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REALESTATE SPORTS Custom-built home tops transactions. PAGES 8-9
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+ Chamber hosts Rep. Dennis Ross
US. Rep Dennis Ross was the featured speaker at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s Contact Breakfast March 19, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Building. Ross spoke on a plethora of topics, including immigration, health care, flood insurance and more. Silvia Dodson won the chamber’s Good Egg of the Month award.
FREE • THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014
Strawberry Crest girls are crushing the competition.
O’Brien’s goes green for annual St. Paddy’s Day celebration.
PAGE 11
SEE PAGE 6
everything’s waiting for you … by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
TRIPLE DIGITS
Last December, Plant City added a special events manager to its staff. Hot off the first Railfest, the city already is planning its next event — a food truck rally.
Plant City resident celebrates 103 years
City hopes to build buzz with new downtown events Plant City looks to be much more lively in 2014. Following February’s first Railfest at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, Special Events Manager Deanna Hurley plans to roll out a new
event every month in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. If everything goes according to plan, it won’t just be downtown reaping the benefits: When complete, the new Midtown area will see
plenty of action, as well. “Our hope is that the downtown core will see a new influx of visitors in the businesses, restaurants, parks and other amenities,” City Manager Greg Horwedel
said. “The special events will remind the residents and expose the visitors to the wonderful attributes of downtown and midtown.”
SEE EVENTS / PAGE 4
BLAST FROM THE PAST by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
+ Five earn Eagle Scout designation
Five scouts from Boy Scout Troop 5 will receive the award of Eagle Scout during a celebratory recognition ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, at the Norman McLeod American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St., Plant City. A Scout Court of Honor will be held on behalf of Chase Dunn, Michael Hahn, Isaac Rivers, Christopher Tatum and Spencer Tatum. The rank of Eagle Scout is earned by a Boy Scout who has been a Life Scout for at least six months, earns a minimum of 21 merit badges, demonstrates Scout Spirit, and demonstrates leadership in the troop, team, crew or ship. He must plan, develop, and lead a major community service project— the Eagle Project — that demonstrates both leadership and a commitment to duty.
Amber Jurgensen
Veterans Lance Ham, left, Jay Hays, Ed Duke, Jim Christiansen, Bryan O’Reilly and Bob Johnson helped load the helicopter onto a Texas-bound flatbed trailer.
IN GOOD COMPANY U.S. Army Sgt. Jay Hays, of the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, was among the veterans who saw a Vietnam-era helicopter leave Plant City for its new home, a museum in Texas.
+ Rotary Club donates AEDs
The Noon Rotary Club of Plant City donated recently another 20 Automated External Defibrillators to the Plant City Police Department. Police Capt. Jerry Stwan and Capt. Susan Pruet received the units from Rotary Club President Aaron Davis.
, 3&
This week’s winner is
Bill Turner
See his photo on PAGE 15.
It was Nov. 7, 1968 — the last day weathered Bandit Crew Chief and Platoon Sgt. Jay Hays had to spend in the rotting jungles of Vietnam. When he entered the U.S. Army, he was a strapping 230-pound young man. He left at 150. But, before he flew home, he was taken to see the helicopter in which
he lived, ate, suffered and, most importantly, survived for an entire year. “They wanted me to have one last flight,” Hays said. A current of memories streamed through him like the pulse of his own heartbeat. He had helped rescue 168 people who had been enslaved for eight years on just one mission. He
went on 13 assaults during another, when no one else made it more than three. He dined on steak in the cockpit, once. And he dropped grenades encased in empty peanut butter jars into enemy foxholes below. They didn’t call the 281st Assault
SEE VETRANS / PAGE 4
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Almontha “Rose” Meadows spent her birthday with friends and family, at Health Center of Plant City.
Almontha “Rose” Meadows told her daughter-in-law, Vickie Meadows, to live every day like it’s her last. After all, that’s what Meadows has been doing for more than 100 years, and it seems to be working. Meadows, who simply goes by Rose, celebrated recently her 103rd birthday surrounded by family, friends and staff, at the Health Center of Plant City. On her cake were four pictures, each taken at a different time in her life — ages 2, 15, 23 and 99. Rose was born March 11, 1911, in West Virginia. She married her husband, Fonce, at age 18 and moved to Ohio, where she lived for 70 years. Together, they liked to go fishing and hunting. In one of her black-and-white cake photographs, Rose sits on the ground in the forest in her worn boots, her hand confidently propping her head up. “She’s a very outgoing, very religious woman,” Vickie says. It wasn’t until the spunky 4-foot-10 Rose reached her 30s that she started having her children — Richard, Suzy and Gary. During that time, she worked for 19 years in the lunchroom for Harrison County schools. She was part of different women’s societies, and she loved helping out with her church, whether it was in small groups, bake sales or candy-making. Throughout her life, Rose also collected antiques. She loved to peruse garage sales for hidden treasures. Vickie remembers one year, when she went to visit Rose in Ohio. Rose had an antique couch she needed to pick up from the seller’s house. She promised it would fit in her large station wagon. When they got to the home, the couch was on the front porch waiting for them, but it didn’t fit in the car. The
SEE BIRTHDAY / PAGE 4
sweet story by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Wish Farms releases book ‘Misty the Garden Pixie’ is about a pixie who sweetens berry patches with her magic wand.
Misty the Garden Pixie fluttered off the pages of her very own book onto the grounds of the Florida Strawberry Festival on its last day. In her signature red dress, airy purple wings and strawberry-blond locks, Misty helped with a signing for a brand new children’s book
published by Wish Farms. The book, “Misty the Garden Pixie,” is the vision of Wish Farms’ third-generation family owner, Gary Wishnatzki. It follows friendly pixie, Misty, as she works at the berry patch making sure the berries are sweet with her magic. But, she
doesn’t just make the berries sweet. Pete, a bully pixie, gets some magic dusted on him after his mama brings him to Misty for some help. The book is written by Gary’s wife, Therese Wishnatzki, and illustrated by a family friend, Joey Donovan. “We really wanted it to be about the character,” said AmAmber Jurgensen
SEE MISTY / PAGE 5 Wish Farms’ owner Gary Wishnatzki first conceptualized the book.
INDEX Calendar.......................2
Vol.1,No.34 | Onesection Crossword...................15
Obituaries...................10
Sports.........................11
Weather......................15
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURS., MARCH 20
Black-and-White Nite — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup,101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Vintage sitcoms and sci-fi from the 50s and 60s are played on a large drop-down screen. (813) 7521220. Born to Run — weekly run takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100. Business After Hours — takes place from 5:15 to 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, at Southside Western & Outdoor Wear, 3014 S. James L. Redman Parkway. For more, visit plantcity. org. Casey Stidham — performance takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 7529100. Line Dancing Lessons — takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. (813) 737-4444. Trivia Thursdays — begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.
FRIDAY, MARCH 21 Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park Dedication — takes place at 3 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the park, 1491 Hunter St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcitygov. com.
Friday Night Fun — Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill will offer karaoke, cornhole tournaments, a deejay, darts and more beginning at 7 p.m. Fridays, at the restaurant, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. (813) 737-4444. Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 8 to 11:15 p.m. Fridays, at Stardust Dance Center, 1405 S. Collins St., Plant City. Cost is $5 for members and associate members; $7 for non-members. Band will be Bill Mann. Ken Miller, (863) 409-7714 or pcsocialdanceclub@yahoo.com.
Undercover Betty — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, March 21, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818. Writing Your Memoir — takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday, March 21 and 28, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Local writer Lark Underwood will host this three-part workshop. Participants must commit to attending all three sessions and should bring a notebook, 3-by-5 cards and a pen/pencil. Sign up by calling (813) 757-9215.
SAT., MARCH 22 Amvets Ladies Auxiliary Post 44 Yard Sale — takes place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at 5521 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. Lee Hutchinson, (813) 361-8623. Filling the Toolbox: Bringing Direction to the Discouraged — takes place from 9 a.m. to
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: meng@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
noon Saturday, March 22, at Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road. Are you a parent, coach or teacher of a child who suffered early trauma or disruption? This session, offered by ONE for One Families, focuses on specific interventions for a variety of problematic behaviors. Cost is $30, spouse is free. Partial scholarships available. To register, email deborahschreffler@yahoo.com or call (813) 924-3322.
