01.09.15 Plant City Times & Observer

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PHOTO CONTEST

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SEE PAGE 15

Make sure to check out our coverage of the Junior Royalty pageant.

Don’t forget ….The I Love PC photo contest is taking submissions.

OUR TOWN + Junior Royalty kicks off fest events The annual Junior Royalty Pageant will takes place from 6 to 9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2208 W. Oak Ave. Enjoy an evening of entertainment as pageant contestants vie for the crown.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door.

FLStrawberryFestival.com.

+ Baby Parade taking applications

TRIBUTE

silver lining by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Homeowner thankful for support during demolition Nita Shaw’s home was demolished after sitting in disrepair for 10 years. It was damaged by a fire.

Nita Shaw watched as her home at 706 N. Evers St. was demolished Monday, Jan. 5.

But, she wasn’t alone.

Beside her was City of Plant City Code Enforcement Manager Tray Towles, who stayed with her for nine hours the first day and came back to check on her during the second day of demolition. And he wasn’t the only one who was there for support. Shaw said neighbors had come up to her and offered prayers.

One even stood for awhile with her baby. And the president of Wetherington Tractor Service, Kimball Wetherington, and his crew also wished her well.

“People have given a lot of support,” Shaw said. “It’s been positive. I’m at total peace with it myself.”

The two-story historic home in downtown Plant City was damaged by a fire 10 years ago, while Shaw and her husband, Lowell, were on

vacation in Alaska.

Neighbors at a Nov. 24 city commission meeting said that since then it had become invested with rodents, termites, roaches and transients, in addition to being an eyesore.

But it was its structural integrity that caused the commission to unanimously approve the condemnation of the house. Commissioners resolved the building’s deterioration, structural defects

and improper design were dangerous to surrounding buildings and their occupants.

When the house was appraised in April 2014, it was determined that it would take $115,000 to repair the house to the point that it would meet the city code’s minimum requirements. After these repairs, the house would be worth $145,000.

Because the cost to repair the house would be more than 50% of the potential value of the house after repairs, Building Division officials

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Registration for the 2015 Florida Strawberry Festival Baby Parade will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Hillsborough Title, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 102 Plant City.

Sign-ups for 1- and 2-year-olds will be from 8 to 9 a.m.; 3- and 4-yearolds from 9 to 10 a.m.

Spaces are limited to the first 50 children in each age group.

Registration is open to children ages 1 to 4, as of Jan. 31, 2015. Open to eastern Hillsborough County residents only (east of U.S. 301), including Plant City, Thonotosassa, Mango, Wimauma, Brandon, Seffner, Dover, Balm, Valrico, Keysville, Lithia and Durant. Proof of residency (driver’s license) is required at registration.

Registration is $25 per category; cash only.

Presented by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club Inc., the parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, at the Morrow Steel Soundstage, at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 2107 W. Oak Ave. For more, contact Marissa Brewington, (813) 763-9447 or Melissa Grimes, (813) 9245887. Do not contact Hillsborough Title.

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PEOPLE & ISSUES TO WATCH IN 2015

+ Little Miss P.C. sign ups coming up

Registration for the 2015 Little Miss Plant City

OUR TOWN / PAGE 2

, 3&

STORIES START ON PAGE 3A

This week’s winner is

Agueda Sanfiz See her photo on PAGE 15.

SEE DEMO / PAGE 2

by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Courtesy photo

Hayden was wearing a Captain America shirt the day before.

Family remembers Hayden Hitchcock When 4-year-old Hayden Hitchcock was asked at his Sunday school at First Baptist at the Mall who his favorite person was, there was no question as to who: Uncle Matt.

It was Uncle Matt who taught him how to fish.

It was Uncle Matt who showed him how to turn on the irrigation at the family’s strawberry field.

It was Uncle Matt who was always there to play games with.

“Hayden loved his Uncle Matt as much as his Uncle Matt loved him,” Sandee Sytsma, Hayden’s aunt, said.

Hayden died Sunday, Jan. 4, after an accident at the family’s strawberry field. Matt Parke, 31, was driving slowly around the Parkesdale strawberry field at 4930 Slaten Road while Hayden ran alongside it. He fell and slipped under the truck. He was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital.

“We know it’s God’s plan,” Sytsma said. We don’t like it, but we will miss him. He was such a big part of our lives.”

As the family adjusts to a new normal, there is no shortage of memories despite Hayden being just a child. He was a spunky boy who loved to play, especially with Parke.

Parke was there when Hayden caught his first fish and his first snook. Parke and Hayden’s older brother, Hunter, also unknowingly taught him how to do push-ups. He would watch the older boys and became determined that he could do one, too.

“He jumped down to the floor and did a perfect set of one-handed pushups,” Sytsma said. “Matt and Hunter just shook their heads and said, ‘Only Hayden.’”

Only Hayden.

Only Hayden would jump from a tractor or playground equipment and courageously declare himself as “fearless.”

Only Hayden would put on a school assignment that his goal was to be “hall monitor.”

Only Hayden looked so much like his Uncle Matt.

Hayden was also athletic.

During a recent family get-

SEE HAYDEN / PAGE 2

INDEX Briefs............................2

Vol. 2, No. 25 | One section Crossword...................15

Stories to Watch ............3

Weather ......................15

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OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

contest will take place from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Plant City Mortgage, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 101 Plant City.

Registration is open to girls ages 8 to 10, as of Jan. 31, 2015. Open to Eastern Hillsborough County residents only (east of U.S. 301), including Plant City, Thonotosassa, Mango, Wimauma, Brandon, Seffner, Dover, Balm, Valrico, Keysville, Lithia and Durant.

Proof of residency (driver’s license) is required at registration.

Registration is $50; cash only.

The pageant is presented by the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club Inc. For more information, contact Stephanie Eisenbach, (813) 468-0230. Do not contact Plant City Mortgage.

+ P.C. Little League sign ups ongoing The last day to sign up for the 2015 Plant City Little League season is Jan. 15.

Registration is open to ages 4 to 16. To register in person, visit the Plant City Little League boardroom, 2301 Sansone Boulevard from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Jan. 10 or 17. PlantCityLittleLeague.org.

+ Simmons Career students honored Simmons Career Center had a ceremony Dec. 12 honoring students who have finished all their graduation requirements and those who will be finished by the end of the first semester. Several of the students have been awarded scholarships from the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Members of the Hillsborough Education Foundation presented the awards.

The students who are finished are: Terranique Lewis: Will get her scholarship in May when she officially graduates. She is staying and taking dual enrollment classes.

Jessica Orozco: $1,000 scholarship Miguel Rosario: $2,000 scholarship Courtney Sands: $2,000 scholarship Lorena Ramirez: Will get her scholarship when she graduates in May. She is staying and taking dual enrollment classes.

The students who will be finished by the end of the semester: Oscar Aguilar Coleman Christensen Ryan Fernandes: $1,000 scholarship Martin Guzman Cody Jarvis Anthony Powers: $2,000 scholarship Carlos Reyes: $1,000 scholarship Ezequiel Rodriguez: $2,000 scholarship Rosalia Rentas: $2,000 scholarship Cassandra Wiggins Denis Martin The students on the performance diploma option: Emmanuel Rodriguez: $1,000 scholarship Adriana Saldierna: $1,000 scholarship Many of the students have their college plans mapped out, such as Courtney Sands, who is going into a nursing program and Miguel Rosario, who is going to study acting and film.

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HAYDEN / PAGE 1 together for the holidays, his uncle, Hank Sytsma, taught him the secret to avoid fumbling during a football game.

Once he mastered the skill, he couldn’t be happier.

And he had a unique ability to attract friends of all ages.

When Sytsma would pick him up from school, even the teenage girls would wave goodbye to him.

“Not just his little buddies, but their older brothers would want to play with him,” Sytsma said.

Captain America was almost as big of a role model for him as Parke. His favorite color was blue, like the superhero’s costume. Family and

friends at his funeral Thursday wore red and blue as a tribute.

But, the thing he enjoyed most was being with his family. When no one was looking, the independent preschooler loved to cuddle. He loved to fish on Parke’s boat and talk Sytsma into making a morning doughnut run on the way to school a tradition. And he loved visiting the farm.

Hayden lived in a Lakeland subdivision, so the family’s history of farming was action packed enough for the little superhero.

To help with medical costs, the family has started a fund.

Donations marked, “Memorial Fund for Hayden Hitchcock,” can be mailed to Wells

Fargo bank, 1515 Harden Blvd., Lakeland, FL 33803.

“The support from the community has been unbelievable,” Sytsma said. “The farming industry — everyone is so close.

“We are all hurting terribly but have peace in our hearts that Hayden is safe in Jesus’ arms,” Sytsma said. “He loved everybody and everybody loved him.”

Hayden’s mother, Kristen Hitchcock, is director of major gifts at Florida Baptist Children’s Homes, and her husband Brett works in the construction industry.

Hayden has three siblings, including brother, Hunter, 11, and twins, Hailey and Hannah, 7.

DEMO / PAGE 1 issued a notice and order of condemnation.

The Shaws were given until Dec. 24, 2014 to demolish the house. But the Shaws fought for their beloved home.

In a letter to Mayor Rick Lott Nov. 19, Shaw requested an extension on the deadline for demolishing the house so her daughter could purchase the property and fix it up.

“When we purchased N. Evers property … this property was like a beautiful, and dying, ‘old lady,’” Shaw wrote. “I immediately fell in love with her.”

