FREE • FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017
VOLUME 4, NO. 35
Observer PLANT CITY TIMES &
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
Photo by Daniel Figueroa IV
Capturing every moment of #BerryFest17. See more coverage inside and online at PlantCityObserver.com
YOUR TOWN
Behind the scenes Harry Jeffcoat’s mother and Billy Friend’s father were photography rivals. Decades later, their sons have a common focus. EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR
From livestock shows and concerts to eating contests and parades, Harry Jeffcoat and Billy Friend have been capturing every moment of the Florida Strawberry Festival as a dual effort for the last seven years. Jeffcoat became the official festival photographer in 1987. Friend joined forces with him in 2010. And while the two have established a strong camaraderie, a feud preceded them. Jeffcoat’s mother, Gladys, and Friend’s father, Bill, both worked as photographers — but they weren’t on the same team. “They liked each other,” Friend said. “But they were vicious competitors.” Jeffcoat began helping his mother in 1967. “I was still in high school,” Jeffcoat said. “I started coming out on weekends and during parade days. My mother was the first official festival photographer, when Louise Gibbs was the general manager.” While Friend’s father wasn’t an official festival photographer, he was still allowed to bring his camera to the
Courtesy photo
Jackson Elementary School students took a trip to the Kennedy Space Center Thursday, Feb. 23.
Up in the Air Twenty fourth and fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary had the experience of a lifetime Thursday, Feb. 23. The students traveled to Titusville, where they spent the day at Kennedy Space Center. Students, along with their parents, teacher Elizabeth Damsel and principal Michelle McClellan, toured the facility and learned how space exploration has improved the culture and economy of Florida. The students began their day with a bus tour of the launch pads, then viewed the machinery used to transport rockets and shuttles. The group walked around and underneath a Saturn V rocket. They also saw the Atlantis Space Shuttle, which took 33 missions and retired in 2011, as it is now housed at the center. The students interacted with virtual simulations, which added to their excitement and interest in space exploration. The school would like to thank Jackson’s PTA and photographer Troy McClellan’s partnership with the communications coordinator at the center.
Tick, tock. Turn forward your clock! Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, March 12.
Emily Topper
Harry Jeffcoat and Billy Friend cover concerts, livestock exhibits and more for the Florida Strawberry Festival.
SEE PHOTOGRAPHERS PAGE 5
Creams world record The record-breaking 1,000-gallon strawberry smoothie was created at the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Friday, March 3. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
It happened just before 5 p.m. Friday, March 3. Cabot Creamery Co-operative led a successful effort to reclaim the Guinness World Record title for the world’s largest smoothie during the second day of the 2017 Florida
Strawberry Festival. Partnered with the United Food Bank of Plant City, Feeding Tampa Bay and United Way Suncoast, the 1,000-gallon strawberry smoothie dwarfed the previous record of 824.7 gallons set by McGill University in Toronto, Canada, in 2015. Prior to McGill, Cabot had set a smoothie record in 2013 with a mixture weighing in at more than 400 gallons. “Our farmers are happy to recapture the Guinness World Record title for the world’s largest smoothie to benefit United Food Bank of Plant City and Feeding Tampa Bay,” Roberta SEE SMOOTHIE PAGE 3
Daniel Figueroa IV
Kelly Littlefield and Jimmy Kennedy, of Cabot Creamery Co-operative, with the certificate confirming the world record.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017
Strawberries and swine T
he first night of the Florida Strawberry Festival Thursday, March 2, kicked off with the 2017 Mosaic Youth Swine Show. Exhibitors showed 78 pigs in the annual show. Tiffaney Henry, of Simmons Career Center FFA, showed the grand champion. The reserve grand champion was shown by Kenneth Hattaway, of Durant's FFA chapter.
SHOWMANSHIP WINNERS SENIOR DIVISION First: Tanner Ashley Second: Cecily Llauger Third: Tiffany Wilson INTERMEDIATE DIVISION First: Chance Christie Second: Seth Irwin Third: Cassidy Eramo JUNIOR DIVISION First: Milee Hasting Second: Kyleigh Murray Third: Corey Neal
CLASS WINNERS CLASS 1 First Place: Kyleigh Murray Second Place: Morgan Chancey Third Place: Rachel Carter Fourth Place: Siera Linton Fifth Place: Landon Sapp Sixth Place: Halei Alderman Seventh Place: Luke Patten Eighth Place: Aubrie Russell Ninth Place: Garrett Linton
— EMILY TOPPER
Chance Christie took first place in the intermediate showmanship division.
CLASS 2 First Place: Raegan Tucker Second Place: Traile Robbins Third Place: Addison Griffin Fourth Place: Will Haxton Fifth Place: Haley Bell Sixth Place: Makenna Fox Seventh Place: Dakota McArthur Eighth Place: Chesney Stackhouse Ninth Place: Logan Goodyear Tenth Place: John Thompson
Right: John Thompson. Below: Nine classes participated.
CLASS 3 First Place: Cecily Llauger Second Place: Callie Smith Third Place: Anne-Marie IampieriMcGinnis Fourth Place: Jade Banks Fifth Place: Kagen Alred Sixth Place: Corbet Wyatt Seventh Place: Olivia Ennis Eighth Place: Elam Livermore
Photos by Emily Topper
CLASS 4 First Place: Seth Irwin Second Place: Ashlyn Barror Third Place: Chance Christie Fourth Place: Ariel Aldous Fifth Place: Brooklyn Zajac Sixth Place: Jake Braglin Seventh Place: Chase Braglin Eighth Place: Cassandra Fincher Ninth Place: Jacob Ogden
CLASS 5 First Place: Tiffaney Henry Second Place: Emma Grace McConnell Third Place: Tiffany Wilson Fourth Place: Wyatt Brown Fifth Place: Austin Holcomb Sixth Place: Tanner Ashley Seventh Place: Charles Watson Eighth Place: Nicholas Claussen Ninth Place: Corey Neal CLASS 6 First Place: Emma Poole Second Place: Marissa Zolna Third Place: Emma Grace Futch Fourth Place: Preston Perkins Fifth Place: Samuel Shiver Sixth Place: Carter Herndon-Stalvey Seventh Place: Valentina Hegedus Eighth Place: Mathew Diem Ninth Place: Michael Jones Jr . CLASS 7 First Place: Milee Hasting Second Place: Rhet Conyers Third Place: Elizabeth Ford Fourth Place: Brystal Cunningham Fifth Place: Lynzi Butler Sixth Place: Ava Hasting Seventh Place: Jonah Spivey Eighth Place: Matthew Greenaker CLASS 8 First Place: Kenneth Hattaway Second Place: Alexis Gilbert Third Place: Jessica Tamboe Fourth Place: Wyatt Drawdy Fifth Place: Jack Gardner Sixth Place: Blake Rouse Seventh Place: Destiny Cox Eighth Place: Cooper McDonald CLASS 9 First Place: Raegen Roger Second Place: Russell Butler Third Place: Madison Smith Fourth Place: Jesse Donnell Fifth Place: Caleb Waters Sixth Place: Cassidy Eramo
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Halei Alderman.
