04.15.16 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 3, NO. 37

See page 7.

FREE

Big hitters YOUR TOWN

Relay for Life turns Plant City purple.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

PCHS baseball schools Durant.

See page 12.

“Theater teaches kids to think, create and form lasting bonds with other students. And it also teaches tolerance. I think it teaches students to be more of a human being and accept flaws and differences in people.”

— Ed Mason

Enter Mother’s Day Contest

For all they do, we sometimes forget how much mothers everywhere deserve credit.

We want to pay homage to the mom in your life.

Tell us why your mom is the best in our annual Mother’s Day Contest. Send your short essay to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com, along with a photograph.

Winners will be featured in the Plant City Times & Observer.

The deadline to enter is Friday, April 29. Good luck!

Happy anniversary

EMILY TOPPER

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Photo by Emily Topper Ed Mason has put on over 80 shows at Durant High School.

STAFF WRITER

E

d Mason has been the drama teacher at Durant High School since the school first opened its doors in 1995. This year, he’ll

close out his 21-year role as an educator and retire. But first, he’s helping his students put on one last show.

Gene and Betty Mongar are celebrating 60 years of marriage on Saturday, April 16.

The Mongars have owned G & G True Balance and Alignment on Collins Street for 32 years.

Their granddaughter, Heather Clark, says, “I am so blessed and proud of my papaw and nana. I am proud to say he is my papaw, the most hard working man I know and most loving kind-hearted person you will ever meet, and my nana is the sweetest and funniest women. They have shown our family a beautiful example of what marriage looks like with faith, hope and love!”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Earth Day Fest this weekend In honor of Earth Day, Plant City will be filled with more organic ziti and drum beats than usual.

ABBY BAKER STAFF INTERN

SONGBIRDS

Plant City Community Chorale hosts concert PlantCityObserver.com

The second annual Earth Day Fest will be held Sunday, April 17, at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. Earth Day Fest coordinator and founder of the community garden Karen Elizabeth is ready to show off Plant City’s developing garden to the public at the event. The garden was first founded in 2012 and was located at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Hillsborough Community College eventually donated the space for the garden when University of Florida pulled out of its horticulture program.

“Everyone is astounded that this is here,” Elizabeth said. “Plant City actually has its own botanical garden.”

Five days before Earth Day, Earth Day Fest will include a drum circle and a $5 dinner. All proceeds go into funding the community garden.

“It’s a great way to kind of welcome the Earth Day week,” Elizabeth said.

While some of the menu items are still to be decided, there will be ziti and salad, ending in a dessert. The pasta will come with the option of gluten free, vegetarian or “carnivore.”

Many of the ingredients used that will be used in the salad and main dish SEE EARTH DAY PAGE 3

IF YOU GO

WHEN: 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 17 WHERE: 2001 E. Cherry St. PRICE: $5 a person, pay at the door

Photos by Abby Baker

Organic tomatoes will be used in the Earth Fest dinner.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

WEEK OF APRIL 15, 2016

“I’ve always loved reading. There’s lots of lessons to be learned in books. I want to promote a love of reading throughout the community. This is more than just an Eagle scout project, this can really help the community.”

— Scout Blake Dunn, on his Eagle Scout project. See page 5.

Crime rate down The overall crime rate for unincorporated Hillsborough County has been reduced for the ninth consecutive year, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee. HCSO attributes the success, in part, to community partners such as Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch, Crime Stoppers and Citizen Patrol.

"Together, we continue to make Hillsborough County a safer place,” Gee said.

STATS n Overall crime rate in 2015 was reduced by 3% n “Violent” crime rate is the lowest in Hillsborough County since 1985 n Victims reduced from 18,086 in 2014 to 17,552 in 2015 n There are 1.4 deputies per 1,000 residents in Hillsborough County n Per 1,000 residents, there were 19.4 victims of crime in 2015 HOW DOES HCSO DO IT? The Law Enforcement Intelligence Nexus Center is the hub.

Detectives and crime analysts sift through criminal intelligence and then relay information to supervisors, who devise plans of action.

Help a baby Publix is in the middle of its annual fundraising drive for March for Babies, the March of Dimes signature event. It will end April 30.

At checkout, associates will sell cutouts on which customers can write their name or the name of a baby they love.

“Out of 20,000 teams in the country, Publix ranks as our no. 2 March for Babies team in the nation,” Dr. Jennifer Howse, March of Dimes president, said.

THE SCIENCE GAL

A

science teacher at Durant High School was one of six educators

recently awarded an international teaching award.

Need a home renovation?

Habitat for Humanity’s A Brush with Kindness Program is coming to Plant City Thursday, April 21, and Thursday, May 12.

But before it can come, it needs to confirm that there will be at least 10 qualified homeowners who need assistance with minor repairs, painting and landscaping.

Homeowners can’t be in default on their mortgages, if a mortgage still exists, and

homeowners must be current with property taxes with no liens unless its a a code lien for painting, etc.

Habitat for Humanity is also looking for 30 volunteers.

To submit an application or volunteer, contact Kathy Brogli at (813) 239-2242 ext.

148 or (813) 922-3408. You will need to send her a copy of your driver’s license and proof of income.

Megan Faliero won the

Big Talkers

Robert E. Yager Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award from the National Science Teachers Association.

The National Science Teachers Association is the largest professional organization in the world promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning. Its Teacher Awards program recognizes extraordinary kindergarten through 12th grade teachers, professors, principals and science educators for their

Faliero will receive her $1,000 award and plaque in July at the NSTA National Congress on Science Education in Denver. She will also get the opportunity to present at Congress this summer.

outstanding achievements in science education.

Two local students advanced to in the Plant City Optimist Club Oratorical Contest.

Caroline Brummer won first place and Gavin Hessler placed second against the top local competition winners from Lakeland and Winter Haven several weeks ago. The top two from each gender advanced April 9 to the Southwest Regional Competition.

Brummer advanced out of the Southwest Region Competition and will now present her speech at the North Florida District Finals April 23 in Gainesville.

The theme of this year’s contest is “How My Best Brings Out the Best in Others.” The students presented their four- to five-minute orations in front of an audience of over 40 people, including family and guests as well as club members from all three clubs.

“We are very proud of how these two youths have improved since the local competition, and they were great representatives of our club and the Plant City area at the zone competition” Dave Robbins, Plant City Oratorical Contest chairman, said.

SK

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Get ready for a great day of celebration and fellowship. This year, our plans for the 146th Homecoming will have a different flavor to it. Actually, it is more of a B-B-Q style taste that includes one service that Sunday morning at 10:45am (Bible study right before at 9:30am) followed by a day at Boggy Bottoms Picnic grounds about 8 minutes south of the church. We will start the festivities around 12:30pm with the trolley ride to the family feasting pavilion and then enjoy food at 1pm and a day of games, nature hikes, and a huge playground for the kids to enjoy. It will be a glorious day where everyone, including the ones that always have to serve, can come and be honored and served as they have served others for so many years.

INDUSTRY SPECIALTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

We are asking that anyone that would like to take part on our Homecoming “Dessert” Challenge step up to the plate (well maybe the stove) and put together your best dessert to be judged. There will be prizes for 1-3rd place. We need at least 30 to make it great!

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Ed Mason has hundreds of kids.

That’s what he tells people when they ask. He has a daughter, Mara, and many, many more that he’s adopted throughout his years as the drama teacher at Durant High School.

His kids dream of being on Broadway and and find solace working backstage building sets. He’s watched timid freshmen blossom into selfconfident seniors, feeling a sense of pride each time one of them graduates.

He’s helped his kids put on four productions per year on the Durant stage. He’s taken them to district theater competitions and the annual Florida State Thespian Festival. He’s directed them, acted alongside them and mentored them.

And soon, he’ll be saying goodbye to them. At the end of the year, Mason will retire from his Durant teaching career — one that began the same day the school doors opened for the first time in 1995.

ACT I

As a high school student, Mason enjoyed attending the senior productions his school put on every year. When he was a senior, he was encouraged to participate in an all-school show entitled “This is Paris.”

“I was there, and it just bit me.”

Mason, a Valrico resident, said. “My first role was a romantic lead. I’m not an introvert, I know that. It was just something I wanted to try. It looked like fun.”

Post high school, Mason continued to feed his hunger for the theater by acting in and directing local productions while he pursued his degree in education.

“I always wanted to be a teacher,” he said. “That was my main aspiration from about sixth grade. “ Mason joked when he first attended college in 1969, he majored in party 101. He took a break from school to join the military and served in the Vietnam War. Then, he earned his associate’s degree in accounting for what he thought would bring him job security.

But it didn’t. And it wasn’t what he wanted to do, either — his heart was still rooted in theater and education.

To jumpstart his career in acting and directing, Mason began auditioning. After finally securing a role in “Jesus Christ Superstar,” he attended 15 other auditions without receiving a single part.

“Then I got a role in a company,” he said.

