PLANT CITY TIMES &
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 4, NO. 36
PCHS student hits the field for the first time.
SEE PAGE 12
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City Commission cranks its commitment to road safety Plant City leaders approved a resolution to join the Vision Zero action plan to reduce traffic fatalities. SEE PAGE 7.
A Grand Upgrade
YOUR TOWN
By October, the Florida Strawberry Festival will have completed improvements for seating around the Wish Farms Soundstage and a new building for vendors. SEE PAGE 6.
File Photo
Michael Wilson is the owner of Dark Horse Music Store.
Dark Horse Music Store to host grand opening After relocating to Historic Downtown, Dark Horse Music Store will host its official grand opening from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 31 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 1. The grand opening will include food trucks, giveaways and live bands. The opening will be held at Dark Horse Music Store, 108 N.E. Drane St. in Plant City. The store’s regular hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (813) 754-5269.
Wine & Dine
Rise Plant City will host its second event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. Rise, Plant City’s newest young professionals group, seeks to create networking opportunities for professionals in Plant City. The event, A Taste of the Corner Store, includes a craft beer and wine tasting, a door raffle and 50/50 raffle and music by Cliff Brown. The event is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers. Rise Plant City has a $50 per year membership fee. For more information, visit RisePlantCity. com.
Jose Lozoya
The existing bleachers at the festival will be removed. They will be replaced by 2,000 additional seats with backs. A new building for vendors also will be added.
C.J. Major
Topper named managing editor On Thursday, March 9, Emily Topper was officially named the managing editor of the Plant City Times & Observer. Topper, 23, began as a staff writer for the Observer in May 2015 after graduating with cum laude honors from Flagler College in St. Augustine. She took over as interim managing editor in November 2016. Topper, who earned her degree in journalism, is responsible for overseeing the weekly content and the daily operations of the editorial side of the Observer’s print and online editions. She will continue to write stories and cover photo events weekly. She resides in Plant City. For story pitches, questions or comments, she can be reached at ETopper@PlantCityObserver. com.
South Florida Baptist rolls out new cath lab The hospital unveiled its new cardiac catheterization lab on Tuesday, Feb. 28. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
One of the most dangerous types of heart attacks is now more treatable in Plant City. South Florida Baptist Hospital’s new 768-square-foot lab, located in the Steve and Krista Howard Heart and Vascular Center, was designed to treat patients experiencing ST elevated myocardial infarction, or STEMI, as well as perform other cardiac catheterization procedures. According to the hospital, STEMI attacks involve a prolonged blockage of blood supply for the heart, and are best treated within 90 minutes of
initial medical response — therefore, the patient is going to be transported to the nearest hospital capable of performing STEMI treatment. In these instances, the treatment method will likely be a percutaneous coronary intervention, or PCI, which is an attempt to open the artery and restore blood flow before muscle loss can occur. South Florida Baptist Hospital has performed cardiac catheterization since 2010, and began interventional cardiac procedures in 2011. The hospital’s pre-existing cath lab, which was installed in 2011, can perform many of the same functions as the new lab, but it was designed with interventional radiology procedures in mind. The new lab, according to the hospital, is a more optimal choice SEE LAB PAGE 3
Justin Kline
The new STEMI lab will treat one of the more dangerous types of heart attacks.
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
Showing their spirit I t was all about the kids Saturday, March 4, during the 2017 Strawberry Youth Parade. The parade featured club, school, church and group floats. Plant City High School senior Ashlyn Yarbrough served as the 2017 grand marshal.
Photos by Emily Topper
Left: Kids dressed up in costumes and rode on floats. Below left: Ashlyn Yarbrough served as the parade’s grand marshal. Below: The Tomlin Tigers marching band performed.
YOUTH PARADE WINNERS BEST CLUB/GROUP FLOAT First: J.S. Robinson Elementary PTA Second: Independence Academy Third: Faith Christian Academy BEST CHURCH FLOAT First: Life Family Church Second: Eastside Baptist Church BEST MARCHING UNIT First: Patrick's Patriots Second: Milano Twirling Academy Third: LLT Marching Unit BEST BAND First: Dowdell Middle School Band Second: Turkey Creek Middle School Third: Marshall Dragon Band — EMILY TOPPER
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Supporters came out across the country Saturday, March 4, to show support for the 45th president, including some in Plant City. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
S
upporters of President Donald J. Trump gathered at the intersection of James L. Redman Parkway and Alexander Street Saturday, March 4, as part of a nationwide effort called March 4 Trump. The flagship event was held in Washington D.C. that same day. Thousands gathered in cities across the country, including dozens in Plant City, to show additional support. The local crowd — comprised of GOP members from Brandon, Valrico and Plant City — swelled to about 30 people around 11 a.m., with a steady average of 20 supporters. A few were in town from across the country. Heidi and Jerome Powers were visiting their friend Steve Emerson from their hometown of Wagner, South Dakota, when they decided to take part in the rally. Wagner is a rural town of 1,500 people, where the Powers’ said traffic is sparse. “We don’t get to do this back home,” Jerome Powers said. “You can stand on a street corner there, but no one would drive by.” Many of the supporters said they were there in response to what they see as unfair treatment of Trump in the media. “He’ll never get a fair show in most of the media,” Emerson said. “That’s a shame.” “I think ... the Democrats and the media are being obstructionists,” Mike McKeithan, a local Trump supporter, added. “They see the president succeeding, and they want him to fail.” Mike Clemons said he was there to show a general support for the presidency. “I’m here for the love of the United States, not Trump,” Clemons said. “Regardless of who won, I would support the President of the United States. Even if it was Hillary (Clinton), I’d still be out here with my American flag.” He added that he was pleased with Trump’s progress so far, and that any negative coverage of Trump has been the fault of the media. “The blame is on the media for the scandals that are going on,” Clemons said. “It’s making it difficult for the American people to know what’s true.” Many drivers passing through the intersection were eager to show support. They rolled down windows and gave a thumbs up or thrust their fists in the air. However, not everyone who passed through the intersection did so with a show of support. Many gave supporters a thumbs down and vocally expressed their dissatisfaction with the current administration. Some who passed expressed confusion as to the need and purpose for such a rally. “It’s good that their supporting Trump,” Sylvester Burt Jr., a passerby, said. “But what’s that going to do? Is this the best use of the time we have?” Burt said he accepts Trump as his president, despite not voting for him, and that he thinks Trump ran a good campaign. He added that he is so far disappointed in a lack of significant and honest action from the White House. “He won. Now it’s time to do something,” Burt said. “All he’s doing right now is telling people what they want to hear. It’s like mixing Kool-Aid and water. It’s got no substance without a little sugar. We need some substance.” Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com.
Photos by Daniel Figuergoa IV
Supporters of President Trump gathered along James L. Redman Parkway.
Left and Above: Trump supporters brought homemade signs to the rally.
Top, Left and Above: Many supporters and drivers gave thumbs up to show support, while others provided less enthusiasm.
FROM LAB PAGE 1
Photos by Justin Kline
Right: Plant City Fire Rescue personnel attended the open house to learn about the new equipment. Far Right: The new lab is a $2.1 million addition.
for patients suffering from STEMI attacks and similar heart problems. The $2.1 million addition to the heart and vascular center includes a machine that shoots 15 X-rays per second from the bottom up, allowing staff to see where blockages would be. It also has a new, automated injection machine that features an air detection system that will not allow an injection to take place if any air is detected in the syringe. The control room, which has devices for patient monitoring and health data recording in both labs, has been updated to accommodate the new lab. The hospital debuted the new cath lab in a Tuesday, Feb. 28, open house, allowing the public to come and see the lab in its entirety and learn its ins and outs from the STEMI staff on hand. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
2017 FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL WINNERS FFA EXHIBITS
SHOWMANSHIP SENIOR First: Madi Conrad Second: Blair Buchanon Third: Kaylee Lloyd
INTERMEDIATE First: Jessie Bennett Second: Harlie Rayborn Third: Payge Dupre
First: Tomlin Middle FFA Second: Marshall Middle FFA Third: Durant High School FFA Fourth: Turkey Creek Middle FFA Award of distinction: Brandon FFA, Plant City FFA, Strawberry Crest FFA
JUNIOR First: Shalee Conrad Second: Tucker Conrad Third: Hattie Lightsey
DAIRY GRAND CHAMPION
SENIOR HERDSMAN
Ayrshire Grand Champion: Aidan Heidt Brown Swiss Grand Champion: Taylor Boyd Guernsey Grand Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Grand Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Grand Champion: Cierra Ellis
First: Hunter Dupre Second: Wyatt Hinton
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION
First: Kyleigh Crisswell Second: Hattie Lightsey
Ayrshire Reserve Grand Champion: Ashley Bingham Brown Swiss Reserve Grand Champion: Aaron Bingham Guernsey Reserve Grand Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Reserve Grand Champion: Reagan Messick Jersey Reserve Grand Champion: Kyleigh Glenn
JUNIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Junior Champion: Aidan Heidt Brown Swiss Junior Champion: Blane Rogers Guernsey Junior Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Junior Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Junior Champion: Rebekah Messick
RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Reserve Junior Champion: Aubrey Cook Brown Swiss Reserve Junior Champion: Cheyenne Sommer Guernsey Reserve Junior Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Reserve Junior Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Reserve Junior Champion: Alayna Tiffany
SENIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Senior Champion: Aidan Heidt Brown Swiss Senior Champion: Taylor Boyd Guernsey Senior Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Senior Champion: Gracie Lee Jersey Senior Champion: Cierra Ellis
RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION Ayrshire Reserve Senior Champion: Ashley Bingham Brown Swiss Reserve Senior Champion: Aaron Bingham Guernsey Reserve Senior Champion: Austin Holcomb Holstein Reserve Senior Champion: Reagan Messick Jersey Reserve Senior Champion: Kyleigh Glenn
RICHARD KAHELIN ALL-BREEDS CHAMPION AWARD Gracie Lee
PREMIER EXHIBITOR Gracie Lee
JUNIOR ALL BREEDS BRED-BY EXHIBITOR Blane Rogers
SENIOR ALL BREEDS BRED-BY EXHIBITOR Aidan Heidt
JUNIOR HERDSMAN Austin Holcomb
SENIOR HERDSMAN Carissa Retter
CHARLIE HUNTER MEMORIAL SPORTSMANSHIP Noah Bouchard
PREMIERE SHOWMANSHIP Pee Wee: Colby Holcomb Novice: Aubrie Russell Junior: Sarah Rogers Intermediate: Austin Holcomb Senior: Gracie Lee Adult: Jason Carey
PREMIERE SHOWMANSHIP Cierra Ellis
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.