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HE GAVE ALL Robert Carl Stewart, 57, a beloved member of Plant City’s homeless community died Sunday, Feb. 12. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
For his country, Robert Carl Stewart was willing to give his life. For his daughter, Lisa, he did. Stewart died Sunday, Feb.12, following recent heart issues he’d been having. He was a veteran, a father of four, a grandfather to 13 and a beloved, selfless friend to many, those who knew him said. He died in the woods at a campsite he shared with his daughter. It was the only home he had. “He was homeless because he was helping Lisa,” Shirley Chamberlain, a local advocate for the homeless, said. “He was living in Lakeland in a house. Through circumstances, he became homeless just because he was helping Lisa. He came out on to the streets to be with her. He sacrificed what he had to be with her.” Stewart, 57, was a Plant City native and was among the estimated 181 homeless veterans currently living throughout Hillsborough County, and the more than 120,000 nationwide, according to the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative. Last year’s annual report showed that there are 1,817 homeless in Hillsborough. However, the number of veterans could actually be higher — 627 of the people counted refused to answer the question. Some of the homeless live in their cars, some wherever they can find shelter and some, like Stewart and his daughter, camp on public and private property in the woods. Brian Ellis has been in the military for the past 15 years. He runs support services for veterans in Hillsborough County for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He has recently partnered with Chamberlain and Jennifer Anderson, a pastor at New Hope Worship Center, to provide support for the local homeless population. “I take it very personal that, unfortunately, this man didn’t make it out of the woods,” Ellis said. “Everyone should work together as a community to help the unfortunate and the
less advantaged.” Part of Anderson’s mission is providing memorial services for those who might otherwise go without. A memorial service was held for Stewart Wednesday, Feb. 22. Even through a rainy day, many friends and family — some of them homeless as well — showed to pay their respects to a man who many believed should still be alive. “We were talking and I told him he didn’t look too good,” Theresa Martinez, a friend of Stewart and his daughter, said. “He said, ‘No, I’m okay’. Fifteen minutes later, he keeled over on me. He had been out on the street for about a month. I think that’s what did it.” Martinez had gone to check on Stewart the day he died. She said he had just left the hospital a few weeks prior. He’d been having issues with stints that were put in his heart within the last few months. Close with his daughter, Martinez said she would often check on them and bring them food. She recently became homeless herself and is currently living in a minivan with Stewart’s daughter. Losing Stewart, Martinez said, was like losing a parent. “From the minute I met him, we kicked off,” Martinez said. “I called him dad.” She remembers fondly driving Stewart to Tampa to get his monthly VA benefits. To repay her, he would take her to the Brick House Cafe, his favorite restaurant in town. As friends and family came up to say a few words about Stewart in lieu of a single eulogy, the consensus was clear. “He was a good man,” and “I loved Robert” were repeated often. He was described as kind and fiercely loyal, the kind of man who would never turn his back on anyone, even if it meant putting himself out. Ellis said the loyalty and sacrifice within Stewart is something he, as a fellow serviceman, experiences and understands. “I’ve been in the military for 15 years, Ellis said. “When I’m working with veterans, I’m not looking at it as if I am working with just an individual. Not only am I working with a fellow veteran, it’s almost like you’re working with a family member.” Stewart had options to leave his camp, but he wouldn’t leave his friends or his daughter behind. If they
Daniel Figueroa IV
Top: Robert Carl Stewart spent his last days living at a campsite in Plant City. Courtesy photo
Above: Robert Stewart, his son Jonathan Stewart and Jonathan Stewart’s fiancée, Jessica Lucas, in January.
couldn’t come with him, he wasn’t going to leave them. “He never turned his back on nobody,” Ava Fountain, a friend of Stewart’s, said during the ceremony. “He always had ... open arms for everybody. I want to say this to everybody. Don’t judge nobody. Open your arms to everybody. I just miss Robert
already ... He even got him a home, but Robert wasn’t happy in the home. He’d rather be out there. He just loved everybody out there. So, you all keep on being strong out there.” Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com
FROM SMOOTHIE PAGE 1
Daniel Figueroa IV
Thunderbug, the mascot for the Tampa Bay Lightning, showed up to join in on the fun.
MacDonald, senior vice president of marketing for Cabot Creamery Cooperative, said in a statement. “The 1,100 farm families who own Cabot Creamery are dedicated to supporting communities where we sell our dairy products, and funding and undertaking this colossal effort to raise money for United Food Bank of Plant City and Feeding Tampa Bay is one of the many ways our farm families give back to those in need.” Once the mammoth feat was officially recorded by Guinness World Records Adjudicator Jimmy Coggins, the team began to sell portions of the smoothie to festival goers. According to a Cabot news release, the recordbreaking attempt allowed Cabot to raise about $10,000 in cash and products to benefit the United Food Bank of Plant City and Feeding Tampa Bay. Cabot also donated more than 500 pounds of its cheeses to the food banks. The effort was no small task, Kelly Littlefield, promotions and events manager for Cabot, said. She said contingency plans were put in place
to make sure every scenario was covered. Festival goers participated in the smoothie’s creation, as well. Two bicycle-powered Vitamix blenders were set up for volunteer riders, including Tampa Bay Ray’s mascot, Raymond, and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s mascot, Thunderbug. Four commercial and eight home-use Vitamix blenders were also used. Leftovers not sold during the festival were packaged and donated to Feeding Tampa Bay, reminding its executive director, Thomas Mantz, of the responsibility to feed the needy. “The enormity of this record reminds us of the enormity of the hunger issue in our community,” Mantz said in a statement. “With 700,000 of our neighbors not having stable access to food, the fresh and healthy ingredients used in this smoothie are perfectly aligned with Feeding Tampa Bay’s goal to deliver more fresh, nutritious foods to those in need every year.” Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.
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We asked: What are you most looking forward to at this year’s Strawberry Festival?
All the way up T hrough Sunday, March 12, Carla Wallenda, her family and their act, The New Circus Incredible Show, will be thrilling audiences multiple times per day at the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival. This year's Circus Incredible act, which is held daily at the festival at 12:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m., features Wallenda climbing a swaying pole, an acrobatic act and more. The on-grounds exhibit is sponsored by Visions of Outdoor Living.
