02.13.15 PCTO by Plant City Observer

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

WINNING

ONTAPE

SPOTLIGHT

PAGE 16

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SCHS Cheer Team makes history.

OUR TOWN

+ Arts Council takes over exhibit

The Arts Council of Plant City has become the primary sponsor for the future “Man on the Street” sculptures exhibit that will visit Plant City. Previous exhibits of the internationally acclaimed artist J. Seward Johnson, in 2012 and 2014, were under the primary sponsorship of the Photo Archives & History Center. The exhibit, which included eight to 10 of the life-size bronze sculptures, were obtained from The Sculptures Foundation of Santa Monica and were placed around the downtown area this summer. The Arts Council has sponsored visual and performing arts in the Plant City area for over 35 years and looks forward to bringing more of the exciting sculptures to the historic downtown area in the years to come. The Photo Archives will continue to partner with the Arts Council in the promotion of the sculptures.

FREE • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

Chase Lott videos outdoor adventures.

Dub McGinnes is the 2015 Citizen of the Year.

teen leaders by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Civitan Club selects grand marshals The students who will be honored in the 42nd annual youth parade are Jackson Hardee and Kevin O’Hare.

Two successful students and loyal leaders have been chosen as the grand marshals of this year’s Civitan Club Youth Parade at the Florida Strawberry Festival, and their credentials are nothing short of impressive. The grand marshals will be Jackson Hardee, a senior at Plant City High School, and Kevin O’Hare, a senior at Du-

rant High School. “They’re just outstanding,” Pat Pogue, president of the Plant City Civitan Club, said. “The community selected them for several reasons — their leadership abilities and scholastic achievements.” Hardee has a GPA of 5.3, and has received numerous honors for academic success, as well as community service.

As president of Junior Civitans at PCHS, Hardee has established a monthly event at which the club gives food to the homeless. He also initiated the club as a member of the Wounded Warriors project, to which the club gives a monthly donation and looks for other ways to help veterans. Under Hardee’s leadership, the PCHS Junior Civitans have their biggest membership ever this year, with about 40 students in the club, as well as about 100 Civinettes.

Catherine Sinclair

Kevin O’Hare and Jackson Hardee were honored at the Civitan Club meeting last week.

SEE PARADE / PAGE 4

FLIGHT OF FANCY

BE MINE by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Chamber takes flight in annual event

Planes, Trains and Automobiles provides something for enthusiasts of all ages.

+ Call to artists

The East Hillsborough Art Guild is making a call to artists for the open exhibit at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. Entry day is from 12 to 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20. There is over $4,000 in cash prizes. Best in show receives $300. Divisions include four youth divisions and 10 adult divisions, four of those being professional. For an application or to see rule changes visit EHAGFineArts.com or contact Debra Bryant at STFestArtsShow@gmail.com.

Destiny, Dolphins & Devotion This Valentine’s Day, Yolisma Machado and Aaron Vasquez will celebrate their fated romance and the family they have built together.

+ Club donates to Wheelchairs 4 Kids

The Plant City Optimist Club secured a $500 donation to Wheelchairs 4 Kids to help a local 3-year-old with cerebral palsy. Angelina was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a 1-year-old. She can’t walk and has low muscle tone. Wheelchairs 4 Kids gave her a special seating device called Tumble Forms 2 Corner Chair and a Tumble Forms 2 positioning wedge. The equipment will help her to have home therapy and increase her ability to play with friends and family.

, 3&

This week’s winner is

Heather St Onge See his photo on PAGE 19.

Catherine Sinclair

Yolisma Machado and Aaron Vasquez were married at Hollis Garden in Lakeland in 2011.

Editor’s note: We asked for your love stories for the 2015 Valentine’s Day Love Story contest, and we received some beautiful submissions. But Yolisma Machado and Aaron Vasquez’s story of destiny captured our hearts this holiday. It was a nearly 2,000 mile journey that brought Yolisma Machado and Aaron Vasquez together. The two met on a mission trip in Mexico. Ironically, unknown to either Machado and Vasquez, they were

both from Plant City. But the journey didn’t end there. It stretched for another six years of missed opportunities and chance encounters to ﬁnally end in happily ever after. This is one love story of

destiny our readers will not soon forget. Congratulations to the winners of our 2015 Valentine’s Day Love Story contest.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

2005, Machado was just glad to have survived herfreshman year of high school at Plant City. Looking for “the one” was hardly on her mind. With her church and other central Florida churches, Machado went on a twoweek mission trip to Mexico. The group traveled to

debut by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Dance club moves and shakes to armory The future of the Plant City Social Dance Club was in peril after its longtime venue, Stardust Dance Center, shut down earlier this year. But the club has found a new home. Last Friday, a committee

within the club voted to move the dances to the National Guard Armory on Airport Road in Plant City, which has a multipurpose room that is often rented out for receptions and other events.

The club hosted weekly dances at Stardust since 1999. It had to stop when Stardust closed after its neighbor, Bealls Outlet, wanted to expand into its space. Executives for the anchor store in the shopping

center where Stardust was located threatened to leave the center unless they could take over Stardust’s space. The property manager agreed. The owners of Stardust had to move out. Ken Miller, president of the club, refused to let the obsta-

IF YOU GO

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21 Where: Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Road, Plant City Cost: Free admission; $5 parking Information: PlantCity. org, Facebook.com/ PlanesTrainsAutos, or call (813) 754-3707.

SEE DANCE / PAGE 4

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

SEE PLANES / PAGE 4

LOVE STORY / PAGE 4

During the summer of

The Plant City Social Dance Club met at Stardust Dance Center for years, but was forced to move after Stardust closed last month.

Plane enthusiasts, prepare for takeoff. Train buffs, take to the tracks. And car lovers, start your engines. Because Planes, Trains and Automobiles, a Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce event, is returning Saturday, Feb. 21. Though this is the event’s fifth year, the abundance of things to see and do will be anything but stale. “We’re always bringing in new planes, different displays each year,” Marion Smith, president of the chamber, said. One of the biggest highlights each year is the opportunity for young people to take real flights. There will be 14 pilots on site, and the first 150 kids and teens (ages 8 to 17) to sign up before 1 p.m. can test ride their planes for free. But if your child misses the cut off for flights, don’t worry. He or she can still check out the computer flight simulators, or any of the other displays and

Vol.2,No.29 | Onesection Crossword...................19

Obituaries...................15

Sports.........................16

Weather......................19

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR

FRIDAY, FEB. 13

Acoustic Happy Hour — live music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Heritage Banquet — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. The keynote speaker will be Michael Clayton, a former Tampa Bay Bucaneer. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advanced at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., or Pocket Change Beauty Supply, 1408 E. Baker St. Live Music — takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Uncork your Friday! — live music takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

SATURDAY, FEB. 14 Black Heritage Parade — takes place beginning at 1 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14, going down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and ending at the Dr. MLK Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The Dartts — gospel concert takes place begining at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at First Church of God, 601 N. Gordon St. Strawberry shortcake and ice cream will be served. (813) 752-6438. Florida Opry presents “Country to Pop” — show takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the 1914 PCHS Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. A tribute show to Patsy Cline will be in the auditorium. Adults are $12; students, $5. TheFloridaOpry.org. March of Dimes 5K and Family Festival — takes place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path. Durant FBLA will be hosting the event to benefit premature babies. Food, games and activities will be available later in the morning. For more information contact Dawnelle Stafford at dawnelle.stafford@ sdhc.k12.fl.us. Concealed Weapons Permit Class — takes place from

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

BEST BET Police Unity Tour Poker Run — takes place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Church on the Rock, 301 Alsobrook St. Hosted by Army of Heaven Motorcycle Ministry, the ride will benefit a local team of police officers going to the Police Unity Tour. The money they raise benefits the tour’s Fallen Officers Memorial fund. The first card is $15. To add a rider, it costs $5. Contact Bo Henry at (813) 210-3614.

