01.23.15 Plant City Times & Observer by Plant City Observer

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

REALESTATE

MLKPARADE

SPORTS

PAGE 8

PAGE 3

PAGE 13

Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day parade was a success.

A south P.C. home topped December transactions.

OUR TOWN

Herman and Leslie Stewart celebrated 50 years together Jan. 22.

City remembers first black detective Stacks and stacks of certiﬁcates are pulled from a box of Roosevelt “Bobby” Miller’s belongings: Completion of Crime Scene Technician Course, Crime Scene Photography, Missing Children Information Clearing. His family proudly holds onto them, unclipping each one and passing them around the room. Mr. Miller was the ﬁrst black detective with the Plant City Police Department. And with all of his credentials, there wasn’t a

+ Blueberry Pageant sign ups

better person that could have been. Mr. Miller, 81, died Dec. 31, after a battle with throat cancer. His memorial service was held Jan. 10, and he was buried at Garden of Peace in Plant City. “I was so proud to have him,” daughter Capathia Sampson said. She holds up a black and white picture of him in his uniform. “He was my everything. I am

proud to call him my dad. He ruled with a stern hand and loving heart.” Mr. Miller’s children have many memories of him as police ofﬁcer. He helped launch the Plant City Police Department into the future by learning to process crime scenes, ﬁngerprinting, and to take and develop his own pictures of evidence. He started at the department in 1964, and was promoted to detective in 1975. He retired in 1998.

But his legacy still lives on. Because of his work, a 30-yearold cold case was recently solved. In 1979, Charolette Kelley was found strangled in her home. He was among the detectives that took DNA samples from the bedding and sealed them into evidence at the station. The evidence had remained there in a time freeze, until technology could help solve the case. That came in 2012, when they reopened it. “Time spent with him was knowledgeable,” son Todd

SEE MILLER / PAGE 4 Roosevelt ‘Bobby’ Miller

HONOR ROLL

EQUESTRIAN by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

The Blueberry Festival Pageant sign ups will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 21, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. Girls 2 to 19 and boys 2 to 6 can register. Each age division will have only 20 contestants so don’t delay with sign ups. Paperwork is available at KeelAndCurleyWinery.com. Mail a $40 check or money order to Julie Hasting, 4309 Stanley Rd. Plant City, Florida 33565. All mailed paperwork must be postdated Feb. 21. Everyone gets a crown. The pageant will be March 21 at the winery.

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Four local teachers chosen as finalists

When Stanley Glover, Brianna Trout, Madian Maquivar and Raul Andrade walked through the doors of the schools where they teach the morning of Friday, Jan. 9, they had no idea that a congratulatory committee would be coming to visit them later that day. Each of these educators was surprised when representa-

+ Church to host Kirkin ‘O’ Tartan

The 17th Annual Kirkin ‘O’ the Tartan will be held during the 10:45 a.m. worship service Sunday, Jan. 25, at First Presbyterian Church, 404 W. Reynolds St. This service celebrates the church’s Scottish heritage. The St. Andrews Pipes & Drums of Tampa Bay will perform a concert on the front lawn after the service, followed by a luncheon in the church’s Fellowship Hall. The history of the Kirkin dates back to the days when the Scottish Highlander Presbyterians, wore colorful plaids representing clans. English rule in 1745 made wearing the Tartan forbidden.But the royal Scots would bring a small swatch of tartan cloth into worship. Then, at a secret time during worship, the minister would offer the blessing while the Scots hid their tartans.

, 3&

This week’s winner is

Chris Black

See his photo on PAGE 15.

Dolphins squad roars for Cheer-Off win.

tribute by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Roosevelt ‘Bobby’ Miller was instrumental in leading the Plant City Police Department into the next wave of forensics.

+ Happy anniversary

FREE • FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

SEE TEACHERS / PAGE 4

ROSE BOWL

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Jill Hardt rode Forrest Flame for a demonstration Jan. 18, at Black Dog Farm.

PRIZE-WINNING PONIES

Sinead Halpin is the only 4*-level eventing rider to ever have taught in Plant City. Two talented, awardwinning horses of the same bloodline were reunited at Black Dog Farm in Plant City last Sunday, and one of their riders has a shot at competing in the Olympics. Forrest Flame, known as Forrest, is a purebred New Forest Pony. Jill Hardt, owner of Tristan Oaks Dressage in Plant City, is Forrest’s rider. Forrest has been gelded, but frozen breeding doses are available. In 2004, he sired a mare named Forrest Nymph. Forrest Nymph, known as Farrah, is the only purebred NFP to ever have competed at the CCI** level in eventing, a sport that combines a variety of tests such as ﬁtness and jumping. Farrah’s current rider is Sinead Halpin, an international rider who has ridden

Farrah’s future international competitions, Beth Davidson, Farrah’s owner and director of Black Dog Farm, invited Hardt and Halpin to conduct a clinic and demonstrations at Black Dog Farm Sunday, Jan. 18.

Forrest Flame

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

International rider Sinead Halpin wowed spectators at Black Dog Farm in a jumping demonstration with Forrest Nymph. her top-level horse at the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France and will be considered for the summer 2016 Olympics. Halpin is a 4*-level rider, which is the highest level in event-

ing, but she rides Farrah at the 2* level. Halpin spends most of the year in New Jersey, but winters in Ocala and brings her competition horses with her. To raise money for

Forrest is 15 years old, but Hardt said he rides as though he’s about 8. “He’s always a clown,” Hardt said. “What’s unique about Forrest is that he has so much fun with his body,” Hardt said. He overcomes his size to conquer even the toughest obstacles. Hardt has ridden Forrest through Prix St. Georges, a level of dressage for the Federation Equestre Internationale.

SEE HORSES / PAGE 4

INDEX Calendar.......................2

Durant grad marches in Rose Bowl parade Taylor Mew never expected to participate in one of the nation’s most famous parades. This school year has been full of firsts for Taylor Mew, a 2012 graduate of Durant High School and current junior at Florida State University. It was her first year doing color guard in the university’s marching band and the first time she was

SEE MEW / PAGE 4

Courtesy photo

Taylor Mew, Hannah Esquenazi and the rest of FSU’s marching band watched their team compete in the Rose Bowl.

Vol.2,No.27 | Onesection Crossword...................15

Obituaries...................11

Sports.........................13

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

FRIDAY, JAN. 23

Acoustic Happy Hour — live music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Danny Brantley Band — takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Uncork Your Friday! — live music takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday Jan. 23, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

SATURDAY, JAN. 24 Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings — takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Los Dos Live! — takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

SUNDAY, JAN. 25 17th Annual Kirkin ‘O’ the Tartan — takes place beginning at 10:45 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 404 W. Reynolds St. The St. Andrews Pipes & Drums of Tampa Bay will be a part of the celebration that dates back to Scottish Highlanders. A concert will be performed on the lawn. (813) 752-4211.

MONDAY, JAN. 26 Reading Time — takes place

from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Children’s literature is read by the children and librarians. (813) 757-9215.

TUESDAY, JAN. 27 Cholesterol Screenings — takes place from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Community Resource Center of South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. No appointment necessary. $30. (813) 6446720. Back and Neck Pain Relief — takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at the Community Conference Room at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Learn how minimally invasive spine surgery can help relieve back and neck pain. The class is free, but registration is required. (813) 644-6720. GriefShare — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Hope Lutheran Baptist Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Following the death of a loved one you may have found that there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you may feel. Those feelings of hurt and emptiness seem to make it harder and harder for you to face each new day. Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion. (813) 752-4622. The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562. Teen Book Club: The Hobbit — takes place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Join the discussion and help select future books for the group to read. Copies of the book are available at the library for check out. (813) 757-9215.

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28 Fresh Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at McCall Park, in Historic Downtown. Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Wells Memorial Informational Seminar — takes place beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, at the Living Center, 405 E. Damon St. Lunch provided. (813) 752-1111. The Wine Down — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. The special is $4 glasses of wine from any open bottle. (813) 752-9100.

THURSDAY, JAN. 29 33rd Annual Chairman’s Banquet — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 2206 E. Cherry St. The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will install its newest Chairman during a reception and dinner. RSVP by Jan. 23. (813) 754-3707. Babytime — takes place beginning at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, rhymes and songs in this 20-minute lap-sit program. For babies who aren’t walking and their caregivers. (813) 757-9215. Memories in Granite and Marble: The History, Preservation and Care of Historic Cemeteries and Human Burial Sites — takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, at 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The workshop will take interested attendees onsite to Oaklawn and Shiloh cemeteries. Persons who have an interest in historic cemeteries, their care and preservation are encouraged to register by

BEST BET Ninth Annual Every Buddy is Beautiful Fashion Show — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Plant City High School’s auditorium, 1 Raider Place. Skills USA Cosmetology students host a fashion/talent show as a benefit for the Raider Buddies (formerly Best Buddies). General students pair with their exceptional friends and share their talents. It gives the buddies a chance to have time in the limelight. Prior to the show, experiences like this were reserved for regular students. For many of the students, this experience is the night of their lives. Tickets are $3 at the door. 100% of the profit goes to the PCHS Raider Buddies Chapter. (813) 757-9370. Jan. 26 for the limited seating event. For information and registration, please contact EHHS at (813) 757-9226 or email sbenderpc@aol.com or qcenter@ tampabay.rr.com.

