02.03.17 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

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Ulta Beauty: Coming soon to Plant City The store is set to open in the second half of 2017 in the Lake Walden Square plaza. SEE PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN

‘SOLDIERS ARE MADE’ After getting injured in Baghdad, Iraq, in July 2007, retired U.S. Army Cpl. Jonny Flores was awarded a Purple Heart Medal. Now, the Plant City resident lives for those who didn’t get a second chance.

Local Lovebirds Joseph Wayne Mattair and Sue Ann Barbee are pleased to announce the engagement of their son, Bryan Wayne Mattair, of Plant City, to Sharon Flowers, the daughter of Geraldine Flowers and the late John Flowers, also of Plant City. The couple met at Westside Baptist Church nine years ago and became friends over the years. While volunteering for the Glaros family during Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail and The Christmas Trail, the couple grew close. “God began to work on me over the last four years,” Bryan Mattair said. “Sharon never gave up on me or stopped loving me. In fact, she prayed often for God to step in and He did in His perfect timing. She is my best friend, my life and my love, and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with her.” Bryan Mattair proposed to his new fiancée Saturday, Jan. 28, at Grandpa Johnson’s Barbeque in Plant City as part of his birthday celebration. “Johnson’s was so great to us,” Bryan Mattair said. “They even gave us a bowl of strawberry shortcake. We loved every moment of it ... but more importantly, we love each other so much and we thank God for bringing us together.”

EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

n the spring of 2005, Jonathan “Jonny” Flores was a new father trying to make ends meet. “I was working two jobs,” Flores, now 30, said. “Carpentry during the day and Boston Market at night.” He hadn’t thought about joining the military until he was approached by a recruiter for the United States Marine Corps who asked him about a plan for his life. This is it, Flores told him. But curiosity tugged at the corners of his mind. A few days later, he walked into the recruiter’s office. He was redirected to the United States Army, and sent before a judge to clear his record. “I wasn’t the best kid,” Flores said. “When I was 16, I thought I was getting jumped. It was late at night. I hit the guy, but it turned out he was an undercover cop.” The judge, a United States Air Force Vietnam veteran, wiped Flores’ record clean in order to give him a fresh start. Then four years into the War on Terror, the judge’s reasoning was simple. “He said that what I would be enduring over there would be more than any punishment here,” Flores said. Soldiers, as he would learn, aren’t born. They’re made.

Emily Topper

Retired U.S. Army Cpl. Jonathan “Jonny” Flores was awarded a Purple Heart Medal after being injured in Baghdad, Iraq in July 2007.

SEE HEROES PAGE 3

Black Heritage Festival set for next weekend United Food Bank seeking volunteers The United Food Bank of Plant City is seeking weekday volunteers. Volunteer shifts take place between 12 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, and between 12 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The mission of the United Food Bank and Services of Plant City is to provide assistance for the needy and help them reach a state of sufficiency, empowerment and self-reliance. Those interested in volunteering can contact the United Food Bank of Plant City at (813) 764-0625. The United Food Bank of Plant City is located at 702 E. Alsobrook St., Plant City.

This year’s festival will run from Friday, Feb. 10, through Sunday, Feb. 12, and will include a banquet, youth summit and gospel concert. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

For the 14th year, Plant City residents will gather to celebrate Black Heritage Month in February with a weekend full of events more expansive and inclusive than ever before — especially for youth. Sharon Moody, chair of the Plant City Black Heritage Celebration Inc., said there will be a number of changes to this year’s 14th Annual Plant City Black Heritage Festival. “This year we are happy to

announce that we are partnering with Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa Black Heritage Festival and the Florida State Fair in order to recognize students and provide scholarships to nine winners of the 2017 LEAD Student Contest,” Moody said. LEAD stands for learn, empower, advocate and dream, qualities that the organization aims to instill in future leaders. “(The contest) challenged students to create an artistic interpretation of how he or she has been inspired by a local black leader.” Through the partnership with Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Plant City Black Heritage Festival, $4,500 was raised to be distributed among the nine winners of the contest. Three students will be picked from each of three categories of literature, performance and visual File Photo

SEE HERITAGE PAGE 5

Sharon Moody is the chair of the Plant City Black Heritage Celebration Inc.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 3, 2017

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation because we need to ensure our selfless and courageous veterans receive the care and respect they deserve. Many of my very own constituents have been denied claims by the VA in regards to Agent Orange exposure diseases, including U.S. Navy Capt. Thomas Walden, of Plant City, and it is completely unacceptable.” — U.S. Rep. Dennis A. Ross (FL-15), on becoming an original cosponsor of H.R. 299, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act

A New Chapter Garden Club grows outreach The Plant City Garden Club celebrated Arbor Day Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Bing Rooming House Museum, 205 S. Allen St., by planting a magnolia tree. The club teamed up with C.L. Townsend and other administrators of the Plant City MLK Festival and CareFest Plant City to be part of the volunteer efforts taking place during the festival and related holidays. “We were honored to be part of this by planting a tree that will bring many years of beauty,” Plant City Garden Club President Christy Linke said. “We were all amazed at the transformation the Bing House has gone through. I know with the many hands helping to restore this historical building it ... is a destination for visitors to Plant City.” In addition to the club’s work on Jan. 21, club members also recently prepared flower bud vases for the Community Health Care Center in Plant City. “It’s a program called ‘Flower Therapy,’ Linke said. “It brings a little sunshine to the tables in the recreation and dining hall.” On Monday, April 3, club members will visit the center again to help residents make their own vases.

rian West's term as the 2016 chair for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce came to a ceremonial close Thursday, Jan. 26. West and previous Chamber chairs came together at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College to pass the gavel to Yvonne Fry, the 2017 chair. Once inducted, Fry shared her dreams for the Chamber and Plant City for 2017. Using the acronym B.O.L.D., Fry said she believes the City and Chamber will continue to grow and succeed through being brave and creating continued opportunities, leaders and dreamers. In addition to Fry's induction, 2018 chair-elect Jason Jones was presented with the Chairman's Award, and Stephen Rossiter was honored with Rise Plant City's inaugural Rising Star Award.

Photos by Emily Topper

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Above: 2017 Chair Yvonne Fry and immediate past chair Brian West. Far Left: Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Christine Miller and Mayor Rick Lott. Left: Allysen Kerr and Barie Fry.

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Heroes Among Us FROM PAGE 1

Flores officially enlisted in the Army on June 9, 2005 — the same day he got married to his longtime girlfriend, Wania. At 19, the couple had already been together for four years. Four days later, Flores left for nine weeks of basic training in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He was then stationed in Germany before his deployment in Iraq. “In Germany, we did a lot of simulations,” Flores said. “We were constantly in the field, training. But there were rules we had to learn, too. We were going to be going into people’s backyards. We had to learn the culture and the signals. They don’t know us. The least we can do is be a little respectful.” At 19, the Army helped him grow up fast. He learned selflessness, honor, duty, integrity. He learned how to become a warrior. Everything else, Flores said, was left behind out of necessity. “They strip you away so the only thing you have is the guy to the right and left of you,” he said. “You understand that you have a higher purpose than yourself. It’s not something you can ever change.” He knew it in Baghdad, walking through homes and checkpoints with his fellow soldiers. Watching his hand movements, watching out for weapons. Feeling fear but not showing it. “There’s dirt on the back of your neck,” he said. “You’re thinking, ‘Today is the day that I die.’ You feel it inside, but you don’t let it show. We’re guardians, we’re ambassadors of our community. We’re supposed to be strong. Soldiers aren’t born, they’re made.” There was always fear. There was fear on July 4, 2007, when Flores was heading back from a house assessment. “One guy said, ‘I wish we could see fireworks,” Flores said. “I said, ‘I don’t want to see any.” He didn’t hear the bomb go off. “They say when you don’t hear it, that’s bad,” he said. He was at an Iraqi checkpoint. As his Humvee turned, an improvised explosive device (IED) blew up in the ground beneath him. “I was trying to see my hands and feet,” he said. “I could barely see the tips of my hands.” He didn’t hear the bomb, but he could hear his breath, heavy in his chest. He could hear his heart pumping. He could hear his mind working, trying to make peace. He thought of his wife and his son as the world around him started to blur. “I was scared,” he said. “I remember thinking, ‘God forgive me.” BROTHER, YOU’RE SAFE NOW

The first thing Flores saw the next time he opened his eyes was light — bright, glaring, blinding. An unfamiliar, beautiful woman stood above him. There was no pain. “I thought it was Heaven,” he said. “I thought she was an angel.” The sounds started coming in slowly, and then rushed, followed by small realities in quick succession: Nurses. Pain. Shots. And then, again, darkness. The next time he opened his eyes, Flores was strapped down. He was in a

“For me, I believe in this. They were there. They put themselves there and they shed blood for something they believe in, something more meaningful than themselves.”