Mason secured a role with Compass Players, a theater that ran out of a storefront in Carrollwood. From 1985 to 1993, he served on the Compass Players board alongside his wife and fellow theater patrons Richard and Carol Coppinger.

Eventually, Mason left Compass Players and did maintenance work while completing his degree at the University of South Florida. He taught for a short time at Plant City High School before Durant opened its doors in 1995.

“And here I am,” Mason said.

ACT II

Mason’s classroom at Durant is nestled just behind the stage in the school’s auditorium. Students have decorated his white board on the wall with doodles and pictures, and posters from old shows and theater competitions are tacked to every available space. Twenty-one years of mem-

IF YOU GO Young Frankenstein, The Musical When: 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 21, through Saturday, April 23 Where: Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path Cost: $10

WHAT IS IT ABOUT? “Young Frankenstein,” which Durant will be performing in April, is an American horror comedy that debuted in 1974. It was directed by Mel Brooks and starred Gene Wilder. Though it was filmed in the 70s, the movie used classic elements of 1930s features, including wipes and fade outs, to play off the 1931 film “Frankenstein.”

Photo courtesy: Blumhouse.com

FIVE MINUTES WITH ED MASON What was the funniest thing that happened during a production at Durant?

It probably happened during “Pillow Talk.” One of the actors was supposed to throw something into the hallway, a shoe. And the shoes came flying back over the set on to the stage (as a prank).

What is your favorite show, either that you’ve done or seen?

It’s a tie, they’re both musicals. It’s between “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Spamalot.” I played Tavia in Fiddler, and it was done at Durant.

Who is your celebrity crush?

I saw “The Seven Year Itch” with Marilyn Monroe when I was 11 and fell in love. It was just something about her. I’m just enchanted. It’s more of an obsession.

Editor’s note: Mason’s office is filled with pictures of the screen goddess.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

3

ories and over 80 shows: Mason can’t remember them all, but he can describe in great detail the ones that meant the most to him.

There was Neil Simon’s “Fools’ in 1995, the first production that the school ever did.

Years later, he did “Beauty and the Beast,” where he took a turn on stage as Maurice, the father of the film’s heroine, Belle. Mason’s stage daughter was played by Sarah Mitchel, one of his former students who went on to study musical theater at Emerson.

Today, Mitchel is still in touch with Mason and has gone on to become the educational liaison in New York for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. “That’s my favorite of the bunch,” Mason said. “Some of my best memories aren’t on the stage. I think it’s where the kids went to after they got out of here.”

Mason is preparing for the students’ final show: “Young Frankenstein.” He’s going to leave the department on a laugh.

“The kids love it,” he said. “It’s funny. It’s Mel Brooks. You know, ‘Space Balls’ and ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘The Producers.’ I’ve had to modify it a little bit. We’re advertising it as PG-13.

There’s a lot of innuendo in it.”

But there’s a lot more that goes into each show than just stage directions and memorizing lines.

“Theater teaches kids to think, create and form lasting bonds with other students,” he said. “And it also teaches tolerance. I think it teaches students to be more of a human being and accept flaws and differences in people. Every character has a little bit of them in it.

It allows you to escape. It allows you to learn about the world.”

ACT III

Once “Young Frankenstein” closes on Sunday, April 23, Mason will just have a few weeks left before the end of his time at Durant.

“It’s mixed feelings,” Mason said.

“It feels pretty good, a little bittersweet. It’s time. I’m happy that I’m retiring because I think it’s time. I’m sad because I’m going to miss watching some of the younger kids grow throughout the year.”

But he will get to watch one younger kid grow. Mason’s first grandchild, named Lincoln Edward James Mann, is due in July. His wife, who works at Mann Middle School, also will be retiring. The couple’s daughter and son-in-law live next door, giving Mason plenty of time to help raise the next Broadway star — or the next Arnold Palmer.

“I’m going to play more golf and teach my grandson to golf,” he said.

Once little Lincoln turns 4, he’ll be given his first putter.

And, naturally, Mason will continue to act. He’ll be getting an agent and plans on joining the Durant High School Drama Boosters.

“I’ll miss the stage,” Mason said. “I started this program. It’s like a little baby leaving the nest, except I’m the baby, letting go.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

MAKE YOUR OWN DRUM

“There’s a whole different feeling being able to hold a tomato you grew and say, ‘I know everything there is to know about this tomato.’”

— Rosalind Baker, garden volunteer

DROP YOUR ROOTS

Want to support the community garden?

Six-by-12-feet garden beds are available for $35 a year. Purchasing the use of a bed will not only be a direct donation to the garden but an opportunity to eat organic at a low price.

All the tools and resources you need to grow your own food will be available.

EARTH DAY FROM PAGE 1

were grown in the garden.

“There’s a whole different feeling being able to hold a tomato you grew and say, ‘I know everything there is to know about this tomato,’” garden volunteer Rosalind Baker said.

Tables will be set up in the front of the garden, and a local rock band called Vegan Zombies will be per-

forming live music.

The drum circle will start at 6 p.m.

“The rhythms are earth based,” Elizabeth said.

The garden is composed of two plastic greenhouses, one glass greenhouse, a gazebo, benches, themed gardens and a pathway guests can walk through.

While some drums will be provided, there may not be enough available for everyone.

Here’s how to ensure you will have a spot in the drum circle.

1. Get an old pot, coffee tin, bucket or any other container that you can find.

2. Stretch an unused balloon over the container, top to bottom.

3. Double layer.

Pull another balloon over the container, just to make sure your drum doesn’t rip.

4. Tape the balloons down, dragging the tape in a circle around the mouth of the drum.

Photos by Abby Baker

Above: Alan Benitez is a volunteer at the community garden.

Left: Rosalind Baker picked weeds in the wildflower plot.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

The Tuesday, April 5, election for the open City Commission seat has led to a runoff election Tuesday, May 3.

On Tuesday, April 12, the Plant City Kiwanis Club hosted a forum between the remaining two commission candidates, David Cook and Nate Kilton, at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center.

Cook, a retired law enforcement officer, received 554 votes, 29.53% of the votes, during the April 5 election.

Kilton, a local business owner and the current Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce chairman, led the race with 935 votes, 49.84% of the vote, during the April 5 election. Because he secured less than the 50% needed for a victory, a runoff was scheduled from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 3, at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. Early voting will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, April 29, and Saturday, April 30.

DAVID COOK

NATE KILTON

David Cook, a Lakeland native, has lived in Plant City since 1994. He is a retired law enforcement officer and served in the United States Marine Corps. While in the military, Cook served as the chief instructor for the Marine Corps Staff Non-Commissioned Officer’s Academy, as well as the Support and Logistics Manager of the Command. As a law enforcement officer, he worked as a gang liaison officer and a DART Domestic Abuse Response team member.

Nate Kilton is a financial advisor and accountant with Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management LLC, and Sedita Kilton & Company, Certified Public Accountants, PL. He is a certified public accountant and financial planner and is involved with GracePoint Church, the Rotary Club of Plant City, the Plant City EDC and the Plant City Planning Board. He is a co-owner of the Plant City Times & Observer and the current chairman of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.

What are your top three issues?

1. Accessibility 2. Addressing at-risk youth, such as through a police athletic league 3. Helping the homeless and creating a millennial entrepreneurs’ club

What are your top three issues?

1. Promoting economic development and keeping that momentum going 2. Accessibility 3. Abolishing the racial divide As a citizen of Plant City, what has frustrated you the most? What possibilities exist to fix these frustrations?

I think that accessibility is a huge issue. It’s necessary to meet people where they are — finding ways to hold local coffees, meeting them at church, at chamber contact breakfasts. I don’t think having an office at City Hall and perching there for 25 hours per week is the solution.

As a citizen of Plant City, what has frustrated you the most? What possibilities exist to fix these frustrations?

Not being able to get a direct answer. Not having access to City Hall. You have to have the availability. If it is a city problem, I’ll do what I can to resolve it. I don’t care if it’s a broom closet in City Hall, I’ll let you know where I am at, at least 20 hours a week. You can call my cell phone.

Only 10% of Plant City residents voted in the initial City Commission election. How do you plan on reaching other residents to not only vote, but keep them engaged in the community?

I think it really has to be a two-way street. People have to be inspired to be engaged. It’s about helping people to understand how the community can come together. It’s looking at partnerships and making sure residents are valued and appreciated in Plant City.

Only 10% of Plant City residents voted in the initial City Commission election. How do you plan on reaching other residents to not only vote, but keep them engaged in the community?

By being there for them. For example with the homeless, the city needs to get involved. You’ve got to take time to meet them. They’ve got to know you care — that’s all they’re asking for.

EMILY TOPPER

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STAFF WRITER

We asked: what are your future plans?

Amanda Burnham, 30

Briyit Soto, 18

“Hopefully to find a new career.”

“I’m getting my major in education.”

Jasmine Scamberger, 19

“I guess to go to medical school.”

Jim Sims, 38

Karla Gonzalez, 19

Pilar Cruz, 19

“To experience life, just to be happy.”