FRIDAY, JAN. 30 Acoustic Happy Hour — live music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Daniel Sprouse Band Live! — takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100. Knife Show — takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Lakeland

Center, 701 West Lime Street, Lakeland. There will be an auction Saturday night at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 for a one-day pass. Custom handmade knives, raffles and free parking. Hosted by the Gator Cutlery Club. (813) 754-3908. The Peacemakers — takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

SATURDAY, JAN. 31 Car Show Benefit — takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Krystal Burger, 2615 James L. Redman Parkway. Brianna Massey found out her senior year of high school that she didn’t have any functioning kidneys. Now a 20-year-old college student, Massey will be receiving a kidney. The benefit will raise money to help support the donor and her family along with other expenses. There will be a 50/50, deejay, corn hole tourna-

ment, bake sale and more. Dale and AB — live music takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Heart Health Screening — takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the main lobby of South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. Connect to good heart health with a heart-healthy screening that includes blood pressure, blood sugar/glucose, body mass index and cholesterol. There also will be a nurse and nutrition specialist on hand to answer your questions. The event is free, but registration is required. (813) 644-6720. Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Competition — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2208 W. Oak Ave. The annual tradition will have pageant contestants vying for the crown. The Queen and her court reign over the festival and related events for one year. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. FlStrawberryFestival.com. Mark Barrios Band Live! — takes place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100. Paul Daily Horse Whisperer — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Lebanon Baptist Church, 110 N. Forbes Road. Paul will give sermon while breaking a horse, demonstrating the relationship people have with God and the devil. (813) 752-2006. Walk with a Doc — takes place beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Walden Lake entrance Oracle Home Health Office, 1602 W. Timberlane Drive. The guest speaker will be Barbara Roberts with the Florida Department of Heath Fitness & Nutrition in the Aging. The event is free. WalkWithADoc.org.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

WALDEN LAKE by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

WLCA selects new manager

The manager has new ideas to solve recurring problems in the community. After voting to switch management companies, the Walden Lake Community Association went through a transitional period without a permanent property manager. Now, the board of directors has chosen Linda Fernandez from Greenacre Properties, as their manager. “I think what we’re seeing from Linda is, we’ve got a really good manager,” Rich Glorioso, president of the board, said. Within weeks of Fernandez’s ﬁrst day, the board has begun to move forward with her ideas for solving some of the community’s most infamous problems. For at least eight years, some Walden Lake residents have been ﬁghting to get the board to enact a towing policy

for non-resident cars that are parked at the lake. A board committee has been working on the issue, but they have not found a practical and affordable solution. Fernandez has come to the rescue. “In different communities I’ve managed in the past, the area for towing is really conﬁned, so we’ve used the boot system,” Fernandez said. If a resident notices a car parked at the lake without a resident decal, he or she will contact the ofﬁce. Fernandez or another employee will go out to the lake and take down important information about the car, and then call the booting company. An employee of the booting company will arrive and put a boot around the car’s tire. The owner of the vehicle will

have to pay the booting company $70 to have the boot removed. With this system, there is less opportunity for any vehicle in the lot to be damaged than there might be with a tow truck coming in. Also, the owner of the car is able to retrieve important items that might have been left in the car, such as a cell phone or wallet. After she suggested this to the directors, they approved the idea. Over the next month, Fernandez will be checking relevant ordinances of the city and county, and gathering quotes from booting companies. The board will vote on a company at the February meeting. Glorioso expects the policy to be in place and active by April. There also are numerous issues related to landscap-

ing in the community, such as patches of yellow or dead grass, low-hanging moss and diseased plants. “In general, the community doesn’t look its best,” Jan Grifﬁn, leader of the landscaping committee, said. “I’m not pleased at all.” One of the most costly problems has been inefﬁcient irrigation. In November 2014, the community went over its citydictated limits of water for irrigation and did not realize it until the end of December. “Almost every day when you drive by and see the sprinklers on, at least one of them is shooting straight up in the air,” Glorioso said. Board secretary Heather Updike said she has seen the sprinklers running on numerous rainy days.

VACANCY

The board has been short a ninth member since former WLCA President Jim Chancey resigned in November. The ninth member is necessary for avoiding split votes. In multiple votes on two applicants who hoped to fill the vacancy, there was a tie. Since the directors would not change his or her vote, they have decided to leave the position unfilled until their annual election in August. Fernandez has committed to working closely with Walden Lake’s current landscaping contractor, Complete Landcare, to address the issues. But she also will be inviting a representative of OLM Inc., a landscaping company that manages six of Greenacre’s communities, to meet with the board. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

HISTORY

by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Marching bands from area high schools and some middle schools performed along the route.

The Improvement League had one of several traditional floats on display for the parade.

DREAMSCAPE

The only thing louder than the Corvettes were the motorcycles.

Members of the Plant City High Class of 1980 were all smiles.

The Marshall Middle School Gentleman’s Quest club chanted and marched.

The life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were honored Saturday morning in the MLK Freedom Parade. Traveling through Historic Downtown and ending at the MLK Rec Center, a slew of marching bands, church groups, Corvettes and more entertained the crowds with their big sounds and small souvenirs.

City Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis’s golf cart was near the front of the procession.

The Tampa Bay Posse Corvette Club loves the cameras almost as much as the parade.

Myla Lawrence, Maverick Lawrence and Kayla Henck

LAUD AND HONOR

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Citizen of the year to be named next month

The winner will be revealed at the annual awards lunch Wednesday, Feb. 11.

A team of Plant City’s civic leaders met Tuesday, Jan. 6, and selected the 2015 Citizen of the Year. But the winner’s identity will be kept a secret until it is revealed at the award ceremony next month. The team of voters comprises certain members of Plant City Kiwanis Club, and presidents of other local civic clubs. “At the election night, each club who submits their nominee, and later votes, are sworn to secrecy,” Ken Gibbs, one of the event organizers, said. “The winner is only known to a handful of people who coordinate the event.” Year after year, the winner is lured to the luncheon and surprised with the award. Although the luncheon isn’t until Feb. 11, tickets must be bought by Thursday, Feb. 5. Tickets are $25. To RSVP contact Ken Gibbs at (813) 7526171. The ﬁrst Citizen of the Year was Arthur Boring in 1960. This year’s winner will be the 56th to be honored. Michael Cameron, the 2014 Citizen of the Year, will present this year’s award. The Red Rose Inn used to host the ceremony, but since it closed in May 2012, the Strawberry Festival Grounds have been the new venue. “Many of (the festival’s) directors and associates are past recipients, and they have a long history for supporting this event,” Gibbs said. The award ceremony will start with a buffet lunch. Kiwanis Club leaders will welcome and thank the other participating clubs, and then there will be recognition and awards for Outstanding Youth of Plant City. “The surprise on the face of the recipients is always a pleasure to see,” Gibbs said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

IF YOU GO

Date: Wednesday, Feb. 11 Time: 11:30 a.m. Location: Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave. Tickets: $25 RSVP by Feb. 5 to Ken Gibbs, (813) 752-6171, gibbsrealtor@aol.com Make checks payable to Kiwanis Club of Plant City, P.O. Box 1179

FLEET OF FAITH by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Retired Plant City nurse sets sail for mission to Africa

One Plant City woman will spend the next four months on a ship in Madagascar, providing medical care to the poor. Frankie Wilson, a member Soon after, Wilson retired. But of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church she didn’t want to remain idle. in Plant City, refused to spend Wilson’s daughter told her her retirement in just about an organization comfort and rest. she had read about That’s why she has called Mercy Ships. embarked upon a Wilson also saw a seg9,000-mile journey, ment about the orgato serve the people of nization on 60 MinMadagascar. utes. In Madagascar, “I studied what it there are approxiwas all about, and I mately three hospital thought, that’s somebeds for every 10,000 thing I’d like to do— people, and about Frankie Wilson but not now,” Wilson 3,000 doctors to serve said. the population of 22 million. So Mercy Ships is a Christian with a Bible and stethoscope nonproﬁt, founded in 1978, in hand, Wilson, 72, a retired that works internationally to nurse, will put forth her best provide surgeries in some of the to do God’s will in a country world’s poorest areas. Though where medical care is inacces- Mercy Ships used to manage a sible for most local inhabitants. ﬂeet of three ships, there is just one operational ship now, the Africa Mercy. Eager Volunteer “This vessel was deployed A few years ago, Wilson’s mother and husband both died in 2007 and can accomplish within a six-month period. far more than the three previ-

ous ships put together, due to the size of the ship and its onboard hospital,” Russ Holmes, a spokesman for Mercy Ships, said. When the Africa Mercy arrives at a port, it docks for months to provide free medical care to the locals, including treatment of burn wounds, cleft palates and tumors. In 2013, Wilson began the application process to become a volunteer. She submitted recommendation letters and had to get “every vaccination you can imagine,” she said. In June 2014, nearly a year after she had applied, Wilson was notiﬁed that she had been accepted. She was called to begin serving in August at a port in West Africa, but the ebola epidemic changed the plans. Wilson raised more than $5,000 to cover the travel and living expenses of her service. Members of her church, St. Pe-

ter’s Episcopal, were some of the most generous donors. In November, the Africa Mercy arrived in Madagascar, and Wilson was invited to board Jan. 24. She accepted the call, and will return to Plant City May 30.

Life On Board

Wilson is a registered nurse and certiﬁed catastrophic case manager. “This is where my experience will be really helpful in evaluating the patients on the ship,” she said. With the help of an interpreter, she will be one of the last people each patient speaks with before going in to surgery. “I’ll be there to hold their hand and give them a little bit of comfort,” Wilson said. Wilson will share a cabin and bathroom with ﬁve other women. Volunteers are limited to two-minute showers and one duffel bag. “You’re lonely at times, you’re tired, but you just keep going on ... because it’s all about do-

ANSWER THE CALL

About 1,200 volunteers serve with Mercy Ships each year, and not all of them have backgrounds in medical care. Applications are available for teachers, cooks, electricians and more. The ship is staffed by about 400 volunteers. Holmes said volunteers should have a heart to serve. For more information visit mercyships.org.

ing God’s work,” Wilson said. Volunteers have weekends free for excursions and visits to local church services. “I’ll be seeing things I’ve never seen before,” Wilson said. “I know that I will get far more out of this experience than I will give, but I’m just going to give it the best that I have and hope to make a difference.”