1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved
INTERMEDIATE HERDSMAN First: David Hill Second: Trevor Hinton
JUNIOR HERDSMAN
GREENHAND AWARD Makayla Williamson File photo
From costumed FFA shows to shoebox floats, there were multiple activites for all to participate in at the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival.
BILL MCCLELLAND SCHOLARSHIP
COSTUME BALL
JIM THOMPSON SENIOR AWARD
Funniest: Haley Wathey Prettiest: Kyleigh Glenn Most Original: Austin Holcomb Most Colorful: Rebecca Holcomb Overall: Aidan and Finley Heidt
POULTRY Grand Champion: Kyle Holland Reserve Grand Champion: Barron Spencer Best Exhibition: Aubrey Davis Best Production: Frankie Joseph
RABBIT Grand Champion: Bonnie Vance Reserve Grand Champion: Triston Wager Best Opposite Sex Commercial: Teresa Paul Best Opposite Sex Fancy: Carlie Tryon
STEER Overall Grand Champion: Megan Todd Overall Reserve Grand Champion: Clayton Brock
LIGHTWEIGHT Grand Champion: Clayton Brock Reserve Grand Champion: Jake Stines
MIDDLEWEIGHT Grand Champion: Dakota Allen Reserve Grand Champion: Madilyn Conrad
HEAVYWEIGHT Grand Champion: Megan Todd Reserve Grand Champion: Chloe Tew
Ninth: Noel Walls
First: Dakota Allen Second: Madilyn Conrad Third: T.J. Hutchinson Fourth: Ethan Vaughan Fifth: Noah Hamrick Sixth: Brooklen Mosley Seventh: Esperanza Van Vleet Eighth: Tess Jenkinson Ninth: Hanna Simmons
CLASS 8
First: Destinee Miller Second: Brilynn Hallman Third: Remi Hasty Fourth: Jenna Keely Fifth: Gracie Lee Sixth: Jayce Ware Seventh: Gerald Williams Eighth: Blake Zajac
CLASS 2
CLASS 9
First: Clayton Brock Second: Riley Buttorff Third: Tyler Jurgens Fourth: Matthew DelCastillo Fifth: Chase Lingo Sixth: Kairstin Rollins Seventh: Cade Fitzpatrick Eighth: Karissa Atenza Ninth: Amber Boykin Tenth: Chesley Campbell
First: Chloe Tew Second: Cole Hanson Third: Julie Rossborough Fourth: Brett Love Fifth: Jessica Reasor Sixth: Dylan Smothers Seventh: Nathan Hood Eighth: Reagan Messick
SHOWMANSHIP
CLASS 3
SENIOR
First: Jake Stines Second: Angelic Alex Third: Jace Stines Fourth: Ashlynn Flack Fifth: Alexa Diaz Sixth: Chase Campbell Seventh: Raelyn Hudson Eighth: Ethan Rebman Ninth: Allison Lane Tenth: Savana Bunting
First: Ethan Vaughan Second: T.J. Hutchinson Third: Clayton Brock
CLASS 4 First: Raegan Brown Second: Cole Harrell Third: Ethan Fernandez Fourth: Noah Rebman Fifth: Haley Riley Sixth: Ramsey Bowers Seventh: Selena Berrios Eighth: Jasmine Sampson
INTERMEDIATE First: Madilyn Conrad Second: Cole Hanson Third: Matthew DelCastillo
JUNIOR First: Jayce Ware Second: Chase Campbell Third: Shylen Denmark
SHEEP SHOWMANSHIP BEGINNER First: Savannah Jenkins Second: Jayde McConnell Third: Easton Goff
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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Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt, Danny Crampton or Lisa Donini, at (813) 704-6850.
JUSTIN GILL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Hannah Scionti
INTERMEDIATE
CLASS 6
First: Alyssa Cooper Second: Zachery Salter Third: Levi Edwards Fourth: Jacob Ross Fifth: Aidan Vaughan Sixth: Abigale Devane Seventh: Amanda Clark Eighth: Ashley Sanchez Ninth: Emma Stephens Tenth: Colton Drawdy Eleventh: Brooke Callis
Amanda Rockefeller
First: Eric Zimmerman Second: Jazmin Rodriguez Third: Carter Herndon-Stalvey
First: Cheyenne Lopez Second: Paige Schelb Third: Gresham Stephens Fourth: James Gray Fifth: Dustin Jacobs Sixth: Jacey Dixon Seventh: Dylan Varn Eighth: Luke Williams
First: Megan Todd Second: Shelby Allen Third: Autumn Tarlton Fourth: Haylee Cooper Fifth: Claire Gill Sixth: Shylen Denmark Seventh: Brooke Varn Eighth: Alysa Branch Ninth: Haley Fletcher Tenth: Abigayle Almon Eleventh: Mariah Austin
CLASS 1
JUNIOR
CLASS 5
CLASS 7
Cassidy Polston
First: Jeremiah Stewart Second: Brenna Sturgis Third: Avery Surrency
FINE ART SHOW BEST IN SHOW
SENIOR
STRAWBERRY THEME AWARD
First: Aubrey Davis Second: Tiffaney Henry Third: Sarahann Sweeney Fourth: Brianna Spuduto Fifth: Jasmine Sampson
Nadia Blake
John Brennan
ADULT PROFESSIONAL OILS First: Jen Bowen Second: Elizabeth Corey Third: Elizabeth Corey Fourth: Jose Vazquez
OVERALL GRAND CHAMPION Emma Leiss
PROFESSIONAL ACRYLICS
GRAND CHAMPION Black Face Ewe: Tiffaney Henry Black Face Ram: Jasmine Sampson White Face Ewe: Emma Leiss White Face Ram: Tiffaney Henry Crossbred Ewe: Charli Davis Crossbred Ram: Cheyenne Sommer Rare Breed Ewe: Savannah Jenkins Rare Breed Ram: Shalee Conrad Reserve Grand Champion: Black Face Ewe: Jazmin Rodriguez Black Face Ram: Chase Farris White Face Ewe: Carter Herndon-Stalvey White Face Ram: Eric Zimmerman Crossbred Ewe: Cheyenne Sommer Crossbred Ram: Charli Davis Rare Breed Ewe: Savannah Jenkins Rare Breed Ram: Easton Goff
COSTUME CONTEST Best Overall: Everett Delvalle Funniest: Aiden Davis Most Original: Lauren Whalen Most Elegant: Bella Ballard Most Creative: Nathan Zoffinger Most Colorful: Aubrey and Abby Davis
BEEF GRAND CHAMPION All Breeds Heifer: Blair Buchanon All Breeds Bull: Makayla Williamson Bred and Owned Heifer: Madi Conrad Bred and Owned Bull: Morgan Lightsey Angus Heifer: Blair Buchanon Angus Bull: Jessie Bennett Brangus Heifer: Kade Bradbury Brangus Bull: Makayla Williamson Other Breeds Heifer: Madi Conrad Brahman Heifer: Bailey Lightsey Commercial (English) Heifer: Hunter Dupre Commercial (Brahman) Heifer: Tyler Bazemore Brahman Bull: Julia Norman
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION All Breeds Heifer: Madi Conrad All Breeds Bull: Julia Norman Bred and Owned Heifer: Hunter Dupre Bred and Owned Bull: Kendall Locke Angus Heifer: Jayce Ware Angus Bull: Kendall Locke Brangus Heifer: Elijah Lasseter Brangus Bull: Cassidy Polston Other Breeds Heifer: Shalee Conrad Commercial (English) Heifer: Tucker Conrad Commercial (Brahman) Heifer: Keith Bennett Brahman Bull: Morgan Lightsey
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
First: Ireen Foxx Second: Betty Fairbanks Third: Wayne Chunat Fourth: Wayne Chunat
PROFESSIONAL WATERCOLORS First: Deborah Biasetti Second: Sandra Lallemand Third: Colleen Justin Fourth: Deborah Biasetti
PROFESSIONAL GRAPHICS/ MIXED First: Jen Bowen Second: Jennifer Watson Third: Lynn Rattray Fourth: Alexis King-Glandn
AMATEUR OILS First: John Paul Jones Second: Nicki Romberger Third: Diane Lindsay Fourth: Myrna Saraiya
AMATEUR ACRYLICS First: Marie Schadt Second: Sanny Lewis Third: Patricia Barker Fourth: Alexis Irizarry
AMATEUR WATERCOLORS First: Sheila Haas Second: Barbara Tudek Third: Linda Phipps Fourth: Frances Walker
AMATEUR GRAPHICS/MIXED First: Sharon Hester Second: Debbie Minnick Third: Sharon Morse Fourth: Zach Glaros
MINIATURES: First: Peggy Little Second: Marcia Schadt Third: Meletha Everett Fourth: Peggy Little
ADULT SCULPTURES First: Joshua McCarty Second: Arley Smude Third: R.D. Wood Fourth: Julia Gibson
DRAWING/PAINTING (15 TO 17) First: Hanna Powell Second: Charlotte Yang Third: Romil Pitale Fourth: Cindy Sun
PLANT CITY TIMES &
Observer
Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Managing Editor / Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@ PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@ PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor of In the Field / Sarah Holt, sarah@ inthefieldmagazine.com
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
DRAWING/PAINTING (12 TO 14) First: Anika Riazudeen Second: Julie Walter Third: Camila Nima-Gonzalez Fourth: Claudia Romero
DRAWING/PAINTING (9 TO 11) First: Saani Posad Second: Zackery Trammell Third: Ashrith Kolli Fourth: Sanjana Kolla
DRAWING/PAINTING (6 TO 8) First: Ria Kanani Second: Chetna Pitta Third: Avneet Kaur Fourth: Chetna Pitta
BUSINESS EXHIBITS ARTS AND CRAFTS
