01.09.14 Plant City Times & Observer

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Plant City welcomes home the Florida Army National Guard 3-116th Field Artillery Battalion.

WILL’S POWER by Michael Eng | Editor

Family, friends remember William Lawrence Lamoreaux The 2013 Plant City High School graduate died in a single-car crash Jan. 1, near Tipton, Ind. He was 19.

It seems just about everyone who had ever met Will Lamoreaux has a memory to cherish.

Friend Amy Reed remem-

bers the time she went with him to Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, and Will ordered a cup of bacon.

Or, how about the time Will dressed up as a Hooters girl

and then went to the famous wings chain? There’s photographic evidence of that one, and he even earned a tip.

Will’s grandmother, Cathy

LaGarde, remembers attending his first-grade math competitions.

“I had always thought that I was pretty smart until then,” she says. “They would show the question on the overhead,

SEE WILL / PAGE 2

Courtesy of Derek Fahsbender

Will Lamoreaux was active during his time at Plant City High School.

FAREWELL

+ Grand marshals selected for parades

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

{FORECAST}

Bobby Brantley, from TruTV’s “Lizard Lick Towing,” will serve as the grand marshal for the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade at 1 p.m.

March 3.

“Bobby is going to add some excitement to this year’s parade, and we are very lucky to have him participate in our event,” says Gail Lyons, president of Berry Fine Productions Inc. Plant City High School’s Austin Bruner and Durant High School’s Jessi Rae Varnum were selected as the 2014 Plant City Civitan Club’s Outstanding Youth.

The club will honor both students at its meeting at 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 6, at Buddy Freddys, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. The two also will serve as grand marshals of the 2014 Florida Strawberry Festival Youth Parade, which will take place at 11 a.m.

March 1.

Bruner currently has a weighted grade-point average of 5.64. He currently serves as sergeant at arms for the National Honor Society and is the Senior Class president. While at Plant City, he played football and baseball, swam and was a pole-vaulter for the track team. He currently has been accepted to the University of Mississippi, Texas Tech University, the University of Central Florida and the University of South Florida.

Varnum holds a 5.4 weighted GPA. She currently is vice president of Student Government, producer of the Durant morning show, varsity cheerleading captain and a member of the National Honor Society. She also is a member of the Leo Club and managing editor of the yearbook.

2014 {GOLF}

Steppin’ Stone Farm announces closure The Plant City-area home for at-risk teenage girls will stay open through the end of the year.

Thousands of memories well up inside of Executive Director Cindy Churchill as she walks among the shaded paths of Steppin’ Stone Farm. Nestled among 86.5 acres of country landscape, the farm has been a home for at-risk teenage girls since the Keiser family started it in 1973. Throughout the years, about 900 girls have completed the Christianbased program successfully.

But, now it is the farm itself that will change. Steppin’ Stone Farm will close by the end of the year.

“My heart is overwhelmed and saddened, but at peace,” Churchill said.

“As I walk around the farm and see the

{MATHIS}

SEE CLOSING / PAGE 3

{MIDTOWN}

{SWEETBAY}

{NUTRACEUTICALS}

tragedy by Laurel Morel and

Claire Wiseman | Tampa Bay Times

Search crews recover bodies of lost boaters {STOWE}

{ROSS}

{DAVIS}

+ Woman’s Club plans next meeting The GFWC Woman’s Club will host its next meeting at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at its clubhouse, 110 N. Wheeler St. The meeting will feature the club’s annual arts and crafts competition.

Registration of paintings, drawings, poems, short stories and crafts will take place from 10 a.m. to noon, Jan. 13. Winners will be announced at the meeting.

For more, call Nancy Miller, (813) 754-2544.

FREE • THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2014

{HURST}

{MCMANN}

The Plant City Times & Observer examines 10 people and issues to watch in the new year.

{ SEE PAGES 4 THROUGH 11 }

Willie Hightower and Willie Ragins, both of Plant City, fished together every other weekend.

TARPON SPRINGS — Search crews on Jan. 1, pulled the bodies of Willie Hightower and Willie Ragins from Lake Tarpon, where four days earlier the pair took off for a day trip in an aluminum fishing boat.

Investigators haven’t yet said what killed either man, adding only that one body did not indicate a suspicious death.

Ragins’ family believes he died a hero, helping his friend, his niece Eddresa Dasher said.

“No one said, but we just believe in our hearts that that’s what happened,” Dasher said.

Hightower’s wife, Mildred, said she still

SEE BOATERS / PAGE 2

INDEX Classifieds .............................15

Vol. 1, No. 24 | One section Crossword..............................14

Obituaries..............................13

Weather .................................14

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ª 3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP WILL / PAGE 1 and he would have the answer written down with his hand up, before I could finish reading the question.”

Friend Molly Coovert will never forget the months of courting Will did to convince her to go to Homecoming with her their senior year.

First, it was a potato with the question, “Homecoming?” written on it.

Then, she pulled into school to find three watermelons that, together, read, “Please Say Yes.” A short time later, she arrived to school to see a pumpkin in her parking spot. “Third Time’s the Charm,” it read.

Ultimately, Will did convince Coovert to be his date for Homecoming — thanks to the adorable eyes of a beagle puppy she later named Lucy.

Will Lamoreaux, the eccentric, 2013 graduate of Plant City High School with the fiery red hair, died in a single-vehicle rollover crash Jan. 1, near Tipton, Ind. He was 19.

Will was living out one of his lifelong dreams at the time of accident — criss-crossing the United States and Canada on an extended road trip. According to reports from the Kokomo Tribune, he was driving a 2002 Pontiac Aztek when he lost control and drove into a ditch. The vehicle flipped multiple times.

Tipton County Sheriff’s Office reports said Will was ejected from the vehicle. Sheriff deputies and Cicero Township volunteer firefighters arrived at the scene and found Will un-

BOATERS / PAGE 1 has questions about her husband’s death and hopes the recovery of the fishing boat will bring answers. She is thankful, at least, for the return of his body.

Ragins, 43, and Hightower, 64, both of Plant City, were reported missing early Dec. 29, after their families grew concerned. The pair left Dec. 28 for the 5-mile-long lake, a place they both fished regularly.

Ragins left his house about 2 p.m. to pick up Hightower, said Ragins’ mother, Saretha Ragins. About 10 p.m., Ragins’ wife called him to ask how he was doing. He said he would be home in a couple of hours with two coolers containing fish.

But about midnight, when Ragins still wasn’t home, Saretha was concerned. She couldn’t sleep. She called his cellphone, but no one answered.

That same night, Hightower’s wife, Mildred, also grew worried

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conscious and unresponsive.

His passenger, a 14-year-old cousin, suffered extensive damage to her arm.

Officers said speed and roadway conditions were factors in the crash.

Days after the accident, Will’s mother, Caron Leddon, traveled to the accident site. Originally, police reports indicated Will was not wearing his seat belt. On her trip to Indiana, she learned why.

“William did have his seat belt on when he was driving,” Leddon said.

“He released it trying to get out when he realized they were in trouble, but both of them had them on.

“The way the accident happened was a complete and total accident,” she said. “It was very dark, snow everywhere, and more had started falling, which is very slick. I was at the accident site ... and it’s a two-lane road, with big deep ditches — at least three feet or so — on each side.

“His tire went off the road, pulled them into the unknown deep areas and flipped their vehicle back over front twice, ejecting him,” Leddon said. “His cousin was able to exit; however, the vehicle mangled her arm, and she got beaten up pretty badly. We know that he saved her life first. My son lived as and died a hero.”

At Plant City High School, Will was involved with a variety of extracurricular activities, including Future Business Leaders of America and JROTC. He also was part of the drama

when her husband hadn’t called. He typically called her every few hours to see how she was doing — she is partially paralyzed after suffering a stroke.

Search teams from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office began scouring the lake about noon Sunday and found a tackle box, can of gasoline and two coolers. They were joined

by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office boats equipped with sonar and by volunteers.

By 7 a.m. Dec. 30, about a dozen of Ragins’ relatives, including aunts, uncles and sisters, arrived and waited for news.

“Tragedy comes, (and) we stand together, no matter what,” said Ragins’ cousin, Caroline Rutledge.

Hightower and Ragins became friends about 15 years ago, when they were neighbors, their families said.

Ragins worked as a mechanic in Au-

club and served as technical director for the Calendar Girls show.

Somehow, Will transcended the cliques that typically delineate high school life. As news of his death spread last week, high school friends all took to Facebook, replacing their profile photos with images with of themselves with Will. A special group, “The Life and Memories of Will Lamoreaux,” had grown to about 500 members in less than a week.

“He was compassionate, kind, adventurous and was truly his own person,” Coovert said. “I think that’s why he is missed by so many: He was brave enough to be himself in a society that pressures conformity, and we all admired that.

“If you didn’t know Will personally, you certainly knew of him,” she said.

“He was the unique soul who ignored social norms and expectations and pursued his own dreams, yet he accomplished it in a completely altruistic way by putting his own personal issues aside for a friend in need.

“That is rare these days, to have a genuine friend, and Will was a genuine friend to everyone he met,” Coovert said. “In high school, I never realized how many people’s lives he had touched, and Will being the humble giving person he was, I’m not sure he did, either. But, I truly hope he knew how loved he was. “It’s so evident now that he’s gone, but I hope he knew how much he meant to me, our high school and our community, when he was with us.”

burndale and had been married for 21 years. Hightower was retired and had been married about 18 years.

Lake Tarpon is the largest lake in Pinellas County. In most spots, it is 6 to 8 feet deep, but in some places, the water can reach depths of 20 feet, deputies said. Alligators are also known to inhabit the lake.

After nearly four days, both men’s bodies were recovered.

“We have closure,” Ragins’ niece, Dasher, said. “It’s not the closure we necessarily wanted, but we can sleep at night knowing that he can get a proper burial.”

“I’m really going to miss him,” Mildred Hightower said. “He’s all I got.

Me and him.”

Times staff researcher Natalie A. Watson contributed to this report.

Laura C. Morel can be reached at (727) 445-4157 or lmorel@tampabay. com. Claire Wiseman can be reached at cwiseman@tampabay.com or (727)-893-8804.

Friend Casey Hamilton remembers working with Will on Plant City High’s morning television show, “RaiderTV.” “We normally spent our time roaming the halls of PCHS on bicycles, taking the rolling bottoms of the trash cans off to skate on top of them, and climbing on unsuspecting people’s backs — something that Will called, ‘Slothing,’” Hamilton said.

“He was saving money to visit a sloth farm in Colombia. God, did he ever want to go to that.

“Will was a great friend, and truly it was an honor to be called his good friend,” he said. “He was a carefree spirit, a breath of fresh air in an unoriginal world. Will was everyone’s best friend. Not just a few people, everyone. He had a way of captivating you with the way he went about his life, never planning anything, just going with the flow. He never stopped learning, and he never stopped loving. Just some of the many things he had mastered.

Longtime friend Sarah Greene recalled Will’s many interesting outfits.

“He wore my short shorts on St. Patrick’s day at the Florida State Thespian Festival,” she said. “That was great. They fit him better than me.

“He always wanted to cuddle,” Greene said. “That was all he wanted. And one time, we cuddled for an entire night. It made him incredibly happy. Just to hold someone close.”

Memories came from as far away

as Germany. Sarah Weyers, a 2010 exchange student, wrote a portrait about him for her university’s blog.

On her first day at Plant City High, Will had taken her under his wing, helping her find her classes and get through the day.

“He drew a map on the back of my schedule, which I kept and carried around in my wallet; I still do,” Weyers said. “He said it was just in case I couldn’t find my way around when he wasn’t at school. I secretly hoped that wouldn’t happen, because I figured I’d be pretty much lost without him in this huge building.