“I’m moving to New York. That’s where I’ve always wanted to live.”

“I want to study abroad.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

5

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

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The ‘can’ in cannabis The City Commission will hold a public hearing Monday, April 25, regarding medical marijuana use.

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

If federal law approves it, Plant City could permit the production of medical marijuana in pre-approved areas.

The City Commission set a public hearing for the ordinance regulating the production and sale of medical marijuana at the Monday, April 11, meeting. The public hearing was set for Monday, April 25. Following public comment, the City Commission will decide whether or not to adopt the ordinance at the Monday, May 9, meeting.

A motion similar to the Florida Right to Medical Marijuana Initiative will be on the ballot in the upcoming November election. The initiative was on the ballot in 2014. If approved, the measure would have legalized medical marijuana for individuals with medical conditions. The measure received Photos by Emily Topper 57.62% of the 60% needed for the Above: Friends, family and coworkers gathered to congratulate Dr. William Midyvote, which defeated the measure.

Should the November motion ette on receiving a proclamation from the City of Plant City. pass, the City of Plant City wanted to Right: Tonda Morris, director of library services at Bruton Memorial Library, reensure that it had updated ordinances ceived a proclamation declaring April 2016 as National Library Week in Plant City. and regulations.

The ordinance was initially reviewed by the Plant City Planning “We’re going to comply with fed- began caring for the teeth of the Plant Board on Thursday, March 17, and was eral law,� City Attorney Ken Buchman City community in 1957.

Midyette’s family, friends and forunanimously approved. added. “We are preparing for when mer clients were there for support. “It all comes down to federal law,� federal law changes.� “The Lord God puts people in your Vice Mayor Bill Dodson said. “Each Currently, the City of Plant state is now adopting a new state law. City’s zoning code does not address path as you go through life,� Midyette Whatever federal law is is what we’re approved locations for cannabis said. “When you think about that, it’s maintaining until it changes. It’s growth or distribution. If approved by an awesome thing.� — The City Commission approved unclear when and if it will change.� the City Commission, the ordinance If federal law never changes, the sell would only allow for medicinal mari- a public hearing for an ordinance of cannabis for medical purposes will juana to be sold in the C1-B district, modifying the North Park Isles Comremain prohibited within city limits. which is near South Florida Baptist munity District for Monday, April 25, While some states, such as Colora- Hospital. If federal law changes, the from 947 units to 1,219 units and to do and Washington, have taken mea- growing and processing of marijuana decrease site setbacks. — Scout Blake Dunn made a presures to approve cannabis for medi- could be approved in the M-1 and sentation to the City Commission to cal or even recreational use, the use of M-1A Light Industrial Districts. marijuana remains a federal offense. “It would not be suitable in a resi- allow two Little Free Libraries to be To date, federal law does not differ- dential neighborhood,� Dodson said. put on city property: one downtown and one at the Dr. Martin Luther King entiate between the use of cannabis Jr. Rec Center. for recreational or medical purposes. IN OTHER NEWS — Dr. William Midyette received Little Free Libraries, decorated book It is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances a proclamation at the April 11 meet- cabinets placed in front of homes, Act, meaning that it is treated as other ing. Midyette is a former merchant inside offices and around parks, are Schedule I drugs, including cocaine marine who retired as a dentist in part of a community book exchange.

2015, shortly after turning 90.

He Blake built the book cabinets with and heroin.

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younger scouts. Community leader United Food Bank and our office.

Yvonne Fry solicited material and If you have book donations or book donations. The Plant City Times would like to win a Little Free Library & Observer connected artists and for your neighborhood, email Managlocations. ing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurThe city will revisit the request at gensen@plantcityobserver.com. the April 25 meeting with a contract of care. Stick with us on updates as Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ 14720S.R. S.R.Highway Highway 574,Dover Dover FLPhone: Phone:813-659-2902 813-659-2902 we place more Free 574, Little Libraries plantcityobserver.com.

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26 - 27 oz. • On-Cor Breaded Chicken Nibblers, Strips or

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4

2/$

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King’s Hawaiian 12 Pack • Sweet

1$ 99 $1119 ¢

IGA Round Round IGA $Bread 99 SpinachTop Top Bread

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99¢

STORE #55 Page 2

We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct all We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct all

typographical errors. Some items may not be available in all stores. or Dinner typographical errors. Some items may not be available in all stores.

LunchLunch or Dinner LatinoLatino Design 2016 Florida Sun Printing STORE #55 2016 Florida Sun Printing or Foods Cold Foods Design STORE #55 Hot orHot Cold

Cole’s Frozen Frozen Cole’s Lou Ana Kellogg’s Breads Vegetable Pop Breads Oil Tarts

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2

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BossBoss Revolution, Revolution, Pay Here Pay Here YourYour Metro Metro PCS PCS Bill. Bill.

Chicken Chicken to Go! to Go! Pizza Pizza to Go! to Go! Wednesday Wednesday Special Special $1.00 $1.00 - APRIL - APRIL 2016 2016 Available slice slice or Whole or services: Whole Large Large OneOne WED WEDTHURTHUR FRI FRI SAT SAT SUN SUN MON MON TUESTUES Available services: Western Union, Topping Topping $7Money $7 Orders, 20 20 21 21 22 22 23 23 24 24 25 25Western 26 26 Union, Money Orders,

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We reserve We reserve the right the to right limit to quantities limit quantities and correct and correct all all typographical errors. maybe not be available all stores. typographical errors.

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Design Florida Sun Printing Design 20162016 Florida Sun Printing STORE STORE #55 #55

14 oz. Squeeze or 16 oz. Orig. or Light 14 oz. Squeeze or 16 oz. Orig. or Light

55

Chicken Wings

Boneless Chuck Chuck3/$ Roast Roast $ 49 Boneless 10

$ 39

5 5 $3$99399 $199 3

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

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Chadam | 3/2 | $269,000 Maddie Alford 866.600.6008 502006 3319 Carson Oaks Ln Search T2804742 on CBHomes.com

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Walden Lake | 3/2.1 | $265,000 Paul Jones 866.600.6008 505100 4109 Barret Ave Search T2809905 on CBHomes.com

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Pinecrest Estates | 2/2 | $68,500 Angela Sessa 866.600.6008 487458 2470 N Todd Pt Search T2802600 on CBHomes.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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7

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Faith in the fallout Knights Baptist’s new youth pastor, Felipe Ruiz, uses his past to help others.

Vector Fleet Management

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

As a kid, Felipe Ruiz would come home from school to find his living room couches pushed together to form a makeshift boxing ring. His father and uncles made him fight with his brothers inside the arena.

“It was a way of toughening up,” Ruiz said. “We wouldn’t stop until someone bled or started crying.”

The forced matches made him anxious. At school, Ruiz picked fights with anyone who he thought looked at him wrong.

“I always thought I would have to stand up for myself and fight,” he said.

Now 25, Ruiz finds himself surrounded once again. But he’s not armed with his fists.

He’s armed with his beliefs and his Bible. And he’s surrounded by fellow children of God as he starts his role as the new youth pastor at Knights Baptist Church in Plant City.

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Felipe Ruiz took over as the youth pastor at Knights Baptist Church in February. He and his wife, Haley, hope to reach out to youth during services and outside of the church walls.

GET TO THE CHAPEL Interested in attending Knights Baptist Church? It has services throughout the week: Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Youth: 6 p.m.

Website: KnightsBaptistChurch.com Phone: (813) 752-4972 Address: 4809 Paul Buchman Highway

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One of the first times Ruiz set foot in a church was after his parents’ divorce.

He was still in high school and still fighting. When he first stepped across the threshold at Turkey Creek First Baptist Church, he was more focused on getting out of the house than he was on being saved.

Members reached out to him to help him feel more at home. One churchgoer, Dawn Blankenship, picked up Ruiz and his sister after school during the week to take them to church.

After the weekday services and youth groups, she would buy them McDonald’s before dropping them back off at home.

Ruiz jokes that, at first, it was the free food that kept him in the pews.

But, after a while, his mentality shifted, and his anger and anxiety began to dissolve.

“With Christ coming into my life, that started going away and started fading away,” he said.

On Sundays, Ruiz would walk to church. Turkey Creek deacons would pass him along the way and stop to offer him a ride.

After graduating from Durant High School, Ruiz continued going to church. His friends in faith, Daniel

Helms and Matt Williams, mentored him to prepare him for mentoring younger students. Ruiz went on to assist the church’s youth pastor.

In 2012, he was able to preach for the first time in front of the congregation.

“I was so nervous,” he said. “But my mom encouraged me.”

She did more than that. While Ruiz was delivering his sermon, his mom came to the altar and gave her life to Christ.

As Ruiz continued to mentor to students at Turkey Creek, a position for a youth pastor opened at Knights Baptist Church. The church was seeking a young family to mentor youth.

Now married and a new father to a 1-week-old son, Ruiz was recruited

by Billy Bellott, the youth pastor at First Baptist Church of Dover. Ruiz’s wife, Haley, grew up attending First Baptist. The couple was later married at that church.

