Varrea: one being that will destroy Plant City’s quaint and rural feel, the other that it will be a boon for the local economy.

VARREA: BY THE NUMBERS

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

CH-CH-CHANGES by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

The Red Rose Inn & Suites will be turned into a drug and rehabilitation center this year.

t’s been over two years since the Red Rose Inn & Suites first closed its doors when its owners fell to bankruptcy. Now it will open once again — but not as the ornately-decorated motel Evelyn and Batista Madonia had once operated. It will be a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center, with a soft opening as early as May or June. At a Nov. 9 meeting, the City Commission unanimously approved the rezoning of the eastern half of the 270-room inn. The rezoning allows it to be used as an 80-room rehabilitation center, operated by Florida Rehabilitation and Recovery Services. According to Bob Gannon, Florida Rehabilitation’s inhouse consultant, the company was in the final stages of purchasing the Red Rose in December. Because the sale has not been finalized, Gannon would not reveal how much the Red Rose is going for. There are many reminders of the building’s elegant past. The spacious rooms hold much of the inn’s stylish furniture, and the sign for the former hotel can be seen by motorists on Interstate 4. Residents, with memories of ballroom dances and glitzy fundraisers, have expressed concern about the Red Rose’s

future as a drug and rehab center — especially with it just blocks away from a school and daycare. But the long-held idea that the Red Rose could retain its former glory was put to rest at the November Commission meeting by Russell Ottenberg, a principal planner of Planeng Inc., the company designing the center: “The Red Rose, for all intents and purposes, no longer exists.”

STARTING FRESH

Two years ago, Florida Rehabilitation and Recovery Services opened White Sands, a similar treatment center as the one planned for the Red Rose, based in Ft. Myers. The facility has offices in Pompano Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. “We worked hard to be good citizens and to establish a really meaningful program,” Gannon says. “I still speak on a daily basis with a number of clients who went through the program successfully.” The center is not Gannon’s first venture in the business world. The Boca Raton resident has owned businesses in the past, including Gannon Family Company LLC and Efficient Realty & Development LLC. In January 2008, Gannon, along with Vincent F. Artuso, John Vincent Artuso, Greogry Orr, Philip Edward Forigone and William Larry Horton were

ABOUT THE DRUG AND ALCOHOL CENTER EMPLOYEES: Estimated 150-plus jobs generated. Available positions will include psychologists, nurses behavioral help technicians, maintenance and IT staff. CLIENTS: The facility could reach full capacity of 150 clients in two to three years. They will be at the facility on a voluntary basis and housed in 80 rooms on the eastern portion. VISITORS: Rooms in the western half of the facility will be used for visiting family members. Members can stay two to three days at a time. PROGRAM: The 30-day program has two parts: treating the addiction through detox and removing toxins from the body, and then reprograming the brain to stay away from to drugs and alcohol. Clients will be monitored 24 hours a day and will be busy from roughly 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

UPGRADES • The 110-foot tall sign, right, will likely be used as a welcome sign for Plant City and not as an advertisement for the facility. • The Red Rose’s pool will be retained. • A volleyball court will be added. • Gym equipment will be upgraded. • The fine furnishings of the Red Rose will likely be sold or auctioned.

A PEEK INSIDE

While the traditional-sized rooms in the eastern half of the facility will be rooms for clients, Gannon has plans to convert the Red Rose’s larger suites. Many of those rooms will be offices for nurses and physicians, as well as group therapy rooms. While Florida Rehabilitation and Recovery Services was able to think of multiple uses for the Red Rose’s numerous rooms, deciding what to do with the inn’s interior fur-

nishings was not as simple. “We ... looked at that and kind of scratched our heads,” Gannon says. “No expense was spared on some of these suites. It’s not appropriate for us. It’s one of the unknowns at this point.” Although the former inn’s furnishings — canopy beds, upholstered lounges, marble coffee tables — are high quality, Gannon says they will be removed. Though it remains uncertain exactly what will be done with them, Gannon says that he has been approached by professional organizations that buy such furniture. It’s also possible that the furniture will be auctioned off. As the facility begins to prepare for its new use, a few plans have had to be put aside. Florida Rehabilitation and Recovery Services was willing to rent out the grander rooms, such as the Red Rose’s former ballroom, to civic organizations for fundraisers and socials. But Hillsboro Avenue, which would be the access point to the ballroom, is narrow and needs work before being able to accommodate heavy traffic. For now, Gannon says, no extensive work will be done on the road. “We basically would have to re-do the road,” Gannon says. “That’s a tremendous expense. (We’re) not accessing the facility from Hillsboro.” Gannon adds that the Red Rose’s sign most likely will not be used for the facility. It is possible that the sign will be used by the city as a welcome sign that can be seen from the interstate. “We really feel very strongly that this is going to be a successful venture for us and Plant City as well,” Gannon says. “We think this is going to come together.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

