04.24.15 PCTO by Plant City Observer

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PROMPOWER

SPECIALMOMENT

PAGE 13

Raylynn Thompson took the crown at Little Miss P.C.

Maggie Pate has a natural talent for tennis.

PAGE 9

PAGE 5

Area students celebrated prom in high style.

SERVING ACES

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer OUR TOWN shop til you drop

Five Below, rue21 to open in Lake Walden Square

+ Enter the Mother’s Day essay contest

Why is your mother the best? Is she always there for you in a time of need? Does she make the best strawberry cookies around? The Plant City Times & Observer is calling all daughters and sons to enter the annual Mother’s Day essay contest. Tell us why your mother deserves to be featured. Include your first and last name and age, and send submissions to Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com. Winners will have their submission featured in the paper and online. The deadline is May 1. Good luck!

The stores will be offering specials and giveaways for their grand openings this spring and summer. Plant City shoppers will have two new destinations to check out this summer, and they won’t even have to get back in the car to go from one

store to the next. Five Below and rue21 will be opening right next to each other in Lake Walden Square at Alexander Street and James

L. Redman Parkway, the same plaza that has enjoyed bigger stores coming to it recently, such as PetSmart and Marshalls.

Teens can stock up on the latest fashions at rue21. The store offers clothes for juniors of both genders, and a variety of sizes, including plus sizes. Kelly Sulkosky, a marketing representative for rue21,

SEE STORES / PAGE 4

wlca

HOMETOWN HERO by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Hunter voted new WLCA president

Former treasurer Bob Hunter won the board’s election for president with a vote of ﬁve to four.

The Walden Lake Community Association Board of Directors voted Monday, to select its new ofﬁcers for the next year. Bob Hunter and Rich Glorioso were nominated for president, and Hunter won with a vote of ﬁve to four. “Our basic responsibility is to improve the property values in Walden Lake,” Hunter

+ Happy retirement

Bruce Anthony Long retired from Zephryhills Correctional Institute Feb. 28. Long was born Aug. 16, 1959, in Plant City, to John and Alice Long. He is the youngest of four siblings. He was educated in Hillsborough County Public Schools and graduated from Plant City High School in 1977, where he excelled in football and track and field. He went on to further his education at Florida A&M on a full athletic scholarship. Upon leaving Florida A&M Long enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he served for three years. After serving his country he began his career in law enforcement with the State of Florida Department of Corrections. During his 30-year service with the Department of Corrections he served as manager of food services and attained the ranking of Sergeant over the mental health unit.

SEE WLCA / PAGE 4

Catherine Sinclair

James Coker will always remember his division with a framed series of photographs he made when he returned from the war.

MEMORIES OF WARTIME

James Coker fought in a number of historic battles during World War II, including the Battle of the Bulge.

James Coker will never forget his years serving in Europe during World War II. When he dusts off his boxes of pristinely kept photos, tickets, cards and other mementoes, the memories come rushing back. “It was scary, but it was happy times,” he said. One of his most treasured keepsakes is a collection of photos that he framed when he returned to Plant City, his hometown, after the war.

OUR TOWN / PAGE 4

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“That is the story of the 75th division right there,” Coker said, gazing upon the photos that depict some of the deﬁning moments of his and his fellow soldiers’ lives. “That, to me, is everything that ever happened.”

Called Up

Coker and his wife, Ada, married as teenagers in December 1942. Just three months later, Coker’s draft notice arrived.

The Cokers’ ﬁrst son was born while James was away at training. In November 1944, when the baby was about a year old, James set sail for Europe with the 75th Infantry Division — also known as the “Diaper Division,” because it had some of the United States’ youngest soldiers, with an average age of 18. By mid-December, the divi-

SEE HERO / PAGE 4

HOMETOWN HEROES

EDITOR’S NOTE: Hometown Heroes is a recurring feature in the Plant City Times & Observer in which we profile veterans from Plant City. If you have a loved one currently serving or who has served in the past, please contact Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen by email at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com or by phone at (813) 704-6850.

This week’s winner is

Ken Rushing

See his photo on PAGE 15.

Catherine Sinclair

Five Below and rue21 are currently in the construction phase.

INDEX Calendar.....................10

MOTOR MANIA

by Justin Kline and Catherine Sinclair

File photo

New and improved Bike Fest to come in May Plant City Bike Fest was held for the last time in February, after more than 12 years as a monthly event. But the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will host an improved version of Bike Fest this May, and continue on a less frequent basis. “Now that we’re not doing it monthly, we have time to plan new stuff for the shows,” Smith said. Though the chamber had ﬁrst expected to wait until Oc-

SEE BIKE FEST / PAGE 4 Vol.2,No.30 | Twosections

Crossword...................15

Obituaries...................14

Sports...........................5

Weather......................15

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CRIME by Dan Sullivan | Tampa Bay Times

Plant City financial adviser accused of massive fraud With the nation’s economic of older single women. crisis as her backdrop, Paula Borello, mother of a teenAlbertson became a recurring age daughter, attended. She face on local TV news shows, met Albertson and later made offering expert advice on an appointment for a consulwhat people should do with tation. Albertson assembled their money. a booklet detailing Borello’s The Plant City financial portfolio worth more than planner even appeared on $300,000 — the fruit of more the Fox News Chanthan 40 years of renel, dishing about tirement savings and new credit card reguinvestments. She lations on Your World offered advice on with Neil Cavuto. consolidating investIn 2009, she sat in ments and purchasa WTSP-Ch. 10 stuing annuities. “She dio for a segment on was very, very good,” bankruptcy, telling Borello said. “Extwo smiling news an- Albertson tremely personable.” chors about the imA friendship portance of consulting with a bloomed. The two talked ofreputable financial adviser. ten. On occasion, Albertson “It is never too late to get gave her small gifts, Borello help,” she said. “I see so many said, and once Borello atpeople that I can help, that tended a Christmas party at they never thought they could Albertson’s house. get help. And the end result is In 2013, Borello had emera grave one.” gency heart surgery. She was If what authorities say is also caring for her daughter, true, Albertson’s media blitz Brianna, who was being treathappened about the same ed for a chronic kidney disortime as she was stealing thou- der. By the next year, Brianna sands from her clients’ retire- was on transplant waiting list. ment funds. Last year, state As Borello struggled to pay investigators accused her of for expensive medical treatdiverting $166,000 from a ments, Albertson advised that dying client’s life insurance she make withdrawals from policy to herself and her fam- her annuity to reinvest with ily. As her arrest on theft and the insurance carrier, Secufraud charges made news, rity Benefit — which Albertmore people stepped for- son said would yield a greater ward with claims that she had rate of return, Borello said. ripped them off, too. The sizable withdrawals came To date, investigators have with hefty surrender charges, tallied the sum Albertson is but Albertson assured her that believed to have stolen at the return would make up for close to $1 million. They sus- any money lost, Borello said. pect there are other victims. By May 2014, Borello had The known victims wonder withdrawn more than 80 perhow they could have been cent of her annuities, trusting wrong about the unassuming that Albertson would reinvest woman they knew. the funds. Then Borello’s acThey called her profession- countant began inquiring al. They called her trustwor- about $150,000 withdrawn thy. They called her a friend. without any documentation detailing where it went. Asked TTT for documentation, Albertson kept saying she would proAbout five years ago, a flier vide something soon, Borello landed in Marcia Borello’s said. She never did. mailbox. It advertised a dinThen came news of Albertner presentation with Alb- son’s arrest. A complaint to the ertson Financial Group and state Department of Financial noted their specialty: ad- Services led to accusations dressing the financial needs that Albertson forged clients’

NEWS BRIEFS + Child shot in drive-by shooting

A 12-year-old Marshall Middle School student was shot during a drive-by shooting early Thursday, April 23. At about 3:29 a.m. multiple gun shots were fired at a home

on Joe McIntosh Road, north of Interstate 4. McKenzie Creech was asleep in the front bedroom when she was shot in both calves. The wounds are non life-threatening, and she was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital. No one else in the house was

checks and diverted financial statements to her office to conceal repeated thefts. Borello went to authorities with her story. And she wasn’t the only one. Bobby and Wanda Kajander, both retirees from the Hillsborough County fire department, said they discovered about $200,000 missing from their retirement annuities in 2014. They had given the funds to Albertson after she convinced them to reinvest with Security Benefit, authorities said. Over the years, they too paid substantial penalties after Albertson convinced them to reinvest various annuities. Between penalty payments and vanished funds, the couple estimates they lost about $300,000, half their retirement. “I just couldn’t believe she would do this to us after all these years,” Wanda said. “But we figured… she knew what she was doing.” What they didn’t know is that every time they re-invested, Albertson earned a commission from the insurance company. TTT Neither Albertson nor her attorney responded to calls for comment for this story. So far, she has six criminal cases against her for similar theft allegations. The Kajanders and Borello, named as victims in pending cases, have also hired attorney Joel Ewusiak to prepare for a possible lawsuit against both Albertson and the insurance companies involved. “There were a lot of failures along the way here,” Ewusiak said. “A number of things should have triggered scrutiny from insurance companies.” For Borello, providing for herself and her ailing daughter on what’s left of her savings is a dreadful prospect. “I could work another 40 years, and get to where I’m 105 years old, and then maybe I’ll be fine,” she said. “It’s ludicrous. But that’s the way it is.”