“Will hasn’t only helped me through my struggles to find my way though the hallways but also with life,” she said. “He was one of the very few people (who) always made time for me when I was down. He talked me though so many moments of homesickness and heartaches, like barely anyone else did.”

He is survived by his parents, Caron and Bobby Leddon; younger brother, David Lamoreaux; grandparents; aunts and uncles; and many friends.

His wonderful spirit, talents and compassion for life will be remembered at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 C.R. 39 S., Plant City. Feel free to bring keepsakes and stories to share. They will be placed into Will’s childhood toy box and kept with him.

Online condolences can be made to the family at wecare.io.

Courtesy of Tampa Bay Times

Family members and friends waited patiently for news throughout the search.

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The guardsmen reunited with their family members following the ceremony.

The guardsmen and women spent nearly a year in the Middle East.

The guardsmen stood at attention before being dismissed following the ceremony.

HEROES WELCOMED HONOR by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor The Florida Army National Guard 3-116th Field Artillery Battalion received a Plant City welcome Jan. 5, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center.

Hundreds of friends, family members, community leaders and more gathered to celebrate the return of 300 service members.

After a ceremony and remarks from various figures, including Gov. Rick Scott, the guard was released to join in hugs, kisses, tears and smiles with their anxious family members.

Supporters showed their patriotic pride.

Left: Gov. Rick Scott spoke.

Three-hundred guardsmen returned from Qatar.

Smiles were everywhere at the Plant City ceremony.

Many guardsmen were reunited with their children.

The guardsmen were anxious to return home.

CLOSING / PAGE 1 beautiful cottages and grounds, I see the love of Christ through the original sacrifice of the Keisers and those of many volunteers and supporters up through today. I see the love of our donors and volunteers who have made this program work much longer than anyone ever thought possible.”

For the past three years, Churchill has noticed a trend that has threatened the success of the program.

The program largely depends on the cooperation of parents. Girls must stay in the program for a year and are released only if they have shown im-

John Schlotmann was reunited with his daughter at the ceremony.

Former state Rep. Rich Glorioso attended the ceremony with his wife, Judy.

Peggy Pierson, Lt. Paul Schwartz and Fred Pierson

provements. In the few cases of runaways, girls get an extra six months tacked onto their stay if they pull the stunt. But recently, parents have been pulling their children out of the program prematurely.

“It’s getting harder and harder to work with the families,” Churchill said. “Rather than dealing with attitudes, many parents have moved to the medical model. We try and work with matters of the heart and spirituality.”

Churchill herself was a girl at the farm. She had become intwined with the world of partying and drugs at 14.

Her parents took her to the farm, and

she has remained ever since. Her love for the girls and program is evident.

Her voice becomes shaky with tears when asked about her future plans.

“I never thought I would leave,” Churchill said. “I thought I would be here ‘til I died.”

Churchill gathered the girls on Monday to tell them the news. She first told leadership, girls who have excelled and maintain specific responsibilities. Many eyes teared up.

One girl wanted to work at the farm upon graduation.

Leadership decided it wanted to go with Churchill to the school to tell the

One guardsman met his grandson for the first time during the ceremony.

rest of the girls. Again, tears flowed.

The farm will retain all the girls currently in the program but will not accept new ones. It will remain fully functional until December, allowing the girls participate in many annual events, such as showing their plants and steers at the Florida Strawberry Festival and attending a graduation ceremonies in March and July.

These continuing operations in 2014 will be carried out under a plan of liquidation, which will be adopted and filed with the state. The plan will include the sale of the farm’s assets, and proceeds of the sale will go to Christian homes for abused and ne-

glected children. The college scholarship fund will continue for several years and then also be distributed to Christian homes for abused and neglected children.

“I am so gracious to our supporters,” Churchill said. “Everyone has said they are going to continue to support the farm until the last day.

And I am thankful the ministry is going out on top. We have a beautiful facility, financially stable, a great staff. God has provided and has helped hundreds of girls, many who know the Lord.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

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2014 FORECAST WALDEN LAKE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB by Michael Eng

THE HOLE TRUTH In many ways, the ailing, dustry, coupled with a Great decrepit condition of Walden Recession, for the golf course Lake Golf & Country Club is the and country club’s downfall. most accurate picture of the re- He believes his redevelopment lationship between the ameni- plans — which include taking ty and the community it serves. out nine holes and selling the Half of the 36 holes — The Hills land for development — is the course — sits dead, forgotten. only viable option.

The remaining 18 Still, no mat— The Lakes course ter who owns the — is open, but its golf course or how The simmerglory days clearly are many holes it coning disconin the past. tains, Walden Lake nect between Likewise, only a never will be imWalden Lake small fraction of the mune from the residents and community’s resioutside business Visions Golf dents — maybe 110 pressures and comLLC, the owner or 120 — are paying petition. of the commembers. The rest And those, unformunity’s golf have either taken tunately, are abuncourses and their golfing elsedant and mighty. country club, where or have given boiled over in up the sport.

FORE-WARNING 2013, after The country club If you ask Bill Visions closed — the once proud Place, a longtime The Hills jewel of Walden Lake local golf course course and — looks like it got owner, the probbegan working stuck in some kind of lems Walden Lake on plans to time warp, while the faces today existed redevelop. But, rest of the world proeven before Visions behind all the gressed.

Golf purchased the emotions lies In 2013, the rift amenities in 2006. one important between golf course In fact, they were question: In a rapidly changand country club the same reasons ing golf indusowner Visions Golf why Place didn’t try, what type LLC and Walden put his money of amenity truly Lake residents hit its into the Plant City can be sucdeepest depths, after course. cessful in Plant Visions closed The “I looked at buyCity?

Hills course permaing Walden Lake in nently. Then, as new 2005,” he said. “But, details surfaced about plans to I passed on it and bought Pebredevelop the property, resi- ble Creek, instead.” dents responded with protests, Place has more than two depetitions, code-violation re- cades in the golf industry. He ports and a website, savethe- first opened Ace Golf Ranges course.com. By the end of the in January 1993. Today, in adyear, Walden Lake Community dition to the Ace locations in Association leaders were dis- Brandon and Riverview, Place cussing the possibility of pur- also owns Pebble Creek Golf chasing the amenity altogether. Club, in Tampa; Wentworth The opposing residents be- Golf Club and Crescent Oaks lieve Visions Golf Managing Country Club, both in Tarpon Partner Steve Mercer is reason Springs. for the collapse. They believe its “Walden Lake was really present state is the product of too much course for the deyears of mismanagement, poor mographics,” Place said. “(In business decisions, subpar cus- 2005), we looked at what we tomer service and lack of com- would need for improvements, munication. looked at the pool and the tenThey want Mercer out. nis, and we didn’t feel we could Conversely, Mercer blames make any money at it. the rapidly changing golf in“It doesn’t surprise me at all

OVERVIEW

(the proposal to redevelop),” he said. “The only way we would have had interest in it would have been to do the exact same thing. ... There’s no doubt in my mind, whatsoever, that that’s the only option there.”

Moreover, Place said, the decline in golf has made it much more difficult to remain profitable.

“I’ve seen a long, continual, slow decline, year after year,” he said. “As an industry, we face significant price pressure.

We’ve never been able to increase our rates, and we’re also seeing fewer golfers.”

At least one member of the Walden Lake Community Association agrees with Place’s assessment.

“I don’t think this community will support a 36-hole golf course,” WLCA Director Bruce Rodwick said during the WLCA’s December discussion regarding the possibility of purchasing the country club and golf courses. “I just don’t think it will. So, something has to happen to The Hills.”

Fortunately, for Place, he bought both Wentworth and Crescent Oaks in 2011, well after the economic downturn, at a price low enough that profitability is still attainable. At Pebble Creek, Place sold the club’s driving range to fund necessary renovations.

These days, most of the companies’ profits come from food and beverage — hosting weddings and banquets, Place said.

DEATH SPIRAL

The rise of the Florida golfcourse community paved the way for an interesting — and potentially problematic — relationship between a private business owner and residents surrounding the business.

In theory, those residents should provide a base market — whether it’s golfers on the course, diners at the restaurant or wedding or banquet clients.

But, what happens when those residents disagree with the business’ practices?

“I sympathize with all those homeowners, I really do,” Place said. “They purchased on the golf course there, paid more money to be on a golf course.

But, in reality, (the course) is not a public amenity. It is a private business, and they can’t just keep spending. They have to do what it takes.”

Steve Knott, PGA director of golf and CMAA general manager for Grasslands Golf & Country Club, in Lakeland, calls Walden Lake’s situation the “death spiral.”

“It is, indeed, never a happy circumstance when a real estate-developed golf facility is hard hit,” he said. “The bottom line is that the golf is an amenity to sell real estate — nothing more, nothing less. When real estate doesn’t sell, there isn’t the revenue stream from new membership sales to maintain the golf course, and the club facilities decline. As facilities decline, clubs can’t attract new members or raise prices, and the value of the real estate falls;

Top: Walden Lake Golf & Country Club has about 110 to 120 members.

Right: The Hills course has been closed permanently.

Above: Visions Golf Managing Partner Steve Mercer we call this a ‘death spiral.’

“Without a large capital infusion, these places often find the value of the course is no longer an attraction, and the land the course is on is more valuable as a housing development,” Knott said. “It is no secret that we have an over-supply of golf courses, so this contraction could be viewed positively from a macro standpoint.”

OVER-SUPPLY, UNDER-DEMAND

Situated between Tampa and Orlando, Walden Lake Golf & Country Club faces significant competition for the limited — and diminishing — number of area golfers. Mercer estimates more than 100 courses within 50 miles of his business.

Moreover, as the recession took hold of the economy, Mercer said many of the area’s more prominent courses began competing on price, as well.

“They started offering fivestar golf at a three-star price,” he said. “Sure, they’d charge $125 (per round) in season, but in the summer, they would charge $75. Places like Saddlebrook, Innisbrook, Disney — suddenly, their pricing was similar to ours.”

Place agreed and said the Tampa market faces another challenge — the Tampa Sports Authority, a non-profit organization that owns and operates three courses — Babe Zaharias, Rocky Point and Rogers Park.

With 18-hole regular rates set at less than $25, the authority’s courses offer golf experiences for significantly less than private enterprise.

THE ROCK AND THE HARD PLACE

Mercer grew up playing the Lakeland course that now

serves as the YMCA of West Central Florida’s Par 3.

“My mom would take me and my friends out there, and for $5, we could golf all day and entertain ourselves,” he said.

Mercer’s Walden Lake post should have been a dream job for a lifelong golfer, and in the first year of ownership, it was.

The club membership grew to about 450, he said, but when the economy tanked, so did the business. In 2008, Mercer and his partners invested again, spending $1.5 million in renovations. They had seen golf pull through dips in the economy in the past, but with the golf industry in its own, post-Tiger Woods decline, that recovery never happened, he said.

Those challenges, coupled with a strained relationship with Walden Lake residents, created a perfect storm. In May 2011, Mercer and his Visions Golf partners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. At the time of filing, Visions Golf LLC owed $2,013,620.76 to Zions First National Bank; $1,439,058.78 to Reliance Bank and the United States Small Business Administration; and $99,750 to SunTrust Bank.

The partners emerged from bankruptcy in February 2012.

Later that year, they unveiled plans for renovation.

THE MAN’S PLAN

Mercer believes the plans he and his partners have created ultimately would result in a golf course and clubhouse that better suits Walden Lake.

