02.16.18 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

Baseball clinics around Plant City.

SEE PAGE 9

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 33

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

A life of service Don Walden, a fifthgeneration Plant City native, was named the 2018 Citizen of the Year.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

If you’re involved in Plant City, you know Don Walden. A fifth-generation Plant City native, Walden traveled the world during his military career and eventually made his way back to his beloved hometown.

YOUR TOWN

On Wednesday, Walden was officially named the 2018 Citizen of the Year. He was honored onstage and presented with the award by 2017 recipient Ed Verner. Walden’s dedication to the city can only be described as immeasurable and steadfast. Despite being 89 years old, he continues to work full-time. Walden is the president of Donco Realty Inc., helped create the Community Redevelopment Agency in Plant City, a past chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the past president of Plant City Kiwanis Club and the past president of the Tampa Association of Realtors.

Walden served in the U.S. Army for 22 years before returning to Plant City and eventually staking his claim in the real estate market. He served in Korea and Europe and did two tours in Vietnam. Verner shared a comical story at the ceremony of Walden training a pet poodle named Bobba Lew a fun trick while living at the Quantico Marine base in Virginia. “Bobba Lew, would you rather be in the Marine Corps or be dead?” Walden would ask. The small poodle would then “drop dead” to the floor. Despite his busy schedule, Walden SEE WALDEN PAGE 2

Breanne Williams

The 2017 Citizen of the Year, Ed Verner, passed on the honor of the title to 2018 recipient Don Walden.

PLANT CITY SHINES WITH INCLUSIVE PROM

Courtesy of the Chamber of Commerce

Business of the Year award: Krazy Kup

2018 Best of Plant City awards The annual Best of Plant City awards are presented by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. The awards are voted on by the public and determine who truly is the greatest in town. Here are the 2018 winners: BEST COMMUNITY EVENT AWARD: Florida Strawberry Festival NEW BUSINESS AWARD: Drawdy’s Dance School CITY BEAUTIFICATION AWARD: Krazy Kup DOWNTOWN ENRICHMENT AWARD: The Corner Store COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: Plant City Family YMCA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AWARD: Star Distribution CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD: Publix RISING LEADER AWARD: Arley Smude, Metals & Nature EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR AWARD: South Florida Baptist Hospital SMALL BUSINESS AWARD: The Corner Store ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR AWARD: Frank and Wenda Trunzo, Krazy Kup

Sprouter Mills Photography (Courtesy photo)

Night to Shine attendees were welcomed like big-time stars to the Feb. 9 event.

Plant City has joined hundreds of churches across the globe in hosting an annual Night to Shine event, which offers a prom night for the local special needs community.

BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Hundreds lined the red carpet Feb. 9 at the inaugural Night to Shine event in Plant City. More than 100 special needs teens and adults participated in the prom-themed experience and walked away as the crowned kings and queens of the prom. The annual event is organized through the Tim Tebow Foundation and was held Friday in more than 500 locations in 16 countries. Churches apply to host the event and if accepted, they are given the reins to throw a night to remember for their community. Lauren McNair, chair of the

Church seeks volunteers for homeless population count

tion, 200 volunteers and more than 100 crowns to create a prom night full of memories that will last a lifetime. Attendees walked a red carpet and had their names announced as they entered the Expo Hall at Florida Strawberry Festival Grounds. Guests could take part in a karaoke room, limo rides, a photo booth, boogie on the dance floor, enjoy balloon animals and a catered dinner. Parents were able to either sit back and watch the festivities unfold or retire to a respite room and have the security of knowing their child was being taken care of. Attendees ranged SEE PROM PAGE 5

2018 STRAWBERRY DISTANCE CHALLENGE

New Hope @ Cornerstone wants to get an accurate count of the county’s homeless population.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS AWARD: Plant City Family YMCA HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM AWARD: Florida Strawberry Festival

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

SPIRIT OF THE CHAMBER AWARD: Alice Bullard, OnPoint IT Solutions Daniel Figueroa IV

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD: Krazy Kup

event, asked Brian Stowe, her pastor at First Baptist Church of Plant City, to consider hosting the event this year. He agreed and plans were quickly put in place to give the town a night to remember. “Personally, I had an uncle who was special needs and he passed away a few years ago,” McNair said. “I was very close to him, so the special needs community is very close to my heart. Right after last year’s Night to Shine my family members and I started seeing publicity photos from the event and we didn’t even know about it until that point. All of us were saying, ‘We need to do this.’” It took six months of prepara-

Michael Sweeney and Linda Allen role play an interaction between a homeless man and an outreach worker during preparations for the Tampa/Hillsborough County Continuum of Care Point-in-Time-Count.

In the overflow room at New Hope @ Cornerstone, Michael Sweeney and Linda Allen are role-playing an interaction between a homeless man and an outreach worker participating in the annual Tampa/Hillsborough SEE HOMELESS PAGE 5

Local runners got up bright and early for a 5K. PHOTOS ONLINE

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Saturday, February 24, 2018 10 am-3 pm

Walden FROM PAGE 1

always put his community first. Whether he is donating publicly or behind the scenes, Walden aways finds time to give to those in need. He consistently donates to South Florida Baptist Hospital, Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library, Plant City Entertainment, veterans organizations, high school scholarships and more. The Citizen of the Year award is kept a secret from the recipient and members of the community until it is announced. Given annually by a committee and the leaders of local civic clubs, the award is presented to a resident who has demonstrated service above self. Potential recipients are nominated and voted upon until a final recipient is chosen for the award. When his name was announced as the official winner, Walden stood and looked around the room before saying, “Well, I guess I know now why I had to get a haircut and a shave.” Surrounded by his family, Walden shook the hands of city commissioners and hugged the necks of the doz-

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ens of well-wishers who surrounded his table. Several of those walked up with a smile and said, “Finally. It’s about time your name was called.” Walden was one of the first people Verner met in Plant City and he has since been a staple at the many events and organizations held across town. One of the many ways Walden shows his dedication to his town is by being present at every single commission meeting. Verner said the characteristic is one of his hallmarks, something more people in town should strive for. Over the years, Walden has received awards for his leadership in Kiwanis, the Realtors Political Action Committee and the Plant City Board of Realtors. He also has been involved in the Eastern Hillsborough Historical Society, the Plant City Arts Council, the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center and Plant City Entertainment. He also was one of the founding organizers of Plant City State Bank, which is now Wells Fargo. “Truly, it couldn’t have gone to a more deserving guy,” Verner said. “It’s kind of shocking to a great many people that he hadn’t already received it a decade or more ago.”RT]

Plant City’s quickest pickers

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he fifth-annual Wish Farms and Monte Package Company Strawberry Picking Challenge drew hundreds to Futch Farms on Feb. 10. The charity event raised funds for the Redlands Christian Migrant Association, a nonprofit that provides childcare and early education for children of migrant farm workers and rural low-income families, Attendees competed against their peers in a relay-style strawberry picking race, but there was also a u-pick. Attendees enjoyed a barbecue lunch, fresh strawberry shortcake, cornhole, photo opportunities and performances by Next Radical Generation. Children also were drawn for the highly-anticipated shortcake eating contest and the winner got Florida Strawberry Festival tickets. — BREANNE WILLIAMS

Breanne Williams

Those who participated in the challenge had to pick the ripe berries, leave the green ones and clean the plant from any rotting fruit in order to be deemed a proper picker.