192375

THE ‘ROSE’ TO RECOVERY

charged with fraud, including mail fraud, wire fraud and laundering of monetary instruments. “It was an unfortunate situation,” Gannon says. “At the end of the day, we were found to be totally innocent.” In October 2008, the Artusos, Orr and Forigone were convicted of RICO conspiracy. The month prior, Gannon was acquitted. The City of Plant City was unaware of Gannon’s prior charges. Unless a resident or potential business owner is trying to open a gun or explosives shop within city limits, extensive background checks are not required. “It’s not a checklist requirement,” City Manager Mike Herr says. “We’ll Google prospective clients.” Gannon’s latest endeavor has seen success with White Sands. The treatment center is accredited by the Florida Department of Children and Families, the Better Business Bureau and The Florida Certification Board. With one treatment center well-established in the Sunshine State, Florida Rehabilitation and Recovery Services set its sights on Plant City. “From our previous experience, we liked the amenities and features (of the Red Rose),” Gannon says. “We looked at the area itself. There’s really no programs available in this particular region.”

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

COPS

ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S READ EVERYWHERE!

The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.

DEC. 18

LAPTOP LARCENY

1200 block of South Collins Street. Grand theft. Officer reported to a business in reference to a repot of theft. Complainant stated that a laptop computer had been stolen from the premises.

PLANT CITY

CORNER

DEC. 23

CALLING ALL UNITS

2900 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Business burglary. Officers responded to a business following an alarm call. They noticed the front door was broken, and a business representative stated that $5,100 in cell phones were stolen.

RUMBLE ON REDMAN

1850 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Battery. Officers responded to a business in reference to a reported fight. Complainant stated that he and a friend got into a brawl with several other men. After the officers investigated the incident, the complainants decided to decline to pursue charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

DEC. 19

DRIVE-BY SNATCHING

100 block of South Evers Street. Attempted robbery. Officer met with complainant, who stated that an unknown suspect attempted to snatch her purse out of her hands while riding by on a bicycle.

NEW, USED AND ABUSED!

FIX IT

East Cherry Street/North Vermont Street. DUI. Officers responded to the intersection in reference to a Chevrolet SUV that had crashed into a telephone pole. The suspect was identified and arrested for DUI and possession of drug paraphernalia.

DEC. 20

BED BANDITS

TAILGATING

700 block of South Evers Street. Grand theft. Officer responded to a residence in reference to a reported theft. Complainant stated that, overnight, unknown suspect(s) removed and stole the tailgate from his Ford pickup truck.

Did you take a copy of your favorite hometown newspaper, the Plant City Times & Observer, with you on your Christmas vacation? If so, send your photographs to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.

1400 block of Strawberry Place. Stolen vehicle recovery. A blue Dodge Dakota pickup truck had been running all day, with nobody in or near it. The truck was determined to have been stolen, and the owner was contacted. The owner was unable to pick up the vehicle, so it was impounded. Hillsborough County Sheriffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office, which had gotten the stolen vehicle report, was notified. 700 block of North Wilder Road. Vehicle burglary. Complainant stated that unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle through the rear window and stole her driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s license, credit cards and other items. Complainant stated that the window was broken and unable to roll up. The complainant only wished to file a police report and signed a waiver of prosecution.

CRASHING CRIMINAL

ST. PETE BEACH. Dan DeSchoolmeester took a quick holiday with his wife, Cindy, to St Pete Beach.

JUST DITCH IT

2910 block of Hampton Place Court. Theft. Complainant stated that unknown suspect(s) stole several beds from the home.

DEC. 21

SETTLING DIFFERENCES

Street. Simple battery. Officer met with complainant, who stated that he was punched by a known subject in a dispute over a vehicle. Complainant refused medical treatment and signed a waiver of prosecution.

DEC. 22

LIGHT IT UP

2200 block of Granfield Avenue. Grand theft. Officers responded to a residence in reference to a reported theft. Complainant stated that unknown suspect(s) had stolen a light bar.

CLEANED OUT

600 block of East Alexander Street. Residential burglary. Complainants stated that unknown suspect(s) stole a Glock 27 pistol, an Xbox gaming console and games, three cell phones and $650 in cash.