Local Roots

Wilson is serving with Mercy

Ships in honor of her mother, who raised four children alone. “She was always teaching us to take the high road,” Wilson said. The family has prominent ties to Plant City. Two of Wilson’s granddaughters were Strawberry Queens (Ashley Watkins Jordan in 2005, and Victoria Watkins in 2011), and another was ﬁrst maid on the Strawberry Court (Alexandra Watkins in 2007). Wilson said she will sad to miss the Florida Strawberry Festival this year. Is is the ﬁrst time since 1965. Last year, Wilson moved out of Plant City to a retirement community in Tampa. But she is still involved at St. Peter’s, as a member of the Altar Guild. The church honored Wilson last weekend, to send her off to Africa with prayers. “I felt like I was being dedicated to God all over again,” she said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

MEW / PAGE 1 seen marching on national television. Because FSU’s football team competed in the Rose Bowl this year, the marching band was invited to perform in the Rose Parade Thursday, Jan. 1, in Pasadena, California. “It was probably the coolest thing I’ve ever done,” Mew said. “There were so many cameras and so many people along the way. I’d always watched (the parade) and been interested in all the floats, but never dreamed of doing it.” At more than five miles, it also was the longest parade she had ever performed in. FSU defeated Georgia Tech, 37-35, in the ACC Football Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 6. As they were on their way home from the championship, Mew and other members of FSU’s marching band turned on the bus’ TV and found out at the same time as the rest of the nation that FSU would be playing in the Rose Bowl this year. Many students had expected FSU to be sent to the Sugar Bowl, instead. “Everyone was so excited and surprised,” Mew said. The marching band normally practices every day for two hours, and practices intensified as the band prepared for the Rose Bowl. One of the most difficult parts to prepare for was a spot in the parade route where all 420 members of the marching band had to coordinate a right-hand turn. When Mew was a member of color guard at Durant, the marching band comprised about 120 students. The increase in size at FSU was not the only adjustment between her experiences in high school

MARCHING CHIEFS HISTORY FSU’s marching band, known as the Marching Chiefs, first formed in the 1930s, and color guard was added in 1970. In 1982, Sports Illustrated ran an eight-page spread that said, “Florida State occasionally may lose a football game, but never a halftime show.” The tagline stuck, and the Marching Chiefs are still unofficially known as “the band that never lost a halftime.” and college. “We were very competitive at Durant, so practices and the general atmosphere were much more serious, whereas at FSU, we are performing solely for the entertainment of the crowd,” Mew said. “So it is a little more laid-back.” Also while she was in high school, Mew was a member of Tampa Bay Thunder, an independent drum corps with which she toured the northeast United States and performed at a championship event in Rochester, New York. Mew chose to attend FSU because the campus was beautiful and welcoming, and there were a wide variety of academic programs, she said. “On my ﬁrst visit to the campus, I knew immediately that Tallahassee would be my home for the next four years,” Mew said. She is studying family and child science and hopes to attend graduate school for accelerated nursing. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

MILLER / PAGE 1 Springfield said. “Even for the people he arrested he would have a word of knowledge for them and would come back to mentor them.” Mr. Miller would keep in contact with youths he picked up on the street, making sure they didn’t retreat back into a life of crime. If a warrant was out for their arrest, it wasn’t uncommon for the person sought to call Mr. Miller to come pick them up. “He made everyone feel special, whether they were a criminal or not,” Springfield said. “He never had to chase no one. He was an icon. If you had a problem, you could call him.” But it wasn’t all good feelings for the police officer. During lunch with his family, he often had to race out on a call. His children loved riding along. One time, a grave was robbed. Springfield came with him and was tasked to light up the grave with the flashlight. “He told me, ‘Hold the light,’” Springfield said. “I said, ‘Hold the light?’ I got to go. I didn’t have the stomach for it. But for him, it was normal work. For him, it was his job to get to the bottom of it.” Sampson also remembers riding along with her father to an accident where a train collided with a car. It was something she didn’t want to see. But she has a fonder memory of riding along with her father Known as his baby girl, together they led the Strawberry Festival Parade in his police car. “I felt like the luckiest girl in the world,” Sampson said. Mr. Miller was often processing crime scenes and developing pictures long after his shift was over. Now assistant city manager of public

HORSES / PAGE 1 “Prix St. Georges is a high level of dressage competition for horses — like ballet on horseback, no jumping, and one of the Olympic equestrian disciplines,” Davidson said. “Very few ponies compete at the highest level in dressage, which makes Forrest and Jill unique.”

Forrest Nymph

Before Farrah was even born, Lynn Simpson of Thonotosassa had purchased her, and the horse arrived in Florida from Pennsylvania when she was 8 months old. In the midst of family tragedy, Simpson sent Farrah, then

safety and formerly the Plant City Police Department’s police chief, Bill McDaniel was just a rookie at the department when he first met Mr. Miller. “I wondered if he ever went home,” McDaniel said. “He was a good officer, very hardworking. He’s one of the people you meet in life that just had a quality about them.” Just one week into the job, Mr. Miller had approached McDaniel and offered to show him the works. “He was just one of those guys that reached out to you,” McDaniel said. “He was very helping, very sharing with all of his knowledge.” Mr. Miller was so much more than a police officer, however. He was known as a mentor, dad and uncle, the singing policeman, Marine, Toys for Tots organizer, guardian of a secret crab recipe, Mt. Olive AME Church trustee and a kung-fu master. He was a black belt in karate and judo. On the bottom of a picture of him striking a karate pose is written “Think twice and say nothing.” Even McDaniel remembered a medallion Mr. Miller wore on his uniform that designated his karate skills. And perhaps one of his greatest roles was being a father to his children. “We never had to fight for his love,” Springfield said. “He loved us in his own way. The advice he gave me was different than my sisters or brother.” Mr. Miller was predeceased by his son, Roosevelt Miller Jr. He is survived by his sons, Todd Springfield and Todd Miller; and daughters, Celustine Chase and Capathia Sampson. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. 3 years old, to Hardt. “Farrah hated dressage and got into lots of trouble at Jill’s barn,” Davidson said. “When Farrah was 5, Jill and Lynn decided Farrah should try a different career.” Farrah was relocated to Black Dog Farm, because Davidson raises Connemara ponies like her. Davidson began jumping with Farrah, as well as trail riding. She worked Farrah up to even bigger challenges. “I ended up trying a sport called three-day eventing, like triathlon on horses. You do a dressage phase, a cross country jumping phase and a stadium jumping phase,” Davidson said. Cross country is a fitness

LOCAL FINALISTS STANLEY GLOVER School: Marshall Middle School Position: Math/ ESE teacher Years at Marshall: 16 Tip for Success: “Be inspiring, be enthusiastic, be motivating, be encouraging.” BRIANNA TROUT School: Simmons Career Center Position: Assistant teacher Years at Simmons: 10 Tip for Success: “You may trip along the way, but don’t let that hold you back from getting up and trying again to pursue your dreams.” MADIAN MAQUIVAR School: Dover Elementary School Position: Bilingual paraprofessional Years at Dover Elementary: Two Tip for Success: “Learning is an adventure. Make it fun and never give up.” RAUL ANDRADE School: Tomlin Middle School Position: Bilingual aid Years at Tomlin: Three Tip for Success: “Always set goals and stay positive.”

test of 5,000 or more meters, marked by obstacles, water and drops. The stadium phase comprises numerous jumps in an arena setting. “I was told by many Olympic-level trainers that Farrah was talented to compete at the upper levels, but my skill doesn’t allow me to try that,” Davidson said. “So I partnered with Sinead Halpin one year ago to compete Farrah at the upper levels of eventing.” Since Halpin has been riding Farrah, the pair has placed ﬁfth in Preliminary at the New Jersey Horse Park Trials (June 2014), 10th in Intermediate at the Virginia Horse Trials (May 2014), seventh in their ﬁrst outing at the Intermediate

TEACHERS / PAGE 1 tives of the Hillsborough Education Foundation showed up looking for them, with an offering of balloons and flowers, to congratulate them on being selected as finalists for the 2015 Excellence in Education Awards. “I never even imagined being a finalist for the district,” Brianna Trout, an assistant teacher at Simmons Career Center, said. “There are a lot of dedicated educators. I’m just a small example of going into a school and to help students. I truly feel honored.” Trout, Maquivar and Andrade are finalists for the Instructional Support Employee of the Year award. Maquivar is a bilingual paraprofessional at Dover Elementary School, and Andrade is a bilingual aid at Tomlin Middle School. There were five total finalists in this category, chosen from 249 nominees. “I’ve always liked helping and teaching kids,” Maquivar said. “It gives me a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have changed a student’s life by teaching them new, fun and exciting things.” “It is very gratifying to build positive relationships with students and have an impact on their lives in a positive way— to help them achieve success not only in the classroom, but in life,” Andrade said. Glover was selected out of 218 nominees as one of five finalists for the Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year award. He is a math teacher at Marshall Middle School. “As an educator, I understand in order to create a perfect world, every student must be able to pursue and achieve their dreams,” Glover said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com. level at the MCTA Horse Trials in Maryland (May 2014), and done well at several additional prestigious events around the country. Despite her clean jumps and powerful hind legs, the horse does have her quirks. “She’s happy to jump into water, she’s happy to jump out of water, but it has to have something to do with a jump — otherwise, she hates puddles,” Halpin said. Farrah also has a mind of her own. “I figured out pretty quickly, we have to do things on Farrah’s terms,” Halpin said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

STRAWBERRY BALL by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Zoë and Sheila DeLeon, members of DeLeon Entertainment, sported their best flapper attire to go with the night’s theme.

The ball was one of the last events that 2014 Strawberry Queen Jessi Rae Varnum and her court will reign over.

Puttin’ on the Ritz The roaring 20s was this year’s theme for the Strawberry Ball held Saturday, Jan. 17, on the Strawberry Festival grouds. Guests listened to the sounds of jazz, provided by DeLeon Entertainment, and mingled

around the large hall draped with shimmering decor and tables adorned with vases of tall feathers. Before dinner was served, many guests dressed up in boas and hats for a photobooth keepsake.

With champagne in hand, women were escorted by the Strawberry Festival Red Coats.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

+ Tribute

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

The candle light vigil for Maitlin Haynes was a night to remember. The community came out and gave great support to the Haynes family. Around 250 neighbors, family and friends spoke that night. We created a circle of life and let anyone who wanted to speak of our dear Maitlin come into the circle. Plant City seniors did a fabulous cheer to her, which showed just how much our community cared. We lost a young girl to an accident, and her life was cut short much too soon. We have all learned to live each day with more love and laughter. Thank you for putting the vigil in the paper, and also we would like to thank Plant City High School for all their support and a big thank you to all of the citizens who came out to support a family in their time of grief. — The Orrico Family

+ Pay Your Respects THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS

1. After prospecting for gold and minerals for a while, a miner was concerned that his career would not pan out. 2. A man went to the doctor, as he had a bad cough. The doctor laughed at him. When the patient got upset, the doctor told him that laughter was the best medicine.

Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG

When was the last time you left on a trip and when you returned, you were greeted with the smiles, hugs, and the laughter of family and friends? As a retired military veteran who has experienced numerous deployments, the

TO ADVERTISE

Call Veronica Prostko, (813) 716-0007, or Joanna Verga, (813) 451-6489.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

sight and sounds of a “Welcome Home” crowd was more than just music to my ears, it was a healing salve to my soul. There are many, however, who never get a chance to hear the music, see the flags flying or feel the warmth of loving arms around them — soldiers that make one final trip home because they have paid the ultimate price of freedom with their life. There are families that never have a chance to say goodbye as their loved ones fall under a military category of MIA. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, at Hopewell Baptist Church, the Shirley family will have the long awaited silence broken as the remains of World War II pilot James Frank Gatlin Jr. are brought home from overseas, and the memory of his service and sacrifice will be celebrated in a special memorial service. The family wishes to extend an invitation to all veterans of the VFW and American Legion to join with them as they welcome home a lost hero and bring to closure the story of his service and sacrifice. For more information call Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 County Road 39, at (813) 737-3053. — Dr. Dan Middlebrooks

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.

MY VIEW

Midtown Wish List

After getting curious about to see a good men’s store in the progress of Midtown deMidtown, but I do want to velopment, I asked City Man- see one do business there. ager Mike Herr what kind of I remember a place called businesses he thought would “Earl’s Men’s Wear” that sold spring up in the buildings clothes in downtown Plant soon to be constructed in City along Reynolds Street. Midtown. His office respond- Making a purchase or two in ed by sending a “Midtown a store like that could suppleVision” statement by email. I ment all that online shopstarted asking myself ping I am tempted to what kind of shops, do. stores and restauThough I hesitate rants I want to visit to endorse any brand in that area in the names, having a shop coming years. that caters to all of our I enjoy a variety of cyber, wireless invenfoods, thus, additions might prosper in tional restaurants in Midtown. Another trip SCOTT our city makes the to Brandon, Tampa top of my priority or Lakeland would no TOLER list. Driving the short longer be necessary. distance to Midtown The Midtown Vision to find dessert shops and also includes space for manua variety of eateries would facturing centers. Attracting add to the convenience of companies would provide living in Plant City. The city’s work for more people who Midtown Vision flyer pictures live here. This increases the places with outdoor seating, quality of life for everyone giving people a choice to eat and enhances the opportuinside or enjoy the fresh air. nities for people to live here Plant City’s population is long-term. expected to increase every This is just my wish list for year, and this means more Midtown. people to see strolling around The Midtown fountain has Midtown. started flowing with water. It Because I am an admitted seems we are watering Plant bibliophile, I am looking for a City’s grounds for the kind of small bookstore. People living healthy, prosperous future it in Plant City need to leave deserves. town just to reach bookstores. Scott Toler is a lifelong Seeing print on paper never resident of Plant City. He can lost its appeal for me. be reached at etoler25@tamIt may be asking too much pabay.rr.com.

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

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Country home tops December residential sales A country home in south SNAPSHOT Plant City topped the realMinimum sale price: $31,000 estate sales in December. The home at 3111 Sam Maximum sale price: $345,000 Hicks Road sold Dec. 19, Average sale price: $137,003 for $345,000. Built in 2006, Median sale price: $129,000 it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,841 square feet of living area on one acre. $119,000 (REO/bank owned). The price per square foot is Built in 2001, it has three bed$121.44. rooms, two baths and 1,692 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot Allens Cove The home at 7804 Turkey is $91.96. The home at 532 Scarlett Creek Road sold Dec. 9, for $160,000. Built in 1951, it has Maple Court sold Dec. 9, for three bedrooms, one bath and $117,000 (short sale). Built in 1,284 square feet of living area 2007, it has three bedrooms, on two acres. The price per two baths and 1,285 square feet of living area on one acre. The square foot is $124.61. price per square foot is $91.05.

Baker

The home at 4960 Slaten Road sold Dec. 31, for $169,000. Built in 1985, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,435 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.40.

Country Hills

The home at 4345 Country Hills Boulevard sold Dec. 19, for $101,664 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 720 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $77.31. The home at 515 Scarlett Maple Court sold Dec. 5, for $119,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,315 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $90.49. The home at 519 Scarlett Maple Court sold Dec. 10, for

Eagle Greens

The home at 2640 Eagle Greens Drive sold Dec. 12, for $120,000. Built in 2001, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,137 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $105.54.

Fullenkamp Acres

The home at 6209 Fullenkamp Drive sold Dec. 10, for $104,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 720 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $57.49.

Gillespies

The home at 4635 Gillespie Lane sold Dec. 23, for $199,000. Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,936 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $103.25.

Gordon Oaks

The home at 1219 Gordon Oaks Drive sold Dec. 29, for $97,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 720 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.00.

Greenleaf

The home at 1105 Old Mossy Court sold Dec. 22, for $105,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,339 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $78.42.

Hillsborough

The home at 5207 Five Acres Road sold Dec. 18, for $235,000 (short sale). Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 3,289 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $71.45. The home at 6909 Five Acres Road sold Dec. 29, for $185,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,904 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $97.16. The home at 1611 Marshall Drive sold Dec. 10, for $90,500. Built in 1972, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,357 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $66.69. The home at 3105 Medulla Road sold Dec. 29, for $199,990. Built in 1967, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 2,892 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $67.74. The home at 2024 Pleasant Acres sold Dec. 30, for $81,750 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,429 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $57.21. The home at 805 W. Russell Drive sold Dec. 19, for $187,500. Built in 1967, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,275 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $82.42. The home at 4601 Smith Ryals Road sold Dec. 19, for $104,500 (short sale). Built in 1939, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,872 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $55.82. The home at 731 Swilley Loop sold Dec. 24, for $208,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2003, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,020 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $102.97. The home at 3204 E. Trapnell Road sold Dec. 1, for $85,000. Built in 1900, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 864 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $98.38.

Historic District

The home at 702 N. Collins St. sold Dec. 19, for $170,000 (short sale). Built in 1901, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,484 square feet of living

Amber Jurgensen

This home, which has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,841 square feet of living area on one acre, sold for $345,000. area on one acre. The price per square foot is $68.44.

Magnolia Green

The home at 3210 Azalea Blossom Drive sold Dec. 11, for $168,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,886 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $58.21. The home at 3306 Azalea Blossom Drive sold Dec. 23, for $155,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,348 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $66.01.

Morgan

The home at 6230 Bob Head Road sold Dec. 31, for $93,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,620 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $57.41.

New Hope

The home at 12 Leaning Palm Court sold Dec. 5, for $113,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,268 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $89.12.

Oakview Estates

The home at 2007 Live Oak Drive sold Dec. 2, for $92,000. Built in 1980, it has four bedrooms, one bath and 1,332 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.07. The home at 1711 Oakwood Estates sold Dec. 17, for $170,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2004, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,006 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $84.75.

Park Place

The home at 1405 Johnson St. sold Dec. 12, for $287,500. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 2,888 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $99.55. The home at 1210 Lavender Jewel Court sold Dec. 17, for $204,877 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,144

square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $95.56.

Pinedale Meadows

The home at 1507 Pinedale Meadows Court sold Dec. 24, for $164,000. Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,744 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $94.04. The home at 1511 Pinedale Meadows Court sold Dec. 4, for $174,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,774 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $98.08.

Shepherd

The home at 2315 Branch Forbes Road sold Dec. 17, for $137,000. Built in 1962, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,858 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $73.74.

Sugar Creek

The home at 4040 Sugar Creek Drive sold Dec. 10, for $135,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,260 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $107.14.

Tomlinson Acres

The home at 5008 Gallagher Road sold Dec. 5, for $257,500. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,474 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $104.08.

Trapnell Ridge

The home at 3415 N. Grove Blossom Lane sold Dec. 10, for $137,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,510 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $90.73. The home at 3602 Trapnell Ridge Drive sold Dec. 12, for $129,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,620 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $80.19.

Turkey Creek Acres

The home at 4804 Kipp Circle sold Dec. 15, for $94,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,015 square feet

of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $46.65.

Walden Lake

The home at 2704 Clubhouse Drive sold Dec. 12, for $250,000. Built in 1994, it has ďŹ ve bedrooms, three baths and 2,622 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $95.35. The home at 4112 Longfellow Drive sold Dec. 12, for $129,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,456 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $88.60. The home at 3304 Milton Place sold Dec. 19, for $229,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,368 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $96.71. The home at 1704 Sagebrush Road sold Dec. 3, for $200,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,957 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $102.20. The home at 613 Sandalwood Drive sold Dec. 1, for $150,000 (short sale). Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,037 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $73.64. The home at 817 Sandalwood Drive sold Dec. 12, for $151,000. Built in 1987, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,514 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $72.84. The home at 1201 Sandalwood Drive sold Dec. 24, for $108,979 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1982, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,907 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $57.15. The home at 3552 Silvermoon Drive sold Dec. 15, for $155,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,904 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $81.41. The home at 4007 Silverspring Drive sold Dec. 12, for $170,000 (short sale). Built in 1992, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,033 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $83.62.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

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

DECEMBER 19, 2014

BIG PHONY

3500 block of West Baker Street. Counterfeit money. An ofﬁcer took possession of a fake $50 bill.

LITTLE PHONY

2300 block of North Park Road. Counterfeit Money. An ofﬁcer took possession of a fake $20 bill.

NOT PICTURE PERFECT

Townsgate Court. Vehicle burglary. Sometime in the early evening, a Canon camera, valued at $5,600, was taken from a vehicle. The 2013 Dodge truck was entered by

WEST ORANGE

CORNER

breaking out the right, rear window.

DECEMBER 20, 2014 PICKPOCKET

2600 block of Thonotosassa Road. Theft. A complainant stated a suspect reached into her purse and grabbed her wallet. The victim’s wallet contained $100 and a cruciﬁx charm, valued at $300. No video of the incident was available.

PRESSURE’S ON

1309 Redbud Street. Residential burglary. A red 2700 PSI pressure washer was taken from inside a screened porch. The pressure washer was valued at $320.

COVER UP

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail Theft. Loss

Prevention advised they detained a suspect trying to steal a black jacket worth $21.28. The suspect was arrested was later released to his father at the police department.

DOCTOR’S ORDERS

2700 block of Wilder Trace Court. Possession of prescription drugs. An ofﬁcer arrested an 18-year-old for possession of prescription drugs, without a prescription. He was transported to Orient Road Jail.

COSTA GONNA COST YA

400 block of North Plant Avenue. Business burglary. A broken window was discovered by the cleaning crew. Contact was made with the business owner who stated a complete display case containing “Costa” sunglasses was taken.