10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse, 106 E. State Road 60, and ACE Hardware, 10419 County Road 39 Lithia. Call Mark to sign up at (813) 310-1056. Valentine’s Date Night — takes place Saturday, Feb. 14, at Top Shelf Sports Bar and Grill, 110 E. Reynolds Street. Drink specials at 10 p.m., deejay and door prizes. Youth Summit — takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Dr. MLK Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Uncork Your Weekend! — live music takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

SUNDAY, FEB. 15 Beginning English for Speakers of Other Languages — takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McClendon Street. The class size is limited to 10 adult students. The class is free, but each student must purchase his or her workbook, which is $5. Students must register through the Hillsborough Literacy Council by calling (813) 273-3650, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Divorce Care: The Road to Healing/Finding Help —

takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road. This is the second program in the 12-week course. Florida Stories: The Roosevelts & Other Notables of the Spanish-American War — performance takes place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Join Edith and Theodore Roosevelt as they recount their time in Tampa during the Spanish-American war in two 30-miniute performances. Heather Brown, (813) 2587304. Gospel Concert — takes place beginning at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 604 W. Ball St. A youth and adult choir will be lead by Lawrence Ingram. Contact Capathia Sampson at

(813) 728-4675 if you would like to be a part of the community choir.

MONDAY, FEB. 16 Breaking the Chains of Addiction — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, at Holy Protection Church, 3820 Moores Lake Road, Dover. (813) 766-8828.

TUESDAY, FEB. 17 GriefShare — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at Hope Lutheran Baptist Church, 2001 N. Park Road. Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion to help cope with the death of a loved one. (813) 752-4622. The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 28 Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

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ELECTIONS by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Mathis announces run for re-election

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high honors by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Mary Mathis hopes to be re-elected to city commission and chosen for her second term as mayor of Plant City.

City Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis has announced her plans to run for re-election to the Plant City commission this year. She also hopes the commissioners will select her as mayor after current mayor Rick Lott’s term has expired. “Because of my proven commitment, such as exemplary attendance at commission meetings, I want to continue to serve the people of Plant City, and I would appreciate your support, and Mathis more importantly, your vote,” Mathis said. Mathis prides herself and her fellow commissioners on a number of projects she has spearheaded since she became a commissioner in 2000. One of these projects was the revamp and flood management in Samuel W. Cooper Park. Residents can now walk around the pond or go fishing, and community events are often held at the park. “It’s a beautiful addition to the community,” Mathis said. “There was a time when I grew up that people could ride their boats down Laura (Street) ... because of the flooding.” Mathis served as mayor of Plant City from June 2013 to May 2014. The theme she established for her term was “Year of the Youth,” which sprung from her 37 years as an educator and seven years

as assistant principal at Marshall Middle School. During her year as mayor, Mathis made it a priority to celebrate the youth of Plant City. She invited local students who had excelled in academics and athletics to city commission meetings, where she presented proclamations to them. “That was a way of bridging the schools and the city commission together,” she said. Also while Mathis served as mayor, she dedicated the pond at Brewer Park and worked with the Hillsborough County Economic Development Corporation to attract new businesses to Plant City. Dart Container Corporation established its headquarters in town during her term and city employees received salary raises. With her fellow commissioners, she has been involved in the processes of hiring three city managers, a police chief and a ﬁre chief. In addition to the citizens and employees of Plant City, Mathis thanks her husband, Tony Mathis, and parents for being her biggest supporters. “They were very supportive of my campaigns and things of that nature, and my education,” Mathis said. “With them, there was no question about me going to college.” Mathis’ 2015 campaign is in honor of her mother, Emma Thomas, and in memory of her father, Willy Thomas, she said. Emma was an educator, and Willy owned a catering business. They were married for 64 years.

governance by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

P.C. Commission approves rezonings and amendments

At their meeting Monday, Feb. 9, city commissioners voted to approve a number of rezoning ordinances throughout the city, which could make way for further development and economic opportunities. A legislative public hearing on an ordinance to revise the zoning of the airport industrial district and expand the list of permitted uses was held. The additional uses are: business park facilities, businesses requiring outdoor storage, non-on-site service businesses and industrial-related support. Phillip Scearce, director of planning and zoning, said the amendment would streamline the process for new developments. Commissioners also approved two sites to be rezoned as M-1A (Light Industrial District). These are four parcels totaling 35 acres on the west side of South County Line Road, just south of Fancy Farms Roads; and another four parcels totaling 71 acres at the same intersection and corner. Though the commissioners

IN OTHER NEWS

• There will be a public hearing Monday, Feb. 23, on a proposed ordinance that would permit film production within the city limits. • County employees will host four public workshops this spring at HCC Plant City regarding specific transportation concerns. For more information, visit GoHillsborough.org. • The Florida Department of Transportation awarded the City of Plant City for its traffic safety efforts in 2014, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection presented an award to the Plant City Water System for excellent operations.

approved these ordinances unanimously, during the time for public comment, Corlene Finley expressed her disapproval. “Plant City is like a cancer that spreads its developmental tentacles far and wide,” Finley said to the commissioners. “Plant City is a stressful town, and you made it so.” Another ordinance approved the Hitchcock Corners Planned Development District, to be used for indoor recreational facilities. Hitchcock Corners comprises two warehouse-style buildings along Hitchcock Street south of East Alabama Street. These buildings can now serve purposes such as gymnastics studios, cheer facilities, bounce houses and other recreational businesses. “I think this opens up an opportunity, especially some of our warehouses that are vacant,” Mayor Rick Lott said. A gymnastics and cheer facility located in the south building will be allowed to continue there.

Midtown

The commission voted Monday to approve an ordinance amending a section of the city code regarding sale of alcoholic beverages within the Midtown District. As Midtown is currently zoned, bars, liquor stores and bottle clubs are not allowed. But the amendment will allow grocery stores and convenience stores to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption. It also allows restaurants to sell any beverages, regardless of alcoholic content. “(Alcohol) is not what made Plant City great,” resident Bill Hoeft said. “That is not what will keep Plant City great.” Commissioner Bill Dodson said the goal of the amendment is to keep Midtown consistent with its surrounding areas.

Dub McGinnes’ grandchildren and other family members were there to congratulate him.

McGinnes named Citizen of the Year The Citizen of the Year voting committee selected Dub McGinnes as the 2015 honoree.

For more than a month, members of the Plant City Kiwanis Club and other local civic clubs had kept the 2015 Citizen of the Year’s identity a secret, but they revealed at a Wednesday, Feb. 11 ceremony that they had voted to honor W.D. “Dub” McGinnes. “The Lord has blessed me in so many ways,” McGinnes said. “He’s blessed me with an incredible family, and I just want to thank all of them for the support.” McGinnes was born and raised in Plant City. He graduated from Plant City High School in 1965 and earned a degree in business administration from the University of Florida in 1970. Both of his daughters also graduated from PCHS and UF. McGinnes graduated from UF with honors as a second lieutenant, and served in active duty. He then returned to

Photos by Catherine Sinclair

David Wolf presented the award to Dub McGinnes. Plant City to take up the family business. McGinnes’ father, D.W. McGinnes Sr., founded Sunshine Bank. McGinnes is now the director of Sunshine Bank and Sunshine Bancorp Inc.

Also following his father’s legacy, McGinnes is current chairman of the South Florida Baptist Hospital Board of Trustees, and a member of the South Florida Baptist Foundation Board. McGinnes Sr.,

with a group of other community members, was involved in starting the hospital. “That’s where their interest and where their hearts were, as well as the church,” McGinnes’ sister, Mary Jane Hoffman, said. “He did follow granddaddy’s footsteps in a lot of ways.” In fact, McGinnes Sr. was honored as the ﬁfth Citizen of the Year, in 1964. McGinnes’ dedication to the community is also evident in the number of organizations in which he had served. It was appropriate that the award ceremony was held at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds, because McGinnes is a Strawberry Festival Redcoat. He is a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church. In the past, McGinnes has served as an ofﬁcer in the Plant City Lions Club, president of the Plant City High School Athletic Booster Club, a director for the United Way and a leader for numerous other organizations and boards. “Here are a few words that have been used to describe our recipient,” Michael Cameron, last year’s winner, said. “Patient, discerning, a good listener, wise, slow to anger ... humble, eloquent, a loving husband and a wonderful father.” Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

CAMPAIGN TRAIL by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Teacher plans to run for commission seat Hasani Jackson’s goal is to make sure the voices of young people are heard. Educator Hasani Jackson is planning to run as a new candidate for city commission in this April’s election, and his mission is to give Plant City a new vision, direction and sense of community. “My goal is to uplift the older generations, while rejuvenating the younger generations,” Jackson said. Jackson, 37, will be one of the youngest candidates to ever run. He is a teacher at Simmons Career Center, and he wants to represent students concerns while in ofﬁce to ensure that none of the city’s youth are ignored. Mary Mathis, also an educator, is the only city commissioner whose term will expire this year. Jackson said he is not focusing on running against Mathis, but simply for the changes he wishes to see in the community.