Save $2.00 on Adult & $1.00 on Youth General Admission Tickets at Publix

Building New Memories! March 1 - 11, 2018 • Plant City, FL Artists Appearing on the

Jimmy Sturr & His Orchestra

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Fri. Mar. 2, 7:30 $35

Mon. Mar. 5, 3:30 $20

Sat. Mar. 3, 3:30 $20

Josh Turner

Charley Pride Fri. Mar. 9, 3:30 $20

Jerry Lee Lewis Fri. Mar. 2, 3:30 $30

Big & Rich featuring Cowboy Troy

Lee Greenwood

Sat. Mar. 3, 7:30 $30

Sun. Mar. 4, 3:30 $20

The Lettermen

Thu. Mar. 8, 10:30 FREE

Earth, Wind & Fire Fri. Mar. 9, 7:30 $40

Sun. Mar. 4, 7:30 $50

Tue. Mar. 6, 7:30 $30

Tue. Mar. 6, 3:30 $25

Wed. Mar. 7, 7:30 $25

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Gaither Vocal Band

Mon. Mar. 5, 7:30 $25

Engelbert Humperdinck Trace Adkins Wed. Mar. 7, 3:30 $30

Thu. Mar. 1, 7:30 $30

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Justin Moore with Dylan Scott

Jimmy Fortune

Gary Allan

Oak Ridge Boys

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Drifters, Platters and Cornell Gunter’s Coasters Thu. Mar. 8, 3:30 $20

Sawyer Brown

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Featuring Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Pepa and Tone Loc Thu. Mar. 8, 7:30 $35

PLANT CITY: 238 W. Alexander St.

Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds & Anthony Hamilton Sat. Mar. 10, 7:30 $35

Visit www.FLstrawberryfestival.com or call 813-754-1996 and get your tickets for the best seats available! While online, check out the Free Entertainment and Special Days for Discounts and full Schedule of Festival Events. Brad Paisley

Sun. Mar. 11, 7:30 $50

Concert dates and times are subject to change

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

City slates 32 projects for resurfacing in 2018

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The Johnson Family performed songs a capella at the event.

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Attendees had the opportunity to purchase unique art at the event.

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15th annual Black Heritage Gala he 15th annual Black Heritage Gala was held at the Trinkle Center Friday night. Jerry Wilds, assistant state attorney, was the mistress of ceremonies that evening and she introduced a performance by the Johnson Family, who has appeared on Little Big Shots and the Steve Harvey Show, and the keynote speaker, Attorney Jeraldine Williams. Williams has a long list of accomplishments under her belt, including integrating the School of Journalism at the University of Florida, being the first African-American to win on the national level of the William Randolph Hearst Writing Competition, owning and publishing the Tallahassee Capital Outlook weekly newspaper, writing for Ebony-South Africa and being the first AfricanAmerican undergraduate alumnus to be inducted to the Grand Guard Society for UF alumni of 50 years. During the banquet, Williams shared stories of her life and encouraged those in the audience to continue to push toward their dreams and never take “no” for an answer.

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the ideal cycle of repairing every one of the city’s 160 miles of roads on a 15-20 year cycle. Commissioners remark that the condition of the city’s roads is the most frequent complaint they get. “The one question I get in Walmart and Publix is (about) Alexander,” Commissioner Mary Mathis said. “I went to the doctor today and my doctor asked me about Alexander Street. We get that every day.” Though Alexander Street is now under control of the Florida Department of Transportation, it, too, is being resurfaced in 2018. Between the FDOT investments in Alexander Street and Sam Allen Road’s widening and the city’s own investment, about $30 million is being put into the roads of Plant City in 2018, touching nearly every corner of the city from Walden Lake to Lincoln Park. The bulk of the city-run resurfacing is expected to occur between June and September and Alexander Street is scheduled to be repaved around August or September. “I’m just gonna be excited come June, July, August when I hear from citizens about how mad they are that they can’t get around town because there’s so much road work going on. I’m looking forward to that day,” Commissioner Nate Kilton jokingly told commissioners and city staff. “Thanks to staff, I know how hard you’ve all been working on this and how important it is to make this investment in Plant City.”

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The City Commission Monday voted unanimously to undertake one of the most ambitious street repair programs in its history, adding 32 new road projects to its ongoing schedule of resurfacing. The 2018 resurfacing project will repave about 16 miles of roads at a price of more than $6 million in 2018, using the $1.9 million raised by the recent one-mill hike in the city’s property tax rate as well as $2.2 million from the city’s street fund and $2 million from a Hillsborough County matching grant. “It honors the pledge that the Commission made to the public last year in enacting the one-mill increase and dedicating that to road resurfacing,” City Manager Bill McDaniel said. “What you’ve seen presented will be accomplished by September 30 of 2018…this plan also paves almost 16 miles of roads in our city this year. On top of the roads that are already being paved or about to be paved under last fiscal year’s funding in the utility resurfacing project, I believe that puts us well over 20 miles of roads resurfaced between last year and this year.” In 2017, the Commission selected more than seven miles of roads to be resurfaced. Many of those roads also

needed utility repairs. According to the city’s engineering department, fixing longstanding utility issues beneath the streets in conjunction with resurfacing helps extend the life of the roads. Unfortunately, it can also be more costly and time-consuming, McDaniel said, which is why a few of last year’s streets are still awaiting repairs. Under this year’s plan, only one street, Woodrow Wilson, needs utility services. McDaniel said the streets selected for this year’s project were carefully picked for ease of completion in 2018, even with the water services needed for Woodrow Wilson Street. In addition to the resurfacing, City Engineer Mike Schenk said the project will remedy other issues on three of the roads including widening Drane Street, edge repairs to Hitchcock Street and a full-depth resurface of Timberlane Drive to fix a troublesome drainage issue. The road repairs are part of dramatically increased efforts to address the city’s oft-bemoaned streets. It was only a few years ago, commissioners recalled, that the city would only spend about $300,000 a year on roads. That later increased to $1 million, then soared to the significantly increased push for nearly $6 million per year. With that level of funding, the city will be able to maintain what it sees as

Same Day Service

StrawBuddy Selfie Tour returning February 23, 2018

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DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

J.D. SUPER HAULERS

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The City Commission Monday approved 32 roadway projects for the second year in a row, featuring more than $6 million in roadway investments.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

If you could go anywhere or do anything what would your ideal Valentine’s Day date be?

“I would be by myself traveling to China...it’s not very Valentine’s Day-themed, but I’d love to have the chance to hang out and do stuff by myself and learn new things.”