Fourth: Lorraine Goldberg Fifth: Deborah Moore
First place 16 to 18 months: Isac William Davis
PLACE
DIAPER DERBY
First: Breanna Glass Second: Annmarie Picinic Third: Dlynn Ryan Fourth: EJ Acotto Fifth: Deborah Moore
6 to 8 months: Drew Joelle Taylor 9 to 12 months: Barrett Lee Brock
PLANT First: Frank Starmer Second: Kimberly Rexoat Third: Cheryl Price Fourth: Robyn Baker Fifth: Jan Veazey
THEME
First: Village Glassblower Second: Dinwoodie Metal Sculptors Third: Anita’s Country Keepsakes
First: Natasha Goodley Second: Faith Kopycinski Third: Suzanne Austin-Hill Fourth: Robyn Baker Fifth: Sally Coovert
COMMERCIAL CONCESSIONS
YOUTH (5 TO 13)
First: Chocolate Strawberry Express Second: Sweet Southern Sass Third: Giselle’s Victorian Jewelry
First: Paitlyn Davis Second: Grace Sprout Third: Gracie Rowlette Fourth: Madisyn Sutton Fifth: Mathew Conover
OUTSIDE CONCESSIONS First: Spivey’s Concessions (Armory Back) Second: Griff’s Catering (East Independent)
EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS First: Hillsborough 4-H Council Second: School District of Hillsborough County
CIVIC CLUBS First: St. Clement “Make Your Own Shortcake” Booth Second: East Hillsborough Historical Society Third: Turkey Creek Assembly of God
AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITS First: Parkesdale Farms Second: Wish Farms Third: Parkesdale Greenhouse Award of Distinction: Easy A/C
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST BEST IN SHOW Debra Hicks
ANIMAL First: Kelly Everhart Second: Alan Gambrell Third: Breanna Glass Fourth: Kimberly Rexoat Fifth: Patricia Daniel
BLACK AND WHITE First: Michael Martin Second: Kimberly Rexoat Third: Jan Veazey Fourth: Michele Swartz Fifth: Alan Gambrell
HUMAN First: Jan Veazey Second: Robin Carter Third: Debra Hicks Fourth: Elijah Watson Fifth: Lorraine Goldberg
MISCELLANEOUS First: Abraham Schoenig Second: Chris Martin Third: Faith Kopycinski
YOUTH (14 TO 18) First: Dallas Baker Second: Cassidy Brown Third: Mikaela Streets Fourth: Abby Morgan Fifth: Naya Shelton
BABY CONTEST DECORATED DIAPER Emoji: Hadley Cook Cartoon: Preston Morfin Theme: Aubrey Sweeney
FEATURES CONTEST Biggest Eyes: Warren T. Compton Chubbiest Cheeks: Maren Adalie Blankenbaker Look-Alike Twins: Arya and Zara Alisha Joseph Guidotti
PRETTIEST GIRL First place 6 to 9 months: Layla Monroe Crenshaw Second place 6 to 9 months: Aubrey Maitlyn Sweeney First place 10 to 12 months: Olivia Grace Valerius Second place 10 to 12 months: Emma Lorraine Miller First place 13 to 15 months: Noreen Grace Doyle Second place 13 to 15 months: Briar Amelia Maltby First place 16 to 18 months: Sophia Aeryn Massey Morales Second place 16 to 18 months: Kora Michaela Bennett
MOST HANDSOME BOY First place 6 to 9 months: Brando Powell Clark Second place 6 to 9 months: Preston Roberto Morfin First place 10 to 12 months: Patrick Hayes Morris Second place 10 to 12 months: Rhett Thomas Lane First place 13 to 15 months: Hudson D. Garrett Second place 13 to 15 months: Jaxson Ray Meindersma
HORTICULTURE YOUTH PLANT SHOW Grand Champion: Kaden Palmer Reserve Grand Champion: Daniel Harrell Woody Ornamentals: Kaden Palmer Foliage Plants: Regan Brown Hanging Planters: Chelsea Woodard Miscellaneous Plants: Carson Buttram Plant in Size No. 1: Logan Smith Plant in Size No. 3: Jacob Reed Plant in Size No. 7: Gracie Lee Award of Distinction: Jake Daniel, Brynne Murphy and Estrella Quirino
GARDEN CLUB JUNIOR Best in Show: Julia Switch Best in Show Hanging: Gilberto Cerro-Canjay Cactus: Brooklyn Velasquez Bromeliad: Andrew Zavala Succulent: Shelby Lingston Award of Merit: Blaine Rowland, Hannah Caldwell and Zeyda Ortiz
INTERMEDIATE Best in Show: Damian Stare Best in Show Hanging: Damian Stare Award of Merit: Andrew Stowe, Damian Stare, Eric Zarycki Bromeliad: Natalie Zarycki Cactus: Caleb Walker Succulent: Andrew Stowe
ADULT: Best in Show/Best in Show Hanging Basket/Awards of Merit (2): Mary Collins African Violet: Bess Treadwell Bromeliad/Succulent/Cactus/Award of Merit: Jan Griffin Dish Garden: Donna Schoen Orchid: Liz Miller Award of Merit: Christy Linke
STINGRAY CHEVROLET RAFFLE WINNER Mildred Morgan
NEIGHBORHOOD VILLAGE YOUTH
BAKING
Red Ribbon: Marissa Acotto, Merridith Beatty, Mercy Beatty, Moriah Beatty, Will Bennett, Meagan Bowman, William Coleman, Maddi Coleman, Sarah Collins, Hope Denhoff, Ethan Fernandez, Tucker Garner, Alleigh Goff, Liam Green, Ethan Green, Alexander Hartz, Judah Howell, Josiah Howell, Paulos Kicklighter, Harper Linvingston, Emma Livingston, Phoebe Mullen, Timothy Murdock, Hailey Nipper, Emma Spangler, Roxanna Storms, Hope Storter, Aaron Thompson, Caleb Walker, Emma Williams, David Zarycki and Natalie Zarycki
First: Brianna Talbot Second: Marley Olmedo Third: Emma Barnes Fourth: Caleb Benitez Fifth: Easton Morrow
QUILTS Grand Champion: Claudia Ingram, Gina Lucas
HOME DECORATION Grand Champion: Monica Knight, Karen Major, Denise Williams, Elaine Zegarski
WEARING APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES Grand Champion: Mary Bryant-Schultz, Karen Hester, Claudia Ingram, Norma Pasetti
PHOTOGRAPHY
Blue Ribbon: Marissa Acotto, Kaci Anderson, Kloe Anderson, Kenzie Anderson, Brian Anderson, Addison Bassinger, Hayden Baxter, Abigail Baxter, Moriah Beatty, Tobias Beatty, Merrideth Beatty, Mercy Beatty, Melissa Bender, Hannah Bennett, Caleb Bennett, Will Bennett, Austin Black, Colby Brewington, Dylan Brewington, Chrissa Campbell, Gracie
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
Coldwell, William Coleman, Sarah Collins, Jacie Crabb, Hope Denhoff, O’Hanna Duncan, Mitchell Eaves, Ethan Fernandez, Ivy Belle Garner, Gracie Garner, Tucker Garner, Easton Goff, Alleigh Goff, Trae Gonzalez, Liam Green, Caleb Hancock, Joshua Ingram, Isabel Jones, Easton Kicklighter, Shelby Livingston, Emma Livingston, Grace Malieu, Abigail McCranie, Layesha McDonald, Phoebe Mullen, Leigha Murdock, Hailey Nipper, Eliza Poe, Barrett Poe, Elaina Power, Leah Richards, Tabitha Rivera, Lydia Rose Rivera, Hannah Shay, Emma Spangler, Anthony Stanley, Michael Stanley, Gideon Storms, Roxanna Storms, Aubrey Storms, Hope Storter, Taryn Storter, Avery Surrency, Aaron Thompson, Caleb Walker, Josiah Williams, Haidyn Williams, Emma Williams, David Zarycki and Natalie Zarycki.
Grand Champion: Kathy Bernheim, Dovie Delapaz, Karol Hughes and Jaqueline Ryan
CAKE DECORATION Grand Champion: Kelly Burton, Clara Sweeting, Laurette Valdez
CUPCAKES Grand Champion: Megan Malin
SHOEBOX FLOAT FIRST AND SECOND GRADE First: Sydney Olmedo Second: Kennedy Duncan Third: Carson Hattaway Fourth: Andrew Terry Fifth: Aubrey Duncan
THIRD AND FOURTH GRADE
FIFTH AND SIXTH GRADE First: Colby Brewington Second: Skyler Grooms Third: Ayla Steinestel Fourth: Olivia Little Fifth: Ella Keel
EXCEPTIONAL STUDENTS First: Arielisse Martinez Second: Alexandra Kash Third: Kylie Rice Fourth: Braelyn Hines Fifth: Alex Martinez
STEMMING CONTESTS YOUTH Kindergarten: Andrew Mowel First and Second Grade: Abby Gage Third and Fourth Grade: Matthien Doherty Fifth and Sixth Grade: Bailey Whitfield
ADULT Mike Smith
Grand Champion: Wendy Hansen, Sarah Walker, Alice Ward and Jennifer Wolfgang
NEEDLEPOINT, NEEDLEWORK AND PLASTIC CANVAS Grand Champion: Shirley Hammock, Judy Shively
Grand Champion: Kaci Anderson, Brian Anderson, Hayden Baxter, Abigail Baxter, Merridith Beatty, Mercy Beatty, Caleb Bennett, Chrissa Campbell, Gracie Coldwell, William Coleman, Sarah Collins, Jacie Crabb, Hope Denhoff, O’Hanna Duncan, Mitchell Eaves, Gracie Garner, Tucker Garner, Trae Gonzalez, Caleb Hancock, Joshua Ingram, Grace Malieu, Abigale McCranie, Layesha McDonald, Phoebe Mullen, Lydia Rose Rivera, Emma Spangler, Hope Storter, Caleb Walker, Josiah Williams, Haidyn Wiliams and Natalie Zarycki.