For the Youth

When Jackson was a child, he looked up to Sadye Gibbs Martin, the ﬁrst black person to serve as a city commissioner and mayor. He adored her for her involvement in the community and her attention to young people. “I was in awe to see this black lady just everywhere, and that motivated me as a young kid to pursue that kind of position as well,” Jackson said.

Since 2004, Jackson has dedicated himself to the youth of Plant City. His care for students extends far beyond the classroom. Jackson once personally helped a student get out of a gang so he could focus on his schoolwork and future career. Years later, Jackson ran into the former student around town. The student thanked him again for his prior guidance, and offered to repay Jackson however he could. “I said, ‘Take care of your kid, get an education.’ I shook his hand and I told him I loved him,” Jackson said. In 2014, Jackson made sure no obstacle would stand in the way of a student taking the GED, paying for the student’s bus ticket to Jacksonville so he could take it one last time. The student passed. As a commissioner, Jackson said he would focus primarily on the youth of Plant City, just as he has done throughout his career, regardless of their economic status or history. “They all need somebody to help build their future,” Jackson said. “If they have the opportunity to see someone like myself in the position of city commission, it will give them a role model to look up to.” Some of Jackson’s speciﬁc goals are to attract more young people to Plant City, update

Hasani Jackson will be running in the City Commission election this April. Catherine Sinclair

technology at local recreation centers so that children can learn about computers, involve more church leaders in community-building projects and clean up certain areas to improve Plant City’s visual aesthetic.

Family Man

Jackson was born and raised in Plant City. Now, he and his wife, Amii, are raising four children of their own. “I have an interracial family,” Jackson said. “There’s a lot of interracial families here in Plant City. That’s where the new vision comes in, the new direction. Family is a must.” From his father, Jackson learned to be concerned with politics and strive to be a light in the community. From his mother, he learned the importance of having a strong comforter. Hasani and Amii Jackson

BIO

HASANI JACKSON Age: 37 Occupation: Teacher, Simmons Career Center Education: Bachelor’s in sociology from University of South Florida; currently working on master’s in education leadership Family: Wife, Amii; four children Community involvement: Member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, volunteer for Next Level Sports Academe were married in 2011. Amii coaches Plant City Dolphins cheerleading. The Jacksons attend Mount Olive Baptist Church. Hasani also participates in a men’s group at New City Church.

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP LOVE STORY / PAGE 1 different cities but was based in Santa Fe. Little did she know she would be running into another adventurer from Plant City. Vasquez, an upcoming sophomore at Durant High School, had traveled separately with his grandparents to Santa Fe for the same reason, at the same time. Every night, all of the youth who were serving in Santa Fe would hang out. When Machado and Vasquez met and realized they were both from Plant City, a bond began to form. But it wasn’t love at first sight. “He was fun to talk to, but he wasn’t my type,” Machado said. “I didn’t know it was going to turn into anything,” Vasquez added. Still, Machado wanted to keep in touch with Vasquez when they got back to Plant City. She wrote down her phone number for him. But months passed, and he never called. Disappointed, she assumed he had just moved on. But she was wrong. “She gave me her phone number, but I had put it in my pocket in my pants, and my grandma had washed them ... I forgot to take it out, so I lost it,” Vasquez said. Vasquez had not forgotten about her, either. Before social media was widely used, the best way to find someone was to track him or her down in person. So, Vasquez went to Machado’s church one morning, hoping they’d be able to reconnect. At first he couldn’t find her. But he managed to after some time, only to discover she had a boyfriend. He thought he had missed his chance.

REUNITED AND REKINDLED

In 2008, the summer after Machado had graduated from Plant City High School and Vasquez had graduated from Durant High School, a mutual friend unknowingly helped them reconnect. Machado was walking the track at Bryan Elementary School with Vasquez’s cousin, whom she had met through another friend, and she did not know that he had also invited Vasquez to the track that day. When Vasquez showed up, he and Machado recognized each other immediately, though they had been apart for three years. “A couple days later, I texted her, and we started meeting up every day, almost,” Vasquez said. They once stayed up all night talking on the phone, until Vasquez had to go to work in the morning. “He didn’t even sleep because we had so much to talk about,” Machado said. Machado soon enrolled at Hillsborough Community College and encouraged Vasquez to do the same. They often enjoyed lunch together between classes. After two years of dating, Vasquez had a deeper commitment in mind.

AWARDS

The couple is receiving a $50 gift card from O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant and tickets for two from the Lakeland Center to see Rhythm of the Dance. Thank you to O’Brien’s and the Lakeland Center for the generous donation, and thank you to our readers for sharing your stories. Happy Valentine’s Day from the Plant City Times & Observer.

“It started getting more serious,” he said. “It got to the point where I was like, what am I waiting for? ... I just knew.”

POPPING THE QUESTION

Vasquez knew that Machado had wanted to swim with dolphins, and he decided he’d be the one to make it happen. But dolphins weren’t the only dream that came true for Machado that day. Vasquez invited her to a day of adventure at Discovery Cove in Orlando. When the couple got in the water, along with a family of tourists, Machado thought it was strange that a woman was ﬁlming their every move. But she thought the group of tourists had probably paid extra to catch their experience on ﬁlm. Machado and Vasquez were split from the rest of the group, but the camera was still pointed at them. An employee told Machado to throw a certain toy to one of the dolphins. As if on cue, another dolphin swam over to Machado, nudged her, and gave her a buoy. The question “Will you marry me?” was written on the buoy. Of course, Machado knew the message was from Vasquez, and she said “yes.” “The people that were recording started cheering,” she said. Machado and Vasquez were married at Hollis Garden in Lakeland, Aug. 20, 2011.

TOGETHER FOREVER

Machado and Vasquez build their marriage on God, communication and trust. “That’s what we’ve always had since the beginning,” Machado said. “We had to trust each other.” Vasquez works a night shift at Gordon Food Services. Though he comes home early in the morning, he sometimes arrives bearing ﬂowers for his wife. Machado said she appreciates how hard he works, and how he is a wonderful father to their twin daughters, born in 2013. Vasquez said he appreciates Machado’s dedication to their daughters as well and how she stays home to care for them. “I know that’s a lot of work,” he said. “I think it’s more than what I do.” Machado and Vasquez’s family and love are continuing to grow. They are expecting a third child this summer. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

PARADE / PAGE 1 “I’ve learned to be more responsible (through Junior Civitans), and get the club as a whole to do things,” Hardee said. “It’s helped me to be more organized.” In the realm of athletics, Hardee is an accomplished pole vaulter. He takes lessons in Orlando and won the title in the Western Conference last year. With a 4.0 GPA, Kevin O’Hare also strives for excellence in his school work, but some of his biggest interests are advocacy and political involvement. As the southeast regional director of the Campaign for a Presidential Youth Council, O’Hare works with federal government ofﬁcials to advise the executive branch on youth-related issues. He is also a board member of the Citizens Advisory Committee to the Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization. O’Hare is a state ofﬁcer for Florida Future Business Leaders of America and holds

numerous other leadership positions at his school and throughout Hillsborough County. “In my 27 years of education, I’ve never seen a young man who has the enthusiasm and leadership and dedication that Kevin does,” Franci Dupre, O’Hare’s college and career counselor at DHS, said. O’Hare said he is looking forward to being part of the Youth Parade because of its long history and tradition. “I wholeheartedly recognize the impact that the festival has every year,” O’Hare said. At the Civitan Club meeting Thursday, Feb. 5, Pogue honored Hardee and O’Hare, “Over the years, you see a lot of these parade marshals come back,” Paul Davis, festival manager said. “It absolutely is heartwarming.” Don’t miss Hardee, O’Hare in the 2015 Civitan Youth Parade, Saturday, Feb. 28. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

Catherine Sinclair

Members of the dance club volunteered to join the committee that searched for the new venue. They chose the Armory because of its spacious dancing area.