REACHING OUT

“I feel it was something God had been calling me to do,” he said. “It’s been pretty fun. They welcomed us right away.”

Each week, about 10 older youth, including middle and high school students, come to Knights Baptist Church on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The challenge, Ruiz said, is reaching them through the time constraints.

“I have maybe two hours with them in church,” he said. “Only two hours to share the gospel with them and try to open their eyes. How do we change someone’s life within two hours?”

He is focused on reaching youth outside the doors of the church, the same way mentors reached out to Ruiz years ago.

Some, like Ruiz, come to the church on their own accord without parental support. A Knights Baptist bus picks up kids before church and takes them back home.

“It’s amazing to see how these kids want to come, when neither of their parents come,” Ruiz said. “Some want to get out of the house. I hope and pray they’re being convicted.”

To encourage them to continue attending, he makes sure he lives what he preaches.

“You can preach all you want, but unless you’re making people follow Jesus, you’re just another public speaker. You have to live out your faith.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

The Big 5-0 MacDonald Training Center’s James Ranch is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

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It was 1966 when Herbert James donated his family ranch on Cork Road to be used by the MacDonald Training Center, a Tampa-based organization dedicated to helping and training handicapped children.

The founder of the MacDonald Training Center, J. Clifford MacDonald, decided to open the center after his only son was born with special needs.

Fifty years later, Plant City’s James Ranch is still fulfilling MacDonald’s original goals through job training. The Plant City location celebrated its major milestone on Wednesday, April 13, with a Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce breakfast sponsored by Sunshine Bank.

“We have high expectations for the people we serve,” Jim Freyvogel, president and CEO of the MacDonald Training Center, said. “And they do extraordinary things.”

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When Herbert James and his family first donated the ranch, located at 2902 Cork Road, they continued living on the land. For years, the 19-acre ranch served as a campus where the mentally disabled lived and never left.

“Back then, everything was designed to keep people with disabilities safe in the community,” Freyvogel said. “Special education was always separate from everything else. They were not expected to have a job, a family or even a higher education. Those are barriers we’re trying to break down. We’re moving aggressively to full employment and hard skills and soft skills.”

Now, serving the mentally disabled has become less about separating them from the rest of the world and more about giving them skills to succeed on and off the ranch with job training classes.

Whether they realize it or not, Florida residents have likely benefitted from a job performed by someone trained at the MacDonald Training Center. The

Emily Topper

Jim Freyvogel, CEO and President of MacDonald Training Center, with students in a computer class at the James Ranch campus

SELF-SUFFICIENT

Ten years ago, the MacDonald Training Center generated 5% of its own income. Today, the center generates 36% of its own income. The center has never asked for any state subsidies.

center’s trainees are responsible for the specialized packing and shipping of SunPass transponders. Others sew safety vests and aprons, recycle electronics and do data destruction.

Today, James Ranch has about 75 people come through its doors on a day-today basis.

SHATTERING BARRIERS

The campus is also a place where people can pursue their passions, despite handicaps. Art classes are offered, and some show their work at the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. One artist’s work was even featured in the Gasparilla patron’s party, an exclusive event for the festival’s major donors.

“That was probably my happiest moment since I’ve been involved,”

Director of Development Rita Hattab said. She was the first art teacher at the ranch. “It’s a gradual growth of confidence, and that’s so important.”

Music is another popular hobby.

Jonathan Davis is blind and autistic. It doesn’t stop him from playing keyboard, much to the delight of his peers, who often sway back and forth to his tunes.

Trainees gain community skills as they are encouraged to volunteer in the community.

“They volunteer at the Pet Resource Center and at the United Food Bank of Plant City,” Hattab, who has been with the MacDonald Training Center for 11 years, said. “Some of them adopted pets for the first time in their lives.”

Besides extracurriculars, softer skills, like interviewing techniques, are taught to trainees.

“We’re shattering barriers, Freyvogel said. “Those barriers usually create a misrepresentation of what people can and can’t do. There is independence for the people we serve from misconceptions that have followed them their entire life.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

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Two teams will compete in Lakeland for a state title this weekend.

TWINNING

The judges at the state competition will likely be seeing double during Plant City’s color guard presentation.

The four-person team is made up of two sets of Plant City siblings, including twins Dedrick and Zedrick Gonzalez and sisters Stephany and Sophie Vera.

It’s the first time in the school’s history that two sets of siblings have been in the color guard. But the quartet is hoping that the shared DNA will bring them luck during competition.

Plant City junior Sophie Vera, the commander for the color guard unit, was responsible for putting the team

www.rollysonfearnow.com

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This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) Norway, 2) Realism, 3) Scandal 4) Morality, 5) Irony Henrik Ibsen

April 14 week’s (Medium,Sudoku difficulty answers rating 0.48) This together this year. Her first recruit was simple: her sister, Stephany. Responsible for holding both the United States flag and the Florida flag, the sisters work on keeping everything in sync to impress the judges, especially their marching.

“When we go, my hope is to do better than what we did last year,” Sophie Vera said. “We’re presenting the colors that represent our nation, and we have to show respect for them.”

At the start of the school year, both Vera sisters noticed another dynamic duo that would make their color guard complete. The Gonzalez brothers had just relocated to Florida from New York, where they also had belonged to JROTC. They were instantly recruited.

At the state competition, the team will be judged on how well they follow commands, how in sync they are and their overall presentation.

“It can be stressful, but it’s a lot of fun,” Dedrick Gonzalez said.

“We’re dependent on each other,” Stephany Vera added. “We’re not a one-man team.”

ARMED AND READY

A few hours before the Gonzalez twins present the colors, they’ll be spinning 8-pound rifles with Plant City’s Armed Exhibition Drill Team against 30 other Florida schools.

In addition to the twins, the team is made up of five other members. On April 16, they will perform an eightminute routine for the judges, featuring commands, rifle spins and in-step marching.

It’s a complicated process with great attention to detail, but the

IF YOU GO ARMED EXHIBITION DRILL TEAM When: 9:06 a.m., Saturday, April 16

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Where: George Jenkins High School, 6000 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, Florida 33813

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members of the team pride themselves on being fast learners. They created and memorized the routine that they demonstrated at a February state qualifier competition in two weeks. The routine earned them top honors.

“We were really surprised,” team member Alex Foley said. “It takes a lot of dedication. We started the team, but we never put it together completely. When we did, we worked hard and we had two weeks to put it together and polish it.”

Armed Exhibition Drill Team Captain Michael Maldonado, a junior, will be leading the team at the April competition. Like his fellow teammates, this is his first year going to the competition.

“It’s a silent exhibition,” Maldonado said. Though he leads the team, he cannot call out commands during the presentation. “It takes a lot of teamwork, dedication and discipline.”

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This week’s Crossword answers

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

B: The Male-Female Color Guard members are Stephany and Sophie Vera and Dedrick and Zedrick Gonzalez.

C: Armed Exhibition Drill Team members include Michael Maldonado, Zedrick Gonzalez, Dedrick Gonzalez, Alex Foley, Elijah Johnson and Anthony Saldago.

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PlantCity Observer.com

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MALE-FEMALE COLOR GUARD When: 12:18 p.m., Saturday, April 16

A: The Armed Exhibition Drill Team and the Male-Female Color Guard will both compete at the state competition in Lakeland.

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STAFF WRITER

Two of Plant City High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps regiments are getting ready to show off their Raider pride to the Sunshine State.

On Saturday, April 16, the school’s Armed Exhibition Drill Team and Male-Female Color Guard will be competing for state titles at George Jenkins High School in Lakeland.

Qualifying for a state competition is a huge achievement for any school, but JROTC instructor and leadership teacher Martin Soto said Plant City’s teams have made vast improvements this year. It’s the first year the drill team will be going to the state competition, just two years after forming.

“Plant City never had a drill team, and we started one,” Soto said.

It’s the second consecutive year that the color guard will be returning to the state competition. After placing fourth in 2015, the guard is hoping to wow the judges.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

COMMUNITY CHAT WITH CITY MANAGER MIKE HERR 10 a.m. Friday, April 15, at Union Station Train Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. Find out city happenings and ask the city manager questions.

SATURDAY, APRIL 16

19TH ANNIVERSARY STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at McCall Park, 102 N. Palmer St. All cars are welcome, and there will be vendors and crafters. Contact the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at info@plantcity. org.

AQUAFINA PITCH, HIT AND RUN 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 16, at Mike Sansone Park, 1702 N. Park Road. Skill tests include pitching at a target, hitting off a tee for distance and accuracy as well as running for speed. For more information, contact coordinator Ben Smith at bgs2000@ verizon.net or (813) 763-4280.

CENTRAL FLORIDA COMMUNITY GARDENS COLLABORATIVE GATHERING 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at University Area Community Center, 14103 N. 22nd St., Tampa.

All members of community gardens in the Tampa Bay area are invited. Please bring a brochure or a poster about your garden and a dish from your garden to share. Enjoy lunch and discussing ways to promote community gardening.