“I just like going out to dinner or something, so maybe Disneyland or Disney World? We’d probably stay here, so Disney World. We could go somewhere fancy.”

— Riyza Jose, 21

“We normally sit at home and watch movies and eat food. I said ‘Burgers, beer and doc’ today and that’s probably going to become our thing.”

“I’d go somewhere out west.” — Tom Schillaci, 79

— Laci Reilly, 28

— Janet Schillaci, 74

“We’re not the traditional couple, so I think for us the perfect Valentine’s Day is not having to spend a lot of money and going to the beach, or something like that.” — Mick Sawyer, 33

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PLANT CITY TIMES &

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.

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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FROM PAGE 1

County Continuum of Care Pointin-Time-Count. Allen plays the role of the worker. Sweeney is the homeless man, stonewalling her, making her job more difficult, questioning her compassion. They’re training for this year’s count, which will be held on Feb. 22. Each February, the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative goes out to communities in Hillsborough County to find out how many people are homeless in the county. The numbers are used to track, aid and demonstrate a need for funding in a given area. “I do care,” Allen says. “I care because I’ve been just exactly where you are now.” Almost 45 years ago, Allen, 70, was living in a station wagon on the streets of southern Illinois. She slept in the front seat, her three young children slept on a makeshift bed in the back. Her drug of choice was heroin, but she’d do anything she could find. When she had a choice between another hit or feeding her children, she found hope and she was saved. She got clean, found work and got off the street. Now, she tries to bring others in to shelter. So, as Sweeney continues to push her and says “there’s no hope anywhere,” you feel all of her heart and

Prom FROM PAGE 1

from the ages of 15 to mid-40s and all dressed in their finest attire. Each attendee was assigned a buddy for the evening and when the countdown began toward the end of the night, a crown was placed on their heads by their new friends. McNair said it’s important for everyone to walk away as royalty and to know they are cherished by their community. McNair said people in Plant City shouldn’t have to leave their town to experience such a “wonderful event.” She said the doors are open to everyone, but it is their mission to offer the experience to the town and community they all hold so dear. Night to Shine is usually held at the host church, but the sanctuary at

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

70 years of life when she looks into his eyes and says: “Yes, there is hope. Yes, there is.” She tilts her head, leans in a bit closer and tells him, “If there weren’t hope, I wouldn’t be here.”

HEALTH OBSERVED

MAKING IT COUNT

Last year, the count for East Hillsborough was held at the Winter Visitor’s Center during a nightly Friends in the Park meal for the needy. Of the 1,549 homeless counted in the county, 24 were counted in Plant City. According to local outreach workers, the number was far from accurate. This year, Jennifer Anderson, outreach director at New Hope @ Cornerstone is helping lead a charge to change that. Anderson is hoping to organize 50 volunteers to travel in teams to the parks, campsites, and areas where the homeless are known to gather. Instead of a few hours, this year, volunteers will go out in shifts from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will also be a special event held at Hands of Hope, New Hope’s outreach center at 310 N. Collins St., during the same time. Anyone seeking more info or to volunteer for the count is asked to visit thhi.org/take-action/volunteer or stop by Hands of Hope or New Hope. “These people are just like you and I,” Allen said. “I was one of them. All they need is somebody to care about them. That’s what they’re looking for.”

Save On Health Care Costs By Nelida Rivera, RN, Florida Blue Registered

We all like to save a little money. From Black Friday deals to buy one, get one specials at the grocery store, trimming excess expenses always feels good. But many people don’t realize there are lots of opportunities to stay healthy while cutting medical expenses. Here are seven ways you can trim your health care budget this year:

FBC of Plant City was too small for the massive turnout. Luckily, the Festival agreed to act as a surrogate and the hundreds of dancers were able to party all night with ample room. Next year, Stowe said the event will be held at the church’s new sanctuary. The majority of the volunteers are from Stowe’s church and he said one woman told him she had to walk away at one point because she was crying too much. The event touched all of their hearts, Stowe said, and he is looking forward to continuing the experience and reaching as many people as possible. “These folks here, I really believe folks with special needs probably convey a loving God to a desperate world better than anybody else,” Stowe said. “They’re real, they’re genuine, what you see is what you get and, man, they are awesome to love.”

1. Avoid the ER – The emergency room is the most expensive place to receive treatment and should only be used when you truly have an emergency such as excessive bleeding, a head injury or difficulty breathing. Urgent care and walk-in clinics can cost a fraction of trip to the ER. They’re ideal for treating conditions such as sprains, coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms, rashes, animal bites and minor broken bones like fingers and toes. 2. Ask about Lower-Cost Medications – For some conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, there may be several medications that work the same way but have drastically different prices, or different pharmacies may charge different prices for the same medication. Ask your doctor if there is a generic or lower-cost alternative to expensive brand name medications prescribed for you. Some pharmacies may offer certain generic medications at no cost. You also can save money with most insurers by ordering a 90-day supply of medications through the mail.

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T C O M M E R C I A L R E N TA L S R E S I D E N T I A L R E N TA L S

3. Use Free Preventive Care Benefits – Because of the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans pay the full cost of several preventive care services including a yearly checkup with your primary care doctor, flu shots and other routine vaccinations, and blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol tests. Depending on your age, cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies are also covered at no costs to you. Getting regular checkups is the good way to identify and address any possible medical issues before they become more severe (and more costly.) 4. Shop Around – You shop around for other pricy items, so why not health care services? Your costs for a medical service may vary greatly depending on where it’s performed, which is why it’s important to shop around beforehand. For starters, make sure you always go to a doctor, facility or pharmacy that is in your insurance plan’s network. Next, investigate how much you will be responsible for at different locations. Florida Blue members can log into the member website or app to view a list of nearby facilities with quality and pricing information for services such as MRIs, common surgeries and office visits, and to compare drug prices at different pharmacies.

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5. Bring Your Test Results – Get copies of recent medical tests and bring them with you to visits with doctors other than one who ordered the tests. If you’ve had a test

recently, such as lab work, an x- ray or other diagnostic scan, there is often no need to repeat it. Plus, if you have the test results with you, the doctor will be able to review them immediately rather than needing to set up another appointment after the test results are available. 6. Save with an HSA – If you have a high-deductible health plan, take advantage of the tax benefits of a health savings account (HSA). Funds in an HSA can be used to pay for out-of- pocket medical expenses such as deductibles, copays, medications and vision and dental care—either now or in the future—for yourself, your spouse or your tax dependents. An HSA can save you money on taxes three ways. The money you contribute to the account is pre-tax (or tax deductible), it grows tax free and the money you withdraw from the account is also tax free as long as it goes towards a qualified medical expense. Often you can set up an HSA through your employer, and they will contribute money to the account. If that’s not an option, you also can set up an HSA on your own at a local bank or financial institution. 7. Take Advantage of Discounts – Look for discounts, incentives and free programs from your employer or health plan. If you’re a non-tobacco user, you may find you’re eligible for a discount from your employer on your health plan. If you’re smoker who is looking to quit, many employers and health plans offer free assistance to help. Some programs offer discounts on gym memberships, weight-loss programs, fitness trackers and other health and wellness items. Florida Blue members can visit their member website and find more than 40 discounts available through Blue365. Health care can be expensive, but you may save hundreds or possibly thousands of dollars this year if you just follow these seven suggestions.