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KNITTING, TATTING AND CROCHETING Grand Champion: Cynthia Alicea, Judy McIlrath, Edith Wooley
JEWELRY
For the winners of the eating and lamb jumping contests,
SEE THE MARCH 31, 2017 EDITION. For the winners of the 2017 Baby Parade, SEE PAGE 8. For the winners of the 2017 Youth Parade, SEE PAGE 2. For the winners of the Grand Parade and the 2017 Swine Show,
SEE THE MARCH 10, 2017 EDITION.
Grand Champion: Jerri Heer
TOYS AND DOLLS Grand Champion: Mary Bryant-Schultz, Shelley Murrell, Mary Spence
PAPER CRAFTS DIVISION Grand Champion: Patty Coone, Dan Duran and Patty Fuller
FOOD PRESERVATION Grand Champion: Tricia Lynn Glotfelty, Traci Goff, Cindy Green, Erica Hall, Holly Herchenroder
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
Festival to enchance stadium seating EMILY TOPPER
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On Friday, March 3, Willie Nelson packed the stands of the Wish Farms Soundstage for a sold-out show at the 2017 Florida Strawberry Festival. Just over one week later, Rascal Flatts nearly sold out their show the final night of the 2017 festival. For Florida Strawberry Festival General Manager Paul Davis, the popular show was the perfect way to end the festival — and the perfect way to celebrate the history of the festival’s biggest venue. Known to many as the William Schneider Memorial Stadium, the bleachers that surround the Wish Farms Soundstage will soon be torn down and replaced with updated aluminum seats. “We’re adding an extra 2,000 sellable seats,” Davis said. “We’ve been discussing this for about eight years.” The bleachers weren’t always designed to accommodate a concert venue. From the 1960s until the 1980s, the stadium was used for football games and practices. Throughout the years, multiple events were held on the grounds — from the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Queen Scholarship pageant to revivals to sunrise Easter services. “We’ve been playing a music venue in a football stadium,” Davis said. “The bleachers are sideways. After watching a concert for an hour and a half, your neck hurts. We’re going to give people a better line of sight.” The new seats will additionally be brought closer to the stage, ending where the existing bleachers begin. The new seats will have backs to them and will form a semi-circle around the stage, creating more room and, as Davis said, enhancing the experience for both concert guests and performers. “We’re also going to be adding bigger screens,” Davis said. “We’re trying to enhance the experience substantially.” Vendors will also be seeing changes. By the 2018 festival, the vendors that are located outdoors below the existing bleachers will have an
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL STADIUM GROUNDBREAKING When: 1:30 p.m. Monday, March 20 Where: Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 N. Lemon St. WILLIAM SCHNEIDER MEMORIAL STADIUM MEMORY PHOTO When: 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 20 Where: Florida Strawberry Festival, 303 N. Lemon St.
18,000-square-foot building to call home. “We haven’t named the building yet,” Davis said. “But the new building will be air-conditioned and will have climate control. Down the road, we’ll see how it affects traffic flow and go from there. We’re considering adding more bathrooms in the future.” Construction on both the stadium and the vendor building is expected to begin immediately, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Monday, March 20. The stadium project, which is being completed by GTE Grandstands on Airport Road, is expected to be completed by October 2017. “We really strive to make people feel welcome,” Davis said. “We want to make the experience pleasant all the way through. I want people to come back. If you can do that, you have a success.” While Davis and the rest of the festival staff are looking to the future, they’re also making sure to pay tribute to the past. ONE FINAL MEMORY
Florida Strawberry Festival Vice President Sandee Sytsma and her husband, Hank, remember using the stadium before it belonged to the festival. For Hank Sytsma, those memories are centered around football. He served as the coach of the Plant
City High School football team from 1966 through 1981. Before becoming a coach, he served on the freshmen football team for Florida State University, and played a game against the University of Miami in that same arena. “That was our football stadium,” Hank Sytsma said. “That was one of the best spectator stadiums.” It got the players in shape, too. For conditioning, football players ran up and down the massive bleachers. “Men that are now in their 60s still remember running the stadium,” Hank Sytsma said. “There were walls under the stadium where the vendors are now, and we used that as a weight room.” The stadium was used for other events as well, including a rodeo that used to stop in town. After the show, the Sytsmas would stop to fill the holes in the ground, repairing the land for the next practice or game. Once the high school got its own stadium, the festival eventually purchased the William Schneider Memorial Stadium and turned it into the existing concert venue. “We’re always looking for ways to improve our festival,” Sandee Sytsma said. “But we don’t want to lose who we are. We tried to donate the bleachers, but city organizations didn’t need them.” Still, they wanted history to be remembered. Following the groundbreaking ceremony for the stadium improvements, a memorial photo in front of the stands will be taken at 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 20. All former cheerleaders, coaches, players, supporters and fans of the Plant City High School Raiders, Tomlin Middle Tigers, the Dolphins and the Colts are invited to come, especially those who used the stadium between the years of 1954 to 1986. “So many Plant City friends have special memories involving the stadium,” Sandee Sytsma said. “We’re inviting everyone that wants to be in a memory picture to come.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.
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Special Thanks: Grand Marshal the Bellamy Brothers, Sun Pass (DOT), Mike Sparkman, Paul Davis, Florida Strawberry Festival Directors and Staff, Regions Bank, I-4 Power: Marc Waller, Gulf Coast Tractor Parade Judges: Jeanne Cameron, Steve and Diane Otto, Michelle South and Jeanette Tipton Parade Committee: Chris Brewington, Michael Cameron, Jennifer Chamberlain, Tanner Chamberlain, Bill Charles, George Domedion, Harold Fry, Joe Golden, Frank LaBarbera, Ellany Noriega, Bruce Rodwell, Stephen Rossiter, Michael and Theresa Roxburgh, Randy Sears, Lee Williams AND most of all the Plant City Police Department and Sgt. Dale Peterson THANK YOU to All the Participants! From Berry Fine Productions, Inc., Gail Lyons President
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Meridien Research needs volunteers who are currently depressed for a study of an investigational medication. If you are 18 to 65 years of age and take medication for depression but still feel depressed, you may qualify!
1st - Eastside Baptist 2nd - Plant City Lions Club 3rd - First Baptist Church of Midway
Eligible participants will receive study-related care, monitoring and medication or placebo at no cost. Compensation for time and travel may be available. All studies are administered by a physician.
1st - Robert W. Willaford Train Museum 2nd - Lakeland Cruisers Car Club 3rd - Citizen of the Year
SPECIAL FEATURE DIVISION
1st - Strawberry Crest High School JROTC 2nd - Strawberry Cloggers 3rd - Kathleen High Schools JROTC
SCHOOL CLUB/YOUTH SPORTS DIVISION
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
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City promotes bike safety, Vision Zero Mayor Rick Lott will lead a Bike with the Mayor event this month as part of the city’s plans. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
FAMILY MEDICAL SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA
must also note that when it comes to traffic related fatalities, one death is far too many,” she said. The Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization and Plant City’s planning and zoning division are looking to enhance the rideability and walkability of Plant City. In early February, both organizations held an open house at Bruton Memorial Library to get public input on a proposed system of walk and bike trails to improve connectivity in Plant City. Part of those plans include participation in Vision Zero, an action plan created and adopted by Sweden in 1997. Since then, the plan has been adopted by countries all across Europe and many cities and counties throughout the United States, including Florida. According to Gena Torres, a planner with the Hillsborough MPO, there were 27 traffic fatalities in Plant City between 2012 and 2016. Hillsborough County is a state and national leader for traffic-related injuries and death, with nearly 100,000 instances of injury or death since 2005.
Michael Paul Gimness, MD Board certified in Family Medicine
Sony Sam, MD Patricia Siemionko, ARNP
1703 Thonotosassa Road, Suite A, Plant City, Florida 33563
P: 813.567.5679 | F: 813.567.5686 www.fmsflorida.com
Contact Daniel Figueroa IV at dfigueroa@plantcityobserver.com
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As Florida Bike Month hits full stride throughout March, the City Commission — with Mayor Rick Lott leading by example — is continuing a trend that prioritizes cycling awareness and safety. The measures begin with actions both in City Hall and on the streets, kicking off with Plant City’s firstever Bike with the Mayor event at 7 a.m. Wednesday, March 22. The three-mile cruise will begin and end at Gilchrist Park, 704 N. Pennsylvania Ave. The first 50 riders will receive a special shirt from the event, and kick stands will go up at 7:30 a.m. It’s the first of its kind in Plant City, and one of many similar events that take place in cities across the state to promote bicycle safety. The event is expected to recur annually. “I think it’s great to promote ... the safety of bike riding in our community,” Lott said. He made sure to thank Mara Latorre, city planner, for her efforts in organizing the event at the City Commission meeting Monday, March 13. “Mara, I want to thank you,” Lott said. “ You really, really ... are the one that locally here pushed to make this a reality.” “I tried to ignore you for a few weeks,” he added, jokingly, “But you wouldn’t let me ignore you. We’ll make it a reality, and we’re going to have a good time.” Citywide, commissioners have also pledged to make improvements. At the March 13 meeting, the City Commission voted to join the international Vision Zero movement to reduce traffic fatalities in Plant City to zero. Like her Bike with the Mayor initiative, Latorre voiced her support for Vision Zero at the meeting. “As we continue to plan and advocate for bicyclists and pedestrians, we
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
Babies on Parade B
abies crawled, walked and toddled by the judges during the 2017 Baby Parade Saturday, March 11, at the Florida Strawberry Festival. Sponsors of this year's Baby Parade include the GFWC Plant City Junior Woman's Club and BayCare.