COMMUNITY HEALTH FAIR 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

Enjoy food, raffles, giveaways and education. For more information, email springintowellnesshealthfair@gmail.com or lbrown@ plantcitygov.com, or call the rec center at (813) 757-9195.

CIA case officer and successful entrepreneur and business leader. He was recently recognized as an Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 finalist and is originally from Tampa. He now lives in Orlando with his wife and daughters. Contact Judy Wise at (863) 370-8389 or judywise45@gmail.com.

BEST BET SATURDAY, APRIL 16

ART AFTER DARK 6 to 10 p.m.

Saturday, April 16, at the Art Lounge Gallery, 119 E. Reynolds St. Art, music, art demonstrations, artisan-crafted leatherwork knives and jewelry, guest artists, door prizes and more. Rebecca Nipper will paint a Little Free Library cabinet live. Read about Little Free Library on page 5.

CORK ACADEMY STRAWBERRY SCHOOL REUNION 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Cork Elementary School, 3901 N. Cork Road. The attire is casual wear. Bring old school pictures.

Teachers, students and friends are invited. Contact Delores (Townsend) Tillman at (813) 6817935 or Lavon (Brannen) Dudley at (813) 752-2047.

WALK FOR LIFE 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. The walk is hosted by the Pregnancy Care Center.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17

EARTH DAY FEST 4:30 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. Enjoy dinner for $5 and a drum circle at 6 p.m. Contact Karen Elizabeth at 12circle8@gmail.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 19

MIKE BASKERVILLE PRESENTS MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 19. Appointments are open to Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce members. Call Mike

RONALD L. SNOWDEN PARK RIBBON CUTTING 4 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Ronald L. Snowden Park, 902 W. Waller St.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

to schedule an appointment at (937) 829-0623 or email him at mike@cpsmap.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

SUNCOAST NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY MEETING 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20, at the Hillsborough County Extension, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. Robert Northrup, UF/IFAS Extension forester, will speak on conservation landscaping. (813) 679-5597.

WALKING CLUB 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 20, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. This is the first meeting, which will have attendees walking around the block for 30 minutes. Contact Susan Miles at (813) 757-9215.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21

LIBRARY BOARD MEETING 9 a.m. Thursday, April 21, at Bruton Memorial Library’s Moody Community Room, 302 McLendon St. PLANT CITY REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB MEETING 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 21, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60. Todd Wilcox will speak. He is running for the United States Senate, is a decorated combat veteran, former

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, 2001 Clubhouse Drive. The tournament will help the Kiwanis Club, Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Wellness on Wheels Program. Contact event chair Jodi Stevens at (813) 7578574.

ONGOING

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.

BLUES NIGHT 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, at Top Shelf Bar & Grill, 110 E. Reynolds St. Blues veteran Don Lehman brings sophisticated, contemporary blues, soul, funk and jazz to Historic Downtown. No cover.

(813) 704-6994.

BORN AGAIN GUN CLUB 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month, at One Accord Church, 2203 W. Baker St. For more information and to view the club’s bylaws and application, please visit its website at 1keeneteacher.wix. com/bagc, check out its Facebook page or email President Jeff Keene at bornagaingunclub@ gmail.com.

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CLASSIC CAR SHOW AT UNCLE MIKE’S Second Saturday of every month at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse and Grill, 106 E. State Road 60.

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CORN HOLE TOURNAMENTS 7:30 p.m. Fridays at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse and Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. UncleMikesGrill. com or (813) 737-4444.

COUNTRY-FRIED FRIDAYS 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. Ladies drink free and the DJ plays top 40 country hits. UncleMikesGrill.com or (813) 737-4444.

PLANT CITY YOUTH CSI CLASS 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at the Bing Rooming House, 205 S. Allen St. The class teaches crime scene investigation techniques to students in eighth to 10th grade.

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ENGLISH CONVERSATION CORNER 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays in January, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The class is in conjunction with the Hillsborough Literacy Council. For information about the class, please call the Hillsborough Literacy Council at (813) 273-3650.

KARAOKE 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse and Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. UncleMikesGrill.com or (813) 737-4444.

O’BRIEN’S LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

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Includes: • Silent & Live Auction • Numerous Guns • 150 Items Raffled Away • Corp. & Sponsor Tables Avail.

Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

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To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Emily Topper, etopper@PlantCityObserver.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PAMELA FAIR GROSS CHESLEY Pamela Fair Gross Chesley, 66, died April 6, 2016, at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Ms. Chesley was raised in Odessa, Florida, by her loving parents, Fay and Joseph Gross.

She graduated from Leto High School in Tampa in 1968.

She attended Eckerd College and graduated from the University of South Florida in 1972.

She later graduated from Boston University with a master’s degree in public relations.

She had a successful career as an English teacher at Leto High School and with nonprofit public relations. She was also president and CEO of the family business.

From 1987 until her death, she resided in Plant City. She was a true animal lover and proud mother.

She is survived by her daughters, Josie Megan Chesley, 27, and Cassie Fay Chesley Henrriquez, 26; former husband, Russell Chesley III; nephew, Robert Jason Cronk; cousins, Kaye Eichelberger Pace, Hallie Pace, Jack Pace and Nina Goldstein; beloved dogs, Rocky and Freddy; and cats, Fernando and Delilah.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and sisters, Joelle Renee Ashley and Kimberly Ashley.

A memorial service was held April 14, at Wells Memorial and Event Center in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

FLORENCE “FLO” CURRAN Florence “Flo” Curran, 91, of Plant City, and born in Detroit, Michigan, died April 3, 2016.

Ms. Curran was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Plant City and was retired from the Florida Department of Transportation. She loved her family, and she enjoyed reading and golfing.

She is survived by her children, Carol Finn, of Plant City, Jim Curran, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Brian Curran, of Winter Haven; and nine grandchildren.

A celebration of life was

held April 7, at Hope Lutheran Church in Plant City.

Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

CAROLYN DEVANE Carolyn DeVane, 84, of Plant City, died Wednesday, April 6, 2016.

A native of Plant City, Mrs. DeVane was the daughter of the late Addis and Thelma Smith Weeks. She worked for Hillsboro Bank, the United States Post Office and was a pianist at Lebanon Baptist Church. She loved game shows, working the farm, hoeing flowers and mowed her own yard until July 2015.

She is survived by her children, Kevin DeVane (Susan), Craig DeVane and Kyle DeVane (Danette); siblings, Mavis Herring, Betty Lou Roach and Robert Weeks (Clara); six grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gerald Berton DeVane Sr.; and son, Gerald Berton “Bert” DeVane Jr. A funeral service was held April 11, at Bethany Baptist Church in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

MARIA GUADALUPE GARCIA LARA Maria Guadalupe Garcia Lara, 84, of Plant City, died Sunday, April 3, 2016.

A native of Mexico, Ms. Lara was the daughter of Ufemio and Gutieruez Garcia.

She is survived by her children, Vince Lara Jr. (Linda), Catarino Lara, Rodolfo Lara, Martha Landaverde, Felicitas Villaerral and Rosa Castro; 14 grandchildren; many greatgrandchildren; and two greatgreat-granddaughters.

A funeral service was held April 8, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

WINSTON O. RAMCHARAN Winston O. Ramcharan, 90, of Plant City, died April 8, 2016.

Mr. Ramcharan is survived by loving family and friends.

A celebration of life was held April 12, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Committal followed at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

JANE MARGUERITE RUPPE Jane Marguerite Ruppe, 65, died Saturday, March 26, 2016.

Ms. Ruppe was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and graduated from Cleveland State University. She lived in Atlanta and Plant City.

She taught school for a short time but then spent the majority of her career as a business analyst and trainer for several Fortune 100 companies. She will be remembered as a loving person who cared deeply for her family, friends and furry companions.

Although burdened with diabetes and severe hearing loss, she seldom complained of her health issues and bore them bravely throughout her day-today life. She enjoyed playing tennis and golf, and traveling.

She is survived by her mother, Mildred J. Ruppe, of Plant City; brother, Daniel J. Ruppe, of Longwood; sister, Maureen C. Patrick, of Alpharetta, Georgia; niece, Jennifer Ruppe; nephews, Mark L. Ruppe Jr. and John Ruppe; sister-in-law, Wendi Ruppe; and brother-in-law, Greg Patrick.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry L. Ruppe Sr.; and brother, Mark L. Ruppe, who gave her the gift of life through a kidney donation 11 years ago.

A celebration of life was held April 1, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to the American Diabetes Association, 1511 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33607. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

CRECENSIO “CHECHE” SANDERSON Crecensio “CheChe” Sanderson,

74, of Plant City, and formerly of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah, died April 5, 2016.