Nelida Rivera is a registered nurse at the Florida Blue Center in Winter Haven where she teaches free health and wellness classes that are open to the public in addition to providing health coaching and assessments.

(863) 291-0140 www.FloridaBlue.com

Health Observed allows brands and businesses to connect directly with the Observer’s readership — and participate in the conversation — by creating engaging content on the Observer’s digital publishing platform. For more on Health Observed, email us at kohara@yourobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Walden Lake golf course goes to bank following auction Today’s Bank, who had the mortgage on the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, is now expected to get the title. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

The future of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club may still be unclear, but ownership disputes are expected to end following a Feb. 8 foreclosure sale. Today’s Bank, the holder of the mortgage on the property and plaintiff in the foreclosure case, bid successfully to obtain the title to the shuttered golf course and country club. According to the bank’s attorney, Meghan Serrano, the bank will receive the title to the property in a few weeks, provided there is no objection to the sale.

rcwcpas.com

Until the bank officially has the title, Serrano said, it’d be too early to determine future plans for the course. A Hillsborough County circuit judge sent the course and country club to the auction block in January following a foreclosure case brought by Today’s Bank against the course’s former operator, Visions Golf. Judge Emmett Battles found there was a default under the mortgage. It was determined that the bank was owed money and was entitled to a judgment and foreclosure sale. The auction took place at 10 a.m. Thursday, with Today’s Bank as the successful bidder.

Roadmaster driving school visits Plant City

Daniel Figueroa IV

Clete Liechty watches as Justin Mains practices maneuvering a truck.

The school is currently renting space for testing in Plant City and training in Dover. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

It’s a bright and sunny Saturday morning at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds. The large gravel lot looking over State Road 60 is filled with light blue big rigs and orange cones, a far cry from the luminous ferris wheels, carnival rides and funnel cake stands of the fair that gives the location its name. Justin Mains backs one of the blue rigs between cones while instructor Clete Liechty watches his movements. Mains is used to driving for work but, two weeks into learning to operate a big rig, he hopes he can soon follow in his father’s footsteps. “It’s a family thing for me,” Mains said. “My dad drives a truck and so does my uncle.” For a few months, the site is the temporary home to Roadmaster Drivers School, a nationwide chain training truck drivers to get Class A commercial licenses. The school is using the county fairgrounds for training purposes and a Plant City Police Department parking lot for its testing site. Training sessions typically run three to four weeks. The school’s permanent home is usually the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa. However, every January and

February, it gets displaced because of the annual RV Show in January and the Florida State Fair in February. When the school’s usual alternate location became unavailable, school director Aura Hall looked east. “It’s the first time we went up to Plant City,” she said. “I never really looked beyond Fred’s Market. I was pleasantly surprised with how much space and how folks in Plant City are pleasant to work with.” Hall said she got the recommendation from an old instructor of hers, Vance Shuptrin. Shuptrin lives in Plant City and introduced Hall to City Manager Bill McDaniel. Roadmaster had the training location but still needed somewhere to test. McDaniel said he first showed the currently vacant parcels in the Midtown area, but it didn’t meet the school’s needs. Before they left, he decided to show them the vacant PCPD lot. Hall said she’d looked in Tampa and had some feelers out in Lakeland, but Plant City was a perfect fit. Not only were people easy to work with, she said, but with the rising commercial industry in the area, students are able to be seen by and connect with potential employers and train and test on the roads they could soon work on. The school will move back to Tampa once the State Fair ends its run later this months. Hall said she’s trying to get through this transition period, but when it comes time to move again, it’s likely Plant City could be the school’s permanent alternate home.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 17

SILK SCARF DESIGN UNIQUELY YOURS 1 to 3 p.m. at the historic 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Artists and designers Peggy Daubar and Cheryl Worsham will teach students how to create unique hand-dyed scarves. All supplies will be provided and tickets are $15. Register online at arts.ehhsoc.org or call 813-7579226. STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 8 p.m. monthly at the Robert W. Willaford Train Museum, 102 N. Palmer St. It will feature classic cars, DJ Tiny spinning hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, vendors and a children’s area. February is also a swap meet. For more information contact Laura Leslie, vendor coordinator, at 813-754-3707. MINI GOLF AT THE LIBRARY 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. The Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library group is hosting an indoor mini golf event at the library. Tickets are $5 per person or $8 for a family. Golfers of all ages are welcome. Adam Hayward, a retired linebacker from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,

BEST BET SUNDAY, FEB. 18

RAY CLARK ROAST AND APPRECIATION CELEBRATION 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Grimes Family Agricultural Center Sunday. Admission is free and all are encouraged to come “Roast the man who has spent a lifetime roasting us.” Clark has served as an emcee for the Florida Strawberry Festival swine and steer shows and sales and youth livestock banquets for more than 45 years. There will be a lunch, a live roast, videos from former co-workers and the final word from Clark himself. will make a guest appearance at the event.

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

BLACK HERITAGE CELEBRATION PROGRAM 3 to 4:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Community Church, 907 E. Laura St.. The event is presented as a historic “roll call” and will feature Sharon Moody, Commissioner Mary Mathis, William Thomas Jr., Dr. Larry Sykes and more.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 21

LUNCH & LEARN SERIES 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. This event will cover social media and small businesses. Nia Bella and Nicole Bradham of Graphite Media will be presenting the lecture. Tickets are $10 for

FEB. 2

members and $15 for nonmembers. For more information contact Sophia Hyde, community relations manager, at 813-754-3707.

SHARP-DRESSED MAN 720 block of Coronet Street. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered their Ford Mustang overnight and stole an orange suitcase containing men’s shoes, diamond earrings, gold teeth and other clothing items.

READ WITH BONNIE THE THERAPY DOG 4 to 5 p.m. at the Bruton Memorial Library. Bonnie the Therapy Dog will be waiting for children to read with her. She loves to snuggle up with someone who wishes to share a book and some pats on the head. She will be on the couch in the children’s reading area.

FEB. 5

HIDE AND SEEK 1900 block of South Frontage Road. Burglary: Complainant stated an unknown suspect stole six golf carts from a business between 2 p.m. Feb. 3 and the time he arrived to work Feb. 5. The carts were found stuck in mud in the woods behind the business.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

STRAWBERRY LOVE FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5:30 to 9 p.m. The monthly food truck rally is located in downtown Plant City. This month will feature a youth-only strawberry shortcake eating contest, family karaoke, food and unique vendors. For more information contact Plant City Main Street at 813-210-9236. PARENT’S NIGHT OUT 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. This Plant City Y event allows parents to take a night on the town. Kids age 4 to 12 years old will have fun with arts and crafts, games and scavenger hunts, play in the Zeno Zone area and will watch Moana. Spots are limited so register at the Welcome Center.