— Retired U.S. Army Cpl. Jonathan “Jonny” Flores

LEARN MORE Wounded Vets: WoundedVets.org. Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 87, Tampa: PurpleHeart.org Assisting Veterans of America Support Team: AVASTOnline.org

VETERAN SUPPORT Operators of The Lifeline and Veterans Crisis Line are always available to talk, for both crisis intervention and for general support. Calls are confidential and toll-free: 1-800-273-8255

Photos by Emily Topper

Top: Retired U.S. Army Cpl. Jonathan “Jonny” Flores is involved in multiple veterans organizations throughout the Tampa Bay area. Above: In addition to being a Purple Heart recipient, retired U.S. Army Cpl. Jonathan “Jonny” Flores also has a combat action badge and challenge coins.

helicopter, a pilot standing over him. Don’t worry, brother, the pilot said. You’re safe now. He closed his eyes. Opened them. He was in a hospital now, a chaplain praying over him. He couldn’t feel anything. Am I that bad? What happened to me? He looked around. He was at an Army hospital, back in Germany. As doctors spoke, he took comfort in the familiarity of the trademark camouflage. His family had been contacted. His wife was there. “I could see it in her eyes,” Flores said. “She was scared, relieved, everything. Every time I spoke, she would cry.” The doctors began to speak to him, but there was more information than he could comprehend. He was bleeding into his sinus cavity. He had a traumatic brain injury and fractures in his pelvis, screws and plates where shrapnel had struck him. There was a rod in his left femur, now. He’d lost the use of the toes in his left foot. But he was alive. And July 4th — the birthday of the nation he’d fought valiantly for, his sister’s birthday, the day of the explosion — became his second chance day. His Alive Day. FINDING PURPOSE

Following the attack, Flores was awarded the Purple Heart and returned home to Florida. He was officially retired in 2009 as a corporal. “War is ugly,” he said. “And you have to come home and deal with that. I think a lot of us try to forget.”

He was back on his homeland, but Flores still had his warrior mentality. “When I came home, I really lost myself,” he said. Confined for a time to a wheelchair, he moved back in with his mother. “She would hear me scream, she would hear me cry,” Flores said. “I think that’s what I needed. I needed to let it all out.” Alone in his room, he stuffed blankets under the doors to block out light. He started drinking. Not to get drunk, he said, but to pass out. Just enough to black out and avoid dreams of far off lands, of Humvees and house assessments and hand signals, of smoke clouds in his face and dirt on the back of his neck. Passing out for three hours at a time, he’d wake up and listen to the sounds of his mother’s house, noises that kept him on edge, a soldier whose mind was still in a war zone. In the middle of the night while the rest of the world slept, he rolled around in his chair, opening doors and peering through windows, checking every foreign sound. “I was lost,” he said. “I was just lost. I just didn’t want to be around anybody. I think when we started to lose people, we went more into a state of rage. My best friend was in six combat tours. Being a warrior is all he knows how to be. He joined when he was 18, and it’s been 15 years now. It becomes part of your life.” Eventually, Flores started to notice the impact he was having on his son, Jonathan. “My son is the greatest kid,” Flores said. “When you have your child, your life changes where they’re the only thing that matters. They can’t

live without you. This person relies on you. He was little, but I could see how much he hurt.” Dad. I miss you. In his son’s eyes, Flores could see the reason for it all: why he’d traded carpentry tools for Army boots, why he’d made so many sacrifices. “The reason why I did all this is right here, and I’m still not here for him,” Flores said. “So I packed up and rented a house. I got a U-haul and my wife and son and I moved together. You either go all the way or you don’t do it at all.” That was in 2012. From there, Flores said, the pieces started to come back together. “I probably have brothers out there doing the same thing I was doing,” he said. “It’s not a way to live. There’s a way to live, and there’s a way to exist. A lot of those guys are just existing. These guys have so much to offer and they think they’re broken. I’m grateful for my wife. She never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself.” Flores began attending events for veterans, later becoming involved in organizations. Today, he is the West Coast Florida Event Coordinator for Wounded Vets, a group that hosts events for veterans and focuses on outreach to veterans who returned home wounded or disabled. “We go to (Tampa Bay) Rays and Lightning games,” Flores said. “I really believe in this organization. It gives me a sense of pride and honor just to be working alongside these guys. It humbles me. We’re bonded by blood. You bled, you felt it some way. You left a part of you over there and you’ll never be the same because of it.” In addition to his work with

Wounded Vets, Flores also serves as the Sgt. of Arms for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 87, Tampa, as well as the New Dawn/ OIF/OEF liaison for the Assisting Veterans of America Support Team (AVAST). The latter is focused on uniting the generations of younger and older veterans. “A lot of those guys don’t understand each other, but there’s so many similar things,” he said. “All of the emotions are the exact same. We reach these guys and bring them in, we help them build relationships.” On the first and third Thursdays of every month, Flores also assists a peer support group for veterans in downtown Tampa. “We help them adapt to stressful situations,” he said. “I’m a peer support facilitator. I believe in it a lot. Some people believe in a religion, and it’s because you have faith in it. For me, I believe in this. They were there. They put themselves there and they shed blood for something they believe in, something more meaningful than themselves.” It’s living, he said, and not existing — living for the ones who didn’t get a second chance. “Maybe this is why I didn’t die on July 4th,” Flores said. “Maybe this is why I was spared. I think that everything that happened to me was supposed to happen. I was supposed to break down completely and rebuild myself. Soldiers are not born.” They are made. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

FROM HERITAGE PAGE 1

arts, and will be awarded $500 each in scholarships. Winners also will receive a laptop and books. Winning entries from the visual arts category will be on display at the Florida State Fair's Black History exhibit, Moody said. The winners of the contest will be announced Friday, Feb. 10, during the festival’s 14th Annual Black Heritage Banquet at the John R. Trinkle Center on the Hillsborough Community College campus in Plant City. In addition to the contest winners, awards will also be given out in the heritage, community service, corner stone and humanitarian categories. This year’s banquet will feature keynote speaker Frank Murphy, a Jacksonville native and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Murphy said he is grateful to be able to reach out to youth in communities, particularly those who might be at-risk. “I understand how important a powerful and real role model is for our communities and the next generation of youth,” Murphy said. “I was once in the same communities and even behind some of same jail bars that my brothers and sisters have been held for years. I don't take this responsibility lightly.” Continuing the focus on youth, the festival will hold its third youth summit Saturday, Feb. 11, where about 200 children from Plant City and around Hillsborough County will be able to discuss any issues or concerns within the community. Moody said the goal of the event is to create a dialogue between a diverse group of students, law enforcement agencies and city leaders. Denzel Singleton, of Hillsborough High School, will be the summit’s facilitator. Though this year’s festival won’t include a parade, local children will be performing short presentations

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

“It’s more of a cohesion within the individual community, families and their churches.” — Tanger Castillo, secretary for Plant City Black Celebration Inc.

as local and national leaders from the African-American community. Tanger Castillo, the festival’s secretary, said she hopes to continue to send a positive message of diversity to Plant City’s youth. “It’s more of a cohesion within the individual community, families and their churches,” Castillo said. “And that still remains intact. It all depends on how you communicate with your children and what you’re communicating with your children. We don’t communicate negativity and they don’t tend to embrace it.” Saturday’s youth summit will be followed by a battle of the bands and drum line competition. The evening will conclude with a Jazz in the Park event with performances by Standing 8 Count, Marlon and Lady Fingers. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to the MLK Recreation Center to enjoy the show. The festival will wrap up on Sunday, Feb. 12, with a gospel concert at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Alkoya Brunson, who most recently appeared in the film ‘Almost Christmas,’ will make a return appearance at this year’s concert. For more information, attendees are encouraged to contact Moody at sharonmoody91@yahoo.com, or co-chair Cynthia Bailey at cx97@aol.com. Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

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EVENTS

Courtesy photo, Plant City EDC.

FRIDAY, FEB. 10 What: 14th Annual Black Heritage Banquet When: 6 p.m. Where: John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road Cost: $35 per person SATURDAY, FEB. 11 What: Youth Summit When: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m Where: 1601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For: Middle and high school students What: Battle of the Band and Drumline When: 1 p.m. Where: 1601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. What: Jazz in the Park When: 2 p.m. Where: 1601 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Bring: Lawn chairs Sunday, Feb. 12

The ‘ULTA’-mate experience The store, which will be located in the Lake Walden Square plaza, is set to open in the second half of 2017. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

What: Gospel Concert When: 4 p.m. Where: Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St. ON THE HORIZON Winn-Dixie will be hosting an event celebrating Black History Month at the end of February. Guests can enjoy free food, health information and entertainment. When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Feb. 25 Where: Winn-Dixie, 205 S. Alexander St. AWARD RECIPIENTS Humanitarian Award: Sheriff David Gee Heritage Award: Dr. Earl Sykes Lifetime Achievement Award: Sarah Governor Cornerstone Award: St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church Community Service Award: Constance Ingram Mitchell SEE SPONSORS ONLINE

Ulta Beauty is set to be built in Lake Walden Square this year, with a completion date in late 2017.