DEC. 24

SILENT NIGHT

2750 block of Walden Woods Drive. Battery. Officers responded to the area in reference to a reported fight. They observed several people in the roadway and located a subject with a wound on his face. It appeared that he had gotten into a fight. Subject refused to cooperate with officers, and signed a waiver of prosecution.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

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Plant City

1408 W. Reynolds St., Ste B

NE corner of Alexander & Reynolds

813-754-4813

21 LOCATIONS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA!

www.floridahearing.com

18 HS O M NT AS E SAM SH CA 192896

238709-1

PLANT CITY TIME & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

RAIN

PLANT CITY

(INCHES)

MELANE BYRD’s grandson, JACOB DANTONE, lives on the yard at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Annapolis has many boats, but no trains.

WEATHER

THURS. Dec. 31

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Jan. 1

0.00

Friday, Jan. 8 Saturday, Jan. 9 Sunday, Jan. 10 Monday, Jan. 11 Tuesday, Jan. 12 Wednesday, Jan. 13 Thursday, Jan. 14

SAT.

Jan. 2

0.00

SUN.

Jan. 3

0.07

MON.

HIGH 79 77 74 68 68 68 69

Jan. 4

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

TUES.

Friday, Jan. 8 Saturday, Jan. 9 Sunday, Jan. 10 Monday, Jan. 11 Tuesday, Jan. 12 Wednesday, Jan. 13 Thursday, Jan. 14

0.15

Jan. 5

0.01

WED.

Jan. 6

0.00

MONTH

TO DATE

SUNRISE 7:21 a.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:21 a.m. 7:21 a.m.

LOW 63 66 51 48 50 50 52

Melane wins a Grimes Hardware Strawberry Town Cafe gift card. She can claim the card with an ID at Strawberry Town Cafe, 3161 Paul Buchman Highway.

I PC

PHASES

Jan. 9

Do you have a picture that speaks to the personality of Plant City? To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email that photo and a caption to Managing Editor AMBER JURGENSEN at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com. Winners will have their picture featured and receive a special gift.

Jan. 16

STRAWBERRIES

0.23 (2015: 0.00)

“Like most children, he has a fascination with trains, and he never tired of watching them or visiting the Willaford Train Museum downtown. What a Plant City gem this is for kids of all ages!” Melane says.

MOON

SUNSET 5:54 p.m. 5:49 p.m. 5:50 p.m. 5:51 p.m. 5:52 p.m. 5:52 p.m. 5:53 p.m.

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando $16.90 Jan. 23

YEAR

TO DATE 0.23 (2015: 0.00)

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Jan. 31

Now Serving Breakfast!

Personal Service • Low Prices • Great Selection

Mon.-Sat. 6:30am- 4:00pm

Farm & Ranch • Plumbing • Electrical Paint • Lawn & Garden

813-704-5907

- Dine In or Carry Out Catering Available – Please call for pricing!

SERVICES INCLUDE

Keys made • Hydraulic Assemblies • Propane Refills Pipe Cutting • Pipe Threading • Paint Tinting • Paint Correction

Check out our Savings!

15% HARDWARE STORE OFF

Need holiday gift ideas or that something special for the man in your life?

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Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm • Sat. 7:30am - 4:00pm

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• Sandwiches • Salads • Soups • Milk Shakes • Ice Cream • Desserts

EARLY FARMER

SPECIAL

$ 99

2 eggs, bacon or sausage

grits or hashbrowns biscuit or toast

3161 Paul Buchman Hwy. • Plant City • Located one mile north of I-4

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an esteemed philosopher. Using the hints V=I and D=C, decipher the clues to name the philosopher.

ACROSS 1 “Forever” 5 Eye nerve 10 Religious teacher 15 ___-serif 19 Lead-in for “trooper” or “medic” 20 Apple-polisher 21 Assign to, as blame 22 “Don’t hurt me,” for one 23 Like a glowing lamp 25 Flat finale 27 Barely get by (with “out”) 28 Skirt seam 29 Roman magistrate’s attendant 31 Poke holes in a lawn 32 Born in Cardiff 34 Activist’s focus 35 “Diamond Lil” star West 36 Doctor’s handwriting, stereotypically 39 As a whole 41 Like some positions 45 One who inherits 46 Butchered remains 48 State, as one’s rights 51 Dr. Dre’s music 52 Santa’s employees 54 Get ready to fire 55 Magical glow 56 Musician’s concern 57 Schooner’s cargo? 58 Like a good puppy 63 Tiny remnant 64 Woebegone 66 “Roses ___, violets ...” 67 Goody-goodies 68 Article of furniture 70 “___ y Plata” (Montana’s motto) 71 Self-centeredness 73 Primitive shelter 75 Fumbling for words 78 Best, in sports 81 Desert islands 82 Doodad 84 “Born,” literally 85 Mayberry drinker 86 Serve coffee 87 ___-Z (thoroughly) 88 Alpine falsetto 90 Nixon, for two yrs. 91 Alcohol type 93 “... one ___ leap for mankind” 95 ___-majeste (crime against a dignitary) 96 “Tobacco Road” author Caldwell 98 Not minor anymore 100 Didn’t disregard 102 Month to give thanks in Can. 103 Normand of the silents 105 Palmists, e.g. 107 Turkey part 110 INS, e.g. 112 Fuel 113 Clocks are set by it (Abbr.) 116 Type of clock 118 Object of a crush 121 “Enchanted” girl of film 122 Deliver a speech