Introduction to Tatting — Local tatter Edith Wooley will host this class from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. All supplies will be provided. (813) 757-9215. The PeaceMakers — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Grill, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Ribbon Cutting: Antioch Little League — takes place from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at 8510 Franklin Road, Plant City. For more, visit plantcity. org. Ribbon Cutting: The Art of Prevention — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org. Uncork Your Weekend with Faces South — live music from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road,
BEST BET
Plant City Photo Archives & History Center’s 12th annual Evening of Picture Perfect Memories — takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, at the center, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. Community leaders Bill and Gwen Thomas will receive the Heritage Award at the 2014 Plant City. (813) 752-9100. Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup,101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Live music and movies for 16- to 21-yearolds. (813) 752-1220. Youth Fishing Derby — takes place from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, March 22, at a pond on Gordon Food Service Drive, west of Park Road, just behind the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex. Free and
banquet. The Thomases have worked jointly for the betterment of the greater Plant City community. They are longtime Plant City residents who, after 24 years in the U.S. Army, returned in 1993, to Plant City, and have been an integral part of the community ever since. For more, call (813) 754-1578 or visit plantcityphotoarchives.org. open to children ages 5 to 15. Pre-registration can be made until 5 p.m. March 20, at the Recreation Administration offices or by calling (813) 659-4200, Ext. 4302. Registrations also will be accepted on-site at the derby from 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
SUNDAY, MARCH 23 Klassika’s “Popera” — takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 23, at Plant City Entertainment Theatre, 101 N. Thomas St.,
Plant City. Presented by the Arts Council of Plant City, MDHF Productions LLC and Plant City Entertainment Inc., the performance will feature tenor and soprano voices singing pop music. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors or students and $20 for advanced group purchases (10 or more). Dodie, (813) 927-0595. Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 3 to 6 p.m. the fourth Sunday of each month, at Stardust Dance Center, 1405 S. Collins St., Plant City. Cost is $5. Band will be Ron Bennett. Bring a covered dish to share. For more, call Ken Miller, (863) 409-7714 or pcsocialdanceclub@yahoo.com.
MONDAY, MARCH 24 Beginner Square Dance Lessons — classes take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City. First class is free. Plus Square Dance Lessons begin from 8 to 9:30 p.m. (813) 752 0491. Enrollment Assistance Program (Affordable Care Act) — takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Machelle Tulalian, (813) 4224917 or machelle.eaptampa@ gmail.com. Family Movie — takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 24, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. For more, call (813) 757-9215.
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governance by Michael Eng | Editor
WLCA to host Visions Golf at annual meeting The meeting will be the first time Visions Golf’s Steve Mercer addresses Walden Lake residents following his company filing its rezone request.
Visions Golf Managing Partner Steve Mercer and his attorney, land-use specialist Ron Weaver, will make a presentation to Walden Lake residents at the Walden Lake Community Association’s annual meeting next month. The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 10, at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road. The presentation will be Mercer’s first since his company filed its rezone request with Plant City to redevelop portions of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club property. WLCA directors said it is imperative they give Visions Golf a chance to make a presentation before they would take a position on the proposed changes. WLCA President Jan Griffin said she hopes to schedule a meeting with the board’s attorney, Steve Mezer, of Bush Ross, to inform him of the board’s desire to take a position. Since Visions Golf closed The Hills course last May, Walden Lake residents opposing the redevelopment have asked the WLCA to join them in their battle. So far, on the advice of their attorney, board directors have remained neutral. Residents Shelly Orrico, who spearheaded the residents’ anti-development campaign and petition, and George Clifford again asked for the WLCA’s support in her
efforts at the board’s March 17 meeting. However, Griffin said the board must wait until after the directors have a chance to meet with Mezer. The tentative date for that meeting is April 3. “It was two weeks before the last (WLCA) meeting, when Mercer filed for the rezoning,” Clifford said. “The attorney has had six weeks, and we still haven’t gotten any suggestions from him?” Griffin said scheduling conflicts have caused the delay. “We haven’t had an opportunity to have the whole board together to talk to him,” she said. “We are volunteers. ... Now, we are all available, and we will be discussing it with him.” Orrico said the continued delays are frustrating. “I have finally given up on the president and the board,” she said. “After waiting six weeks for a positive response from the board, the response was, ‘We havent spoke with our attorney yet.’ I will move forward and hope that our Walden Lake community and our business owners in Plant City will see the future as it really is: more traffic, our ponds filled in and our cozy way of life altered. ... I feel strongly that, as a community, we can and will stop the rezoning without leadership from our board.” Although Visions Golf filed the rezone request Feb. 19, the
NEWSBRIEFS
city deemed the application incomplete, because it was missing information. WLCA Director Bob Hunter said the city should be sending a detailed letter to Visions Golf this week detailing those missing items. Hunter also said the city will ask Ramond Chiaramonte, executive director of the Hillsborough County CityCounty Planning Commission, to determine whether a Comprehensive Plan landuse change is required, in addition to the rezone of the property. Hunter, who held that position before he retired, said a land-use change takes anywhere from six months to a year to complete, and it typically is done before the rezoning process. Weaver — of Tampa-based firm Stearns, Weaver, Miller, Weissler, Alhadeff and Sitterson — said the proposed redevelopment would translate to a dramatic improvement in the community. Weaver said the project would have significant economic impacts on Plant City, including 100 permanent jobs, $300 million in revenues, $20 million in construction wages and more. He also said the development likely would include an expansion of Laurel Lake — and not filling in the lake as WLCA directors speculated last month. The proposed multi-family units would not
IN OTHER NEWS • WLCA leaders directed On-Site Manager Lee Weiss to obtain quotes for updating and/or replacing the two security guard gates and cameras in the community. The directive came after one of the gates malfunctioned and was stuck in the down position. • Weiss also met with U.S. Security Associates regarding the behavior of one its officers stationed at the Alexander Street guard gate. Weiss said he had received complaints regarding the officer’s demeanor, use of profanity and impersonating an officer of the law. Weiss asked the company to find a suitable replacement, but as of March 17, the officer still was stationed at Walden Lake. • The annual Walden Lake community garage sale will take place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 26. • The board approved the installation of a sign denoting the entrance for The Hammocks as a designated Florida native plant garden. The neighborhood had previously had problems with landscaping workers mistaking the garden as weeds and trimming the plants with their weed eaters. be apartments but rather condominiums, villas and townhomes, and resulting improvements to the country club amenities would include a new clubhouse and banquet facilities, new cart paths, bridges, bathrooms and fairway turf, and a renovated fitness center and pool. “We’re working hard to be a good citizen,” he said. “We want to restore (Walden Lake Golf & Country Club) to its former glory.” Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
NEIGHBORHOOD by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Whispering Woods commuity transitions to resident control
Members of the new HOA have several projects they would like to examine for the community. With the construction nearly complete and most of the homes sold in Plant City’s Whispering Woods, builder DR Horton transitioned leadership last month to the community’s first homeowners association board. Moving forward, the new, four-member HOA, with the help of management company Meritus Associations, will be charged with managing the community’s HOA dues and the upkeep of its common areas. Although the new board won’t meet until April, its members already have ideas for new projects and improvements to the 143-home neighborhood. “We want to start off on the right foot and get as many people involved in the community as much as we can,” said Clay Keel, one of the inaugural HOA board members. “We want to be smart about what to do with the dues.” Keel said improvements to the playground and nature trail — two of its main amenities — are high priorities. Poor grading caused the playground to flood, and water will sit inside the equipment, which also collects trash, natural debris and wildlife. Bolts from the equipment also stick out of the ground. The trail also needs maintenance and clearing. The HOA also hopes to make changes to the com-
STAY IN TOUCH
The Whispering Woods Homeowners Association has launched a Facebook page to keep in touch with the community’s residents: https://www. facebook.com/pages/ Whispering-WoodsHomeowners-Associatio n/628023107252272? ref=hl. The HOA also can be reached via email, at whisperingwoodspc@ gmail.com. munity’s cluster mailbox, including adding covering and lighting to make the boxes safer and more convenient. Congestion from parallel parking is another concern. Currently, many residents park on the side of the road, rather than in their driveways. There are also no posted speed limit signs. The average speed limit is 30 mph within residential areas, including Whispering Woods. The HOA hopes the city can help determine whether that is a safe speed limit on its streets. Keel is joined on the HOA by three others — Larry Kimbley, Delores Farrell and Michael Eng. The HOA is looking for one more member at the board meeting in April. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
KITCHEN COMPETITION by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
+ Hillsborough Title announces partnership
Hillsborough Title President and CEO Aaron Davis announced March 18, the acquisition of HomePlus Title, as well as the Hillsborough Title family of companies’ expansion into Polk County. It is the company’s second acquisition in four months. Through HomePlus Title, the company now will serve Polk County through offices in Lakeland and Winter Haven. “We are excited about the merger of our two companies,” Davis said. “We share a lot of the same values in the way we conduct business. We are thrilled to welcome the HomePlus team to our family.” Cathy L. Morrison has owned and operated HomePlus Title since 2007. “We ... are excited to join the Hillsborough Title family,” she said. “We have a strong foothold in Polk County and are excited to bring the additional service and resources of Hillsborough Title and its affiliated companies to join ours.”
+ City plans dedication ceremony for Brewer Park
The city will host a dedication ceremony for the new Dr. Hal & Lynn Brewer Park at 3 p.m. Friday, March 21, at the park, 1491 Hunter St.
+ Meat market owner arrested on sex charges
The co-owner of the Hungry Gator Meat Market in Historic Downtown Plant City was arrested March 8, on sex charges. Christopher Shane Smith, 36, was arrested on two counts of lewd or lascivious battery, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was a girl under the age of 16. Both offenses occurred at Smith’s residence in Lutz in February. The investigation is ongoing.