ONLINE For more events and ongoing events, visit

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

FEB. 8

WATER WEIRDOS 120 block of Orange Bud Way. Information report: Complainant stated she was approached by two men who asked to test her water quality, but they seemed suspicious. When the complainant tried to get a neighbor’s attention, the men left in a white pickup truck.

JOIN WITH A FRIEND...

COPS CORNER

HARRY POTTER TRIVIA 5 to 10 p.m. at the Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. Grab your wands, brush up on your spells and channel your inner Hermione for the firstever Harry Potter Trivia Night. Enjoy butterbeer, prizes for trivia winners and best Hogwarts costume and have a wizarding good time. Trivia is based on the Harry Potter movies.

GUILTY IN CONSCIENCE ONLY 1 Police Place. Fraud: Complainant stated he had been called by people identifying themselves as employees of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, who told him he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest that could be waived for a fee. Complainant lost $3,000 to the scammers.

FEB. 6

TARGET PRACTICE 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Criminal mischief: Complainant stated an unknown subject threw a small Wendy’s cup at her Ford F-250 truck while walking past it. The impact from the cup damaged a plastic window visor, but the complainant declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

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1 Invite your non-member friend to join the YMCA with you. 2 Visit a Tampa YMCA together, take a tour and join.

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3 Once eligibility is verified you will both receive 20% off your monthly dues as long as you both are members!

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA | 1507 YMCA Pl., Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Taking care of James Monroe Miller each other is what

community

James Monroe Miller, 77, of Durant, born on Jan. 18, 1941 in Tampa, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 5. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

is all about.

HOPEWELL

Tomas Rodriguez Ibarra

Frank W. Sitton Taking care of each other is what

Tomas Rodriguez Ibarra, 72, of Plant City, Florida, born on Dec. 21, 1945 in Coahuila, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 11, 2018. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Frank W. Sitton, 90, of St. Augustine, born on May 26, 1927 in Selma, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 3. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

community

HOPEWELL

is all about.

HOPEWELL

DOCTOR’S NOTE FLORIDA E.N.T. & ALLERGY

Starting Allergy Immunotherapy

we’re• MEMORIAL dedicatedGARDENS to helping families create a O S E RV E our community FUNERAL HOME FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS unique and meaningful memorial that truly mpassionate care since 1896. www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM www.HopewellFuneraI.com celebrates the life it represents. FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS Memorial® professionals, HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM we’re dedicated to helping families a WE’ RE PROU D TO S ERV E our community Yourcreate physician informed Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. Donna J. Sizemore vement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® you that you have allergies, celebrates the life it represents. As your Dignity Memorial® professionals, Donna J. Sizemore, 86, passed away FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

on Feb. 8, 2018. Burial will be at Florida National to hold private Proudly supportingCemetery. the PlantFamily City Strawberry Festival. services at a date to be determined.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM

but what do you do? > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability Madeline Reynolds > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance Allergy injections or drops

Tim Waters

Madeline Reynolds, 79, of Plant City are an effective treatment died Feb. 6, 2018. Tim Waters, 54, of Plant City, born for allergies. Visitation and Strawberry funeral wereFestival. held on July 5, 1963, entered into eternal Proudly supporting the Plant City Feb. 10 at Wells Memorial. rest on Feb. 8. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral. You have the symptoms; coughcom. ing, sneezing, runny nose, itchy

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

Winnie Mae Reeves

Winnie Mae Reeves, 96, of Lithia, born in Opp, Alabama, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 4. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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Wells MeMorial & event Center 10/27/15 10:42 AM

Benito Resendiz Torres

PlanT CiTyCurtis Hennon 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Stafford

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1

Benito Resendiz Torres, 42, of Dover, born on March 26, 1975 in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 7. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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Hennon Curtis Stafford, 84, passed away on Jan. 25, 2018. Online condolences can be left for the family at haught.care.

HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM

HOPEWELL www.HopewellFuneraI.com HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

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Florist

and watery eyes. Your physician informed you that you have allergies, but what do you do? Allergy injections or drops are an effective treatment for allergies. Allergy treatment, also referred to as immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy, are a series of drops or injections containing small amounts of the substances that a person is allergic to. During immu10/27/15 10:42 AM notherapy, the patient will gradually develop a stronger tolerance for his or her allergic triggers. With allergy treatment, allergy symptoms can be decreased, minimized or even eliminated. Both treatment plans are an effective way in controlling allergy symptoms. DROPS VS. SHOTS?

FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS

HOPEWELL FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1971

HOPEWELL

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Sims

Wells MeMorial & event Center Elizabeth "Liz" Sims, 78, of Lithia, PlanT CiTy born on March 5, 1939 in Penn Yan, New York, entered into eternal rest 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com on Feb. 2. Expressions of condolence at -75_C.indd 1 www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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Ophelia Lee Brown 239042

Ophelia Lee Brown, 87, of Dover, born on Jan. 13, 1931 in Manor, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on Feb. 7. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

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116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

Historic Downtown 264241

An allergy drop is administered daily by the patient under their tongue. Allergy shots are administered at a physician’s office once a week and, each week, the dose is escalated. Once the patient reaches maximum dosage, most can choose to self-administer allergy injections at home. HOW DO ALLERGY TREATMENTS WORK?

Allergy treatments are more of a “natural” alternative. They are meant to “trick” or desensitize your immune system to the specific allergens that trigger an allergic response. Immunotherapy and sublingual immunotherapy contain traces of your specific allergens, which trigger an allergic reaction from your immune system. By

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We invite you to this free informational session to learn more invite you to invite this free informational session to learn We invite tomore this freemore informational session to learn more ou to this We free informational you to this session free veterans informational to learnyou more session toavailable learn about the services in your community. ut the veterans services available in your community. eterans services about the available veterans inservices your community. available in your community. services available in your community.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER ALLERGY IMMUNOTHERAPY: Patients who meet one or more of the following criteria should consider discussing allergy treatment plans with their physician: n Does not respond well to allergy medications n Wants to avoid a lifetime of allergy medicine usage n Has frequent respiratory tract infections n Has moderate to severe allergies n Suffers from asthma due to allergies or chronic sinusitis

gradually increasing the doses of your allergen injections or drops, your body develops an immunity or tolerance. “Immunotherapy is for those individuals who do not want to spend the rest of their lives taking allergy medicines, or whose medicines aren’t helping their symptoms,” Michelle Fisher M.D., a board-certified otolaryngologist with Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, said. “The goal of allergy treatments is to give patients the freedom to be exposed to the allergen with few allergy symptoms, or to live symptom-free.”