DECEMBER 22, 2014 SEMI SWIPE

600 block of South Frontage Road. Grand Theft Auto. Ofﬁcers responded to this warehouse in reference to a stolen 1990 International semi tractor and a white 2003 Patterson brand trailer.

ILLEGAL PASSENGER

2000 block of East Timberlane Drive. Drug Investigation. Ofﬁcer located 49.5 grams of marijuana in plain view.

DECEMBER 23, 2014 READY TO WORKOUT

400 block of Whitehall Street. Burglary Vehicle. A 2002 Mitsubishi four-door appeared to be left unlocked. Missing from it was a gym bag, miscellaneous clothing and iPod, valued at $105.

PLAYER

500 block of South Morgan Street. Burglary Residence. The complainant returned home and found that her residence was burglarized. Entry was made through a rear window. Unknown suspect(s) took a ﬂat screen TV and video games valued at $1,800.

FAREWELL by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Plant City fire department honors retiring captain After 24 years of service, Captain Nat Hargrove’s last day with Plant City Fire Rescue was Thursday, Jan. 15.

On a chilly, overcast afternoon, the Plant City Honor Guard lowered the flag from the pole in front of the fire station. The tune of “America the Beautiful” was heard from a kilted piper on the lawn, and the entire Plant City Fire Rescue staff was gathered to honor one of their own: Captain Nat Hargrove, who had served with the fire department since 1990 and retired Thursday, Jan. 15. Catherine Sinclair “I’m used to serving and giving,” Hargrove Nat Hargrove was presented with an honorary axe. said. “I’ve got to learn to receive, and that’s not easy to manager and city commis- When he was 13, his neighdo.” sion. bor’s house caught fire, and he After the flag was lowered, Then, Hargrove approached rushed over to help an elderly it was removed from the pole the lectern himself, and ad- woman out of the building. and presented to Hargrove as a dressed his peers and family He first pursued other cagift. Hargrove’s colleagues gave with tears in his eyes. reer paths, dabbling in retail short speeches about why they “All I ever really wanted to do and construction, but didn’t will miss him and how they was to lead, and to lead well,” feel as though he had found have appreciated him. Hargrove said. “Just pass a little his calling. “One of the things I respect something on.” “There was always a little most is the fact that he is a fireHe recalled a time years ago, more yearning for excitefighter at heart, he’s a family when he was sent to a house ment,” Hargrove said. man, but he’s not afraid to pro- fire with two new firefightHis brother-in-law was a claim himself as a Christian,” ers. One of the younger men firefighter in St. Petersburg EMS Chief Jim Wilson said. was eager to start putting out and inspired Hargrove to start “When someone chooses a the fire immediately, but Har- a career in the field. Hargrove, fire service career, they agree grove said they should find the a resident of Lakeland, started to make sacrifices. ... Even source first. working at Plant City Fire Resmore special are those who Recently, that firefighter cue in August 1990 and knew make it through the full career who had worked under Har- he was in the right place. to retirement,” Chief Daniel grove’s guidance was sent to a “It was a fine line between Azzariti said. fire, and this time, he was the obsession and career,” HarRichard Brown, who had one leading a new firefighter. grove said. earlier played bagpipes at He encouraged the new fireHargrove has been on overthe ceremony, recalled how fighter to use Hargrove’s strat- seas mission trips throughout Hargrove himself had started egy of looking for the source his life, including to Hondulearning bagpipes solely to first, because he had never ras, Ecuador, Romania and play for the enjoyment of the forgotten that early day in his Austria. In his retirement, he fire department staff. career. Hargrove said this was hopes to dedicate more time City Commissioner Mike among the most rewarding to international evangelism. Sparkman also was in atten- moments of his career. Contact Catherine Sinclair dance, and thanked Hargrove Hargrove was destined for at csinclair@plantcityobserver. on behalf of the mayor, city fire service from an early age. com.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

OBSERVER OBITUARIES Rubye M. Abbott,

Rubye M. Abbott, 93, died Jan. 14, 2015, at her home in Plant City. Mrs. Abbott was a member of Victory Church in Lakeland. She loved playing the piano, knitting, crocheting, sewing and gardening. She is preceded in death by brothers, RL Daniels, James Daniels and Raymond Daniels; and sisters, Doris Ellis and Joyce Hunt. Loving family who survive are her beloved husband of 73 years, David Abbott; son, Marc Abbott (Tammy); sister, Bess Morris; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Wells Memorial, with Pastor Randy Brock ofﬁciating. Burial at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon. Condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Dorothy “Dottie” Allen

Dorothy “Dottie” Allen, 92, of Plant City, died Jan. 15, 2015. She was born May 1, 1922, in Anderson, South Carolina, and was united in marriage April 23, 1938, to Clarence Allen April. He preceded her in death June 8, 2000. They were married for 62 years. Mrs. Allen was a true ray of sunshine. She lived her life as a godly woman and an example to all who knew her. She was an inspiration and a blessing to all of the lives she touched. She loved her family and friends, but above all, she loved her Lord and Savior. Mrs. Allen was also preceded in death by her parents; one sister; one brother; and son-in-law, Bob Davis. She is survived by her children, Joy Hicks (Gerald), of Dover, Jerry Allen (Juanita), of Anaheim, California, Ray Allen (Kim), of Cleveland, Georgia and Barbara Davis, of Plant City; 11 loving grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren; as well as many other beloved relatives and dear friends. A celebration of life memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 19, at Victory Baptist Church, Valrico. In lieu of ﬂowers, the family requests that donations be made in Mrs. Allen’s memory to South Florida Baptist Hospital, to which they are deeply appreciative of the outstanding care they gave her.

Valerie Lorraine Baker,

Valerie Lorraine Baker, 50, of Dade City, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015, in Tampa, after a short battle with cancer. She was born July 10, 1964, in Plant City, to Joseph J. and Bertha Lene Cannon and was a lifelong area resident. She was preceded in death by her mother, Bertha Cannon; niece, Nicole Cannon; and mother-in-law, Ruth Baker. She is survived by her children, Chelsea Crutcher, Casi Gant (Robert), Peyton Baker and Jarhett Baker; grandchildren, Coleman, Haylee, Riley, Madison and Ashtyn; parents, Joseph and Marjorie Cannon; siblings, Joseph Cannon Jr. (Mary), Cynthia Gude (David) and Stephen Barthle (Lana); and numerous close extended family and friends. Services were held Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Dade City Church of God. Hodges Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Randall “Charlie/Randy” Carlisle

Charles Randall “Charlie/ Randy” Carlisle, 58, of Mulberry, died Jan. 14, 2015. He was a member of Local 925 and formerly employed at Moretrench. He loved God and his family. He enjoyed friends and the outdoors. He is survived by his wife, Melinda Carlisle; children, Layla, Tiffany, Christina and Charlie II; siblings, Red, Sandra, Trina, Joani and Jill; nine grandchildren; and many other family and friends. A celebration of life was held Monday, Jan. 19, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Condolencemay be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Velton Andrew Hunter

Velton Andrew Hunter, 85, died Jan. 18, 2015, with his family by his side. He was born Aug. 10, 1929, in Welcome, Florida, to Alvin and Minnie Hunter. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Linnie Mae Hunter; brother, Leonard Edwin Hunter (Inez), of Lithia; children, Dianne Wilkes (Joel), of Lakeland, Velton Edward Hunter, of Zephyrhills, Jerry Bruce Hunter, of Lithia, Roy Andrew Hunter (Phyllis), of Lithia and William Carl Hunter, of Lithia; 24 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Wells Memorial. Burial will follow at Welcome Cemetery in Lithia. Condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Manuel Maldonado

Manuel Maldonado, 39, of Plant City, died Jan. 13, 2015. He was born in Lodi, California, in 1975. He owned Maldonado Flooring. He is survived by his wife, Maria Maldonado; children, Manuel Maldonado (Chelsea Knight), Brenda Maldonado and Andrea Maldonado, of Plant City; grandson, Damien Xavier Ramirez; mother, Emma Silva Maldonado, of Texas; and siblings, Gilberto Maldonado Jr. (Patricia), of Texas, Rolando Maldonado, of Arizona, Adrian Maldonado, of North Carolina and Yanett Maldonado (Carlos), of Georgia. A celebration of life was held Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Condolence may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Janette “Netter” Tucker O’Brien

Janette “Netter” Tucker O’Brien, 42, ended her battle with breast cancer Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2015. She was born July 11, 1972, in Plant City. She received her education degree from Covenant College in 1994 and taught elementary school in Georgia, Virginia and at Lakeland Christian School, for 12 years. She was a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and served in the women’s ministry. She married Joseph Jennings O’Brien July 20, 2002, in Lakeland. She is survived by her husband, Joseph, of Lakeland; and children, Ali and John Kirby, of Virginia, Madison and Josh Horwitz, of Virginia, and Connor and Tucker O’Brien, of Lakeland. She is also survived by her parents, Dr. John and Jane Tucker, of Lakeland; siblings, Tina Strawbridge (Tim-o), of Lakeland, Theresa Riggs (Todd), of Virginia, Matt Tucker (Kim), of Lakeland, Tricia Sinn (Ted), of Orlando and and Anthony Tucker (Rachel), of Georgia; and their families,

including 19 nephews and nieces. A memorial service was held Monday, Jan. 19, at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Lakeland. In lieu of ﬂowers, Mrs. O’Brien and the family have requested donations be given to SeeJesus.net.

Deloris A. Ratliff

Deloris A. Ratliff, 78, of Valrico, died Jan. 10, 2015. Mrs. Ratliff worked as a nurse for 43 years in different parts of the country prior to her retirement from South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City in 2000. She is survived by her loving family, including her husband of 57 years, Adron Ratliff; children, Pam Grant (Kevin), Mike Ratliff (DiDi), Beverly Johnson (Dave) and Kevin Ratliff (Brad); sister, Ceil Turner; six grandchildren; and ﬁve great-grandchildren.