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— EMILY TOPPER
WINNERS ONE YEAR OLD BEST PERSONALITY First: Marcus Bryant Second: Brynlee Feaster Third: Kolton Kimbell
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RENTALS MANAGEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
Emily Topper
2017 King Mason Wade Goff and Queen Addisyn Danielle Wise.
BUSINESS HOURS | MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30AM-5PM
ONE YEAR OLDS
BEST COSTUME First: Hudson Daniel Garrett Second: Jaxon Sanders MOST HANDSOME First: Landon Proctor Second: Marcus Bryant Third: Kolton Kimbell MOST BEAUTIFUL First: Brynlee Ann Feaster Second: Lilyana Tamez Third: Sawyer Grace Arnold TWO YEAR OLD BEST PERSONALITY First: Sadie Marie Wonser Second: AnnMarie Burnette Third: Ansley Gail Judah
Overalls were popular attire.
TWO YEAR OLDS
Costumes included headliners such as Willie Nelson.
BEST COSTUME First: Allie Faye McDowell Second: Colt Lee All Third: Lillian Jones BEST FLOAT First: Macyn Sewell Second: Ray Crosby Third: Brooke Thompson
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MOST HANDSOME First: Shane Robinson Jr. Second: Brantly Newsome Third: Tucker Russel Brown
Toddlers waved to the judges.
Kids and judges liked the costume contest.
THREE YEAR OLDS
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MOST HANDSOME First: Dayton Davis Second: Aiden Johnson Third: Easton Jackson Vokaty Kids had props with their costumes.
Toddlers blew kisses to the judges.
FOUR YEAR OLDS
“PLANNING FOR LIFE”
MOST BEAUTIFUL First: Raelynn Torbert Second: Georgia Sue-Ann Hunter Third: Abigail Sue Smith FOUR YEAR OLD BEST PERSONALITY First: Brooklyn Faith Lovelace Second: Mila McLellan Third: Madison Faith Perry
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Strawberry-themed attire was a crowd favorite.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
WE BUY GOLD
FEB. 27
“Drinking green beer and wearing green.” — Chris Clement, 33
“It’s more about the kids now—doing all the projects from school.” — Bill Nangle, 42
MUNCHIES 2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Petit theft/drugs: Officer met with complainant who stated two male subjects had ordered sub sandwiches from a grocery store and left without paying for them. The subjects were located and arrested. One subject was found to be in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Both were released and given court dates. CONCEALMENT IS KEY 2810 block of Holly Bluff Court. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked work truck and stole a Crown Royal
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1701 S. Alexander St., Suite 102 (813) Plant City, FL 33566 M-F 10am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-12:30pm Village Plaza at Walden Lake
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MEAL AND A STEAL 1400 block of West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen $1,800 worth of tools from his truck bed and toolboxes while he ate at a restaurant. Complainant noticed the tools were missing after leaving the restaurant and going to a job site.
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SKETCHY LANDLORD 600 block of South Gordon Street. Information report: Officer met with complainant who stated that her landlord hired a cleaning crew to enter her home and get rid of her property. The crew members stated that they were told the complainant had been evicted from the home, but further investigation determined that the complainant had not been lawfully evicted. An information report was completed for documentation.
0003583131-01
HIDE AND SEEK 1300 block of South Collins Street. Petit theft: Officer met with complainant who stated a known subject had stolen his phone and wallet while he slept on a bus. The subject, a male, stated he did not have the phone or wallet, and a female subject supported the claim. Other witnesses stated that the subjects did, in fact, have the phone and wallet. Following witnesses’ suggestions, the wallet was found hidden in a diaper bag carried by the two subjects, and the phone was found inside one of the female subject’s shoes. The items were returned, and the complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.
FEB. 28
1702 S. Alexander, Plant City, FL 33563
LEGAL NOTICE
MARCH 6
The Annual Report of the Verner Foundation, Inc., a Private Foundation, as required by Section 8056 of the Internal Revenue Code, for the year ended December 31, 2016, is available in the office of Edward M. Verner, 110 West Reynolds Street, Suite 700, Plant City, Florida 33563 for inspection during regular business hours by any citizen who so requests within 180 days of publication, March 17, 2017.
SLASH AND DASH 100 block of Forest Street. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant who stated unknown suspect(s) had slashed her car’s passenger side tires. Complainant had parked the car in her yard around 11 a.m. the previous morning and had not noticed the slashing that day.
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FEB. 26
whiskey bag containing 60 keys and $400 in cash.
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The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
COPS CORNER
We asked: What’s your favorite way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
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“Drinking Guinness.” — Keith Nephin, old enough to drink beer.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17
HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL AT 1916 IRISH PUB Begins at 7 p.m. Friday, March 17, at 1916 Irish Pub, 2309 W. Thonotosassa Road. After headlining at festivals across Florida, Have Gun Will Travel will lead the pub’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Guests can enjoy Irish fare, drinks and music. For more information, call (813) 756-6504.
GFWC PLANT CITY JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB ST. PATRICK’S DAY FUNDRAISER
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
ST. PUPPY DAY AT O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB Takes place from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 19, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, 1701 S. Alexander St. Dress pets in St. Patrick’s Day attire. Prizes will be awarded for the top three costumes. Enjoy a paint-andsip class, free hot dogs for kids, face painting and more. For more information, call (813) 764-8818.
STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW Takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at the Union Station Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. Check out classic cars and trucks. The event is hosted by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Free registration begins at 3 p.m. For more information, call (813) 754-3707. BRING YOUR OWN ART SATURDAY NIGHT ART PARTY Takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Off the Tracks Gallery, 119 E. Reynolds St. Bring art pieces in progress and work alongside other artists. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call (813) 495-8807. THE KENZIE WHEELER BAND AT KRAZY KUP Begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. 2016 Tampa Teen Idol Kenzie Wheeler will perform with his new country band. Call (813) 752-1220.
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
BEST BET FRIDAY, MARCH 17
O’BRIEN’S IRISH PUB’S ST. PATRICK’S DAY AND 10-YEAR CELEBRATION Takes place from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, March 17, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub, 1701 S. Alexander St. Enjoy a large outside parking lot party and enter to win a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland. Corned beef and cabbage will be served all day. Ace Jackson and the Jump Kings will perform at 6 p.m., followed by Mama’s Kin at 9 p.m. For more information, call (813) 764-8818.
Begins at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at 1916 Irish Pub, 2309 Thonotosassa Road. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the Plant City Juniors, who will be raising money for the Hacienda Girls Ranch. The night will include a 50/50 raffle, prize giveaways and drink specials.
SUNDAY, MARCH 19
MONDAY, MARCH 20
FAMILY GAME ZONE Begins at 3 p.m. Monday, March 20, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Families are invited to play board games, including classics like Connect Four, checkers and chess. New games from Mayfair Games also will be featured.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21
MOTION COMMOTION Begins at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The 45-minute rhythm class is designed for children 18 months to five years and their caregivers. For more information, call (813) 757-9215.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
JASON CRABB AT SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH Begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at Shiloh Baptist Church, 905 W. Terrace Drive. Christian singer Jason Crabb will perform. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $30 for reserved seating. For tickets, visit ShilohPC.org.
ONGOING PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant
City. New members welcome. ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen. CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.
THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild. 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.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
Julie Knepper Julie Knepper, 63, of Plant City, died March 1, 2017. She was a homemaker and a homeschool mom. She was the daughter of Paul and Jaunita (Kelly) Rice. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, J. David Knepper. She is survived by her children, Dave Knepper (Rene), of Ames, Iowa, Courtney Lanier (Jered), of Knights Station, Florida and Joel Knepper, of Plant City; and grandchildren, Josiah Lanier and Jordyn Lanier. A memorial service was held March 11, at Ahava Baptist Church in Plant City.
Melba Jean Minshew Melba Jean Minshew, 69, died Feb. 20, 2017. She was born March 31, 1947. She was a world-class wife, mother, grandmother and all-around great person. She never met anyone that she didn’t like. Everyone who knew her was lucky to have loved and been loved by her. She is survived by her high school sweetheart and husband of 53 years, Ronald Minshew; daughters, Tamara Marie Sugden and Angela Jean Anderson; grandchildren, Ronald Allan Clark, Brian Allen Clark, Kara Marie Sugden and Jacob Cameron Sugden; and her extended loving family. There will be no service at this time. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
Richard J. Wagoner Richard J. Wagoner, 81, of Plant City, died Feb. 24, 2017. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 1935. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a retired labor relations representative with Chrysler Corp. He was the past president of the East Hillsborough Art Guild and was an accomplished artist. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jane Wagoner; daughter, Heather Harrington (Bobbie), of Gonzales, Louisiana; and grandchildren, Vanessa Moore (Warner), of Alexandria, Virginia and Eric Patterson,
of Royal Oak, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his daughters, Linda, Laura and Cheryl. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Joe Youngblood Joe Youngblood, 58, died Feb. 20, 2017, in Tampa. He was born July 28, 1958, in Plant City, to Joseph and Betty Jean (Monroe) Youngblood. He is survived by his sister, Joeann Youngblood (Paulino Rosales); and niece, Jolancy. No services are scheduled at this time. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.