COPS The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.

MARCH 23

DOUBLE CHECK

1200 block of West Ball Street. Fraud. Ofﬁcers responded to the residence in reference to possible bank fraud. Ofﬁcers met with the complainant who stated an unknown person(s) took money from her account. The money was withdrawn from a bank in Illinois, and the complainant had not been in Illinois. The complainant stated she didn’t want to pursue criminal charges, signed a waiver of prosecution and stated she just needed a report.

GONE GIRL

+ Correction

In a story which ran April 17, “Motocross ride to honor late Plant City man, help family,” we reported Lane Stromsnes died of a heart attack. According to the Polk County Medical Examiner’s officer, Stromsnes died of oxycodone intoxication.

CORNER

MARCH 24 IOU

1500 block of South Alexander Street. Theft. The complainant stated a customer entered the restroom with three cans of beer and drank the beers. The customer left but later returned and put $10 on the counter next to the register. The complainant stated he did not want to pursue any charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

1-800-NOT-FAIR

200 block of South Waller Street. Theft. Ofﬁcers met with the complainant whose cell phone was stolen.

700 block of East Devane Street. Vehicle Burglary. Ofﬁcers met with the complainant at the department in reference to a vehicle burglary.

BURGLAR ALERT

STICKY FINGERS

STEP AWAY FROM THE MERCHANDISE

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Shoplifting/ Felony Theft. Suspect was arrested.

SCREENED IN

1400 block of Plantation Circle. Criminal Mischief. A screen on a back porch was damaged. The damage to the screen was valued at $50.

GIVE IT BACK

400 block of North Alexander Street. Petit Theft. Suspect was arrested.

A NIGHT IN

1400 block of Teakwood Drive. Residential Burglary. The complainant stated someone entered his home and removed six Xbox games, a loaf of bread and a bag of chips.

STALLED GETAWAY

1900 block of Palmetto Avenue/1900 block of West Grandﬁeld Avenue. Vehicle Burglary in Progress. Ofﬁcers responded to a vehicle burglary in progress. The suspect was arrested.

REFUND injured. A family of four, including McKenzie’s 15-year-old brother, live at the residence.

WEST ORANGE

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Grand Theft. Suspect was arrested.

KNOCK KNOCK

2700 block of Turkey Creek Road. Criminal Mischief. Ofﬁcer responded to a call for damage to a door.

MARCH 24

CHAIN EM UP

1400 block of South Collins Street. Grand Theft. Ofﬁcers responded to the business in reference to a stolen bicycle.

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Shoplifting. Suspect was arrested for grand theft.

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Shoplifting. Suspect was arrested for petit theft.

LOCK THE DOORS

Road. Petit Theft. Ofﬁcers responded to this store in reference to an unknown person(s) stealing 14 red grocery totes valued at $150 total.

FAKER

2200 block of North Park Road. Counterfeit Bill. Suspect presented a counterfeit $100 to the store clerk.

OUT OF CASH

900 block of North Mobley Street. Vehicle Burglary. A wallet was stolen from the vehicle.

2300 block of Sammonds Road. Vehicle Burglary. Ofﬁcers responded to the residence in reference to a vehicle burglary.

CAN’T COMPUTE

YOU OWE ME

IGONE

200 block of West Alexander Street. Theft. The complainant stated a customer took merchandise from the business without paying. Ofﬁcers located the subject and located the stolen property. The complainant stated that if the subject paid for the merchandise he would not press charges. The subject paid for the merchandise and the complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

PLASTIC PLOY

100 block of West Bates Street. Vehicle Burglary. An unsecured vehicle was entered. A wallet containing $25 and credit cards was taken.

DESIGNER BAGGED

500 block of Sandalwood Drive. Burglary/Vehicle Burglary. A purse containing the victims’ personal items was taken.

BULLET THROUGH THE HEART

500 block of East Tomlin Street. Grand Theft Firearm. A .22 caliber hang gun was taken from the home.

MARCH 25

SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT

2200 block of North Park

400 block of Abigail Road. Residential Burglary. A laptop was stolen from the residence.

3200 block of Hawthorne Court. Theft. An ofﬁcer responded to the location on a report of stolen iPad.

SMOKED OUT

Plum Street. Residential Burglary. An ofﬁcer responded to the location on a report of an unknown subject on the porch of the residence. The victim reported cigarettes missing.

TOOLING AROUND

200 block of Maki Road. Residential Burglary. A Huskvarna backpack blower, valued at $500, and a chainsaw, valued at $400, were missing from a garage.

MARCH 26

KEYS TO MY CAR

1900 block of East Linda Street. Vehicle Burglary. Ofﬁcers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary, in which keys and a GPS were stolen.

DOOR OF OPPORTUNITY

700 block of Ashleetree Drive. Grand Theft/Felony Trespassing. An unknown person(s) stole three exterior house doors valued at $187, each from a construction site of a home.

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tranformation by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

HEALTH by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

BREAKING UP WITH FOOD

After undergoing a surgery that helped her lose 145 pounds, Karen Gillman made a commitment to a new lifestyle. She published a book last month about her experience.

Operating Room 6 is used for neurosurgery and spine surgery among others.

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

Hospital completes renovation

Community members took a tour of the newly renovated Pete Beaty Surgery Center Sunday, April 12. Two new operating rooms are the centerpiece for the renovated Pete Beaty Surgery Center at South Florida Baptist Hospital. Community members were given a tour of the surgery center Sunday, April 12, during a VIP reception. The operating rooms expand the overall surgical capacity from ﬁve to seven rooms. Operating Room 6 is 600 square feet and Operating Room 7 is 700 square feet. The spacious design of each room incorporates integrated camera systems with surgical lights and equipment, as well as a boom system for mounted monitors. Four upstairs operating rooms could ﬁt into one of the new rooms. Operating Room 7 is home to the da Vinci SI, the hospital’s surgical robot. From a separate console, a doctor controls the $2 million robot, which C.R. Hall, chief of robotic surgery, said is more of a

FUN FACT C.R. Hall, chief of robotic surgery at South Florida Baptist Hospital, gave a tour of Operating Room 7 and a large robot used for some surgeries. He joked that the robot had to be considered male so his wife wouldn’t get jealous of all the time he spent with it. Since 2014, there have been over 400 operations using the robot. Last year there were 140 operations.

precise instrument than anything else. “We have the best machine currently, and now we have the operating room to go with it,” Hall said. “Now the robot has a dedicated room, a space to move around.” Hall was one of many to spearhead the robotic surgery field at South Florida Baptist Hospital. He initially approached former hospital president Steve Nierman about purchasing the robot. Hall was the only doctor at the time who could do robotic surgery. Now there are eight doctors at South Florida Baptist Hospital that perform procedures using the robot. “It’s come a long way,” Hall said. “We’re putting it to very good use.” The robot magnifies the surgical field up to ten times, making it easier for doctors to see the structures they need to repair and have better control over them. It’s used for a variety of ailments such as fibroids, hysterectomies, acid reflux, hernias, inflammation of the esophagus, which could turn into cancer, and more. “We’re able to do those operations safer without trauma to a patient,” Hall said. Each medial department uses the robot on a different scheduled day. If, for whatever reason, the robot is not ready for surgery, then any surgeon could complete the procedure microscopically, the “old-fashioned way,” according to Hall.

Steven Butler, chief of surgery, C.R. Hall, chief of robotic surgery, and Karen Kerr, hospital president

Chief of robotic surgery C. R. Hall showed a tour group how the robot worked in Operating Room 7. “The dependability of the robot … is unbelievable,” Hall said. In the future, if another robot is needed, Operating Room 6 has been built with the foresight to accommodate the large machine. A new recovery area also got a lift. The 6,000-square-foot open-concept plan expands from 18 to 25 beds. “A lot has changed, so we have to change as well,” Karen Kerr, hospital president, said.

The surgery center originally opened 15 years ago. Steven Butler, chief of surgery, was present for its opening then, and its new renovations now. He credits hospital advancements like the surgery center’s renovation for maintaining the health of the community. “Fifteen years ago I stood in this very spot and gave this very speech,” he said before the tour. “Many of you were here then … How good it is that we are here now.”