DANCE / PAGE 1 cle keep the club from dancing. For a few weeks, the club’s events were held at the Plant City Woman’s Club, but the room could not accommodate as many dancers as had been attending at Stardust. So Miller formed the committee of club members to search for a new venue. The National Guard Armory was a perfect ﬁt. The space is 5,775 square feet; larger than the dance ﬂoor at Stardust. “We’re excited about coming here. It’s going to give us room to dance, room to grow,” Miller said. “We could have some huge crowds in here

PLANES / PAGE 1 activities. “The kids love ﬂying. That’s their thing. But ... there’s plenty of things to do,” Smith said. There will be static displays of planes, and a number of car clubs will be showing their vehicles. Guests can vote for their favorite car. For those interested in trains, the H.B. Plant Railroad Historical Society will have a model train display set up. Representatives from CSX will have information about railroad safety, and Largo Central

IF YOU GO

FIRST DANCE When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20 Where: Florida National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road, Plant City Contact: Ken Miller, (863) 409-7714 over time.” Miller likes how the floor at the armory is slick and smooth, but it could never replace the floating wood floor at Stardust, he said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com. Railroad will have a display. Even animal lovers will find something of interest. Security officials from the Tampa International Airport will be there, along with their hardworking security dogs, to give K-9 unit demonstrations at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. The event helps out local Boy Scouts by providing opportunities for them to earn two badges. For more information, visit PlantCity.org. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OMG readers respond

Observer Media Group CEO Matt Walsh asked last week on this page: ‘Never again?’ It was referring to the Holocaust and implied that Islamic terrorists’ atrocities resembled those of the Nazis. We said it was time for the U.S. to act forcefully. OMG readers responded — forcefully. + We need to wake up

Dear Editor: Well, ﬁnally, a media source that is trying to make a difference. This makes me like the Plant City Observer even more. It is the job of the president and our elected ofﬁcials to protect us and our country. We need to insist on it now! Thanks for this much-needed editorial. I pray people wake up before we have no freedom! Carol Bridges Lakeland

+ Inappropriate for children

Dear Editor: While I agree with your views, this editorial was hidden inside the paper with little or no warning. Your paper is dropped off to local elementary schools weekly. My 10-year-old son found himself reading an article in the back seat of the car and looking at pictures that my adult brain struggles to make sense of. He was horriﬁed. It

CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE

Dear Editor: Bravo to you for your editorial regarding terrorism. I hope it helps bring people to their senses. It’s refreshing to see someone call it like it is and put forth a call to action by the people. It is frightening that our president continues to release terrorists and defend them while innocent people are being cruciﬁed, beheaded and burned. Perhaps you could craft a template letter that people could print, sign and send to our representatives. Amber Suka Lakewood Ranch Ms. Suka: Send the editorial page to Congress. Or email your representative a link to it: yourobserver.com/news/longboatkey/Opinion/0204201538528/Our-View-Never-again. — Ed. opened up the door for some real conversations about acceptance, witnessing and choosing God even when it seems hopeless. (My 5-yearold’s take on it: “You have to choose Jesus even when bad guys don’t.” My 10-year-old’s view: “We live in a big world, and there are bad guys. We just have to remember to plant a seed.”) While I feel they were able to talk this out, I wasn’t planning to share this kind of

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

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

information yet. I ask that you continue to stand ﬁrm in your beliefs, but please don’t deliver issues such as this to elementary schools. Patty Baxter Plant City

+ Aggressively eliminate them

Dear Editor: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

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

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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

Finally, someone had the nerve and clear view of the EVIL in our world that is like a cancer that no one is treating. To say that this EVIL is conﬁned to a few Muslims and that Islam is the religion of peace is pure baloney. You have only to study Muslim aggression in history and the true life of Muhammed to see what we’re facing. Compare the lives of Jesus and Muhammed. How can we get serious about this threat to the entire civilized world and let known terrorist camps operate in this country? We must call them what they are and aggressively eliminate them. Period. Just a patriot … Phil Stewart Bradenton

+ Editorial belongs in trash

Dear Editor: I object to your statement that the president refuses to identify radical Islamic extremists and that his response is “feckless.”

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

Are you saying he should have already committed ground troops in the ﬁght against ISIS? We just got out of two different wars! I want to remind you there is a presidential election next year, and you are welcome to run for president. I have always enjoyed the Observer up until last week’s editorial. We already have Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity stirring up fear on Fox News every night, and now we have you trying to defame our president. I object to your article. It belongs in the Tampa Bay Times or St. Louis Post-Dispatch, not a neighborhood newspaper. If you continue to have offending opinions like this, I’ll remove the paper from my driveway and deposit it directly in the trash can. Jerry Signaigo Lakewood Ranch

+ You said it like it is

Dear Editor: Bravo for taking such a stand against the Islamic terrorists. Your “Never Again?” editorial is a must-read for everyone, and I mean everyone. We are at war. Make no mistake about it, and you took it upon yourself instead of writing about local news to warn our country that we must take action now. There is no one: “No other nation with the might, the ingenuity or the ability to

HONESTY APPRECIATED

Dear Editor: I just wanted to thank the editor for writing the “Never Again?” article. I thought it was not only informative and moving, but so courageous of the paper to tell it like it really is for Christians and other victims of terrorist acts in the Middle East. I showed it to my high schoolers and they were left speechless by the photographs, as it all became very real for them. I also gave the article to our high school Bible teacher who was planning on discussing it with her class. So appreciate your honesty in reporting this. Mary Ellen Murray Foundation Academy, Winter Garden

muster the will, courage and commitment to do whatever is necessary to end the slaughtering of innocents, to destroy this mortal enemy of Western values and civilizatiion.” Because, as you said, “If not we, then who will stop them?” What a courageous person to say it like it is. Gloria Max Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties Inc. Ormond Beach

Plant City Times &

Observer

General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.com Circulation/Ofﬁce Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

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REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Country home tops January real estate sales A country home in north Plant City topped the real estate sales in January. The home at 1330 Hams Farm Road sold Jan. 23, for $312,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 3,037 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $102.73.

Alexander Woods Townhomes

The home at 107 Alexander Woods Drive sold Jan. 9, for $105,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,466 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $71.62. The home at 113 Alexander Woods Drive sold Jan. 13, for $113,000. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,789 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $63.16. The home at 173 Alexander Woods Drive sold Jan. 27, for $113,000. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,764 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $64.06. The home at 223 Alexander Woods Drive sold Jan. 9, for $110,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,764 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $62.36.

Alice Winter Gardens

The home at 4604 Bird Road sold Jan. 20, for $172,000. Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, one and one half baths and 1,978 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $86.96.

Grove Manor

The home at 5017 Miley Road sold Jan. 28, for $256,000. Built in 1966, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,488 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $102.89.

Highland Country Estates

The home at 3615 Pioneer Country Trail sold Jan. 23, for $55,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2007, it has one bedroom, one bath and 768 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $71.61.

Hillsboro Park

The home at 1701 N. Lime St. sold Jan. 30, for $52,500 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,078 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $48.70.

Hillsborough

The home at 2312 Clemons Road sold Jan. 12, for $46,000 (short sale). Built in 1962, it has two bedrooms, one bath

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Grace 2) Precision 3) Top Hat 4) Swing Time 5) Ginger Rogers. Fred Astaire

JANUARY SNAPSHOT Minimum: $29,000 Maximum: $312,000 Median: $125,000 Average: $135,974

and 1,016 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $31.59. The home at 201 E. Hunter Road sold Jan. 5, for $179,000. Built in 1950, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 820 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $218.29. The home at 4304 E. Knights Grifﬁn Road sold Jan. 29, for

REAL ESTATE / PAGE 8

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP REAL ESTATE / PAGE 7 $138,299 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,332 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $103.83. The home at 2702 Medulla Road sold Jan. 16, for $158,000. Built in 1969, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,823 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $86.67. The home at 808 Pearl Mary Circle sold Jan. 15, for $59,000 (short sale). Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,158 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $50.59. The home at 5206 Vaughn Road sold Jan. 26, for $229,900. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,211 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $103.98.

Jenson Heights

The home at 4409 Airport Road sold Jan. 23, for $70,314 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,459 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $48.19.

Kentwood Park

The home at 2302 Maki Road sold Jan. 14, for $40,500 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1987, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 920 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $44.02.

Lambert

The home at 2905 Jap Tucker Road sold Jan. 9, for $109,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,428 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $76.33.

Magnolia Green

The home at 3841 Crystal Dew St. sold Jan. 30, for $168,990. Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $101.07.

Morrell Park

The home at 501 E. Langford

Circle sold Jan. 9, for $58,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1956, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 975 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $59.49.

Oak Park Heights

The home at 1102 W. Garden St. sold Jan. 26, for $66,000. Built in 1966, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 952 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.33.

Orange Heights

The home at 1504 N. Burton St. sold Jan. 14, for $50,000. Built in 1949, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,016 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $54.23.