The plan calls for a redesigned 18-hole golf course that would utilize holes from both existing courses, as well as a par-3 nine-hole course. The existing 27,000-square-foot clubhouse would be razed, and a smaller,

more modest one would be erected in its place. The pool and tennis facilities would be upgraded, and Mercer also hopes to add an assisted-living facility. Mercer estimates the renovations would affect about 25% of the homes currently backing to the course.

To pay for those renovations, Visions Golf hopes to sell the remaining land for residential development. Those homes would form a new community within Walden Lake, and home ownership there would require club membership, Mercer said.

If all goes as planned, the renovations to the country club amenities and construction of the new residential community would start at the same time.

However, perhaps the key component is Mercer’s plans for himself. Once complete, the renovated golf course and clubhouse would be run by a third-party management company, taking Mercer’s place in the day-to-day operations.

“Right now, I’m here three or four times a week,” he said.

“I’d like that to be three to four times a year. This all has been difficult. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Once Visions Golf submits its rezone request, Mercer said the group will host a series of workshops at which residents can give input.

“We hope that creates that community feel everyone wants here,” Mercer said. “We want to get this right.

“I want something that works,” he said. “I want people to be able to come up here and be proud of it. I want people to invite their friends. This should be the shining jewel of Plant City.”

Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.

“The bottom line is that the golf is an amenity to sell real estate — nothing more, nothing less.When real estate doesn’t sell, there isn’t the revenue stream from new membership sales to maintain the golf course, and the club facilities decline.” — Steve Knott, PGA director of golf and CMAA general manager, Grasslands Golf & Country Club

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2014 FORECAST MARY THOMAS MATHIS by Amber Jurgensen

MADAME MAYOR The corner of Warnell and Martin Luther King Streets was crawling with activity. A group of women buzzed around tables set up outside St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church.

Clothes stacked up high on the table for a charity drive.

Have you seen Mrs. Mathis?

“Oh she’s over there at that house, probably,” one responded.

She began to explain the cluster of homes situated across the street had belonged to Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis’ family for generations.

There was no question this was the origin of one of the most powerful women in Plant City.

The neighborhood knew her.

But not like the city did.

Sure, they knew Mathis as their mayor. But they also knew her as a friend, as a daughter, as a child.

Amber Jurgensen

Faith continues to be a driving force behind Plant City Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis.

children in New York.

“He made it clear that education was part of our lives,” Mathis said. “It wasn’t a choice.”

Mathis excelled at Plant City High School, where she was a basketball player, Civinette BACK TO HER ROOTS and dancerette with the band.

Mathis grew up in the bubFourteen years younger ble east of downtown. She than her older brother, Mathis played in the field still followed in his next to the group footsteps. She went of houses that to his alma mater, In 2013, served as the famClark College, now Mary Thomas ily’s compound. known as Clark AtMathis became The neighborhood lanta University in the second kids gathered to Atlanta. She received Africanrun and roughin 1980, a history deAmerican house, while her gree, with a minor in woman to be family sat watchin education. appointed as ing from their front “If you don’t know Plant City’s porch. where you come mayor. She But, it was from, then you don’t was groomed church and family know where you’re for this by the that served as the going,” Mathis said first — Sadye center of her life. about her love of Gibbs Martin.

Mathis grew up history. going to St. Luke Little did she know Missionary Baptist and cred- that she would be shaping its much of her success to her Plant City’s history years later. faith.

“We were part of the com- PASSING THE TORCH munity,” Mathis said. “That Mathis began working in was the focal point of our lives area sales right out of college.

— family and church.”

But, her love for kids soon enMathis sits relaxed in a chair ticed her to sub at area middle across from church elder Larry schools. Within semesters, Sykes’ desk, wearing her signa- Mathis had landed a full-time ture red color. job teaching. She taught at “Her roots are here,” Sykes Turkey Creek, Tomlin and said. “One thing you might Marshall middle schools. not know about her is that she But, she wanted more. plays piano.”

Deciding to seek out the Sykes goes on to say she wisdom of Sadye Gibbs Marplayed in Sunday school. tin, Mathis paid a visit to her Then, he continues to gush house. about the public figure.

Martin and Mathis had “She’s a great speaker, she’s known each other for years. articulate,” he said. “She’s Martin was Mathis’ first-grade been very active. She makes teacher at Lincoln Elementary. a big difference in the lives of From then on, Martin was able young people.” to watch Mathis flourish into a “It’s not all about me,” she capable woman. said, playfully arguing back.

Because Martin had moved “I didn’t get to where I’ve been up in her career from a teacher without so many others.” to a principal, Mathis wanted He laughs and shakes his to ask her about the path to adhead. The mayor wants no ministration. But, during her credit. But, as her friend, Sykes education career, Martin also knows she deserves some. served as a city commissioner They go on to discuss child- and mayor for five terms. hood memories, family and Something in Mathis most importantly, school. sparked interest with Martin.

Both their families had gone Whether she knew at the time on to higher education. There if she was sick with cancer or was no option for Mathis not, Martin chose Mathis to when it came to college: She shape into her predecessor. was going.

She invited Mathis to several Every summer, she visited high-profile events in Plant her uncle’s summer camp for City. One was an exclusive

OVERVIEW

dinner for the changing of the Florida Strawberry Festival presidents. With Martin’s blessing, Mathis ran for the City Commission in 2000. She won by seven votes.

“It was very, very intense,” Mathis said.

SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE

Mathis calls herself a servant of the people. It’s the people Mathis loves most about being on the City Commission.

From her rookie days on the commission, Mathis has served for 13 years and became the second AfricanAmerican woman to sit in the mayor’s chair, being voted in last year.

“I’m honored,” Mathis said.

“Even though I’m an AfricanAmerican woman, I don’t look at it like that. I’m a person in this community who can sit and serve as mayor.”

Currently, she’s looking forward to the progress of Midtown, a section of barren land south of Historic Downtown.

She’s also interested in working towards a public pool or splash park area. Potential plans for Midtown have a splash park placed in a large green area that would serve as a park.

THE FUTURE

Mathis has completed 29 years of working in education.

She currently serves as assistant principal of curriculum at Marshall Middle School.

“I take that very seriously,” Mathis said. “I want to be as perfect as I can. On the first day of school, I want everyone to have a schedule with the right classes.”

Besides her faith, she credits her husband, Tony, for his loving support.

“At commission meetings, I can look out in the audience and see him there smiling and supporting me,” she said.

At 30 years, many educators retire, but Mathis isn’t sure if she’s ready quite yet. She also takes each commission term one term at a time.

“I’m really enjoying this part of my life,” Mathis said. “I’m in a good place. A good place with my love life and a good place in my careers.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

“Even though I’m an African-American woman, I don’t look at it like that. I’m a person in this community who can sit and serve as mayor.” — Mary Thomas Mathis, mayor, Plant City

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2014 FORECAST MIDTOWN/HISTORIC DISTRICT by Michael Eng

DRAWING INSPIRATION

THE PLAN

It’s been more than six years since Plant City adopted its Midtown Redevelopment Vision Plan. Stalled and delayed by numerous factors — including environmental concerns, stormwater red tape and, of course, the Great Recession — for years, the 85 acres earmarked for Midtown played the part of Plant City’s eyesore just south of Historic Downtown.

That all changed in 2013. With the help of Florida State Rep. Dan Downtown residents are crucial Raulerson, the state passed legisto Lakeland’s success. lation in July that cut through the stormwater issues. The city also began work to realign Wheeler Street, which will create a more appropriate grid pattern for Midtown’s future inhabitants.

City officials also moved forward with plans for Midtown’s Village Green, and in their last meeting of the year, Plant City commissioners approved the establish- Plant City’s vision for Midtown is strikingly similar to the Munn Park Historic District in downtown Lakeland capitalized on its hisment of the Midtown Zoning Dis- Lakeland. toric charm. trict, a set of guidelines by which Florida Railroad reached Lake- ment Agency and the Downtown structure and public improve- build upon and support Historic future development will abide.

Redevelopment ments it showed that we cared Downtown,” said Plant City ManThis year, city leaders expect land. Munn, a good friend of Community — and that it was safe to invest,” ager Greg Horwedel. to market the Midtown project Plant’s, donated land to build a Area.

Of course, that vision could The City Commission ap- said Lakeland CRA Manager Tato developers — and hopefully railroad station in the newly inchange slightly, depending on attract one to fill the land with corporated Lakeland. In less than proved in 1980, its Downtown mara Sakagawa.

FedEx, Publix, SunTrust and developers’ proposals. condos, town homes, retail shops 10 years, Lakeland was shipping Redevelopment Plan.

As CRA manager, Sakagawa Although in hindsight, it is easy others moved into Lakeland’s and office space. That potential, more strawberries than any other to make the connection between downtown, paving the way for has worked with many private location in Florida. coupled with the reAs the city contin- Munn Park and Frances Langford mom-and-pop shops, coffee developers as they search for incently opened Trainued to grow, Lakeland’s Promenade and the success of houses, restaurants and more. vestment opportunities. When Viewing Platform Plant City took leaders added to down- Lakeland’s downtown core, when The city estimates private invest- Plant City releases its Request for and newly named several sigtown in 1926, with the city leaders began their revitaliza- ment in its downtown totals more Proposals for Midtown, many of Robert W. Willaford nificant steps those investors likely will take a construction of the $1 tion efforts, the intangible value than $100 million.

Railroad Museum, in 2013 in the million Promenade of the history landmarks weren’t “We’ve seen the strength of look at the project, and Sakagawa should benefit Hisdevelopment at Lake Mirror. The fully appreciated. At the time of Lakeland,” Cook said of the city’s said their decisions aren’t based of Midtown, a toric Downtown promenade later was its creation, the plan’s top three downtown restoration. “The on the land alone. vision to create Plant City, its busia new live-work“When developers are looking renamed in honor of priorities were the creation of a commission never lost focus or nesses and residents. play commuFrances Langford, a re- pedestrian retail plaza, a con- courage. It had a vision, and it at the market, they want to see if Although Midtown nity just south nowned singer/actress vention hotel and a state office made a commitment to invest. the product will be supported by is a new idea for Plant of downtown. known for her work building. No. 4 on the list of the It’s taken a long time, but Rome the public,” she said. “They want City, its visionaries In creating that to know if there are any issues entertaining soldiers establishment of the Munn Park wasn’t built in a day.” aren’t reinventing the vision, Midtown’s related to politics, and if there Historic District. through the USO. wheel. Taking inspichampions is stable enough leadership in “Munn Park, at the time, was ON THE HOME FRONT Today, these two ration from burgeonlooked to our place.” the least significant (of the projhistorically areas serve Like Lakeland, Plant City’s ing downtown disneighbors just Horwedel, who before coming as the crown jewels of ects),” Director of Community leaders are hoping to capitalize tricts in cities such as across the to Plant City served as director of Development Jim Studiale said.

Lakeland’s downtown. on the city’s historic charm — all Sarasota, St. Peterscounty line.

Together, they host “But, what it did was enabled fed- while adding something new that development services in Sarasota burg and Lakeland, Like many othhundreds of events eral tax credits.” can both bolster and comple- when the city was planning its Plant City is followers, Lakeland’s Lakeland redrew its downtown ment the existing homes and downtown restoration, said Plant each year. More impordowntown fell ing in the footsteps of victim to the City’s stability is critical to Midtantly, city leaders say, plan in 1990, under the notion businesses. other cities that have shopping mall they set a tone for the that quality public improvements With its Midtown Zoning town’s success. successfully resurphenomenon “Professionally, this kind of would lead to quality private in- District and newly established downtown district. rected their once of the 1970s.