NEXT CHAPTER by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Library unveils design for new cards

Designer Chad Loving describes the design as ‘undeniably Plant City.’ When members of Bruton Memorial Library check out their materials at the front desk, they hand over a card that was designed to inspire. It features a collage of words such as “improve,” “imagine,” “collaborate” and “connect.” But employees at the library noticed a problem with the cards: The design was missing an iconic representation of Plant City. Fortunately, Chad Loving, a library assistant, happens to also be a graphic designer. Loving has designed a new library card that is expected to be available in just a few weeks. It features an illustration of the library that is accurate down to its scale and number of windows. The building’s foundation is a book, to symbolize the information and literature available at the library. “It represents Plant City as being rooted in tradition, with the image of our building that’s been here for a

Catherine Sinclair

Tonda Morris and Chad Loving represented the library at last week’s Plant City Commission meeting, where they displayed the new card design. while, and how we want to grow forward and remain relevant with the community and keep pushing new ideas,” Loving said. “We want to make sure we put the city seal on our library

card, as well,” Tonda Morris, library director, added. Loving started working on the design earlier this year. He sketched out several versions and got feedback from the other library employees. The

final product was a hybrid of graphic and traditional art. The image will also become a logo to be used on any internal or external communications from the library, such as announcements or flyers. Loving, who is about to finish his master’s degree in humanities with a concentration in art and visual media, has been involved with art production since he was a child. “It’s a love of mine,” he said. “I’ve always been interested in it.” He previously worked at the career services department at Southeastern University in Lakeland, where he used his design skills in a lot of advertising and branding work. Current Bruton Memorial Library cardholders will be able to trade their old cards for the new design when it is available. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

On the second and third pages of Karen Gillman’s book, “It’s Never Too Late,” there is a stark contrast between two photos of her, taken 14 years apart. At first glance, it is difficult to even recognize that these photos are of the same woman. One of the photos was taken in 2000, while Gillman and her husband, Mark, were on their honeymoon. It was before she had gone through a journey, both literal and symbolic, to overcome her obesity. “I look at that, and I feel sad that I was not maximizing the potential that I could have been, because of how I was feeling with my weight,” Gillman said, looking at the honeymoon photo. “It was weighing me down mentally and physically.” In 2004, Gillman, a resident of Plant City, decided that she needed to take an extreme step toward managing her weight. She went through a surgery to limit her stomach’s intake, causing her to feel full on small amounts of food. The next 10 years were full of ups and downs for Gillman. She has achieved her weight loss goal, but it took a commitment to a significant and permanent lifestyle change. “People think that when someone has weight loss surgery, it’s the easy way out,” Gillman said. “In fact, it’s actually quite different from that.” After being continually asked to share her story, Gillman wanted to type up a summary that she could send to anyone who was curious. But a few paragraphs turned into a few pages, and a few pages turned into a few chapters. The end result was a 110page book, “It’s Never Too Late,” which was published in March. In addition to telling her story, Gillman hopes the book will inspire others who suffer from obesity to take the action that is right for them, whether through the “lap band” surgery she had or a different method. “I don’t want people to be under the impression that what I (did) is the only thing that can work,” Gillman said. “I’m not out promoting the lap band. What I’m promoting is a cure from being morbidly obese, and for people to get a grasp on their weight.”

Fed Up

When Gillman was almost done with high school, she noticed that she was beginning to gain weight somewhat rapidly. The pattern continued, and though she seemed to always be on some sort of diet, she gained about 10 pounds each year. In 2004, when the scale read 325 pounds, Gillman found out about a weight loss procedure that was new at the time: the lap band. There wasn’t much research on the lap band yet, but it was a risk she was willing to take. The lap band is a device that is surgically installed near the top of the stomach to limit the amount of food the stomach can hold. It enables patients to feel full on small portions of food. Gillman traveled to Mexico

A DAY IN THE LIFE Karen Gillman’s day typically starts with coffee with coconut oil, and a few vitamins. Around 11 a.m., she has a protein shake, made with Greek yogurt and soy milk. In the afternoon, she eats about a handful-sized serving of something solid. Dinner is usually chicken or fish, and a few tablespoons of a side such as mashed potatoes, vegetables or rice. Throughout the day, she also has some peanut butter and a handful of nuts. She does not eat anything after 7:30 p.m. for the procedure because it was less expensive there. It was the ﬁrst time she had ever had surgery. “In my book, I made up a new term, and I called it ‘nurious:’ I was nervous and curious, combined,” Gillman said. Her pain was minimal and her recovery time was quick. “If I could equate it to anything, it would be the same as if you had done a bunch of sit-ups and you weren’t used to working out. That kind of soreness in your stomach,” she said. But the biggest challenge for Gillman was to mentally get accustomed to much smaller portions than she had ever had in her life. She was used to super-sized meals and daily Big Gulps, but those were replaced with ﬁst-sized portions on child-sized plates and lots of water. “I had to break up my relationship with food, just like you would break up with a bad boyfriend or girlfriend,” Gillman wrote in her book. “It was a real life break-up with no going back! My obsession with unhealthy food has now joined the list of the ‘bad boyfriends’ of my past.”

No Going Back

After getting past the transitional phase, Gillman’s weight began to drop dramatically. Ten years after the surgery, she is 145 pounds lighter, and she is conﬁdent she’ll never have to shop for plus sizes again. “Now, for me, it’s just a way of life,” Gillman said. “There’s just no going back, and I don’t even think about it.” Gillman consumes fewer than 1,200 calories a day, which is less than the average for other women of comparable height. She is almost six feet tall. In order to go through the lap band, her food needs to be a consistency that is easy to digest, so kitchen gadgets such as a shredder and hand blender are must-haves. Bulky breads, most pastas, leafy salads and heavy meats do not break down enough for Gillman to consume safely. Gillman is not a writer by trade, but she knew she could complete “It’s Never Too Late” if she put her mind to it. “Again, if you want to do something, you have to be the one to do it,” Gillman said. “I had a story to tell, and I know it can help a lot of people.”

Catherine Sinclair

Karen Gillman wrote and published her first book, “It’s Never Too Late,” last month.

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP STORES / PAGE 1 said the location was ideal because it is right across the street from Plant City High School. Local managers also will have the option of allowing the store to participate in local events that target teens and college students. The grand opening for rue21 will be May 7. The ﬁrst 50 customers will receive a drawstring bag with a coupon inside, and ﬁve randomly selected bags will also contain a gift card. Plant City’s rue21 will cover 5,600 square feet and employ

30 employees. Fantastic Sam’s was previously located in the new rue21 storefront, but it has moved to a different suite in the same plaza. At Five Below, every item costs $5 or less. The store sells a variety of products such as sports equipment, toys, party supplies, home accessories and snacks. Five Below’s grand opening will span June 12 to June 14. There will be free t-shirts for every purchase and free tote bags for some of the ﬁrst customers to check out on Friday. Customers can participate in trivia contests and other games, and Friday and

HERO / PAGE 1 sion had landed in southern France. “When we landed ... it was at night, and the Germans were sending buzz bombs over. We could hear them coming,” Coker said. Throughout its time in Europe, the division earned three Battle Stars: The Colmar Pocket Battle, Battle in the Ardennes (known as Battle of the Bulge) and Battle for the Ruhr. The Colmar Pocket Battle was particularly treacherous. “It was in the mountains,” Coker said. “We went across the mountains with ice on the roads, and the tanks would slide off the road. But we went in and fought with the French.” About a month later, at the Battle of the Bulge, the winter weather was still taking its toll on the division. “It was so cold in the Bulge, you couldn’t just hang around,” Coker said. “You

WLCA / PAGE 1 said. “Not just to have a pretty landscape — and that needs a lot of work, also — but I think we need to offer the residents more than just a subdivision.” Hunter has served on the board of directors for four years. He has experience in city planning, including as executive director for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission. He served on the planning commission from 1987 to 2012. From 2007 to 2009, he was president of the American Planning Association. Hunter’s two priorities for Walden Lake are to ﬁnd a solution for the golf course rezoning issue and to maintain competitive in the midst of upcoming developments that are currently planned for Plant City, such as Varrea (for-

BIKE FEST / PAGE 1 tober to host Bike Fest again, some downtown business owners had said that they wanted to see Bike Fest in the spring. The chamber agreed. “We’re stepping it up. ... It’s bigger and better,” Marion Smith, president of the chamber, said. “It should be a great evening. I hope that everybody will come on out.” Two of the new attractions will be bands of which some of Florida’s biker communities are already avid fans: Sobriety X and the Greg Billings Band. Sobriety X bills itself as Tampa Bay’s premier hard rock band. Later in the evening, the Greg Billings Band will change the soundscape a bit by incorporating saxophone and keyboards. Like Sobriety X, the Greg Billings Band also is wellknown around Tampa Bay. Another new feature will be a poker walk. At some festivals, motorcyclists would ride from location to location for this kind of activity, but the chamber has decided that

OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

He is married to Valerie Long, has four children and a host of grandchildren. After retiring he plans to continue serving his community through mentoring and ministry.