Park Place

The home at 1202 Lavender Jewel Court sold Jan. 5, for $225,772. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,790 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $126.13.

Preserve

The home at 2203 Preservation Drive sold Jan. 23, for $140,101 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,083 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $67.26.

Reynolds Ridge

The home at 4413 Reynolds Ridge Court sold Jan. 6, for $155,000. Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,556 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $99.61.

Seminole Lake

The home at 3310 N. Lake Drive sold Jan. 6, for $115,000 (short sale). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,701 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $67.61.

Sugar Creek

The home at 3806 Sugar Creek Court sold Jan. 23, for $112,300 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1999, it has three bed-

rooms, two baths and 1,124 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $91.75 The home at 3813 Sugar Creek Court sold Jan. 26, for $119,000. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1607 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $74.05.

Sunny Acres

The home at 702 Sunset Road sold Jan. 7, for $113,112 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,624 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.65.

Tomlinson Acres

The home at 5112 Five Acre Road sold Jan. 23, for $285,000. Built in 1976, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,380 square feet of living area on two acres. The price per square foot is $119.75.

Trapnell Ridge

The home at 3403 Berry Blossom Lane sold Jan. 30, for $135,000. Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,764 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $76.53.

Walden Lake

The home at 1756 Brookstone Way sold Jan. 9, for $235,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,055 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $114.36. The home at 2891 Hammock Drive sold Jan. 20, for $252,000. Built in 1986, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,347 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $107.37. The home at 4119 Kipling Ave. sold Jan. 23, for $206,900. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,340 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $88.42. The home at 2902 Pine Club Drive sold Jan. 23, for $209,000. Built in 1988, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,374 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $88.04. The home at 106 Seville

Court S. sold Jan. 30, for $115,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,813 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $72.74.

Walden Reserve

The home at 3506 Regner Drive sold Jan. 2, for $255,240. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 3,087 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $82.68.

Walden Woods

The home at 766 Ashentree Drive sold Jan. 30, for $129,990. Built in 2014, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,201 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.23. The home at 1866 Greenwood Valley Drive sold Jan. 13, for $136,000. Built in 2013, it has two bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,521 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $89.41.

Washington Park

The home at 1002 N. Knights St. sold Jan. 8, for $125,000. Built in 1963, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,616 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $77.35.

Wilder Park

The home at 2907 Wilder Creek Circle sold Jan. 9, for $133,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,345 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $98.88.

Willis

The home at 2656 Charlie Taylor Road sold Jan. 30, for $135,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2006, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,467 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $69.11.

Windmill Point

The home at 4332 Windmill Point Drive sold Jan. 7, for $170,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1930, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,016 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $29.43.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

2015 Florida Strawberry Festival

QUEEN’S COURT CONGRATULATIONS FROM YOUR SPONSORS

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PAYTON RAYE ASTIN

Parents: Sam and Buffy Astin School: Senior at Durant High School Extracurriculars: Student Government president, captain of the varsity cheerleading team, FFA, Leo Club, student representative for PTSA, Durant’s Miss Cougar Body Building Champion, Durant Calendar Girl Miss January and Homecoming Queen Hobbies: Working out, working with organizations that help give back to the community and being a constant support to her peers and student body Future plans: To attend Florida Southern College to earn a master’s degree in business and then help take over Astin Farms

DEANNA RODRIGUEZ

Parents: Tony and Stacey Rodgriguez School: Junior at Plant City High School; dual enrolled at Hillsborough Community College Extracurriculars: National Honor Society, Civinettes, vice president of Future Business Leaders of America, junior captain of varsity soccer, captain for Relay for Life and Team ToMorrow, 2015 Plant City High School Calendar Girl Miss May Hobbies: Traveling with her family, photography, going to the beach and playing travel soccer Future plans: To attend a four-year university and pursue a degree in the medical field

SAMANTHA MEI SUN

Parents: Jim and Shari Sun School: Junior at Plant City High School Extracurriculars: Civinettes Club Officer, Youth Alive member, varsity tennis team, National Honor Society, Math Bowl team, Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership Award recipient, Plant City High School Tennis MVP Award, second place Optimist Club Speech Contest, first place PTSA Reflections Art Contest, art displayed at Dali Museum, Community Choice Award Lifelink Art Competition Hobbies: Piano, art, reading, youth summer mission trips, Relay for Life and volunteering with Civinettes Future plans: To attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in medical sciences with plans of attending medical school

EMILY BENOIT

Parents: Michael and Jennifer Benoit School: Senior at Newsome High School Extracurriculars: President of Newsome FFA, vice president of Hillsborough FFA Federation, Florida Junior Cattlemen’s Association, National Gold FFA Meats Evaluation Team, Florida Junior Beef Ambassador Hobbies: Raising and showing angus cattle at local fairs and the Florida Strawberry Festival, horseback riding, spending time with family and friends Future plans: To attend the University of Florida to study veterinary medicine with a minor in meat science

KELLEN ALYSSE MORRIS

Parents: Melinda and Trey Morris School: Senior at Plant City High School; freshman at Hillsborough Community College Extracurriculars: Varsity flag football, Civinettes, Science Club, yearbook staff, National Honor Society, 1290 Club, October Senior of the Month Hobbies: Singing in the praise band at church, painting, making jewelry, doodling and shopping Future plans: To complete an associate’s degree at Hillsborough Community College and transfer to the University of Florida to study architectural engineering

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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Buddy Boy Bennett

Buddy Boy Bennett, 56, died Feb. 10, 2015. Mr. Bennett was best known for his dedication to the Plant City Dolphins football and cheerleading organization. He had been involved with PCD for 30 years and had been the president for 20 of those years. He was a volunteer for the Florida Strawberry Festival, an active member of Midway Baptist Church and enjoyed playing golf and traveling. Buddy’s main joy in life was his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Pam Bennett; daughters, Ericka (Ryan) Bennett Winslow and Kimberly (Jesse) Morgan Drawdy; grandchildren, Colten, Wyatt, and Kyndell Drawdy, and Liam Winslow; brother, Don Bennett; and sisters, Pauline Pishner, Jean Halstead and Patty Jean Barnett. He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Bennett; father-in-law, Gene Chapman; and grandmother, Susie Martin. Visitation with family and friends will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, with funeral services at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14, both at First Baptist Church of Plant City. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery. Everyone is asked to wear their jerseys or Dolphin colors. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations may be made to Plant City Dolphins, P.O. Box 993, Plant City, Florida, 33563 in Buddy’s honor. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Consolacion Cortez De Bernal

Consolacion Cortez De Bernal, 68, of Plant City, died Feb. 4, 2015. Born July 17, 1946, in Dr. Arroyo, Mexico, she was the daughter of the late Santos Cortez and the late Maria Moncada Cortez. Surviving are sons, Carlos M. Bernal, Heraclio Bernal, Idalia Bernal, Edmundo Bernal and Homero Bernal; daughter, Esmeralda Bernal, of Plant City; brothers, Abdios Cortez, Olegario Cortez, Silverio Cortez and Raymundo Cortez; sisters, Anjelica Ramos and Maria Cortez; 18 grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. A funeral service was held Monday, Feb. 9, at St. Clement Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Wynell Lee Bridges

Wynell Lee Bridges, of Floral City, and formerly Plant City, died Feb. 7, 2015. She was a founding member of Springhead Pentecostal Church of God. She was a God-fearing woman who

loved her family. She is survived by her children, Richard Bridges, Ronald Bridges, Terry Bridges, Jerry Bridges, Larry Bridges and Cindy Venning; siblings, Anne Chancey, Judy McLeroy, Peggy Close and Tina Tarlton; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Herman Bridges; and daughter, Cathy Voyles. A celebration of life, ofﬁciated by Reverend’s Gene Sloan and Carl Stiles, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at Springhead Pentecostal Church of God, where family will receive friends beginning at 2 p.m. Interment to follow at Springhead Cemetery. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Lonie Ray Brooks

Lonie Ray Brooks, 78, of Plant City, died Feb. 2, 2015. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and the City of Lakeland. He is survived by his daughters, Tracy, Tina, Kim, Voncile and Chelsea; brothers, Willie and Jerry; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jean; daughter, Jeania; grandson, Christopher; parents, Will and Alice; and siblings, Bobbie and Voncile. A celebration of life was held Feb. 9, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Ashley Chancey

Ashley Chancey, 88, of Valrico, died Feb. 3, 2015. He attended Countryside Baptist Church in Dover. He is survived by his wife, Leola L. Chancey; sons, Ralph (Linda) Chancey and Jimmy (Carol) Chancey; sisters, Daisy Cagnina and Ruby Hamm; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous family and friends. A celebration of life was held Feb. 7, at Hopewell Funeral Home. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Mike Alstott Family Foundation, c/o RHMG Inc., 3310 W. Cyprus Street, Suite 206, Tampa, Florida, 33607. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Charles Augusta “Charlie” Davidson

Charles Augusta “Charlie” Davidson, 81, of Apollo Beach, died Feb. 6, 2015. He was born in Hackensack, New Jersey. He was a member of Providence

Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and he was a retired lease operator truck driver for CTL Transportation. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Sonja B. Davidson; children, Charles R. Davidson of Lithia, Sonja (Kevin) B. Burnham, of St. Augustine, Eleanor “Chris” (Robert) Gonzalez, of Lithia and Theresa Davidson, of Valrico; siblings, Henry (Sherry) Davidson, of Homasassa; Martha Sloan, of New Jersey; and 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Tammie Brown Davidson; and sister, Vera Wright. A celebration of life was held Thursday, Feb. 12, at Hopewell Funeral Home. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to a cancer charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Truman E. Kahler Jr.