+ FDOT plans I-4 detours this month
The Florida Department of Transportation announced last week two days of Interstate 4 closures in Polk County, because of CSX railroad track repairs at the Kathleen Road overpass. I-4 will close westbound from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Regional traffic will leave I-4 westbound at Exit 41 and follow the Polk Parkway to I-4 westbound. Tolls westbound on the Polk Parkway will be suspended. The highway also will close eastbound from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, March 30. Regional traffic will leave I-4 eastbound at Exit 27 and follow the Polk Parkway to I-4 eastbound. Tolls eastbound on the Polk Parkway will be suspended.
+ Correction
In the Feb. 27 edition, the article, “Charges pending following deadly accident,” stated incorrectly accident victim Keith A. Davis’ place of employment. He worked delivering papers for The Tampa Tribune.
Courtesy photo
Adrian Morales, left, Bailie McEntire, Brooke Simone, Jamil Naranjo and Ryan Laycock were members of the Chargers’ team at the ProStart Culinary Team Competition.
CHEFS’ SPECIAL
Strawberry Crest High School’s culinary team just returned from the ProStart Culinary Team Competitions, where it battled 62 other teams in the kitchen and on the dining room floor.
Nine of Strawberry Crest High School’s top chefs took a two-day trip to Orlando last week to slice and dice statewide competition. But, this isn’t some typical home economics coursework: This was serious, five-star business. The Chargers competed against 62 other schools March 4 and 5, in the ProStart Culinary Team Competition, an event sponsored by Johnson & Wales University. The competition’s recipe called for to two timed portions: the culinary competition, during which the cooking magic happened, and the waiter’s relay. Crest placed 13th in the culinary event and 25th in the relay. In the culinary competition, teams of five chefs prepared a three-course meal for a panel of judges. In addition to that, they also were judged on their knifehandling skills. Competitors were asked to break down an entire
chicken into eight pieces, using four knife cuts of their own choosing. The chefs were judged not only on the quality of their food but also on their communication and leadership skills, proper use of sanitation procedures and the degree of difficulty. The waiter’s relay saw teams of four operate as a real waitstaff, doing the best work they could in the shortest possible time. If their teacher, Paul Bonanno, considers the Chargers’ work to have been a five-star meal, there’s a good chance it was. Before arriving at Strawberry Crest in January 2013, he was the executive chef at Bernini, in Ybor City. Crest’s previous chef, program founder Ken Melton, was actually one of Bonanno’s former employees. “(Melton) left to open his own restaurant in Riverview, and he gave me the heads-up about this job when he left,” Bonanno says.
Bonanno now oversees a program with about 125 students, teaching Culinary 1-4 and Hospitality and Specialties. The goal is to make it easy for all students to enter the restaurant business and thrive there. “Obviously, we want them to go to college first, but we want them to be able to walk into any professional restaurant and get a job,” Bonanno says. He picked nine of his standouts — chefs Bailie McEntire, Bryan Laycock, Adrian Morales, Jamil Naranjo and Brooke Simone; and waiters Will Lewis, Travis Searfoss, Olivia Houghtalin and JoLynn Smith — for the ProStart competitions. They likely will be back in action in other competitions. Although the recent competition is arguably the state’s largest, the FCCLA hosts two or three others each year. Although the team didn’t finish
THE MENU
We won’t blame you if your mouth starts watering once you read about the meal that Strawberry Crest’s team prepared. Unlike most of their peers, these kids can go way beyond cooking mac-andcheese in the microwave. The Chargers started things off with a butter-poached shrimp and scallop salad, then went big for the main course. They served pan-seared duck breast, with caramelized sweet potatoes, pancetta, seared asparagus and black grape agrodulce (Italian for “sweet and sour”). Dessert was a concoction dubbed “Crepe Neapolitan,” which was a chocolate crepe with strawberry cream cheese filling, vanilla yogurt sauce and crushed pistachios. as high as it had hoped, Bonanno and the Chargers are proud of their work. “We didn’t make the top five, but the students still produced a fivestar meal, in my book,” he says. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
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SHOW OF SUPPORT
Judy and Ed Wise, of the Plant City Elks Lodge, were on-site for support. They first heard about the effort through Lance Ham Jr., who also is involved with the Elks. Anita Duke, the wife of Ed Duke, will be riding with Ed and Jay Hays to deliver the helicopter to the museum. Chris Brewington, D.J. Brewington, David Brewington and Jeremy Wood were on the team that helped crane the helicopter from Ham’s trailer to the transport trailer.
THE VETERANS Bob Johnson Lance Ham Jay Hays Bryan O’Reilly Jim Christiansen Ed Duke
VETERANS / PAGE 1 Helicopter Company “Hell from Above” for nothing. “I said: ‘God bless. Hope you have a good life,’” Hays said about his departing thoughts to the helicopter. “I never thought I’d see it again.” But, he did — 45 years later — sitting across a cow pasture in Plant City. The helicopter was decommissioned last fall and was found by a group of local Vietnam veterans who wished to save it from the junk yard. They picked it up from a hangar in Sanford and stored it at Plant City resident Lance Ham’s home off Joe McIntosh Road. It sat there for months, under the watchful eye of Ham and another Plant City veteran, Bob Johnson. The aircraft was waiting to be transported to the H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum of Texas, in Huntsville,
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD If you are interested in Plant City’s upcoming special events, visit the City of Plant City Special Events Facebook page, facebook.com/plantcityspecialevents, or contact Deanna Hurley at events@plantcitygov.com or (813) 659-4200, Ext. 4101.
EVENTS / PAGE 1 Hurley, who assumed the role of special events manager in December, has been hard at work bringing new ideas to the table and engaging with the community through social media. Although the event calendar is not yet complete — only two big events have been set in stone — there are already a few things for residents and visitors to look forward to in the upcoming summer months.
FOOD TRUCK FRENZY
The first of two big events is the Food Truck Round-Up, to be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 16, at McCall Park. The city will partner with the Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally to bring vendors, from Plant City and beyond, to the park to whet more than a few appetites. “Food trucks have become incredibly popular in the Tampa Bay area,” said Michael Blasco, CEO of Tampa Bay
where it will be painted as it was those many decades ago. That day finally came on March 17. Hays traveled from Ohio to help transport the helicopter, with the help of veteran Ed Duke and his wife, Anita. When he entered Ham’s property, he didn’t know if he’d be able to come face-toface with the machine that, on so many occasions, not only shielded him from death but also dropped him into the middle of chaos. “I didn’t know if I could walk up to this,” Hays said. “It was hard to see it there.” Hays stopped on the dirt road alongside Ham’s home. Ham walked with him the rest of the way. “You just get misty-eyed,” veteran Bryan O’Reilly said. O’Reilly had come from Brandon to help prepare the helicopter for transport, along with Jim Christiansen. But, it was Brewington’s
Food Truck Rally. “Food truck rallies occur regularly in Tampa, Lakeland, St. Pete and other communities. We are really excited to partner with Plant City to bring a rally downtown.” According to Hurley, the trucks will line up on Drane Street — which will be closed from Evers Street to Palmer Street — and the location will allow hungry visitors to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy a nice meal outdoors.
NO MEN ALLOWED
The second planned event, Girls’ Night Out, will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 11, and will focus the attention on Plant City’s downtown retail shops. Downtown businesses will stay open later than, and some even will offer special promotions and activities for the occasion. “The goal for this event is to promote downtown businesses, to provide an alternative for ladies to hang out instead of going to the mall or to the movies,” Hurley said. Hurley currently is in communication with several salons, boutiques and other businesses to encourage participation. Downtown’s newest eatery, Top Shelf Sports Bar, will be open by July and already has pledged to host a special promotion that night. The Art Lounge has committed to staying open for the event, and Hillary Jackson, with Mary Kay, will have a station providing
Towing Service that did most of the heavy lifting. Chris Brewington, D.J. Brewington, David Brewington and Jeremy Wood showed up to beat the rain by raising the helicopter from Ham’s trailer to the transport trailer. “I’m not sad to see it go; it’s sat here a while,” Ham said, smiling. “I want to go see it in the museum, if I can get there.” During its time in Ham’s yard, many passers-by stopped to ask him if he was restoring it. And although it won’t ever fly again, many more people will get to enjoy it once its on display. After all, it’s had a lifetime in the air. After Vietnam, it spent time in the Argentine Air Force, as well as being used by the National Guard. “I can’t believe I got to see it again,” Hays said. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
facials, makeovers and other more. There will also be a raffle, with one a simple entry fee: Every $10 spent at local businesses will translate to one entry. “The more money you spend, the greater your chance of winning the raffle,” Hurley said. “We’re not sure what the prizes will be, or what charity we’re going to work with, but there will definitely be a raffle.” Originally, this event was scheduled for next month. But, a series of scheduling conflicts, including Plant City’s annual Relay for Life, happening on the same day, convinced Hurley to reschedule her event. Beyond Girls’ Night Out, the event schedule is still a work in progress, but Hurley will provide information and promote events on the City of Plant City Special Events Facebook page as more details become available. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
If you are a food truck vendor looking to get involved with May’s Food Truck Round-Up, contact Tampa Bay Food Truck Rally CEO Michael Blasco, on his company’s website, tampabayfoodtruckrally. com/contact.