Shaw’s children, who were adults by this time, helped Shaw and her husband, Lowell, with restoration and maintenance on the building and property. But, in June 2004, just six months after the remodeling was complete, the fire struck.

The family used the insurance money to buy another home.

“People ask me why I didn’t use the money to fix up the home,” Shaw said. “I had to have some place to live.”

But, that’s all water under the bridge for Shaw, who said God has helped her through this hard time.

“My favorite verse is, ‘I can do things in Christ who strengthens me,’” Shaw said.

“I was angry…But I heard,

Amber Jurgensen

The fire exposed a space on the second-story next to the bathroom. This remained open to the weather for 10 years, causing irreversible water damage.

‘Nitabelle, be still and know that I am God.’” Shaw also said the continuing support has been a huge factor. Assistant City Manager of Public Safety Bill McDaniel and Towles had counseled her throughout the process.

“I think, for everyone around here, they don’t want to see it go,” Towles said, watching the demolition on the first day.

Towles lives in a historic home himself.

“I don’t have an axe to grind with the city,” Shaw said.

“They’ve been wonderful.”

During the demolition,

Wetherington was able to salvage doors, windows, oak paneling and the staircase banister, allowing the house to live on in different forms.

The company also tore down an old shed so the Shaws wouldn’t have to worry about disposing it themselves.

Now that the house is reduced to nothing, Shaw is thankful for everything else in her life. Her family is healthy and is active in church. And she will be able to sell the property.

“I’m OK,” Shaw said. “Life comes and goes…Life is up and down. You have to decide which way to walk.”

NEWS BRIEFS + Crash sends two motorcyclists to hospital Two motorcyclists were sent to the hospital Jan. 3 after a crash at the intersection of state roads 39 and 60.

Gudmundur Sigurdsson, 44, of Tampa, and David Roger Gunn, 45, of Gibsonton, were traveling south on State Road 39 when a 2006 Toyota SUV pulled out in front of them at the intersection, attempting to turn onto State Road 60. The SUV, driven by Kathleen Mae Sinaguglia, 65, of Zephyrhills, was in the northbound left turning lane.

The SUV had a flashing yellow caution light while the motorcycles had a green light.

Both motorcyclists laid their bikes down and slid into the SUV. Sigurdsson was transported to Tampa General Hospital, and Gunn was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in critical condition. Sinaguglia and her passenger, Cynthia Allen, 54, of Tampa, were not injured.

+ Man dies in crash, another critical A fatal wrong-way crash occurred on State Road 60 near Cable Road at about 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers said a 2014 Ford F-250 pickup truck, driven

by John Borota, was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of State Road 60 and hit a moving 2005 F-250 head on.

Borota died at the scene.

Correction In the article, “Professor cites Plant City roots,” published Dec. 26, English teacher Rozale Millinor Smith’s name was misspelled as Rosalee. We regret the error.

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2015 FORECAST: CITY MANAGER MIKE HERR

COACHING SUCCESS Ending his honeymoon period with the city, City Manager Mike Herr has big plans for the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World in 2015.

Since Mike Herr was hired as the new city manager in September 2014, he has approached his position with a fine-tooth comb, meticulously getting to know the city’s different departments and varied landscape. With a two-page outline of topics he wants to address, Herr has a more direct path with where he wants to take the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World and how he thinks he can contribute to growing its prestige on the map.

MORE THAN QUALIFIED

Herr has a long list of impressive resume accomplishments, from getting Polk County named as a 2007 AllAmerican County as county manager, to his experience as transportation director and public works director for Polk County, uniting 17 cities.

From a 450-page binder with portfolios of 76 candidates throughout the country, Herr stood out to the commission during the top five candidate meeting Aug. 19, 2014.

“It took a lot of effort for him to unite it like that,” Mayor Rick Lott said during the meeting. “He’s created the plan, and he’s implemented it.”

The day after the commission’s selection, Interim City Manager David Sollenberger sent an email to city employees confirming the selection.

“I believe Mr. Herr will provide excellent administrative leadership (that) Plant City will need as it moves into the future,” Sollenberger wrote.

Herr’s passion for public service started when he was just a boy. He grew up in Indiana, and when he was 8, his father died. His mother, Mary Catharine Herr, raised him alone, with the help of his sister. Mary Catharine served as an appraiser for the family’s hometown of Vincennes, Indiana, from 1966 to 1983. Herr attributes his career path to her influence.

Mike Herr started his position in September 2014.

Herr graduated from Indiana State University and launched his career close to home. He served from 1978 to 1980, as town manager of Newburgh, Indiana. Because he had become so passionate about this type of work, when it was time for a change, he decided to move to a state that had similar opportunities. Florida was at the top of his list.

Herr moved to the Sunshine State in 1980, to serve as town manager of Dundee. Since then, he has held numerous positions in Hernando, Polk and Hillsborough counties.

The Lakeland resident has been dipping his toes in the Plant City pool, making plans and preparing for the next steps in major projects like the Midtown Redevelopment and expected growth in the Northeast quadrant of the city.

“What I have done so far is taking the opportunity to address all department employees,” Herr said. “I’ve been out

everywhere. It’s been an opportunity as the leader of our team to introduce what’s important.”

And it’s not just in the city where he’s been visiting. Herr has also been hitting up civic groups on speaking engagements and many have seen him strolling around in Historic Downtown taking stock of the area.

“I’ve spent my time evaluating aspects of the community and what it has to offer,” Herr said. “Downtown has a lot of attractive storefronts; not a lot of blight. Plant City is a great place to live, raise a family, come back after school and start a business.”

Now, he’s ready to jump in head-first, and the big sports enthusiast is putting emphasis on teamwork.

Citing the flexibility of super utility player Ben Zobrist, of the Tampa Bay Rays, he wants the city focus on its employees. With a large group of employees aging out in the next decade there will be an

Amber Jurgensen

employment gap. He hopes to create a strong backbone for strong succession.

“We’re looking for ways to increase value,” Herr said. “We want the employees to invest in themselves.”

He also believes the city departments need to work together as a united operating body.

“The sense of team is really what’s important,” Herr said.

“Nobody works for me. We work for each other.”

ATTRACTING BIG BUSINESS

That type of attitude and dedication will lead Plant City in continuing economic growth.

Business recruitment is a huge focus for Herr. Some major industries he has identified include manufacturing, financial and professional services, life sciences, distribution and logistics, information technology and agribusiness.

“We want to focus on business recruitment strategies, expand businesses, add

square footage and increase jobs,” Herr said.

As for existing businesses: “We really want to understand what they do, why they came here and bring business here to compliment them and not compete with them,” Herr said.

To attract new businesses, Herr is creating an inventory of all vacant properties already zoned for office/industrial uses. In February, he is planning to initiate a roundtable meeting, inviting brokers and real estate agents to present the database.

In another seminar discussion, he will invite private sector leaders to give a rundown on the housing market, transportation and financials.

“We’ll create excitement for business,” Herr said.

Continuing to spruce up the three Interstate 4 exits into Plant City will also attract businesses, Herr said.

“We will lure people to come downtown,” Herr said.

That includes finding a solution to the once iconic, now-abandoned Red Rose Inn & Suites off Paul Buchman Highway.

“What would be great to go there is a meeting/conference center and restaurant that could complement the lodging — a nice gift shop to promote agriculture and the economy,” Herr said. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with trying to be imaginative.

How best to assess the assets already here?”

MIDTOWN

Another potential asset is the Midtown Redevelopment.

Midtown’s Village Green park has until the end of January to be completed, creating an attractive selling point for the space located just south of Historic Downtown. The next step will be to issue requests for developers, which would come in and create a mixeduse plaza of shops, cafes and condos. But first, Herr wants to take care of one unaddressed housekeeping issue: a marketing analysis.

The analysis will study the attractiveness and dynamics of Midtown within Plant City’s own culture. It will identify the project’s strengths and weakness and provide a better picture of what needs to be done and what developers

ON HIS RADAR… Herr has also identified several other targets of interest to Plant City.

NEIGHBORHOODS | Establish a Landlord Program to train community landlords on code requirements and techniques for maintaining their properties so potential violations are prevented.

TECHNOLOGY | Create a more user-friendly city website and explore social media, like Twitter or Facebook, to enhance customer relationships.

SPORTS | Focus on “Heads in Beds,” bringing more tourists to Plant City through sponsoring sporting events at the stadium with more leases. can expect when taking on the project.

“It’s a tremendous and robust vision of Midtown, but we need to have reassurance that the marketplace can support that vision,” Herr said. “I really think we need it from a business standpoint.”

Herr is expecting the study to take 45 to 60 days and be complete by April.

During that time, Herr will proceed with continuing the cleanup of the site and look at some other property acquisitions, which will have to go through the Community Redevelopment Agency.

One property in limbo is the former Sweetbay Supermarket building to the west of the site. With the quality loft apartments and condos that are planned for Midtown, a supermarket chain would be needed, Herr said. But there are challenges posed to attracting another chain, and one that fits in with the neighborhood feel of Midtown.

“If one had already left that site, how can we get one back?”

Herr said. “We’re going to have to have one, regardless.”

After the market study, the city will issue requests for proposal for developers to identify qualified businesses to partner with. Interviews will precede selection.

— Amber Jurgensen

2015 FORECAST: ADAM MYERS

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT In October, City Manager Mike Herr recruited Adam Myers to fill Jake Austin’s previous position of business development manager.

Myers hasn’t been here long, but he’s already a fan of the area.