For more information about Florida E.N.T. & Allergy, visit www.floridaentandallergy.com.

about the veterans

Saturday, 17, 2018 • 10:30 a.m. We invite you toFebruary this free informational session to learn more urday, February 2018 •a.m. 10:30 a.m.• 10:30 a.m. February Saturday, 17, 201817, February • 10:30 17, 2018 Wells Memorial and EventSaturday, Center February 17, 2018 • 10:30 a.m. about the Center veterans services available in your community. lls Memorial and Event morial and Wells Event Memorial Center Center 1903and W. Event Reynolds Street • Plant City Wells Memorial and Event Center 03 W. Reynolds •City Plant City• Plant City eynolds 1903 Street W.•Street Reynolds Plant Street RSVP to 813-752-1111 by February 7. A. Haley Veterans’ 1903 Reynolds Street PlantHospital City James James A. Hospital Haley•Veterans’ JamesW. A. Haley VP to 813-752-1111 by February 13-752-1111 RSVP by toFebruary 813-752-1111 7.February by7.February Saturday, 17,7. 2018 • 10:30 a.m.Veterans’ Hospital

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

RSVP to 813-752-1111 by February 7.

Have your questions answered by representatives from the Wells Memorial and ve your questions answered byanswered representatives from the Center questions Have answered your questions by representatives from by representatives theEvent from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Dignity Memorial, LifePath mes A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Dignity Memorial, LifePath We invite you to this free informational session to A. learn more Veterans Hospital, Dignity aley Veterans JamesHospital, A. Haley Dignity Veterans Memorial, Hospital, LifePath Dignity Memorial, LifePath Have your questions answered by representatives from the James Haley 1903 W. Reynolds Street • Plant City Hospice, Hillsborough County Veterans Services Office and spice, Hillsborough County Veterans Services Office and about the veterans services available in your community. llsborough Hospice, CountyHillsborough Veterans Services County Office Veterans and Services Office and Memorial, LifePath Hospice, Hillsborough County Veterans Services OfficeJames and Valor Service A. Haley Veterans’Dogs. Hospital Valor Service Dogs. Refreshments will be provided by Dignity RSVP tobe813-752-1111 by February or Service Dogs. Refreshments will be provided by Dignity ce Dogs. Valor Refreshments Service Dogs. will Refreshments provided by Dignity will be provided by Dignity7. Refreshments willand be provided by Dignity Memorial/Wells Memorial and Event Center. Memorial/Wells Memorial Event February Center. Saturday, 17, 2018 • 10:30 a.m. morial/Wells Memorial and Event Center. Wells Memorial Memorial/Wells and Event Memorial Center. and Event Center. Memorial and Event Have your questions answered Wells by representatives fromCenter the 1903 W. Reynolds Street • Plant City James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Dignity Memorial, LifePath James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital RSVP to 813-752-1111 by February 7. We invite you to this free informational session to learn more Hospice, Hillsborough County Veterans Services Office and about the veterans services available in your Have your community. questions answered by representatives from the

Wells Memorial and Event Center Valor Service Dogs. Refreshments will be provided by Dignity 1903 W. Reynolds Street • Plant City Memorial/Wells Memorial and Event Center. www.chaptershealth.org Veterans Services Office Veterans Services Office www.chaptershealth.org www.chaptershealth.org James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospitalwww.chaptershealth.org rvices Office Veterans Services Office RSVP to 813-752-1111 by February 7. Have your questions answered by representatives from the James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Dignity Memorial, LifePath

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Valor Service Dogs. Refreshments will be provided by Dignity James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Dignity Memorial, LifePath Saturday, February 17, 2018 10:30 a.m. Memorial/Wells Memorial and• Event Center. Hospice, Hillsborough County Veterans Services Office and

FEBRUARY 16, 2018

SPORTS

Crest cheerleaders reflect on 2018 state title run Strawberry Crest is the first program in Florida history to four-peat in the SmallCo-Ed division. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In the 2017 half of the 2017-18 competitive cheerleading season, Strawberry Crest looked nothing like its old self. With only one competition win, a low turnout and a roster full of newcomers to the program with much to learn, the Chargers weren’t striking many people as a four-peat favorite. They did it anyway. Head coach Loveny Rivas calls it a comeback story like Rocky Balboa’s. Her kids call it an “amazing” example of hard work working out. The scorecard at the Feb. 4 FHSAA state

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

championships called it a razor-thin win over a much bigger Winter Park team, a 0.7-point margin of victory in Gainesville that put Crest squarely into uncharted territory. No matter what you call it, no Florida team in the Small Co-Ed division has ever done what Crest has in the last four seasons. “It’s been a long journey, but it was all worth it,” senior Kaitlyn Kubecka said. “We put in all the work that we could and we rode the wave out.” In 2018, the Chargers found their rhythm and morphed into the kind of high-level squad Rivas has produced year after year. They recorded a clean sweep of Western Conference — one of the season’s high points, as the team didn’t win it in the previous season — along with regionals and states. They took down Winter Park, 78.50 to 77.80, despite having six fewer cheerleaders on the floor.

“At states, we were going to keep pushing for perfection because we knew that our opponents were pretty close in points,” senior captain Alexis Powell said. “We won states by 0.7 points. Everything that we did had to be perfect and we all had to push.” A group of 14 cheerleaders in a division allowing up to 35 on the floor at a time ran the tables in the end, when it mattered most. The Chargers left Gainesville with heads held high, knowing that moment was the high point of the program’s short history. “I’m very proud of the team,” Rivas said. “This season has been a testament of what can be accomplished if you work hard believe in yourselves, stay positive and work together as a team.” Kubecka, Quinn Hyde and Amber Farmer have been with the varsity Courtesy of Strawberry Crest cheerleading

SEE CHEER PAGE 10

AROUND THE HORN: BASEBALL, SOFTBALL CLINICS POP UP IN PLANT CITY

PCLL Opening Day next weekend Plant City Little League will kick off its 2018 season with Opening Day ceremonies at Mike Sansone Park at 9 a.m. Feb. 24. This year’s guest speaker is Mark Wegner, a Major League Baseballcrew chief who most recently was behind home plate in Game 7 of the 2017 World Series. There will be vendors, music by the Redhead Express and appearances by the new Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and her court and Plant City native Kristen Wyckoff, a professional softball player.

District boys basketball results The 8A-9 district tournament is being held at Tampa Bay Tech this week and got started Tuesday night. Plant City High School earned a first-round bye and began play in the Wednesday semifinal round. Durant edged past Bloomingdale, 46-45, to meet Tampa Bay Tech in the semifinal. Strawberry Crest topped East Bay, 61-58, to set up a semifinal match with the Raiders. Results from Wednesday were not available at press time. The championship game will be played at 7 p.m. Friday at Tampa Bay Tech, 6410 Orient Road.

Soccer camp coming to Ellis-Methvin Ellis-Methvin Park will host MB Sports Camps’ Soccer Player Showcase from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 24 and 25. Coaches from the men’s and women’s programs at the University of South Florida, Florida Southern College and more will oversee practices and scrimmages and connect directly with athletes in attendance. Players age 14 to 18 can register at a cost of $400 per person by calling 855-9627767 or visiting ow.ly/rwCD30inOHH.