“They are the signa- vestment. Lakeland completed form-based code, Plant City has stuff is really exciting,” he said. sleepy and dilapidatBut today, with ture focal point; they its restoration of Munn Park the given some glimpses into what “One of the enemies of redeveled downtowns. Durthe help of a are special places, Lemon Street Promenade, Fran- could occupy the 85 acres south opment is time. It takes a long ing its decades-long vision and solid and people want to ces Langford Promenade and of downtown. The city also has time to do the things we’ve been restoration project, dedication be there,” said Deputy streetscaping and landscaping. established a Regulating Street able to do. It’s been a challenge, Lakeland capitalized from city leadTo date, the city — in conjunc- Plan, which will govern which in some regard, to get all this stuff City Manager Tony on its historic charm ers, Lakeland’s Delgado. “(They are) tion with the LCRA and the city- of the six types of buildings — assembled. But, we’re there.”

— an asset Plant City downtown is as Developers should be pleased the center of our cul- owned Lakeland Electric — has mixed use, live-work, apartment, has in spades. vibrant as any in tural universe. We love completed more than $30 million row house townhouse and single with the stability they find in the state. it when people say, ‘I’m in capital improvements, includ- family — would be allowed on Plant City, as well. Three current LAKELAND’S going downtown,’ or, ‘I ing land assemblies of more than corridors throughout Midtown. city commissioners — Lott, Bill LIVING ROOM At the heart of Lakeland’s love downtown.’ As long as peo- 21 acres for development, reha- The city’s Village Green, pat- Dodson and Mayor Mary Thomdowntown sits Munn Park. ple keep doing that, there is good bilitation of dilapidated struc- terned after Lakeland’s Munn as Mathis — were on the board tures and utility improvements.

Park, will serve as Midtown’s fo- when the Midtown RedevelopNamed after city founder Abra- stuff in our future.” ment Vision Plan was adopted in That work, leaders say, stimu- cal point. ham Munn, the park stands at lated private interest, as well.

RESURRECTION “Once completed, this dy- 2007. what once was the city’s center.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@ “When the commission made namic mix of uses will become a Lakeland’s leaders began to “This was the original town square,” said Kevin Cook, Lake- focus their efforts on downtown that decision to invest in infra- vibrant community, whose assets plantcityobserver.com. land’s director of communica- in 1977, with the creation of the tions. “Abraham Munn, from Lakeland Downtown Develop“We’ve seen the strength of Lakeland. The commission never lost focus or courage.

Louisville, Ky., bought 80 acres, ment Authority. Two years later, It had a vision, and it made a commitment to invest. It’s taken a long time, but Rome the city also established the Lakesight-unseen, in 1881.” land Community Redevelopwasn’t built in a day.” — Kevin Cook, director of communications, City of Lakeland By 1885, H.B. Plant’s South

OVERVIEW

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To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

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MIDTOWN GUIDING PRINCIPLES • Walkable design • Sense of place • Mixed-use development • Civic/green space • Sustainability MIDTOWN GOALS • Development of under-utilized area • Pedestrianoriented activity zone • Mixture of uses • Green space used as recreation amenity • Improved street grid • Complements revitalization of downtown • Provides a diverse revenue base • New housing opportunities MIDTOWN’S SIX BUILDING FORM TYPES • Mixed use • Live-work • Apartment • Row house • Townhouse • Single family MIDTOWN’S REGULATING STREET PLAN Main Street Mixed Use. Building designed entirely for commercial and office use, or ground-story commercial and office use and upperstory residential use.

Flex Street.

Buildings designed entirely for commercial and office use, entirely for residential use, or a mix of both.

Residential Mixed Use Street. Multifamily buildings, and buildings with ground-floor commercial or commercial and residential use (live/work buildings), and upper stories devoted to residential use.

Residential Street.

Buildings devoted only to residential use.

Plant City Times &

Observer General Manager/Editorial / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com

General Manager/Advertising / Tony Del Castillo, tdelcastillo@tampabay.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.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

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2014 FORECAST SWEETBAY DISTRIBUTION CENTER by Amber Jurgensen

A ‘BERRY’ BIG TRANSITION

IN LIMBO With a sale still pending ber, intending to permanently through the first quarter of close both its corporate office 2014, Sweetbay Supermarkets on Sugar Palm Drive in Tampa throughout Tampa Bay haven’t and the distribution center “on changed their or after” Jan. 1. name to Winn-DiWord of the closxie just yet. ing spread quickly When Bi-Lo But, once Bi-Lo throughout the emannounced Holdings, the parployees even before its intenent company of it was announced. tion to buy Winn-Dixie, acBill Bleakley heard Tampa-based quires 72 Sweetbay about it last May. Sweetbay stores, the name “I was back by the assets last will become extinct fuel island talking May, that did in Florida. about it with annot include The lives of more other driver, when Sweetbay’s than 250 people at two of the mechanPlant City-ba the Sweetbay disics from the shop sed distributribution center, lowalked over,” Bleaktion center. cated on Jim Johnley said. “They had As the new son Road, in Plant just come from a year begins, City, are awaiting meeting upstairs ... the future of big changes after and asked if we had center, the the center wasn’t heard the news. employment included in the “That’s when they home to more $265 million actold us that (we) than 200 peoquisition. Bi-Lo did were all out of a job ple, remains not purchase the when it was comuncertain. distribution center plete,” Bleakley said. as part of the deal Bleakley took a first announced in May 2013. transfer to Food Lion in North Sweetbay filed a layoff notice Carolina to stay with the comwith state officials in Novem- pany. Food Lion is also part of

OVERVIEW

Amber Jurgensen

Sweetbay’s Plant City distribution center was not included in the $265 million Bi-Lo acquisition. It currently is for sale.

Delhaize Group, the parent company of Bi-Lo. As of press time Jan. 8, the distribution center is still operating. But, once it closes, 183 workers involved in distribution and 75 on the trucking side will be laid off. A total of 88 employees at its headquarters also will be let go.

Most employees at the Tampa headquarters had an opportunity to interview with the Bi-Lo/Winn-Dixie team, but the outcome of those in-

terviews has not yet been disclosed. Nicole Lebeau, a spokeswoman for Sweetbay, said she has heard of no mass hiring through Bi-Lo at the distribution center.

The closings are anticipated to take place after the sale.

“It’s a significant impact,” said City Manager Greg Horwedel before the holidays. “You have 250-plus people looking at a very un-Merry Christmas.”

The one million-square-foot center, which Sweetbay owns,

has been an operating hub for the grocery chain since 1990.

“We have a broker (and) are working to sell the building,” Lebeau said. “We have had several folks look and inquire but don’t have anything official yet.”

Bi-Lo had its own reasons for not purchasing the distribution center. The company entered a long-term agreement in May 2013 with C&S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. The Keene, N.H.-based company is the largest food wholesaler and 10th largest privately held company in the United States.

C&S has provided procurement, warehouse and transportation services for Bi-Lo since 2005.

Repeated attempts to contact C&S officials were left unreturned. No official confirmation by Sweetbay has been made about any sale.

“There’s nothing finalized nor formalized yet,” Lebeau said about a sale to any potential buyers.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

“I was back by the fuel island talking about it with another driver, when two of the mechanics from the shop walked over. They had just come from a meeting upstairs ... and asked if we had heard the news.” — Bill Bleakley, former employee, Sweetbay distribution center

ABOUT THE ACQUISITION In May 2013, Jacksonvillebased Bi-Lo announced its intention to buy Tampa-based Sweetbay from its Belgian owner Delhaize Group. The cash offer was for $265 million and also included Delhaize’s two other grocery chains, Harveys and Reid’s.

The deal called for Bi-Lo to acquire 72 Sweetbay stores, plus the leases to 10 underperforming Sweetbay stores that had closed last year. One of those under-performing stores

was a Plant City location just south of Historic Downtown, which had been operating since 1997. The Sweetbay on West Alexander Street, which also opened its doors in 1997, is still operational and part of the sale. Seventy-two Harveys stores and 11 Reid’s stores are also part of the sale.

Bi-Lo plans to keep the Harveys name on the majority of the stores but will retire the Sweetbay and Reid’s names.

The Sweetbay stores will be

converted to Winn-Dixie banners. Reid’s stores will convert to the Bi-Lo banner.

“In October, Bi-Lo Holdings announced its intent to retire the Sweetbay banner name,” said Kelly Bell, a Bi-Lo spokesperson.

Originally, the sale was scheduled to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter of 2013. Now, it is expected to go through in the first quarter of 2014. Until the transaction is complete, Sweetbay, Harveys

and Reid’s will continue to operate independently from Bi-Lo Holdings and its subsidiaries.

Formerly known as Kash n’ Karry, Sweetbay re-branded in 2004, as part of a plan to remodel, expand product selection and to enhance customer service. In January 2013, Sweetbay closed 33 underperforming stores in Florida, including 22 in Tampa Bay. Bi-Lo Holdings is the country’s ninth-largest conven-

tional supermarket chain. It bought Winn-Dixie in 2011, several years after the store had emerged from bankruptcy.

Winn-Dixie operates more than 480 stores and 380 instore pharmacies in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi. They continue to operate as a Bi-Lo subsidiary under the Winn-Dixie brand.

Dallas-based Lone Star, a large private equity firm, bought Bi-Lo in 2005, for $660 million.

The acquisition hasn’t only affect employees.

For years, the Florida Strawberry Festival has partnered with Sweetbay to sell discounted tickets throughout the Tampa Bay area.

Now, Publix will take Sweetbay’s place as the title sponsor. The announcement was made in December.

“We are so happy to work with Publix in selling our advance tickets,” said Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis. “This will be a great partnership between two companies with likeminded values.”

Nearly 200 Publix stores throughout Hillsborough, Manatee, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota counties will participate in selling advanced admission tickets.

“We are excited to partner with the Florida Strawberry Festival to offer this service to our customers,” Publix Media and Community Relations Manager Brian West said.

“It is a wonderful community event with a family atmosphere our customers will surely enjoy.”

Tickets will go on sale at Publix stores starting Jan. 30 through March 9. They can be purchased at the customer service desks.

Advanced discounted tickets are still $8 for adults, and $4 for children 6 to 12 years old. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

An list of participating Publix stores are available at flstrawberryfestival.com.

2014 FORECAST NUTRACEUTICALS by Amber Jurgensen

CULTIVATING AN INDUSTRY

TERMS OF THE TRADE Nutraceuticals. Food or part of a food that has a medical or health benefit, such as the prevention and treatment of a disease, tested through clinical studies.

Dietary Supplement. A type of nutraceutical found in a capsule or liquid form that contains nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, amino acids and enzymes derived from food products.

Functional Food. A type of nutraceutical that is an enriched food through a process called nutrification.

Nutrification. The practice of restoring the nutrient content in a food back to similar levels from before it was processed or adding additional complimentary nutrients.

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO). Organism such as bacteria, yeast, plants and animals whose genetic material has been changed through genetic engineering.

It’s no secret Plant City prides itself on its decades of agricultural heritage. With a variety of helpful factors at play, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World is perfectly situated for the industry. Playing off its strengths, the city now is looking towards another type of product to grow alongside its ruby jewels: nutraceuticals.

The nutraceutical industry has been a topic brought up in meetings between the city, the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and the Economic DeAmber Jurgensen velopment Council of HillsborSomeday, fields throughout Plant City could be used in the production of nutraceuticals. ough County for several years.

A combination of the word nutrition and pharmaceutical, ery through a clinical research tration classifies a product as the body, and not claim to treat either a drug, a food, a food a disease or condition. In acthe term may conjure up nega- community.

A nutraceutical is a ingredient or a dietary supple- cordance with the regulations, tive images of mufood or part of a food ment. dietary supplements must have tations and forced that has a medical or Nutraceuticals are classified a label that states: “These stateexperimentations.