Economic development is, according to Adam Myers, not something that many people know they enjoy doing until they try it.

As a recent hire with the Tampa Economic Development Corporation, he is working side-by-side with City Manager Mike Herr to grow Plant City business wise. It must be a pretty good gig, as Myers’ background is in film. His road to this position may not have been the most glamorous, bigbudget script ever written, but he couldn’t be more pleased with where the screenplay has taken him.

PLAYING THE DIRECTOR

Born and raised in Hernando County, the huge Rays fan has been familiar with the Tampa Bay area from the get-go. He has always been in Florida, moving to northwest Florida for college.

In 2009, Myers graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in communications. He specialized in film and television production and found plenty of work in script reading and consultations for production companies. He also spent a year in Charlotte, North Carolina, doing freelance work.

“I did all my own taxes and everything like that,” Myers said. “It was basically like running my own business.”

One of his final projects before exiting the industry was work on a documentary called “Overdraft,” serving as a production and research assistant. The documentary covered the national debt crisis and the toll taken on the national economy. It was released in 2012.

“That was really my first real look into the economy and the whole jobs issue,” Myers said.

“I think that was what really started to push me towards an economic development career.”

That was also what helped him realize that maintaining a career in film and television may not have been what he really wanted to do.

“I found out that, after doing that for about three years, I was just tired of being in the freelance industry,” Myers said. “I really liked having a steady job, and that was tough to come by.”

He ended up in economic development and soon learned that there were many others like him — people who, for one reason or another, had just sort of happened upon a

NEED SOME HELP?

Any business owner wishing to get in touch with Adam Myers won’t have trouble getting a hold of him. He can be reached by phone at (813) 518-2660 or by email at amyers@tampaedc.com.

role in development and enjoyed it enough to stick with it.

“I will tell you, with economic development, you hear stories like this all the time,” Myers said. “People just kind of fall into it. I’m really glad that I have.”

CAREER CHANGE

Before coming to Hillsborough, Myers worked in economic development for the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce for two and a half years. Working with the senior vice president of economic development, Myers managed both the sites and buildings database and the Chamber’s business continuity initiative — a role that required plenty of research on his part.

Through the International Economic Development Council, Myers took classes to brush up on his knowledge and learn new skills for the job.

He ended up liking the work and was able to put his newfound skills to the test on some big projects.

“One of the things I’m most proud of from that time was not only the launch of our sites and buildings database on our new online website, but I was also able to participate in a two-county, economic development plan,” Myers said.

Working with Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, Myers helped county officials set up a five-year plan for future improvements. He helped identify 600 acres of industrial development property just waiting

to be used.

In October, Myers seized the opportunity to move to Hillsborough County and help Herr in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. This would be his chance to put much of what he’s learned to the test.

“I’ve had some really great mentors that I’ve worked for, and I’ve learned a lot from them,” Myers said. “I’m happy to be able to take that experience and use it over here.”

PLANS FOR PLANT CITY

The first thing on Myers’ agenda: soaking up as much information about Plant City as possible.

“Being new to the town, I’m learning everything,” Myers said. “I’m learning as much as I can and really just trying to get out there and visit with as many people as possible.

I want to see what I can do to help.”

Myers said that he and Herr have two main foci for 2015: business retention and expansion, and recruitment.

“We’re really working on building the leverage toward previous announcements, what’s going on throughout the region, and helping drive some investment here in terms of job creation, building construction and capital investment to bring jobs for folks here in Plant City,” Myers said.

To get started, Myers has been touring the city, visiting local businesses and speaking with those in charge to identify their goals and needs.

“I think it’s a great community, so far,” Myers said. “There are a lot of great companies out here. It’s just an exciting place to be, right now.”

Justin Kline

Adam Myers, who is employed by Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, can be found at City Hall.

The scale of Plant City’s existing industrial facilities and output surprised Myers — in a good way — and he sees big potential for further development in the area.

“The part of this job I truly enjoy is learning about the companies and seeing how I can help them,” he said.

Myers said that he wants to help any business in the area grow and expand. He likens his approach to something a one-stop shop would do: With just one phone call, Myers will make himself available to chat or come to a business site for a visit and will work with business owners to help bring about growth in the future.

And, this isn’t limited to just big businesses. Any business is fair game.

“I’m not always going to know the answer, but I’m going to find out,” Myers said. “I’m going to be that dot-connector for businesses, getting them to these different types of support services that can help them encourage their growth.”

So far, Myers likes what he’s seen from local companies and believes that working with them should be a pleasant experience. There is room to grow, and he can’t wait to help tap into the potential.

“Y’all are doing a great job here,” Myers said.

— Justin Kline

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2015 FORECAST: UNITED FOOD BANK

FILLING IN THE GAPS The number of people the United Food Bank of Plant City is feeding has nearly tripled in two years. Executive Director Christine Miller is working to keep shelves stocked and stomachs full.

The drops of rain hammering sideways onto the flooded pavement didn’t once let up Tuesday, Nov. 25. It was the day of one of the holiday turkey drives, hosted by the United Food of Plant City. When Executive Director Christine Miller pulled up sheltered in her car, she saw a line of people snaking around the front of the building and veering down the side.

The food bank didn’t open until 9 a.m. It was 8 a.m.

A lot of the patrons had walked in the rain, already drenched from their journey.

One damp woman told Miller she had been in line since 7 a.m. in hopes of securing a holiday meal — and some normalcy — for her family.

At the back of the line was a child in a wheelchair. A guardian was hovering over him with an umbrella.

“They were standing in the rain — in a lighting storm — for four hours,” Miller said, recalling the day.

Every single turkey was given away that day: 450 total.

“People want to hang on to those traditions — to feel whole,” Miller said. “I like to think we are making a difference. We fill in the gaps.”

The place of sanctuary on Alsobrook Street has been making a difference since it opened. Miller took over as executive director in 2012. Even in her short time there, she has seen the need increase.

In 2012, the food bank was able to serve 12,000. In 2014: 30,000.

“The biggest change would be the growth,” Miller said.

“The economy is supposably getting better, but the need is still there. The only thing I can think of … is we go to schools and tell the principals and social workers about our services.

“We focus on the kids. We want to break the generational cycle of poverty.”

Miller recognizes the need in the community. And because of that, she has some changes planned for 2015 to better help those children she’s so passionate about.

TIME’S ON YOUR SIDE

Starting Jan. 1, the food bank has made one simple change to help its clients that is going to make an impact. It has altered its hours.

“It’s a big deal,” Miller said.

“For some, it wouldn’t seem like a big deal, but it is.”

From now on, the food bank is open every weekday. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, it will be open from 12 to 3:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, it will have extended hours from 12 to 6:45 p.m.

Before, it closed at 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and at 5 p.m. Tuesdays

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS 1. A fine carpenter was planning to end a date when his girl said she loved his chiseled face and ordered a screwdriver.

2. A newspaper article about a protest by a band of militants really confused readers with the headline, “March planned for October.”

Christine Miller has been leading the United Food Bank since 2012. and Thursdays. This was leaving out a huge part of its base.

Many couldn’t get off work in time to make it to the food bank before 5 p.m., much less 1 p.m.

For those who stay at home, the afternoons are much more convenient for them to come to the food bank, in between dropping off and picking up their kids from school.

“We had to see when our busy times were,” Miller said.

“I think it’s going to be very successful to be open — especially that one day late.”

In addition to time changes, the food bank has a new marketing director, Debbie Youngblood, who is in charge of social media, the website, the email newsletter and organizing the food bank’s many fundraising events.

FOR THE KIDS

And although Miller is excited about the new changes on the horizon, she looks around at her empty shelves, taxed from the holidays. She gets up at 3 a.m. every morning, wracking her brain for ways to keep the shelves stocked.

It’s a natural circadian rhythm of her daily challenge: food comes in, food goes out.

This year, 12 Plant City elementary schools, all three middle schools, Advantage Academy, Simmons Career Center and Plant City High School are Title 1 schools. Title 1 schools are schools where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced price meals.

Federal funds are then distributed to the schools for added services. Those empty shelves are physical testaments to where the food is going. But, the food also comes from the same place. Area six schools are some of the largest donors to the food bank. Every year, they have a canned food drive competition.

FUNDING

Besides local schools, the United Food Bank of Plant City gets help from a variety sources.

Grants, like the $73,500 general grant from the United Way, keep the food bank operational and the shelves stocked. Miller has to constantly prowl and apply for these grants to receive funding every year.

Unity in the Community is a large local donor. This year, it donated $35,000 to the food bank, presenting a check at the Daybreak Rotary Club’s annual Country Cracker Feast. The feast is also a food bank fundraiser.

And grocery stores are another big donor. Food is audited at $2.73 per pound and trucks unload thousands of pounds each year.

If you would like to help the food bank, visit ufbpc. org.

“The shelves were really empty in (2014),” Miller said.

“Donations were up significantly, but so was the outgoing food.”

She sees it as a personal failure if the food isn’t there.

“That’s the drive,” Miller said. “I really do believe I was meant to do this.”

In fact, Miller was meant to do it. Her resume had mysteriously ended up on the pile when the board was looking for a new executive director in 2012. She, however, wasn’t looking for a job.

“After visiting with the committee, I really wanted the job,” Miller said.

WORLDS COLLIDE

Just as passionate as Miller is, her volunteers are, too.