Once the ‘Coming Soon!’ sign went up on the side of Alexander Street, many Plant City residents started asking the same question: What is Ulta? Simply put, a one-stop beauty shop. Since Ulta Beauty was founded in 1990, the company has grown to offer 20,000 products at 949 retail stores across the United States. In the second half of 2017, Plant City will be added to Ulta Beauty’s growing list of store locations. The new store will be built in Lake Walden Square, though a construction start date has not yet been finalized. According to Carolyn Sutphen, the public relations media event manager for Ulta Beauty, the new store will be about 10,000 square feet. In addition to beauty products, the Plant City location also will include a full-service salon that offers hair, skin and brow services. The store will be connected to existing buildings in the shopping plaza. More than 20 people will be hired to work at the new location, Sutphen said.Though beauty lovers can already shop at the popular retailer in nearby Lakeland and Brandon, Sutphen said the company aims to open in locations where it believes residents will be receptive. “Our customers love that we have beauty products in a wide variety of price points,” Sutphen said. “(And)

salon services for hair and skin, and a store team that offers excellent guest service and beauty expertise.” The company worked with the City of Plant City in establishing a location for the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “This is a byproduct of economic development,” Plant City Economic Development Corp. President Jake Austin said. “This is a result of focusing on quality jobs and high wages, and job opportunities that attract people to our area.” While there aren’t many available store spaces left in Lake Walden Square, Austin added that there are opportunities for retailers and small business owners across Alexander Street. “I think it just builds on what our goals are all the time,” Austin said. “We’re lifting the quality of life and increasing amenities to make a more attractive community.” Located between Brandon and Lakeland, the Plant City Ulta is expected to attract new clients as well as customers that previously had to travel out of the city to shop. “Ulta Beauty is one of the fastest growing retailers,” Sutphen said in a statement. “We open in areas where there is easy access for our customers and where we feel that the local residents would be open to all that Ulta Beauty offers.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Looking to the future A groundbreaking ceremony was held Friday, Jan. 27, for site development company QGS Development Inc. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR

Photos by Emily Topper

Left: City Commissioners, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Christine Miller and leaders of QGS Development Inc. participated in the ceremony. Above: Jake Austin and Bob Appleyard.

QGS, like many companies, started long ago with a very small bank account and a very, very, very big heart. I’ve known and admired and respected Howard Barnes since 1984. I cannot tell you how much pride and joy it gives me to welcome the company that Howard built with his own heart and hands to Lakeside Station and to Plant City.” Appleyard then went on to express his hopes for the future of Plant City, and its continued growth.

“Leaders in Plant City have a unique ability to work long and hard again and again on multiple projects and they don’t come away tired, they come away energized,” Appleyard said. “And I’ve come to realize that the factor that allows that, the factor that creates that, is a little bit of the factor that I’m feeling today. It’s a love for community and a determination and commitment to build a better future.” Appleyard attributed the contin-

ued growth and success of Plant City to the community leaders at organizations including the Plant City Economic Development Corp., the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Rise Plant City, Plant City Main Street and the City Commission. “This community is filled with those kinds of people who seem to draw energy from hard work and multiple projects and commitments,” Appleyard said. “It’s these kinds of

people, these kinds of organizations and their dedication that make quality community progress and economic development happen. And I have absolutely no doubt, with these people, that that’s exactly what’s happening today and is going to continue to happen in Plant City.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

1419 South Collins Street, Plant City, FL 33563 Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-9pm • Tel.: (813) 752-2108 • Fax: (813) 717-9186

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

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, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

TO ADVERTISE

Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt, Danny Crampton or Lisa Donini, at (813) 704-6850.

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: Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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BAKERY • DELI • MEAT • GROCERY

Y MUCHO MAS • VENTA DE CELULARES • BOLETOS DE AUTOBUS • ENVIOS DE DINERO • MONEY ORDERS

ABARROTES • CARNICERIA • VEGETABLES • LACTEOS • PANADERIA • TORTILLERIA • COMIDA CALIENTE

QGS Development Inc., a site development and golf course contracting company, held a groundbreaking ceremony Friday, Jan. 27, for a 16,000-square-foot office building as part of Lakeside Station on Park Road. The company started in November 1982 as Quality Grassing & Services Inc. by Howard Barnes and JW Thomas. Originally a seeding and mulching contractor, the company expanded and began installing turf on golf courses. The company is now one of the leading golf course and grassing contractors in the United States and internationally. In addition to QGS President P. Howard Barnes and Vice President Thomas Barnes, Mayor Rick Lott and city commissioners were present at the event. One hundred students from Plant City High School on a business field trip were also able to attend. Bob Appleyard, of Lakeside Station, gave a speech just before the groundbreaking, expressing his gratitude for the new business in Plant City. “QGS is a terrific, terrific addition to this community,” Appleyard said. “QGS has values of honesty, integrity ... and hard work, faith, country. QGS is exactly the kind of quality company that we want to attract to Plant City.

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Interim Managing Editor / Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@ PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@ PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor of In the Field / Sarah Holt, sarah@ inthefieldmagazine.com

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

GOING FOR GOLD The Jensen’s Heart of Gold Gala is moving to Lakeland for 2017, but the event is still made possible by continued Plant City support.

OWNER’S REPORT

The Future of Manufacturing Manufacturing is becoming a priority both locally and nationally.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

As Cassie and Joseph Hightower know, a cancer diagnosis can bring life to a screeching halt — especially when it involves a child. Their daughter, Selara, was 12 when she got the diagnosis in April 2014. “No one should have to hear that,” Cassie Hightower said. “No one should have to hear their child has cancer. Most families talk about what they want their kids to do when they grow up. We just want our kids to be able to grow up.” According to CureSearch for Children’s Cancer Research, a national nonprofit, childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease for children up to 19 years of age. Forty-three children are diagnosed every day. With the diagnosis comes the treatments — time consuming, emotionally exhausting and costly treatments. That’s when Emily Pierce comes in. “You never want to get to know a family the way we did,” Cassie Hightower said. “But they (the Pierce family) are amazing people. They helped answer questions.” Emily Pierce and her family also introduced the Hightowers to Jensen’s Heart of Gold, a nonprofit that uses grassroots fundraising to provide financial relief to families who have a child with cancer. It’s an event that’s close to Pierce’s heart. Eight years ago, her daughter Morgan was receiving treatment for cancer in New York City. While there, the family met 5-year-old Jensen Daniel Byrd, who was also battling cancer. Through treatments, the two families became friends. Byrd lost his battle with cancer. On the Jensen’s Heart of Gold Gala website, a memorial tribute is posted on the homepage: Forever Five. Now, Emily Pierce, her family and the Byrds have made it their mission to continue to impact the lives of those facing similar battles. Originally based in Alabama, Emily Pierce started a Florida chapter in Plant City to help local families based in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “Knowing that there’s such a big heart in our community, we wanted to connect those who can help with those in need,” Pierce said. “There are so many hearts of gold in this community.”

File Photo

Emily Monnik, Kyla O’Neal, Jenna Keely and Allison Pierce attended the gala last year at Keel and Curley winery.

She’s seen the support firsthand. Since starting, the gala has brought in more than $40,000 to over 50 families in the area, including $20,000 at last year’s event. While all of the committee members are from Plant City, Pierce said, the gala has outgrown its original venue space. Originally held at Keel and Curley Winery, this year’s event has relocated to Lakeland Linder Regional Airport to meet the event’s growing numbers. Profits from the event will continue to support children and their families with cancer throughout multiple Florida counties, including Hillsborough, and the winery will continue to provide the beverages for the event. It’s also an opportunity for new themes and experiences. Highlighting what Pierce sees as heroism inside the children the charity supports and their families, the theme this year is superheroes. Pierce expects this to be the Gala’s biggest year yet. “Everything that goes into the gala’s production is donated,” she said. “All the money raised goes directly to support families, who are free to use it however it may be necessary.” For many, like the Hightowers, those donations can make all the difference — and can often come at the perfect time. “With as busy as we are with getting my daughter back and forth for her post-treatment scans, a lot of our backup money goes to food and gas on trips,” Cassie Hightower said. “We got the check right before Christmas. I don’t know that we would have been able to have Christmas for her without it.”

IF YOU GO THIRD ANNUAL JENSEN’S HEART OF GOLD GALA When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 Where: Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, 3900 Don Emerson Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33811 Cost: $50 in advance; $75 at the door Website: JensensHeartOfGold.com/ Gold-Gala Email: Emily Pierce, florida@ jensensheartofgold.com Attire: Superhero or cocktail

WAYS TO HELP n Attend a Jensen’s Heart of Gold Event n Visit jensensheartofgold.com to make a donation n Refer a family to jensensheartofgold.com

Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.

resident Donald Trump had a long list of goals he voiced during his 18-month campaign to be our president. From his early actions in his first few weeks as president, it appears that he is going to be active in his pursuit of all of them. This includes his pledge that the United States will “build things again.” Much of our economic strength has been based upon a strong manufacturing system. It has paid very good wages and profit margins have been attractive. However, the past 40 years have seen our manufacturing industry decline. Areas like steel and shipbuilding have moved overseas, where cheaper labor and some governmental subsidies have encouraged the trend. Although strong arguments have been made for our policy of free trade, it has been hard for American manufacturing to compete without support in a global marketplace. The manufacturing industry and its workers have paid a continuous price for the benefits of free trade. President Trump plans to bring American manufacturing jobs back. Most recently, he ordered that a majority of the steel used in two oil pipelines to be built come from the United States. On a local level, our Plant City Economic Development Corp. has similar priorities. The organization has placed manufacturing and agri-business in its top four target industries. The Plant City EDC website says that there are 62,300 manufacturing jobs in the Tampa Metropolitan Statistical Area, 2% of total jobs in our MSA. In Plant City, there are 2,181 jobs in manufacturing, 10.9% of all jobs in our city. Additionally, our top four manufacturing and agri-business employers are Highland Packaging, James Hardie, Mosaic and Morrow Steel, with Paradise, Inc., Toufayan Bakeries, International Paper, Plastipak, Evergreen Packaging, Dart Container, M&N Plastics and Gerdau Ameristeel rounding out the list.