Some analysts health benefit, such into two groups — dietary sup- ments have not been evaluated “We’re not talking believe the as the prevention and plements and functional foods. by the Food and Drug Adminisabout GMOs,” City nutraceutical treatment of a disA dietary supplement is a tration. This product is not inManager Greg Horindustry could ease. The effective- product that contains nutri- tended to diagnose, treat, cure, wedel said. “This top $200 bilness of a nutraceuti- ents derived from food prod- or prevent any disease.” is a highly refined lion by 2017. cal is tested through ucts. The ingredients can be Functional foods are enproduct that is deCould Plant clinical studies. vitamins, minerals, herbs, riched foods through a prorived from plant City — a city This is where the botanicals, amino acids and cess called nutrification. The material.” rich in agricullines can blur. Dif- enzymes among other things. practice restores the nutrient industry to reach $250 billion So what exactly ture and situferent countries have They are found in a liquid cap- content in a food back to simi- by 2018. are nutraceuticals, ated perfectly different laws regu- sule. lar levels from before it was and what chance is along a major lating and defining Although dietary supple- processed or adding additional ACTING LOCALLY there for the indusinterstate, snag The idea of nutraceuticals in nutraceuticals. ments don’t have to be ap- complimentary nutrients. try to lay roots in a slice of that Hillsborough first came up durThe popularity of proved by the FDA, there is A market report by TransparPlant City? pie? nutraceuticals has some regulation. Companies ency Market Research forecasts ing an EDC meeting with Bigbeen rooted in Eu- must register their manufactur- the global nutraceutical indus- gins Lacy Shapiro & Company, THINKING rope, Asia and Canada. It is still ing facilities with the FDA and try to reach $204.8 billion by an economic consultant. The GLOBALLY may only be marketed to sup- 2017. Another report by Global firm mentioned the industry The term “nutraceutical” was fairly new in the United States.

In fact, in U.S. law, the term port the structure or function of Information Inc. projects the and the EDC noted it with the first coined by Dr. Stephen L. “nutraceuticals” doesn’t have DeFelice. In 1976, he started the Foundation for Innova- an exact definition. Depending tion of Medicine, a non-profit on the ingredients and the purorganization with the purpose pose or claim of the product, — Greg Horwedel, city manager, Plant City to accelerate medical discov- The Food and Drug Adminis-

OVERVIEW

“... It takes a while for the plant to sprout. With long-term economic development, you have to be patient. There’s a lot of work that goes into it.”

intention to research it further.

That was several years ago. With such a large-scale undertaking, the idea is still a long way from coming to fruition.

“Nutraceuticals could potentially play a role in a larger, long-term economic development strategy, but we have not yet begun to actively explore opportunities within this emerging industry,” said EDC Vice President of Marketing and Communications Jennifer Mikosky.

In 2012, the EDC hired a dedicated project manager, Jake Austin, to drive job creation and capital investment in Eastern Hillsborough County.

“Our outreach has largely focused on manufacturing and distribution, as well as building relationships with existing local businesses,” Mikosky said. “As a result, nine companies have announced plans to expand, generating more than 200 new jobs and $105.6 million in capital investment.”

Many of the same attributes that has attracted new business also can entice a potentially blooming nutraceutical industry in Plant City.

“We have a long history of agriculture, a workforce, great access through airports, ports and our location on the I-4 corridor, transportation, low regulation requirements and tax burdens,” Horwedel said.

But, Horwedel agrees the project is a long way off and is under the primary direction of the EDC, which can coordinate with state agencies, as well.

“It takes a while for the plant to sprout,” he said. “With longterm economic development, you have to be patient.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

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2014 FORECAST DR. BRIAN STOWE by Amber Jurgensen

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK Something just wasn’t right.

In a tiny, quiet voice, God Brian Stowe could feel it in his did speak. gut. Still, he left for work.

You’re called into full-time Driving for more service. than an hour, the Since then, feeling only got Stowe has deLast month, Dr. worse. Throughout voted his life to Brian Stowe the day, the inceshis faith. Among became the sant emotion kept other posts, Stowe new senior gnawing at his inwas the pastor at pastor at Plant sides. It became so Maysville Baptist City’s First distracting, he went Church, in GeorBaptist Church. home early. gia. He is now the It’s a job he Stowe can tell you newest pastor at never sought the exact spot on Plant City’s First out himself.

Highway 400 South Baptist Church.

But, it’s funny in Georgia where Stowe’s first day how some God spoke to him. was in December. things just work As the feeling But, it wasn’t an themselves out. ticked inside Stowe, easy road to get he asked God what here. In fact, the was going on. road to Florida was much like Speak to me. the day of his calling.

Maysville Baptist Church where the family of six spent the bulk of their time. Stowe led the congregation of Maysville for 16 years, as it expanded and later moved from the building it had inhabited since 1879.

“We were not tied to a building or location,” Stowe said.

“We were tied to a commission from God.”

OVERVIEW

MEMORIES TRAVEL

ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER

Stowe never was seeking out a new job.

It came to him.

At lunch with a pastor friend last summer, Stowe was first introduced to the church in

Florida. His friend knew of the job opening, telling Stowe he would be perfect.

Stowe told him he wasn’t going to apply. But, if his friend prayed and still felt compelled to submit his name, then he could.

“It was never on my radar screen,” Stowe said. “But, it was one thing after another.”

His friend eventually passed Stowe’s name onto the First Baptist’s pastor search committee. But, Stowe didn’t know it until one fateful day. He had a strange urge that something big was going to happen.

He began to pray to God in his church office.

Send me a sign.

Suddenly, his phone buzzed.

His friend had sent him a text.

I submitted your name.

Within days, Stowe was asked for a biography, then a résumé.

“He is extremely genuine,” said Coleman Davis, chairman of the pastor search committee. “He is the real deal, as far as I’m concerned. He’s full of energy and full of love for the people.”

“God made it clear to me where I needed to be, and He confirmed it with my wife and children,” Stowe said.

That was last June. By October, he was visiting Plant City to meet the congregation as the final stage of approval.

THE CALLING

Stowe spent his childhood in a place similar to Plant City.

He grew up in a small rural town outside of Atlanta. There were only 56 people in his high school graduating class.

It was in the middle of earning his college degree that he heard God’s call. Stowe was an undergraduate at the Georgia Institute of Technology, studying to become a mechanical engineer.

“I knew that I wasn’t going to be a mechanical engineer anymore,” Stowe said. “God had called me.”

Stowe continued his education at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Fort Worth, Texas. At the same time, he married his wife, Bonnie. Stowe also served as a youth ministry intern at First Baptist Dallas while attending Southwestern. Later, he earned his doctoral degree of ministry in 2005, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, in Wake Forest, N.C. From there, the couple went to Nixa, Mo., where Stowe served from 1995 to 1997, as senior pastor at Fremont Hills Baptist Church.

But, it was his position at

Stowe’s goals for Plant City’s First Baptist Church are rooted in two “Greats.” The first is the commandment to love Jesus, love your neighbors and love yourself. The second is the commission to make disciples of all nations and share the gospel.

“That’s what we are,” Stowe said. “How we do it will always change.”

Eventually, Stowe predicts growth. Like Maysville, Plant City’s First Baptist Church has been at its current location in Historic Downtown for some time. But the church owns a 100-acre plot south of town on James L. Redman Parkway.

“I envision that the church will relocate there one day,” Stowe said. “It’s definitely a key part of our future.

“We all have those special places with memories attached to a location,” Stowe said. “Memories will go with us, because the church will always be there.”

Stowe left many memories behind in Georgia. His children — Sarah, 16, Hannah, 14, Andrew, 9, and Elizabeth, 2 — also had to make sacrifices.

“Even though they were comfortable with us moving, it doesn’t mean it was easy,” Stowe said. “But, we knew this is where we need to be.

“Everyone has been overwhelmingly welcoming,” Stowe said of his new home.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

“We were not tied to a building or location. We were tied to a commission from God.”— Dr. Brian Stowe, senior pastor, Plant City’s First Baptist Church

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2014 FORECAST DENNIS ROSS by Justin Kline

THE REPRESENTATIVE Since taking effect Jan. 1, the Affordable Care Act has been on the minds of nearly everyone in the country. One such person is U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross.

Ross, whose district includes parts of Polk and Hillsborough counties, has been working to come up with a different plan, one he hopes can overtake the Affordable Care Act and change the health insurance landscape again. But, now that his district has expanded to include all of Plant City, the representative has another goal in mind.

“We only had parts of Plant City last time, but now we have all of it,” Ross said. “We’re trying to reach out as far as we can, wherever we can.”

Although this is his first time representing the entire Plant City area, Ross is no stranger to this city.

CENTRAL FLORIDA LIFER

Ross was born and raised in Lakeland and still considers that area his home when he’s not in Washington, D.C.; his main office is located in South Lakeland, not too far from Mulberry.

Courtesy photo But, from a young age, he spent plenty of time U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross’ district now includes in Plant City. all of Plant City.

“As a kid, we used to go over to the Plant City Hun- one corner of the district to the other. Plant U.S. Rep. garian Club once a month,” City is the geographic center of the district.”

Dennis Ross Ross said. “And, of course, I has been busy grew up going to the (Flori- WORKING ON A CHANGE as of late, as da) Strawberry Festival.”

Ross has been among the most outspoken one of the It didn’t take long for him opponents of the Affordable Care Act. most vocal to get into politics. Ross, “It’s the largest government intrusion into a opponents of now 54, remembers hold- person’s life that we’ve seen in my history, and the Affordable ing signs for former Presi- I’m 54 years old,” Ross said. “Maybe the largest Care Act. dent Richard Nixon in 1968 ever.”

Although workand said his staff recently Ross’ comments echo those of Americans ing on a new found a letter he had writwho have disapproved of the act since its inbill has conten to Nixon in 1971, offer- ception. He and other conservatives across the sumed much ing his support for the 1972 nation have blasted Obamacare for its heavy of his time, re-election campaign. dependence on one-size-fits-all government Ross wants to After completing under- regulations: the sale of a government-approved become closer graduate work at Auburn product at a government-approved price that to his Plant University, Ross earned his has different effects for different people.

City constitulaw degree from Samford “More than 300,000 Floridians have lost the ents in 2014.

University’s Cumberland health plan they chose and liked, and the adSchool of Law. He returned ministration continues adding insult to injury to Florida to work with the Holland & Knight with every misleading statement they make to firm, had a stint with Disney and started his cover up how bad this law is,” Ross wrote. own firm in 1989, where he worked until his Not wanting people to experience higher election to Congress in 2010. Ross and his wife, costs, longer waits and tougher searches for Cindy, were active in Polk politics in the 1990s, the right doctors, Ross came up with a plan and he went on to represent Polk and Hillsbor- of his own, called the Patient Health Care Act. ough from 2000 until 2008.

Ross seeks to bring insurance regulations The last time he ran for election, not all of down to the state level. The bill would allow Plant City was included in the district. With interstate sales, giving customers the option to a recent district realignment and successful purchase plans more specific to their needs. It campaign now in the books, Ross wants to also advocates for the coverage of pre-existing make sure everybody knows him. conditions and higher deductibles that can be paid for with a tax-free health savings account.