Amber Jurgensen

They range from her own kids, Colton, 14, and Emma, 12, (and 10-month-old Harper, when she’s old enough), to Rotary Club members. Some of her most excited volunteers come from the local schools, like National Junior Honor Society members from Tomlin Middle School. But many of the clients they help happen to be their fellow Tomlin classmates or parents of friends.

“Two worlds collide,” Miller said.

The food bank is a revolving door of people from all walks of life.

There are those seeking assistance, and there are those coming in to write fat donation checks.

There are those standing in the pouring rain for a glimmer of holiday spirit, and there are those unloading food from their Mercedes in the pouring rain and high heels.

But, the clients of the food bank aren’t always who people would think them to be.

Some have gone into foreclosure, lost their jobs, gotten a divorce. Some are your neighbors.

Clients of the food bank can pick up food once every six months, further cementing the food bank’s motto that it is “a hand up, not a hand out.”

Miller believes strongly in this mantra, which is why she started a financial literacy course that teaches families how to budget and about banking. She also partnered with Focus 4 Beauty to refer clients to the cosmetology school if they needed a haircut for a job interview or for the first day of school.

“They’re no different than me,” Miller said. “They’re just doing the best they can to put a meal on the table. What are we doing to change this? How are we helping them?”

— Amber Jurgensen

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2015 FORECAST: UTILITIES

“I was impressed with your system,” Herr said at a 2014 City Commission meeting. “For a city of 35,000, you have a very sophisticated wastewater treatment plant, so you should be proud of that.”

NEW EXTENSIONS

WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Reclaimed water is a focus for two projects planned for Park and South Frontage roads in 2015.

The Plant City Utilities Department has two big projects planned in 2015 to improve the city’s flow of water and prepare for potential growth in the northeast region of the city.

One of the proposed utility extensions will be installed along Park Road to service Martin Luther King Recreational Center, Marshall Middle School, the Recreation and Parks Department building and the city’s softball complex.

The other extension will start near the Cherry Street strawberry water tower and run east along South Frontage Road.

SYDNEY & PARK ROADS

The city has been working with Southwest Florida Water Management District to complete a reclaimed water line along Sydney Road since 2008.

Reclaimed water is wastewater that has been processed to the point that it can be used for irrigation and industrial purposes.

In 2012, the agreement was amended to extend the construction schedule, increase the main’s size from an 18-inch diameter to 24 inches, and include construction of the Park Road reclaimed water main.

The amendment increased the total cost of these projects from $3,568,200 to $6,126,000.

The Sydney Road project has been running since 2013. Each day, the main provides about 200,000 gallons of reclaimed water for irrigation.

The cost for the Park Road project is $1,750,000. The project will need a connection to an existing line on Henderson Way, which will cost $80,000.

The connection is not eligible for SWFWMD funding.

But, SWFWMD has offered a $750,000 grant to partially fund Park Road’s reclaimed water extension.

Total, the Park Road project will cost the city $915,000.

E.T. MacKinzie, of Florida Inc., designed the utilities extensions, with Stantec as the engineering firm. Utilities Director Frank Coughenour expects construction to start spring 2015 and finish before 2016.

SOUTH FRONTAGE ROAD

The South Frontage Road project will include a water main, a wastewater force main and a reclaimed water main.

“That project was initially

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put on the books several years ago to improve water service on County Line Road, and generally the eastern side of the service area,” Coughenour said.

“As the project developed and we started seeing more growth potential on the northeast side of town, it made a lot of sense to, at the same time, put in the sewer and reclaimed water.”

It will also improve the reliability of the city’s utilities system, by completing a loop of water lines.

“If you have a dead-end line and there’s a problem on that main, you’re out of water,” Coughenour said.

THE WAY THINGS WORK

Plant City’s wastewater treatment facility is located off of Alexander Street, just south of Interstate 4. All of the city’s wastewater flows through underground pipes to this facility.

When the wastewater first arrives at 1500 Victoria Street, the “primary treatment process” filters out non-biodegradable pieces, such as plastics. Next, oxygen is pumped into the water to promotes bacterial life and reproduction. Bacteria in the water break down organic

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Catherine Sinclair

Oxygen is pumped into wastewater at the treatment facility, forming bubbles, to promote bacteria’s biological processes. materials and convert harmful nitrates in the water to oxygen and nitrogen gases.

Healthy bacteria are extracted from the water and returned to the beginning of the process to be reused. Incoming wastewater does not contain high enough levels of the types of bacteria needed for this process, so they are “grown” at the facility.

The water is filtered again to remove any remaining particulate matter, and then disinfected in a chlorine chamber. If it meets standards of chemical levels and turbidity, it is then sent through extensions such as the two proposed for 2015, for public access use.

Plant City does not officially use reclaimed water for drinking purposes, but some areas of the country that are particularly prone to drought have begun doing so.

“It’s important to remember that unofficially, people

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays.

It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

RECLAIMED WATER...

Can be used for: Irrigation Power generation Dust control Restoration of wetlands/ other natural systems Aquifer recharge Decorative fountains Cannot be used for: Drinking Cooking Irrigation of vegetables/herbs Swimming pools Information from SWFWMD.

have been doing it for years,” Coughenour said.

Anytime wastewater is discharged to a surface-level source, it is likely to be collected and reused.

City manager Mike Herr said the wastewater treatment facility is environmentally sound and is run by employees who are strong in their positions.

One of Utilities’ divisions, Water Resource Management, focuses on education and public outreach regarding water and conservation issues.

“We always feel that if we provide people with facts and information, they can make better choices,” Al Miller, environmental coordinator for the division, said.

The division recently hired Sheryl Brundage as its education and safety coordinator.

Miller wants to eventually create new programs for connecting with the residential population of Plant City.

For now, educational outreach directly related to reclaimed water is the responsibility of Mark Woodward, water conservation coordinator. He also submits reports on reclaimed water usage to SWFWMD. Woodward’s most recent reclaimed water usage report contained data from October 2012 through September 2013.

During this time period, an average of 792,858 gallons per day were shared among Plant City’s industrial and commercial users: CFI, Loyd Nursery, Johnson and Fouts Grove, Willaford Groves and the Walden Lake Golf Course.

— Catherine Sinclair

Plant City Times &

Observer

General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@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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2015 FORECAST: THE QUEEN’S COURT

ROYAL FAMILY

For this year’s new chair and co-chair of the Strawberry Queen and Court, the responsibility is all about relationships and helping young women grow.

Everywhere the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court goes, Sandee Sytsma is in tow, making sure everything goes off without a hitch.

It’s been 13 years of glamorous wardrobe shopping and special appearances for Sytsma, who has been serving as the court’s chaperone. But in preparation for her upcoming role as the festival’s president, she is stepping down from her reign and passing the crown off to two successors, Donna Keel and Di Lott.

“It has to end sometime,” Sytsma said. “I’m looking at it a lot like a grandmother, in that I will be able to enjoy all the good times ... but I won’t have to do the wardrobe shopping and scheduling and lining everything up, so I just get to play,” Sytsma said.

When Sytsma first took on the position, she did not know it would feel different from any leadership position. But, the relationships she has built with her 65 Strawberry Queens and Courts have changed her life in meaningful ways.

“We form great bonds,” Sytsma said. “And we are good friends. After their reign is over, then the relationship changes. ... It’s no longer like mother and daughter — it’s a friendship.”

Sytsma, current secretary of the Strawberry Festival, has been planning the transition for the past two years and has found the best duo to follow in her footsteps.

THE CHOSEN ONES

Sytsma, who does not have children of her own, knew that coordinating the court would be even more demanding for women who were busy mothers. So, she decided to choose

two women as chair and cochair.

Donna Keel was Sytsma’s top choice for chair, based on her 20 years as Junior Royalty Chairman. Keel had just given up this position last year, which made her available to take on an even bigger role. “(Keel) is a rule-follower also, but a lot of fun, and that’s kind of the ticket,” Sytsma said.

Keel also brings firsthand experience to the table. She was a member of the Strawberry Court in 1984 and 1985.

In 1985, she reigned with Strawberry Queen Kay Newsome Varnum, mother of 2014 queen, Jessi Rae Varnum.

As co-chair, Sytsma chose Di Lott, who also has a familiarity with the pageant and reign, but from a different perspective. Her daughter, Ericka Lott, was on the court in 2013.

“I’m glad I did have that experience, because I didn’t grow up doing pageants,” Di said. “Her being in the court is definitely good for me. ... It gave me an insight into what was done.”

Keel and Lott have been longtime friends, not only as chaperones of the court and wives of city commissioners, but also through various other community events and organizations. Their oldest sons are good friends, as well.

“If I would have picked anybody (as co-chair), it would have been (Lott), so it was funny how Sandee had that same thinking,” Keel said.

WORKING TOGETHER

Sytsma has been gradually phasing Keel and Lott into their positions, to make sure they are well-prepared. They have shadowed her since last

year’s festival.

“We’ve met for a year now,” Sytsma said. “They came over many times to my house, and we’d go through all my records. We have way too much fun. We make up excuses just to get together.”

“The three of us are trouble,” Keel said. “We are together all the time. We have a great time, the three of us.”

Because of their deep respect for the program Sytsma has built, Keel and Lott do not expect to make any major changes in 2015 or beyond.

But some updates will be necessary.

“You do have to address new things. You try to grow and get better,” Keel said. “Changing with the times is what we would have to do.”

For example, social media such as Facebook and Twitter did not exist when Sytsma became coordinator. But now, social media platforms are important for promoting the queen and court and keeping the community updated on their whereabouts. Keel and Lott also expect to keep the court members’ wardrobes current.