Courtesy photo
Almontha Rose Meadows’ 103rd birthday cake featured photos from four different periods of her life.
BIRTHDAY / PAGE 1 two women — Rose in her 80s — single-handedly lifted the couch on top of the car and secured it. Her favorite antique was another piece of furniture, a French provincial couch she had recovered. She would warn visitors to her home not to sit down too hard. “That’s one of her pride and joys, that couch,” Vickie says. As the years passed, Rose watched her friends and family slowly disappear. She says watching family pass away is the hardest thing about getting older. She took care of her mother-in-law, mother and husband, until he died. She lived alone in Ohio until she was 90. Vickie and her husband, Richard, moved her down to a little house on their property in Willow Oak. She lived in her quaint cot-
tage until she was 100. For her 100th birthday, friends and family gathered from as far away as Alaska to celebrate at a party held at The Club at Eaglebrooke, in Lakeland. Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were able to spend time with her. “They think of her like she’s the Energizer Bunny,” Vickie says. “She keeps going and going.” Not even two strokes and a wheelchair could slow her down. She’s been at Health Center off Wilder Road for 18 months after her health, both mental and physical, declined. But she still loves visits from Vickie and Richard, who visit her every day. “She’s one of a kind,” Vickie says. “I love her.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
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MISTY / PAGE 1 ber Kosinsky, director of marketing for Wish Farms. In fact, there is quite a story behind the Misty persona. In 2010, Wish Farms rebranded and wanted to adopt a new logo. Several different icons arose, including a shooting star. But, it was Misty, nameless at the time, that tested well. Since then, the company has added more details to her, such as the red dress and strawberry-blond hair, which was influenced by Vice President of Operations Andy Gutierrez. About a year ago, Kosinsky and Wishnatzki were talking about branding again. They brainstormed an idea to play off Misty and give her life — a children’s book. “Our lightbulbs went off,” Wishnatzki said. The book also coincided with the birth of the Wishnatzki’s first grandchild. The book is dedicated to William James Peterson, who was born Oct, 27, the same day as his mother, Elizabeth. Misty certainly has taken on a life of her own. She has her own page on the Wish Farms website that features a Pixie Training video on classes Misty teaches. The training includes courses in skipping, wandwaving and smiling. She also writes a blog about recipes and stories. Kosinsky and Wishnatzki
COPS The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
MARCH 6
HAVE YOU STOLEN A FORD, LATELY?
600 block of Walter Drive. Stolen Vehicle. The victim left her vehicle running and unattended while she went back into her apartment. While she was inside, unknown suspect(s) stole her red 2003 Ford Expedition, Florida tag BTUY58.
MARCH 7
FIVE-FINGER DISCOUNT
2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail Theft Arrest. Officers responded to this store in reference to the suspect, who was caught stealing by lossprevention officials. After an investigation, the suspect was arrested and transported to the Orient Road Jail.
INFO
“Misty the Garden Pixie” is for sale for $4.95 online at wishfarms. com/misty/ or at The Corner Store, 121 E. Reynolds St. Children also can view her videos and more at wishfarms. com/misty.
FUN FACTS
What is Misty’s job on the farms? Misty’s position at Wish Farms is to magically enhance the sweetness of the berries. What are Misty’s favorite hobbies? She likes to spend time on the farm, looking over the berries. She also enjoys wand waving, twirling and smiling. What is Misty’s favorite food? Strawberries and blueberries, of course!
hope to keep growing Misty as an icon. There currently are no plans for a second book, but Kosinsky said it is a possibility. They have attended Great American Teach-In events in the past to teach local students about farming. In the future, they hope to bring Misty
MANATEE
Source: Wish Farms
along to read the book to the students. And on Misty’s webpage, they want to create and produce a video about Pete that will serve as a prequel to the book. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
CORNER
STICKER SHOCK
1300 block of South Walker Street. Theft From Vehicle. The victim reported the registration decal for his 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche was taken at an unknown time, while it was parked at his residence.
QUICK CASH
Intersection of Lowry Avenue and Violet Street. Vehicle Burglary. The victim stated unknown suspect(s) entered her 2005 Hyundai Elantra and stole $30 from her wallet and a gold chain from the cup holder.
MARCH 8
FORD FOUND
3500 block of West Baker Street. Recovered Stolen SUV. A red 2003 Ford Expedition was stolen March 6. This morning, the victim located the SUV behind the business, unlocked and unoccupied. The SUV was returned to the victim.
MARCH 12
BELIEVE IN YOUR SMELLF
2100 block of West Baker Street. Retail Theft. The store employee advised a male took a bottle of Old Spice body wash, valued at $5.79. The subject was wearing a black shirt and black parachute-type pants with a white stripe down the side. The Hispanic suspect had a medium build, was in his early 20s, no facial hair and short black hair. A check of the area for the subject was unsuccessful.
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LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR + Cone Ranch development will damage small-town feel
Dear Editor: We are Plant City. We’ve chosen — not an accident but chosen — to raise our families here. Why? Because there are few rural small towns left, and it is a beautiful land. Real Floridians have seen the rape and loss of our natural landscape by this exact thing all over the state. Trust me: I grew up in South Florida. How much growth is really needed? When do we stand up and say enough is enough? We are building right up to the edge of wetlands in South Florida, only to find out later (really?) they’ve damaged the natural water management and it is costing millions to re-purchase and restore what should never have been built upon in the first place. The commute for jobs to Lakeland, Brandon, Tampa, Orlando, New Tampa and Lutz is not that far. We’ve purchased land zoned for minimal housing only to have this overturned by big government. Now, developers will squeeze every inch out of this beautiful land. There are eagles, sandhill cranes, gopher turtles, deer and spoonbills all living and breeding here. Who designated the
Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned
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110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG
boundaries of the Significant Wildlife Boundaries (check out Northeast Master Plan, page 46)? It’s a done deal, and I can only hope the developers stand by their claim to maintain the beauty of the land. But anything less than one house per two to five acres is not preserving the natural beauty. Soon, we’ll be re-naming our sweet town New Orplantaland without boundaries. Look at Brandon 20 years ago, for goodness sakes! Liz Aubrey Plant City
+ Search should be national for city manager
Dear Editor: I trust a good search committee and a recruiter will be put on this to locate a solid replacement (for City Manager Greg Horwedel). With the interconnectivity of the Internet, a suitable replacement need not come from Florida but could be found virtually anywhere in the United States. Best wishes to the search committee. Gil Gott Executive director, Plant City Photo Archives & History Center
+ Lack of transparency concerns Plant City mom
Dear Editor: As a mother, I am concerned with the lack of transparency that is going on with Common Core being implemented in Hillsborough County and the state. While doing my Kindergarten Round Up, I was told by an assistant principal that the school (Shiloh Charter) is field-testing Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers test this spring (confirmed in an article at stateimpact.npr.org/ florida/2014/01/09/floridas-outbut-hillsborough-schools-aregiving-parcc-a-trial-run/). This is the same test the state board said it was not using and searching for a new test. How are we to trust these people with our children, when they can’t even be honest with us about what they are doing with our children when they are in there care. What else are they hiding with Common Core? CB Simmons Plant City
EASY BEING GREEN by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
O’Brien’s celebrates Irish heritage with St. Paddy’s bash Party-goers enjoyed three days of festivities during O’Brien’s Irish Pub of Plant City’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend March 15 to 17. The pub kicked off its green events March 15 with two stages of live music. The next day, the fun continued with more live music and a Family Fun Day. Finally, the pub concluded the fun with a bash March 17.