PRESENCE IN PLANT CITY These accounts, which would be used excluRoss’ desire to have a constant presence in sively for health care benefits, would hold up the community is somewhat hampered by the to $10,000 per family, per year. Premiums, defact that he has to be in the Washington for ductibles or someone’s own care could be paid three weeks of every month. To overcome this, for through these accounts. the Ross is counting on his staff to go straight There are currently no co-sponsors for Ross’ to the people. bill, but his ideas are traveling through the ReAmong his assets are the “mobile offices,” publican Party circuit. which travel around the district once a month According to Ross, some of the Patient to go to people who can’t make the trek to Health Care Act’s features have been impleLakeland. Anything that can be done in the mented into a bill the 220-member Republican main office can be done in the mobile offices. Study Committee is examining. The group has This includes assisting senior citizens with adopted the ideas of interstate sales, pre-existSocial Security and disability issues, veterans ing condition coverage, and health savings acwith V.A. claims and service problems, stu- counts — for children — that are tax-free. dents with financial aid issues and U.S. Service “We haven’t had the chance to have either Academy entrance requirements, small-busi- their bill or mine be heard in the committee ness owners in need of financial and techni- yet,” Ross said. “Possibly, that will be in the seccal assistance, taxpayers with I.R.S. problems, ond quarter of 2014, after March. If we do gain and local governments with certain federally control of Senate, these are some of the ideas relevant issues. we’ll be able to show people.”

The next mobile office trip will include a Ross knows his ideas won’t be well-received stop from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Jan. 14, at Plant by everyone. He wants people to know that City Hall. their voices will be heard — and he’s listening.

Ross also hosts monthly phone town hall “We are the conduit between our constitumeetings all over the district. The next one ents and the federal government,” Ross said. will be held Jan. 22, in Lakeland; Hillsborough “(People) may not always agree with the redates and locations have yet to be determined. sults ... but we’d like to make sure they know “We plan on traveling here as much as we we’ll always be accessible and responsive.” can,” Ross said. “Our district is fairly compact: Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobIt doesn’t take more than an hour to get from server.com.

OVERVIEW

“It’s the largest government intrusion into a person’s life that we’ve seen in my history, and I’m 54 years old. Maybe the largest ever.”

— Dennis Ross, U.S. Representative

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2014 FORECAST PAUL DAVIS by Justin Kline

STRAWBERRY FESTS FOREVER It’s been a long time since I asked two girls to go with us.

Paul Davis has last worked.

We went out and rode all the No, he’s not unemployed — rides and, at 6 p.m., we were he’s doing just fine, actually. waiting at the gate for my Just as fine as anyone with the mother to pick us up. I spent a job of their dreams could be. lot of money trying to win the “My dad would say to me, girl a big teddy bear but didn’t ‘Go out and find a job you love, do so well — maybe that’s why and you’ll never go to work,’” the relationship didn’t last.”

Davis said.

Right after high school, howAfter 35-and-one-half years ever, Davis’ commitment to spent serving in the U.S. Navy kept the U.S. Navy and him away from the working for the Hillfestival for threeThe Strawberry sborough County and-one-half years.

Festival has Sheriff’s Office, DaFar away, indeed: been a big part vis took in 2008, the The 18-year-old of Paul Davis’ general manager Plant City boy was life since he job for the Florida stationed in Mowas very young, Strawberry Festival. rocco from the getand you’d be With five successful go, a trip Davis said hard-pressed to festivals under his he was “scared to find someone belt, he’s as happy death” to make. But, who loves their as could be. it ended up being job more than And, it shows. It’s a good experience, the festival’s tough to catch him and he did get to jolly general in the office without leave Africa for a manager. And, a smile on his face little while. what’s in store and easy to get him for 2014? More “I got to see Spain, music, more to tell stories of fesand the Sahara Desfestivities and, tivals past. Having ert,” Davis said. “I of course, more attended the festiwent out to the Safun. val regularly from a hara with a Kodak young age, he has and took pictures plenty to talk about. like a crazy man. I got the photos developed and, well, they all looked the same.

EARLY LIFE Although Davis was born in Sand everywhere.”

He came back to America Tampa, his family moved to Plant City when he was in the to be a radio man on a ship in third grade. He attended Cork Norfolk, Va., and got a promoElementary, Tomlin Middle, tion to petty officer, second Plant City High and Hillsbor- class, before he decided to ough Community College, be- move on. He missed Plant City fore transferring to and gradu- and came home to start a new career. ating from St. Leo University.

Davis always loved going to the festival, where he made a MAN OF THE LAW The homecoming led to a lot of memories even before he got to work behind the scenes. long career with the Hillsbor“Some of my earliest child- ough County Sheriff’s Office, hood memories go back to in which Davis mostly worked the festival,” Davis said. “My undercover. He ran a number first date was here. I was 14 of special investigations in years old, and my brother and the areas of narcotics and or-

OVERVIEW

ganized crime, and also had stints as a homicide and a burglary detective.

Davis also made it a point to work security for the festival whenever he could. He worked his way up in this role from the time he was a deputy, to the point where he spent his last five years on the job as the festival’s head of security.

“I was here for all 11 days, almost every year,” Davis said.

“I’ve watched a lot of kids grow up here, by way of seeing them at the festival.”

Davis said all his memories of the festival over that period of time are good ones. Some were a little on the strange side. For example: How many people have a good story about being punched in the face?

“Conway Twitty was playing one year, and this 80-year-old woman kept pushing her way to the front of the crowd,” Davis said. “People kept asking me to move her, so I walked up

“My friend, Cal Henderson, once told me, ‘Always remember: Graveyards all over this country are full of indispensable people.’ I think of myself as just a cog in the wheel.” — Paul Davis, general manager, Florida Strawberry Festival

to her and asked her to move.

She pushed me and said, ‘Leave me alone!’ Then, she punched me in the face.”

He dragged her away from the stage, solving one problem, but a new one arose: How could he punish a small, elderly woman, in spite of what just happened?

“I didn’t arrest her,” Davis said. “I was thinking, ‘I can’t arrest her!’ How would I go before a judge and say, ‘This 80-year-old woman punched me in the face?’”

He’s also seen his share of celebrities in attendance, here to have fun. He once spotted legendary pitcher Nolan Ryan, but a flasher jumped in the way before he could approach the ballplayer. George Steinbrenner, who had family in Winter Haven and attended the festival many times, personally told Davis how much he enjoyed coming here.

Davis’ long career of service and understanding of the festival caught up with him at the end of his law enforcement career, right as the festival had an opening for a new leader.

COG IN THE WHEEL

“It was a natural transition from the Sheriff’s Office to the Strawberry Festival,” Davis said. “I got to know everyone over the years, and I grew up with some of the people.

A couple of people called me when the opening came up and told me to apply, so I said, ‘Why not?’”

His two biggest qualifications were simple. First, he had 32 years of experience working with all kinds of people.

Given his long career working undercover, this one went well beyond his annual encounters with flashers, elderly punchers and other characters at the festival. Second, his understanding of the significance of the event probably ran deeper than that of most potential candidates. After all, he had lived in the area and attended the festival regularly for more than four decades.

“It’s not just a fair,” Davis said. “It’s really a celebration of the community. Strawberries are a vital part of this community. It shows just how much agriculture means to Florida.”

The other 29 members of the board are also Plant City natives, a big factor of the festival’s continued success.

“That’s what separates us from other venues — the con-

tinuity and the volunteers,” Davis said. “Our board members are all volunteers. We’re fortunate to have a lot of the same people working here every year.”

The goal is for the festival to get bigger and better every year, while keeping things as family-friendly as possible and helping to maintain the event’s status as one of Plant City’s most important economic assets. It is, after all, the city’s biggest tourism draw.

“Plant City is probably America’s best-kept secret,” Davis said. “We’re becoming a big-time city but keeping that small-town feel. We want the right people to come here, and they are.”

Since Davis started the job, complaints have dropped “drastically.” The only one that’s still persistent is the traffic problem, but leaders are working on a fix for that. The GM is hoping these problems can be smoothed out in time for the upcoming festival, which he hopes is one of the best yet.

“This year, we’ve got diversity,” Davis said. “I’m really excited. ... I think we appeal to a lot of people.”

That’s reflected in the concert lineup, which includes Boyz II Men, Dustin Lynch and Third Day. Davis is also quick to direct any praise toward the rest of the board and the staff.

“My friend, Cal Henderson, once told me, ‘Always remember: Graveyards all over this country are full of indispensable people,’” Davis said. “I think of myself as just a cog in the wheel.”

He’s also helped bring a few new promotions to the festival over the past five years. Davis and the board created Farmworkers Appreciation Day, offering a discount at the gate for farmers. They also created American Heroes Day, offering free admission for those who are serving or have served in America’s military.

Davis wants to hold his position for as long as he’s healthy — and as long as the rest of the board wants him to continue.

“As trite as it may sound, it is a slice of Americana,” Davis said. “And, when you see it, you get it.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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2014 FORECAST KELLYANNE HURST by Justin Kline

MISS VERSATILITY How many high school- of it had to do with a newfound ers have a three-page résumé interest in politics. ready at will?

In September, Hurst was Count Plant City High School chosen as one of U.S. Rep. Densenior Kellyanne Hurst in that nis Ross’ Congressional Classgroup. room participants, which sent It doesn’t take long to figure her on a trip to Washington, out why. Hurst has self-confi- D.C., to watch politicians work. dence in spades and The trip, also a burning desire to hosted by the Randy prove to herself that Roberts FoundaIt seems that she can do anything. tion, included a tour every time Her résumé is of the nation’s capia group of about as diverse as tal. Twenty-five of high-schoolers possible for a oneHurst’s classmates does somesport athlete, with signed a petition to thing notable, numerous clubs, get her a nominaKellyanne charities and acation. She was voted Hurst’s name demic achievements into an interview pops up. represented, but an and ended up beReally, there entire page is devoting the only student isn’t much that ed to golf. from Hillsborough the Plant City “I always wanted to make the cut.

High School to do something Later, Ross gave senior doesn’t bigger than myself,” Hurst the official do — and do Hurst said. “I wanted nomination she well. And with to use golf to get myneeded to gain acthe U.S. Naval self the best educaceptance to the NaAcademy awaittion that I could.” val Academy. ing her arrival, That plan has She also particishe’s about to been successful. The pated in the Auburn take her talents Plant City native has University World Afto a much bigmade a verbal comfairs Youth Seminar, ger stage. mitment to the U.S. a weeklong, United Naval Academy’s Nations-style semigolf team. For Hurst, the com- nar that had high school sophmitment represents two things: omores, juniors and seniors the start of a new chapter in her covering international politics. life, and the end result of her Hurst was one of 10 Athena many labors of love.

Society Young Women of Promise Award winners from Hillsborough. She also won a West CAREER YEAR Obviously, it wasn’t just Point Society General H. NorHurst’s golf prowess that caught man Schwarzkopf Leadership the Naval Academy’s attention. Award, a Wendy’s High School She’s also on track to gradu- Heisman award and a Plant ate fifth in her class, with a 4.0 City Optimist Youth Appreciagrade-point average, and rep- tion Award this year, and has resented Plant City High School stayed on the school’s Honor — and, in some cases, Hillsbor- Roll since 2010.

As a Plant City High School ough County — at several outof-state events in 2013. Much Civinette, Hurst helped orga-

OVERVIEW

uses it to take herself.

“Kellyanne decided, seven years ago, not to go pro,” Karen Hurst said. “She just wanted to use golf to get into a good school. We’re very proud of what she’s been able to accomplish.”

nize a number of food drives, fundraisers and other charity events to help Plant City residents in need. She’s also been involved with the Youth Alive Leadership Council, the Student Advisory Committee and the Athletic Booster Club. She’s also the Cover Girl for the 2014 Plant City High Calendar.

“Seventeen years just go flying through your mind,” Karen Hurst, her mother, said. “My favorite thing was seeing her achieve the goals she set out for.

Winning the district, and Cover Girl. ... It’s not just that she won those things, but that she put her mind to it and made it happen.”

