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SPORTS
Bryan Elementary Plant City’s new train museum hosts AP finds himself in a sticky situation. first field trip.
OUR TOWN + City shows love for Dodskis
There are several ways for Plant City residents to help the family whose two daughters were hit by an SUV last week (see page 3). Both Madison Dodski, 6, and her sister, Allison Dodski, 9, are out of the intensive-care unit at Tampa General Hospital. Allison suffered a broken leg, wrist and collarbone. Madison suffered a broken leg, skull fractures and a large laceration to her forehead. The family will need assistance as it faces medical costs associated with the girls’ treatment and recovery. Uncle Mike’s Plant City will host a dart tournament and auction fundraiser for the family at 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, at the restaurant, 106 S.R. 60 E. Entry fee is $10, with $5 going to the family. Cuzzins Bar will host a poker run, dart tournament and pool tournament Saturday, June 28, at the bar, 111 S. Palmer St. Kerrie Brown also has launched an online fundraiser at gofundme. com/91otyo.
FREE • THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014
Durant, Plant City, Crest kick off spring practices. PAGE 1
development by Michael Eng | Editor
The Men with the Plan One month ago, Curtis Crenshaw and Jimmy Wright introduced themselves as the men who want to purchase and renovate Walden Lake Golf and Country Club and its golf courses. But, who are they? It took less than 30 seconds at the microphone before Curtis Crenshaw began to feel Walden Lake’s slings and arrows during the community’s April 10 annual meeting. A minute earlier, Visions Golf LLC Managing Partner Steve Mercer had introduced Crenshaw and fellow Bridgepoint Capital principal, PGA golf professional Jimmy Wright, as the potential buyers of the Plant City community’s coun-
try club and two golf courses. Whether his smile was genuine or forced, Crenshaw kept it on his face throughout the night. After all, it’s not the first time he’s been under fire. That happened many years ago, the day Crenshaw — then just a boy from 20 miles outside of Thomasville, Ala., population: 4,000 — disobeyed his parents. “I wanted to play football, and
they told me, ‘No,’” Crenshaw remembers. “Well, one day, I decided I would do it regardless. I didn’t get on the bus for the 20-mile ride home. I stayed after school for football and thought I would walk home. (At the end), the only car in the parking lot left was my father’s car. I was petrified, and the only thing he said was, ‘Get in the car.’”
SEE GOLF / PAGE 4
CRIME by Michael Eng | Editor
CASINO QUEEN
Candlelight vigil reignites search for Whitfield
+ Auto shop to host Open House
Plant City Automotive has rescheduled its Open House from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the shop, 2303 James L. Redman Parkway. The event originally was scheduled to take place May 3, but was postponed because of rain. Guests can enter to win prizes and can enjoy free food and drinks. The event also will feature children’s games, a water slide and bounce house for the kids. Sprint car driver Grant Thormeier and his race car will be available. For more, call the shop, (813) 754-7106.
+ Food trucks to roll into town
We sure hope you are hungry! The City of Plant City and the Plant City Times & Observer have teamed up to host the first Food Truck Rally from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, March, 16, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St., Plant City. If successful, the rally could become a regular event in Plant City. For a list of trucks, see Community Calendar, page 2.
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This week’s winner is
Frank Starmer See his photo on PAGE 15.
Michael Eng
PGA golf professional Jimmy Wright and Coastal Companies’ Curtis Crenshaw say they are excited about the future of Walden Lake.
One year after Misti Whitfield disappeared, new leads still are coming in about the Plant City mother of five.
Michael Eng
On the day before Mother’s Day, Sharon Ardelean mustered up the strength to once again take on her worst nightmare directly. It had been a year since her daughter, Misti Whitfield, disappeared somewhere along Hillsborough Avenue, in Tampa. Since then, she, her husband, Mel, and Tampa Police Department Det. Scott Bullard have scoured the county for clues. They’ve searched woods, dug up yards and even deployed cadaver canines — in hopes of locating the missing Plant City mother of five. To commemorate the anniversary of Whitfield’s disappearance — and, hopefully, to generate new leads in the case —
Jennifer Chenevert loved dancing with her friends at Durant High School’s Las Vegas-themed Prom May 10, at The Italian Club, in Ybor City. For more photos, see page 9 or visit PlantCityObserver.com.