FOSHEE JEWELERS

“With manufacturing and agri-business being in the EDC’s top four target industries, and with President Trump’s leadership, Plant City may be poised to jump onto one of Starner’s top performer lists.” — Felix Haynes, co-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer

The average annual Plant City manufacturing wage is about $52,227, and these salaries have increased over the past five years by an average of 2.3%. Average annual growth in Plant City manufacturing jobs is expected to decline by 0.3% over the next 10 years. Support for local efforts to reverse this decline also comes from our state, which sits only behind Texas on the list of states with the best climates for business startups. The primary speaker at the Plant City EDC’s monthly meeting at Stingray Chevrolet was Ron Starner, of Site Selection Magazine. In a strong presentation which included several lists of top cities in economic development and business recruitment, he emphasized that one of the areas of strong performance which made a city a top performer was its manufacturing sector. The top 10 small towns, Starner said, “all make things,” and the number one quality of a top town is a “proven track record of success in facilitating manufacturing and logistics expansion projects.” Tied for number 22, the Tampa MSA just missed the list of top 20 performers. With manufacturing and agribusiness being in the EDC’s top four target industries, and with President Trump’s leadership, Plant City may be poised to jump onto one of Starner’s top performer lists. Felix Haynes is a co-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Imagine That: Patsy Cline tribute at the Florida Opry

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

STATE FARM® AGENT

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Barbara Van Eycken, a well-known Patsy Cline tribute act, will come out of retirement for a show at the Florida Opry Saturday, Feb. 11.

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located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813 - 759 - 2800. NOTICE OF SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 , 2017 @ 9:30 AM. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER. Johnny Phillips – Household Chevalyet Turner – Household Axel Ortiz – Household Courtesy photo

Barbara Van Eycken will come out of a retirement for a tribute show Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Florida Opry.

IF YOU GO

COUNTRY TO POP: A TRIBUTE SHOW TO COUNTRY MUSIC LEGEND PATSY CLINE AT THE FLORIDA OPRY When: Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Where: The 1914 PCHS Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Plant City Tickets: $15 for adults and $8 for students in advance. $18 for adults and $10 for students at the door (if available).

Cline’s home state of Virginia down to around 50 shows per year. The Florida Opry had a different Patsy Cline show in 2016, but Bender said it wasn’t the same. “She (Van Eycken) really knows what she’s doing,” Bender said. “It’s like a trip back in time. I thought I was listening to Patsy on the radio.” So, yet again, Van Eycken’s phone rang. BACK IN PLANT CITY’S ARMS

One of her favorite parts of performing as Cline, Van Eycken said, was the ability to share history, to give people

the ability to see a living portrayal of a legend they could no longer access in a live setting. That, and being able to support local nonprofits that support history. This call from Bender was different, Van Eycken said. Bender was persistent. And, when Van Eycken found out that the Florida Opry performances support the preservation of local history, she said she was sold. It was her tipping point. “The conversation went something like this,” Van Eycken said. “I said,‘It’s impossible to say no to you, you know that?’ She said, ‘Yep.” Van Eycken’s performance is a fully-immersive Patsy Cline experience in two acts. She comes out in full character, right down to Cline’s outfits. The first act covers her country years, and the second covers her crossover into pop music. “I tell the story from the dirt-poor days, when she would try to sing on the back of a pick-up truck at drive-in movie theaters and get booed to now,” Van Eycken said. “There is a museum in that same town dedicated to her.”

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Though country music star Patsy Cline died in a tragic 1963 plane crash, her legacy and legend has remained relevant and prominent for nearly 60 years. On Saturday, Feb. 11, that legacy returns to Plant City when the Florida Opry presents ‘Country to Pop: A Tribute Show to Country Music Legend Patsy Cline.’ It’s the second time the show - starring Sun City Center resident Barbara Van Eycken - is making a stop at the Florida Opry. The first sold-out performance in 2015 was so successful that Shelby Bender, president and executive director of the East Hillsborough Historical Society, couldn’t wait to have Van Eycken back. “There are quite a few people who do Patsy,” Bender said. “Barbara is by far the best.” There was, however, a snare in the plan to get Van Eycken to return. The Patsy performer had retired from regularly appearing as Cline - her second retirement. The first time was in 2002, after Van Eycken retired as a corporate executive with Christian Dior in New York City. When she relocated from the Big Apple to Sun City Center with her husband, Harold, the couple attended a Patsy Cline show. Van Eycken was hooked, and a second career was born. “Having been a singer myself, I loved all the song choices,” Van Eycken said. “I loved her story. In a predominantly male-dominated industry, she had enough courage to stand up right by the guys and do her thing. It’s a pioneer story.” During her brief but impactful professional career from 1955 to 1963, Cline gained a reputation for not only being a driven and powerful performer, but for also having a rough-and-tumble persona that led to her befriend many of her male contemporaries at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, including Roger Miller, Hank Cochran and Carl Perkins. Cline was also among the first to have a successful country-to-pop crossover career. Van Eycken, who had spent time performing off-broadway when she was younger, said that story captivated her and encouraged her to get back on stage. She formed a company with her husband, began researching Cline and spent the next decade performing between 100 and 150 shows a year as Patsy Cline. In 2013 she semi-retired, cutting a schedule that took her as far north as

Visit us on

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act

A Year Down the Road

(sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage (formerly Uncle Bob’s Self Storage) location listed below. And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and

ityPointe Church celebrated its one year anniversary and a milestone of 100 baptisms on Sunday, Jan. 29, at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College. Following a music-filled service, the congregation participated in a day of food, games and kids’ activities. The church, led by Pastor Scott McIntosh, will officially have its first anniversary Tuesday, Jan. 31. Since starting, the church has donated $3,000 to the City of Plant City for summer programs, $3,000 to Ministerio Voces Angelicales for helping the homeless and has offered support to the Plant City Family YMCA. — EMILY TOPPER

all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, February 15, 2017 at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526.

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: CityPointe Pastor Scott McIntosh led the baptism ceremonies. Left: Children and adults were baptized as part of 100 dedications.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

Stephen Harris Owner/Operator

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

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lant City residents worked the runway Thursday, Jan. 26, as part of the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Fashion Show. In its 40th year, the annual event saw over 600 attendees. After performances by Next Radical Generation (NRG), models showed off the latest threads from RAOK Boutique, Denise Young's Boutique, Southside Western and Outdoor Wear and Fringe Boutique. The 2017 Junior Royalty Court and Queen's Court also made an appearance. The 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival will run from Thursday, March 2 through Sunday, March 12. This year's theme is, 'We're Playing your Song.'

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Caution: Art must be original to artist. Make sure no copyright laws are broken.

Photos by Emily Topper

Above Left: Models of all ages worked the runway. Above: Dodie White and Marsha Passmore. Left:Bryson Keel and Miriam Hodges. Below Left: 2017 Junior Royalty Baroness Kennedy Duncan. Below: 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Court Member Ariel Navarrete.

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MUST HAVE A GOOD DRIVER’S LICENSE

ANNOUNCEMENT The Cardiology Practice of Dr. Devarakonda is announcing his retirement from February 28, 2017. Dr. P Rajendran, his associate is taking over this practice and will accept all established patients. Patients needing assistance in locating another cardiologist should contact this office. With written patient authorization, a copy of the medical record will be available at 1507 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563 or by calling 813-752-1053. 1507 W. Reynolds St. #B Plant City, FL 33563 Phone: 813 -752-1053 Fax: 813 -754 - 6739

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

“‘Justice League’, ‘Kong: Skull Island’ and ‘Wonder Woman.”

JAN. 26

COMPUTER BLUES 4510 block of Country Hills Boulevard. Theft: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen an Amazon package containing computer parts from them between Monday, Jan. 9, and Thursday, Jan. 26.

— Tyree Childs, 18

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

JAN. 20

MILKING IT 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail theft: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen a breast pump, valued at $75, on Wednesday, Jan. 18.

JAN. 21

LOCK YOUR CARS 900 block of East Calhoun Street. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked 2010 Toyota SUV between 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Complainant reported some loose change and her wallet, which contained her driver’s license and credit cards, as stolen.

suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle overnight and stole a backpack, which contained her wallet, school textbooks, homework, phone charger, driver’s license and credit cards. HIGH SPEED 1410 block of South Alexander Street. Possession of marijuana: Officer conducted a traffic stop on an orange Ford Mustang and found its driver, a juvenile, to be in possession of marijuana. Subject was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to sell. CAUGHT IN THE ACT 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Shoplifting: Officer responded to a report of shoplifting in progress at a retail store, located and arrested the suspect.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

HAND IN THE COFFEE JAR 1400 block of Oakwood Lane. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle overnight and stole a coffee container, in which she had stored about $100 in loose change.

JAN. 26

SPARE ME THE DETAILS 400 block of West Ball Street. Burglary: Officers met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had entered an enclosed trailer and stolen a spare tire, valued at $100. The tire was last seen in the trailer on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2016.