Mr. Sanderson was born in Camaguey, Cuba in 1941 and arrived in Salt Lake City in 1996. He loved his family, and he enjoyed classic cars, playing dominoes and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Sara Fonseca; children, Francisco Sanderson (Osnel), of Cuba, Mayda Sanderson, of Las Vegas, Magaly Sanderson (Osnel), of Las Vegas, David Sanderson (Michael), of Las Vegas, and Daniel Sanderson (Sylvia), of Las Vegas; their mother, Clara Agulia; Martiza Suarez (Manolito); Martha Suarez; granchildren, Yadiel Elis, Yanisley, Eliany, Frank Daniel, Jose Daniel, Stephanie, Yan David and Daniela; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Ventura, Ramon “Papio,” Lazaro “Lelo” and Digna.

A celebration of life was held April 8, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

MABEL BOUTWELL SMITH Mabel Boutwell Smith, 100, died March 22, 2016.

Mrs. Smith was born on Oct. 20, 1916, in Cairo, Georgia, to Sim and Leona Boutwell.

She is survived by her children, JoAnn Smith Palmer (Fred Sr.), Gene Smith (Sharon) and Kay Smith Ballard (Alan); grandchildren, Tami Palmer Asbury, Fred “Porky” Palmer Jr. (Della) and Amy Ballard Haney (John); and several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edward N. Smith; and siblings, Coy Boutwell (Rose), Cassie Barfield (Milton), Carrie Sasser (Pollard), Elma Lee (Jimmy) and Madge Franklin (Kenneth).

A funeral service was held March 25, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Burial followed at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

MARY JANE TUDOR Mary Jane Tudor, 91, of Plant City, and formerly of Syracuse, Indiana, died April 5, 2016.

Mrs. Tudor was born in Tipton, Indiana. She loved her family, and she enjoyed golfing and music.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James R. Tudor.

She is survived by her children, James C. Tudor, of Alaska, and Jody Stephenson (Gary), of Plant City.

Private interment was held in Syracuse, Indiana.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

CHARLES E. WRIGHT Charles E. Wright, 75, of Plant City, died March 1, 2016.

Mr. Wright loved his family, and he enjoyed fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carolyn Wright; children, Glenda Jones (Randy) and Darrell Wright (Vicki), of Plant City; grandchildren, Misty Ramirez (Luis), Brandy Craddock (Jeremy), Josh Wright (Kat), Jeffrey Wright, Justin Jones (Erin) and Jacob Wright; siblings, Eleanor Wilkerson, David Wright, Ruby Christie (Tommy) and Thomas Wright; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Eddie Wright.

A celebration of life was held March 5, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City.

Interment was held at Turkey Creek Cemetery in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

VIRGIL ELLIS YATES Virgil Ellis Yates, 76, of Plant City, died March 2, 2016.

A native of Tyronza, Arizona, Mr. Yates was the son of James and Lucille Bell Yates. He worked for Cone’s Dairy and MidState Potato Company.

He is survived by his son, Joey; and brothers, Ernest and Howard.

Services will be private.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

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SIDELINES

Vipers shooting guard Matt Simpson scores 83 points. Page 14

Do you have a good Sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com or tweet us at @PCTOSports.

SOFTBALL DISTRICTS WRAP UP

Durant and Strawberry Crest have hosted this year’s softball 8A-4 and 8A-6.

The 8A-6 tournament ended Thursday, April 14, and the 8A-4 tournament, in which Crest was the only Plant City-area school, began Wednesday, April 14.

The championship game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, April 15, at Strawberry Crest High, 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover.

For complete results from both tournaments, visit PlantCityObserver. com.

LADY RAIDERS TAKE FIRST FLAG LOSS

After a thrilling 20-19 win over Newsome last week, the Plant City Lady Raiders flag football team faced another tough challenge at Bloomingdale.

The Lady Bulls were ready for anything the night of Thursday, April 7, and picked up a 27-7 win over Plant City. It was only the second time this season that the Lady Raiders have been held to singledigit scoring, following the season-opening 6-0 win over Tampa Bay Tech on March 22.

In other area news, Durant’s flag team picked up its first win of the season that same evening. The Lady Cougars, like their teal-and-orange rivals, scored a 6-0 win over TBT. Strawberry Crest rebounded from a March 31 loss in the best way possible: the Lady Chargers picked up 19-0 and 13-0 wins over TBT and Newsome, respectively, heading into Thursday night’s road game at Plant City. Results from that game were not available at press time.

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? BENNY COFFEE The Plant City High and Florida A&M football legend is living the retired life in Plant City.

BY JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

Thumbing through a manila folder full of sepia-colored Polaroids, Benny Coffee is taken back to the good old days.

There’s Coffee as a linebacker, prowling the middle of the Plant City High gridiron, looking to hit a Lake Wales Highlander.

There’s Coffee on the sideline, getting his ankle taped by a trainer so he can get back onto the field quickly.

There’s Coffee with his teammates, his coaches, people that helped make

his playing days fond memories.

Coffee poured his heart and soul into the game of football, and the game rewarded him with the ability to look back and smile.

He’s been back in Plant City for about two and one half years, after spending his post-Raider days playing, coaching and working around the South. Coffee, since retired, moved back to be closer to his family.

Although he loved few things more than living in Mobile, Alabama, Coffee’s content with coming full circle.

RAIDER DAYS

Plant City is where Coffee grew up and where his football career began.

His high school career started at Marshall High, now Marshall Middle, where he played defense for the Dragons under head coach Kelly Williams.

Coffee first enrolled in the 1966-67 school year, just a year removed from

the Dragons’ famed undefeated season.

As he played through his freshman, sophomore and junior years, he developed into a strong, athletic linebacker known for his physicality. In 1969, integration brought Coffee to Plant City High.

Coffee says that there were notable differences between playing at Marshall and playing at Plant City, where Williams became an assistant to head coach Hank Sytsma, but that those differences had no effect on his morale.

“Everything changed,” Coffee says.

“I found that the practices were much easier. When we were at Marshall, we had real hard practices every day. Over time, you got used to it. Plant City High, the preparation was a little bit more intense. I guess, with the talent

Plant City High clinched the top seed in its district.

The X-factor? Its pitching staff.

BY JUSTIN KLINE

|

SPORTS EDITOR

or the Plant City Raiders, everything happened to click in 2016.

They’re entering the upcoming 8A-6 district tournament as the top seed, with the best overall record since 2011.

“I’d just say it’s accepting coach’s plan, all along,” pitcher Billy McKay says. “It’s just been trying to glue together. We’ve finally got the glue.”

As expected, ace-reliever hybrid McKay, who will play for the Florida Gators after

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

this year, has put together an excellent season.

SEE ARMS RACE PAGE 13

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

If I had a billion dollars I've seen a lot of athletes struggle with the billion-dollar question during Athlete of the Week interviews.

Not that it's hard to answer — it's that the possibilities are endless.

Going off of my rough estimates, I'd say about half I interview say they want to buy property for their parents. Most of the other half has a car in mind.

I often think about how I'd answer some of the interview questions if the roles were reversed and I were the young athlete being interviewed by a young sportswriter in a "Sandlot" movie t-shirt. I can confidently say that I'd have a completely different answer than just about anything I've heard thus far.

SEE KLINE PAGE 14

SEE COFFEE PAGE 13

Courtesy photo

Benny Coffee spent 25 years coaching football in Alabama after his playing days ended.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

BONDING MOMENT

NO GOOD TUNES Coffee enjoyed living in Tallahassee. There was only one problem, in Coffee’s mind.

“They didn’t have a black radio station,” Coffee says. “Late at night, I used to pick up a station out of Nashville, Tennessee.

You could pick it up after 12. We used to play Tennessee State in Nashville. We played up there twice and we were like, ‘Man, there’s a lot of really good stations in Nashville!’”

Even thinking about Tallahassee puts a smile on Coffee’s face.

Attending Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University, he says, was one of the best decisions he’s made.

Coffee, a physical education major, played linebacker for the Rattlers until graduating in 1974. Those four Rattlers seasons saw three head coaches and went 21-22.

Although the Rattlers’ record wasn’t spectacular during Coffee’s time there, Coffee’s play was. His physicality and football IQ made him a force on the field and landed him a spot in the school’s athletics Hall of Fame in 2003.

PROS TO PREPS

Coffee’s play with the Rattlers and the World Football League’s Houston Texans and Jacksonville Sharks earned him some NFL recognition.

It landed him a spot in Detroit Lions training camp in August of 1974.

Things were going well for him, and

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

CALLED IT Anybody that coaches high school football for as long as football legend Benny Coffee is going to see some hot prospects come and go, without fail. Of all the athletes Coffee has coached with or against, one name stood out from the pack:

8A-6 All games to be played at Riverview High School, 11311 Boyette Road, Riverview.

GAMES: April 18: Bloomingdale vs.

East Bay, 7 p.m.

April 19: Plant City vs. winner game 1, 4 p.m.; Durant vs. Riverview, 7 p.m.

April 21: winner game 2 vs. winner game 3, 7 p.m. (championship) 8A-4 All games to be played at Wharton High School, 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa.

GAMES: April 19: Strawberry Crest vs. Wiregrass Ranch, 4:30 p.m.; Wharton vs. Freedom, 7:30 p.m.