— EMILY TOPPER
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Photos by Emily Topper
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HOLA Plant City! The next performance will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 12, in the Publix Showcase Tent. LIBBY BALDWIN TAMPA BAY TIMES
Alina Izquierdo's path to performing at this year's Florida Strawberry Festival started in Cuba and went through Italy before arriving in Plant City. The recording artist spent 20 years living what many would consider a charmed life: touring Italy, appearing on television and collaborating with Hispanic musicians from around the world, including her native Cuba. Izquierdo's unique brand of Latin jazz and powerful Diana Ross-esque pipes won her Cuba's biggest music competition and the nickname "the diamond voice of Cuba." She was struggling to become known elsewhere when an Italian company bought the rights to her album, “The New Year,” and moved her there. But nearly three years ago, she visited close friends in Tampa and decided to stay. "I like it here so much,” she said. “The American people are so open and friendly. The smell of Ybor, the coffee and cigars, the fabulous Cuban sandwiches — they remind me of Cuba." Izquierdo grew up loving American music. She and a friend used a radio booster to capture the signal from a Miami radio station and devoured hits from the 1970s, '80s and '90s. A huge Journey fan with a lifelong crush on lead singer Steve Perry, Izquierdo will bring interesting influences to her performance at the festival’s HOLA Plant City! music
FROM PHOTOGRAPHERS PAGE 1
festival grounds to take photos. Friend began helping his father in 1975. Even back then, the men said, their parents were fiercely competitive. “They competed,” Friend said. “They wanted to see who could sell the most photos, who could get them out the fastest.” One of the festival’s most popular events — the annual Baby Parade — was a top seller for both photographers. Price haggling to attract customers from the other side was a norm. The parents were devoted to being the best in town, and were as equally passionate about passing their skills down to their sons. “My mother would tell me something once,” Jeffcoat said. “And you’d better remember it.” “My dad would always tell me what I did wrong, and not what I did right,” Friend said. Even then, Jeffcoat and Friend were aware of their parents’ feud — but the men never took issue with each other. Still, it took time for them to join forces. Jeffcoat began shooting for the festival in 1987 without his mother. “I started doing it myself,” he said. “I was archiving for the festival. I didn’t see Billy as a competitor.”
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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After Friend’s father died in 1999, Friend wanted to keep his legacy going. The festival grandfathered Friend in under his father. Though he didn’t work for the festival at the time, he was still allowed to take photos. Around 2004, both Friend and Jeffcoat made the jump from film to digital. Soon after, Friend came on board permanently and the festival’s photo website was born. Ordering photos was quicker and easier than ever before. Together, the men use the lessons their parents taught them — and the lessons they’ve picked up over the years — to cover every part of the festival. There are currently thousands of photos on the festival’s website, and Jeffcoat and Friend are solely responsible for sorting through their uploads — often taking over 2,000 photos each per day. “At some point, I want to stop doing this,” Jeffcoat said. “I want to teach him (Friend) to lead a team to take over.” “Without Harry and all the knowledge he has, the festival wouldn’t have the photos they have,” Friend said. “But every year he shows me something different. Harry’s taught me a lot since we started working together and we’ve become really
Contact Libby Baldwin at lbaldwin@ tampabay,com.
close friends.” During the festival, the men often arrive as early as 7 a.m. to upload photos, making trips back to the office during the day to post images online. “In the future at some point, he’ll need help,” Jeffcoat said. “It’s bigger than one photographer.” “It’s bigger than two photographers,” Friend added. Together, the photographers split up the festival’s 11-day workload. Jeffcoat gets sponsor shots and covers parades and headliner shows, including meet and greets with performers. “I enjoy doing the shows, I really do,” Jeffcoat said. “I’ve met all the major country stars.” Friend covers livestock shows and the crowds, often serving as a backup photographer at the headliner concerts. “I like the Queen’s contest, and the livestock,” Friend said. “I’ve always loved that.” As Jeffcoat continues to prepare Friend to one day become the lead photographer, the men are already on the lookout for a potential addition to the photography family. “Anyone who’s interested,” Jeffcoat said. “Come see Billy.” Emily Topper
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
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showcase this year. She will join Aixa Fernandez and Jose Luis on Sunday, March 12. The festival added HOLA Plant City! in 2010 to broaden its appeal to the Hispanic and Mexican communities. Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis reached out to Coda Sound in 2009 to create a show geared toward the significant Hispanic market in the area. "We initially decided to focus it on the Mexican community, because they're mostly the ones who pick the strawberries," Maritza Astorquiza, who co-owns Coda Sound, the production company behind HOLA Plant City! with her husband, said. "Hispanic attendance has grown every year. It’s brought a welcoming mat, a message that this is your festival, too." Izquierdo will take the stage Sunday, March 12. The opening weekend performance Sunday, March 5, included singer Don Pedro Rivera. Rivera and his wife worked the machines in a Mexican plastics factory and were kicked out of every apartment they rented for having too many people in one room. They crossed into the United States in 1966, determined to rise above their circumstances. Rivera plays a huge variety of Latin music, including bachata, cumbia, corrido and mariachi. At HOLA Plant City! he stuck to mariachi for its universal appeal. Izquierdo will take the stage at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 12, in the Publix Showcase Tent at the festival grounds. The show is free with festival admission, which is $10 for adults 13 and up and $5 for children 6 to 12. Children under 5 are free.
Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt, Danny Crampton or Lisa Donini, at (813) 704-6850.
Harry Jeffcoat and Billy Friend have worked together for the last seven years, but have been covering the festival individually for much longer.
SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563
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Observer
Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Interim Managing Editor / Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@ PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@ PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor of In the Field / Sarah Holt, sarah@ inthefieldmagazine.com
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Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of the Company. The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Š2016 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Coldwell Banker is a registered service mark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. 12731FL_9/16
MARCH 10, 2017
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Photos by Emily Topper
Left: JROTC units from local high schools participated. Above: Mayor Rick and Di Lott.
BIGGEST PARTY IN TOWN T
he 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Grand Parade was held Monday, March 6. Led by Howard and David Bellamy, better known as the Bellamy Brothers, the parade began in Historic Downtown and then passed the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. Floats were judged in the business, marching, church, antique and school divisions. The annual parade is one of the most highly-anticipated events of the Florida Strawberry Festival, often featuring over 80 floats. — EMILY TOPPER
THE WINNERS BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL DIVISION First: Focus 4 Beauty Second: Krewe of Castaways Third: Consolidated Pest Control MARCHING UNIT First: Strawberry Crest High Schol Second: Bell Creek Academy Third: Plant City High School Band CIVIC/CHURCH DIVISION First: Eastside Baptist Church Second: Plant City Lions Club Third: First Baptist Church of Midway ANTIQUE DIVISION First: Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum Second: Lakeland Cruisers Car Club Third: Citizen of the Year SPECIAL FEATURE DIVISION First: Strawberry Crest High School JROTC Second: Strawberry Cloggers Third: Kathleen High School JROTC SCHOOL CLUB/YOUTH SPORTS DIVISION First: JS Robinson PTA Second: Plant City High School Calendar Girls Third: Durant FFA Sweethearts
Krewe of the Castaways took second place in the business/commercial division.
2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen Drew Knotts. Top: Local leaders from Plant City and Hillsborough County offices rode through town on floats. Above: Kids ran to the street curbs for a chance to collect beads and candy.
Bikes, motorcycle units and more kicked off the parade.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017
Walden Lake home tops February real estate transactions square foot is $113.93.
EMILY TOPPER MANAGING EDITOR
T
he home at 2006 Masters Way sold Feb. 7, for $355,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 3,131 square feet of living area on 0.32 acres. The price per square foot is $113.38.