Strawberry Crest won its fourth consecutive state championship this year.

Saturday, Feb. 10, was a busy morning at the MLK Recreation Center and Mike Sansone Park. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

“Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s ghost didn’t visit a Plant City strawberry field on Feb. 10, but it looked like local coaches and organizations put their own twist on his famous (fictional) advice. “If you teach it, they will come.” The city played host to two baseball and softball clinics just over a mile apart that morning, and both netted a total of nearly 150 kids to fields at the MLK Recreation Center and Mike Sansone Park. The Plant City Colts are known for football, but are branching out into baseball and softball. The organization held a clinic for both sports that morning for 42 Plant City youth interested in stepping up to the plate. The Colts partnered with the Evan Michael Chambers L.O.V.E. Foundation and RBI Baseball to teach kids aged 5 through 15 the fundamentals of the game. They brought Sheldon Fulse, who played in Minor League Baseball from 1999 to 2008, along with former collegiate players Chris Geronimo (University of New Orleans baseball) and Deomni Davis (FIU softball), to coach the kids. The foundation sponsors the Evan Michael Chambers Youth Baseball and Softball League, for which RBI Baseball donates equipment. The Chambers league partners with established football organizations to create baseball and softball leagues to give kids on the gridiron an affordable second option, as their families may not always be financially able to put them in baseball and softball leagues. “We wanted to have a healthy alternative for them, and we provide this virtually free,” Denise Chambers said. Plant City is the only Hillsborough County organization in its league, Photos by Justin Kline which also features Winter Haven, Parker Messick demonstrates a ladder drill before turning it over to the kids. Lakeland, Bartow, Haines City and Lake Wales. All organizations have

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Older participants practice throwing from one knee at the MLK fields.

five to six teams in different age groups, and the new season begins March 3. Evan Michael Chambers, a Pittsburgh Pirates third-round draft pick who spent five years in their minor league system, died suddenly in his sleep in 2013 due to an undetected heart defect. His parents, Dr. Evan F. and Denise Chambers, created the L.O.V.E. Foundation in his name to spread positive values to individuals and teach baseball to children. The latter was one of Chambers’ favorite pastimes in his free time — he and former college teammate Chris Geronimo had planned to work together to run camps for kids whenever they both stopped playing the game themselves. “Their goal was to do this once Evan stopped playing ball and he stopped playing ball…he assists us whenever we need him,” Denise Chambers said. “He’s always here.” Geronimo, a Miami-based travel ball coach, works with the foundation to host 30 to 40 clinics a year SEE BASEBALL PAGE 10

JUSTIN KLINE

Learning by example helps young athletes Kids in sports often benefit from just watching older athletes work.

’ve always thought sports and journalism share at least one major trait: the gap between learning how to play your role and actually doing it in the field is much wider than you’d think. It’s good to hit the books and classrooms beforehand and read up on what you’re supposed to do. It’s also good to get experience in the field. But there needs to be a

medium to make the transition from film room to field smoother, and that’s why we sometimes just need to watch people work. That’s why I love seeing clinics like last Saturday’s baseball “doubleheader” pop up around town. At the Mike Sansone Park and MLK ball fields, clinics for Plant City Little League and RBI Baseball players brought in preps from Plant City High School, collegiate and professional athletes to show our kids how they play ball. Not only is it cool for them to meet these older, more developed players — and I know firsthand how much the younger

crowd looks up to Plant City-area high school athletes, thanks to Athlete of the Week interviews — but it’s great for their own development to watch people who still play the game every day. These are the people kids are trying to emulate when they dream of becoming pro or amateur athletes one day. It would be awesome if camps and clinics like these happened all the time, but I know it’s not always possible. And while we can easily catch a game around town, it’s not always possible to bring the kids out to watch practices. Unless you’re

Allen Iverson, anybody can benefit from watching athletes at a higher level practice. You might even pick up on some drills to work on in the driveway or yard in the summer, and that’s huge. There are exceptions around here if you count combat sports. You can go to Plant City Boxing Gym and watch some extremely talented pros work almost every day. You can go to the karate, jiujitsu and MMA gyms and learn a lot from people who regularly travel for (and medal in) competitions. If you have kids in sports and hear about clinics like these happening

around town, I think you should try your best to make some time to attend. They make great supplements to the instruction the kids already get from their coaches. If you coach, too, even better — if you’re always open to learning, you’re always getting better at teaching.

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Baseball

Cheer

FROM PAGE 9

around the country. He said he does it to represent Chambers and “what he brought to the game,” and to get the kids ready for competitive leagues. “We’re just trying to teach these kids the basic fundamentals of the game and how to prepare themselves for the game,” Geronimo said. “A lot of these kids, you know they can’t afford to get...all these types of lessons other kids are getting nowadays in the travel world.” A short drive down Park Road, Plant City High School’s team was also showing kids the ropes. Around 100 Plant City Little League players and coaches packed Mike Sansone Park Saturday morning to learn how the Plant City High School Raiders play (and coach) ball. Head coach Mike Fryrear and his team and staff hosted a clinic to teach hitting, fielding, agility and other skills and drills to participants from 10 a.m. to noon. It was a return to a past format for the Raiders, who last year teamed up with Durant High School’s squad for a PCLL coaches’ clinic at the ballpark where the athletes performed drills to give youth coaches visual examples of how they could add to their own practices. In the Feb. 10 clinic, Fryrear taught lessons inspired by his own work with the Raiders and from talks he had with area coaches Eric Beattie of Strawberry Crest and Butch Valdes and Donnie Scolaro of Durant. Though not all of the kids were about to make the jump from middle to high school, the theme of the day was prepping for prep ball in an area where the game is played at one of the highest levels in the state. “It’s about kids who are getting ready to play high school baseball,” Fryrear said. Raiders coaches said, after about 10 minutes of low turnout, their field was swarmed with more people than they expected to see throughout the entire morning. Drills and learning sessions were held in waves, with groups rotating from station to station after a certain amount of time. Fryrear roamed around the field and batting cage offering advice and leading lectures, but the high school student-athletes themselves worked directly with the kids to teach them how to throw, hit, field and move.

team for each of its four state title wins. The “ride or die” trio was part of the first group of Crest athletes to hang a banner in the gymnasium and are leaving the most decorated cheerleaders in Small Co-Ed history. “It feels good because we were the first team to win a state title when we were on the team as freshmen. Then we kept winning, winning and winning,” Hyde said. “We’re the only ones who’ve won all four, so it feels special.” Senior Caleb Raymond, one of the new faces for the 2017-18 season, said going through the season taught him to “never give up and just keep pushing” no matter what happens — even for something as hard as coming into a new situation with a new team. “From my perspective, I’ve only been here for one year. I come in, like, kind of scared that I won’t be the best I can be because they’ve all been winning and winning,” Raymond said. “But I was glad they accepted me into the team. We had a good time.” Powell, a three-year veteran, said the best part of her last high school season was seeing how everyone came together to work toward the ultimate goal. “It’s really awesome to come to this program and have amazing coaches that set out goals and help us achieve the goals we have made,” she said. “Everybody on our team wants the same things, and it’s great because we’re working together and working for each other to accomplish those goals.” After school let out on Monday afternoon, the team’s seniors gathered in Rivas’s classroom to record another first in Crest cheerleading history — designing their own state championship rings. It’s a moment none of them thought they’d share earlier in the season, if at all during their high school careers, and ideas came tumbling out like a floor routine. No matter what design they settle on, those rings will represent obstacles overcome and unique lessons learned. “What I love about sports is that you can really teach life lessons that you really can’t in the classroom,” Rivas said. “Life experiences of, ‘Hey, this is gonna be tough,’ or ‘You have to work a little bit harder,’ or ‘Don’t give up on yourself.’”