April 21: winner game 1 vs. winner game 2, 7 p.m. (championship)

JaMarcus Russell.

“I knew JaMarcus Russell was a complete quarterback,” Coffee says.

Coffee predicted that Russell, who attended nearby Williamson High, would be an NFL player.

That was in 2002. Five years later, Coffee’s prediction came true.

Wh n o g

l

RATTLER DAYS

on to other ventures.

Coffee put his degree to use and went into teaching physical education and special needs students. He coached at Lake Wales High School for a year and spent five years teaching and coaching at Shaw High in Columbus, Georgia. He also spent a year as a counselor at Tampa United Methodist Center.

It was a former Lions offseason teammate, Ray Parker, who convinced Coffee to join a football program in Mobile, Alabama.

He had a 25-year run as LeFlore High School’s defensive coordinator.

“You can’t beat it,” Coffee says.

“It’s very, very competitive. They’ll run you out of there if you’re not winning.”

After his 25 years in Alabama, Coffee decided it was time to retire. He moved to Plant City for good in 2013.

“I always think about going back to work,” Coffee says. “I hear some people say they enjoy retirement.

But I don’t enjoy retirement I’d still like to work.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

THE RUNDOWN

ee

that was already there, our biggest thing was preparation — making sure things were done right. Hank Sytsma did a good job with that.”

He also says that the transition from schools was so smooth, he and his teammates had no problems on or off the field. It helped that three of his cousins — Chester Sikes, Jerry Sikes and Willie James Morrison — were also members of Marshall’s and Plant City’s defenses.

“I enjoyed it,” Coffee says. “I didn’t have problems with nothing. I got along with everybody — teachers, students — it was just like family. A lot of guys, it was the same way for them.”

That year, Coffee’s hard work paid off: he had college offers coming on most days, won county and state AllStar awards and, at one point, made the South Florida team in the state All-Star Game in Jacksonville.

But there are also the other guys, such as Jarrett Joyner and Parker Messick, that are just as responsible for keeping opponents contained enough to get those wins.

McKay leads the way with an 0.61 ERA, six wins and two losses (as of press time), 53 strikeouts and one complete game shutout.

Joyner, who will play at Southern Wesleyan University next year, has 11 relief appearances against one start and leads the team with four saves.

Of all players with at least 10 innings pitched, Joyner leads the pack with just 10 hits allowed.

Messick is putting up better numbers than most would expect from a freshman: he has an 0.89 ERA in 31.1 innings pitched, with 37 strikeouts.

Batters facing McKay or Messick are only hitting about .159, and reaching base about 25% of the time.

“I’m just trying to fill my role whenever coach wants me to pitch,” Messick says.

These are, in head coach Mike Fryrear’s words, the “three arms that have been beating everybody.”

“We’ve been doing really good this year,” McKay says. “We’ve been throwing a lot of first-pitch strikes but, mostly, we’ve been keeping runners off base. That’s what matters most.”

Take that rainy Saturday, April 2, Plant City-Durant game, in which the Cougars were looking to rebound from their early-season loss to the Raiders. McKay pitched fairly well over three innings, allowing one run on two hits, but Messick’s appearance in the fourth inning was when Plant City — which started the frame with a run scored — started to take over the game. Through three innings of his own, Messick one-hit the dangerous Durant offense and struck out five

13

TRAILER PARK RICHARD MCDANIEL • 813.657.1100

202887

COFFEE FROM PAGE 12

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Wa

This Plant City Raiders team prides itself on its chemistry.

In the players’ opinion, the preseason trip to Jacksonville was one of the best things that’s happened to them this year. They didn’t beat national powerhouse Trinity Christian but the road trip gave the boys a chance to build upon that chemistry.

The funniest moment somehow didn’t involve a prank.

“We just got to Jacksonville, we got to Cracker Barrel and we all sit down and get sodas,” pitcher Billy McKay says. “The lady comes out with a tray full of sodas, and she dumps it all over our table.

“Our starting shortstop, Brendan (Shultz), it mostly covered him. He was completely soaked. Four out of the five of us had our meals completely paid for. I think that pumped us up more than anything, that weekend.”

How could spilled drinks and comped meals pump a baseball team?

“Shultz got that waitress’s number,” pitcher Jarrett Joyner says.

batters.

Plant City scored three runs in the top of the seventh, and Joyner pitched a shutout bottom seventh with two strikeouts to get the save to Messick’s win.

From a playoff perspective, the game was rather meaningless: Plant City had locked up the top seed before they even set foot on Cougar Path, so a loss wouldn’t have hurt the team in the standings.

But, any Plant City fan will attest, on a local level, securing that particular season sweep was a sign that this team could go places.

The players would agree. Fryrear is reluctant to make any kind of predictions at this point, but the boys believe that buying into the system he’s installed in his four years — now that the entire roster consists of Fryrear guys — is the catalyst.

“Just keeping it simple,” McKay says. “It’s a game. Have fun.”

Should the Raiders stay hot through districts, it’ll be the most fun anyone’s had in four years.

|

Courtesy Photos

Benny Coffee was one of the last Marshall High football players and one of the first black Plant City High players.

it appeared that he would survive the final wave of cuts and make the team.

Then, tragedy struck. Head coach Don McCafferty, with whom Coffee and his agent were on good terms, died of a heart attack. Rick Forzano was given the reins, but he and Coffee did not have as good of a relationship. Coffee knew that his days with the Lions were numbered and, when he didn’t survive the final cuts, moved

Plant City Welcomes PTR Baler & Compactor

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Thank You for Asking

SKIPPING MEALS

Ever think about JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D skipping a meal as a way to lose weight?

Or, did you hear that eating throughout the day boosts your metabolism? Could it be that skipping a meal actually slows your fat burning rate?

Let’s see what research says about that: 15 controlled trials found no relationship between meal frequency and fat loss in sedentary overweight adults, according to Muscle and Performance Magazine. I would advise you to maintain strict adherence to your diet plan, while also maintaining regular exercise.

EXERCISE REDUCES BREAST CANCER RISK

Daily physical activity is associated with reduced breast cancer risk, according to recent studies. Exercise plays a key role in women’s health by balancing hormones and maintaining both muscle mass and a healthy weight.

The mind/body practices, such as yoga and Qigong, are especially helpful for stress reduction. Two weekly, 90-minute sessions of Qigong can reduce fatigue and inflammation mark-

ers. Bi-weekly Qigong also improved the quality of life and mood in cancer patients, according to Amazing Wellness Magazine.

Yoga has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, increase the powerful, antioxidant-rich hormone called melatonin and boost the immune system.

Post-operative breast cancer patients use yoga to speed healing.

INCLUDE REST WITH EXERCISE

High-intensity interval training bouts broken up by rest periods are more effective at burning body fat than steady-state cardio training.

For example: if your reps are in the eight to 15 range, then one to three minute rest periods may be your goal.

Work on ratios to steadily bring the rest period down. I like using 10 reps that max out with a forty-five-second rest period before going on to the next set.

Recovery periods are also important forms of rest. Allow one or two days between exercise to allow the body time to renew. Working the lower body and upper body on alternating days provides time for the resting body parts to recover. The increased circulation of working out aids in recovery for the resting body part as well.

Everyone is different about how much rest they need between workouts.

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative holistic health based out of Plant City. She teaches restorative yoga classes at the Plant City Family YMCA on Thursdays.

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14

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

Matt Simpson The Plant City Vipers went 2-3 in their first tournament of the 2016 season, held last weekend in Auburndale, but several players performed well. Chief among them was shooting guard Matt Simpson, who scored 83 points over the team’s five games played. Simpson is also a sophomore at Plant City High, where he plays point guard for the Raiders. Simpson wins a $25 giftcard from GNC at Walden Woods. He can pick up the giftcard at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. #103.

What was working for you?

My shot wasn’t going down, and I wasn’t hitting my free throws either.

But I was getting to the hole easily.

Your coach (Wade Rogers) called you “unstoppable.”

I guess.

How do you feel about the Vipers this season?

We’ve got a lot of young players. A lot of the seniors left.

How did you guys do over the weekend?

We went 2-3. We got to the championship game, but we lost pretty bad.

It happens. What position are you playing?

For the Vipers, I’m playing shooting guard.

And for high school?

Point guard.

How long have you been playing basketball?

I started rec league when I was 9. I’m 15 now.

What first got you into basketball?

I started watching Duke play basketball, and I just fell in love with it.

I like North Carolina, so I think we’re done talking about college basketball. But who’s your favorite athlete?

Kobe Bryant.

202884

Who’s your pro team?

The Lakers.

Are you sticking with the Lakers when Kobe retires this week?

Yeah. I think he needs to retire. It’s

kind of hard to watch him playing so bad lately. But it’s kind of sad, too, since he’s going to be gone. But it’s D’Angelo Russell all day.

If you could play for any pro team, what would it be?

Orlando.

Want to stay close to home?

Yes, sir.