But, despite getting so much satisfaction out of her studies and charity work, her biggest passion lies on the links.

THE OFFSEASON

THE INDIVIDUAL SPORT

Golf, without question, is the perfect sport for someone like Hurst. Any golfer will call the sport an individual effort, with only the course to compete against, and that’s right in line with her mindset.

“I do not like to lose,” Hurst said. “I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. And, if I don’t, I know I tried my best.”

Talent will get a golfer far, but confidence brings home the bacon. Hurst was named MVP of every Lady Raiders squad she played on, minus her sophomore year, and helped take the team to the next level in her four years. That includes the undefeated regular season and trip to states in 2010 and 2011 and the 2013 district title.

Her favorite moment was winning the district last season, when she sank a six-foot putt on the 18th hole to win.

Courtesy of Stephanie Humphrey Photography

Kellyanne Hurst will take her golf game to the U.S. Naval Academy.

“It’s been an honor to be with her for four years,” coach Meg Jordan said. “She’s just a true diplomat of golf and, ultimately, what I’d like my daughter to be when she grows up.”

Hurst picked up the sport from a young age, learning to play with her father, Michael, while her mother was teaching at St. Clement. Wednesday nights were “Daddy-Daughter Date Nights.” The Hursts went out to eat and then hit the golf course. Like her brother, Connor, before her, Kellyanne turned out to be pretty good.

“I love playing golf, but my kids are significantly better

than I am,” Michael Hurst said.

She had a solid junior golf career, highlighted by a Tournament of Champions win and Player of the Year award in 2012, and has played on the Lady Raiders’ varsity squad since arriving at PCHS. After her golf career at the Naval Academy is over, though, that will be all she wrote. As much as she loves the game, she decided long ago that college would be as far as she

One of her goals for this summer, before going to Maryland, is to “not break any bones.” She also plans to win a golf tournament, work on her swing and run a half-marathon.

“It’s a motivating factor to get in shape for the Naval Academy,” she said.

The focus of the Naval Academy is to train young people “to become officers of competence, character and compassion” in the U.S. Navy and Marines. This is exactly what drew Kellyanne Hurst’s interests to Maryland: This will enhance her leadership qualities.

Should everything go according to plan, she’ll officially sign with the Naval Academy in the spring, and her parents already are preparing themselves for Hurst’s departure.

As the Hurst family originally came here from Maryland — moving here when Karen was six months pregnant with Kellyanne — the parents plan on making the trek up north as often as they can to catch her golf matches. Still, they already know they’re going to miss having their daughter around.

“It’s going to be tough,” Michael Hurst said.

But, knowing that their daughter is going to do exactly what she’s always dreamed of doing, they’ll be just fine.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

“I always wanted to do something bigger than myself. I wanted to use golf to get myself the best education that I could.” — Kellyanne Hurst

2014 FORECAST DALE MCMANN by Justin Kline

THE CZAR OF SOFTBALL When Don Porter, the long- ago, he earned a diploma in extime president of the Inter- ecutive leadership from Royal national Softball Federation, Roads University. announced his retirement in His venture into the busiOctober, it was a big deal. Por- ness world brought him to ter, a fixture in the community, B.C. Housing, the real estate called it a career and handed development company for the reins to Dale McMann, who which he has worked for more hails from Canada. than 30 years. Now Anyone worried the director of opabout the future of erations, McMann After 48 years the ISF in the Winter oversees the manof service, Strawberry Capital of agement of about Don Porter has the World can relax: $8 billion in resiretired from his The new president dential and comrole as presican’t imagine the ISF mercial properties dent of the moving elsewhere. in the province.

International “We’ve not been McMann said Softball disappointed in the he’s comfortable Federation. way that the city has jumping from real Dale McMann, treated us,” McMann estate to softball at previously the said. “They’ve lived a moment’s notice, first vice presiup to every expecthanks to a staff dent, now has tation. I love Plant that has been tobig shoes to City.” gether for a while. fill.

Although McMann “We’ve got a great won’t be in town staff,” McMann as often as Porter, he plans to said. “I’m able to leave my job come around often enough to and just know that everything’s become a familiar face. going to be OK while I’m out.”

While his softball career has just entered a new chapter, his OUTSIDE THE LINES McMann was born and raised real estate career is entering its in Alberta, Canada, and re- final one. There are still a few mained in the area until he fin- projects on the table that Mcished his undergraduate degree Mann would like to finish, and at the University of Alberta. Af- then he’ll determine whether ter earning a bachelor’s degree or not it’s time to retire.

Successful as he may be in in business administration, he enrolled in graduate school at the fields of business and real the University of Waterloo. He estate, softball may be his bigearned his master’s degree in gest passion. economics and moved to the province of British Columbia, A HAPPY ACCIDENT McMann’s foray into softball where he’s still based. Ten years

OVERVIEW

administration happened in 1978, while he was playing fastpitch in a men’s league. At the time, he had never given any thought to anything beyond just going out onto the diamond and playing for fun. And then, one day, he was recruited.

“It was purely by accident,” McMann said. “I was approached by one of the people in the league I was playing at, saying that they needed an organizer for Softball British Columbia and Softball Canada in the area, and would I do it?”

He accepted the role and moved up in the ranks fairly quickly. Eight years after volunteering on a whim to be a local organizer, in 1986, McMann was elected president of Softball British Columbia. In 1990, he was named president of Softball Canada — a post he held until 2002.

After 15 years of working exclusively in Canadian softball, the ISF came calling in 1993 — he had been elected to the federation’s board of directors, as the North American vice president.

TRAVELING THE WORLD

That election made McMann a much busier guy: He was tasked with helping to promote softball over international lines.

“I’m a passionate believer in the value of sport to communities and children all over the world,” McMann said. “I believe that softball can bring good things to communities.”

“Since we’ve been here, we’ve not been disappointed in the way that the city has treated us. They’ve lived up to every expectation. I love Plant City.”

— Dale McMann, president of the International Softball Federation

When he was elected first vice president in 2009, serving directly under Porter, McMann’s international role expanded further. Asking about his travels almost sounds like inviting him to throw darts at a map of the world and call out the landing spots.

“I’ve been to Argentina, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Honduras, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, tons of travel in Europe and Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Senegal and lots of other African countries,” McMann said.

That includes trips to China, Japan and Russia. In 2013 alone, McMann visited at least six different countries — he’s unsure exactly how many trips to Europe he had to make — and still, he managed to keep things running smoothly at B.C. Housing.

“I’m good at compartmentalizing,” McMann said. “I use time management to balance my real estate job with softball and my travels. ... It’s a balancing act.”

He enjoyed, firsthand, the significance of the first softball tournament in the 1996 Olympic Games, and the sheer spectacle of Beijing’s 2008 Olympics, but McMann cited a United Nations conference in Senegal as a defining moment in his softball career. He and the U.N. board examined the effect of organized sport in the lives of Senegal’s young people, and they found that it did enhance the young ones’ qualities of life.

“It’s good to see what softball, and other sports, can do to enhance the quality of life in other countries,” McMann said.

Dale McMann has been involved in softball leadership since 1978.

Justin Kline

“Sometimes, we don’t really recognize the value that doing something like sports has on our lives.”

THE FUTURE

In the past, McMann typically visited Plant City three to four times a year, never staying longer than a week, but expects that figure to double or triple in his new role. He loves attending the Florida Strawberry Festival whenever he can and enjoys the small-town feel with the easy access to Tampa and Orlando.

“It’s far enough away, though, to be a small community with a sense of community,” McMann said.

Although the administrative roles have changed in the ISF, McMann’s goals are in line with what Porter wanted to accomplish.

The fight to bring softball back into the Olympic Games continues, with hopes for To-

kyo in 2020. Aside from that, the Hall of Fame museum plans are still a work in progress, and the federation is looking to bring some action to Plant City.

Of those three areas, the only definite is that there will be some big-time softball coming this way. And, it’s coming soon: Jan. 23. Both the ISF Co-Ed Slow Pitch World Cup and the ISF/ISSA Senior Tournament of Champions will be held from Jan. 23 to 26, which will require all three of the softball facilities to be used simultaneously.

The tournaments, especially the World Cup, should be a big draw for international tourism.

For McMann, it’s a good way to start both 2014 and his tenure as president of the ISF. Although he’s heading into his 36th year of involvement with the sport, he’s as excited as ever.

“It’s been a tremendous experience for me,” he said.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Alan Clarence Dixson

Alan Clarence Dixson, 83, of Plant City died Jan. 1, 2014, at his home.

Born March 4, 1930, in Dorchester, Mass., he was the son of the late Clifford and Edith McGiveney Dixson. He was the husband of Marcia Clark Dixson, who survives.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, loved woodworking and gardening, was a farmer and rancher; raising sheep and hogs for many years.

Survivors also include a son, Brian Dixson; daughters, Colleen Melanson and Susan Dixson; brother John Dixson; 17 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

The family will be having private services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Penny Lynn Fox

Penny Lynn Fox, 40, of Plant City, died Dec. 27, 2013.

Born Feb. 9, 1973, she was the daughter of the late Emanuel Howard. She was the beloved wife of Edward Fox, who survives.

Mrs. Fox enjoyed cross stitch and crochet, and was also a big fan of “Duck Dynasty.”

Survivors also include sons, Michael Edward Fox and Andrew Thomas Fox; brother, Jim Howard; and mother, Connie Triplett Harrell.

The family received friends Jan. 3, at Plant City Church of God. If so desired, donations may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

William Lawrence Lamoreaux

William Lawrence Lamor-

eaux, 19, of Plant City, died Jan. 1, 2014, after a fatal car accident in Indiana.

He was traveling the country, fulfilling his dreams.

Mr. Lamoreaux was a 2013 Plant City High School hgraduate, earning popularity from the start of school at Yates Elementary in Brandon, to Marshall Middle, in Plant City. He is well-known and well-loved. Everyone who has ever met him, remembers him. His huge heart and love for making everyone smile will carry on through all the memories made over his 19 years. He experienced more in those years than most people do in a lifetime.

He is survived by his parents, Caron and Bobby Leddon; his younger brother, David Lamoreaux; grandparents; aunts and uncles; and many friends.

His wonderful spirit, talents and compassion for life will be remembered at 11 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 C.R. 39 S., Plant City. Feel free to bring keepsakes and stories to share.

They will be placed into Will’s childhood toy box and kept with him.

Online condolences can be made to the family at wecare. io.

Oralia Lopez-Sipaque

Oralia Lopez-Sipaque, 28, of Plant City died Jan. 1, 2014, at home.

Born June 13, 1985, in Escvintla, Guatemala, she was the daughter of Francisco Lopez and Irene Sipaque. She was the wife of Jose Aguilera.

Also surviving are two children; and many family and friends, who loved her very much.

A funeral service was held Jan. 4, at Rio De Dios, Plant City.

Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Judith Ann Pritt

Judith Ann Pritt, 69, died Dec. 30, 2013, at Health Center of Plant City.

Born Aug. 21, 1944, in Hobo-

ken, N.J., she was the daughter of the late Benjamin Bartucci and Margaret Killen Bartucci.

Mrs. Pritt was a package designer for Anchor Glass Container, in Tampa.

Survivors include a son, Paul Pritt; daughter, Diana (James) Spickard; stepmother, Amelia Bartucci; brother, Kenneth Bartucci, sister, Debi DeSerio; stepsister, Mary Ann Bugdale; and grandchild, Mercy Pritt.

She was predeceased by daughter, Lauren Pritt.

The family will be having private services.

Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

James Devon (Bubba) Sheffield

James Devon (Bubba) Sheffield, 47, died Dec. 20, 2013.

He was a lifelong resident of Plant City.