+ Civinettes give Easter goodies

The Civinettes Service Club at Plant City High School rallied together to provide Easter bags

Catherine Sinclair

A portrait of James Coker in his uniform was taken nearly 70 years ago in front of a Plant City oak tree that still stands today.

Saturday afternoons they can munch on free hot dogs. “Anyone with teens or tweens or families can come out and expect to have a really good time,” Dana Zuppo, a spokeswoman for Five Below, said. “I love Five Below grand openings.” The Plant City location will cover 7,791 square feet of selling space and employ about 35 people. Five Below is new to Florida. Other stores also will be opening soon around the state, including in Kissimmee, Orlando, Sarasota and Melbourne. “We’ve heard from our ﬂag among his mementoes all these years. But he won’t say how it ended up in his hands. “Let’s just say, I got it,” he said with a sly smile. “That’s a swastika if you’ve ever seen one. That is real.” From there, most of the division’s remaining time in Europe was spent cleaning up used weapons, ammunition and other items. Coker and his unit drove along the Audobon and collected the equipment that had been piled up on the sides of the road. But they also had the opportunity to see some unique sights, such as the Eiffel Tower. Coker had learned about it in school but never expected to see for himself.

Coming Home

had to keep moving, because you’d freeze. But the Bulge to me was the one that really, we broke Hitler’s back.” To commemorate that victory, Coker has kept a Nazi

The 75th division was camped in France for more than three months, trying to get home. “You could get up on top of the hill there and look into the harbor, and you could see the boats coming in and pick-

merly named Cone Ranch). Hunter expects the board to soon discuss some options for how to proceed aggressively on the golf course issue. There is a special meeting tentatively scheduled for the ﬁrst week of May. “I think we’ve got a board that has experience to deal with this issue,” Hunter said. As for making Walden Lake more competitive, Hunter hopes to restore the image of Walden Lake that he remembers from when he moved to the neighborhood 26 years ago. “People that drive into Walden Lake should feel like they’re home, instead of seeing mildew-covered curbs and trees that have been dying and moss falling down, to where it’s a very pleasant vista,” he said. Hunter also has not forgotten about the potential for

the polo ﬁeld to be developed into amenities such as athletic ﬁelds, playgrounds and barbecue pavilion. The board had discussed this idea last fall, but eventually reached a tied vote during the period when there were just eight board members. “There are some people who don’t want it developed, but I think the majority of people are looking for a place for their kids to go and feel safe,” Hunter said. The board is incorporating these concerns into a threeyear plan to improve Walden Lake and its property values, and provide safe, fun amenities for families. “We’ve been fairly passive, the board has, and I think it’s time to be more aggressive,” Hunter said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.

IF YOU GO

PLANT CITY BIKE FEST

When: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 2 Where: Historic Downtown District Details: Sobriety X will perform at 4 p.m., and the Greg Billings Band will perform at 7 p.m. There will be eight classes in the bike show and entries are $10 each. walking will be safer in downtown Plant City. The poker walk will span seven downtown businesses, and three players will win. Many of Bike Fest’s popular vendors have already signed up to return. One of those is Finz Finds, which sells map books and guides for some of the southeastern United States’ most scenic ride routes. Steve Finzelber has been coming to Plant City Bike Fest with Finz Finds since last year. “What I like the most (about filled with goodies for all 39 kids of the Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland. Under the leadership of the Vice President Ashlyn Yarbrough, the service club joined with many businesses in Plant City and Lakeland to provide these gifts. The baskets were filled with books, Target gift cards, candy, toys, makeup, sunglasses, cups, toothbrushes and more, all donated from club members and the community. The Civinettes are sponsored by JoBeth Newsome and Sherrie Mueller. The students are: Mary Futch,

Plant City Bike Fest) is that it pulls people from all over, because of its proximity,” Finzelber said. “I constantly see people at other events that have seen us before at Plant City.” Bike Fest has extended its hours from previous years in order to accommodate its new features. The 13th anniversary Bike Fest will be held Oct. 2, and the ﬁnal show for 2015 will be held Dec. 5. December is a popular month for the event because out-of-town visitors enjoy seeing the Christmas decorations downtown, Smith said.

Car Show

The Strawberry Classic Car Show, Plant City’s longestrunning automotive event, celebrated its 18th year of existence Saturday, April 18. “It’s the 18th year. It’s the longest-running monthly car show in this area,” chairman Benny Lubrano said. Lubrano became chairman in 2010. What’s kept him so active in the program is his love

Kaylee Hart, Morgan Maxey, Mackenzie Steel, Bryson Keel, Alexis Jordon, Ashlyn Yarbrough, Cassidy English, Anahi Baltazar and Julissa Torres

+ Summer program begins registration

Lots of Hugs Learning Center has kicked off its registration for the summer program. The program takes place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 8 to Aug. 7, at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 911 E. Warren Street. The program is for children 5 to 12 years old. It offers

GRAND OPENINGS rue21: 10 a.m. Thursday, May 7 Five Below: 10 a.m. Friday, June 12. Promotions will continue throughout the weekend. customers that they’ve been waiting for us in Florida, so we’re excited to ﬁnally be able to say that we’re coming,” Zuppo said. “We put ourselves in places where we know we’re going to succeed.” Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com. ing up people and going back to America,” Coker said. “But they kept holding us back, I reckon because we were the youngest division over there at the time.” A lieutenant promised Coker he would be home in time for Christmas. After returning to U.S. soil, the soldiers were told to wait for a train that would take them home. But Coker and a few of his southern friends were getting impatient. They pooled their money, hired a man with a touring car and hit the road for Florida. The lieutenant’s promise barely came true. Ada met James at the Plant City train station on Christmas Eve, 1945. “It was a country boy that was put on a ride that he didn’t ask for, but I’m glad I survived it. And at this time, I’m 91 years old and still going,” Coker said. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.

OFFICERS

President: Bob Hunter Vice President: Dave Sollenberger Treasurer: Heather Updike Secretary: Terry Murphy

COMMITTEE CHAIRS Budget, Finance and Job Descriptions: Heather Updike Landscaping: Ray Page Bylaws, Policy and Procedures: Dan Orrico Nominating and Election Rules: Terry Murphy Planning, Reserve Plan, Physical Plant and Contracts: Dave Sollenberger Communications: Sharon Philbin Community Involvement and Safety: Bob Hunter Special Events: Heather Updike

for being around the people, and his love of their cars. “It’s just neat to see what somebody had envisioned,” Lubrano said. “They may have found something that was pretty much ready for scrap, but they had a vision. Other guys may have found cars that have been in better condition, and have taken the time and the money to restore them. “If we didn’t have those guys that are out there restoring the cars … you can only ﬁnd them in pictures in books,” Lubrano said. Though the car show turning 18 was at the front of Lubrano’s mind, he’s anxiously awaiting to see it turn 20 in 2017. Twenty-ﬁve-year-old cars today were manufactured in 1990, but Lubrano prefers cars from an additional 25 years prior. “Everybody has their passion,” Lubrano said. “It’s neat, about automobiles, to remember what you saw 25, 30 years ago. It’s neat to see the old 50s, 60s and 70s automobiles that people have restored.” children a safe place where they can have fun, meet new friends and create memories. The activities they do, such as the “Just Read” literacy program, water safety class and educational field trips, promote computer skills and character development, and increases reading levels. There will be breakfast, lunch and snacks served. Registration begins April 27. Space is limited. The cost is $75 per child for 10 weeks. Cash or money orders are accepted. Contact Sharon Moody for more information at (813) 453-7134.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Edmilly Molina is making a name for herself on the softball field.7 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

tennis by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

football by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

PCHS coach takes Gibbs’ head position

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

FOOTBALL

+ NextLevel makes IMG tourney cut

Plant City High assistant coach Jon Thompson will be the ﬁfth Gibbs High head football coach in nine seasons.

The NextLevel Sports Academe Nighthawks football team will have a chance to compete for national gold in June. The Plant City-based football program, which develops athletes from all over Tampa Bay, earned a spot in the 2015 IMG 7v7 National Championship tournament, which is to be held from June 19 to 21 in Bradenton. The invite-only tournament will be held at IMG Academy, 5650 Bollettieri Blvd.