Truman E. Kahler Jr., 78, died Feb. 4, 2015, with his loving family by his side. He was born in Leck Kill, Pennsylvania. He retired from the U.S. Air Force following 20 years of service. Mr. Kahler was involved in the missile program and early computerization. He proudly served at the Pentagon, Vietnam, Thailand, Greenland and many years at SAC Headquarters in Bellevue, Nebraska. Following his Air Force career, Mr. Kahler graduated from Creighton University. He was a classroom teacher at the elementary level in Bellevue before moving to Plant City, where he taught gifted students at Knights, Forest Hills and Walden Lake Elementary Schools. After retiring from teaching in 1995, he and his wife, Diana, traveled across the country in their RV for the last 20 years. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Diana F. Kahler; children, Perry (Vicki) E. Kahler, Wayne D. Kahler and Valerie C. Busciglio; and beloved granddaughter, Emerson A. Busciglio. He was predeceased by son, Lee T. Kahler; ﬁrst wife, Marlene Kahler; parents, Truman E. Kahler and Jaffela Jones; brother, Lee T. Kahler; and sisters, Lorena Crabbe, Betty Bridges and Barbara Seitz. A celebration of life took place Sunday, Feb. 8, at Blount and Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel, Tampa. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital StJude.org. Online condolences may be made at BlountCurryCarrollwood. com.

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Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kasey Locke is pegged to play a key role. 18

SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

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

FOOTBALL

+ Longtime PCD president dies

Buddy Bennett, president of the Plant City Dolphins football and cheerleading organization, died Tuesday, Feb. 10. Bennett, who worked tirelessly Bennet with the Dolphins for 20 years, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013. Anyone who wishes to talk about Bennett for an upcoming tribute can contact Sports reporter Justin Kline via email by Monday, Feb. 16.

cheerleading by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Crest makes history with state championship

Strawberry Crest’s cheerleading team overcame a season’s worth of setbacks to win the school’s ﬁrst-ever state championship and make Hillsborough County record books. Boxing legend Muhammad Ali once said, “A true champion can adapt to anything.” That’s what Strawberry Crest head coach Loveny Rivas told her cheerleaders this season, and it looks like the words of wisdom paid off better than expected. In a 2014-15 season riddled with injuries and a few other bumps in the road, Strawberry Crest became the ﬁrst team in Hillsborough County history to win the district, regional and state competitions.

“It’s the ﬁrst state title in school history,” Rivas says. “Everyone is super excited.” The team was able to do it despite facing a number of obstacles throughout the season. Rivas had to use all of her alternates and pulled girls up from the junior varsity squad. But all of that made the win much more impressive.

ROAD TO SUCCESS

The program is no stranger to ﬁelding a competitive team, as the Lady Chargers have had

success even before Rivas was around. They were the runners-up in the 2011 FHSAA state competition, just before she arrived on campus, and last won regionals in 2012. For the last two years, Crest’s best ﬁnish in the postseason was runner-up at regionals. But this year was different. Rivas had what she feels was her most talented squad yet in front of her, and expectations were high.

Courtesy photo

Injuries and departures didn’t stop the Strawberry Crest girls this SEE CREST / PAGE 17 season.

hooked on a camera by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

+ Ward resigns from PCHS varsity team

Plant City High School head coach Wayne Ward has stepped down from his position for personal reasons, the school confirmed Tuesday, Feb. 10. Ward wished the players and coaches well in a Facebook post. “Having had the ability to positively help change the lives of so many young men through the game of football has been such a tremendous blessing and (an) opportunity I do not take for granted,” Ward wrote. “I have taken this program as far as I could take it and I look forward to the next chapter of my life.” Athletic director Traci Durrance has not yet hired Ward’s replacement, as of press time, though it is likely that the school could choose to promote from within the current coaching staff.

MARTIAL ARTS

+ Robertson defeats Vorce by decision

Plant City-based mixed martial arts fighter Kristi Vorce had her second consecutive title fight Saturday, Feb. 7, but did not leave with a new strap. Gillian Robertson won the rematch by split decision, after surviving a third-round barrage of Vorce’s flying fists, and kept her strawweight title. Vorce’s next fight is scheduled March 7 at Rival Fight League, in Lakeland.

BASEBALL

+ Baseball league returns

Plant City Little League is bringing back Senior and Big League Baseball for boys age 15-18. Anyone who wishes to play must be registered by Saturday, March 7. Contact Jeffrey Jacobsen for registration information at (813) 468-9362 or email jakesteraider@ yahoo.com.

If Chase Lott can strap a GoPro camera onto anything to get a shot, he will.

Thrill of the Chase Plant City High School junior Chase Lott is combining his love of the outdoors with his love of videography to make his mark on the entertainment industry.

ost ﬁshermen have at least a few tall tales up their sleeves. But Plant City High School junior Chase Lott catches all of his outdoor adventures on video. He found his calling last summer at Captiva Island just north of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. But he didn’t get the idea to start shooting video while wrangling in a trophy ﬁsh caught during a day trip out on the water. Instead, the Plant City High junior’s story begins in the evening, during his sister’s birthday dinner at a little seafood shack. Toying around with his mother’s GoPro camera, the idea hooked him. He’d always liked being outdoors and enjoyed shooting things, so why not combine the two? And so, Chase-N-Tail was born.

ANGLER’S EYE

Although Lott, an avid ﬁsherman, originally started Chase-N-Tail out on the water,

he knew that he wanted to go beyond that. He has other interests and a habit of looking for the most creative shots possible. Therefore, “Tail” in his videography name is meant to be ambiguous. “Gator, deer, fish, everything — it applies to everything,” Lott says. To capture more shots, he got his boating and hunting licenses. Using a GoPro and some basic film editing computer software, Lott began to hone his craft when he wasn’t at football practice. It helped that one of his favorite classes at Plant City High is TV production, taught by one of his coaches, Greg Meyer. The class gave him some background knowledge to build upon. Lott currently has eight videos up on his YouTube page, but his work on Instagram has also benefitted his cause. Although he’s not a huge fan of using social media, Lott

SEE CHASE / PAGE 17

Photos by Chase Lott

SEE FOR YOURSELF: Watch Chase Lott’s videos on YouTube by searching for the name of his channel, “Chase N Tail,” or by using the link, YouTube.com/ user/MrZeno34. Follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @chase_ntail.

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baseball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Crest, Plant City compete in preseason Picking up the ‘sticks?’