Though Keel and Lott seem ready to take on the task of coordinating the court, they have a strong support team that they can always fall back on when needed.

“Without (General Manager) Paul Davis, without the chaperones, without Miss Sandee, it would not work,” Keel said. “We all have to work together.”

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Just as Sytsma treated queens and court members as her own daughters, Keel and Lott expect to form similar

Catherine Sinclair

Di Lott and Donna Keel have spent a year preparing for their roles leading the Strawberry Queen and Court. relationships with the young women they will guide and mentor.

“I think that is what is the best side of this — the relationships that you build,” Keel said. “It’s not just about the pageant for me. What Di and I are hoping to help these girls do is become leaders. ... I want them to learn to have a servant’s heart.”

Lott saw her daughter grow through serving on the court, and she hopes to help future queens and courts do the same.

“When I was asked to do it along with Donna, I was excited, because I know how much it impacted (Ericka’s) life and how it helped her be well-rounded and add some things to her personality that will benefit her forever,” Lott said.

After this year’s Strawberry Queen pageant, Keel and Lott will have to hit the ground running.

“We have to get busy real quick, because we have an event within a week,” Keel said.

The days immediately following the pageant will be filled with wardrobe shopping

and orientation to the rules, which Sytsma put in place.

Rules include: no drinking or smoking, maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA and never being a minute late to a meeting or event.

“They’re very easy-to-livewith rules, in my opinion,” Sytsma said.

At the festival, there will be 4 a.m. mornings and late nights, days filled with graceful greetings and sparkling smiles. And though Keel and Lott say they “don’t cry,” there might be tears as emotions run high and a new court figures out the ropes of its reign.

But as the young women learn how to be ambassadors for Plant City, they will also be making lifelong friendships with one another and their leaders.

Perhaps, like Sytsma, who recently hosted a wedding and baby shower for former court members, Keel and Lott will become lifelong figures in the lives of the queens and court members.

“It’s time-consuming, it’s very rewarding, and I have received a whole lot more than I’ve ever given,” Sytsma said.

— Catherine Sinclair

BEHIND THE SCENES

Though the Strawberry Queen and Court are prominent figures in the community, here are some lesser-known facts about what goes on during their reign.

• The festival covers the court’s wardrobe, except for their shoes, which they are personally responsible for.

• During the festival, the queen and court get dressed and relax in a hidden location known as “The Palace.” Family members personalize each girl’s space with photos and decorations before it begins.

• The queen and court are the only Plant Citians who get to meet and take photos with each headliner at the festival.

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2015 FORECAST: TONY LEE

THE LION’S SHARE Plant City has a number of active and renowned civic clubs, and each is led by a dedicated member of the community. But the Plant City Lions Club approaches leadership a little bit differently.

In the club’s 84 years of existence, it has instated 84 different presidents. Each term lasts one year, and no one president has served more than one term. The club is proud of this system, as it gives nearly all committed members an opportunity to sit at the head of the table.

July 1, 2014, was a monumental day in Plant City Lions Club history. The club’s first Asian president, Tony Lee, was instated. He will serve until June 30, 2015, coming from a background marked by compassion and sacrifice.

WAR-TORN BEGINNINGS

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Lee grew up in Vietnam.

By the mid-’70s, the war had ended, but there was a mass exodus after communism had begun to take over the nation.

When Lee was 12 years old, he and his family joined throngs of “Boat People” in a life-ordeath escape.

“We left everything back there — you can’t carry anything to the boat,” Lee said.

“Some people died along the way because of the ocean and the weather. Or sometimes, pirates would take over the boat. ... It was a very tragic time in history.”

Unlike some families that were divided among the boats, Lee, his parents and his five siblings were fortunate enough to stay together. After three nights on the boat, they spent two years in a Malaysian refugee camp.

Refugees at the camps hoped to be sponsored by churches or other organizations around the world, which would give them an opportunity to start a new life on safe, though unfamiliar, ground. An Episcopal church in New York sponsored Lee’s family, and so New York would become their new home.

“My only vision of the U.S. was what I saw on TV,” Lee said.

“I thought it was a really cold place, thinking of the North Pole or something, with icicles hanging from the trees.”

When the family arrived in New York on a balmy August day, Lee was surprised not only by the weather, but also that Americans seemed so big and tall to him. At 14, the only word of English he knew was “hello,” but he was a quick learner and graduated from high school with honors four years later.

BECOMING FLORIDIANS

Lee focused on marketing and management at Siena College, in New York, but a degree was not the only result of his studies there. He also met his wife, Teresa, who had come to the United States as a refugee from civil war in El Salvador, also at age 14.

“Sometimes, when people experience something similar, the bond is so strong,” Lee said.

In 1990, Lee started his career in insurance, in New York.

By 2000, Lee’s parents had retired to Florida for its warmer climate, which was much more similar to Vietnam’s than New York’s had been. But, they were uncomfortable relocating alone because of the language barrier, so Lee, his wife, and their son and daughter packed up and moved with them.

“After awhile, I decided, OK,

The challenges that Tony Lee has overcome throughout his life have shaped the leader he is today, as the Plant City Lions Club’s current president.

we’re going to make a sacrifice,” Lee said.

The Lees settled in Valrico that summer.

Lee found an opportunity with State Farm, and after a few years, was promoted to leadership roles in Pinellas County. But, when an opportunity arose for him to manage his own agency in Plant City in 2010, the family relocated again. Lee now has a staff of five, including Teresa, at his agency on South Alexander Street.

LION FOR LIFE

Soon after his family moved to Plant City, Lee was at a Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce event when another member encouraged him to explore the Plant City Lions Club.

“She told me that if you’re going to join any civic organization, you should be a Lions member,” Lee said.

Though he didn’t know anything about the Lions at the time, Lee started going to its weekly lunch meetings, learning about the club’s mission and getting to know the other members.

“What I enjoy most about the club is our mission to help people with sight and hearing ... and I love how we care for the community.”

Lee moved his way through the ranks of third vice president, second vice president and first vice president, knowing he would eventually have the opportunity to serve as president for one year. The chapter’s series of unrepeated presidents is one of its distinct features.

“It’s rare because a lot of clubs don’t have enough mem-

DID YOU KNOW? Tony Lee is an accomplished master of martial arts. He practices Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido and Ju Kwon Do three times a week and has earned three black belts. “It’s a lifelong study for me,” he said.

Tony Lee is orginally from Vietnam. bership, or people don’t step up to take over the chair,” Lee said. “We’re lucky in that regard — we have enough members to step up every year.”

One of Lee’s goals for the year is to continue inviting and adding new members. He hopes there will be more members when he finishes his term as president than there were when he started. But, he knows that the existing members are critical for the club’s health and success as well.

“The club is very supportive of each other,” Lee said. “We have a few board members that have been there a long time.

Anytime I need some help, they’re always there to give me guidance.”

UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE

Lee is unique among the Lions’ 84 presidents in many ways, but perhaps one of the most significant is his history.

Because he knows what it’s like to be in need of help after experiencing that firsthand, he understands how important it

is to encourage others to rise above their challenges.

“The reason I want to share my journey and the challenges I’ve been through with the members and anyone who wants to listen — to give them hope ... that if you have a dream and you’re willing to work hard, I think it’s possible,” Lee said.

After fleeing his home 40 years ago on a rickety ship, with nothing but the clothes on his back, Lee has built a career in the insurance business, put two children through college and become a social and civic leader in the community. He attributes his success to hard work and no excuses, but also being able to start from scratch in the land of opportunity.

“The people in this country have no idea of the opportunity they have,” Lee said. “Can you imagine coming from nothing?

Having nothing to start with, and all the negatives against you — the language barrier, the culture barrier — and you still can make it.”

— Catherine Sinclair

Catherine Sinclair

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2015 FORECAST: POLICE CHIEF ED DUNCAN

THE ENFORCER Retirement couldn’t keep Plant City Police Chief Ed Duncan down for long — the lawman came back to the workforce in July 2014 to lead PCPD and has no plans to retire again soon.

If Ed Duncan liked the retired life, he’d be more worried about which snowy slopes to ski right now than what’s going on in Plant City.

But, living the slow life wasn’t Duncan’s style. Itching to get back into the police work that he loved for so long, he applied for the role of Plant City Police Department’s new Chief of Police and was sworn in July 7, 2014.

“I’m very proud,” Duncan said at the ceremony. “And, I’m honored to have this badge. It means a great deal to me.”

Flash forward six months, and Duncan’s demeanor hasn’t changed. He’s still a man who truly loves his line of work, and he has no idea when he’ll give it up for good.

VETERAN LAWMAN

Duncan said that he knew he wanted to become a policeman early on. In fact, he said that police work was the only thing he ever really wanted to do.

So, he went out and did it as soon as he had an opportunity.

The Hillsborough High alum entered a law enforcement enrichment program in his junior year, and upon graduation, worked with the Tampa Police Department until he was 21.

From there, he went on to join the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office in 1978 — where he stayed for 34 years, retiring in 2012.

“I had a great career there,” Duncan said. “I had the opportunity to work under four different sheriffs. All of them were great leaders. They provided a great deal of stability to the agency and to the community.”

While on the job, Duncan picked up on traits from each of those four sheriffs — aspects of each management style that he made note of and eventually put to use.

Duncan never really considered moving to another department, enjoying the work and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office so much that moving to a new town or state was never on his radar.