Hilda Burnside Hilda Burnside, 57, of Plant City, died March 4, 2017. Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, she was the daughter of Ildefonso and Dorothy Johnson Rivera. She loved her grandchildren. She also loved to garden and collect roosters, sunflowers and lady bugs. She especially loved and cherished her “little girl.” She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Carey Burnside; mother, Dorothy Snyder; children, Chad Burnside, Angela Barron (Jamie) and Brandie Cobb (Benjamin); sister, Nancy Rivera; 12 grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren. A memorial service was held March 9, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
Pansy L. Dixon Pansy L. Dixon, 80, died March 1, 2017. She was born in Blount County, Alabama, on March 11, 1936. She loved her family and church, enjoyed gardening and was a faithful prayer warrior. She is survived by her children, Thomas Dixon (Mary), Nina Holley (Marty), Kelvin Dixon (Kelli) and Belinda Woods (Clive); sisters, Nadine Snell and Sue Bales; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-
grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, John Dixon; four siblings; and parents. A celebration of life was held March 8, at Willow Oak Church of God in Mulberry. Committal followed at Springhead Cemetery, Lakeland. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Sherry Ann Ferris Sherry Ann Ferris, 69, of Plant City, died March 4, 2017. Born in Plant City, she was the daughter of Oral Lee and Dessie Mae McCallum Clark. She was the wife of the late Percival C. Ferris Sr. She loved to play bingo and dominoes. She loved arts and crafts, and was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by her children, Percival “Pert” Ferris Jr., Donald Baltes, Teresa Foster (Jerry) and Mary Crotts (Jimmy); sister, Versa Lee Timm; 13 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held March 9, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. Interment followed at East Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
Raeford Leon ‘Ray’ Griffin Raeford Leon “Ray” Griffin, 54, of Plant City, died March 4, 2017. He was born Feb. 20, 1963, in Amarillo, Texas. He was the coowner of Griffin Brothers Concrete and Tractor. He loved his family and he enjoyed fishing, the beach and being outdoors. He is survived by his wife and the loving mother of his children, Colleen M. Griffin, of Plant City; “joy of his life” Tara Collins, of Plant City; children, Lauren L. Griffin, of Plant City and Raeford Leon “Bubba” Griffin II (Summer Buchanan), of Plant City; granddaughter, Rosabelle Lena Griffin; mother, Brenda Williams, of Lakeland; siblings, Kemuel W. Griffin (Sherry), of Plant City, Carmen L. Chancey, of Lakeland, Andrew C. Griffin, of Lakeland and Tara Rae Griffin, of Lakeland; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Ollie “Ray” Griffin.
A celebration of life was held March 11, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.
Diana Lee Hill Diana Lee Hill, 65, of Plant City, died March 3, 2017. Born in Rome, New York, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson. She worked at Rooms to Go Warehouse in Lakeland for 15 years. She loved crocheting, photography and gardening. She is survived by her husband of 19 years, David Hill; children, Kerry McKenzie, Lawson McKenzie and Fred Hernden; brother, Gary Wilson; and seven grandchildren. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.
Lloyd Allan Humphrey Sr. Lloyd Allan Humphrey Sr., 78, of Plant City, died Feb. 25, at his home. He was born March 13, 1938, in Moore Haven, Florida. He graduated from Turkey Creek High School and served eight years in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He worked 30 years as a project engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation and 10 years for PBS&J. He is survived by his wife, Mildred; daughter, Chery Trapnell (Billy); sons, Lloyd “Allan” Jr. (Wendy), Richard (Elisa), Keith (Samantha) and Kevin (Leslie); 10 grandchildren; eight great-grand-
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FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
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children; brothers, Jerry (Karen) and Donald (Mary); and his faithful caregiver, Linda Leon. He was preceded in death by his father, Allan Rufus Humphrey Sr.; mother, Frances Blazer; sister, Mary McPherson; and brothers, Allan Rufus Jr., Charles, Robert, Philip, Harry and Michael. A funeral service was held March 4, at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice at ChaptersHealth.org. Online condolences may be made at HillsboroMemorial.com.
Ruby Ann Englert Ruby Ann Englert, 84, died Feb. 25, in Zephyrhills, with her loving son, her beloved pet Missy and her family friend Martha by her side. Lovingly called ‘Tiny,’ she was born April 5, 1932 as Annie Ruby Pippin in Plant City to Lena E. (Elbertson) and William A. Pippin. She was a lifelong resident of Florida who helped open many Publix Super Markets stores. She was an avid crafter, flower arranger, community volunteer and member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She is survived by her son, Cyril Edward Englert; and sisters-inlaw, Sister Joan of Arc (Delores Englert), of St. Augustine and Donna Pippin, of Zolfo Springs. She was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent M. Englert; brother, George E. Pippin; and half-brothers, Enoch, Estlon and William Pippin. Her life will be honored and remembered during future gathers with friends and family. Memorial contributions may be given to Gulfside Hospice Zephyrhills for their tremendous care and support, 5760 Dean Dairy Road, Zephyrhills, Florida 33541.
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MARCH 17, 2017
SPORTS
“The key is to always look at the ball. Even if it’s a bad pitch, just look at it all the way through so you know where to hit it.” — Tanner Rollyson is Plant City Little League’s home runs leader. PAGE 14
Aaliyah’s Battle
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
Bailey student wins Gasparilla race The fastest 10-year-old at the Gasparilla Distance Classic hails from the Plant City area. Bailey Elementary student Zachary Wilson won in his age group with a time of 19:49 at the Saturday, Feb. 25, 5K race. Wilson, who began running with his school’s running club, is also a member of the Lakeland Runners Club.
Since July 2016, Plant City High junior Aaliyah Battle lost 100 pounds and has joined two of her school’s sports teams for the first time.
Baseball/Softball scores BASEBALL
SATURDAY, MARCH 11 (Saladino Tournament)
JUSTIN KLINE Durant 15, Middleton 0 Plant 3, Plant City 0 Strawberry Crest 6, Leto 4
SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
That Aaliyah Battle is able to step onto a playing field and contribute in two sports is, for her and her supporters, a huge milestone. Battle, a Plant City High junior, is competing in flag football and throwing the shot put for her school this spring. It’s her first time playing organized sports, as well as the first time she’s ever been healthy enough for them. Down more than 100 pounds from July 2016, Battle is using high school athletics as a tool to get into shape for the first time in her life. “I come out here and have a team that’s very motivational,” Battle says. “They inspire me to do more. They help me do better. I have some coaches that definitely helped push me in that direction, too.” Though Battle still has a long way to go to reach some of her fitness goals, she’s going as hard as she can.
MONDAY, MARCH 13 (Saladino Tournament)
Alonso 10, Durant 0 Plant City 16, Blake 0 Bloomingdale 9, Strawberry Crest 2
UPCOMING SCHEDULES
(Baseball and softball games run concurrently with each other)
TUESDAY, MARCH 21 Plant City @ Durant, 7 p.m. Sickles @ Strawberry Crest, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, MARCH 23 Durant @ Riverview, 7 p.m.
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER
Battle, who lives with her grandparents, is an active churchgoer and a history buff with a 3.6 GPA. She had long had the desire to play sports, as a big football fan, but what held her back was a case of procrastination that affected her body above all else. “It was kind of like a lazy, but scared, mindset,” Battle says. “I wasn’t ready to put my body through so much to get to where I wanted to be, so it really took a lot of push from a lot of people on the team, a lot of people in
Young athletes can be role models, too Sports Editor Justin Kline says that professional athletes aren’t the only ones that kids can look up to.
W
hile covering Plant Cityarea sports for almost four years, I’ve noticed that many programs like to preach the importance of character. Specifically, coaches tell their players the importance of being a good role model for others. That may seem strange, at first, to a kid who’s spent his or her entire conscious life wanting to be the next LeBron James, Serena Williams or Aaron Rodgers. But I’ve seen firsthand that the coaches are right: sometimes, the athletes that we can all look up to are the ones who aren’t even old enough to vote. I’m on the record as saying that we, as a society, shouldn’t expect pro athletes to be good role models as often as we do. I wrote that in a column that ran on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, and I haven’t changed my stance on the subject at all. I don’t know how many kids read that and took it to heart, but I have talked to a lot of young athletes who were happy to tell me about their favorite college players, or even their high school teammates, that were a little older, but still reached out to help. In my opinion, few people are more important to a kid’s athletic development than the peer that sets a great example. That kid’s attitude could be the difference between someone leaving a sport after giving it a try, and sticking with it long enough to improve, play well and earn a college scholarship offer. That kid’s attitude could be the difference between letSEE KLINE PAGE 13
SEE BATTLE PAGE 13 Justin Kline
Aaliyah Battle is finally able to live her dream of playing organized football in 2017.
Baseball, softball teams reach mid-season Area softball teams, along with Strawberry Crest baseball, are looking solid midway through their seasons. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Time flies when one’s having fun, so several area baseball and softball teams may find it hard to believe it’s already about mid-season. In the wake of area teams’ regularseason and tournament games, two things are clear: the local softball teams are looking like contenders, and Strawberry Crest baseball looks like an early district title favorite. SOFTBALL
Plant City and Strawberry Crest are fielding the top teams in 8A-6 and 8A-4 ball, respectively. The Lady Raiders (7-1; 4-0 district) currently have a two-game district lead on second-place Durant and East Bay, thanks in part to Plant City’s 3-0 win at East Bay on Thursday, March 9. Plant City is currently undefeated in the month of March, with the team’s only loss coming in a 4-1 home loss to Strawberry Crest on Thursday, Feb. 28. This team is sporting a .311 team batting average, though senior Edmilly Molina is enjoying a particularly hot stretch at the plate: she boasts a
.571 batting average, getting 12 hits in 21 at-bats, and has 13 RBI with five doubles and a triple. Molina leads the district in batting average, RBI and slugging percentage (.904). Strawberry Crest (7-2; 2-0 district) had a 1-2 record through its first three games, but have since turned things around in a big way. The Lady Chargers are in the midst of a six-game win streak, which will either be extended or ended with today’s Sarasota Slam tournament action. The Crest offense has been extremely productive in March, outscoring opponents by a margin of 46 to 5. Junior Celia Higgins is the cen-
terpiece of the offense, leading all area players and the 8A-4 district with a .680 average, 1,080 slugging percentage, .714 on base percentage and 11 runs scored. Senior Stephanie Dwyer has driven in 12 runs, good for second in the district. The Durant Lady Cougars (5-3; 2-2 district) have also turned a corner in their season, winning four of their last five games before spring break. The team sported a .500 record heading into March, but did have a 9-1 win over Strawberry Crest on Thursday, Feb. 16 on its resume. SEE MID-SEASON PAGE 13
File photo
Plant City’s baseball team is looking for a winning recipe in 2017.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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Justin Kline
Aaliyah Battle credits her flag football teammates for always supporting her.