If Jon Thompson knew he’d eventually be a head coach when he came to Florida, he may not have expected it to be so soon. The Plant City High assistant coach accepted an offer from St. Petersburg-Gibbs High School and will be installed the morning of Monday, May 6. He will become the program’s fifth head coach since 2007 and hopes to lead the school to its first winning season since 2009. “On the first day I talked to the guys, I told them we’d be the hardest-working team in Florida,” Thompson, 29, says. “The kids are eager to get after it and start working.” Thompson is no stranger to jumping into new opportunities, a theme that’s defined his second career as a football coach.

SOCCER

+ Rec and Parks to host Tri-Star

On Saturday, May 2, the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department will host the 18th annual Tri-Star Soccer Skills Competition. Boys and girls 6 to 14 can sign up for free and compete in dribbling, passing and shooting drills throughout four separate age groups (6 to 7, 8 to 9, 10 to 11 and 12 to 14), with awards going to the top three finishers in each group. The event will be held at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St., and any interested athletes just need to show up to the competition between 9 and 11 a.m. to enter. Anyone playing in the city’s youth rec soccer program can stay after their 8:30 a.m. game to participate, or may do so before their later game. For more information, contact Tim Hanlon at thanlon@plantcitygov.com, or call (813) 659-4255.

TENNIS

+ P.C. Tennis Center offers classes

It’s time to sign up for the next month of classes at the Plant City Tennis Center. Tots beginner (4 to 7), youth beginner (8 to 16), adult beginner lessons, and team tennis for intermediate and advanced juniors are all offered by the tennis center, headed by local pro C. Shane Johnson. All beginner lessons are held six times over three weeks, and team tennis is held two to three times per week. Tots practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m., and the registration cost is $50 per person. Youths practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 6:30 p.m., at a cost of $25 per person. Adults practice Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 7:45 p.m., at a cost of $50 per person. Team tennis is held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with two-days-a-week sessions costing $80 per person per month, and with threedays-a-week sessions costing $100 per person per month. For more information, contact Johnson at sjohnson@plantcitygov.com, or call the tennis center at (813) 707-7485.

MAKING MOVES

Courtesy Photo

Maggie Pate, 14, often fine-tunes her game with local tennis enthusiast Rhett Rollyson.

PREVIEW OF THE PROS Local tennis player Maggie Pate has always been a natural on the court and recently got to compete in a professional tournament. One of Maggie Pate’s earliest sports memories involves something for which most young kids would probably get reprimanded. But all of the makeshift tennis matches she’s had against the family’s garage door have come to mean something, as she’s recently played in her ﬁrst pro tournament — at age 14. Although Maggie and her doubles partner lost their opening-round match at the Jose Cuervo Women’s Open, playing against women nearly twice her age, the experience she gained was invaluable.

NATURAL TALENT

Maggie began formally taking tennis lessons around age 5, when her parents signed her up to work with local pro C. Shane Johnson at the Plant City Tennis Center. Although her father, Morris, played tennis for Plant City High School, he didn’t want to be anything more than his daughter’s biggest fan. So he was surprised when Johnson asked how often he was coaching her outside of the lessons. “She’d been up there about two weeks, and there was a

At just 14, Maggie Pate can add a pro tournament to her list of accomplishments. message on my answering machine that said, ‘Mr. Pate, this is Shane Johnson, could you come and see me,’” Morris says. “I’m thinking, ‘Did she get in trouble?’ He said, ‘I’ve been coaching for 25 years, and I don’t think I’ve had anybody pick it up this quickly in I don’t know when. Have you been playing with her?’” Johnson coached Maggie for much of her young career and helped develop her skills. Eventually, her parents felt that she

should try moving to an area with more competition than what was available in Plant City. Now she works with Brandon-based coach Alex Golub. She does most of her training at the Brandon Sports Aquatic Center, but returns to the Dort Street courts several times a month to work out with local tennis enthusiast Rhett Rollyson and any hitting partners he can ﬁnd for her.

SEE PATE / PAGE 6

Thompson, a Greensboro, North Carolina native, played left guard at Grimsley High for four years, but shoulder and knee injuries prevented him from pursuing a spot on a collegiate team. He graduated from University of North CarolinaChapel Hill with a business degree and looked to begin a career in banking. But Thompson soon learned that life in a cubicle was far less enjoyable than he had imagined and hoped for any opportunity that would allow him to shake things up.

Courtesy Photo

Jon Thompson, a North Carolina native, has five years of coaching experience.

WHO ARE THOSE GUYS? ST. PETERSBURGGIBBS HIGH

Mascot: Gladiators Class: 5A-District 8 2014 record: 5-5 (2-2 district) Impact players: Marquez Walls (WR), D.J. Johnson (RB), Javon Morgan (OLB), Mike Smart (MLB) Previous coach: Rick Kravitz (9-11 record over two seasons) Last winning season: 2009 (6-5 record under coach Donnie Abraham)

THOMPSON / PAGE 6

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Notes from the softball district tournament

You know what they say enough to top the Lady about the playoffs in any Raiders’ early scoring burst, sport: Throw the regular-sea- though. son results out the window, I don’t think Cougar fans because this is a completely should fear for the future different ballgame. of this team, as it has just This was certainly true of two seniors on the verge of last week’s softball district graduation. Next year’s team championship tournament will be senior-heavy, but at Durant, and even though experienced, and there’s no the top-seeded Plant doubt that these girls City Lady Raiders will have learned from won it all, there were this season’s mistakes. a few surprises that Strawberry Crest was popped up over the kind of the anti-Durant course of the week. in this tournament, in Durant did have that it entered with an a down year in 2015 eight-game win streak and entered the and lost to East Bay, tournament on an 7-4, in the first round. JUSTIN eight-game losIt wasn’t the team’s first KLINE ing streak. But they loss to the Lady Indiweren’t a team to ans this season, but the count out early. Beyond last game did see Crest pitch the fact that they were the a 5-0 shutout win at home. defending champs, many The second half of Crest’s of these girls played in the season was wildly successful, last tournament, and several losing only once since Feb. were impact players. These 24, and the Lady Chargers girls do know how to win looked poised to make noise playoff games. in the tourney. But the team Their 10-0 opening-round couldn’t capitalize on East win over Tampa Bay Tech no Bay’s mistakes — the district doubt gave the girls some runners-up committed three much-needed confidence, errors to Crest’s one — and and the Lady Cougars did couldn’t overcome six East give it their all in a late rally against Plant City. It wasn’t SEE KLINE / PAGE 7

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP PATE / PAGE 5 Maggie is so immersed in the sport that she hasn’t bothered to try any other organized sports over the last 10 years. “I play some volleyball at school, sometimes, but that’s it,” she says. “Just in P.E.” She plays in tournaments and competitions several times each month, and has her time management skills down pat: school until 4:15 p.m., tennis practice at 4:30 p.m., and homework afterward. Last month Maggie decided to jump on an opportunity that most girls her age don’t get: a spot in a professional tournament.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

WILD CARD CHANCE

When Rollyson’s not running

THOMPSON / PAGE 5

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Telephone 2) Telegraph 3) Metal Detector 4) Hydrofoils 5) Beinn Bhreagh. Alexander Graham Bell

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Thompson decided to use his high school playing experience to try to break into the coaching ﬁeld, and settled on Florida as his new home. He wanted to be close to people he knew — a good friend of his was enrolled at Florida State University at that time — and got an opportunity to join the staff at Tallahassee-Lincoln High. “It was amazing,” he says. “I don’t think I realized at the time what an opportunity it was, but I quickly ﬁgured it out.” He got there at the start of head coach Yusuf Shakir’s third season, in which the Trojans won the 2010 4A state championship, and worked on the offensive line with offensive co-

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his insurance company, he’s playing tennis. And if he’s not playing tennis, he’s getting involved in competitions. He served as tournament director for the Jose Cuervo Women’s Open, which was held last month in Palm Harbor, and noticed that he had a wild card spot open in the doubles section. He then reached out to the Pates, asking if it was something she wanted to try out. She linked up with Daniela Nasser, a 19-year-old player based in Tampa, and the two kicked off the tournament against Petra Januskova and Chiara Scholl. Pate and Nasser were beaten, 6-2, 6-2, and eliminated, but it’s nothing that the girls are upset about. “I learned that, in some ways, I can hang with them,” Maggie ordinator Jacquez Green and line coach Brandon McCray. The next season, Lincoln went undefeated in the regular season before losing to Fleming Island in the state tournament. In Thompson’s ﬁnal year, Lincoln again made the 4A state championship game, but lost to national powerhouse Ft. Lauderdale-St. Thomas Aquinas. After the 2012 season, Thompson linked up with then-Plant City coach Wayne Ward and joined the Raider staff, again working with the offensive line. “I was very blessed to inherit guys like Montel McBride, Evan Crowell, Lance Doenges, Quincy Robinson, all those guys,” Thompson says. “There are

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our ofﬁce, 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.

says. “Like, the ground strokes and everything. But I also learned what I need to improve on, like my serve, and other points of my game where they overpowered me on.” Maggie says that her ground stroke, backhand and forehand are her strengths, but that she could stand to improve her serves and volley game. Over the last year Golub’s coaching has made a clear difference. “She’s improved exponentially in the last year,” Morris says.