GOVERNANCE by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Commissioners approve stricter nuisance ordinance The amended ordinance will require Walden Lake Golf & Country Club owner Visions Golf to maintain more of its closed golf course. Plant City commissioners approved unanimously May 12, an amendment to the city’s nuisance ordinance. The amendment will require Walden Lake Golf and Country Club owner Visions Golf LLC to maintain more of the property of its closed Hills golf course. Under the revision, plant material cannot exceed 10 inches within 200 feet of any building, structure, recreational area or street right-of-way. “Such accumulation affects and impairs the economic welfare of adjacent property,” the code states. Walden Lake resident Shelly Orrico
celebrated the decision. Resident say The Hills’ knee-high weeds and deteriorating golf-cart paths and bridges have impacted their property values significantly. “People could go out on their golf carts and get killed out there,” Orrico said after the meeting. “I think it’s great. I’m glad it passed. It helps us out a lot.” Orrico, who spearheaded the residents’ anti-development campaign and petition, was the sole speaker during the public hearing before the vote.
SEE ORDINANCE / PAGE 4
all revved up by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Courtesy photo
Vehicles take center stage at chamber event Planes, Trains and Automobiles will land this Saturday, at Plant City Airport.
No, it’s not a watch party for that old John Candy and Steve Martin movie. This is Plant City’s fourth annual Planes, Trains and Automobiles event, which gives kids and adults the opportunity to check out plenty of cool vehicles — and, in some
INDEX Calendar.......................2
SEE MISTI / PAGE 5
cases, take to the skies. As usual, the Plant City Airport is teaming with the Tampa International Airport to host the May 17 event. About 3,000 people attended last year’s event, and the Greater Plant
SEE VEHICLES / PAGE 4 Vol.1,No.41 | Onesection
Crossword...................15
Obituaries...................10
Sports.........................12
Weather......................15
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURSDAY, MAY 15
Black-and-White Nite — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Vintage sitcoms and sci-fi from the 50s and 60s are played on a large drop-down screen. (813) 752-1220. Born to Run — weekly run takes place at 5:30 p.m. Thursdays, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100. Business After Hours — takes place from 5:15 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 15, at Remedi Spa, 511 W. Alexander St., Plant City. RSVP by calling (813) 754-3707. Casey Stidham — performance takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100. Community Meeting for the new Midtown District — takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Plant City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. This meeting is to discuss the rezoning of the Midtown District and is open to the public. For more, visit plantcity.org. Family Friendly Movie — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. The movie is rated PG, came out in 2003, and stars Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Popcorn and drinks will be served. (813) 757-9215. Line Dancing Lessons — takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. (813) 737-4444. Trivia Thursdays — begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
FRIDAY, MAY 16 Friday Night Fun — Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill will offer karaoke, cornhole tournaments, a deejay, darts and more beginning at 7 p.m. Fridays, at the restaurant, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. (813) 737-4444.
LaTraia and The Allstarz — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place from 8 to 11:15 p.m. Fridays, at Stardust Dance Center, 1405 S. Collins St., Plant City. Cost is $5 for members and associate members; $7 for non-members. Ken Miller, (863) 409-7714 or pcsocialdanceclub@ yahoo.com.
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: meng@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
BEST BET Plant City Food Truck Rally — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 16, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St., Plant City. Sponsored by the City of Plant City and the Plant City Times & Observer. Trucks will include Papa Ron’s Cajun Creole, Rollin’ Zoinks, Der WurstWagen, American Disaster Relief, Tasty Stacy, The Dude and His Food, Gator Country BBQ, Teaki Truck and Unforgettable Cupcakes.
Praise, Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Fridays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 7521220.
Anna’s Silver Dollar Saloon 12-Year Anniversary — Masquerade/Mardi Grasthemed party takes place Saturday, May 17, at the saloon, 107 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. (813) 764-9811. Chocolate and Roses Ladies Luncheon — takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Bethany Baptist Church, 3409 Cork Road, Plant City. Event features lunch, guest speaker, entertainment and door prizes. Advance tickets are $7. (813) 7529209. Geri X and Lushbudget — performance begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Krazy Kup, 101 J. Arden Mays Blvd., Plant City. (813) 752-1220. Kids Do Broadway 2014 — performances at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, and 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at Plant City Entertainment. 101 N. Thomas St., Plant City. Come enjoy a night of Broadway’s greatest hits, to be performed by some of the area’s best young performers. Songs from “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Pippin,” “The Wiz” and many more will be presented in this musical revue, which is a fundraiser
TUESDAY, MAY 20 Business Protection 101 — takes place from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., Plant City. Learn the necessary steps to take to prepare your business for any disaster. For more, visit plantcity.org. Evening Book Discussion — meets from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. This month’s book is “San Miguel” by T. C. Boyle. (813) 757-9215.