COPS CORNER

We asked: What three movies are you most excited to see in 2017?

FINDERS KEEPERS 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Lost wallet: Officer met with complainant who stated he had dropped his wallet at a store’s parking lot the night of Friday, Jan. 20, and hadn’t been able to find it. The wallet contained $360 in cash and two credit cards, which the complainant had canceled.

“‘Passengers’, ‘Justice League’ and ‘Despicable Me 3.”

JAN. 24

— Rachel Roberts, 19

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL 1500 block of North Willis Street. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown

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“‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’, ‘John Wick: Chapter 2’ and ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

12TH ANNUAL EVERY BUDDY IS BEAUTIFUL FASHION SHOW Begins at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in the Plant City High School auditorium, 1 Raider Place. The event is held as a fundraiser by the Skills USA Cosmetology students as a fundraiser for the Raider Buddies program. Tickets are $3 per person.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

CPR AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT CERTIFICATION CLASS Begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301 N. Alexander St. The course provides CPR and basic life support certification for health care workers. For $55, participants will receive a handbook and completion card if they pass the mandatory written test and skills validation. Registration required. Call (813) 644-6720. CORK ELEMENTARY COLOR RUN Begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Cork Elementary School, 3501 N. Cork Road, Plant City. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and is $35 the day of the event. The funds will go toward extra activities, projects and field trips not covered by the PTA budget. Register at Shop. SchoolAThon.org/184320. COPYRIGHT WORKSHOP Begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Anne Dalton, an attorney and mediator from Fort Myers, will lecture on copyright issues including 10 common copyright and fair use questions. The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

To register, call (813) 757-9226 or email qcenter@tampabay.rr.com. The event is funded by the Arts Council of Hillsborough County and the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

CONVERSATION CORNER Begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Learning English? Practice beginning English skills with fellow students. The class is presented in conjunction with the Hillsborough Literacy Council. MOTION COMMOTION Begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Motion Commotion is a 45-minute program that incorporates music, literacy and fitness. For children ages 18 months to five years and their caregivers.

BEST BET SATURDAY, FEB. 4

PLANT CITY BIKE FEST Begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at 102 N. Palmer St. in Historic Downtown. Check out classic bikes and enjoy food from Dave’s Jukebox Diner. Contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at (813) 754-3707.

at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The mahjong class is open to players of all abilities, from first-time learners to seasoned experts. Classes will be held in study room 3.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

RISE PLANT CITY LAUNCH PARTY AND MEMBERSHIP DRIVE 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. Rise Plant City and the Plant City Economic Development Corp. invite residents to celebrate the launch of the first young professionals group in Plant City. Single and corporate memberships available. Email Tom Pollock at TPollock@PlatinumBank.com.

MAHJONG CLASS Begins at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9,

CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE IN THE ELDERLY SEMINAR Begins at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Solaris Healthcare, 701 N. Wilder Road, Plant City. Dr. Imran T. Ismail, D.O., a board certified interventional cardiologist, will be the featured speaker. He is affiliated with South Florida Baptist Hospital and the Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center. The free event is open to the public. R.S.V.P to (813) 752-3611.

MOVIE NIGHT 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Watch the movie ‘Stardust’ to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Light refreshments will be provided. PRIME TIMERS ADULT FELLOWSHIP Begins at 12 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at First Church of God, 601 N. Gordon St., Plant City. The event will include food, fun, fellowship and faith. Bring your favorite dish for a pot luck lunch. For more information, call Pastor Ken Taylor at (813) 752-4316.

ONGOING

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome. ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen. CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

James Francis “Jimmie” Sweat, 63, died Jan. 7, 2017. Born Jan. 10, 1953, at Tampa General Hospital, he was the son of the late Herman Francis “Shorty” Sweat and Ravenell “Nell” Jordan Sweat, of Dover. He attended Dover Elementary School and was a 1971 Turkey Creek High School graduate, where he was a proud member of the Turkey Creek Marching Band and an FFA member. He and his wife, Marylou, volunteered at Dover United Methodist Church through church suppers and the annual church bazaar, a family tradition for three generations. He was a member of Ironworkers Union Local 397. He also was a charter member of Ruby Woods Country Club, where many of his lifelong friends gathered most afternoons, starting with a safety meeting and then quaffing a few beers with good friends to retell old stories, laughing until it hurt. He farmed for many years with his beloved sister, Cherri, and brother-in-law, Ron Clark. They grew Jordan Farms’ certified organic strawberries and vegetables on the old family farm bought by their grandparents in 1930. As a longtime Florida Frontiersmen member, he worked for many years as a volunteer at the Alafia River Rendezvous, and was a proud Udder Brother. He enjoyed reenacting early history. He and his family participated in many Seminole and Civil War reenactments throughout Florida. He was very proud of his Southern heritage. Throughout the years, he smoked the best meats and fish in one of his many handcrafted smokers. He enjoyed reading books about history, Florida, planes and ships, collecting antiques and watching old movies. He loved playing music on his D28 Martin guitar. He will always be remembered singing around the campfire, harmonizing and yodeling with his wife. He is survived by his wife and love of 37 years, Marylou Sessoms Sweat; daughter, Jana Atkinson; sister, Cherri Clark (Ron); aunt, Ruby Jordan; nephews, Mike Sweat, Sean Sweat, Scott Sweat, Curtis Clark and Joe Clark; niece, Michelle Sweat Ciani; and cousins, Rosa Memmel (Robert), Jordan and

Alex; lifelong “brother,” George Williamson; and many other great-nephews, great-nieces, family and friends throughout Alabama, Georgia and Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Michael. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Dover; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Ada Carr; and brother, Ennis Carr. A memorial service was held Jan. 23, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

MICHAEL BISHOP

ANDREW JOHN BERGER

Michael Bishop, 60, of Plant City, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017. A native of East Tallassee, Alabama, he was the son of the late Lonnie Bishop and Gloria Causey Stallard. He is survived by his siblings, Mona Turley (Gary), Terri Lewis, Sherri McLeod (Durand), Darold Stallard (Angela), Pamela Foley (Joe), Patty Noe (Paul) and Christopher Bishop. A memorial service was held Jan. 20, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

WILBUR BRANTLEY Wilbur Brantley, 86, of Brandon, died Jan. 17, 2017. He was born in Pinecrest on April 17, 1930. He owned Brantley Realty in Tampa and enjoyed fishing and boating. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lucille Brantley; children, Wendell Brantley (Kim) and Bruce Brantley, of Pinecrest, and Susan Howell (Chuck) and Debbie Woody (Eddie), of Valrico; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A celebration of life was held Feb. 1, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice, c/o Chapters Health, 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300 W., Temple Terrace, Florida 33637. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ELDRED E. “COTTON” CARR

Eldred E. “Cotton” Carr, 73, died Jan. 17, 2017. He was born in and resided in the Dover/Plant City area. He is survived by his sisters, Frances Register (Henry), of Plant City and Peggy Lucas (Bobby), of

Andrew John Berger, 52, died Jan. 20, 2017. He was born May 6, 1964, in Tokyo, Japan to Dean and Ann Berger. He enjoyed traveling, reading and spending time with his family. He is survived by his husband of 27 years, William; brother Michael (Susan); nieces, Samantha and Cassidy; parents; his Yorkshire Terriers, Ollie and Huck; and many other loving family members. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, in the Tribute Center at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 South Ingraham Ave., Lakeland, Florida 33801. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at HeathFuneralChapel.com.

HAROLD J. KLEE Harold J. Klee, 84, of Dover, died Jan. 15, 2017. He was born in Bayshore, Long Island, New York, on July 28, 1932. He was the first child of the late Nicholas H. and Regina H. Klee. He was a member of Sydney Assembly of God and Local Plumbers and Pipefitters Union 123. He loved Royal Rangers, often leading as senior commander. He also enjoyed family gatherings, reading and traveling in all 50 states, especially the Adirondack Mountains of northern New York. He had been retired for many years as a journeyman plumber and pipefitter. In 1969, he and his family moved to Florida after working for several years for the state of New York at Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Hope Stanton Klee; children, Ret. Lt. Col. Alvin J. S. Klee (Winnie), of Sparta, Tennessee, David H. Klee (Gayle),

of Durant, the Rev. Wilmajoy K. Sisk (Simeon), missionaries in Almere, Netherlands and Ray N. Klee (Brandi), of Ft. Meade; one sister; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and other family members. He was preceded in death by his parents; and most of his siblings. A memorial service was held Jan. 21, at Pleasant Grove Assembly of God in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

JOHN A. REED John A. Reed, 90, died Jan. 16, 2017. He was born June 8, 1926, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He moved to Plant City after he retired from Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. He was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Huntsville Masonic Lodge, First United Methodist Church of Plant City and the strawberry chapter of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association. He loved his family and friends, enjoyed helping children and was an avid golfer. He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Alabama Crimson Tide. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ozell Franklin Reed. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie Franklin Thornton (Steven), of Huntsville; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held Feb. 2, at The Meadows at CountryWood Clubhouse in Plant City. Private interment followed at Valhalla Cemetery, Huntsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kids to Love, 140 Castle Drive, Madison, Alabama 35758.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