He was born Jan. 24, 1966, to Roy and Betty (Blanton) Sheffield. He was a volunteer and then became captain of the Midway Fire Department for the last 12 years.

He is survived by his parents, Roy and Betty Sheffield; his wife, Paula Lemley; a brother, Keith Sheffield (Tabatha Harper); aunt, Sandy Easters (Tony); two special nieces, Kandice Sheffield (Travis Horn) and Brittany Sanders (Luther); and many cousins and friends.

Funeral services were Dec. 26, at Mt. Enon Primitive Baptist Church. Burial followed at Mt. Enon.

Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Paul Keith Shiver

Paul Keith Shiver, 53, of Lakeland, died Dec. 28, 2013, at his home.

Born May 7, 1960 in Lakeland, he was the son of the late Hugh Shiver and Helen (Jim) Huggins, who survives.

Also surviving are brothers,

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP Kevin Shiver and Jimmy Huggins; sisters, Karen Shiver and Lisa Huggins.

Mr. Shiver loved praise and worship music and was a NASCAR fan.

A funeral service was held Jan. 3, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, Plant City.

If so desired, donations may be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Loette Strickland

Dorothy Loette Strickland, 74, died Dec. 22, 2013, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

She was born Sept. 5, 1939, in Plant City, to James and Ruth (Norman) Hiott. She married Jay W. Strick-

land, who survives.

She was a member of Faith Temple Assembly of God. Mrs. Strickland, — or Moma or Nana, as she was affectionately known — is survived by her husband of 54 years, Jay; a son, Jay W. Jr. (Allison); a daughter, Denise Thomas (Tommy); and seven grandchildren, Jason Strickland, Christina Kupsch (Jeremy), Courtney Strickland, Kaylee Strickland, Thomas Thomas III (Erica), Kristin Thomas and Seth Thomas.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Hiott; and a sister, Mable McDonald.

Funeral services were Dec. 27, at Faith Temple Assembly of God, Plant City. Burial followed at Mt. Enon.

Memorials may be made to Faith Temple Assembly of God. Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.

Doris Marie Westgate

Doris Marie Westgate, 71, died Dec. 21, 2013, in Lakeland.

She was born in Susquehanna, Pa. Survivors include three daughters, Elizabeth Ballard, Lori Balai and Kimberly Carillo; three brothers, Dennis, Walter and James Ballard; six sisters, Marian Parker, Betty Dumas, Lillian Middleton, Beverly Winnie, Ruth Ballard and Gloria Hauer Bishop; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer, Stephanie, Krystina, Jessica, Ashley, Randall, Anthony, Austin, Henry and Michelle; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Henry Westgate; parents, Cecil and Emaline Ballard; brothers, Cecil and Donald Ballard; and sisters, Shirley Ballard, Minelvia Hallstead and Lucille Blakeslee.

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

WED.

Jan. 1

0.10

THURS.

TEMPERATURES

Jan. 2

0.18

FRI.

Thurs., Jan. 9 Fri., Jan. 10 Sat., Jan. 11 Sun., Jan. 12 Mon., Jan. 13 Tues., Jan. 14 Wed., Jan. 15

Jan. 3

0.03

SAT.

Jan. 4

0.01

SUN.

Jan. 5

0.00

MON.

Jan. 6

0.01

TUES. Jan. 7

0.00

JAN.

TO DATE

0.33 (2013: 0.21)

YEAR

TO DATE 0.33 (2013: 0.21)

0,!.4ª#)49ª4)-%3ª ª/"3%26%2 4(523$!9 ª*!.5!29ª ª

HIGH 73 81 82 70 74 76 64

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES 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.

Thurs., Jan. 9 Fri., Jan. 10 Sat., Jan. 11 Sun., Jan. 12 Mon., Jan. 13 Tues., Jan. 14 Wed., Jan. 15

SUNSET 5:50 p.m.

5:50 p.m.

5:51 p.m.

5:52 p.m.

5:53 p.m.

5:54 p.m.

5:54 p.m.

LOW 63 66 63 52 58 55 44

MOON PHASES

Jan. 7

Jan. 15

STRAWBERRY PRICES CENTRAL FLORIDA PRODUCT LOW HIGH 8 1-pound containers $16.90 $20.90 Statistics courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Jan. 23

Jan. 1

, 3&

Robert Philbin took this gorgeous picture of another brilliant Walden Lake sunset.

The Plant City Times & Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certificate to The Corner Store! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at The Corner Store.

CREATURES LARGE AND SMALL

By Milton Bonney | Edited by Timothy E. Parker

ACROSS 1 Madrid home 5 Early Irish alphabet 10 “Little Pigs” number 15 Ask for divine guidance 19 Imitative sort 20 Camel kin 21 Den din 22 “General Hospital” regular Sofer 23 Blue-eyed feline 25 Greek column style 26 Concerning the ears 27 Movie workplace 28 Tony Shalhoub TV series 29 Neon tetra, for one 32 Reykjavik is its capital 34 Await judgment 35 “___ you kidding?”

36 After taxes 37 Relative of a canary 38 “What Kind of Fool ___?”

40 Appear to be 43 Kindles, as interest 45 Gangster movie leadspitter 47 Lennon’s bride 49 Part of a Three Stooges routine 51 Brought action against 52 Thai monetary units 54 Rosemary or basil 56 Ford model 58 Traditional cold remedy 59 Room at the top of stairs 61 Tailless burrowing creature 64 Their identities are unknown 65 Honorific for McCartney 66 Wish one could take back 68 Enact

70 71 74 75 77 78 79 80 82 84 85 87 88 89 91 93 94 95 97 99 101 105 106 108 110 112 116 117 118 119 120 123 124

___ Cooper (compact car) With arms and legs extended Oscar-winning Thompson Loud speaker The final word in many movies Any ship at sea Robin Hood’s friend ___ Tuck Sheep with massive horns Rich dessert Laid eyes on “Jane Eyre” writer Blast of wind Irregularly notched, as a leaf Santa ___, Calif.

Bivouac item Power-drill accessory “To ___ is human ...”

Clothing retailer since 1969 Roman 1102 ___ and don’ts “Love Boat” bartender ___ and abet Annoy by persistent faultfinding Hillside on a Scottish golf course “Great Expectations” girl Koala, by another name “Fifteen Miles on the ___ Canal” “Danse” step Chemical ending or compound “... but I could be wrong” Striped sea predator “___ Wonderful Life” Talk show host

SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

125 126 127 128 129 130

Gibbons Totally pointless Tip-top Evened, as a score Pele’s first name Concluded Worst place in a race

DOWN 1 Black currant flavor in wines 2 Individually 3 Two-___ (Miata, e.g.)

4 Set, as a detonator 5 “Maximus to Gloucester” poet Charles 6 “A Touch of Class” star Jackson 7 Cabbie 8 Physician’s org.

9 Certain finish 10 Certain electron tubes 11 Basketball rim 12 Indian noble 13 “All My Children” role 14 Steep slope (var.)

15 High-ranking teacher, for short 16 Personal personnel 17 Aromatic seed 18 Pricey vessels 24 Originates 30 They work with MDs 31 Salmon-fishing spear 33 Firefly 34 Car air freshener shape 39 Sweater material 41 North Pole assistant 42 Critically injure 44 Animal raised to run 1,320 feet 46 Airport worker’s org.

48 Food morsel 50 Boys, women, men and girls 52 Madonna hit, “La Isla ___”

© 2013 Universal Uclick

53 55 57 58 60 62 63 65 67 69 71 72 73 76

One making amends Hunting canine ___ gin fizz Meats for bad actors?

Prompter’s offering Groups of troops Wrapped Tijuana treat 100-meter race, e.g.

Bloomingdale’s Manhattan setting 36 inches Alone Animated Woody Allen character Area in an Elvis tune Encino neighbor

79 81 83 84 86 89 90

Types of pure iron Blossom holder Chafe Busy bug SASE, for one Dry, red wine Rudolph’s bright feature 92 Dalai Lama, for one 95 “___ to the Limit” (Eagles hit) 96 Conditional release from prison 98 Your financial advisor advises it 100 Composed

102 103 104 107 109 111 113 114 115 116 121 122

Andes native Smoke detectors, e.g.

Pallbearer’s burden Injured in the bullring “The Sopranos” chef Bucco Begat Cheerful “This ___ on me!”

Clown of renown “Heavens to Betsy!”

Country lodge “2001” computer

C RY P T O G R A M S 1 . W B Q M C I Q A M X G W B U Q U C Z , B U D I B V A N M B D M X P B W B AU C Q I X W B C X M V P B V I B RW M F - F P R N I F R X W G W B I Q Q I D Z M X !

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29 ¢eϨ e nì [nb Ïnn ¨ n ¢ÝnÏÝA ¢ n¢Ý 0Aï Qïn ݨ [AQ ny k䤤 ¯îy s¯ß ¤ßä õ¤õõ

¨Ï¢ [n ¨AÏe [¨ìnÏne í Ý QnAæÝ {æ {AQÏ [½ ¯¯¤î¯ ¯Ùä½ ¢eÓ eϨ· ݨ äõÇb "næ ÝÏA ¨ ¨Ï ÏnAÝ 0 A·n½ k×}½ s¯ß Øs¤ õsß

29Ù 9

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¨¢ìnÏÝnÏÓ -¨ínÏ $¢n . 0}õ? "2 9 ¢wßØ ×}9

H 9¨æÝw¯½}9

O Aîw}õ "ní käõõÙ ¨Ý s¯ß }¤s ssõõ

9A[[æ /A ¢Q¨íb í Ý A AÝÝA[ n¢ÝÓb î[n n¢Ý ¨¢e Ý ¨¢½ 0æ·nÏ nA¢½ kß}õ½ s¯ß ßß ×s×ؽ ¢{¨ ¨¢ :nQ פõ Ø

n[ AÏAÝ ¨¢ ${ ¢en·n¢en¢[n æ 0 ón Ï[ ìA -Ï ¢Ý "AÝ ¨¢A Ï[ ìnÓ : 0ݨ¢n ¢ ÏAì ¢ kä}½ s¯ß ssØ Ø}ß×

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¢ ¢ 2AQ n b äî}× Á ¯õÇ nA{ H ä [ A ÏÓ½ ." ¢¢n n Ób 0[A ¨·ne ·Ï¨¢b $ìA b ¢Ý Äæn½ ÏnAÝ ¨¢e½ k¯}õ s¯ß Øs¤ õsß

:AÝnÏ 0¨{Ýn¢nÏ :Ù AÏQ¨¢ ÝÏAÝ ¨¢b ï ÄæA 0ïÓÝn Ób n "níb ¢ÓÝA AÝ ¨¢ ìA AQ nb kØõõ½ s¯ß }פ õßäß

Ï [ ¨Ý nÓ b ä ¨Ùä2b ìnÏï ¢ [n Ó¨ n ¢ní í Ý ÝA ÓÝ ¨¢ ¯ ¨æÝ{ Ý ¨{ kßõ½ nÝ ¨ìnÏ äõ Ýn Ó kßõ {¨Ï A ½ s¯ß s¯ ¤Øؤ

: ¢n ÏA[ Ó ß Ó A b Q A[ í ¢n ÏA[ Ób nî[n n¢Ý Ó A·nb k¯} {¨Ï A ½ 0ݽ -nÝn AÏnA½ s¯ß s¤ä õõä}

¨ { æQÓ Ï¨¢Ó ä -:b ÓÝnn Ó A{ÝÓb ÏA· Ýn í¨¨eÓ ¯Hßb Q A[ ÓÝA¢e QA b kä} {¨Ï A b [A s¯ß ×} Øß×ä½

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