HILLSBOROUGH
The home at 2713 Sparkman Road sold Feb. 23, for $145,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,976 square feet of living area on 1.02 acres. The price per square foot is $73.38. The home at 5203 Peeples Road sold Feb. 28, for $36,500. Built in 1960, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 544 square feet of living area on 1 acre. The price per square foot is $67.10. The home at 1802 S. Wiggins Road sold Feb. 27, for $175,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,536 square feet of living area on 0.97 acres. The price per
The home at 2403 S. Wiggins Road sold Feb. 17, for $295,000. Built in 2012, it has six bedrooms, three baths and 4,396 square feet of living area on 1.90 acres. The price per square foot is $67.11. MAGNOLIA GREEN
The home at 3202 Azalea Blossom Drive sold Feb. 17, for $206,990. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,828 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $113.23. The home at 3008 Magnolia Meadows Drive sold Feb. 24, for $155,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2008, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,348 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $66.01. The home at 3303 San Moise Place sold Feb. 28, for $199,990. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 1,751 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $114.21. The home at 3534 San Moise Place sold Feb. 28, for $235,990. Built in 2016, it has five bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,807 square feet of living area on 0.16 acres. The price per square foot is $84.07.
The home at 3536 San Moise Place sold Feb. 28, for $222,990. Built in 2016, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,432 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $91.69. The home at 3407 San Moise Place sold Feb. 23, for $186,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,676 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $110.98. The home at 3528 San Moise Place sold Feb. 28, for $199,990. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $119.61. WALDEN LAKE
The home at 3222 Alcott Ave. sold Feb. 16, for $320,000. Built in 1995, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,348 square feet of living area on 0.27 acres. The price per square foot is $136.29. The home at 4207 Barret Ave. sold Feb. 24, for $197,600 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,680 square feet of living area on 0.17 acres. The price per square foot is $117.62. The home at 1736 Brookstone Way sold Feb. 28, for $220,000. Built in
FEBRUARY 2017 SNAPSHOT
MINIMUM: $36,500 MAXIMUM: $355,000
2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,871 square feet of living area on 0.30 acres. The price per square foot is $117.58. The home at 2853 Hammock Drive sold Feb. 24, for $272,000. Built in 1987, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 3,170 square feet of living area on 0.28 acres. The price per square foot is $85.80. The home at 3208 Kilmer Drive sold Feb. 23, for $300,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,686 square feet of living area on 0.42 acres. The price per square foot is $111.69. The home at 4315 Kipling Ave. sold Feb. 10, for $173,000. Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,402 square feet of living area on 0.15 acres. The price per square foot is $123.40. The home at 4112 Silvermoon Drive sold Feb. 27, for $191,900 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,656 square feet of living area on 0.21 acres. The price per square foot is $115.88. The home at 3328 Silverpond Drive sold Feb. 16, for $219,900. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,650 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per
AVERAGE: $190,833 MEDIAN: $197,600
square foot is $133.27. The home at 2911 Sutton Oaks Court sold Feb. 28, for $240,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2000, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 2,707 square feet of living area on 0.26 acres. The price per square foot is $88.66. The home at 3006 Sutton Woods Drive sold Feb. 8, for $349,900. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,661 square feet of living area on 0.59 acres. The price per square foot is $131.49. WALDEN POINTE
The home at 3003 Via Milano St. sold Feb. 24, at $245,000. Built in 2016, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,190 square feet of living area on 0.27 acres. The price per square foot is $111.87.
ONLINE See more transactions at PlantCityObserver.com
Outstanding Agents. Outstanding Results. (813) 967-0168 or or (813)305-1616 (813) 549-9412 (813)967-0168
2803-4 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City Florida 33566 Office: (813) 305-1616 | Fax: (813) 754-8099 Email: Malissa.Crawford@Gmail.com
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our reclamation team and ecologists use the latest technology and scientific methods to reclaim formerly mined lands, creating natural corridors for native wildlife and even reviving streams that haven’t existed for over a century. As a global leader in reclamation ecology, Mosaic is pioneering new environmental approaches to create vital habitats and land uses for future generations — both ours and nature’s. The reclaimed perennial stream at Maron Run provides habitat and
To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit MosaicCo.com/Florida.
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food supplies for a diverse group of water-dependent species.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2017
FRIDAY, MARCH 10
BEST BET
STRAWBERRY MASHED POTATO PIE EATING CONTEST Begins at 1 p.m. Friday, March 10, at the Stingray Chevrolet Entertainment Tent at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds, 303 N. Lemon St. Watch festival guests compete in an eating contest for prizes.
SATURDAY, MARCH 11
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL BABY PARADE Begins at 10:15 a.m. Saturday, March 11, at the Morrow Steel Free Grandstands at the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds, 303 N. Lemon St. Babies will compete in the Most Handsome, Most Beautiful and Best Float categories.
ELLE KING AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Begins at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 10, on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 N. Lemon St. The Americana and alternative rock singer will be the night’s main entertainment. Tickets are $20 per person and are available online at FLStrawberryFestival.com. MOONLIGHT MAGIC Takes place from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday, March 10, on the Belle City Amusements Midway at the Florida Strawberry Festival fairgrounds, 303 N. Lemon St. For a $25 wristband, guests will be able to ride most mechanical rides on the Midway. Guests are subject to a search.
File Photo
The Baby Parade includes categories for Best Float, Most Handsome and Most Beautiful.
SATURDAY, MARCH 11
MADDIE AND TAE AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Begins at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 N. Lemon St. Tickets are $25 and are available online at FLStrawberry Festival.com PATTI LABELLE AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 11, on the Wish Farms Soundstage at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 N. Lemon St. Tickets are $40 and are available online at FLStrawberry Festival.com
SUNDAY, MARCH 12
HOLA PLANT CITY! AT THE FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL Begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 12, at the Publix Showcase Tent at the Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 N. Lemon St. The act is the festival’s Hispanic music showcase and has returned for the eighth year.
MONDAY, MARCH 13
CITY COMMISSION MEETING Begins at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 13, at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St.
THURSDAY, MARCH 23
INTEGRITY BUSINESS LUNCHEON Begins at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 23, at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. The goal is to help Christians in the marketplace with future business endeavors. For more information, contact Lew Frye at (863) 521-3360 or Norm Blanton at (813) 326-0749, or visit IBR77.com.
ONGOING PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051
taurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.
7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome.
School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.
ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. Fridays at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. For more information, call Walt Arnold at (813) 752-1602.
BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen.
KEEL AND CURLEY LIVE MUSIC 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.
CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.
KRAZY KUP LIVE MUSIC 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.
PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Mondays at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St.
THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High
O’BRIEN’S LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Res-
PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive.