+ Walden Lake resident applauds commissioners
Dear Commissioner Mike Sparkman, Vice Mayor Rick Lott and city leaders: Thank you for your leadership on this topic. We, our family and our good neighbors have been hurting very badly from all of this. Don Marshall Walden Lake
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CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
Plant City Times &
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“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
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spotlight by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Above and Beyond Trapnell Elementary volunteer Mimi Copen has a big heart and a passion for students. Mimi Copen is a familiar face in the halls of Trapnell Elementary School. She’s there every week, but not because she’s a paid faculty member — she’s a dedicated volunteer. Sitting in the inner courtyard, the feisty, leopard printwearing mom says hello to almost everyone who walks by. They know the familiar face as an instrumental part of the school. Copen has been volunteering for more than four years. “I love to help — that’s me,” Copen says. “I love, love, love doing things for my kids. It’s all about them, and it’s all about other (kids), too.” “She does so much for the school and with PTA,” fellow volunteer Gwen Trapnell says. Copen has had five children go to Trapnell. She first saw a need when she was helping out with Santa’s Workshop. Students have the opportunity to go shopping at a small marketplace brought to the school to buy presents for their family and friends. When a little girl bought a beaded bracelet for $15, she was so proud. But a couple of weeks later, Mimi saw the same bracelet at discount store for a dollar. “That made me so mad,” Copen says about the markup. So, Copen decided to take matters into her own hands. She took over the workshop and vowed to have quality
Amber Jurgensen
Mimi Copen has helped with Trapnell Elementary’s butterfly garden, Santa’s Workshop and much more. items for $10 and under. Because her children play traveling soccer, she visits stores wherever she goes, looking for good deals. But, Copen doesn’t limit her finds to just the workshop. She also uses them in a similar marketplace for Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. Even more touching, Copen often buys clothing items for students in need referred to her by faculty members. She encourages her kids to have giving hearts, as well. Each year, she takes $50 out of their Christmas gifts for them to give to charity. “Mimi is very unselfish,” Trapnell says. “I have seen her go and buy clothes and shoes for needy families at out school. Mimi has done so many great things at Trapnell — I can’t even begin to list them all.” One is the school’s butterfly garden. It was destroyed last
summer after a new AC unit was installed. Copen visited different business to ask for donations to revive the garden. “She made sure all of our plants were replaced and beautiful for the children,” Trapnell says. “She was even out there in the beginning of the year cleaning the landscaping at Trapnell.” But now that her youngest, Bo, 10, will be moving on to middle school, Copen says she won’t be volunteering as much. “It’s so hard for me to get out of here,” Copen said. “I know I’ll miss the kids. I know I’m going to miss their laugh. I’m just so, so lucky to have been part of this family.” Still, she might not be completely gone from the school grounds. “I’ll come in whenever they need me,” Copen said. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
EDUCATION by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Bailey Elementary, Strawberry Crest team up for festival, 5K The Bailey Elementary Running Club and Strawberry Crest High have joined forces for this year’s Strawberry Reads Festival. They also will introduce a new event. That old saying about the three “Rs” used to go like this: “Reading, Writing and ‘Rithmetic.” At Bailey Elementary and Strawberry Crest High School this weekend, it’ll be “Reading, Writing and Running.” Bailey’s Running Club, now in its second year, will host a 5K this weekend, at neighboring Strawberry Crest High School, in conjunction with the annual Strawberry Reads Festival. The new event falls in line with the school’s mission to promote healthy lifestyles among its students and should draw more people to this year’s festival. “I wanted something here at school for our club to participate in, and this is the perfect venue,” Running Club head Margaret Kus says. Kus founded the club in 2012, after Hillsborough County promoted a healthy-living initiative through promoting similar clubs at other schools. “It is very important to teach younger kids to be active and lead a healthy lifestyle,” Kus
says. “I am also a runner, so I am able to share my love of the sport with them.” Students must maintain good grades and get a teacher’s recommendation to join the club, which meets after school on most Wednesdays. After an educational session, the students go outside and run laps — six for every mile. They track their mileage with special cards. Runners earn a necklace with a foot charm after the first five miles and can earn another charm at every additional three miles. According to Kus, many students already have passed the 20-mile mark. Last year, Kus estimates the club had about 90 to 100 members, from second through fifth grades. This year, the club has 120 members. Looking to get more involved with the school, the club decided to bring a 5K to the Strawberry Reads Festival, and Strawberry Crest agreed to provide the venue for the run. Proceeds from the entry fees will
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, March 22 (5K lasts until 11 a.m.) WHERE: Bailey Elementary School, 4630 Gallagher Road, Dover. The 5K will be held at neighboring Strawberry Crest. DETAILS: Guest storytellers, literacy booths, face painting, games, crafts, prizes and more COST: Free parking and admission; food and books available for purchase. go to the purchase of water, ribbons and other items related to the event. The festival also will feature a number of special guest readers and storytellers, along with some literacy booths, and there also will be games and fun for everyone. Children can make crafts, get their faces painted and make some new, furry friends at the petting zoo. All funds raised benefit future festivals. For more, contact Joyanne Herdman at joyanne.herdman@sdhc.k12.fl.us. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!
Daniel and Charlotte Rehn took the Plant City Times & Observer with them on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, aboard the Brilliance of the Seas. “Thanks to all that work so hard to make it an awesome paper,” the Rehns said. If you want to be featured in It’s Read Everywhere, snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.
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REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS by Michael Eng | Editor
Custom four-bedroom home tops transactions A custom-built home north of Interstate 4 was the top residential real-estate transaction in February. The home at 8225 Todd Place sold for $300,200 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, fourand-one-half baths and 3,042 square feet of living area on 1.01 acres. The price per square foot is $98.69.
ALEXANDER WOODS
The townhome at 207 Al-
exander Woods Drive sold for $106,000. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,695 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $62.54.
CORK
The home at 4517 Cork Road sold for $220,500 (short sale). Built in 1987, it has five bedrooms, three baths and 4,048 square feet of living area (including a mother-in-law suite) on one acre. The price
per square foot is $73.80.
COUNTRY HILLS EAST
The home at 4426 Country Hills Blvd. sold for $95,000 (short sale). Built in 2002, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,293 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $73.47.
GIBSON TERRACE
The home at 1409 E. Cherry St. sold for $45,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1957, it has two
bedrooms, one bath and 880 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $51.14.
GILCHRIST
The home at 703 E. Gilchrist St. sold for $32,020 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1929, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 720 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $44.47.
GRACE ACRES
The home at 5708 Bob Head Road sold for $155,000 (REO/
bank owned). Built in 1973, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,858 square feet of living area on 3.43 acres. The price per square foot is $83.42.
HILLSBORO PARK
The home at 1802 N. Franklin St. sold for $87,900. Built in 1953, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 1,408 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $62.43.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY
The custom-built home at 1403 S. Wiggins Road sold for $232,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1971, it has five bedrooms, four baths, a pool and 4,962 square feet of living area on 4.9 acres. The price per square foot is $46.76. The manufactured home at 4809 Bruton Road sold for $182,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,052 square feet of living area on 9.5 acres. The price per square foot is $88.69. The home at 3905 Cooper Road sold for $175,000. Built in 1977, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,672 square feet of living area on 1.24 acres. The price per square foot is $104.67. The home at 6707 Kinard Road sold for $114,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,176 square feet of living area on 3.1 acres. The price per square foot is $96.94. The home at 3868 Boot Bay Road sold for $110,000. Built in 1972, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,372 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $80.17. The home at 6709 Five Acre Road sold for $102,000 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1984, it has three bedrooms, one bath, a pool and 1,068 square feet of living area on 2.39 acres. The price per square foot is $95.51. The mobile home at 7121 Dormany Loop sold for $66,900. Built in 1998, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,560 square feet of living area on 1.18 acres. The price per square foot is $42.88. The home at 2349 Rising Sun Road sold for $65,000. Built in 1967, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 3,472 square feet of living area on 3.33 acres. The price per square foot is $18.72. The home at 1114 Rightaway Lane sold for $42,099 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1960, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,302 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $32.33.
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN
The home at 706 N. Collins St. sold for $237,000. Built in 1930, it has six bedrooms, four baths and 3,428 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $69.14.
HOPEWELL
The manufactured home at 2508 Old Hopewell Road sold for $40,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,440 square feet of living area on 1.1 acres. The price per square foot is $27.28.
KENTWOOD PARK
The home at 2302 Maki Road,
MONTHLY SNAPSHOT
High Sale Price: $300,200 Low Sale Price: $19,000 Average Sale Price: $128,769 Median Sale Price: $118,000 Short Sales: Six REO/Bank Owned: 13
DAYS ON THE MARKET Average Days on the Market: 80 Zero to 30: 21 31 to 60: Six 61 to 90: Seven 91-120: Seven 120-plus: Eight
No. 42 sold for $38,000. Built in 1987, it has two bedrooms, oneand-one-half baths and 896 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $42.41. This studio condominium at 2302 Maki Road, No. 10 sold for $26,000. Built in 1987, it has one bath and 460 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $56.52.
MERRIN ACRES
The home at 1704 W. Knights Griffin Road sold for $60,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,958 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $30.64.
MIDWAY ACRES
The home at 3501 Austin Trail Lane sold for $235,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,918 square feet of living area on 1.23 acres. The price per square foot is $122.52.
MULRENNAN ESTATES
The home at 1407 Buell Court sold for $185,000 (short sale). Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,366 square feet of living area on 1.03 acres. The price per square foot is $78.19.
OAKWOOD ESTATES
The home at 1709 Oakwood Estates Drive sold for $169,000. Built in 2005, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,000 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.50.
PLANT CITY
The home at 806 N. Wilder Road sold for $134,900. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,307 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $103.21. The home at 804 Cason St. sold for $87,500 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1987, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,867 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $46.87. The home at 2105 Jerry Lynn Court sold for $62,100 (REO/ bank owned). Built in 1971, it has three bedrooms, one bath and 960 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $64.69. The home at 1602 Sammonds Road sold for $53,000. Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 912 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $58.11. The home at 808 W. Risk St.
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sold for $25,100 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1927, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,240 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $20.24. The home at 608 Hillsboro St. sold for $19,000. Built in 1951, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 624 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $30.45.
POLPIN ACRES
The home at 5306 Hassell Court sold for $125,000 (short sale). Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,402 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $89.16.
SEMINOLE LAKE ESTATES
Amber Jurgensen
The home at 3308 N. Lake This home, at 8225 Todd Place, sold for $300,200 (REO/bank owned). It features four bedrooms, four-and-one-half baths and 3,042 square feet of living area on Drive sold for $100,000. Built 1.01 acres. in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,158 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $86.36.