THE FUTURE

Maggie is getting ready for another national tournament in Fort Myers, in June. She’s also ﬁnishing up her ﬁnal year at Mulrennan Middle School and some absolute beasts in Plant City.” Last year, Thompson was promoted to running game coordinator and helped guide Markese Hargrove to a 1,365yard breakout season. This year, Thompson would have been promoted to both assistant head coach and JV head coach.

REBUILDING

By the time he got home from his ﬁrst interview, Gibbs contacted him about a second one. “It was quite the whirlwind,” Thompson says. “PCHS was incredibly supportive. They really made that experience go for me. I told them about it on a Monday, and I got hired that Thursday.” As he did in Plant City,

looking forward to enrolling at Durant in the fall. She hopes to join the Cougars’ tennis team. In the distant future she’s not sure if going pro is what she wants to do. Maggie already knows she wants to play well enough to earn a college scholarship to get a good education. As for everything else, she’ll cross that bridge when she gets there. Her parents couldn’t be more proud of her, from things as big as her competition success to the intangibles. “She identiﬁes herself as a tennis player,” Morris says. “She’s not just some kid who sits around and plays video games all day. The worst thing you can do to her, as a punishment, is to take away tennis for a week.” Thompson will also continue his role as an ESE teacher at Gibbs. “I love being in the classroom,” he says. “It’s really not too different. You establish expectations, hold the kids accountable and everything goes well. Thompson looks to guide the football team to winning ways on the ﬁeld and also plans to make the Gladiators a strong academic bunch. The new coach has already implemented study hall for all players and is also working on programs to help them with their SAT and ACT tests. “Everything about this is exciting,” he says. “I’m looking forward to sending these seniors off on a high note.”

Plant City Times &

Observer

General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Catherine Sinclair, csinclair@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@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

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KLINE / PAGE 5 Bay runs in the ﬁrst two innings. I was a little shocked to see Crest make an early exit, but as I mentioned earlier,things can go off the script pretty easily in the playoffs. Congratulations are in order for Plant City, which took home the district title for the ﬁrst time since

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beating Durant in 2011. The girls’ attitudes did a complete 180-degree turn after the ﬁrst inning of the championship game, turning into some stone cold, softball-killing machines and taking away any chances the Lady Indians thought they could have. If you’re facing a deﬁcit and need to mount a comeback like, now, that’s

exactly how you do it. The new champs played at Wiregrass Ranch in the ﬁrst game of regionals Wednesday, April 22. The winner’s results were not available at press time. The winner will advance to play either East Bay or Steinbrenner Tuesday, April 28. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

EDMILLY MOLINA Plant City High’s softball team won its first district championship in four years Friday, April 17, thanks to a strong team effort. One of the Lady Raiders’ key players throughout the district tournament was sophomore catcher Edmilly Molina, who went 3-for-4 against defending champion Durant and added two RBI and two runs to help win the April 15 semifinal game, 9-5. How does it feel to wrap up the regular season as district champion? It felt great. It was actually the first championship I’ve ever won, and I’ve played softball my whole life. It was definitely a great feeling. I wouldn’t rather win it with any other group of girls — they’re a great group of girls. We played hard, we played great, and hopefully we can carry on to states and take it all home. It’s been a little while since Plant City won the district. How does it feel to snap the cold streak? It feels great, honestly. We work hard for what we want, and we definitely deserve it. We practice hard every day, rain or shine. I’m really proud of them, and I’m really proud of the way we’re playing, the way we played against East Bay. I’m really happy for that. You all came out aggressively against East Bay and got a big win. But, before that, you had to take on the defending champs. How did you prepare for that? Whenever I get ready for a game, I just try to stay as focused as possible. I focus on every play, every pitch when I go up to bat, and we all, as a team, try and stay as focused as possible. Our main thing is to get motivated — to get hyped, as our coach says — always stay up in the dugout and stay in the game. You finished the regular season as one of the top players in the area, if not the top offensive player in the area. What did you work on in the offseason to get to the point you’re at today? My goal was to get 30 hits this season, and to hit better than I did my freshman year. Before every single game, I’d come right after school and I’d hit, and take BP with my dad because I feel like I needed a little more to get myself ready for every game. In the summer, I just try and work as hard as possible because I would love to get a scholarship to get to college. I really want my hard work to pay off, and I want to get into a great school and a great program. Do you play any other sports? Just softball. I tried cheer-

leading when I was younger, but it’s just kind of something I did in my “girlier” stage. I tried to take a break from softball, but I didn’t like it as much. I’ve been playing since I was four years old. Is there any sport you’ve always wanted to try? I’ve always wanted to play volleyball. I just feel like the game is always intense. I’ve played it in P.E. a couple of times, and it’s a really fun game to play. Who’s your favorite athlete of all time? My favorite athlete of all time, I would probably have to say, is Lee Ann Spivey. She plays for USF. She’s a catcher. I really look up to her because she’s a catcher as well, and just to see how hard she works, how much of an athlete she is, she’s a pretty amazing player. I go to their games quite often, and just to see her play really gets me motivated. I want to get into a great college like that, and I want to play as hard as she does. When you’re not playing sports, what do you do for fun? I’m a very creative, crafty kind of person, so I make bracelets. I’m very into vintage stuff — vintage furniture and stuff — so I like to paint and refurbish old furniture. I especially like to do that with my mom. It’s a good bonding thing to do with her because I have my dad in the softball ﬁeld and I have my mom when it comes to the girlier, crafty stuff. It’s fun. What’s the latest project you’ve worked on? It was last night. I made several bracelets. I make the Bourbon and Boweties kind of bracelets, and I just think they’re really cute. They’re just kind of trendy right now. I bought one and saw how it was put together, and I thought, “Hmm, maybe I should try it.” If you could meet anyone you’ve always looked up to, who would it be? I don’t know. My favorite celebrity is Ariana Grande but, athlete-wise, I would probably want to meet Evan Longoria. He’s also a great athlete and a really hard worker. I just want to meet someone who’s dedicated and loves what they do.

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Neighborhood R E A L E S TAT E | P L A N T C I T Y L I F E | O B I T U A R I E S | G A M E S | FA I T H

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 2015

Diamonds in the Rough SHINE BRIGHT by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Raylynn Thompson was crowned the 2015 Little Miss Plant City.

Twenty-nine contestants shone bright like a diamond for the 48th annual Little Miss Plant City contest Saturday, April 18, at Plant City High School. The theme was “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Contestants glittered on stage, answering interview questions and showing off their party dresses. The contest builds conﬁdence and raises money for the Junior Woman’s Club shoe project. Shoes are

distributed to Plant City’s elementary school around Christmas for those who can’t afford them.

The winners are:

Queen Raylynn Thompson, First Maid Hailee Pippin, and court members Grace Pagliaro, Brenna Sturgis and Alyssa Lee Stahl. Miley Hasting won most ad sells for selling $600, and Skyler Barber won Miss Congeniality.

The top 10 winners of 2015’s Little Miss Plant City were ecstatic. Right: Paige Zarecor Below: The 2014 Little Miss Plant City Queen and Court dazzled the audience with a dance.

Carlie Braglin Left: The top five contestants anticipated the announcement of the queen.

Milee Hasting

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 24, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Blueberry Festival — takes place from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. Enjoy a U-pick, live music, more than 100 food and craft vendors and a kids area. Free admission. (813) 752-9100. Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. Faces South — live music takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. Just Friends — live music takes place from 12 to 3 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100. The Worst Talent Show Ever — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24, at Durant High School, 4748

Cougar Path. Tickets are $5. 813-757-9075 ext 291. Your Passport to Fashion in Grand Paree — takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St. Tickets are $20. The fashion show benefits the GFWC Woman’s Club Florida President’s Project, which is Canine Companions for Independence with special emphasis on the Wounded Warriors Initiative and South Eastern Guide Dogs. For more information or to purchase tickets call Karen at (813) 4810419.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25 Cancer Resource Center Open House — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 1708 Palmetto Ave. The Common Ground Movement — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. Concession stand will open at 5 p.m. The Common Ground Movement Reaching Youth and Carrying the Message of the Cross is in partnership with My Hope Billy Graham Ministries, The Gideons and AllPro Pastors. For more information contact Pastor Joe Kelley, PastorJKelley@yahoo. com or (813) 344-7361.