Plant City High School hosted its second annual Preseason Classic baseball tournament the weekend of Feb. 6, but it was another Plant Cityarea team that stole the show. Strawberry Crest was the only team to win both of its games, although the Chargers and Raiders did not meet up. Visiting teams Wiregrass Ranch and Trinity Christian Academy each picked up a win over the Raiders and lost to Crest by one run. On Friday night, Florida Strawberry Festival director emeritus Al Berry threw Wiregrass Ranch tried to give Strawberry Crest some trouble on the basepaths. out the first pitch before the Raiders’ game against Trinity Mark Moclair up to bat, and be the home team and lost, Christian and also presented then stole second base to set 6-3. Some bright spots were head coach Mike Fryrear with the batter up for the game- the Raiders’ top three pitcha hat that Berry had received winning RBI single. The next ers — Ryan Boyd, Billy McKay from former Cincinnati Reds morning, Crest picked up a and Ben Carson — not giving 3-2 victory over the Conquer- up any earned runs over the owner Marge Schott. Strawberry Crest kicked the ors, who had just pitched well weekend, and first baseman Cam Knight batting 5-for-8 in tournament off Friday after- against Plant City. After Berry’s first pitch Fri- his first spring game since getnoon with a walk-off, 4-3 win over Wiregrass Ranch. After day night, the Raiders fell, ting injured in 2014. Both Crest and Plant City blowing a 3-1 lead in the top of 2-1, to Trinity Christian and the seventh inning, the Char- its three top pitchers — all have home games at 7 p.m. gers sent Jeff Murray up to who can throw at over 90 Friday, Feb. 13, with the Char- Al Berry threw the first pitch the plate with two outs. Mur- miles per hour. The next after- gers hosting Riverview and the before Plant City’s game ray singled, sending pitcher noon, Plant City let the Bulls Raiders hosting Plant. against Trinity Christian.

CHASE / PAGE 16 has managed to pick up a few sponsors through his Instagram clips, mostly by wearing the companies’ apparel or using their products. Another local sponsor, Gary Pike, has also invested in Lott’s work.

MIXING IT UP

Since Lott started Chase-NTail, he’s bolstered his arsenal to include just about everything a one-man ﬁlm crew could want. With two GoPros, a GPS-programmed drone and other equipment, Lott has around $2,000 worth of gear to shoot footage with. And he’s upgraded from that basic computer software to higher-quality apps on his phone, which link up directly with his GoPros. He picked

up that knowledge from Mike Goodwine, a Plant City-based fisherman who also shoots his own videos and gained some notoriety on Instagram as Blackneck Adventures. What makes Lott stand out from the many other fishinggeared handles on social media is that he doesn’t want to just stick to fishing. He wants to capture everything he’s interested in: fishing, hunting, watersports, snowboarding and anything else that can be done outdoors. And one day, he hopes to get famous enough for his own big-time outdoor sports show. “The whole idea is to be more unique than anything out there,” Lott says. “I see SportFishing TV, they talk and they catch fish, but nothing that makes me go, ‘I want to go do that.’”

His favorite videography trips so far have not been ﬁshing adventures. Lott enjoyed shooting his family’s Christmas snowboarding trip to Mount Crested Butte, Colorado. He also liked a gator hunting trip in Kissimmee with Team Goin’ Low, which he did on a Friday night, after playing in a football game. He wasn’t too tired to nab a 10-footer on the side. “We hunted all the way through the night and, at about 4 a.m., we found this gator and started hunting him down,” Lott says. “We got him around, I don’t know what time, but it was early. Hard to stay up.” Lott’s dream videography trip would include hog hunting from inside a helicopter. He’d also like to try his hand at shooting a paintball video

soon, for which he would bust out the drone for some aerial shots. He’s already planning on new shoots and new equipment, but the fact that he’s gotten this far is still hard for him to believe. “To be honest, I never expected it to be this big after a year,” Lott says. With one year of high school left, Lott has already made up his mind for the future: He wants to go to college locally, perhaps at the University of South Florida, and study marketing in order to make Chase-N-Tail get as big as it can. And, if everything goes as planned, Lott feels that there’s much to be excited about for the future. “Every day, I’m getting better,” he says. “Every video I make, I keep getting better and better.”

Try these sports titles

One of my favorite questions But it was the NBA Street to ask for our Athlete of the series that really made me love Week feature is, “What video basketball games, and I still fire games are you playing?” it up on the PS2 every so often. Why? Well, more often than It’s totally unrealistic, but it’s not, this is the nonone of the best arcadesports question that style games around, and kids normally open up there’s never a dull moto first, and I’ve gotten ment in multiplayer. I some very good anI know there are a lot swers from some of the of serious Madden playmore competitive ones. ers out there who are This even includes reading this, but I don’t publicly calling out think it’s better than JUSTIN teammates, which I’m the now-defunct NCAA KLINE sure led to some actionFootball series. The colpacked contests. lege games, especially I also enjoy asking because in the last few years, have been I’ve been a gamer for about as better on virtually every level, long as I can remember, and namely where the control I always like to know what schemes are concerned. And people are playing in case it in- yes, I have created a team for spires me to pick up something my football-free alma mater, new for myself. I usually go for Florida Gulf Coast University. a big, open-world game that The Show is currently the I can sink a ton of hours into, only MLB game out there, but but playing great sports games there used to be more options. over the years really helped me In my last summer semester become passionate about real- of college, when I lived on a life sports and want to pursue pull-out couch and interned at a career where I could follow a newspaper, my roommates them. and I played a lot of exhibition If the scripts were flipped games in the Bigs 2 whenever and someone were to ask me we had a decision to settle. Say what video games I love to what you want about the Show play, I’d probably give a difbeing great, and realistic, but ferent answer depending on I’ll take the cartoonishly huge the day or time. I still rock the players, dropping Big Blasts on PlayStation 2 and Nintendo people and using Koji Uehara’s Gamecube from time to time, gyroball all day. Go O’s. because there were some aweLast, but certainly not least, some games that came out there used to be a series called before NBA 2K blew up and NHL Hitz (which was exactly took over everything. like NFL Blitz). Hitz 2003, with I do love NBA 2K15, which a young Chris Pronger on the I own for PlayStation 3. For cover, is my favorite sports my money, there’s never been game of all time and the only a better, more realistic sports Gamecube game I owned simulation than the NBA 2K that I couldn’t make myself series has been since 2K11. get rid of. It’s completely The Clippers are my team in ridiculous, 3-on-3 hockey with that game, because Chris Paul bone-crushing hits, a detailed and Jamal Crawford are two fighting system and one of of my favorite NBA players of the most underrated one-two all time, but I used to enjoy punches in hockey history on surprising people with the the Mighty Ducks, Adam Oates Utah Jazz before anyone knew and Paul Kariya. Just make sure how lethal Gordon Hayward is you master the art of the onein those games. timer if you want to win.

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CREST / PAGE 16 “That was our goal as a team, to be the ﬁrst ones in the school to hang a state banner in the gym,” she says. Although the second-year head coach was anticipating talent, she wasn’t expecting the injuries that followed the start of the season. The injuries happened more often than anyone would have liked and led to some constant roster shufﬂing that complicated the team’s plans. “There was a point where our full team wasn’t a full team,” Rivas says. “My team of

20 went down to 18, and there were times when we competed and we didn’t have a full team on the floor.” That meant that Crest couldn’t do its full routine — at least, not until regionals — and the team ended up going through the regular season without winning a single competition. There were three second-place finishes, and a third-place finish in the competition that Crest hosted. In addition to the injuries, one girl quit the team and another was dismissed from the program. In practice, the weight of

the season had gotten to the cheerleaders. Rivas had to give the squad a pep talk to help everyone focus, lest another unwanted setback happen. “I was telling the kids, ‘You have the skill, you just have to control your mind,’” Rivas says. “‘You guys are the most talented group that I’ve had. Just relax, and execute.’ That was something that the team really took in.”

WINNING STREAK

Once the athletes got focused on the task at hand, everything started to trend upward.