SUGAR CREEK
The home at 301 Sugar Creek Drive sold for $118,000. Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,457 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $80.99.
WALDEN LAKE
The home at 2611 Clubhouse Drive sold for $275,000. Built in 1996, it has four bedrooms, three baths, a pool and 2,538 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $108.35. The home at 3226 Kilmer Drive sold for $228,000. Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,286 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $99.74. The home at 2917 Clubhouse Drive sold for $196,500. Built in 1992, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,072 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $94.84. The home at 4103 Thackery Way sold for $190,000. Built in 1990, it has four bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 2,090 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $90.91. The home at 2904 Juniper Lake Place sold for $180,000. Built in 2001, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,989 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $90.50. The home at 1473 Walden Oaks Place sold for $140,000. Built in 1991, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,478 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $94.72. The home at 3314 Kilmer Place sold for $125,500 (short sale). Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,400 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $52.29. The home at 4309 Longfellow Drive sold for $123,000. Built in 1989, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,402 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $87.73. The villa at 103 Valencia N. Court sold for $119,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,542 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.17. The villa at 102 Granada S. Court sold for $114,000. Built in 1980, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,581 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $72.11. The home at 1904 Teakwood Drive sold for $102,000 (short sale). Built in 1976, it has three bedrooms, two baths, a pool and 1,934 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $52.74.
WHISPERING WOODS
The home at 2612 Walden Woods Drive sold for $247,490. Built in 2013, it has four bedrooms, two-and-one-half baths and 2,701 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $91.63. The home at 808 Bronze Bush Court sold for $189,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,844 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $103.03. The home at 2615 Holly Bluff Court sold for $171,900. Built in 2013, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,554 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $110.68.
WIGGINS MEADOW
The mobile home at 3522 Wiggins Meadow Court sold for $62,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,248 square feet of living area on 1.14 acres. The price per square foot is $49.68.
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FAITH MATTERS
Lent: ‘Spring Cleaning’ for Christians “Do not remember the — to liberate ourselves of our former things, or consider the burdens of sin we have carried, things of old. I am about to do the attitudes and judgments a new thing; now it springs that separate us from God and forth, do you not perceive it? I from one another. will make a way in the Lent is a new wilderness and rivers in beginning. The past the desert.” — Isaiah 43: is over; the future 18-19 lies ahead. As Isaiah On March 5, the promised: “Do Christian church began not remember the her Lenten pilgrimage to former things, or Calvary’s holy mountain. consider the things We must now turn our of old. I am about to attention to our walk of do a new thing; now THE REV. it springs forth, do faith. May I suggest a DEAN R. new perspective on the you not perceive it? PFEFFER weeks that lie ahead? I will make a way in Rather than viewing the wilderness and Lent as a 40-day trudgrivers in the desert.” ing through self-denial and In our wilderness the Lord darkness, let’s look forward to gives water; in the desert he these days of Lent, as a time of creates rivers, drink for you abundant grace poured out on and me, his chosen people. God’s repentant people. We who are paralyzed by Lent is an opportunity to our sin will hear Jesus’ words: houseclean — some have even “Son (Daughter), your sins are called Lent “Spring Cleaning or forgiven. ... Take up your mat Spring Training for Christians” and go home” (Mark 2: 5b, 11).
There is no experience like having your sins forgiven, the burden of guilt and the past lifted miraculously from our shoulders. The forgiveness we receive from God that we hear each Sunday morning in the words of Holy Absolution is like a cold drink of water on a hot, muggy August Florida afternoon. Is it any wonder that a Song of Praise is sung following those awesome words of forgiveness? We have to rejoice and sing praise for what God is doing for us in Christ Jesus! Our forgiveness is the removal of a barrier between God and us so that we can see his face more clearly. “All things are created new” (2 Cor. 5:17). Discovering the living streams of forgiveness is an opportunity that lies before each of us as we continue on our Lenten journey this season. The people of God have experienced the grace of Lent for centuries—please don’t
think Lent is a creation of the modern church. It is just as the Lord promised: “I, am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins” (Isaiah 43:25). We at Hope encourage you to join us this Lenten season as we “return to the Lord our God for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Joel 2). You will find, as you return to the Lord with hearts and lives of repentance, that in the midst of this desert of Lent ... there you will find Lenten water for your parched soul. Spirit of God: Illuminate the dark places in the lives of your people. Make this Lenten season a time of true renewal and promise for your church. The Rev. Dean R. Pfeffer is the senior pastor at Hope Lutheran Church, Plant City. For more, email him at hopepcpastor@ gmail.com.
OBSERVEROBITUARIES James Andrew ‘Boz’ Boswell
James Andrew “Boz” Boswell, 32, died March 11, 2014. He is survived by his parents, John and Nadine Boswell; sister, Amy Lefevre (Tracy); nieces, Megan Lefevre and Katie Lefevre; nephew, Cody Lefevre; and many family and friends. Condolences may be made at wecare.io.
Survivors also include sons, Robert (Michelle) Bradley and Steven Bradley; daughters, Karen (James) Lewis, Barbara (Phillip) Frizzell and Jayne (Raymond) Straight; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Thomas Henry Bradley
Gene Daughtry
Thomas Henry Bradley, 87, of Plant City, died March 16, 2014, at his home. Born Aug. 16, 1926 in Springfield, Vt., he was the son of the late Leonard Bradley and Aurelia Daundault Bradley. He was the husband of Norma Hill Bradley, who survives. Mr. Bradley was a private first class in the Fourth Marine Corps Division during World War II, and was at Saipan, Tinian and Iwo Jima. He was also the owner of Thomas H. Bradley Plumbing and Heating Inc.
Gene Daughtry, 83, of Plant City, died March 16, 2014. He was born in Georgia to Jessie and Doshie Daughtry and moved to Florida in the 1940s. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War. Survivors include one son, Gary Daughtry; one daughter, Mary Lou Hewett (Jeff); one sister, Viola Brown; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Mr. Daughtry was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Daughtry; second wife, Jearlene Daughtry; son, Tommy Daughtry; and daughter, Linda Carter. Visitation with family and friends will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, March 20, with a funeral service at 2 p.m., at Wells Memorial and Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. Condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Elaine Alloy Glenn
Elaine Alloy Glenn, 63 of Mulberry, died March 10, 2014, at Tampa General Hospital. Born Aug. 16, 1950, in Sayre, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Acey Carlin and Mabel Trowbridge. She was the wife of David Glenn, who survives. Mrs. Glenn was an office manager for Florida RVWorld, a seamstress and loved to camp, fish and travel. Survivors also include sons, David Glenn, Norman Glenn and Terry Brink; daughters, Penny Brink, Candy Clinton, Cindy Gulley and Jamie Glenn; 17 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Crest’s Mark Moclair pitches no-hitter against Raiders. 12 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2014
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
softball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
FLAG FOOTBALL by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
SIDELINES
Crest’s Lady Chargers crush the competition
CHEERLEADING
+ SCHS team will be on TV
Hot off the heels of a national competition, Strawberry Crest fans will be able to catch a replay of the action this weekend. The Chargers took a fifthplace finish in their division at the National High School Cheerleading Championship, out of a field of 32 other schools. They placed fourth in the first round of competition, then fifth in the final round. You can watch replays of the competition on both ESPNU and ESPN2. The competition will air on ESPNU at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 22, on ESPNU; and at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 19, on ESPN2. Team members include: Cesar Abadia, Alyssa Archer, Demi Coble, Brooke Conyers, Shauntelle Cruz, Shaquira Cruz, Halee Dixon, Taylor Fales, Georgia Foster, Macy Gay, Brianna Hackett, Kyndall Hallman, Kelsey Howard, Tarra Love, Megan O’Steen, Savannah Reagan, Ayana Richardson, Jordyn Shoemaker, Sergio Valentin, Carmen Watts, Kayla Watts, Jenna Weir and Sarah Wylie.
BASEBALL
+ Raiders cruise with ridiculous O
Plant City was the only team to play a game in the few days following the Saladino Tournament. But, they scored enough runs March 17, to earn all three area teams wins. The Raiders went to Middleton and came out with a 28-1 win over the Tigers, which they accomplished in five innings. Plant City found itself with a 22-0 lead in the fourth, before Joshua Carter singled to drive Emonte Bentley home, preventing a shutout. The Raiders’ offense went nuts at the plate. Cody Colding, in particular, sticks out: He went 5-for-6 with four RBI, four runs scored and a triple. Slugger Connor Slagill went 2-for-3 with five runs, two RBI and a dinger. Peyton Collins went 3-for-4 with three runs and two RBI, Dalton Wingo went 3-for-5 with four runs, and Cam Knight went 2-for-4 with three runs and two RBI. “I tried to call off the dogs, but they just kept playing hard,” head coach Mike Fryrear says. “Good sign.”
The Chargers could not overcome a tough Durant squad.
Although it’s technically flag football, there was plenty of contact in the Durant/Strawberry Crest games.