PLANT CITY CONNECTIONS 8 a.m. Tuesdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60 E. This networking group hosts speakers each meeting. Facebook. com/groups/pcityconnections.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
DAVID NELSON TAYLOR David Nelson Taylor, 80, of Plant City, died Feb. 11, 2017. He was born in Melrose Park, Illinois, to the late George and Ethel Neil Taylor. He loved golf, football, NASCAR and winemaking. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Deborah Claar Taylor; children, Shannon Williams (Kevin), Chris Conte (Rose) and Chad Conte (Laura); sister, Barbara Greenlee; and six grandchildren. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
WILLIAM LENNON ‘BILLY’ POWELL William Lennon “Billy” Powell, 59, of Plant City, died Feb. 18, 2017. He was born May 5, 1957, in Lakeland, and later was a longtime resident of Plant City. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City, where he sang in the choir for many years. He was a 1975 graduate of Plant City High School, and graduated from Florida Southern College in 1979. He had a long career at Publix Credit Union in Lakeland, where he made many lifelong friends. He was an avid bridge player, cook and baker. He is survived by his cousins, Steve Howell (Kathy); Larry Howell (Sarah); devoted caregiver and friend, Betty Dixon; and many relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.L. “Double” and Lorene Powell. A celebration of life was held Feb. 23, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the building fund at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 503 N. Palmer St., or to the American Diabetes Association at Diabetes.org. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
JESSIE ‘GENE’ STEPHENS Jessie “Gene” Stephens, 77, of Plant City, died Feb. 15, 2017. He was born Dec. 12, 1939. He was a lifetime farmer and he was an active member of Life Church at
Fishhawk Church of God. He loved his family and he enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Reitha Stephens; children, Judy Lanier (Jay), Donna Stewart and Roy Stephens (Brettina); seven grandchildren; and nine greatgrandchildren. A celebration of life was held Feb. 20, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Private committal followed at Cedars of Lebanon, Inglis, Florida. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
KATTIE MAY ‘KAY’ WILLIAMS Kattie May “Kay” Williams, 80, of Plant City, died Feb. 13, 2017. She was born Oct. 31, 1936. She was a member of the Plant City Community Church of the Nazarene. She loved her family and raising her grandchildren. She enjoyed flowers and going to church. She also enjoyed teaching Sunday school, producing plays, watching birds from her porch and making crafts. She is survived by her children, Joe Bennett (Karla), Millie Stewart (Carl), Frankie Williams and Louis Raulerson; brother, Bill Collins (Zen); grandchildren, JoJo, Michael (Jessica), Tina, Stephanie (Brandon), Allen (Keisha), David, Sonia, William Jr., Carrie, Billy, Lisa and William; 27 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her children, Paul Bennett and Carol Bennett; grandchildren, Tonia Bennett and Katie McCarthy; mother, Ruby Pendergras; and siblings, James Collins, Charles Collins, Marshal Pendergras and Louise Barrington. A celebration of life was held Feb. 16, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
JACQUELYN ANN ‘JACKIE’ DOWDY Jacquelyn Ann “Jackie” Dowdy, 65, of Seffner, died Feb. 17, 2017. She was of the Christian faith. Her family will miss her dearly. She is survived by her husband, Robert Dowdy; sister, Barb Heil
(Rick); nieces and nephews, Tiffany Heil, Donna Turkington and Robert Turkington; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Shirley Jones; and sister, Marcia Hanna. There are no services scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
RACHEL FINN Rachel Finn, 29, of Plant City, died Feb. 24, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. A native of St. Petersburg, she was the daughter of Brian and Carol Finn. She was a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She later received her master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. She was a graduate medical education coordinator with Broward Health Medical Center. She is survived by her parents; sister, Molly Finn; and grandmother, Betty Finn. A memorial service was held March 3, at Hope Lutheran Church in Plant City. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Brain Tumor Association at ABTA.org. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
JOHNNIE GROOMS Johnnie Grooms, 68, of Dover, died Feb. 20, 2017. A native of Memphis, he was the son of the late Wade and Doris Hobock Grooms. He was a tree surgeon with Farrens and the owner of Grooms Tree Service. He was a mechanic with Ferman Chevrolet in Tampa and a member of Turkey Creek First Baptist Church. He enjoyed working on cars and the outdoors. He was a jack of all trades. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Grooms; children, Pattie Grooms and Dennis Grooms (LaRay); granddaughter, Gracelyn Brooke Grooms; siblings, Lamandia Hall, Bonnie Pepper, Tommy Grooms, Danny Grooms and Allen Grooms. A funeral service was held Feb. 24, at Turkey Creek First Baptist Church in Plant City.
Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
MARLENE LOUISE KIRKLAND Marlene Louise Kirkland, 76, of Plant City, died Feb. 19, 2017. Born in Tacoma, Washington, she was the daughter of the late Louellyn and Mary Hoffman Swanson. She was a homemaker who enjoyed taking care of her family and her animals over the years. She is survived by her husband of 26 years, Bryant Kirkland; children, Steven Brandow, Joseph Bubziszewski, Brian Brandow, Brian Kirkland and Janet Parilla; siblings, Art Hoffman, Mary Ann Wright, Georgina Messick and Louella Whitting; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents; children, Orlon Brandow and Chris Brandow; and sister, Josephine Strauss. A funeral service was held Feb. 27, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Interment followed at Bloomingdale Cemetery, Valrico. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
LOWELL W. MASON Lowell W. Mason, 82, of Plant City, died Feb. 19, 2017. He was born March 15, 1934, in Viroqua, Wisconsin. He was a veteran of the United States Army and was a past post commander of the American Legion Post 467 in Ontario, Wisconsin. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Mason; children, Pat Downing, of Plant City, Gene Cary (Deb), of Viroqua, Judy Myers, of Ontario,
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Doni Taylor (Von), of Ontario, Rick Mason (Pam), of Pittsville, Wisconsin, Steve Mason, of Monroe, Wisconsin, Rod Mason (Missy), of Plant City, Don Thompson (Katie), of Valrico, Jean Thompson, of Orlando and Dan Thompson (Ursula), of Canton, Georgia; and numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Mickey Mason. A celebration of life was held March 4, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
WILFREDO ‘FREDO’ REYES Wilfredo “Fredo” Reyes, 64, of Plant City, died Feb. 28, 2017, in Lakeland. He was born Sept. 2, 1952, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, to Benigno and Isabel (Ortiz) Reyes. He loved to fix things and spend time with his friends. He is survived by his mother, Isabel Reyes; children, Scott Reyes (Barbara), Eric Boulay (Monica), Chad Boulay (Stacie) and Sonia Reyes; brother, Richard Reyes (Patricia); sister, Sonia Reyes; and grandchildren, Gabriella, Natalie, Nicholas, Noemia, Kane, Victor, Sabrina, Amanda, Eric, Jordan and Leila. He was preceded in death by his father, Benigno Reyes; son, Heriberto “Eddie” Reyes II; brothers, Heriberto and Rolando Reyes; and sister, Carmen Rivera. A celebration of life was held March 3, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
Florist 116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com
Historic Downtown 232682
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MARCH 10, 2017
SPORTS
“Be very confident and don’t have fear because, if you have fear, you usually don’t pass. But, if you’re confident, you usually do pass.” — Levi DeGraaf is finding success in karate. PAGE 14
BREAKING IT DOWN Strawberry Crest junior Manny Ramirez uses unique style to get top-10 finish at the 2017 FHSAA wrestling state championships. SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The first thing anyone will notice in a Manny Ramirez match is that the Strawberry Crest junior doesn’t move like a wrestler. Where most high school grapplers appear to always be lining up their next shot — not quite rooted to the ground, yet ready to plant if needed — Ramirez is constantly, fluidly moving. That he occasionally looks like he’s dancing on the mat is no accident. An opponent shooting for a takedown will be caught off-guard when Ramirez, rather than sprawling to counter, pops his legs up and enters a handstand, creating distance that the Crest Charger can close just as quickly, swooping in for ground work or, perhaps, a suplex. Ramirez’s style, injected with elements of breakdancing and parkour, is unique. Combined with his speed and athleticism, the junior was able to make it all the way to the FHSAA state championships on Friday, March 3, and place sixth overall in the 113-pound class. “I stepped up my game,” Ramirez says. “I worked hard to place.” But the road to that moment wasn’t nearly as easy as Ramirez makes his moves look.