PHILLIP RAY BASSINGER SR. Phillip Ray Bassinger Sr., 49, of Plant City, died Jan. 24, 2017. He was born June 15, 1967. He was a very giving man and everything was about his family. He loved taking his girls shopping and sitting on the front porch drinking coffee every morning with his wife. Whether it was Pop, Dad, Daddy, Pa or Paw Paw, he was a happy daddy, granddaddy and great-granddaddy to be. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Stephanie Deneise Bassinger; children, Ashli Jennifer Potvin (Michael), Phillip Ray Bassinger II (Kayla), Courtney Ann Bassinger, Kaleb Wade Bassinger (Taylor), Kayli Brooke Bassinger (fiancé Brett Garner) and Addison Bryleigh Bassinger; grandchildren, Brittany Amber Oosting, Dakota Ray Potvin, Michayla Leigh Potvin and Bayleigh Raye Jackson; and mother, Karen Briseno. He was preceded in death by his father, Ishabel Hayden Bassinger; brother, Robert Bassinger; and grandparents, Wade and Margaret Register. A celebration of life was held Jan. 31, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ONLINE See more Obituaries online at

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FEBRUARY 3, 2017

SPORTS

“We’re going all the way. That’s how I feel. We’re going to win districts.” — Justyn King is crucial to the Raiders’ success. SEE PAGE 14

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

Courtesy photo

Coach Robert Paxia presented the award to Tydre Ward.

Ward wins PCHS perseverance award

ydre Ward’s hard work for the Plant City Raiders football team hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ward, a senior, was given the football team’s highest honor at its Saturday, Jan. 28, banquet. He accepted the Russell Kemp “Keep Chopping” Perseverance Award, which was renamed this year in honor of the late Kemp. “Tydre was the heart and soul of this team,” head coach Robert Paxia says. “When the team needed a big play, we could count on him.” Ward finished his final season with 954 all-purpose yards: 341 rushing, 336 receiving and 277 total return yards, all in nine games. After becoming academically eligible to play varsity football after his sophomore year, Ward played a crucial role in the team’s offense and special teams for two seasons. He was also an August 2015 Plant City Times & Observer Athlete of the Week. The award, which was created in 2016, is given annually to an athlete who shows the ability to overcome obstacles and demonstrates leadership.

Boys basketball districts start soon

uesday, Feb. 7, marks the start of the 8A-9 boys basketball championship tournament, and local basketball fans will be able to catch all of the action. The tournament, which will held at Strawberry Crest High School, 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover, will feature all three area high schools. Although Tampa Bay Tech has won 18 of its 19 games (all consecutively), area teams could make an impact. Plant City (15-8) has improved in the second half of the season, and came just three points shy of forcing overtime against Tech on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Strawberry Crest (13-9), despite sitting in fourth place in the current standings, has the second-highest scoring offense in the district. For results from the girls district tournament, which began Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Tampa Bay Tech, check PlantCityObserver.com. The championship game is scheduled to tip off tonight at 7 p.m.

The Plant City boys soccer team capped off an undefeated season with a Friday, Jan. 27, district title win. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

t ra w b e r r y C re s t wa s determined to hand the Plant City boys their first loss of the 2016-17 season on Friday, Jan. 27. But with the district title on the line, the Raiders came through for another win. Plant City was able to win the 5A-6 title at home, sending “Raider Nation” into a frenzy. But the Chargers never made it easy, taking the game as far as it could possibly go. “It was a battle that Friday night,” Plant City head coach Caleb Roberts says. After a scoreless first half, Gabriel Aguilera was able to put Crest on the scoreboard with 23:15 on the clock. But the Raiders answered quickly with a goal of their own, coming at the 21:34 mark on an Epifanio Castro free kick that bounced just over goalie Luis Enriquez's hands. Both

teams then ramped up the pace of the game, determined to take the trophy home as soon as possible. Roberts says that Daniel Guerra’s presence was the biggest thing the Raiders had to adjust to. “When we played Crest the first time, they did not have Danny Guerra,” he says. “He is one of the better players in our district … he’s a very skilled, very fast player.” For all the scoring chances the teams had, nothing seemed to work out. Players went offsides or committed fouls before shots found the net, or were simply stuffed by the goalies. Two periods of golden-goal overtime couldn't end the match, nor could the first five rounds of the shootout. Callum Seitzer, Julio Rodriquez, Randall Sapp Jr. and Justin Garcia scored for Crest, while Eric Ugarte, Ronaldo Rodriguez, Elvis Castro and SEE SOCCER PAGE 13

Photos by Justin Kline

Top: The Raiders celebrated their title win on the field. Above: Crest put plenty of pressure on Plant City.

Strawberry Crest cheer three-peats at states The Chargers became the only cheer team in Hillsborough history to win three consecutive state titles on Saturday, Jan. 28. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Courtesy photo

Crest’s routine was nearly perfect.

All that stood between Strawberry Crest’s cheerleading team and a perfect score at the FHSAA state championships was a renegade bow. Though the judges docked two points from the Chargers’ score when a cheerleader’s hair bow fell off of her head and hit the ground, the team’s final score of 82.30 points was more than good enough to make up for it. It was good enough to win the state championship in the Small 2A Co-Ed division — the team’s third state title in as many years. “In my eyes, it was an 84.3,” head coach Loveny Rivas says. “We did an incredible job.” It wasn’t an easy season for the

Crest boys and girls, but the end results can’t be downplayed. This year, Rivas and her staff decided to shake things up a bit: because the team is loaded with kids who have already won multiple awards, the coaches put more of a focus on stress management than physical training. No longer was Crest a team with “nothing to lose,” as it was a few years ago. Defending championships may be even harder than winning them. The kids have to believe in themselves. “Every day, we have one member of the team at every practice — every time we see each other, really — they take turns sharing a quote and explaining what that quote means to them, how it affects the team and why they chose it,” Rivas says. In addition to sharing quotes, the team often prays together and comes up with its own “war chants” to get hyped before competitions. The team faced one of its biggest challenges later in the season, three weeks before regionals: a flyer left SEE CHEER PAGE 13

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

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Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

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WHO’S GOT SPIRIT? Head Coach: Loveny Rivas Assistant Coach: Danny Womack Volunteer Coaches: Anthony Medina, Robin Bailey Team: Alyssa Archer, Diamond Burgos, Cassidy Coburn, Brooke Conyers, Cameron Cornett, Sydney Cornett, Elle Cruz, Freddie Dixon, Amber Farmer, Noah Hand, Quinn Hyde, Brad Jackson, Kaitlyn Kubecka, Tarra Love, Devonte Lowe, Samantha Maguire, Mason Nikel, Alexis Powell, Madison Shiflett, Carmen Watts, Autumn Young RÉSUMÉ Championships: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 n Western Conference runner-up: 2012 n FHSAA Region Championships: 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 n FHSAA Region runnser-up: 2013 n FHSAA State championships: 2015, 2016, 2017 n FHSAA State runner-up: 2011, 2014

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FROM SOCCER PAGE 12

Jair Garcia scored for Plant City. That brought the shootout to 1-v.-1 rules, where one make was all either team needed to win. After Hector Flores Jr.'s kick missed, Adrian Olivo was called upon to shoot for the Raiders. The sophomore was able to put the ball past goalie Jonathan Mesa-Alarcon, locking up the title for Plant City and sending himself and his teammates to regionals with some hardware to show for it. “The great thing about Adrian is, Friday, his name didn’t get called during the run of play in the game,” Roberts says. “He was ready to come in the game, but the game didn’t call for his style. When we went to penalty kicks, there was no one else I’d rather have taking that sixth one, when it’s a one-in, one-out situation, than the placekicker of our football team.” The win brought Plant City’s record up to 14-0-1 (5-0 district), and also marked the second time the Raiders had gotten the better of the Chargers this season: on Thursday, Nov. 17, Plant City went to Dover and picked up a 2-0 win, thanks to goals from Ugarte and Rodriguez. Plant City’s offense had little trouble getting on the scoreboard this season, averaging 4.1 goals per game and scoring 62 total through 15 matches. The Raiders also averaged just over three assists per game. Ugarte, Rodriguez and Omar Mendoza are the team’s three 10-plus goal scorers, and Ugarte — who has a team-high 15 goals — also leads the team with 12 assists. The team has three past Plant City Times & Observer Athlete of the Week selections in Ugarte, Garcia and Olivo. Roberts, formerly the Plant City girls’ coach, took over for Chris Black in the offseason and guided the team to its best season since 2010-11, when the Raiders had an 11-1-1 (6-0 district) record. “We’ve been keeping everything the same,” Roberts says. “The biggest thing we’ve been preaching this year is, ‘Let’s play our game, our system, and see what happens.’ There’s no reason to adjust what we’re doing against any other team — make the other team

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Photos by Justin Kline

Top: Crest’s Oscar Marquez and Plant City’s Eric Ugarte battle for a header. Above: The Chargers gave the Raiders all they could handle.

adjust to us, for the first time.” The Raiders have adopted a highpressure style of play, using speed and physicality to wear opponents down. Despite the increase in physicality, Plant City has only received five yellow cards throughout the season. “We’re not going to back out of any tackle, whether it’s a center back or a forward,” Roberts says. It’s also been one of the school’s best regular seasons ever: according to Roberts, no other Plant City program has finished a season without any losses. “It feels humbling to know that so many years have gone by at this school, and no one has been able to be as consistent at these kids this year,” Roberts says.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