Do you have any college prospects?

I’d like to go to University of Tampa.

Any idea what you want to major in?

I’ll figure it out when I get there.

You get to meet any famous person you want. Who would it be, and what would you want to do?

Kobe. I’d want to go to the gym and shoot around with him.

You get $1 billion in the bank one day. What’s the first thing you buy?

A car. I’d buy a Ferrari.

You get any superpower you want. What would you pick?

Spider-Man’s power.

Let’s say a little kid comes up to you and asks for advice on how to be good at basketball. What do you tell him?

Just work hard. That’s it.

What was the biggest thing you worked on when you were young and trying to get better?

I actually watched a lot of YouTube videos.

Drills and stuff.

I would do them at my h o u se , o r I went to the YMCA. What is one area of your game where you want to get better at?

Strength.

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If you were to ask me what I'd buy, I'd go with an NBA team. Not only is owning a major pro sports team a phenomenal business asset these days, I'd also get to bring ball back to life in Buffalo (sorry, Seattle). I don't know if I'd wait for an expansion year or try and relocate a team, but I'd get it done.

For fun, though, let's say that I could get $1 billion on the condition that I have to put at least half of the money into the community.

I think it goes without saying that sports are pretty important to me, so I'd be pumping that money into that area of the community. I can think of a few things that intrigue me.

There's a lot of potential at Plant City Stadium, which used to host the Cincinnati Reds for Major League Baseball spring training. Bringing the MLB back to Plant City would certainly be a goal of mine.

But, even if that proves impossible, there are other things that can be done with it. I could see it being a great playing area for local baseball

and softball teams, if not regularly then in championship scenarios or rivalry games. It would also be great for the NCBA Spring Training Showcase, as I'm sure teams wouldn't mind playing on a field where bigleague greats once played ball (and where baseball legend Pete Rose's locker is still placed, which would be cool to see).

It also has legs as an outdoor concert venue, as we've all seen during the city's Fourth of July celebrations.

I'm sure we could get people in those seats for outdoor country music concerts.

Not that the stadium is run-down or anywhere near it, but I'd modernize it. Seating improvements, a new scoreboard, revamped press boxes and food options and a few other touches could go a long way toward making Plant City Stadium a modern, attractive option for Major League Baseball teams and beyond.

What would you do with $1 billion, Plant City?

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

W EAT HER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, APRIL 15

High: 86 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 100%

SATURDAY, APRIL 16 High: 83 Low: 64 Chance of rain: 50%

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, April 15

7:04a

7:54p

Saturday, April 16

7:03a

7:54p

Sunday, April 17

7:01a

7:55p

Monday, April 18

7:00a

7:55p

Tuesday, April 19

6:59a

7:56p

Wednesday, April 20

6:59a

7:56p

Thursday, April 21

6:58a

7:57p

High: 94 Low: 63 Chance of rain: 0%

May 6 New

MONDAY, APRIL 18 High: 85 Low: 62 Chance of rain: 10%

I LOVE PLANT CITY

April 29 Last

May 13 First

April 21 Full

RAINFALL

SWEET CORN Shipping point: Orlando $15.35

Courtesy of the United States

Thursday, April 7

0.00

Friday, April 8

0.02

Saturday, April 9

0.00

Sunday, April 10

0.00

Monday, April 11

0.00

Tuesday, April 12

0.00

Wednesday, April 13

0.00

YEAR TO DATE:

APRIL TO DATE:

2016 6.44 in.

2016 0.02 in.

1.28 in.

2015 0.00 in.

2015

Department of Agriculture

New baby cranes and their proud parents were spotted off State Road 39, behind Walgreens.

Photographer Carol Byers wins a Grimes Hardware Strawberry Town Cafe gift card. She can claim the card with an ID at Strawberry Town Cafe, 3161 Paul Buchman Highway.

Do you have a picture that speaks to the personality of Plant City? To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email that photo and a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Winners will have their picture featured and receive a special gift.

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CRYPTOQUIZ

CROSSWORD

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a distinguished playwright. Using the hints V=A and F=R, decipher the clues to name the playwright.

ACROSS

1 Rid of frost 6 Medieval drudge 10 Doily feature 14 Partner of Clark 19 Violinist Mischa 20 Line to Ben-Gurion 21 “That didn’t hurt a bit!”

22 South Bend team, for short 23 Forger’s creation 26 Jay Silverheels TV role 27 Yet to come 28 Like Groucho’s humor 29 Rifle’s laser sight feature 30 Not ___ many words 33 Bylaw, for short 34 Steakhouse orders, perhaps 35 Characteristic of a non-native’s speech, maybe 40 NYC cultural center 41 Be in hock 44 Where the action is 45 S&L conveniences 46 Asks on bended knee 48 Pitcher’s mound bagful 49 Sulky puller’s gait 50 Fast-food drinks 52 Having a tiff 53 Walrus feature 55 ( or ), for short 56 Subway access 57 Sault ___ Marie 58 Banned steroid, e.g. (Abbr.)

59 ___ Bread (sandwich shop chain) 60 Does a KP chore 61 Owl’s home 63 Sewing machine pioneer Howe 64 Burn to a crisp 66 Drive off 69 Totally horrify 71 ___-mo replay 72 “Butterfly” actress Zadora 75 Speak glowingly of 76 Adds water to, perhaps 77 Slumlord’s building 80 Suffix with billion 81 Electricity, slangily 82 Be a bum 84 San Fran gridder, for short 85 Some shellfishermen 87 Burglar’s take 88 Prefix with violet 89 Danson of “Cheers” 90 Bryce Canyon’s state 91 A split second 94 Short-lived Ford line 96 Selling fast 97 “The Lion King” villain 98 Seers’ decks 100 Nation south of Sicily 102 Applies aloe to 108 Kagan of the Supreme Court 109 Punch-out time for many, precisely 112 Drummer’s platform 113 Brewery selections 114 Molokai dance 115 Part of Hispaniola 116 Beat in chess 117 No longer permits 118 Partner of anon

1. L U F G V X 2. F Q V J M T B 3. T N V L R V J 4. B U F V J M H X 5. M F U L X

This playwright wrote over 25 plays and helped produce many more while working at a theatre:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 April 14 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.48) through 9 in each row, column and box.

5

8

3

3

8

1

2 3 8

4

2

15

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

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1 2

7

3

4 9

7

2

4 3

8 2

7

9

2

5 6 5

8

4

April 14 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.48)

5

2

8 9 3

3

7

9 8 6 4 1

1

4 6 2

7

7

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4 8 6 5

9

9 3

1

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6 8 4 5

1 5

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4 6 2

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©2016 Universal Uclick

119 “Stormy Weather” composer Harold tious names 35 Freshwater game 36 “Siddhartha” author DOWN 37 Monogram part (Abbr.)

1 Tenth: Prefix 38 Water-to-wine site 2 Tesla CEO ___ Musk 39 Paramedic, for short 3 Don of talk radio 40 Roger Bannister, famously 4 Lacks the skills 42 “Mack the Knife” composer Kurt 5 Internal prefix 43 Kefauver on a 1956 ticket 6 One of tennis’s Williamses 44 You may bear them 7 Keebler pitchman 47 Shoot-’em-up movie 8 Charlotte of “The Facts of Life” 49 Redford baseball movie 9 Do a McJob 50 Locks locale 10 Finch family member 51 Tram loads 11 In the midst of 54 39-Down skill 12 Perfume giant 55 Mops’ mates 13 Barely manage, with “out” 56 Place for a mud wrap 14 Word-for-word 59 Cessna product 15 Grind away 61 Brazilian port 16 Neckwear style 62 Mountain road abbr.

17 Proportion phrase 63 Of great proportions 18 Field event missile 65 Sweetie 24 Composer Satie 66 Do a double take, say 25 Ueys, e.g.

67 Banish to Siberia 29 Cloverleaf parts 68 Soldier’s relaxed position 31 Quaking in one’s boots 70 Pull an online scam 32 Prefix with -genarian 34 Work in which real people have ficti- 71 Radio nuisance

72 Prefix meaning five 73 Like the noble gases 74 Gillette razor brand 78 Plenty, to a texter 79 Pepper grinder 81 Ballet leaps 82 Place to park 83 Circusgoers’ gasps 86 Dog topper 87 “Scratch & win” game 91 At least as much 92 Earnhardt’s org.

93 Totally get, in sci-fi 95 Organ receiver 96 Safety zone 98 Service period 99 Inter ___ (among others) 100 Kunis of “Black Swan” 101 Post-workout woe 103 Work safety org.

104 “___ she blows!”

105 Hard downpour 106 Ziegfeld Follies designer 107 Drive to nowhere 109 ___ Four (The Beatles) 110 Valentine candy word 111 Grand ___ Opry

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 2016

~ Amanda L., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

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n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses

help keep the whole family healthy. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience.

When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City. Learn more: SouthFloridaBaptist.org

n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures

Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital.

To find out more: 1-800-BayCare BC1509162-1215

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