Strawberry Crest has nearly matched its best start and already looks poised to make a deep playoff run in 2014. Many sports fans like to show up fashionably late to a game, a criticism often thrown at fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Those fans have a reputation for showing up after a few innings have passed, but they don’t always miss much. Anyone who tries that at a Strawberry Crest softball game runs the risk of missing the whole thing. It hasn’t been the best start in program history, but the Lady Chargers aren’t off by much: They have the same 12-1 record at this point in the 2014 season as they did in 2013, but have only scored 143 runs so far — just shy of the 149 they put up last year. It makes perfect sense, though: For the most part, this is the exact same team that Crest fielded last year. “We have seven seniors this year,” head coach Mindy Miltner says. “This is an older, more mature team that’s been playing together for quite a while now, and they’re comfortable.” “Comfortable” sounds about right, especially when looking at the numbers on offense.
Girls from both Strawberry Crest and Durant played hard and physical.
Justin Kline
GIRLSGOTGAME
Flag football season kicked off with a series of games March 18, at Durant High School. The Lady Cougars hosted area rival Strawberry Crest High School and split both games with the Lady Chargers. Crest built up some momentum early, taking the JV game by a score of 12-0 despite a last-minute Durant interception. The Varsity game, on the other hand, was all
Durant from the get-go. The Lady Cougars won, 13-0, thanks to a solid defensive effort that kept Lady Chargers quarterback Marviana Mackey from connecting on deep throws. Despite the shutout score and the slew of flags that went against Crest, the Lady Chargers would not go down without a fight but had little answer for Durant QB Jessica McClernan’s short passes up the middle.
Durant’s JV team got a late interception but could not overcome a 12-0 deficit against Strawberry Crest.
THE SISTERS OF SWAT
There are only two girls on the team who have a batting average in the .200s, and only
SEE CHARGERS / PAGE 14
Justin Kline
Sarah Rowley is a key member of this year’s squad.
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
Some stories left on the cutting-room floor There are some weeks easy-to-follow story that fits when I wish I could fit every- on our page. I’ll often keep thing from an intersome of the tidbits to view into a story, and myself, maybe busting last week was defithem out in conversanitely one of them. tion with a friend or One of my least fafamily member. vorite things about a And then there good interview is that are interviews, like so much is said that the one I recently gets omitted from the completed for the JUSTIN story, if it’s even used Bill Roetzheim story, KLINE at all — after all, we where I just can’t help do have to rein ourmyself: Some of the selves in to make one clear, stories I hear are so good
that, if it was said to me on the record, I have to write about it somewhere. Betty Jo Roetzheim has a wealth of stories from her travels with her husband, and we probably only scratched the surface at the dining room table. She and her husband toured the world to promote the sport of gymnastics, and the Roetzheims made it a point to immerse themselves in the culture of each place
they visited. “Life with Bill was always exciting,” she says. For example, B.J. developed a habit of learning a song in a country’s native language and then performing it for some of the locals. It would normally be a children’s song, or something simple, but it always worked: The locals were thrilled to see a blond American girl singing in German, Mandarin, Arabic or whatever
language of the land. But, the following story came on a family camping trip in Mexico, because, when B.J. told me about it, I pictured another “National Lampoon’s Vacation” movie. On that trip to Mexico, the Roetzheim family once spent some time at the Yucatan Peninsula. This happened before the land was developed, so the family was able
SEE KLINE / PAGE 12
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KLINE / PAGE 11 to get the most out of the wilderness. “Just gorgeous scenery,” B.J. remembers. Because they needed electricity with their holiday rambler, the family parked at one of the airports at night to sleep. This wasn’t an uncommon practice, and the airport charged campers $2 per night for lodging. Because the water in the area wasn’t considered safe to drink, B.J. made sure to warn her family to steer clear of it. It didn’t go as well as planned. “My son, Richard, was maybe 2 or 3 years old, and he drank the water,” she says. “We’re setting up the trailer, and he comes up to me and says, ‘Mom? There’s nothing wrong with the water. It’s fine. You don’t have to worry about the water. It’s good!’ I said, ‘Well, how did you know?’ He said, ‘I tasted it!’ Fortunately, he didn’t get sick.” One thing they were more worried about than water, though, was the threat of banditos. This materialized one night, when the family was driving around, and Bill noticed someone following them. Suspicious, Bill pulled into the nearest gas station to see what would happen. Sure enough, the guy pulled in behind them. “He came up to the car and we just
thought, ‘Oh, my God,’” B.J. says. “Then he came up to the window and tapped the window, and he says, ‘You seem to know where you’re going. We don’t. Do you know of a place to stay?’” Bill told the man about the airport, that anyone could camp out on the runway for a fee, and that that’s where the family was headed. The man then revealed that he wasn’t a bandito. “He said, ‘Oh, that’s wonderful,’” B.J. says. “‘I have been doing missionary work here, for the summer, and we’re ready to go home, and I just didn’t know where to go with the trailer.’ So, we said, ‘Follow us!’” The Roetzheims led the man to the airport, and both parties fell asleep in their vehicles. The next morning, there was another tap on the window. This time, it was one of the men who worked at the airport. “That’ll be $4,” he said. “Bill says, ‘Oh? I thought it was two,’” B.J. says. “And the guy said, ‘It is. But, your friend down there said that you would pay for him.’ The nice man, who was not necessarily a bandito or a missionary worker, left the airport in the morning, before the Roetzheims woke up, and stuck them with the bill. What a guy.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
MARK MOCLAIR In his only start of the Saladino Tournament, Strawberry Crest hurler Mark Moclair was nearly untouchable. He threw a complete-game no-hitter March 12 against Plant City with eight strikeouts, broken up only by two walks. Even before last Wednesday, he was riding high after three innings against Middleton: nine strikeouts, no walks, no hits. You’ve had two great starts in a row. What’s been your approach on the mound? Just trying to stay low in the zone — preferably knees and lower thighs. I’m really trusting my coach and my catcher to call the right pitches and know what to do. I put my trust in them, instead of really thinking about that. Did you realize you had no-hitters going in those games? In the Middleton game, I did have a feeling. I was a little excited, but I didn’t let it worry me too much. I knew our offense was going to come out and do their thing. Our defense played really well — against Plant City, they played exceptional. You guys lost to Jefferson in the Saladino finals, but that was a close one. We started off pretty well. We scored four runs early, and our defense was solid. Jake Ralyea did amazing through five innings. We let Jefferson inch back into the game — and they’re a great team, too — and defensively, and on the mound, we kind of fell off. But we have no worries, as a team, about what’s to come in this season. You play a few other positions, too, but what’s your favorite? I just like being on the field. I like infield and outfield. I like running around and chasing balls down in the outfield, and in the infield, I like how smooth it can be. But, on the mound, it’s a lot of fun — you’re kind
of the deciding factor of what happens with that pitch and that batter.
What are your hobbies, outside of baseball? I’m really fond of fishing. I fish with some of the guys on the team. We go out to the lake or out to salt water. Either way, it’s just great to be on the water and get away from it all sometimes. I went to Cocoa Beach this past weekend, and I went with Ben Welch — another pitcher — to the lake behind his house and caught a couple. What’s your biggest catch ever? I don’t know. I caught a really nice mangrove snapper a while back.
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softball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Florida Gulf Coast University faced a tough challenge against Eastern Illinois University.
College softball squads swoop into Plant City Club softball teams came to Plant City for some friendly competition last week, at Mike Sansone Park. The games included teams from Florida, UCF, Pittsburgh, Colorado, Florida Gulf Coast, Northern Illinois and Eastern Illinois, and the girls’ game provided a nice alternative for anyone who wanted a break from the boys’ games. Although not all of the games were particularly well-
attended, in comparison to the NCBA tournament outings, some of these teams really put on a show out on the diamond — such as Eastern Illinois, which seemed to fire off RBI singles at will against FGCU. NCSA softball wrapped up over the weekend, but there’s still plenty of baseball left to come. For a complete schedule, visit plantcityobserver. com/2014/02/13/springtraining-spring-break/.
A bright, sunny day made seeing the ball tough for hitters. FGCU was among the teams competing in the tournament.
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CHARGERS / PAGE 11 one of them — Ashton Sparkman, batting a respectable .280 — has seen more than 10 at-bats. The next-lowest average belongs to Megan Reed, who is batting .303 with 13 RBI and three home runs — figures good enough to lead at least a few Tampa Bay-area teams. “Our lineup is deadly,” Miltner says. “We’ve got power and speed. Our lefty slappers can bunt for a base hit.” Seniors Mia Fung and Cacey Simmons, in particular, are the offense’s best examples of both its power and speed. These girls can swat their fair share of dingers out of the park or hit safely to first and burn up the basepaths when necessary. Fung leads all batters with 23 runs, 20 hits, six doubles, six stolen bases and four dingers. She’s also batting .513 — good for the second-highest average on the team (minimum 10 at-bats). Simmons’ 17 RBI and four triples lead the team, and she’s also batting .471 with 17 runs, 16 hits, five steals and three homers. Simmons hit two of those three homers last weekend,
The Lady Chargers have had a lot to celebrate this season. and four of her teammates joined her with one apiece. “There aren’t any weak spots that I can see in the lineup,” Miltner says. The pitching’s been great, too. Senior Sammy Tyler and sophomore Scottie Todd have been nearly lights-out this season — only Tyler has a loss on her record, but their combined ERA is 0.57. Tyler has 70 strike-
outs over 50.1 innings of work, and Todd has fanned 27 batters over 23.1 innings. Tyler gave up four of her five earned runs in that loss, which was a 6-3 Valentine’s Day upset by Bloomingdale, but got her revenge in the Sarasota Slam.