Fundraiser Luncheon — takes place from 12 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Cuzzins Bar, 111 Palmer St. The fundraiser is for Dottie Button, who was in a car accident March 2. The money raised will go toward her medical expenses. There is a donation of $7 a plate, and it includes BBQ pulled pork and three side dishes. A 50/50 and raffles will be auctioned. Resume Workshop: Building a Success Story — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Participants should bring a copy of their resume. Preregister by calling (813) 757-9215. Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

SUNDAY, APRIL 26 Clay Shoot Fundraiser — takes place 9:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, April 26, at the Fishhawk Sporting Clays shooting range, 13505 Hobson Simmons Road, Lithia. The fundraiser will benefit Durant High School’s football team. Prizes and lunch will be provided. Mike Gottman (813) 323-2171.

MONDAY, APRIL 27 Reading Time with Rod Martinez — takes place

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: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

from 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, April 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon Street. Join author Rod Martinez as he reads his book “Out of Nowhere!” about a young girl who learns the story about how her mother and father first met. This program is for elementary students. (813) 757-9215.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28 The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29 Cristi Massey Live! — takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100. New Member Reception — takes place from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander

BEST BET Fancy Flea — takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds, 289 Ritter St. Admission is $5. Enjoy a large amount of craft, repurposed and antique vendors. Free parking. (863) 712-3278. St. (813) 764-8818. Plant City Local Harvest Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmer sMarket. com. Revival at Lebanon — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, to Saturday, May 2, at Lebanon Baptist Church, 110 N. Forbes Road. Evangelist Ron Coram

and Lumber River Quartet will be there. (813) 752-2006. Revival at Spinghead United Methodist Church — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, to Friday, May 1, at Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road. Pastor Roy Arms will be the revivalist, known for his down-home county style of preaching and riverside baptisms. (813) 752-5751.

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MARKETPLACE by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer

Merchants celebrate springtime The Downtown Plant City Business and Merchants Association hosted â&#x20AC;&#x153;Spring Thing,â&#x20AC;? an outdoor market, Saturday, April 11. Local vendors sold their handicrafts, antiques and fresh produce. The market attracted many downtown shoppers who were already strolling through the historic streets, enjoying the bright, clear day.

Jerry Taylor from Gourd Almighty sold his decorative gourds. Edith Wooley has been tatting for nearly 70 years.

Left: Animal- and sportsthemed crafts attracted even the youngest visitors.

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by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

PCHS Band captain Skyler Vogel took his date, PCHS Raiderette Color Guard captain Emily Buzza.

Trajan Herr and Amanda Winner

Strawberry Crest students were captivated by one of the aquariumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest tanks.

ALL DRESSED UP Over the past month, Plant City-area high schools have been hosting proms all over Tampa Bay.

Plant City kicked off prom season in late march. Strawberry Crest High held its prom at the Florida

Aquarium in April. Durant closed out proms in Brandon at the Regent with a Bollywood theme.

Emily Heidel Photography

Tyler Ritchart, Olivia Brosky, Katie Loudermilk and Sam Sun.

Sean Langford and Abbigale Lynn Gore

Plant City had a photo booth at its prom.

CUTESTCRITTER

Brittany Buchanan applies a henna tattoo to senior class advisor Kyla Donfila.

amara Fortney rescued blue-eyed puppy Cyan. It is her second rescue. Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest. Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information. Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center. Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter Contest. Good luck!

Valeria Nieves, Rachel Young, Veronica Kuteyeva, Kassidy Wollert and Elena Lopez

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OBSERVER OBITUARIES Charles Clarence Cameron

Charles Clarence Cameron, 62, of Plant City, died April 14, 2015, at South Florida Baptist Hospital. A native of Tampa, he was the son of the late William and Rosa Lambert Cameron. He was the husband of Betty Carmack Cameron; she survives. Mr. Cameron loved to ﬁsh. Also surviving are sons, Charles Cameron Jr. and Mark Cameron (Traci); stepsons, Rodney Crossno and Michael Townsend (Lyssa); stepdaughters, Karen Lia Kos (Nick) and Hope McClendon; brother, William Cameron; sisters, Betty Rowe, Joyce Cruz and Elizabeth Clark; and 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held April 17, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Shirley R. Demarest

Shirley R. Demarest, 94, died April 14, 2015, at home with her daughter, Shirley, and son-in-law, Joe, by her side. She was a loving mother and grandmother. Surviving are daughters, Shirley R. Moore (Joseph) and Linda D. Mendell (John); grandchildren, Michael Moore, Scott Moore (Wanda), Melissa Dearing (Mark), John Mendell (Mara), Tracy Koller, Brian Mendell (Sara) and Scott Mendell; and great-grandchildren: Abigail, Joseph, Kylie, Christopher, Kiersten, Jack, Whitney, Madeleine, Daniel, Johnny, Scotty and Lillian. She was predeceased by ﬁrst husband, Melvin B. VanSant; and second husband, Gerald R. Demarest. The family would like to give special thanks to the Aqua Team at Hospice. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations may be made to Lifepath Hospice. A funeral service was held April 18, at Wells Memorial. Interment at Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa.

Cheryl Davette Dow

Cheryl Davette Dow, 67, of Plant City, died April 13, 2015, at South Florida Baptist Hospital. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Eunice Curl Draughon

Eunice Curl Draughon, 93, of Plant City, died April 14, 2015, at her home. A native of Medulla, she was the daughter of late Berry and Annie Curl Draughon. Mrs. Draughon was a member of First United Methodist Church of Plant City, and was a supervisor and operator with GTE for over 41 years. She is survived by her family of Jackie Everidge, Russell Wheatley and Joe Pinson, who provided her loving care for the last ﬁve years. She was the wife of the late Ray Draughon and was also preceded in death by a son, Stephen Draughon. The family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Charles Allen Gifford

Charles Allen Gifford, 47, of Plant City, died April 11, 2015. He played baseball from age 5 to 16 at South Brandon Little League. He played softball at different churches, including Valrico Baptist and Bell Shoals Baptist. His love of the game continued, as he loved attending spring training games here in Florida, and traveling the country with his ﬁancee and friends to different major league parks. Mr. Gifford graduated from Tallahassee Community College with a paralegal degree, then from FSU with a criminology degree. He retired from FDLE and recently went to work for West Tampa Glass.

He is survived by his mother, Charlotte Gifford; ﬁancee, Jessica Prentice; brothers, Bruce and Stephen; nephews, Garrett, Jordan and Landon; nieces, Ellanna, Stefani and SarahKate; two great-nephews; three great-nieces; and many friends. A celebration of life was held April 18. In lieu of ﬂowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or South Brandon Little League in Mr. Gifford’s memory. Online condolences may be made at StowersFH.com.

Esther Wacaser Holland

Esther Wacaser Holland, 69, of Valrico, died April 15, 2015. She was a member of Ahava Baptist Church in Plant City. She is survived by her sons, David Holland Jr. (Diane), Daniel Holland and Darin Holland (Andrea); siblings, Bill Wacaser, Marvin Wacaser and Margaret Watson; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren; and many other family and friends. A celebration of life was held April 18, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Lithia. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Roger Edward Mitchell

Roger Edward Mitchell, 72, died April 7, 2015, in Plant City. Mr. Mitchell was born in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, and moved to Plant City in 2002 to retire. He served 22 years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Chief Warrant Ofﬁcer (CWO4). After serving in the Navy, he worked for Lockheed Martin as a program manager. Mr. Mitchell was also the national vice president for the Fleet Reserve Association and a volunteer hunter safety instructor for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Anne Harrison Mitchell; sons, Thomas Mitchell (Kimberly), Roger Mitchell (Shannon) and William Mitchell (Katrena); sister, Anita Grace Bills; and granddaughters, Carson Leigh, Olivia, Abigail, Naomi and Kellan. He was predeceased by brother, Dwight Lee. A funeral service was held April 11, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home. A committal service was held April 14, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