When regionals rolled around, two of Crest’s injured cheerleaders were able to come back in time to rejoin the team. That meant it could ﬁnally work on practicing its full routine. According to Rivas, no one knew the routine until that point. With a full team of 20 ready to go, Crest managed to win the competition. If not for winning the state competition, perhaps Crest’s most impressive feat came in the Western Conference competition. The team dominated, winning by 38 points. For those who don’t follow cheerleading too closely, that’s a huge blowout win. That just left the state competition. “We went into states just wanting to do our very best,” Rivas says. “I tell my kids, ‘Don’t worry about the other teams, just focus on what you can do.’” The team focused in once more and won the whole thing Jan. 30. That made Crest the only team in Hillsborough history

to take a triple win, as well as the only team in school history to go through all three postseason tournaments without a single point deducted from its routine. The team was also the only one in the county to qualify for the UCA National Cheerleading Championships in Orlando, held last Saturday at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. In fact, both the varsity and junior varsity squads made the cut, and both recorded top10 ﬁnishes. The varsity team placed seventh out of 24, and junior varsity ﬁnished sixth out of 21. “Our goal is to be top three in the nation,” Rivas says. “It’s only our second year entering the tournament.” That goal’s a work in progress. But, the team can rest easy this offseason, knowing that it wrote itself a Cinderella story and came out on top. “It’s quite amazing that the team was able to do what they did,” Rivas says. “Nobody thought we could do it.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

THE SQUAD VARSITY

Quinn Hyde, Kaitlynn Kubecka, Amber Farmer, Michael Gleason, Devonte Lowe, Jaime Zamarripa, Halee Dixon, Georgia Foster, Kelsey Howard, Taylor Fales, Kayla Watts, Carmen Watts, Shaquira Cruz, Shauntelle Cruz, Tarra Love, Brooke Conyers, Savannah Reagan, Julia Strickland, Dakota McNamee, Alyssa Archer

JUNIOR VARSITY

Mya Turner, McKenzie Talavera, Chelsea Newman, Cameron Cornett, Alexis Powell, Maddisyn Taylor, Tamara Williams, Alyssa Byrd, Destiny Cox, Savannah Himmelin, Bree Sparks

COACHES:

Loveny Rivas, Chelsea Martin, Anthony Medina

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

KASEY LOCKE Strawberry Crest’s softball team is getting over the loss of several important seniors, and junior shortstop Kasey Locke has been tabbed to play one of the key roles in the team’s youth movement. “Kasey had a really good preseason, and a really good game against Bloomingdale,” head coach Mindy Miltner says. “She’s a powerful, strong, big girl, and she’s doing a great job at shortstop for us.” Your regular season just started up, and you were in the opening day starting role for the first time. How are things looking? I feel that the team has more cohesion, when you start. It makes it nicer — the team has bonded. The team lost a lot of seniors, so a lot of you younger girls have to come together and fill those shoes. How’s the chemistry on the team now? I think it’s really good. Us being all new, we’re still getting to know each other. But, it’s coming along. We have some seniors this year who have really stepped up, helping the team bond. You took over last year when Trystan Reibsome went down with an injury, meaning you got to play full-time the rest of the season.What was that experience like for you? It was a little bit nerve-racking. I knew I had big shoes to fill, and I didn’t want to let anyone down. Coming out of the preseason, what approach have you taken to starting this regular season? Just really focusing on helping out each other as a team, and not thinking about ourselves. Besides softball, what else do you like to do for fun? I’m involved in FFA, and that’s pretty much it. What other sports do you play? I just play softball, and that’s it. I started when I was 8. What’s your favorite thing about playing softball? Just the girls, you know, they’re always there for you. It’s nice to have that family.

What’s your favorite pro team? The USA Women’s National Team. They’re a good softball team. They really have high standards. They’re all really good. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Super speed. I would use it to run faster in softball. If you could be either rich or famous, what would it be? I’d probably be rich. When you’re rich, you don’t have everybody on you. You can support people, and support your family and stuff. What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a softball ﬁeld? I hit a grand slam this past summer with my travel team, in Alabama. I played with a travel team in Tallahassee. It was the ninth inning, and we had been tied for a while. We ﬁnally got everyone on base, and I hit a grand slam. We won the tournament. It was a walk-off grand slam. What brought you to play shortstop and third base your whole career, as opposed to other positions? I just enjoy the quickness of the game there. It’s fun.

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WEATHER

THURS. Feb. 5

1.56

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Feb. 6

0.01

SAT.

Friday, Feb. 13 Saturday, Feb. 14 Sunday, Feb. 15 Monday, Feb. 16 Tuesday, Feb. 17 Wednesday, Feb. 18 Thursday, Feb. 19

Feb. 7

0.00

SUN.

Feb. 8

0.00

MON. 0.58

TUES.

Feb. 10

0.50

WED.

Feb. 11

0.00

FEB.

TO DATE

2.65 (2014: 0.00)

YEAR

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

Feb. 9

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HIGH 59 65 63 63 77 68 63

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES SUNRISE Friday, Feb. 13 7:08 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 14 7:07 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 15 7:07 a.m. Monday, Feb. 16 7:06 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17 7:05 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18 7:04 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 19 7:03 a.m.

SUNSET 6:17 p.m. 6:18 p.m. 6:19 p.m. 6:19 p.m. 6:20 p.m. 6:21 p.m. 6:23 p.m.

STRAWBERRIES

LOW 35 44 37 46 54 44 48

MOON PHASES

Feb. 18

Feb. 25

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

$9.90-11.90

TO DATE 4.43 (2014: 0.00)

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

March 5

March 13

CRYPTOQUIZ Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a renowned dancer. Using the hints J=I and L=R, decipher the clues to name the dancer.

1. P L E B Y 2. W L Y B J H J V F 3. Q V W D E Q 4. H N J F P Q J R Y 5. P J F P Y L L V P Y L H This dancer nicknamed their partner “Feathers”:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

, 3&

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

CROSSWORD SUNDAY POTPOURRI by Carl Cranby Across 1 On ___ with (equal to) 5 Like a tack 10 Coarse file 14 Indian state 19 Not false 20 Shire of “Rocky” 21 51, famously 22 Asian wild dog 23 Sondheim’s Sweeney 24 “Are you calling me ___?” 25 Dawn, poetically 26 Bob and Elizabeth 27 It’s free 31 The puck stops here? 32 Present-day Persia 33 Blanc, for one 34 Frolic, as a child 35 “Do as ___, not ...” 36 Data transmission speed measure 37 Suit-tag letters 40 Shopping binge 43 “There’s more than one way to skin ___” 44 Former German chancellor 45 What one earns 46 Grand ___ (vintage) 47 Like some churches 52 Participate in a 10K 53 Takes in a book 54 Sunrise direction 55 Cancels 56 “Corn” or “cycle” prefix 57 “Gotcha!” 58 Grandma 59 Whopper 60 Certain applied science 69 “8,” sometimes (Abbr.) 70 At the center of 71 Word on a dipstick 72 Classic introduction? 73 Cultured gem 76 Camera part 77 Abstain from 80 Coffee dispenser 81 It issues securities 85 “If ___ told you once ...” 86 Casual Friday casualties 87 As many as 88 Mosque VIP 89 Playful aquatic animal 91 Billboard displays 92 African plains grazers 93 Bakery appliance 94 Peepers or spheres 96 Court order 97 Accessible to everyone 98 Conspiratorial groups 101 Movie-watching machine of old 108 Farewell 109 Grizzly, for one 110 Zola or Griffith 111 Just a smidge 112 Uses a needle and thread 113 Toy building-block brand 114 Lack of laxness

115 Assist in the weight room 116 Old hat 117 Adam’s garden 118 Data and such 119 Brownish shades down 1 Bering Sea island 2 Fork tine 3 Part of a sound system 4 Bureaucracy problem 5 Arrowhead and Yankee 6 WWII admiral nicknamed Bull 7 Came down to earth 8 Org. combating music piracy 9 They take sides 10 Chef Gordon 11 Mac’s attachment? 12 Bygone peasant 13 Tropics headgear 14 Either 2 in “2 + 2” 15 Definitely not tall 16 Unaccompanied performances 17 Baldwin of TV and film 18 Clifflike, flat-topped elevation 28 Talk show name 29 Bard’s inspiration 30 Lose feathers, in London

35 Topped a cake 36 Small oriental tree 37 Hindu noble 38 Archaic exclamation 39 Some hair products 40 Rugby formation 41 Wrinkled fruit 42 Mystical 43 Holly Hunter in “The Piano” 44 Wild ass of Asia 45 He goes a-courting 48 Arboreal ape 49 Soda brand 50 Intend 51 Like a Cub’s walls? 57 Does some trucking 58 Flanders on TV 59 Deceived 61 Hounds’ prey 62 Editor’s inserts 63 Type of acid 64 Grocery shopper’s helper 65 People of northeastern India 66 Alaska native 67 Signal carrier in the body 68 One lacking hope 73 Bread for a gyro

74 “National Velvet” author Bagnold 75 St. crossers 76 Subject to blame 77 Agitators 78 Yemen neighbor 79 Speed, to a DJ 82 Greek knee-length garment 83 Catlike creature 84 Roughneck, in London 90 Like old autocratic Russia 92 Pennsylvania state bird 93 Group of genes 94 Leopard look-alike 95 500 cars 96 Lawn intrusions 97 River in Missouri 99 Parkinson’s drug 100 ___ Hall University 101 Seductress in silent ﬁlms 102 “What’s the big ___?” 103 Cacophonies 104 Thing to plant 105 Put out 106 Gulf of ___ (arm of the Baltic) 107 Charlie Brown exclamation

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