Frances G. White

Frances G. White, 87, died Jan. 16, 2015, with her loving family by her side. Mrs. White, daughter of Flander and Eunice Clark, was born Oct. 15, 1927. She was the youngest of their 14 children. Frances met and married her high school sweetheart. They were married 63 years, at the time of his passing. They raised ﬁve children, and shared many happy memories together. Mrs. White was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She loved her ﬂowers, gardening and cooking family meals. She was a very caring and thoughtful woman, who always had time to listen and was always devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Maryland; son, Eugene; grandson, John; and 10 brothers and three sisters. She is survived by her children, Carol White, Daryl White (Martha), Garland White and Keli McGraw; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. We will deeply miss her smile, her little wink of the eye and her laughter. We will never forget her love and we will carry it with us always. We love you, Mom, now and forevermore! A funeral service was held Thursday, Jan. 22, at Wells Memorial. Burial at Memorial Park Cemetery. Condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Wayne Wright

Wayne Wright, 73, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015, at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was born April 5, 1941, in Chipley, Florida, to Leroy and Edna Wright. Surviving are his loving wife of almost 52 years, Dava Fulwood Wright; children, Carol Hansen (Leroy), Marie Yale (Mike), Pam Wright (June) and Wayne Wright Jr. (Jennifer); brothers, Leroy, Glenn and Harry Wright; and sister, Robbie Jean Wilson. He was blessed with grandchildren, Michael and Ricky Hansen, Tina Yale, and Maggie and Molly Wright; and great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Brycen, Braylin and Rylin Hansen. He was a compassionate husband, father, and grandfather. His knowledge was rich and his heart was golden. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand. His memory is deeply rooted within our hearts. Visitation was held Tuesday, January 20, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home. Graveside service was at Antioch Cemetery in Antioch, followed by fellowship at Plant City Church of God.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

NEWS BRIEFS + Fatal crash occurs at I-4, Alexander

A Saturn collided with a pick up truck hauling a trailer at the Interstate 4 interchange on Alexander Street at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 16. The Saturn, driven by Eric McClellan, 23, of Haines City, was traveling south on Alexander Street and took an eastbound turn toward the I-4 entrance ramp on a green light. He collided with the pick up truck driven by Walter Brown Jr., 55, of Plant City. The pick up truck was traveling north in the intersection on a green light. The pick up truck struck the passenger side of the Saturn, wedging it between a metal pole. Plant City Fire Rescue pulled McClellan and his passenger, Robert Herbert, 61, of Winter Haven, from the car. Herbert died at the scene. McClellan was taken to Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Brown and his passenger, Leo Rainville, 65, of Plant City, were taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital where they were treated and released.

+ Insurance agent faces more charges

A Plant City insurance agent who was twice arrested last year on charges that she stole thousands of dollars from her clients is facing additional charges after more people claimed she took their money. Investigators with the state Division of Insurance Fraud have alleged that Paula Albertson, 53, Albertson stole more than $800,000 in the last five years from at least seven victims. She was arrested again Jan. 15 on two new charges of grand theft. The new charges came after news of Albertson’s previous arrests prompted more victims to come forward, state authorities said. In one of the new cases, Albertson changed a client’s mailing address to the address of her business, Albertson Financial Group, in order to divert mailed withdrawal notices for the client’s account,

according to an arrest report. Albertson then forged six withdrawal requests from the client’s account, depositing more than $200,000 into her own account, authorities said. In a previous case, Albertson is alleged to have named her family members as beneficiaries on a client’s life insurance policy. When the client died weeks later, the family collected more than $150,000, authorities said. Albertson was booked on the new charges and later released on $30,000 bail.

+ Two facing animal cruelty charges

Two Dover residents are facing charges of animal cruelty for depriving 14 horses of proper nourishment. Humberto DeJesus, 54, and Dale Jahnke-Davis, 53, fed the horses so little over an extended period of time it caused the horses to suffer malnutrition by losing a high percentage of their normal body fat, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office report. One of the horses died as a result of the neglect. Another suffered from a tail injury that went untreated by a licensed veterinarian. The horses also were not provided medical or dental treatment.

+ Plant City police seeking information

The Plant City Police Department is seeking information on a case, after a man died from upper body trauma Jan. 13. At 11:22 p.m., the Plant City Police Department received a call about a male who was reported to be unconscious and not breathing. Upon police arrival, a Hispanic male, later identified at Manuel Silva, 39, was found on the ground outside of the residence, 2912 W. Reynolds Street, with upper body trauma. Plant City Fire Rescue personnel pronounced him dead shortly thereafter. Any with information regarding this incident are asked to contact the Plant City Police Department at (813) 7579200. This is an active investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available.

+ SUV turns into semi on S.R. 60

An SUV turned into the path of a semi near Horton Road on State Road 60 Jan. 13. Around 7 p.m. a 2005 Ford Explorer driven by Samuel Diaz Perez, 22, of Plant City was traveling east on State Road 60 in the left turn lane west of Horton Road. Perez turned into the path of a semi truck driven by Curtis Ford, 42, of Gray, Georgia, who was traveling west on State Road 60 in the inside lane east of Horton Road. The front of the semi collided with the right side of the Explorer. The Explorer came to final rest on the outside shoulder facing north, and the semi came to final rest facing northwest. Perez’s passenger, Almeido Perez, 21, of Plant City, was transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

PLANT CITY MAN ARRESTED FOR ANIMAL CRUELTY Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Antonio Casmento, of Plant City, on charges of animal cruelty, after finding a neglected and injured water buffalo in his possession. At about 10:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, agriculture detectives from Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office were called to the 2900 block of South Casmento Frontage Road in Plant City, to check on the welfare of a water buffalo calf that was tied closely to a fence post and appeared to be in distress. When detectives arrived, they discovered that the calf’s head was tied just inches from the fence post. Upon further examination, they noticed an injury on the calf’s eye, which appeared to have been caused by the rope rubbing the eye as the calf tried to free itself. Detectives cut the rope to free the calf, but found a second rope embedded in

+ Rep. Ross welcomes new staff members

U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross, Senior Deputy Majority Whip and member of the House Committee on Financial Services, announced a staff change and welcomed two new staff members. Ross promoted Kyle Glenn to deputy chief of staff and welcomed Stephen Gately as his field Representative. Gately recently served as a district aide to State Rep. Mike La Rosa. He also previously served as Ross’

the calf’s neck muscle tissue. The calf was seized and given medical care from a large animal veterinarian. Upon further investigation, detectives learned that sometime in the month of October 2014, Casmento had tied a lead rope around the neck of the calf. Casmento did not adjust the rope as the calf grew larger. This is how the rope became embedded in the calf’s muscle tissue. The calf is about 6 months old and is currently recuperating under the supervision of a veterinarian. It is expected to fully recover.

field representative during the 112th Congress. Tim Cummings was welcomed as a legislative analyst. Cummings recently served for Majority Leader Eric Cantor as his legislative analyst. Cummings was also a legislative correspondent for Cantor.

+ Correction

In “Lion’s Share” published in the Jan. 9 edition, Tony Lee prefers to be called a practitioner of martial arts and not master. He studies jeet kune do and not ju kwon do. We regret the errors.

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!

While on vacation in Quakenbruck, Germany, to visit their family, Kevin, Belinda and Nick Casy saw city hall in Market Square. The northern German town is Belinda’s mother’s birth place and where most of her family still lives. The Plant City Times & Observer and Cruise Planners have partnered to present our monthly It’s Read Everywhere Photo Contest. Each month, we will select one winner, whose photo will be featured in the newspaper. Entering is easy! Just snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kylee Burroughs destroys goal with corner kick. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

cheerleading by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

What is (and isn’t) considered a sport?

Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver. com.

BASEBALL

After reading that headargued that cheerleading is line, you probably thought not a sport. to yourself, “I’m pretty sure Roenigk is entitled to her I know the answers to that own opinion, as are the Dolquestion.” phins coaches with their own For the most part, I feel the opinions, and you with yours. same way. But in my experiI believe that anything that ences, I’ve noticed that this is involves regular competitions actually a big topic for debate. and plenty of physical effort Once you go outside the is a sport, so I will make room spectrum of the games for cheerleading in my and competitions that Sports section wheneveveryone considers to er I have a good story. be sports — football, I used to think that it baseball, etc. — it’s a wasn’t a sport, but that free-for-all. was before I knew that When I interviewed there was more to it Plant City Dolphins than just watching the cheerleading coach girls recite memorized Robin Bailey and trainchants and shake their JUSTIN er Kelsey Howard last pom-poms at the high KLINE week, they brought school sporting events up the varsity team’s I went to. Not all cheer training regimen and stated squads go beyond that, but that cheerleading, despite the ones that do cheer comwhat some people think, is petitively are playing a sport. deﬁnitely a sport. In fact, they What’s the fundamental feel so strongly about this that difference between a cheer they even had it printed on competition and something their TCYFCC championship like gymnastics? Athletes t-shirts. are training to be able to do On the other hand, many something speciﬁc, nail the people would argue against routine in front of judges and cheerleading’s status as a compete against others for sport. Try asking that questhe highest score. The only tion in Google’s search bar. difference would be that gymYou’ll get about 14,700,000 nasts aren’t exactly working results in 0.44 seconds and on team-oriented routines. plenty of opinions on both Still, they’re competing in the sides from big names like Olympics, and no one doesn’t USA Today, ESPN and more. consider that to be a sport. Perhaps most surprisingly, Maybe synchronized swimin an espnW.com article that ran this past July: Ex-college SEE KLINE / PAGE 14 cheerleader Alyssa Roenigk

+ PCHS brings back tourney

The Plant City Preseason Classic was a hit last year, so head coach Mike Fryrear and the Raiders are gearing up for the next one. The second annual tournament, scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, and Saturday, Feb. 7, will pit the Raiders against the Strawberry Crest Chargers, Trinity Christian Academy Conquerors and the Wiregrass Ranch Bulls. Al Berry will throw the first pitch before the Trinity Christian-Plant City game. Feb. 6: Wiregrass Ranch vs. Strawberry Crest, 4:30 p.m.; Trinity Christian vs. Plant City, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7: Trinity Christian vs. Strawberry Crest, 11:30 a.m.; Wiregrass Ranch vs. Plant City, 2 p.m.

BASKETBALL

+ Get ready for district tourneys

Regular-season basketball will come to a close tonight, meaning that the district tournaments are right around the corner. The FHSAA has released its tournament site listings for 2015, and area hoops fans are in luck: the 7A-7 girls tournament will be held at Strawberry Crest High School. It will also be the first of the two tournaments to take place, and plans to catch the action should be made soon. Play begins at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, with the championship game set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29. It’s likely that that final game will pit Crest and Plant City against one another, and that’s a game that should not be missed. As for the boys, their tournament will be held at East Bay High School, beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3, and wrap up at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6. While East Bay has been in control of the district from day one, the Chargers have made a strong push to second place lately and could threaten the Indians in the long run. For any basketball fans willing to travel, East Bay High School is located at 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton, 33534.