James T. “Jimmy” Pollock

James T. “Jimmy” Pollock, 93, of Plant City, died April 16, 2015. He was born in Camilla, Georgia, to Ben Russell and Ada Boutwell Pollock. The family moved to Lakeland when he was 4 months old and to Plant City in 1928. He was the founder and CEO of Pacemaster Oil Corporation and Speedee Shoppe, a convenience food store. He was appointed by then Governor Bob Graham, as the Deputy Director of the governor’s energy ofﬁce and later served as member and chairman of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority from 1981 to 1989. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in WWII, and he was a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City since 1950. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy “Dottie” Pollock; daughters, Deborah McKinnon (Griggs) and Rebecca Shuff (Wayne); grandchildren, Erin Pickard (Matt), Lauren Paul (Michael), Jay McKinnon, Douglas Roberts, Rob McKinnon and Harley Davidson; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie Paul and Amelia Pickard; and nieces, Betty Jo Delong (John) and

Phyllis Ann Smart (Leon). A memorial service was held April 23, at First Baptist Church. In lieu of ﬂowers, memorial contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice, Development Dept., 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, Florida, 33637, and/or the First Baptist Church building fund. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Joseph D. Smith

Joseph D. Smith, 81, died April 14, 2015. Mr. Smith was born July 3, 1933, in Fort Myers, to Marion and Joe Stephen Smith. He graduated from Plant City High School. His 29-year U.S. Army career spanned from Hawaii, Alaska and the east coast to Germany, Greenland, Iran, Ethiopia, Greece and Turkey. After retirement in 1982, he taught at European Campuses of Central Texas College, later becoming director, and retired in 1993. After moving to Ocala, he co-founded the German/ American Club of Marion County, serving as president for six years. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Anita; daughter, Rosemarie Permenter; sonin-law, Tommy Permenter Sr.; grandson, Tommy Permenter Jr. (Marsha); grandsons, Toby Permenter and Jordan Permenter; and great-grandchildren, Kasey Permenter, Drake and Brodie Smith, Ashton Letts and Brantley Skefﬁngton. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael. A memorial service was held April 18, at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of ﬂowers, please make donations to the Humane Society.

Miguel Angel Velazquez

Miguel Angel Velazquez, 69, of Plant City, died April 12, 2015, at South Florida Baptist Hospital. A native of Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Pedro and Rosa Velazquez. Mr. Velazquez was retired from Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, and he was an avid handball player. Survivors include son, Nathaniel A. ValazquezTorres; daughters, Rebecca Velazquez (Luis) and Jaqueline Velazquez-Vega (Pedro); brother, Louie Velazquez; and grandchildren, Tyler, Synthia, Kaylene, Samantha, Alexsys, Adrian and Samayiah. Funeral services were held April 19, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Thomas Keith Waller

Thomas Keith Waller, 94, died April 12, 2015, in Bartow. Mr. Waller was born Aug. 8, 1920, in Enterprise, Alabama, and moved to Fort Meade from Old Ocean, Texas, in 1957. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran and marched through France during his service to his country. Mr. Waller was also a member of First Baptist Church of Fort Meade, a member of Fort Meade American Legion Post #23 and a graduate of Plant City High School. He is survived by his daughters, Genie Belcher (Keith) and Jan Wilson (Marty); and grandson, M.J. Wilson. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty G. Waller. Funeral services were held April 14, at Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade. Interment in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade. In lieu of ﬂowers, those wishing may make contributions to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, Florida, 33802.

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WEATHER

THURS. April 16

0.85

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

April 17

0.01

SAT.

0.00

SUN.

April 19

0.66

MON.

TUES.

April 21

0.00

WED.

April 22

0.00

APRIL

TO DATE

3.18 (2014: 2.01)

YEAR

HIGH 90 92 91 89 89 82 82

Friday, April 24 Saturday, April 25 Sunday, April 26 Monday, April 27 Tuesday, April 28 Wednesday, April 29 Thursday, April 30

April 18

0.39

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES SUNRISE Friday, April 24 6:55 a.m. Saturday, April 25 6:54 a.m. Sunday, April 26 6:54 a.m. Monday, April 27 6:53 a.m. Tuesday, April 28 6:52 a.m. Wednesday, April 29 6:51 a.m. Thursday, April 30 6:50 a.m.

SUNSET 7:58 p.m. 7:59 p.m. 7:59 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. 8:01 p.m. 8:02 p.m.

MOON PHASES

April 25

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

$8.35 to $9.95

May 11

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

May 17

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a prolific inventor. Using the hints U=E and W=R, decipher the clues to name the inventor.

1. C U B U J L E D U 2. C U B U X W Z J L 3. K U C Z B T U C U I C E W 4. L S T W E G E O B Q 5. R U O D D R L W U Z X L

This inventor dabbled in many fields, including mass communication:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

, 3&

This week’s winner is Ken Rushing. “Plant City to me is a place of peace and tranquility,” Ken said. “So, I’m sending photos of Walden Lake at dusk.” The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.

CROSSWORD TO AND FRO by Henry Quarters

CRYPTOQUIZ

LOW 70 73 73 71 70 64 63

May 3

CUCUMBERS

TO DATE 9.46 (2014: 6.54)

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

April 20

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ACROSS 1 Collections of eight 7 Bring down a notch 12 Nazareth native 19 “Hospital smell” chemical 20 Click beetle that brings happiness? 21 Bit steeped in a bag 22 “She sells seashells,” e.g. 24 Money in the bank 25 Prefix with “pend” 26 Hospice offering 27 Grace period? 29 Fabrication 30 Gillette product 31 Less spicy 33 Broadcasting 37 Matured, as leaves 40 Comically off-the-wall 41 Asian weight equal to 1.3 ounces 43 ___ Lanka (Ceylon) 44 Severs 45 Babe on the screen 46 Ate alfresco, in a way 48 “___ bigger and better things!” 49 Formatted 53 Mel’s “Ransom” costar 54 Subjects of weather alerts, sometimes 56 Jotted down 57 Show fear 58 Imitate a songbird 59 Goods thrown overboard 60 Mythical monster 61 Low digit 62 Score in pinochle 64 Altar avowal 65 Pivot 67 When repeated, a dance 70 Cause of inflation? 71 “Ghosts” writer Henrik 73 Single attempt 75 Cancel, as a mission 78 One of 150 in the Bible 79 Man’s garment worn in the 19th century 81 Brass component 82 Plan and control 84 More than suggest 85 In full 87 Cheerio morsel 88 Like fairy-tale dragons 89 In-flight info, for short 90 Bullets, e.g. 91 Assignment 93 Quieted 95 Escapade 97 Lake Ontario city 99 Becomes a member 100 Apply gently 102 Beanery sign 103 Arm part 104 “Gunsmoke” bartender 107 Brandy flavor 111 Good way to view an explosion 115 Formulated in a particular style 116 BLT essential 117 Fur-bearing animal 118 Walks unsteadily

119 Kind of whale 120 Decorative ﬂap on a garment DOWN 1 Chooses (with “for”) 2 Old Chinese dynasty 3 Till compartment 4 Chang’s twin 5 They have big bills 6 Vulgar tastelessness 7 Muhammad of the ring 8 Undergrad degs. 9 Come by 10 Suitable 11 Flubbed 12 “___ alive!” 13 Flippered mammal 14 Full Italian pockets? 15 Roswell crash victim, supposedly 16 Literary contraction 17 Delay 18 “No ___, ands or buts” 20 Ornamental jug 23 Put one’s foot down? 28 Web habitues 30 Given a makeover 31 O. Henry’s “The Gift of the ___”

32 Sprinted against others 34 Cockeyed 35 “Goodnight” girl of song 36 It may be added to the bill 37 Capri attraction 38 Eminence 39 Dinner highlight 40 Slang for 105-Down 42 Put the kibosh on 45 Apple or banana cream 46 Pocket sandwich 47 Gator’s kin 49 Ne’er-do-well 50 Christmas song 51 Garlands for the head 52 Enter one’s username and password 55 Grant entry to 57 Battle ___, Michigan 59 Fine thread 60 Postal scale unit 63 Reveal, as medical information 66 Spoils taken by pillaging 67 Like some music 68 Sub sandwich 69 Make an appearance at 70 Keystone’s place 72 Thai currency 74 Oars

75 Montezuma, e.g. 76 Flora and fauna 77 Ready to serve, as beer 78 Top-quality, in slang 79 Donnybrook 80 Backstabber 82 Unit of electrical resistance 83 “The Wizard of Oz” dog 86 Big pain for an elephant? 88 “Ol’ Blue Eyes” 91 Excessive or unreasonable 92 Horrid, in olden days 93 Pavarotti performances 94 Christmas tree stuff 96 Decree 98 Floats, as an aroma 99 Kind of chop 101 Dutch South African 104 Barbershop sound 105 High schooler’s facial problem 106 Convene 107 Pretend to be someone you’re not? 108 Nanki-___ of “The Mikado” 109 Same-old, same-old 110 Six-pointers, for short 112 Fold, spindle or mutilate 113 Store convenience, for short 114 Increase (with “up”)

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