Officially, Duncan served as a SWAT operator for 10 years and also served as the tactical commander for some time.

With the SWAT team, Duncan started with nine other officers and worked on barricaded hostage situations, high-risk arrests, search warrants and more. Over time, he saw the SWAT team grow and eventually be held in a higher regard.

“It used to be, people had a stigma for SWAT,” Duncan said. “They were nothing much — just a bunch of guntoting, wild-running individuals that were just looking for a thrill. That’s the furthest thing from the truth. The ultimate goal of a SWAT team is peaceful resolution.”

He oversaw emergency preparedness and homeland security initiatives as he progressed into upper management and enjoyed the fact that he constantly faced new challenges over time. But, Duncan said that the most important thing for maintaining his career was remembering his roots.

“I think one of the things that’s most important for any leader is to not forget where they came from,” he said. “To realize that the job starts at the patrol level — that first responder is what defines your agency. We all started there.

You can’t forget that.”

DIDN’T LIKE GOODBYES

In 2012, after almost 37 years on the job, Duncan decided that it was time to retire.

He ended his career that September and began traveling with his wife in October.

“I like to snow ski, and I like shooting clays,” Duncan said.

“So, I was enjoying my down time. It was funny — right after I retired, I had a guilt complex.

I thought I should be doing something. The phone wasn’t ringing as often. You can imag-

Courtesy photo

Ed Duncan was sworn in as Plant City’s chief of police July 7, 2014.

WEAR THE BADGE Anyone who’s interested in joining the Plant City Police Department, even if that involves waiting until this summer, will be able to find everything they need online. A downloadable application can be found at the City of Plant City website, PlantCityGov. com/index.aspx?NID=117.

For more information, call (813) 757-9200.

ine, the majority of my career, I was always on call and my phone rang constantly.”

It was, at first, unnerving for Duncan. Eventually, he realized he was finally free when he went for a morning run and was able to leave his phone at home. He worked on home projects, spent time with his family and traveled around the country on ski trips.

But on one ski trip in Utah, he found out about the opening at the Plant City Police Department. Former City Manager Greg Horwedel called Duncan and informed him that the city was looking for a new chief.

“I thought about it, over the week that I was in Utah, and thought, ‘Maybe I have a few more years left in me,’” Dun-

can said. “I thought to myself, ‘Why not?’”

As a Plant City resident, it wasn’t like Duncan was going well out of his way just to get back on the job. Now after accepting the job offer, his phone is constantly ringing again — and he’s perfectly happy about that.

“It’s not quite as busy as it was with the sheriff’s office used to be, but I still have that commitment,” Duncan said.

“My wife is very, very supportive. We enjoy being a part of this community.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

So far, things are looking good for Duncan in his new role. According to him, he couldn’t have asked for a better staff.

“Everything is going extremely well, I think,” Duncan said. “We’ve got an outstanding police department here.

I’m real proud of the guys that are here.”

Which leads Duncan to his most biggest goal: officer retention.

“There’s a large demand for law enforcement right now,” he said. “With the drop programs in the state of Florida, a lot of agencies are losing large numbers of personnel.”

In August when officers can get out of their contracts, Duncan said, a large number

of officers from several Tampa Bay-area police departments are going to leave their jobs.

This will create a significant demand in the applicant pool and could pull even more officers out of their current departments and into a bigger one somewhere else.

“It’s imperative that we maintain our level of staffing, as high as we can, during this transitional period,” Duncan said.

The key, he said, is showing potential new hires exactly why the Plant City Police Department is a great place to work and serve.

“It’s important to showcase what Plant City offers,” Duncan said. “Plant City has a phenomenal work environment.

The community is very supportive of our police officers, which is invaluable. We also have great benefits for our officers coming here.”

These benefits include a 20-year retirement plan, compared to the 30-year plans of other agencies, and pay comparable to what larger departments are offering.

But, the fact that so many positions will be available does not mean that the veteran chief will be lax in his evaluation process, Duncan said.

“I would rather run shortstaffed than to bring on substandard candidates, because you inherit all of the baggage that comes with them,” he said. “It’s important that we maintain the confidence level that our community has with our officers so that we can move forward and prepare for our future.”

August will certainly be a tumultuous time, but with his level of experience and visible enthusiasm, the department likely rests assured that Duncan can help it pull through.

— Justin Kline

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2015 FORECAST: RAILROAD MUSEUM

ON THE RIGHT TRACK The downtown railroad museum will display new items in a new space this year, and its leadership is likely to grow.

The Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum has been steadily gaining fame and success since it opened the viewing platform December 2013.

To keep up with its popularity, the leadership team has big plans for the museum this year.

Benny Lubrano, executive director of the museum, keeps detailed records of daily attendance and potential influences, such as weather or community events. He began keeping track in May 2014, and November was the record high, with 770 visitors. He expects the total from May 2014 to May 2015 to be about 7,500 visitors.

The museum’s board of directors formed and had its first meeting in June 2014. Jerry Lofstrom, owner of Whistle Stop Gourmet Coffee and Eatery, was the first president, but he resigned Sept. 11. The board asked Eric Barber, who had been vice president, to step into the presidential position, and Barber agreed.

But, a change in leadership was a small adjustment compared with what 2015 has in store for the museum.

UPKEEP AND EXPANSION

The museum, largely constructed of wood in 1909, has long had structural problems that are due to a tiny but mighty natural force.

“There’s a lot of termite evidence throughout the entire

complex,” Barber said.

The building has not been treated for termites since it first opened as a welcome center in 1997. In recent years, termites’ fecal droppings, which look like sawdust, have been found throughout the museum. Lubrano said he has also found wings on the floor after occurrences of swarming.

The building needs to be fumigated to clear out the termites. But, this process takes four days, and the museum must close during that time.

“Until most of the smell is gone, we wouldn’t want the general public coming in,” Lubrano said.

The city’s General Services department will choose an independent company to conduct the fumigation. The buildings will be covered with tents during the treatment process.

The fumigation will be done at the end of January. After that, the museum can move forward with plans for expansion.

Robert Willaford, who donated most of the museum’s new collection in order for the museum to relaunch in 2013, has more pieces just waiting to be put on display.

The biggest item to next appear at the museum will be Willaford’s 1976 Waukesha Acar engine. He also has agreed to give an additional whistle post marker, 33 lanterns and various railroad and train station signs.

A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

The museum society received a 501(c)(3) determination letter in December, designated by the IRS as a public charity. Contributions to the museum are now tax-deductible, and the organization is exempt from income tax.

Catherine Sinclair

Museum leadership includes Robert and Felice Willaford, executive director Benny Lubrano, and board members: Susan Gales, Marsha Passmore, Robert Woods, Eric Barber, Pat Pogue and Leo Watson and (not pictured) Gail Lyons, Jodi Stevens and Jim Scott.

“A lot of the stuff’s going to be smaller, but a lot of the stuff will be mounted outside,” Willaford said.

However, the museum in its current state does not have the space available to take all of these items in. The museum’s tower, which has never before been open as a public space, will be renovated after the termite fumigation to be used for displaying Willaford’s new donations.

“The building’s not that big, but it gives us a lot more space to work with,” Lubrano.

The main museum building does not have sufficient wall space for signs and other hanging items that Willaford will be donating. Much of the wall space is taken up by windows.

Wall space in the tower will make up for this deficiency.

Currently, the tower is being used for storage of an array of items, such as equipment for the bike and car shows, and

some cabinets that used to be in the main museum building.

Lubrano described the space as a “catchall.”

“We’re going to remove the second floor, just because it’s in really bad shape, and use it as a display area for signs,” Barber said. Lighting will also be installed, and a fresh coat of paint might be in order.

PUTTING SAFETY FIRST

The directors of the museum have always seen railroad safety as a priority, but recently, they have been introducing new ways to promote it.

These initiatives will continue in 2015.

The museum’s Facebook page has been periodically updated with graphics from Operation Lifesaver and the Association of American Railroads to promote railroad safety in memorable ways.

The museum board has commissioned a young, local

artist to create a coloring book for children. The book will have images of trains just waiting to be filled in with crayon or colored pencil, but it will also include lessons about railroad safety.

“Yes, we want this book to be fun for the kids to color, but we also want them hopefully to learn, look both ways before you cross the track, what the signals mean, that sort of thing,” Lubrano said.

Mina Geist, a student at Hillsborough High School in Tampa, will be creating the images for the book. Her father, Casper Geist, is the owner of Dixie Station Tattoo in Plant City, and Barber has known the family for years.

“She’s an amazing artist,” Barber said. Geist’s drawings will be in the style of Japanese manga, which Barber “thought would make a really neat coloring book, because you don’t see that that often.”

The coloring books are designed for elementary schoolage children, and they will be available at the museum for free.

ADDING MANPOWER

The museum board has decided that in order to keep up with the museum’s growing popularity, Lubrano needs an assistant director.

“A volunteer, but someone who can be trusted with a key and a code and won’t have to take a break,” Barber said.

Though Lubrano has also cut down on his personal business to make more time for the museum, having extra help would free up some of his schedule for other things.

Barber has two potential candidates in mind who have proven their passion for the museum and railroad education, and ability to work well with children. But, he would like to start building a full team of volunteers to make sure all needs are covered.

“I’d like to find retired people who either are experienced with the railroad or are a railroad buff, who have the knowledge and can answer questions,” Barber said.

RAILFEST 2015

One of the next big events for the railroad museum will be the second annual Railfest, which is tentatively scheduled for March 14, 2015.