Lancers entering Commissioner’s Cup play Five Plant City Lancers FC teams are gearing up for tough competition over the next few weeks.
FROM YOUTUBE TO REAL LIFE
Growing up in Plant City, Ramirez didn’t exactly enjoy a life of privilege. As with many less-than-fortunate young men and women, the temptation of finding trouble and trying to make ends meet through the streets was often present in his life. But Ramirez, a natural athlete, wasn’t without healthier outlets. While in sixth grade at Tomlin Middle, he discovered the worlds of breakdancing and parkour, or “free running.” Watching the movie “Step Up,” led to hours spent learning new concepts on YouTube, which then led to hours spent practicing flips and other moves wherever Ramirez and his friends could go. A popular spot was his apartment complex’s playground, even though it was off-limits to anyone not enrolled in the daycare program. “There was a big sand pit,” Ramirez says. “We just dug a hole and started doing flips into the sand pit. We would get kicked out every day, though.” By the end of his time at Tomlin, Ramirez developed a reputation as, based on what Chargers head coach C.J. Gittens had heard, “the kid who does all these flips and stuff.” When Ramirez entered ninth grade, Gittens approached him about joining the wrestling team. It didn’t work out exactly as the coach had hoped, but it still did.
“Without wrestling, I would be in the streets. I feel like wrestling really saves me from getting into trouble. Wrestling’s like a dance. When you move your feet, they can’t touch you.” — Manny Ramirez
HIGHS AND LOWS
Ramirez admits that, at first, he had
no interest in joining the team. But, as Gittens persisted, Ramirez eventually came around. The coach offered to let Ramirez borrow some running and wrestling shoes if he would just try out for three weeks, and Ramirez agreed. He finally showed up for conditioning meets — two weeks late — and made his first impression by blazing past the other wrestlers in the 400yard sprint. That was when Gittens and the staff knew they had something special. As Ramirez learned more about the sport, he eventually discovered that there were instances where he could use some of the moves and ideas he had picked up from the YouTube videos. Wrestling became more than just something new to try: it became a much-needed escape that he could be proud of. “Without wrestling, I would be in the streets,” Ramirez says. “I feel like wrestling really saves me from getting into trouble.” Like a Major League Baseball pitcher with a unique delivery, Ramirez’s style eventually began to confuse his opponents. And, partnered with eventual state champion Cullen Telfer, he became good enough to make it to states as a freshman. “Wrestling’s like a dance,” Ramirez says. “When you move your feet, they can’t touch you.” Also like some of those crafty MLB pitchers, opponents eventually figured Ramirez out. He had trouble with the single-leg takedown, and with his angles. After taking the only loss of his sophomore season to state SEE WRESTLING PAGE 12
JUSTIN KLINE
Sports guy, Tampa mascots and the world’s largest smoothie Sports Editor Justin Kline helped make the world’s largest smoothie at the Florida Strawberry Festival on Friday, March 3.
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t my first-ever Florida Strawberry Festival several years ago, I didn’t hesitate to challenge myself physically. The only problem is, after eating about half a pound of strawberry shortcake, I had to go home, lie down and not think about the stuff for about a year. Between then and now, I let other
Durant softball honors past coach The Durant softball team held a clubhouse dedication ceremony for former coach Matt Carter on Tuesday, March 7, before its home game against East Bay. Carter compiled a 165-83 record from 2006 to 2016, winning the 2012 8A state title and making three Final Four appearances. His teams also won five district titles in that span. In addition to dedicating the clubhouse to Carter, the team also presented a plaque.
JUSTIN KLINE
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
Plant City Times & Observer staff writers and editors take their turns doing the off-the-wall, fun stuff at our favorite festival. I also redeveloped an appetite for strawberry shortcake. But, this year, I decided to get back into the mix. As soon as Cabot Creamery contacted us about their attempt to make the world’s largest smoothie — specifically, when I saw the part about blender bikes — I signed up. I’d much rather punish my legs than my stomach, especially knowing that whatever was left of the smoothie after it was finished and sold on the SEE KLINE PAGE 12
Daniel Figueroa IV
Justin Kline out-blended Tampa Bay Lightning mascot Thunderbug.
The 2006 Girls Premier, 2005 Girls Premier, 2004 Boys Premier, 2003 Girls Premier and 2002 Boys Elite club teams qualified for the Florida Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, and will begin play over the weekend. The teams, which are playing in Region C of the tournament, will begin quarterfinal play on Saturday, March 11, and will end the round on Sunday, March 12. The Region C finals are scheduled for Saturday, March 18, and Sunday, March 19, and the Commissioner’s Cup Finals will be held from Saturday, April 22, to Sunday, April 23. The quarterfinal rounds will be held at the J.C. Handly Sports Complex, 3104 S. Kings Ave., Brandon. For more information, visit FYSA.com/events/commissioners-cup.
Crest wrestlers place in state top 10 After the FHSAA state championships ended, two of the six Strawberry Crest Chargers who qualified finished in the top 10. 2014-15 state champion Cullen Telfer led the pack with a third-place finish in the 138-pound bracket, and 2014-15 state qualifier Manny Ramirez placed sixth in the 113-pound group. The two juniors, along with fellow qualifiers Lane Keck and Trenton Davidson, will have another shot to qualify in the 2017-18 season.
Baseball/ softball scores BASEBALL SCORES
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
Durant (H) 2, East Bay 1 Plant City (H) 5, Bloomingdale 2 Strawberry Crest (H) 7, Leto 4 SOFTBALL SCORES
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
Durant (H) 3, East Bay 2 Plant City (H) 1, Bloomingdale 0 Strawberry Crest (H) 12, Leto 1 UPCOMING GAMES All three baseball programs will compete in the Saladino Tournament at Jesuit High School, starting Saturday, March 11. Strawberry Crest softball will play in the Sarasota Slam tournament at Sarasota High School, starting Friday, March 17. Durant and Plant City do not have any softball games scheduled during spring break.