SARASOTA SLAM
Last weekend’s Sarasota Slam tournament was huge for
these girls — not only because it’s a pretty good tournament, but also because there were two games on the schedule that they were just itching to play. First and foremost, on March 14, they played in a doubleheader with Gulf Coast and Lakewood Ranch. Gulf Coast got destroyed, 19-2, but that second game meant so
much more. After all, Lakewood Ranch was the team that ended Crest’s 2013 postseason in the semifinals. So, yes, the seniors had this one circled on their calendars. And this time was different. “It was my favorite game (so far),” senior left fielder Sarah Rowley says. “We left 14 runners on base, and it was a difficult game, so when we beat them, it was really good.” Simmons, Kasey Locke and Aly Massessa each hit a homer and two RBI in that game to provide the cushion. Sammy Tyler allowed six hits, but no earned runs, in a 10-strikeout performance. The next day, the Lady Chargers again had a doubleheader. The girls began with a 6-0 win over Hardee and then came the rematch with Bloomingdale. Crest had a 5-0 lead going into the fifth inning, when a sudden, seven-run explosion sealed the deal. Fung and Simmons combined for six RBI, four hits, four runs, three doubles, and a homer from Fung’s bat. Megan Reed, with her only hit of the game, smacked a two-run homer, as well. Tyler wasn’t exactly mowing the Lady Bulls down in that game, ending with three strikeouts but only giving up four hits and one walk.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
With nearly the exact same lineup from last year, the Lady Chargers’ confidence is flying high. The only problem that Crest has faced is the loss of senior third baseman Trystan Reibsome to an ACL injury, which happened in the Plant City game. But sophomore Kasey Locke, normally a designated
A FAMILY AFFAIR
Mindy isn’t the only Miltner at Strawberry Crest. She’s joined on the diamond by her father, Jack, who has been involved in coaching in the area for more than 30 years at the high school level and beyond. “He had a baseball school in our house,” Mindy says. Her sister, Morgan, is the head coach of the Lady Chargers’ volleyball team. Although Jack attended East Bay High School, Mindy and Morgan grew up in Dover and attended Durant High School. So, when Crest opened its doors, it was like coming home. Mindy founded Crest’s program after coaching Lennard High School for three years, and Jack signed on as an assistant coach. “It’s been hard to transfer to an assistant position, but it’s worked out great,” Mindy says.
hitter, has been filling in ever since and, according to Miltner, playing well. Limiting injuries, she adds, will be one of the keys to success this season. The girls are just keeping positive and trying not to jump too far ahead. “We’re taking it one game at a time,” Rowley says. “Trying to stay humble, but we’re hungry. There are seven of us seniors, and we want to leave with the best year we can possibly have.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Justin Kline
Strawberry Crest utilizes its great speed on the basepaths.
THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
2013
THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS
1. A shark asked his friend how he chose his prey. The other coolly replied, “It’s easy. Gorge as you go, but be sure you don’t follow any red herrings.” 2. A lawyer commented: “You seem to be the heir apparent.” His bald client responded, “Yes, but I wish I had some hair apparent.”
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WEATHER
WED.
March 12
0.15
THURS.
TEMPERATURES
March 13
0.03
FRI.
Thurs., March 20 Fri., March 21 Sat., March 22 Sun., March 23 Mon., March 24 Tues., March 25 Wed., March 26
March 14
0.00
SAT.
March 15
0.05
SUN.
0.00
MON.
March 17
0.58
TUES.
March 18
0.54
MARCH
TO DATE
1.78 (2013: 0.49)
YEAR
TO DATE 4.35 (2013: 1.84)
PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
March 16
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HIGH 80 82 82 82 77 72 70
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES SUNRISE Thurs., March 20 7:33 a.m. Fri., March 21 7:32 a.m. Sat., March 22 7:31 a.m. Sun., March 23 7:30 a.m. Mon., March 24 7:28 a.m. Tues., March 25 7:27 a.m. Wed., March 26 7:26 a.m.
SUNSET 7:39 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 7:40 p.m. 7:41 p.m. 7:42 p.m. 7:42 p.m. 7:43 p.m.
STRAWBERRY PRICES
LOW 58 62 62 59 62 52 51
MOON PHASES
March 16
March 23
CENTRAL FLORIDA
PRODUCT LOW 8 1-pound containers $7.90
March 1
HIGH $8.90
Statistics courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
March 8
, 3&
Bill Turner submitted this photo of an owlet in an oak tree at the home of Myrle and Tommie Henry, of Plant City. This is the seventh time in as many years that the owls have nested in this tree. The Plant City Times & Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certificate to The Corner Store! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at The Corner Store.
BODY MAPPING
By Holly Copeland | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Dog in the Dick and Jane books 5 Fix, as stones in cement 10 “Fee, ___, foe, fum” 13 Type of equation 19 Long arm bone 20 Archie’s dimwitted pal 21 Santa ___, Calif. 22 Arctic exploration tool 23 Returning a favor 26 Driftwood and such 27 Becomes more inclined 28 Fuel ship 29 Light smooch 30 Runs out of steam 31 Make a solemn request 32 Puppy’s cry 33 December ditties 36 Pledge 37 Dark-colored sour cherry 40 Move stealthily 41 Incredible and hard-tobelieve 44 Author Fleming 45 Revival meeting shout 46 Word on some beer bottles 47 Feel bad 48 Affliction of the eyelid 49 Number system having 16 as its base 53 Opposite of love 54 High-quality stationery 58 Johnnycakes 59 A level playing field 61 Was as good as 62 Advertises 63 Capital of Ontario 64 He done it in many whodunits? 65 Part of a statue foundation
66 67 68 70 71 72 73 77 78 83 84 86 87 88 89 91 92 93 94 98 100 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109
Doubly dangerous, as a sword Punching tools Some bank transactions Makes mistakes Fury “The Whole ___ Yards” Swift Be deceitful Delectable Demonstrate without marching Kind of cover “God ___ America” Reroute, as traffic Monk’s garb Give a guarantee Editor’s “take out” Carpet type Khaki relative Dancing style Watered silks Like “She sells seashells ...” Japanese miniature tree Three strikes, e.g. Stopped lying? Met highlight Infuriates Last in a series Gambol No longer on active duty (Abbr.)
DOWN 1 Reserves on the bench 2 Chart, as land 3 On a single occasion 4 Dismantle, as a Christmas tree 5 Connections between speakers? 6 Forenoons 7 Feathery wraps
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 25 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 43 46 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57
Pa. hours Figured out, as secret writing Fear of many Exclusive, as circles Tidal bore Garbage can part What the Titanic ran into Small cloud Extremely loud Graph line Do followers on a music scale Overturn, as milk Part of some Muslim women’s attire Bearded, as barley Hither and ___ Tax pro Radius setting Potential school Stringed instrument of India Grain grinder Baby clothes “___ size fits all” Kind of review or signal Petition’s additions “Buenos ___!” (“Good day!”) Biblical outcast Many-stringed lute Barbara, Alan and Nathan Memorable period “It ___ Happen to You” Prefix for state Speedy mammals Yank’s foe Marine museums (var.) Torturous Gloomy atmospheres
© 2013 Universal Uclick
59 60 62 63 65 66 68 69 70 73 74
British city on the English Channel Tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet Carved pole Nasal sound Letter addressees Delivery room surprises Help with the dishes Licorice flavor Shade source Exceptional, as a restaurant or hotel Nibbled on
75 76 78 79 80 81 82 83 85 87 89
Honorific for Paul McCartney Powerful explosive It’s good for climbing hills Sick Aromatic liqueur (var.) Adhered “On the Road” author Jack Some bank deposits Raspy-voiced Resister Give in to, as an impulse
90 91 92 94 95 96 97 98 99 101
Hardly a whisper Use a divining rod Before you know it Common traffic sign Add staff “Don’t bet ___!” “Heavens!” CEO’s degree, perhaps Daddy’s girl, for short History-book chapter
C RY P T O G R A M S 1 . C E I C O X C E X V H I A E Z O AV B H I S U I V M I S E V I A E R OV Q . P I V S P I V O M S S D D Q OV R D AV H “A P ’ E V C E Q . F S O F V C E Q S N F S , T N P T V E N OV Q S N H S B ’ P Z S D D S U C B Q OV H I V O O A B F E .” 2 . F W F S X K J L G Z Z K D N K R : “ X G O P K K Z N G H K N A K A K T J F C C F J K D N .” AT P H F W R LW T K D N J K P C G D R K R , “ X K P, H O N T S T PA T A F R P G Z K A F T J F C C F J K D N .”
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