FROM KLINE PAGE 12
ting a losing streak define a season, and making the adjustments needed to get back in the “win” column. That kid’s attitude could be the difference between someone getting into trouble off the field, and being influenced to make the right choices in life. In the last two weeks, I’ve written about two high school athletes that are exceptional in their own ways. If I were a parent, I’d have no reservations about letting my kids learn from the experiences of Manny Ramirez and Aaliyah Battle, different as they may be. I have nothing but respect for Ramirez, who has spent this school
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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Being Irish is very much a part of who I am. I take it everywhere with me.” – Colin Farrell Puzzle Two Solution: “The Irish Catholic side was married to the life of an actor and I found out acting could be a form of prayer.” – Liam Neeson
This week’s Sudoku answers
Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
JUSTIN KLINE
year making a great effort to get on the right path and make better choices in life. Getting into trouble doesn’t always make someone a bad person at their core, and it’s not always easy to let parts of one’s past go. I would say Ramirez makes a good example for kids in similar situations: his 2016-17 school year is what happens when you make a commitment to better yourself for the sake of your future. Battle, who had never played organized sports until this year, has the perfect attitude to accomplish what she’s set out to do. When I talked to her, she was extremely upbeat and confident in herself, thanks to the progress she’s made in her quest to get healthy. Whether she sees a ton
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of action on the flag football field or not, Battle’s personal success — losing over 100 pounds and making the cut for two sports teams — is proof that kids can achieve just about anything they want if they’ll set their minds to it. Sometimes, all they need is a role model they can relate to — someone just like them.
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Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
This week’s Crossword answers
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Strawberry Crest (7-1; 2-0 district) has been the area’s top baseball team, winning all of its first seven games. The Chargers have gotten it done by making the most out of their scoring chances: when they get on base, which Jacob Heath (.500 OBP, leads district), Ben Pues (.435 OBP) and others tend to do, they tend to score runs. Also helping that cause is the base-stealing prowess of both Lance Mumford (seven steals) and Antonio Mussenden (five steals), who hold the
Park Rd.
BASEBALL
Trey Brown (1.31 ERA, 5 IP) and Wyatt Hickey (1.91 ERA, 7.1 IP). Plant City (2-6; 1-3 district) didn’t get off to the best start this season, having not picked up a win until it beat Bloomingdale, 5-2, on March 7. The Raiders, who scored six runs between Tuesday, Feb. 21, and Saturday, March 11, have felt the effects of having both a tough schedule and the area’s youngest roster. But the team did get a boost in its second win of the year, a 16-0 win over Blake on Monday, March 13, in the Saladino Tournament. The team’s top performer at the plate has been Austin Eldridge, whose .550 OBP leads the district. The Raiders are one game away from entering a tie for second place in the district, and have given up the second-fewest amount of runs (26) of all 8A-6 teams this season.
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Senior pitcher Sloan Hammons is anchoring the Lady Cougars’ rotation. Hammons has a 1.40 ERA with 41 strikeouts and just eight earned runs allowed, giving up 24 hits against 165 batters faced. Freshman Kelly Swank is also enjoying a hot start, batting .458 with a team-high 11 hits.
district’s top two spots in that stat. Wharton, also 2-0 in the district, has the best run differential (13 to 2) in 8A-4 play. Crest has also beaten the other 8A-4 teams, and will face Wharton Thursday, March 23. The Durant Cougars (4-4; 2-2 district) have been searching for a winning formula. The Cougars dropped three recent games, but have since been on the uptick. Including tournament action, the Cougars have a 3-1 record since Tuesday, March 7, including a 2-1 win over East Bay that put the team within one game of sole second-place possession. The team is getting two-way play from senior ace Jonah Scolaro, who leads all batters with a .458 average (minimum 10 at-bats), 11 hits, three RBI, a triple and four doubles. The pitching staff is also getting a boost from Brien Johnston (2.33 ERA, 15 K, 9 IP), Reed Toney (0.00 ERA, 5 IP),
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block, that track and those bleachers became running goals and tools. Teammates became friends and crucial supporters of all her goals. Most importantly, her self-confidence grew. By the end of conditioning in February, Battle had cut her weight down to 260 pounds. “I’m sure not going to say it was easy — it’s still not easy — but, looking back then to now, it feels fantastic,” she says. Battle’s flag coach, Patrick Horn, encouraged her to give track and field a try, thinking she had potential in the shot put. In her first-ever competition, held at Wharton High, she placed second. Battle hopes to lose even more weight, going down to the 100s if her body will allow it. She hopes to get into either the University of South Florida or the University of Central Florida, then medical school. With the progress she’s made, Battle now has the secret weapons she previously didn’t: confidence and motivation. “I hope to end this year off beautifully,” Battle says. “With these girls, I hope to have them all as part of the family by the end of this year.”
Park Rd.
the office, my family. It took a lot of support.” Eventually, Battle’s weight increased to around 360 pounds. “Some people look at me like, ‘Wow,’ Battle says. “‘You were that much?’ Yeah, because I continued to say that I was going to do it (lose weight), ... and, every summer, I’d eat junk, lay around and sleep. I wouldn’t do anything. All that started to add up.” She couldn’t put it off forever, though. In July 2016, while on a church camping trip, Battle and her fellow campers were made to exercise. After finally getting to experience a workout routine, she realized she enjoyed the exercise. “It felt good that I was actually doing something with myself, because I would always tell myself, ‘Oh, you’ll do it next time,’” Battle says. “It kind of just got out of control and I realized, maybe I should start doing something.” After the trip, Battle made a commitment to change her diet and start exercising more. She gained the support of fellow students and faculty members at Plant City High School, who eventually encouraged her to go out for team sports. Specifically, they mentioned flag football. “Even then, when I started trying to
eat right, I didn’t really exercise,” Battle says. “I told Miss Sherri (Iturriaga) in the office, ‘I’ll do it, I’ll do flag.’ But, in my mind, I wasn’t going to do it.” Battle was eventually convinced to go for it. The move took her prior commitments to the next level. A proper diet suddenly became necessary to make it through practice without passing out, and Battle had to run more than she ever had in her life. “I want to get myself healthy because a dietician told me that I was bulimic,” Battle says. “I don’t make myself throw up but, apparently, I overeat a lot and then I’ll starve myself, and I don’t notice it. This helps me get back into eating right because, if you don’t eat right out here, you pass out … I don’t want to pass out and show the team that I’m weak. I want them to understand that I am strong, and I’m ready to help them win.” She began to exercise more by running around her neighborhood block, even if she could only run for short bursts before having to walk. But as she kept up with her diet and exercise, Battle saw the weight falling off. “There were some times out there, it was hot, I was doubled over, throwing up a little bit, but I was there the next day,” Battle says. “I’m not going to give up because my body wants me to give up because it hurts. It’s mind over matter.” Clothes became too loose. Running for distance became easier. That
Maryland Ave. Maryland Ave. Maryland Ave.
SEE BATTLE PAGE 12
14
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
|
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
Tanner Rollyson After hitting two home runs in one game on Friday, March 10, Tanner Rollyson now leads Plant City Little League in homers hit this season. Rollyson, a two-time state champion with Plant City Little League, plays for the Sandlot team. He also won first place in the 11-year-old boys bracket at the Saturday, Jan. 21, Tri-Star Youth Basketball Skills Competition with 151 points. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue. You hit two homers in one game the other night. How did you do it? I guess it was a fastball, so I just tried to elevate it up. How’s the season going? We are 3-3, so we have a .500 season. How long have you been playing baseball? I was 4 when I started. I am 11, so that would have been seven years ago. How did you first get into it? I wanted to play tee ball. What’s your favorite thing about the game? I like pitching. How many different pitches can you throw? I can pitch a four-seam, two-seam, changeup and curveball.
What first made you fall in love with the sport? When I was in tee ball, I couldn’t pitch, so I liked hitting the ball off the tee and running the bases. And when you finally got to pitch, what did you like about it? I like how it’s just like, you can control the game. You’re in charge of the whole defense. Do you play any other sports? I play basketball, and I played football for one year. And I play tennis. Which is your favorite? I would have to say baseball. Is there any sport you’ve never tried, but always wanted to? Soccer. What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a baseball field? Hit a home run. What baseball players do you try to play like? Clayton Kershaw, because he’s a good left-handed pitcher. If you could go to the bigs, which team would you want to play for? The (Tampa Bay) Rays. Let’s say you make the team one day. Tanner Rollyson, star pitcher, gets a $1 billion contract. What’s the first thing you buy? A car. A Bugatti.
HUFF’S
What advice would you give to a younger player who asks you how to get better at baseball? Practice makes perfect. What’s the best advice a coach has ever given you? When I hit, how to stay in, keep my shoulder in, so I can keep my eye on the ball. Not everyone’s great at keeping their shoulder in, so what do you do to make sure that your shoulder’s in the right place? The key is to always look at the ball. Even if it’s a bad pitch, just look at it all the way through so you know where to hit it. What superpower would you want? To be immortal. What’s the most fun thing that’s happened with one of your teams? Winning the (9-10) state championship game (last season) — that was pretty cool. I understand you’re going to play on the Raiders team that’s going to Cooperstown this year. How excited are you for that? I’m excited because, the better pitching you see, the better you can learn and the better you can get.
AUTOMOTIVE & MUFFLER
Domestic & Foreign
TAX Refund Time!
Helping Keep Your Precious Cargo Safe Since 1974
Plant City’s Oldest Automotive Repair Shop!
MV00349
402 South Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 Downtown Plant City
813.752.0189
10
OMG IT’S% WEDNESDAY!
HUFFMUFFLER.com
Choo Choo Lawn Equipment &
APRIL NO FOOLS SALE!
March 30th - April 1st | Customer Service is our #1 Goal!
PLANT CITY FARM AND FLEA MARKET Highway 39 North at Sam Allen Road—1 mi. N. of I-4 Exit 21
WE CARRY A FULL LINE OF:
WEDNESDAY FLEA MARKET OVER 40 ACRES . . . MORE THAN 500 VENDORS
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OP EN
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234731
Choo Choo Lawn Equipment
234747
234824
Family Owned and Operated. We use the latest diagnostic equipment to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
I LOVE PLANT CITY
FORECAST FRIDAY, MARCH 17
SATURDAY, MARCH 18 High: 78 Low: 58 Chance of rain: 10%
Arik Belcher took this photo above the Florida Strawberry Festival with a drone. Arik wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest and gets a free car wash at Octopus Car Wash, 1503 S. Collins St. 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.