Lubrano and the board have a number of ideas for making Railfest more successful than last year, and they hope the weather will cooperate this time, as well. They have considered inviting food trucks to the event, as well as collaborating with the Central Florida Bluegrass Association or a model train exhibit at the John R. Trinkle Center.

Railfest might also become a ribbon-cutting celebration for the additional exhibit. The board is working with city employees and making every effort in attempts to ensure that the tower will be ready by the time.

— Catherine Sinclair

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2015 FORECAST: YOUTH FOOTBALL

SPRING FOOTBALL SIGN-UPS

SHRINKING ROSTERS Thanks to a whirlwind of injury news and other factors, participation in youth football programs is declining in many areas. Plant City felt these effects in a big way in 2014. What’s happening to the game?

The injury bug has latched on to the national sports news cycle like Tampa Bay linebacker Lavonte David making a tackle.

Word of class-action lawsuits being filed against the NFL by its former players opened some eyes in 2013 and 2014, thanks to plenty of head-scratching, gut-wrenching details about sketchy medical practices coming to light. With hundreds of millions — really, closer to single billions — of dollars on the table, people have begun to take notice of football’s longterm physical and mental effects.

As a result, many people are pulling their children from football in fear of their children getting hurt. That includes parents in Plant City. The area’s youth football program participation rates have taken a hit.

Perhaps the injuries are, in fact, the largest reason why this happened.

Or, perhaps the reason for the decline this year is because of scheduling conflicts.

In the case of the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference, many families take vacations right around the time when sign-ups begin in the summer. If the kids aren’t around, they can’t be signed up for the team.

Or it could come down to money problems. Unlike sports such as basketball and soccer, football does not come cheap.

The cost of equipment and traveling can take a toll on one’s wallet, and adding extra costs for big tournaments like the United Youth Football League National Championships only boost the cost.

It’s jarring for many to see America’s favorite game, whose professional entity is profitable

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?

Justin Kline

If the trend continues, many local youth football programs may field small rosters — or even nothing at all. enough that it might as well have a license to print its own money, take such a hit where it may affect long-term plans the most. That’s especially true for a state like Florida, where the game holds a status somewhere in between “obsession” and “religion.”

How hard did this issue hit Plant City? It could have been worse, but it could have been much better.

THE BIGGEST HITS

Before the TCYFCC began its fall season, Plant City residents got a sad surprise when the Antioch Redskins announced that the program could not field any 11-on-11 teams for the remainder of 2014.

According to then-program president Mike Wilkinson, who spoke with the Plant City Times

& Observer in August, it was the product of two years of declining participation numbers and a lack of interst in the sport.

“They’re at that age group when most of them want to play baseball,” Wilkinson said.

Even though the program couldn’t field any teams, there were still some costs to keep up with. Charitably, several TCYFCC teams joined forces to hold some of their games at the Antioch field and donate all money raised from concession sales to the Redskins program.

The Wesley Chapel Cowboys, Plant City Dolphins, Lakeland Gators and Brandon Cowboys each hosted one game at Antioch this season.

“Hopefully it helped them get people to sign up for next year,” longtime Dolphins president Buddy Bennett said. “Hopeful-

ly, they’re able to field teams.”

Another program that took a big hit was that of the Turkey Creek Trojans, though they were fortunate enough to not have to call off any team’s season.

That doesn’t mean they didn’t come close, however. No team was affected more than the varsity program, which played out the 2014 season with a roster of just 12 players. Head coach Casey McClain, who has coached in the Trojans’ program for several years, said that he’s seen the decline play out right in front of his eyes over the years he’s been around.

“Over the years, it started out from 30 and just dwindled down and dwindled down,” McClain said in October.

With 12 kids on the roster, the varsity team managed to win

Sign-ups for spring football have recently begun, and it’s not too late to get your child on a roster.

For the Plant City Dolphins, FSYFL registration will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10. The cost to play is $175.00. For more information, contact Ericka Winslow at winslow410@gmail.com.

For the Antioch Redskins, SYAFL registration can be completed on the Redskins’ website, www.antiochredskins.org.

The cost for football players is $145 per child, and the cost for cheerleading is $155 per child.

its conference championship, the Superbowl and advance to the Game Day of Champions at Raymond James Stadium in December. Although some of the players are sticking around, others plan on jumping to the high school ranks. And, if there aren’t enough kids for McClain to coach a team, he’ll have to find new work. ““That’s going to eventually work me out of a job, unfortunately,” McClain said. “I only have experience with youth football. I would love to go to the next level and follow some of these kids, and continue to build them up.”

As gloomy as things looked for these squads in 2014, not all programs took a big hit. In fact, there is hope that everything could work itself out with time.

CONSISTENCY WITH THE DOLPHINS

The Plant City Dolphins did not have any major losses to report. The program has been fairly steady for the past several years, and that didn’t change in 2014. According to Dolphins publicity director Ericka Winslow, the program only lost a grand total of six football players in 2014.

“We’ve been pretty steady,” Bennett said. “A lot of teams have been struggling with their numbers, and we’re pretty fortunate that our numbers have stayed up. People are still coming out.”

If one could speculate about the reasons parents are pulling kids out of the programs, what about the reasons for parents leaving their kids in the programs? Bennett believes that parents are drawn to athletic programs that display internal consistency throughout the years.

“I think a lot of it goes back to our program itself and our coaches,” Bennett said.

“Not having a lot of turnover in coaching. We’ve got some (coaches) who have been here for 10, 12 years. I think people see that we’ve had a lot of the same coaches out there for years, and if a coach wants to be there for long, that’s the sign of a good program.”

Of course, that’s not to fault any of the other organizations. Turkey Creek has traditionally fielded an all-around strong program, and Antioch’s program didn’t survive for the previous 50 years by doing nothing. But, with plenty of coaching and board member changes happening to nearly every team in almost every year, it’s easy for Bennett to see why parents would be attracted to a program whose employees are sticking around.

WHAT’S NEXT?

To keep kids involved in the game, the Dolphins and Redskins have turned to 8-on-8 football. Whether it’s with the Florida Spring Youth Football League or the arena-based Southern Youth Arena Football League, the smaller game allows coaches to keep doing their thing and players to remain in good football shape for whatever could happen next.

These leagues, which tend to have shorter seasons than TCYFCC, help to keep kids busy in the springtime and to draw them back in come summertime when the 11-on-11 action is ready to get going. It may not be the game most coaches are used to, but if 8-on-8 leagues are keeping kids in the game, then the coaches and programs are happy.

— Justine Kline

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2015 FORECAST: MOVIE TOWN

ON CAMERA Believe it or not, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World is gaining a reputation as a great place to film, regardless of the filmmaker’s budget. Why are directors pointing their cameras at Plant City?

Lights, camera, action!

Thanks to advances in modern filmmaking technology and social networking, it’s easier than ever for aspiring film amateurs to make and promote movies. That’s not to say that the process itself is an easy one, especially for independent filmmakers, but anything can happen with the right location these days.

For Central Florida filmmakers, Plant City is becoming an ideal place to make their movies materialize. Yes, Plant City — not Tampa, Orlando, Miami or any of the state’s bigger cities.

Films like “My Girl,” “Under the Gallows,” “The Entrepreneur,” “Generation Curse,” “A Tall Confession” and “Fighting for My Life” have been or will be filmed right here in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, whether in part or in full.

“I always try to think of story ideas that could be filmed in Plant City first,” local filmmaker Matthew Glover said.

What is it about this little town that serves as a muse for people with big-screen dreams? Basically, it all boils down to scenic variety and good neighbors.

THE SCENE

Maybe people from out of town don’t immediately see everything that Plant City has to offer, beyond perhaps the Florida Strawberry Festival and a trip to the Parkesdale Farm Market. But those who have taken the time to explore the area seem to agree that there’s something here for just about every director to use in one of their projects.

Plant City native Mills Cooper likes to shoot every inch of this town whenever he can from Historic Downtown’s old homes and buildings to the wide open country of Cork and Thonotosassa.

“It’s lovely,” Cooper said.

“Being here, born and raised here, the scenery here has always captured my attention, since I was a kid. The country, the agriculture, the historic landmarks.”

Glover is also no stranger to getting the most out of the area. He and his wife, Nikki, even installed gallows in their back yard to film “Under the Gallows.” But, the Glovers will shoot a film wherever they feel

COMING SOON

Mills Cooper is getting ready to host a casting call for “Fighting for My Life,” and any local actors or actresses interested in appearing in the film can contact Cooper by email, MillsCooperTV@gmail.com, or through his Facebook profile, www.facebook.com/ mills.cooper.7.

Matthew and Nikki Glover wrapped up production on a music video for the Hoyt Hughes Band’s new single, “Stomp On,” which was shot at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill. They’re aiming to host a premiere event at the restaurant, open to the entire Plant City community and are currently looking for sponsors.

Interested businesses can contact the Glovers at (813) 756-6436.

is the best fit for their story.

“When I think Plant City, I always think downtown,” Glover said. “It’s so pretty, especially with the old lighting that’s down there. Or, if you’re looking for open fields, there are a lot of those in Plant City.

There are a bunch of nicesized houses that you could make look huge.”

Despite Plant City’s reputation as a small town, it still offers a lot of variety.

“With Plant City being so small, you would think you’re limited as a screenwriter,” Cooper said. “But, there’s so much land — it’s so broad, when it comes to filmmaking.

It’s all about the creativity.”