CHEERLEADING

+ Crest, Durant, P.C. place at regionals

Plant City High School played host to the FHSAA Region 3 Cheerleading tournament Friday, Jan. 16. In the Large Varsity competition, Durant finished in second place with an even 83 points, and Plant City placed seventh with 66.50 points. In the Small Co-Ed division, Strawberry Crest ended up with a score of 84.50. Cheerleading State Championships will be held from Jan. 30 and 31 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee. Crest will compete on Friday, the first day, and competitions will be streaming online at nfhsnetwork.com/states/FL.

basketball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer Courtesy Photos

Many of the Dolphins were new to cheerleading this year, but they still beat more experienced teams when it counted most.

NAILED IT The Plant City Dolphins varsity cheerleading team won the TCYFCC Cheer-Off, and they did it by pulling off a move never before seen in the conference.

This season, Robin Bailey wanted to take her Plant City Dolphins cheerleading squad to the conference championship and leave with a win. With a small, relatively inexperienced squad, she had to go deep into the playbook — right into that territory of ideas so crazy that they just might work. In this case, it went off without a hitch. The Dolphins’ varsity cheerleading squad, a group of 14 girls, were able to perfect the basket toss just in time to win the Tri-County Youth Football and Cheerleading Conference Cheer-Off. It was no small feat, considering that half of the girls had never

cheered before. “I told them from the beginning, ‘I don’t care where we place in the other competitions — those don’t matter. What matters is the prize at the end. You’re shooting for that grand prize,’” Bailey says. And although they made it look easy, there was much work to be done beforehand.

FRESH START

Bailey and her family moved to Plant City two years ago, and her daughter, Cassidy Coburn, wanted to get into cheerleading after spending several years in competitive gymnastics. At the ﬁrst day of Dolphins practice, Bailey was asked

to be the coach. Although she had no prior cheer coaching experience, she accepted. This season, she moved up to the varsity level with her daughter and four other girls. As for the rest of the team, only two of the nine newcomers had prior cheering experience. So, Bailey and her assistants had to go to the drawing board. “You have to start from the basics,” she says. “The ﬁrst two weeks of practice, you work on the basic movements, tightness, teaching them good techniques. Then, you start hitting them with routines,

SEE CHEER / PAGE 14

Best basketball players recognized

As basketball season winds down, the Plant City Times & Observer recognizes the Plant City area’s best players. Plant City-area basketball teams are no strangers to success, and much of that is because of the athletic talent spread across the rosters. In an effort to recognize some of the most important contributions that area players have made to their teams, the Plant City Times & Observer has put together two AllArea teams: one for the boys, one for the girls. All statistical information used in these selections was gathered from MaxPreps.com.

2015 PCTO ALL-AREA BOYS TEAM ISAIAH CHANNER Guard Senior, Strawberry Crest Channer is currently averaging 12.1 points, 6.5 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 3.5 steals per game for the Chargers. Stepping into the point guard role after his brother, Malik, graduated, Channer has filled in well. He put up a triple-double on Dec. 9, with 13 points and 10 rebounds and assists, but his best game came three days later: 22 points, 10 assists, nine boards and six steals in a 78-54 win over Steinbrenner. JORDAN WHITE Guard Sophomore, Strawberry Crest White is currently averaging 14.4 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game for the Chargers. In the first big role of his young career, he’s already recorded five games of 20 points or more. His best game was the Nov. 25 win over St. Petersburg Catholic, 77-52, in which White finished with 29 points, three assists and

two rebounds and steals. TYLER WHITE Guard/Forward Sophomore, Durant White is currently averaging 15.9 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game for the Cougars. Leading the Durant attack, the sophomore has had a habit of coming up big in the games that count the most. Most notably, he dropped 36 points in the team’s 54-52 win over Plant City on Dec. 12 and also grabbed seven rebounds and three steals. He had nearly put up the same numbers in a 77-45 loss to a solid East Bay squad, with a line of 32-7-2. JUSTIN HUGHES Forward Junior, Durant Hughes is currently averaging 10.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game for the Cougars. The versatile forward has made a solid, allaround impact for Durant, but his best all-around game came in the Cougars’ 53-52 loss to Vanguard — 10 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks in 21 minutes. EMORY WILLIAMS Center Junior, Strawberry Crest Williams is currently averaging 10.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game for the Chargers. Crest’s resident glass cleaner is the only boys player in the area averaging a double-double and has eaten several teams alive this season. This is especially true of Durant, against whom Williams has scored 47 points and

SEE ALL-STARS / PAGE 14

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

KLINE / PAGE 13 ming is a closer comparison. Wait, that’s in the Olympics, too. So are sports such as archery, curling and shooting. Or, I guess I’m calling those “sports” because the ofﬁcial Olympics website says so. Baseball and softball? Those real sports are still left holding out hope for Tokyo 2020. I respect anyone who can shoot a bow, ﬁre a pistol or curl with Olympian skill. But I wouldn’t go out of my way to call those activities

“sports.” Contests of skill, though? Sure. Of course, there are some gray areas that I’ve had to make judgment calls on in the past. I’m still not 100% sure where I stand on animal competitions like equestrian eventing, but they’re popular enough around these parts that a story would probably end up in my section. I did a story on baton twirlers last year and, when it was ﬁrst assigned to me, our editorial staff held a vote to determine what section of

the paper it belonged in. The majority voted for Sports, and I learned at the interviews and photoshoot that it was the right vote. Although the competitions are broadcast on sports networks, I don’t consider poker or spelling to be sports. Sure, they make compelling TV, but they’re more out of place in than Michael Jordan was in professional baseball. It would be nice if we could all agree on what is and is not really a sport, but I doubt we’ll ever reach that point. At least the debates can be fun.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

KYLEE BURROUGHS The Jan. 16 4A-9 girls soccer championship game was a classic. The Plant City Lady Raiders played well en route to their fourth consecutive championship, which they won when junior Kylee Burroughs capitalized on a perfectly placed corner kick. That was a big win for you guys, and you had the game-winning goal at the end.What was that game like, from your perspective? It was kind of a downer, that we got scored on from the beginning and got scored on right after we scored. But, our coach (Caleb Roberts) told us to keep our heads up, and that’s all we did. We talked each other through it. We talked at halftime, like, “We do this every single time, it’s just another game.” We ended up with two more goals — we were all just there for each other. This was the second time you’ve played East Bay this year.The ﬁrst game was a 1-0 loss at home. So, what were you all looking to change this time? Probably our focus, because we have trouble doing that. But, our coach changes our warm-ups constantly, so it’s something new each time. The other one (thing to change) was just to play for each other. You came up with that game-winner when East Bay was playing rough. How did you pull that off? First off, it started with a great kick by Alicia (Marquez). I just happened to run to the front post like usual. We have our plays during practice — we have one (player) up top, three across the middle, one in the back and one that runs to the front post. I just squeezed through. After that goal, you all had to hold on to that lead for two minutes and it did not look easy.What was the key to keeping the lead? We changed our formation. Instead of having our three in the middle, we actually pushed a player back. So we had our back four, a player in front of them and our three midﬁelders, and one up top. We had most of our defenders push back and people marking. What are some of your hobbies, besides soccer? I like drawing. To be honest, soccer is basically my life.

There’s not really anything else. I guess the only other thing is working at my parents’ restaurant, which is City Pizza. How long have you been drawing? Since I was little. My dad taught me, and I just picked it up from there. I get my creativity from my mother. I like to draw animals. I’m more of a still-life person than portraits, because those are hard. And you also make cakes with your mom? Yes. I love doing that. I’m more of the decorator person — she bakes, and stuff like that — but it’s something for me and her to bond, since I’m going to leave soon. It’s one more thing to add to our list of motherdaughter time. Who’s your favorite athlete? Soccer-wise, I would say either Neymar or Cristiano Ronaldo. Girlwise, I would say Sydney Leroux or Alex Morgan, since they play my position. If you could try any sport you’ve never played before, what would it be? Maybe lacrosse. I’m interested in the physical part of it and the aggressiveness. It’s also related to soccer in some ways, so I ﬁgure I could catch onto that more. If you could meet anyone, who would it be and what would you talk to them about? Neymar, and we would probably just talk about soccer. That’s basically my life, and what I enjoy the most. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To be invisible. I could get away with stuff that I couldn’t get away with if I was seen, I guess. It would be funny if someone was out doing something and you just came by, poked them, they freaked out. I would ﬁnd it funny.

CHEER / PAGE 13 harder stunts, and you move up from there.” For a bunch of rookies, the Dolphins did well in competitions. They began the season with a fourth-place ﬁnish in the East Bay Bucs Cheer Classic, in August, and placed second in the subsequent Patriot Explosion competition the following month. It was then that Bailey and her staff realized how much potential the girls had, especially for such a small group. The team was making noticeable progress, but everyone still felt that there had to have been some way to really turn heads at Cheer-Off. That’s when the idea to perform a basket toss was born.

HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD

Pulling out her cell phone, Bailey brings up a video of a group of cheerleaders performing a basket toss in a gym. Four men form a base, and the lone woman goes up top as the flyer. With every bit of strength they can muster, the men launch the flyer into the air — almost to the ceiling — and watch as she tucks her legs and does a back flip. There’s so much potential for this move to end badly if someone messes up. So much that the move is banned at the high school level. But Bailey saw potential. A move like that would certainly help the Dolphins on the scorecards, and the girls appeared to have the ability to pull it off. “I saw how little our flyers were, and the new flyer that went up in the air could tumble really well,” Bailey says. “And, she’s fearless. You could tell Autumn (Bass), ‘This is what we’re gonna do,’ and she’d be like, ‘OK.’ And, we’d do it.”

ALL-STARS / PAGE 13 grabbed 43 rebounds and four steals in two games.