Amari Jackson After a solid performance at the Dallas Metroplex Challenge, Plant City-based gymnast Amari Jackson followed up at the Cirque Challenge last weekend by placing first in the double mini event, second in the floor routine and fifth on the trampoline in her age group. Jackson, 8, wants to one day bring Olympic gold home to Plant City. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

What’s your favorite subject? Art and P.E.

You’ve done pretty well in competitions over the last few weeks. What’s been your favorite moment? Whenever I went to Texas.

Do you play any other sports right now? No.

How cool was it? It was cool. We went to Magnolia Market at the Silos and we ate there, and I did my competition. I rode a bull and I did a maze and went to a candy shop. What other states have you competed in? Oklahoma, North Carolina and Texas. What’s your favorite state you’ve visited? North Carolina because I got to see snow.

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Before a big meet, how you do you get yourself ready? I just think like I’m just practicing at my gym, and I can do it just like practice.

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2018

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, FEB. 16

High: 84 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 10%

Friday, Feb. 16

7:05a

6:20p

Saturday, Feb. 17

7:04a

6:21p

Sunday, Feb. 18

7:03a

6:21p

Monday, Feb. 19

7:02a

6:22p

Tuesday, Feb. 20

7:01a

6:23p

Wednesday, Feb. 21

7:00a

6:23p

Thursday, Feb. 22

6:59a

6:24p

SATURDAY, FEB. 17 High: 87 Low: 60 Chance of rain: 10%

SUNDAY, FEB. 18

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

High: 87 Low: 65 Chance of rain: 20%

Feb. 16 New

Mar. 12 Last

Feb. 20 First

Mar. 1 Full

MONDAY, FEB. 19 High: 88 Low: 66 Chance of rain: 10%

STRAWBERRIES Shipping point: Orlando $8.90 to $10.90

Les Cole snapped a photo of a striking sunset in Walden Lake. “Took this while out walking the dog the day after we had that big rain,” Cole said. Cole wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

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111 Beast like Shrek 112 Place to slalom in Utah 116 First-elected Congresswoman Jeannette 118 Typical example 120 Soft upholstery fabric 122 Little buzzer 123 Longtime magazine subscriber 124 A source of fur 125 Urging from one on bended knee 126 Forward-thinking woman? 127 Is a back-talker

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50 Kurosawa of moviemaking 52 ___ double take (look again) 53 Some Indo-Europeans 54 Jump at a loud bang, e.g. 55 Transportation mover 57 Tickles or makes giggle 58 Stat for typists 62 Throw overboard 63 Software operators 66 Fate or destiny 68 History test part, sometimes 69 La ___ University, Philadelphia DOWN 71 Biomedical research inits. 1 Common condiment 2 Group dividing paychecks 72 Inflate, as expenses 73 “You know how ___” by three 74 Speak with a grating voice 3 Japanese native 76 Film role for Keanu 4 Deadly African fly 78 Like a U.S. military branch 5 “Let’s call ___ night” 79 Ancient stone pillar 6 Sedan’s foursome 83 Detach, as a campaign 7 Black-and-orange birds button 8 Non-masc. ones 84 Jerker lead-in 9 Raiding grp. 86 Use binoculars, e.g. 10 With two parts 88 Empty rhetoric 11 Wipe the slate 90 Accepts as true 12 Periodic table abbr. 91 Stagger while walking 13 They’re home in Ohio 93 Angry things to shoot, 14 Bombing results figuratively 15 Take in takeout 95 Park securers 16 Ribs and breastbone 96 Evidence of a bad scratch areas 99 Seven-footers, to five17 Gin go-with footers 18 Standing with good 100 Motel relative posture 101 Sir relative 19 Bring in for another 102 Book of the Old Testacheckup ment 28 Valley in California 103 Late Farley 30 “In a million” starter 104 Anders of “Easy Rider” 33 Collins or Donahue 105 Itty-bitty 34 Spring in the desert 106 Kevin of “A Fish Called 36 Quitter Wanda” 37 Infield cover 38 Soothing medicinal plants 110 Pentathlon sword 111 Cockney residences? 39 Cold canoe 113 Superman’s lady friend 40 Baseball’s Rose 114 Bring into harmony 44 Make campy, as a skit 115 Mythical god of war 45 Name spoken to a 117 Rocks for tumblers speaker 119 Be indebted to 47 Be a passenger 121 Historical time period 48 Hathaway of Hollywood

CELEBRITY CIPHER

By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“ICKKGOI HYEEGCM GJ Y NPK NGUC ICKKGOI GOKP Y KVD PL XPK TYKCE. YLKCE APV ICK VJCM KP GK, GK YGO’K JP XPK.” – HGOOGC BCYEN

34 Smeltery supply 35 Theater intermission 1 Cause of white noise 37 What you are free to 7 Oddly eccentric spend 14 Superior 41 “Fix” a pet 20 Big-time record label 42 In the style of 21 A Christian experience 43 Eye shade providers 22 City in Pakistan 44 Suffers from or owns 23 Type of equation 46 “Buona ___” 24 “You blew my mind!” 49 Charles, Harry and 25 Displays contrition Beatrice 26 Plug 51 Type of wave 27 RAF awards for gallantry 53 Popping up 29 Prefixes for heavenly 56 Part of a mountain bodies 57 “Cool!” 31 Japanese food staple 59 Old gas station abbr. 32 Overly pamper

60 Genetic stuff 61 Winter Olympics event 64 Receiver jack abbr. 65 U.S. citizens, abroad 67 Job-related bios 70 Hypothetical remedy for all ills 72 Criminals on the water 75 Diego or Pedro lead-in 77 Some hospital workers 80 Words with “snail’s pace” 81 Italian three 82 Columbo wannabes 85 Aussie’s friend 87 Allow to leave 89 Without any company

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2-15-18

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018

there’s no “check engine” light for your heart. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Knowing your heart disease risk factors could save your life or the life of someone you love. BayCare is offering free heart-healthy screenings throughout Tampa Bay to help you get to know your heart.

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