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have no doubt that last week’s 5A-6 boys soccer championship match was the best between Plant City and Strawberry Crest. That game had everything you could possibly want from a sporting event: high stakes, a trophy on the line, players showing their heart, active offenses and exceptional defensive plays. Although Plant City had already beaten Crest, 2-0, earlier in the season, it was clear Crest had learned from its past mistakes and was ready to give the Raiders all they could handle. Plant City is, rightfully, going to get a lot of the glory from the matchup. Besides the fact that the Raiders ended up winning that

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Chargers also made it to regionals, but lost the first-round game at Seminole. I was still in college during that season, so I can’t speak on any possible similarities between that team and this year’s squad. But I can say that, if Crest can play a team like Plant City that well, I can see it making it out of the first round and cementing itself as the best boys soccer team the school has fielded. Should both Plant City and Crest win their first-round quarterfinal matchups, we’ll get a third RaidersChargers showdown immediately in the semifinals. Given how good the district title game was, that’s something all area soccer fans should keep an eye out for. I know I will be.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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night, they showed qualities that should have their fans optimistic for the next few weeks. They’re smart, physical and can control the pace of play — all things that matter in the postseason, and all things that got them to their sterling 13-0-1 regular-season record. And, as someone who hand-picks Athlete of the Week honorees, it was good to see a fairly recent selection of mine — Adrian Olivo — make another game-winning kick (albeit in a different sport). But I don’t want Crest’s effort to go unnoticed. The Chargers were just as hungry for that district title as Plant City was, and I would absolutely not chalk their loss up to something as cliché as, “They were hungry, but Plant City wanted it more in the end.” Penalty kicks are nowhere near as easy as basketball free throws, especially when you’re taking them with the game on the line. This is true of both the goalie and the shooter. Crest finished the regular season with an 11-5-0 overall record, the program’s best under head coach Devere Archer and the best since the 11-4-1 2012-13 season. That year, the

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It takes two to make a great game Sports Editor Justin Kline reflects on Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s performances in the Friday, Jan. 27, district championship soccer game.

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the team just before winter break. But the cheerleaders got together, held a vote and decided to spend the holiday break working “twice as much” to modify the eight stunts affected by the departure. “I’ve got to give it to the kids,” Rivas says. “They did a really good job … I’m proud that they didn’t give up.” The team took first place at regionals on Saturday, Jan. 7. But it didn’t fare as well as usual at Western Conference on Thursday, Jan. 19, snapping its streak of four consecutive wins. But that only fueled the fire within the Chargers. The team spent the next week and change working hard to fix those mistakes and, besides that bow, put together a perfect routine for states. Runner-up Seminole Ridge finished with 74.20 points. “It hasn’t been the perfect season by any means, but this team is special,” Rivas says. “They’re strong. It was unfortunate for us to lose Western Conference, but they worked really hard and didn’t let that defeat define them.” In two weeks, the Chargers will head to the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championships, where they will try to take the program to new heights again. Crest, competing against 31 other teams in the event’s largest division, is the only Hillsborough County program to ever medal at UCA Nationals, and finished last year’s competition in third place. This time, the team wants to leave Kissimmee with white jackets, a big banner to hang and some first-place medals. “This year, we’re prepared for it,” Rivas says. “We’re ready for it. We’re ready for the ESPN cameras.”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

Justyn King Currently sitting in second place in the district, the Plant City High boys basketball team looks like a contender to make it to regionals in early 2017. Much of the team’s production comes from the trio of senior Tarik McKelphin, junior Matt Simpson and sophomore Justyn King. King is the only Raider currently averaging a double-double (16.1 points, 11.2 rebounds per game), and has recorded 39 points and 31 rebounds in the team’s last three games. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

Gerdau Plant City invites you to join our Hiring Event! When: Wednesday, February 8, 2017 Where: 2100 Joe McIntosh Road • Plant City, FL 33565 Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Benefits begin first day of employment • Medical, Dental, Vision • Retirement and Tuition Reimbursement • Vacation and Holiday Pay • Other Voluntary Benefits Entry-level operations positions available starting at $14.56/hour.

What You’ll Need: • High School Diploma or GED • Ability to pass a Drug Screen and Background Check • Ability to lift 25 – 50 lbs • Some industrial experience • Ability to put in hard work We hope to see you there!

In your opinion, how’s this season going? It’s going good. We started off slow in the beginning, but we’re picking up the pace. What changed to where you guys started picking up the pace? What changed was Coach (Billy Teeden) telling us what’s the important thing, what’s coming up for us, what’s going to be in districts in a couple weeks. Next week, as a matter of fact. He brought up districts, and that made us play harder and play better.

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What’s this team’s strong suit? Scoring. Getting to the bucket, really. We’ve got people that can attack. Once we attack the bucket and they help over, they can easily get the ball out to our bigs. So, it gets kind of confusing for other teams playing defense. Is there any sport you’ve never played, but always wanted to? Baseball. I just see all the baseball players running around, playing baseball in P.E. or whatever, and it looks kind of cool. I’ve always wanted to play it, but I doubt I’m going to do it. Who are your favorite basketball players? Chris Bosh, because he’s left-handed. Steph Curry, because he can shoot. College-wise, I like Malik Monk from Kentucky because his athleticism is out of the park. When you’re playing NBA 2K and make your own player, what team do you put yourself on? I put myself with the Warriors or the Cavaliers.

Is there anything on the court that you guys have been focusing on more since then? Defense wins games, so we’ve learned more about defense. When we get steals on defense, we get easy buckets on offense. You’re putting up a double-double right now. What are you doing differently this year from last year? My personality changed. Last year, I was young and, as a freshman, I didn’t really know the high school game. But learning all the techniques and the speed of the high school game, I’ve gotten better.

As a carer, you’ll receive, 24/7 support and ongoing training opportunities.

With districts coming up next week, how far do you think the team can go? We’re going all the way. That’s how I feel. We’re going to win districts. I’m positive. My team, we can do it. We’ve got the talent to do it.

You need to have a spare room and experience or understanding of disabilities. If you are interested in helping a child or young person with a disability reach their full potential we’d love to talk to you.

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SIDELINES FIELD STRIPING “WE KEEP YOUR FIELDS IN LINE!” 230607

FOOTBALL, SOCCER, BASEBALL, LACROSSE (813) 440-3021 | SALES@SIDELINESFS.COM | RUSTY JUDAH • PHIL GIANFRANCESCO

WWW.SIDELINESFS.COM

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST FRIDAY, FEB. 3

SATURDAY, FEB. 4 High: 81 Low: 55 Chance of rain: 10%

High: 81 Low: 56 Chance of rain: 10%

High: 81 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 10%

Shipping point: Orlando $12.90

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

B U L C WacKy

XPRESS WASH WEDNESDAY

2. K E B C E D 3. X Z Q M M U T 4. N E B U F D 5. S T A K

This silent screen star became “The It Girl” after a stellar performance:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box. Nov 19 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40)

8 9 1

6 1 8 7 4

6 7

9 1 3

8 3

4 1

$ 00

6:11p

Sunday, Feb. 5

7:13a

6:12p

Monday, Feb. 6

7:12a

6:13p

Tuesday, Feb. 7

7:11a

6:13p

Wednesday, Feb. 8

7:11a

6:14p

Thursday, Feb. 9

7:10a

6:15p

Feb. 21 Last

Mar. 3 First

Feb. 10 Full

Thursday, Jan. 26

0.00

Friday, Jan. 27

0.00

Saturday, Jan. 28

0.11

Sunday, Jan. 29

0.72

Monday, Jan. 30

0.00

Tuesday, Jan. 31

0.00

Wednesday, Feb. 1

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

JAN. TO DATE:

2017 3.20 in.

2016 5.35 in.