1. P U B V D 2. D Q Q Z W H V J N 3. D M W X D A 4. M V A F W F D M N 5. A T S V F V D V Z T This philosopher wrote about many subjects and tutored Alexander the Great:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. Jan 7 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.35)

8 3

6 5 4 1

2 6 2

9 1

2 9 2

4 9 1 3

8 1

190568

CROSSWORD HI, GUYS! by John Meghurt

CRYPTOQUIZ

6 9 2 Jan 7 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.35)

6 3 7

9 1

4 8 5

123 Tribal leader 124 Insignificant amount 125 Earl Grey, and others 126 More recent 127 Mr.___ (Fred Flintstone’s boss) 128 Eared pitcher

30 Pomona’s ___ Poly 32 Suffix with “soft” or “share” 33 Oldies players 36 Batch, as of papers 37 Large stringed instrument 38 They may be drained by tributaries 40 ___ few (give examples) DOWN 41 Bird on a beach 1 Altar location 42 Unshockable 2 Rubberneck 43 “Ivanhoe” weapon 3 Canal to the Hudson 44 Nonlethal swords 4 Obeyed “Down in front!” 47 Flora’s partner 5 Desdemona’s man 49 “For heaven’s ___!” 6 Rhyming works 50 Shoemaker’s leather, sometimes 7 Small portion 53 Bermuda wear 8 “American ___” (TV show) 56 Have confidence in 9 Distrustful 59 Cookie jar denizen 10 Burger flipper 60 Common eye color 11 Bowery figures, stereotypically 61 Get ready to sail again 12 Cavern, in poetry 62 Atoll in Kiribati 13 “Li’l ol’ me?” 63 Du Maurier novel 14 Privately, to a lawyer 65 Crescent-shaped figures 15 Bridal wreath shrub 67 Sport played on horseback 16 ___ mater 69 “For sure!” 17 Tidy 72 Neighbor of Cameroon 18 ___-Coburg (royal house) 73 Not tight at all 24 Process the fat? 74 “Peter, Peter, pumpkin ___” 26 Inclined, in England 76 Light and breezy

77 Outlook competitor 79 Former Attorney General Edwin 80 Caught elvers 82 “Bag” or “board” beginner 83 Rat-___ (old machine gun sounds) 86 Defense Department headquarters 89 Bullring accolades 91 “Manage” lead-in 92 UPS machine 93 Deep ravines 94 West End attraction 97 Down Under tree climbers 99 Home office locale, perhaps 101 Before now, before now 103 Brilliantly colored parrot 104 Stone with curved, colored bands 106 Showy plumed bird 107 Help, as a lawbreaker 108 “Blue” or “White” river 109 Coke nut 111 Participate in a pep rally 113 Raise, as produce 114 Bit of dust 115 Alpine transport 117 Anger or rage 119 Org. quoted on toothpaste tubes 120 Take off in a hurry

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 2016

ColdwellBankerHomes.com Call 866.600.6008 and enter the

Appling Woods | 3/2.1 | $400,000 | Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 5602 Thonotosassa Rd | Search T2788065 on CBHomes.com

code for property details or to speak with the agent.