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Manny Ramirez got back to state sthis year.
life. If I didn’t wrestle, or have the coaches that I did, I would probably have been living under the Brooklyn Bridge, because that was the way that I was going.” The vote passed. Ramirez was not named a captain, as he had been in his first run with the team, but that wasn’t a big concern of his. Because of the extra pressure he now had to face — the stigma of being the “guy who quit and then wanted back in” always attracts the largest microscope, after all — Gittens gave the junior two rules to live by. Do good in school. Do your best in wrestling. So far, Ramirez has followed both. He approached this season with a new attitude, more focused than ever and more calm when things don’t go his
way, and has kept his grades up. On the mat, he honed on the elements of his style that previously opened up weaknesses and, after placing second at regionals, made it back to states again. “I got serious about it,” Ramirez says. “I worked hard, and I made it to states.” Ramirez knows that people have many different perceptions of who he is and what he’s done, but he believes that the hard work he’s put in, on and off the mat, speaks to his character. “You’ve just got to push through the pain,” Ramirez says. “You’ve got to be a special person to be a wrestler. It takes a strong mentality.”
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Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
DR. JENNIFER CLOSSHEY
A simple self-test can be done by holding your arms out in front of you and then flexing the wrists toward the floor, letting your hands hang for about 60 seconds. If the fingers experience tingling, numbness or pain, you may have CTS. If you have discomfort from this self-test, known as the Phalen’s sign test, see your doctor. You may also want to try the following suggestions for simple self-treatment.
WATCH THE WRISTS
Being mindful means being aware of the details about how you use your hands and wrists. Keep them warm to help with pain and stiffness. Run warm water over your hands when they have been overused, as the warmth eases the pain while the flow of water acts as a gentle massage. EXTRA HELP
Try topical menthol products applied to aching hands and wrists. Follow label instructions, as some products require massage while others work better without rubbing them in. If these tips do not help, definitely seek advanced exercises from your doctor or physical therapist. Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
PREP FOR REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS
Stretch your hands often to improve blood flow while taking a break from
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? FROM KLINE PAGE 12
grounds would be donated to food banks in Plant City and around the Tampa Bay area. Plus, I would feel a whole lot better about the Amish doughnut I’d end up eating later that afternoon. At 2 p.m. Friday, March 3, I hopped on one of the two bikes and got to work. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be, even though the blender containers attached to the bikes were about the same size as what readers probably have at home. For those of you who ride stationary bikes at home or at the gym, I’d say it was about equal to pedaling at resistance level eight. Definitely doable, but I regretted not stretching better beforehand. After I worked through a couple of blenders, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Rays mascots came to the tent for some photo opportunities. I figured, we’re all competitive human-
EXERCISE MAKES A DIFFERENCE FIST HOLD AND STRETCH Make a fist followed by stretching the fingers out, long and taut. Repeat this five to 10 times throughout the day. This movement can relieve pressure on the wrist while relaxing the entire arm. Be gentle with each movement to encourage greater relaxation. Moving one hand at a time can bring greater awareness to each side, as each hand has its own tension pattern. FINGER BENDS With one finger at a time, bend toward the palm’s center while keeping other fingers stretched outward. Start with the thumb and hold for a four-second count. Do one hand at a time and feel the difference this exercise makes. TABLE BENDS Here are three different exercises to do, four to six times each. Resting the forearms on a table top with palm aligned vertically, rotate the thumbs toward the palm while keeping the fingers still. Move the thumbs in and out. Next, hold the thumbs toward the ceiling while moving all four fingers toward the palm and out again. Finally, position the elbows — only the elbows — on the table, holding hands toward the ceiling. Move all fingers toward the thumb, forming an “O” with each movement.
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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “We need to see men and women as equal partners, but it’s hard to think of movies that do that.” – Betty Friedan Puzzle Two Solution: “I guess at the end of the day, all women like to be appreciated and treated with respect and kindness.” – Sofia Vergara
This week’s Sudoku answers
JUSTIN KLINE
oids by nature — I’m a human sports writer, they’re a couple of animals with opposable thumbs that root for sports teams — why not see who can blend the fastest? This life’s never uneventful. Here’s where I have to give credit to Thunderbug: I was the first to finish a blender, thanks to a strong start that wiped me out later, but the Lightning’s mascot gave it a good, honest effort. He got on that bike and did his job and, if I were Jon Gruden, I’d name him last week’s “Gruden Grinder” for showing such grit. I got off the bike for a quick break and, when Raymond showed up, I got back in the saddle again. Now, about Raymond… sheesh. He gestured a big game, because those “strong, silent types” aren’t much for talking but, because my bike’s blender mechanism briefly stopped working, the Rays mascot got off his bike and acted as though I had sabotaged the thing like I was
scared to race him. With staff writer Daniel Figueroa IV as my witness/ photographer, we got it working just fine right after he turned his back on me. We were cool last year, when I met him while handing out the 2016 StrawBuddies, but I can’t say Raymond’s my favorite mascot in the world right now. Did he think I was looking for a cop-out? Was he intimidated by my “guns,” as publisher Karen Berry would say? We may never know, but I’ve got unfinished business. If Cabot comes back next year for more smoothie action, I’ve got a blender with his name on it.
Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
©2017 NEA, Inc.
This week’s Crossword answers
2017
168342-1
TEST AT HOME
everyday activities. Using the computer, working with tools, peeling potatoes or stemming strawberries, even writing with a pen or pencil, are all repetitious tasks that restrict the circulation and set up the scenario for nerve pain. Just wiggling the fingers helps. Lighten up on the pressure used for routine tasks. For example, relax the grip or lighten the pressure used when writing with a utensil. A softer touch works just as well on the computer, and even a cash register. Don’t let tension find residence in your hands.
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ffecting millions of American adults, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) symptoms include pain, tingling, aching and numbness in the wrists and hands. This discomfort is caused when the median nerve is squeezed, where it passes through the wrist. More common in women than men, CTS can restrict movement and function. In some cases, CTS is disabling. The median nerve runs from the forearm and provides sensation to the palm side of the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and ring finger. Often impeding the function of the thumb, CTS arises from injury, overuse or rheumatoid arthritis. No single cause has been identified, as this painful condition may be a result of a combination of events.
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CARPET STEAM CLEANING
Exercises to ease carpal tunnel syndrome Dr. Jennifer Closshey knows of several ways to treat CTS symptoms.