DETAILING SERVICES FROM

3999

Mon. - Sat. 8am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 6pm

OctopusCarWashFlorida.com

1 Prepare a rough surface for painting 7 A wave or thumbs-up, e.g. 14 Bait-and-switch is a classic one 18 Combined, as resources 19 Utters monotonously 20 Pride of the ball 21 Study of the environment 23 “Hi!” between 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. 25 “Apocalypse Now” setting, informally 26 Third-quarter tide 28 Emulates a hawk 29 Used an abrasive tool 30 Quote a passage 32 Quid pro quo, in the U.K. 34 Workout facility 35 Play break in grade school 36 Foe in war 38 Serve with a summons 40 Eldridge Cleaver’s “Soul on ___” 41 “___ fidelis” (Marine Corps motto) 43 Margarine holders 44 Belittle or diminish 48 One of a pocketful of flowers 49 Child seekers? 50 Guy’s mate 51 Sounds from a pigeon coop 53 Festival of Lights observer 54 Often-repeated abbr. 56 Down in the dumps 58 Not play in a game 60 Edible mushroom 62 Bakery item of a nursery rhyme 66 Before, before a word 67 Instrument with finger holes 69 Bird’s perch 70 Kind of domain 72 “For shame!” to a boy king? 73 Maternity ward VIPs 76 Salve targets 77 Got away from 79 Finishes, as a performance 80 Pitching stat 82 Utter ©2017 Universal Uclick 83 Kitchen fat 84 Museum attraction, often 2 Narcotic of an Eric Clapton song 85 School support grp. 3 About 72 degrees 87 Paving stone 4 “___ in the Family” 89 Greek wine 5 Exploited worker 92 Market maneuverer 6 Defeats, but barely 93 Thrills for daredevils 7 Band’s play date 96 Explosive cable network? 8 Seth’s son 97 Going up, as a mountain 9 “Three” of classic comedy shorts 100 Fastener in construction 10 Word with “special” 101 Native-born Israelis 11 Divests of weapons 104 Couple thousand pounds 12 NBA foul callers 105 Early whirlybird 13 Suffix with “near” or “fair” 107 Big name in small construction projects 14 Word with “common” or “horse” 108 Deluxe sound system or panoramic roof 15 Hoof sounds 109 Jack’s adversary in a fairy tale 16 “A Lesson From ___” (Fugard) 111 “You may ___ the bride” 17 Patch, as socks 113 Bert Bobbsey’s twin 20 Stimulating drink 114 Soda parlor order, sometimes 22 Loud, harsh cry from a kennel 117 Gullibility 24 Demonstrating good posture 119 Richard of “Ocean’s 11” 27 Feature of many court buildings 120 Element’s combining power 31 Give official authority to 121 Roll variety 33 Sullen look 122 Lover of Aphrodite 35 Monetary unit of Cambodia 123 Musical partner of Lake and Palmer 37 “Sure thing” 124 Licorice sources 39 “60 Minutes” broadcaster 42 Type of whiskey or bread 44 Hoover and others DOWN 45 Play division 1 Superlawyer Gerry, and Doug’s friend in 46 Willingness to work well with others “The King of Queens”

1. J U R R Q

7:13a

ACROSS

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a silent screen star. Using the hints E=O and T=R, decipher the clues to name the actor or actress.

Saturday, Feb. 4

CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

6:10p

8 Nov 19 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.40)

6 4 8 9 1

8 6 1

9 2

4 3

4 1

8 7

4 8 3

6 9 2

9 2 1

47 Open sporting competition 50 Zest or relish 52 Dele undoers 53 Playful 55 Not this 56 Type of income 57 J.J. Abrams TV drama 58 Total in grade school 59 “Last one ___ a rotten egg!” 60 Inn relative 61 Lemon relative 63 Council site in the 1500s 64 128 cubic feet of wood 65 Common brewed beverage 68 37-Down indicator 71 Nose part 74 Bickerer in the “Iliad” 75 Nonconformist of the ‘60s 78 Pesticide banned by the EPA 81 Cleo’s attacker 84 Tiny mound builders 85 Buddy 86 High school math subject 88 Convention lengthener? 90 Discotheque light 91 Incredibly dumb 92 Some heavy-duty artillery pieces 94 Beneficiary 95 Heavy marijuana users, slangily

97 Muffle, per Archie Bunker 98 Freighter for fossil fuel transporting 99 Cheshire Cat’s prominent feature 101 Wild animal’s clue for a hunter 102 Make up (for) 103 Deck posts 106 Honshu port 108 Ship in “Jaws” 109 Metric mass unit 110 Folded fast food offering 112 City of central China (var.) 115 Day before the big day 116 Perfect score, in some events 118 Seven on a grandfather clock

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H S A W

1503 S. Collins Street 813-754-0777

7:14a

FREE Vacuum

d Unlimite

t only a g n i t r Sta onth m r e p 5 $ 17.9

Friday, Feb. 3

RAINFALL

STRAWBERRIES

Congratulations to this week’s I Love PC Winner. Stop in for your FREE Car Wash.

Sunrise Sunset

Feb. 26 New

MONDAY, FEB. 6

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Email it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com. for a chance to be featured.

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, FEB. 5

Caleb wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest, and gets a free car wash at Octopus Car Wash, 1503 S. Collins St.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

SUNRISE / SUNSET

High: 81 Low: 53 Chance of rain: 10%

Caleb McCormick was enjoying a beautiful Saturday afternoon flying his drone around town when he captured a picture of the Plant City strawberry water tower.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2017

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

Felton’s Market

Prices Valid 2/1 - 2/7

Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm Sundays 7am - 8pm Follow us on

Felton’s Market CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

Smokehouse HEAVY WESTERN

HEAVY WESTERN

RUMP ROAST

(PRODUCT OF USA) FAMILY PAK

6.39

FRESH

3.39

ANY SIZE PKG

FRESH WHOLE

“9 SLABS” BOX WEIGHT

CUT FREE

PICNIC SHOULDERS

1.79

.99¢

PORK CHOPS

BOSTON BUTTS

BABY BACK RIBS

ASSORTED

WHOLE

I.B.P

SPARERIBS

GROUND BEEF

1.99

www.feltonsmarket.com

LARGE

RIBEYE STEAKS

T-BONE STEAKS

(813) 752-1548

Having a large gathering and need an entire pig roasted to tasty perfection? We can handle any size order you might have. Our smokehouse is the best in Plant City and the surrounding area.

Call us at 813-752-1548 to place your order today.

5.49

617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City

At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll ﬁnd only the best quality meats at bargain prices. Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the ﬁnest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

From Our

WALKER PLAZA

PREVIOUSLY FROZEN

FROZEN

2 PACK

1.39

Felton’s offers our customers the very best produce at the best prices. Most of the produce is purchased from local growers. We offer every day the best in produce available plus any seasonal or ethnic produce. We buy daily from the local markets. Come in and compare price and quality against any other store. We guarantee you will enjoy the experience of shopping at Felton’s

Baker St.

olds

Reyn

St.

18.99

EA.

BAR-S BUN LENGTH HOT DOGS, FAMILY PAK, 3 LB PKG .................. $5.49 EA

CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS ( 10 LB BAG

.49C LB ), 40 LB BOX....... $13.99 EA

GROUND CHUCK BEEF PATTIES ............................................................$3.19 LB

FRESH BUFFALO WINGS, FAMILY PAK ...................................................$2.99 LB

JAMESTOWN SLICED BACON, 1 LB PKG ..........................................2 for $5.00

SPLIT WHOLE FRYERS .............................................................................$1.39 LB

SWAGGERTY’S ITALIAN SAUSAGE OR BRATWURST, 18 OZ PKG ........ $3.99 EA

FRESH CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS .................................................................69¢ LB

Cold Deli

LEAN DELI HAM ...................................................................................................................................... $1.99 LB BLACK FOREST HAM .............................................................................................................................. $4.99 LB WHITE TURKEY BREAST .......................................................................................................................... $4.99 LB ALL FRESH SALADS ................................................................................................................................. $2.99 LB

Hot Deli

SMOKED PORK BUTTS ......................................................................................................................... $13.99 EA SMOKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS - 40 LB BOX .............................................................................. $35.00 EA SMOKED HALF CHICKEN ...................................................................................................................... $2.99 EA FRIED CHICKEN - 8 PIECE DARK MEAT ................................................................................................ $4.99 EA JALAPENOS

ROMA TOMATOES

RUSSET POTATOES

YELLOW ONIONS BANANAS

HASS AVOCADO

3 LB BAG

10 LB BAG

.99¢ LB

County Line Rd.

.99¢ LB

2.89 EA $1.49 EA .49¢ LB

.69¢EA

YUKON GOLD & RUSSET POTATOES

COLLARD, MUSTARD & TURNIP GREENS

5 LB BAG

BUNCH

1.49 EA

2.99 EA

CATTLEMAN’S GOLD - 18 OZ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 for $5.00 ESSENTIAL KETCHUP - 24 OZ.................................................................................................................................................................................................$1.00 EA OVEN FRESH HAMBURGER & HOT DOG BUNS - 8 PACK ...................................................................................................................................................... .99¢ EA CANILLA RICE - 20 LB BAG .....................................................................................................................................................................................................$8.99 EA SAN MARCOS WHOLE JALAPENO PEPPERS - 24 OZ ...........................................................................................................................................................$1.00 EA PEPSI-MT DEW-DR PEPPER-ORANGE CRUSH - 18 PACK......................................................................................................................................................$3.99 EA GOYA BANANA LEAVES ($1.49) - 15 CT BOX .......................................................................................................................................................................$17.99EA LIPTON ONION SOUP MIX - 2 PACK ......................................................................................................................................................................................$1.39 EA IMPERIAL MARGARINE - 45 OZ PKG .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 for $5.00 LAY’S POTATO CHIPS - BIG BAG ..................................................................................................................................................................................... BUY 1 GET 1

4 Park Rd.

Maryland Ave.

PLANT CITY

13.99

5 LB PKG

Lakeland

• Food Stamps, EBT, WIC • Corporate & Organizational Charge Accounts • Postage Stamps

• Service Meat Case • Full Service Deli • Major Credit Cards Accepted

• TECO Payments Accepted • Western Union • Orlandi Valuta

211827 229935

Sam Allen Rd.

SMOKED SAUSAGE

2 LB PKG

UNCLE JOHN’S

ARGENTINA RED SHRIMP

PORK PAN SAUSAGE

2.29

“WILD CAUGHT”

FRESH GROUND

3.29

1.29