THE ACCESSIBILITY

In many cases, filmmakers need to get the proper permission to film in a town or city.

This involves going through a permitting process with the proper authorities, which goes beyond crossing some t’s and dotting some i’s on a piece of paper.

To film in Tampa, for example, one must go through Film Tampa Bay and complete an extensive permit application, including details about the locations to be used, the film itself, a copy of the script, special services needed and more.

Insurance is also required, and the application must be signed off on by representatives from the police department, the fire department and a city/county designee.

Tampa is also a much bigger city than Plant City and attracts bigger-budget projects that more often require stunts, road blocks and pyrotechnics.

Out here, the filmmaking

Downtown Plant City is an ideal shooting location for filmmakers, thanks to its charm. tends to be a little more intimate than that.

As such, it’s generally easier to get permission to film.

“Being that I’m from Plant City, and have a lot of connections, I can basically do whatever I want,” Cooper said. “I have a lot of support. As long as it’s not, like, shutting the streets down and blowing up cars or anything, the local officials pretty much support what I do. That’s why I base all my scripts around here.”

Another thing that local filmmakers enjoy is the ability to work with the locals — a group that supports putting Plant City on the map, even if there’s no big paycheck involved.

“The most difficult part of filmmaking is trying to find a budget,” Glover said. “You always have big ideas, but not always the budget to film them. A lot of times, you have to get volunteers because you don’t have money to pay anybody.”

Another film by the Glovers, “The Moon Child,” required them to shell out around $300 of their own money for costumes.

“Those out-of-pocket expenses, they drain your bank account when you’re really

passionate about a movie,” he said.

But, for “Under the Gallows,” a short film set during the Civil War, the Glovers were fortunate enough to know someone who had periodappropriate costumes and volunteers to help out on set.

They ended up paying $500 to produce the film.

“I thought it went really well, for the cost,” he said.

THE FAME

No one has made Plant City known as a hotspot for filming yet, but it’s not for a lack of effort.

Cooper, who spent much of late December and early January buried in his notebooks, has finished doing script rewrites and plans to start casting for “Fighting for My Life “in the next few weeks. He said once filming is wrapped up he plans to send the finished product to Universal Pictures in California for distribution purposes. Later, he plans on trying his hand shooting horror and suspense in Bealsville.

The Glovers got some recognition when “Under the Gallows” placed in the top 200 out of 20,000 films submitted for HBO’s “Project Greenlight” contest, and they just wrapped

Justin Kline

up shooting a music video for the Hoyt Hughes Band at the Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill on State Road 60.

Straying from the men and women behind the camera, locally-based actors and actresses have been getting work.

New boutique agency Fresh Picked Talent has had some success.

And Plant City native and actress Charleene Closshey starred in a holiday movie, “An Evergreen Christmas.”

She recently held a DVD signing and a showing at Tampa Theatre. A music video for a song in the movie that she wrote was shot at Plant City locations, including Hopewell Baptist Church.

Plant City may be a wellkept secret in the filmmaking world, but those in the know hope that more people will catch on to the potential here.

And local filmmakers have no plans to stop using Plant City as a location in 2015.

“Unless you need a big city scape, I would recommend Plant City for nine out of 10 films,” Matthew Glover said.

“The best place to tell an intimate story is a small town, and Plant City is that place.”

— Justin Kline

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. Jan. 1

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Jan. 2

0.00

SAT.

Friday, Jan. 9 Saturday, Jan. 10 Sunday, Jan. 11 Monday, Jan. 12 Tuesday, Jan. 13 Wednesday, Jan. 14 Thursday, Jan. 15

Jan. 3

0.00

SUN.

Jan. 4

0.02

MON.

Jan. 5

0.00

TUES. Jan. 6

N/A

WED.

Jan. 7

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JAN.

TO DATE

0.00 (2014: 0.33)

YEAR

TO DATE 0.00 (2014: 0.33)

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HIGH 66 71 80 79 79 78 67

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES SUNRISE Friday, Jan. 9 7:21 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10 7:21 a.m.

Sunday, Jan. 11 7:21 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 12 7:21 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 13 7:21 a.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 14 7:21 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15 7:21 a.m.

SUNSET 5:49 p.m.

5:50 p.m.

5:51 p.m.

5:52 p.m.

5:53 p.m.

5:53 p.m.

5:54 p.m.

LOW 47 58 65 64 64 60 51

MOON PHASES

Jan. 13

Jan. 20

CHERRY TOMATOES SHIPPING POINT: ORLANDO $13.95 to $14.95

Jan. 26

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

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Agueda Sanfiz said, “(Plant City has) had a lovely light in the sky this past few days, to the point that even the most random structures look beautiful. Here is a picture I took going back home the other day, on Alexander Street. I called it “Sunset Rush.” In the mist of rush hour traffic, you can find moments of beauty if you stop for a minute and look around.”

The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.

Feb. 3

A BIT OF HISTORY

By Jill Pepper | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Change to fit one’s needs 6 Meat in a can 10 Animal “in the grass” 15 Night twinkler 19 Submarine detector 20 Hourly pay 21 Poison 22 How sailors say “Hi” 23 Hitter of 755 homeruns 25 Legend of the 1936 Olympics 26 Coney Island’s ___ Park 27 The Big Band, for one 28 Sound made by a pig 29 “___, poor Yorick” (“Hamlet”) 30 Oscar winner Sophia 31 Teeth holders 32 Waste time 34 It covers a cake 36 It has a tail in space 39 Like a creepy film 40 Prefix for profit or dairy 41 10th mo.

44 Noted man in a garden 45 First African-American mayor of Detroit 49 Miners dig for it 50 The “P” of mph 51 They expect to reap later 52 Get something through work 53 Family room, or a place for lions 54 NYC’s zone 55 Not dead 56 San ___, California 57 “Famous” cookie man 58 Antiseptic in a first-aid kit 60 Peter and Paul 62 “Hot” Mexican dish 64 Billie Holiday activity 66 ___-link fence 67 Went back and forth 68 Taking a nap 69 It lives under a bridge in fairy tales 70 Morning prayer 71 Sad color?

72 74 75 78 79 80 81 82 83 86 87 88 89 90 91 93 94 96 98 99 100 103 104 106 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116

This, that or the ___ Jonas E. Salk created a vaccine for it “Little Bo-Peep ___ lost ...”

Allow You’ll do this in a long line Ribbon worn as an insignia of honor “___ we there yet?”

Suffix for ordinal numbers Founder of the Rainbow Coalition Thin, narrow opening Birmingham-to-Montgomery dir.

Farthest or highest (Abbr.)

Oscar night host Book of maps Esther of “Good Times” Rhino relative Gent’s mate “Home to Harlem” author Claude Birds that give a hoot Song sung by one Sound a sheep makes Colored portion of the eye Small part played by a big name Former NAACP leader Indian princess Goodbye, in France “Green Gables” girl Type of tea They can be cracked early in the morning Annie of “Designing Women” Baron or earl, e.g.

Carnivorous scavenger

DOWN 1 Tennis great Arthur 2 Opposite of a slacker 3 “___ and the King of Siam” 4 Good score for a golfer 5 Compete for a position 6 Beautiful aquatic birds 7 Place to picnic

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

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 42 43 45 46 47 48 51 56 57 59 60 61 63 64 65

“A long time ___ in a galaxy far ...”

What boys will be German fruit bread similar to strudel “In your dreams!”

Lumberjacks swing them Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, etc.

Nanny has three Beauty shop First African-American Supreme Court justice Top-of-the-line Strikeout king Nolan Goal or intention Inter ___ (among other things) Ending for duck or dump Diamond or ruby Big name in farm machinery They fill your sleeves Become accustomed (to) Idea that is implied It’s part of Superman’s outfit Poems of tribute “I Have a Dream” speaker Student, in France Certain Louisiana native Became jittery First African-American secretary of state Being in debt Long (for) Horse chow The Beatles’ “Sexy ___” Some is junk Word said at the end of a prayer ___ arch (molding type) Superhero with a hammer Baseball’s Maglie or actor Mineo “Par ___” (airmail stamp) Valuable furs Tiny spots of land in the water

© 2013 Universal Uclick

66 67 69 70 73 74 76 77

A Greek 65-Down “The Great ___ Pepper” (1975 movie) Not that Telegraph code inventor Samuel Type of bud Game for gamblers Leontyne Price opera highlight Match divisions for Serena Williams

80 83 84 85 86 90 92 93 94 95 96

301, Roman-style Hot month Envious Rock projectors?

Place fit for a pig Caesar of “A Soldier’s Story” Fertile area in the desert Use Twitter Bring down “The Greatest” Muck’s partner

97 98 99 100 101 102 104 105 106 107 108

High, rugged rock Skip over “Auld Lang ___” (New Year’s song) Cycler’s need Soon, poetically Away from land 23-Across wore one “Much ___ About Nothing” Certain music genre The loneliest number Lock opener

C RY P T O G R A M S 1. Z QWYG OZVUGYLGV RZT UEZYYWYS LF GYC Z CZLG RPGY PWT SWVE TZWC TPG EFNGC PWT OPWTGEGC QZOG ZYC FVCGVGC Z TOVGRCVWNGV. 2. U JZMKDUDZL ULCRQPZ UXBAC U DLBCZKC XE U XUJN BO TRPRCUJCK LZUPPE QBJOAKZN LZUNZLK MRCS CSZ SZUNPRJZ, “TULQS DPUJJZN OBL BQCBXZL”.

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