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champion Lucas Willis, just one day before the county championships, Ramirez — who had been building up to the moment — left the team. “It was myself,” Ramirez says. “Mentally, I wasn’t ready. I was mentally weak … I’m a second-year wrestler, and I hadn’t been in the game for a long time. I didn’t know what it took to be a champ. So, I left.” The coaching staff went to great lengths to get him back, though. It got to a point where Ramirez had called assistant coach Will Terry around 2 a.m., reconsidering, and the pair went to a park where Ramirez could run five miles to cut weight for counties. The police came to investigate why a grown man was making a child run laps in a park before sunrise, and an officer ended up telling Ramirez to “keep grinding.” But Ramirez spent the rest of the season, through the end of summer, completely out of wrestling. He struggled with his decision, as well as the temptation to find trouble again — which came to its peak with a policeinvolved incident at home he now describes as his “wake-up call.” “It was like a wake-up call for me to come back and do better,” Ramirez says. He knew then that he had to get back into wrestling. He knew he had to get back into the Chargers’ brotherhood. Gittens says that the decision to allow Ramirez back on the team wasn’t an easy one to make, all things considered. But the coach, who says his own youth was quite similar, sympathized. He and the coaching staff, after much discussion, allowed the team to vote on whether or not to let Ramirez back in. “I grew up in the same situation,” Gittens says. “Wrestling saved my
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Levi DeGraaf
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AMILY MEDICAL SPECIALISTS
Master Chris Welbon, of Chris Welbon Karate Clubs, has high praise for student Levi DeGraaf. DeGraaf, who attends Independence Academy, recently earned the third stripe on his brown belt, and also took home two silver and two bronze medals at Florida Championship Series events in Clearwater and Fort Pierce. A member of Welbon’s tournament team, DeGraaf competes in kata, kumite and kobuto events. 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 thing about karate? What makes you really love the sport? I like learning the new katas. I like trying to pass, and then learning the new katas and all the new movements.
You were in a few big competitions lately, and I see you’ve got a couple of silver and bronze medals here. At the first one (Clearwater), in January, I got silver in kata and bronze in kumite. In February (at Fort Pierce), I got the opposite: bronze in kata and silver in kumite.
What’s the most important piece of advice you’ve gotten for karate? Don’t give up. Be confident. Be very confident and don’t have fear because, if you have fear, you usually don’t pass. But, if you’re confident, you usually do pass.
What would you buy with $1 billion? A giant mansion, or a Lamborghini. If you could learn any new thing in karate, what would it be? Nunchucks, because I’ve seen people use them before tournaments, and I want to try to do them.
How long have you been doing karate? Four years, since February.
OF FLORIDA
What got you into the sport? We saw it somewhere. We saw a demonstration at our church a long time ago.
Michael Paul Gimness, MD
After you finally got to learn karate, when did you decide that you loved it? Maybe when I was a solid orange belt, or a green belt. I think two years ago.
Board certified in Family Medicine
Sony Sam, MD Patricia Siemionko, ARNP
Which event is your favorite? Kata. I like kata. What makes it the best? I like it because it’s got all kinds of movements. When you’re at these big state competitions, how do you keep from getting nervous? I just go to bed early, feel calm and don’t be cold. Just stay warmed up.
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SUDOKU
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2017 4.42 in.
2017 0.00 in.
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2016 0.00 in.
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1 Korbut who shined in the Olympics 5 Ancient Peruvians 10 Arrow cousin 14 Sri ___ 19 Ball-hammer link 20 Was trying to say 21 From a fresh angle 22 Egg-shaped 23 “Bye” 24 Glue relative 25 Certain alcoholic, in slang 26 Brandish 27 Combo eaten with a swirling fork 31 Walked proudly 32 63,360 inches 33 Daily time, forward or backward 34 Declare to be true 35 Diner’s sticking point? 36 “Rome wasn’t built in ___” 37 Mr. Lincoln, informally 40 “Ghostbusters” goo 43 Attract fish? 44 They may be fine 45 Biblical shepherd 46 After-tax amount 47 Many Telemundo viewers 50 Some tin workers 52 Had breakfast 53 Vehicle with legroom 54 “Pay ___ mind” 55 “Gunsmoke” setting 56 Fairy tale giant’s word 57 Airport listing, for short 58 Comics canine in the military 59 “Ready, ___, fire!” 60 Domestic’s combo workplace 69 Be wrong 70 “Oh, poor me” 71 Wood used in making baseball bats 72 Emeritus, for short 73 Rating a 10 76 Cut with shears 77 Be in a posse 80 “... or so ___ heard” 81 Early spring bloomer with bright yellow flowers 83 Too proud 85 Be litigious 86 Arctic floater 87 Feedbag fillers 88 Active volcano of Sicily 89 “Bride’s side or groom’s side?” asker 91 “Of course” 92 General assembly? 93 Intense criticism or a type of jacket 94 Behave like a 25-Across 96 Former Olympic team 97 Hidden valley 98 Diving fish-eater 101 Combo for one without longterm commitments 108 Inspire, as with ideas 109 Large wine container 110 Disco singer Summer 111 Computer feed 112 Weeper of myth
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16 Dec. 24 tune 17 Slay 18 Does a bit of simple math 28 Crude abode 29 1995 has two 30 Brown bread? 35 Contained fish? 36 “You ___ on the clock” 37 Under the covers 38 Large, frozen mass 39 “May I get you anything ___?” DOWN 40 Muddled, confusing mess 1 Stops being indecisive 41 Stop working so hard 2 Tries for a rebound 42 Things on lists 3 Annoy successfully 43 Box top 4 Change despair to diapers? 44 Is ___ (likely will) 5 Block 45 Coffee feature 6 Felix, compared to Oscar 48 Up and about 7 Bad skier’s memento? 49 Raze (with “down”) 8 Kind of matter 51 Archie’s TV mate 9 Hissing appliance 54 “... if I thought ___ help, I’d ...” 10 Dilly-dally 11 Japanese cartoon movie genre 57 Ahead of schedule 58 “___ bodkins!” 12 Russo of movies 59 Cash or a house, e.g. 13 Combo batting count 61 Make one’s hair stand on end? 14 Small chest of drawers 62 Soundness of mind 15 Birdlike 63 Wanted poster entry, some113 Box on a string up high 114 One with keys to the building 115 Man associated with elevation? 116 Exorbitant, as prices 117 Runner’s place? 118 Kitchen cabinet container 119 82 percent of anything Day gift
times 64 Catch a few Z’s 65 Singer with Crosby and Stills 66 Dander 67 Musical production with skits 68 Use a rudder, e.g. 73 Not definite 74 Allot 75 God of love, to Greeks 76 St. Patrick’s Day decorations 77 Fighting combo in the animal kingdom? 78 “Baywatch” extra 79 Title for a Turkish military leader 82 Body trunk 83 Lady of Troy 84 Young upwardly mobile professional 90 Slavery of medieval times 92 Far from alert 93 Chipped, as old paint 94 Metric heavy weights 95 Academy Awards 96 Horseshoe-shaped lab container 97 Christopher Wren’s “Beau
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Max Garcia captured this photo of one of her favorite fair foods — strawberry shortcake — during opening weekend of the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival. Max wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest. Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Managing Editor Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com for a chance to be featured.
Sunrise Sunset
Maryland Maryland Ave. Ave.
I LOVE PLANT CITY
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1 in 20
The number of people who will develop colorectal cancer.
No. 2
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
90%
More than 90 percent of cases occur in people over age 50.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month At age 50, you should begin having colonoscopies and other methods of screening on a consistent basis. Regular screenings and early detection are crucial in detecting colorectal cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms: n Changes in bowel habits n Cramping or abdominal pain n Rectal bleeding n Unexplained weight loss n Weakness and fatigue
For a physician referral: 1-800-BayCare (1-800-229-2273) | BayCareCancer.org
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