2015 PCTO ALL-AREA GIRLS TEAM MAIYA TRIGG Guard Senior, Strawberry Crest Trigg is currently averaging 11.2 points, 2.5 assists and 2.2 steals per game for the Lady Chargers. She has been leading the Crest offense for several seasons and has been consistent throughout. Her best game was Nov. 12 against Lennard, when she recorded 20 points, six assists, ﬁve steals and four rebounds. ASHLYN MYERS Guard Freshman, Durant Myers is currently averaging 11.9 points and 1.9 steals per game for the Lady Cougars. The youngest member of either All-Area team, Myers made an immediate impact for the Durant offense and

It also might have been banned at the TCYFCC level, for all anyone knew to begin with. “We weren’t even sure if it was legal in the TCYFCC,” Bailey says. “So, Kim Gude made some phone calls to check to see if it was legal. She came back and told me, yes, it was legal, but they had some concerns about liability on the Plant City Dolphins’ part.” The Dolphins’ board of directors elected to let the team perform the move, but on one condition: they had to be able to go in front of the board and demonstrate that they could, in fact, pull it off successfully. Bailey and her team were given a deadline of Oct. 19 — which was extended because of rain — but managed to nail the move on the ﬁrst day that they really tried to learn it. “Once we got it, it was on,” Bailey says. “They didn’t want to do anything else, they were so excited. I get chills talking about it. It was so awesome to see the excitement in their faces and work so hard for something like that.” They ﬁrst tried the move in competition at the Antioch Pow-Wow, and it worked. “Everybody in the crowd was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’” Bailey says. “It was unreal.” The Dolphins placed third in that event. They had a fall in another stunt. But the fact that the basket toss worked at all was a good sign for Cheer-Off.

STICKING THE LANDING

In the championship, the Dolphins completed both the basket toss and the rest of their routine with ease. They ended up in ﬁrst place, but not without some more work. “After we did the toss, the judges were like, ‘That’s illegal,’” trainer Kelsey Howard says. “I’m like, ‘Pay attention! has been crucial to the team’s large improvement in 2015. Her season high for points was 26, in the Nov. 13, 46-42 win over Wharton. But her best allaround game may have been Nov. 10 against Brandon — 15 points, three boards, four steals. TAHIRA RODRIGUEZ Guard/Forward Junior, Durant Rodriguez is currently averaging 9.4 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game for the Lady Cougars. She was the best player on last year’s squad, and her consistency has helped second-year coach Constance Wharton and her team make huge strides this season. Rodriguez’s best game was on Jan. 7, when she ﬁnished with 20 points and 11 rebounds in a 60-55 loss to Tampa Bay Tech. TERRA BROOKS Forward Junior, Strawberry Crest Brooks is currently averaging 12.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.9

THE SQUAD Autumn Bass, Chelsey Loyd, Morgan Nickle, Leighann Miller, Alyssa Cundiff, Jade’a Broome, Rachel Turner, Halei Alderman, Hollie Manassa, Victoria Cardwell, Tanner Masson, Cassidy Coburn, Megan Hobbs, Ceara Cooper COACHES: Robin Bailey – Head Coach April Taylor – Assistant Coach Stacey Cundiff – Assistant Coach Kelsey Howard – Trainer Watch!’ They were amazed by it — I don’t think they thought we could do it.” The judges believed that the move was illegal because it is in high school. But after a 10-minute conversation with Bailey, the judges and the tournament director were set straight. The team was in the clear and took the champion title. “At the end, they started crying,” Howard says. “They were hugging me, and we were all holding hands. We were all in a circle, and they announced we were in ﬁrst place, and we all started freaking out.” Now, Bailey is considering stepping down from her head coaching role to serve as an assistant. Howard has already volunteered to take over. If she does, she faces a pretty big task of her own: topping the basket toss. But, all parties couldn’t be more pleased with how things have turned out and how they look for next season. “It all worked out, and I couldn’t be more proud,” Bailey says.

blocks and 1.6 steals per game for the Lady Chargers. The twosport star has taken on more minutes for Crest in the wake of Aliyah Gregory’s departure, and has really stepped up. Brooks’s best game was Nov. 18, when she ﬁnished with 17 points, 13 rebounds, six steals and three blocks in a 78-43 win over Sickles. SHAYNA LAWRENCE Center Junior, Plant City Lawrence is currently averaging 11.8 points, 9.2 rebounds, 3.9 blocks and 2.4 steals per game for the Lady Raiders. Plant City has emerged as a formidable defensive team in the district this season, and this two-sport star has been the squad’s linchpin on that side of the ball, while also leading the team in points per game. Her best game may have been Jan. 6, when she scored 14 points and recorded 13 boards, nine blocks and three steals in a 51-48 loss to Newsome.

STRENGTH AND HONOR by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Dean’s Ride turns another cycle

Cyclists braved the early morning cold Saturday, Jan. 17, to bike across town in memory of Dean Snyder. Snyder was an avid cyclist who organized the ﬁrst ride in 2013, before he died of cancer. Registration fees beneﬁt the YMCA Livestrong program, which helps cancer survivors maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dean’s Ride had three distance options: 62, 38 and 18 miles. Regardless of endurance or skill level, all of the participants were there to honor Dean and support the YMCA.

Dean Snyder’s wife, Mikie, and family were there to honor him.

Not all of the bikes were of standard design.

David Voelker rode with Spencer Heysek and Sam Heysek, some of the youngest participants.

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

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. Jan. 15

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Jan. 16

0.00

SAT.

Friday, Jan. 23 Saturday, Jan. 24 Sunday, Jan. 25 Monday, Jan. 26 Tuesday, Jan. 27 Wednesday, Jan. 28 Thursday, Jan. 29

Jan. 17

0.00

SUN.

Jan. 18

0.02

MON.

Jan. 19

HIGH 70 61 68 69 64 67 81

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

0.00

TUES.

SUNRISE Friday, Jan. 23 7:20 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 7:19 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 7:19 a.m. Monday, Jan. 26 7:19 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27 7:18 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 7:18 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 7:17 a.m.

Jan. 20

0.00

WED.

Jan. 21

0.00

JAN.

SUNSET 6:01 p.m. 6:01 p.m. 6:02 p.m. 6:03 p.m. 6:04 p.m. 6:05 p.m. 6:06 p.m.

LOW 57 44 52 48 42 45 55

MOON PHASES

Jan. 26

Feb. 3

TO DATE

1.78 (2014: 0.00)

YEAR

STRAWBERRIES

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

$12.90

TO DATE 1.78 (2014: 0.00)

Jan. 13

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Feb. 18

, 3&

Chris Black’s macroshot of this sunny flower is the winner of this week’s I Love PC photo contest. 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.

THE MAIN THING

By Rob Lee | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Demeaning one 8 “And ___ we go!” 12 On both sides of 19 Hurricane survivor, often 20 Severe anger 21 Fixer-upper 22 Dining table features 24 Editing a picture, in a way 25 Cookie type 26 “Goldengirl” actress Susan 27 Spring, of all the seasons 28 Dwell 31 Tango quota 33 “Long, long” follower 34 Rock-concert equipment 37 “No ___ Traffic” 38 Certain fruity throwaways 44 Attack like a cat 46 Long, long time 49 A hoax sighting 50 Prior to, old-style 51 Ark contents 52 Music genre 54 Beast of burden 56 Like some china 57 Eve’s garden 58 Drools 63 Dried, in a way 65 Ham sandwich choice 66 Hotel room asset 67 Essen basin 69 Telescope part 70 Moderate, in politics 74 “Batman” co-creator Bob 75 All there 76 Musty 77 “Com” preceder 80 Operating physician 83 Not ad-libbing 86 Lake, in Scotland 87 “Battlefield Earth” author Hubbard

94 97 99 100 102 104 105 106 108 110 114 116 120 121 124 125 126 127 128 129

DOWN 1 ‘20s style 2 Happily ___ after 3 Cause for distress 4 All the stage is his world 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

6 8

3 1

Trial lawyer’s advice Always, poetically Garage work Mountain crest City in central Texas “Secret ___ Man” “Undoubtedly” High-wire performer Kind of cake

7 3

“Go ahead” signal “___ bad!” Jouster’s weapon “___ of God” (1985 movie) “Spare” food items After expenses Aristotle’s campus Carnivores “___ sesame” Prior to, poetically “Oh” in Altenburg Common insect Exposing, as fangs Crusoe, e.g. Belittle “And another thing ...” Part of ISP Gratifying Minimal-compliance hiring practice Rhymer’s scheme, sometimes Alarm’s function Go for, as a ball Attempt at a carnival booth Administrative headache

4 7

88 90 91 92

6 7

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

14 15 16 17 18 21 23 27 29 30 32 34 35 36 39 40 41 42 43 45 47 48 53 55 58 59 60 61 62 64 66 68 70 71 72 73 74 77 78 79 80 81 82

Pudding choice Ready to be picked “A Severed Head” author Murdoch Fender bender? .0000001 joule “His Master’s Voice” co. ___ time Clue weapon Apply acid artistically Not he “Going My ___” Better for the job Prone to pout Baby fare School tie? Affront Stirs Marine eagle Parakeet’s dinner A Bobbsey twin Sun or moon, poetically Apprehend Flawless “Adios!” Type of collision Raced ahead Birds in barns 9-to-5 grind “Be quiet!” Anemic Aid for Tarzan Italian scientist Francesco Attractive item Ring bearer, maybe Latish lunchtime Skedaddled Money in Iceland Recipient of a gift Come to pass School assignment “Grand” homer More than suggest 315 degrees

84 85 86 89 91 93 95 96

Lithium-___ battery Low digit “Hotel du ___” (Anita Brookner novel) No longer live “Coal Miner’s Daughter” singer Concern for a hostess Donkey sound Tax form ID

98 99 101 103 107 108 109 110 111 112

Breakfast staple Island ring? National park in Maine Antebellum Billy Blanks’ fitness craze Biting remarks A to Z Cornfield bird Isao ___ of the PGA Explorer Hedin

113 115 117 118 119 120 121 122

Elbow’s site Sheep cries One of the Simpsons Like some decisions Eye up and down A TD earns six of these “The Cat in the ___” “... how I wonder what you ___” 123 Singer Stewart

C RY P T O G R A M S 1. CERHJ VJNOVHLRSBQ ENJ QNMI CBI DSBHJCMO ENJ C PZSMH, C DSBHJ PCO LNBLHJBHI RZCR ZSO LCJHHJ PNAMI BNR VCB NAR. 2. Z WZA HKAU UM UCK JMRUMG, ZF CK CZJ Z OZJ RMSBC. UCK JMRUMG DZSBCKJ ZU CQW. HCKA UCK NZUQKAU BMU SNFKU, UCK JMRUMG UMDJ CQW UCZU DZSBCUKG HZF UCK OKFU WKJQRQAK.

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

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