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
XPRESS WASH
10 OFF
on any detailing service over $39.99
Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
ACROSS 1 Pillow covering 5 Constantly takes breaks from work 10 Place for a nice soak 14 Oscar candidate 19 Sashes in Japan 20 Give qualities or abilities to 21 Title for a Turkish military leader (var.) 22 Waterslide 23 Many food bank containers 24 Like a proper knife 25 Moderately quick gait 26 Rustic digs in the woods 27 Hider of a criminal, e.g. 31 Where a boxer might be trained? 32 Ground-double link 33 Took the metro 34 Ace or jack, e.g. 35 What’s bound to happen 36 Cause for alarm? 37 Mysterious part of the Nixon tapes 40 Common spud 43 Sax variety 44 Lobbed ball trajectories 45 Fish part 46 Dundee’s trainee 47 Satire that’s a bit harsh 50 Hurry and then some 52 Far from healthy 53 Outcast of biblical proportions 54 Some family tree members 55 Escort in a theater 56 Silent “yes” 57 Alias initials 58 Component of brass 59 Mom’s twins? 60 Double Eagle coin, for one 69 As ___ as Methuselah 70 Fowl quarters 71 “Ick!” relative 72 ___-town (Midwestern town nickname) 73 Word with Puffs or Krispies 76 Orange juice solid 77 Admire and more 80 Steam suppressor 81 Remove, as a 43-Down 83 Least swift 85 Lager kin 86 Location, as for building 87 Bothersome burden 88 Food sticker 89 Up and at ‘em 91 Where pigs kick back 92 The humanities 93 Exits or leaves 94 Kind of rat or ox 96 Word with “ran” or “known as” 97 Jackson of country music 98 Total 101 Temporary gigs for good typists 108 Isle near Curacao
– UIHPW OESSBHH Puzzle One Clue: M equals G
“NKA JFJEK PGNKLYJP EJTA IGE HGFFJAT NL NKA YJXA LX GU GPNLF GUT J XLVUT LVN GPNJUD PLVYT CA G XLFH LX SFGMAF.” – YJGH UAAELU Puzzle Two Clue: M equals Y ©2017 NEA, Inc.
SUDOKU
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
©2017 Andrews McMeel Syndicate
Sunday, March 19
7:33a
7:39p
Monday, March 20
7:32a
7:40p
Tuesday, March 21
7:30a
7:40p
Wednesday, March 22 7:29a
7:41p
Thursday, March 23
7:41p
7:28a
April 1 First
April 10 Full
Thursday, March 9
0.00
Friday, March 10
0.00
Saturday, March 11
0.00
Sunday, March 12
0.00
Monday, March 13
0.27
Tuesday, March 14
0.02
Wednesday, March 15
0.00
YEAR TO DATE:
MARCH TO DATE:
2017 4.71 in.
2017 0.29 in.
2016 8.24 in.
2016 0.01 in.
DETAILING SERVICES FROM
3999
$
Mon. - Sat. 8am - 6pm Sunday 9am - 6pm
Good until 3/31/17
CROSSWORD
7:38p
OctopusCarWashFlorida.com
©2017 Universal Uclick
109 Flawed clothing abbrs. 110 Lean on the horn but good 111 Part of the human ear 112 Red Sea peninsula 113 Dairy farm sounds 114 ___ lazuli (blue shade) 115 Gather together in the boardroom 116 Mythical woodland deity 117 Award from a certain cable sports network 118 Set into motion, as a law 119 Schools of whales DOWN 1 Cola starter 2 One way to be taken? 3 From then on 4 Heart and soul 5 To a ___ degree 6 Waiting with phone in hand 7 Jewish month before Nisan 8 Wrath 9 Centrifuge’s role 10 One of several in a war 11 Hold the same opinion
12 Hammer-hurling superhero 13 Great hockey feats 14 Yield to another’s wishes 15 Make sore by rubbing 16 Major horn 17 Concerning the ears 18 Landlord’s expectation 28 Traffic problem 29 Bed alternative 30 Buggy go-with 35 White sheet on very cold water 36 Spanish dictator, once 37 “Gee” relative 38 Poker pot part 39 One on the jury with you 40 Opposite of tis 41 Let happen 42 ~ 43 Downloadable bit of software 44 Mingling with 45 Low male singers at the opera 48 Resin in adhesives and paints
49 Quaff of the Middle Ages 51 “I don’t think so!” sound 54 Word heard in bootcamp, sometimes 57 Bound collection of maps 58 Blast with a ray gun 59 Barely defeats 61 Who might be to blame 62 Big name in VR 63 Lounges around 64 Be a tree pruner 65 Fishy attraction? 66 Ceremonial elegance and splendor 67 Alarming meal? 68 Certain duck 73 Use swear words 74 Words with “step” or “don’t bet” 75 Each one has its limits 76 Silent street performer’s forte 77 Transferable to another owner, in law 78 Juan and Johnson 79 Need to pay back 82 Multiple body trunks
83 Ermine in the summer 84 Flavorful 90 Steep, cold ramp 92 Bright star of Aquila 93 Like a boxer’s eyes, sometimes 94 Like some weights 95 State of agitation 96 Cornered 97 “___ in the bucket” 99 Lover of Shakespeare? 100 Rolled back from the shore 101 Receiver’s catch 102 Solo, opera-style 103 Litter member 104 Deity wielding a bow 105 Lively enthusiasm 106 Big name in auto supplies or wine-growing 107 Big-time failers of Breathalyzer tests
232727
$
CELEBRITY CIPHER
BDBSLVNBSB VPGN AB.”
7:34a
FREE Vacuum
1503 S. Collins Street 813-754-0777
E FESG IO VNI P EA. P GEZB PG
Saturday, March 18
RAINFALL
d e t i m i l n U
“XBPWM PSPJN PJ DBSL ACUN
7:38p
March 27 March 23 New Last
Shipping point: Orlando $8.90 to $10.90
at only Starting month r $ 17.95 pe
7:35a
MONDAY, MARCH 20
STRAWBERRIES
B U L C
Friday, March 17
MOON PHASES
High: 78 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 0%
H S A W
Sunrise Sunset
SUNDAY, MARCH 19 High: 77 Low: 51 Chance of rain: 10%
15
SUNRISE / SUNSET
High: 75 Low: 48 Chance of rain: 0%
Congratulations to this week’s I Love PC Winner. Stop in for your FREE Car Wash.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
|
16
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, MARCH 17, 2017
|
Felton’s Market
FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! Prices Valid March 8 - March 21 Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm Sundays 7am - 8pm Follow us on
Felton’s Market HEAVY WESTERN
FRESH
PRODUCT OF USA FAMILY PACK
PRODUCT OF USA
PRODUCT OF USA
5.99
BONELESS SHOULDER WHOLE BONELESS BEEF BRISKET ROAST $
LB
2.14
$
LB
WHOLE PICNIC CNIC
FRESH
1.89
$
LB
ECONOMY PACK ACK
1.99
$
$ LB
2.49
89
¢
LB
LB
!BG 88?<
B?7 88?< B
YUKON GOLD OR RUSSET POTATOES
BANANAS
SMOKED PORK BUTTS.........................$14.99 EA SMOKED CHICKEN LEG QTRS 6PC PK.... $5.39 EA SMOKED BRISKET ...................................$5.99 LB FRIED CHICKEN - DARK MEAT 8PC PK . $4.99 EA
YELLOW ONIONS COLLARD, 3 LB BAG
1.59
County Line Rd.
4
92
Lakeland
EA
MUSTARD & TURNIP GREENS BUNCH
49
¢
1.49
EACH LB
• Food Stamps, EBT, WIC • Corporate & Organizational Charge Accounts
$
EA
2.99
$
RUSSET POTATOES 10 LB BAG
1.59
$ EA
EA
• Postage Stamps • TECO Payments Accepted • Service Meat Case • Western Union • Full Service Deli • Orlandi Valuta • Major Credit Cards Accepted
234867
LEAN DELI HAM .....................................$2.19 LB BLACK FOREST HAM .............................$4.99 LB WHITE TURKEY BREAST.........................$4.99 LB HARD SALAMI.........................................$6.29 LB
Park Rd.
Maryland Ave. St.
TURKEY WINGS
438319-1
olds
Reyn
FRESH
DIAMOND REEF TILAPIA OR SWAI FILLETS 2 LB PKG ...................................................................$5.79 EA RED ARGENTINA SHRIMP 21/25 CT 2 LB PKG ............................................................................ $12.99 EA FOUR STAR SMOKED SAUSAGE 48 OZ PKG ..................................................................................$8.99 EA SMITHFIELD CHERRYWOOD BACON 1 LB PKG .............................................................................$4.59 EA SWAGGERTY BRATWURST or ITALIAN SAUSAGE 19 OZ PKG .......................................................$3.89 EA CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS (10 LB BAG .59¢ LB) 40 LB BOX ........................................................ $14.99 EA CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS or THIGHS FAMILY PACK ............................................................................. 79¢ LB BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS FAMILY PACK ............................................................... $1.79 LB
$
Baker St.
LB
FAMILY PACK
5 LB BAG
PLANT CITY
PORK CHOPS HOPS
GROUND PORK PAN SAUSAGE
2 PACK
LB
CENTER CUT
FRESH
BOSTON BUTTS
1.49
9 SLABS BOX WEIGHT
BUY 1 GET 1
LB
$
SPARERIBS IBS IB
ECONOMY PACK
NO WATER ADDED ED
99
4.39
LB
I.B.P.
COUNTRY-STYLE RIBS
FRESH
¢
3.19
$
LB
CORNED BEEF BRISKET POINTS
GROUND BEEF $
3.19
REUBEN
FRESH
Sam Allen Rd.
www.feltonsmarket.com
HEAVY WESTERN
$
39
(813) 752-1548
CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES
T-BONE STEAKS
Felton’s offers our customers the very best produce at the best prices. Most of the produce is purchased from local growers. We offer every day the best in produce available plus any seasonal or ethnic produce. We buy daily from the local markets. Come in and compare price and quality against any other store. We guarantee you will enjoy the experience of shopping at Felton Felton’s!
WALKER PLAZA 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City