497937

Plant City | 3/2 | $399,900 | Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 5725 Tindale Rd | Search T2785548 on CBHomes.com

496547

Commercial | Lots/Land | $795,000 Dennis Perkins 866.600.6008 487696 611 S Falkenburg Rd Search T2766139 on CBHomes.com

Poley Creek - Lakeland | 4/3 | $395,000 Angela Sessa 866.600.6008 499662 6710 Poley Creek W Dr Search T2792846 on CBHomes.com

Emerald Acres | 3/2.1 | $345,000 Cathy Casey 866.600.6008 498080 13249 Emerald Acres Ave Search T2789009 on CBHomes.com

Parkwood Lakes - Parrish | 4/2.1 | $264,900 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 493551 8903 30th E St Search T2777439 on CBHomes.com

Walden Lake | 3/2 | $250,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 498706 1725 Brookstone Way Search T2790401 on CBHomes.com

Walden Lake | 3/2 | $237,806 Lynne Halleran 866.600.6008 477237 2806 Brooke Pines Ct Search T2785713 on CBHomes.com

Bay Crest Park - Tampa | 3/2 | $227,000 Jennifer Hayes 866.600.6008 494091 8407 Lava Pl Search T2778637 on CBHomes.com

Walden Lake | 3/2 | $219,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 85837 2905 Laurel Meadow Ct Search T2716334 on CBHomes.com

Jess Walden Oaks | 3/2 | $214,000 Patrick Lynch 866.600.6008 494751 3402 Walden Ridge Pl Search T2780929 on CBHomes.com

Hunters Crossing | 4/3 | $199,000 Jean Bridgmon 866.600.6008 494749 6823 Hunters Crossing Blvd Search T2781054 on CBHomes.com

Plant City | 3/2 | $185,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 499161 1103 W Alexander St Search T2791728 on CBHomes.com

Walden Lake/Laurel Lake | 2/2 | $179,900 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 495146 2738 Golf Lake Dr, Unit #19 Search T2781719 on CBHomes.com

Seffner | 3/2 | $174,990 Patrick Lynch 866.600.6008 494750 203 Henderson Ave Search T2780923 on CBHomes.com

Walden Lake | 3/2 | $162,900 Jimmie Robinson 866.600.6008 490683 2304 S Fairway Dr Search T2771664 on CBHomes.com

North Plant City | 3/2 | $160,000 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 498436 8501 Paul Buchman Hwy Search T2790003 on CBHomes.com

Carrollwood Village | 2/2.1 | $160,000 Patrick Lynch 866.600.6008 499935 14005 Trouville Dr Search T2793581 on CBHomes.com

Wild Rose Acres | 4/2 | $154,900 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 496365 4122 Red Rose Ln Search T2785138 on CBHomes.com

Magnolia Green | 3/2 | $150,000 Debbie Goncalves 866.600.6008 495046 3107 Magnolia Meadows Dr Search T2781360 on CBHomes.com

Zephyrhills | 2/2 | $140,000 Jennifer Hayes 866.600.6008 491855 5316 4th St Search T2773708 on CBHomes.com

Mulberry | 3/2 | $137,900 Patrick Lynch 866.600.6008 493059 5655 Bailey Rd Search T2776383 on CBHomes.com

Alafia Ridge Estates | Lots/Land | $99,500 David McCarthy 866.600.6008 82109 205 Alafia Estates Ln Search T2577858 on CBHomes.com

Fort Meade | Lots/Land | $74,900 Angela Sessa 866.600.6008 494031 Rhoden Rd Search T2778239 on CBHomes.com

Country Aire | Lots/Land | $73,000 Jimmie Robinson 866.600.6008 490953 Joe Mcintosh # Lot 1 Search T2772062 on CBHomes.com

Winter Haven | 2/2 | $65,000 Jennifer Hayes 866.600.6008 478425 1776 6th NW St, Unit #108 Search T2792948 on CBHomes.com

Thonotosassa Land | Lots/Land | $50,000 Cathy Casey 866.600.6008 82069 Weaver Ln Search T2736075 on CBHomes.com

Valrico Land | Lots/Land | $45,000 Jimmie Robinson 866.600.6008 493006 Briar Meadow Search T2776246 on CBHomes.com

Plant City | Lots/Land | $19,500 Angela Sessa 866.600.6008 495604 N Ferrell St Search T2783161 on CBHomes.com

Plant City | Lots/Land | $15,000 Malissa Crawford 866.600.6008 499162 911 N Palmer St Search T2791841 on CBHomes.com

10 9 -YE A R LEG ACY

3,000 OFFICES ON 6 CONTINENTS

192898

#1 RE AL ESTATE BROKER AGE IN FLORIDA*

Plant City 813.754.3586 *Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate is ranked number one in closed residential buyer and/or seller transaction sides in Palm Beach, Orlando, Tampa/St. Petersburg and Naples/Fort Myers, and number one in residential sales volume (calculated by multiplying number of buyer and/or seller transaction sides by the sales price) in Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa/St. Petersburg, according to data submitted to REAL Trends by NRT LLC, 2016. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. ÂŠ2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

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