Uncork Your Weekend with John Rhey Band — live music from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100.
SATURDAY, MAY 17
Durant High School Awards Night — takes place at 6 p.m. Monday, May 19, at the school, 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City.
for Sunshine Theater Company’s summer production, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.” Tickets are $10 for members; $12 for seniors, non-members and students through 12th grade; and $14 for general admission, non-members. For more, visit pceshows.com. Red Neck Prom — takes place at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. Awards will be given for king and queen; live music by Rimfire. (813) 764-8818. Strawberry Classic Car Show — takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at 102 N. Palmer St. For more, visit plantcity.org. Uncork Your Weekend with Skip Frye — live music from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100. What Do Mormons Believe? — takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints, 1805 N. Park Road, Plant City. The Plant City congregation of Latter-day Saints will be open to any and all comers to answer any questions about their faith. Mare Goss, (704) 254-0686. Yard Sale — takes place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, 1805 N. Park Road, Plant City. Money raised will be used for the church’s summer camp. Mare Goss, (704) 254-0686. Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Live music and movies for 16- to 21-year-olds. (813) 752-1220.
MONDAY, MAY 19
Auditions for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.” — take place at 7 p.m. Monday, May 19, and Wednesday, May 21, at The Joshua Generation Studio, 328 W. Robertson St., Brandon, and Tuesday, May 20, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St., Plant City. Those auditioning must be ages 6 to 18 years old. Auditions will consist of a song of your choice (CD player provided) and a short dance routine. All kids who audition and commit to rehearsal schedule will be cast in show. Shows will be staged Aug. 9 to 10 and 15 to 17, at Plant City Entertainment. For more information, email suntheaterco@aol.com. Beginner Square Dance Lessons — classes take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, at Strawberry Square, 4401 Promenade Blvd., Plant City. First class is free. Plus Square Dance Lessons begin from 8 to 9:30 p.m. (813) 752 0491.
Plant City Commons Community Garden Pot Luck — takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, at the garden, 302 Carey St. Karen Elizabeth, (813) 435-8111. Ribbon Cutting: Smokin’ Aces BBQ — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at 5202 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21 Digital Photo Storage — class takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, May 21, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215. Get-Fresh Plant City Market — takes place 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at Union Station Depot, in Historic Downtown Plant City. Fresh local veggies, dairy, jams, poultry, eggs, local crafts and more. (813) 435-8111. Open Mike Night — begins at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
THURSDAY, MAY 22 Plant City Commons Community Garden’s Rogation Ceremony and Spring Renewal — takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at the gardens, 309 N. Carey St. Reception and refreshments to follow the blessing. Karen Elizabeth, (813) 4358111.
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governance by Michael Eng | Editor
WLCA changes dues payment policy Beginning in July, Walden Lake homeowners won’t be able to use cash to pay their association fees at the Community Association Building. Walden Lake Community Association leaders approved May 12, a change to the way it accepts homeowners association dues from residents. Beginning July, resident who pay their dues and payment plans at the Community Association Building, 3035 Griffin Blvd., will have to do so using a check or money order. The changes come following the advice of an auditor who has examined the WLCA’s records. “We have a few residents who come in and pay cash,” said WLCA President Jim Chancey. “Standard accounting practices today say it’s not good policy to accept cash, because of the possibility of theft, misuse and then, you have to handle it and deposit it. … It’s an extra burden on the office staff.” Bette Guarino, of the WLCA, still will be able to print payment coupons for residents, and smaller transactions
— including those associated with the dog park and obtaining resident decals — still will be payable with cash. WLCA board members also discussed adding the ability to use debit and credit cards at the association building.
SAFETY FIRST
Based on recommendations from Plant City Police Department Interim Police Chief John Borders, WLCA leaders discussed adding additional security cameras at the community’s guard gatehouses. “We need to update our security systems at our egress points, because, a lot of times, they (police) come to us looking for information,” Chancey said. “Today’s homeowners associations that have gated guards usually have a camera that records the license tag … and also a camera that focuses on the car.” Moreover, Borders recommended that the feeds from
the cameras be viewable at the Community Association Building during the daytime hours, when the guard gatehouses are not staffed. On-site Manager Lee Weiss is obtaining bids for adding the cameras at the gatehouses as well as one for the park.
NEW VP
WLCA directors elected Rich Glorioso as its new vice president. Glorioso was appointed to the board last November, following the resignation of then-Vice President Marcus Alexich. Originally from Danbury, Conn., Glorioso moved in 1994, to Plant City. He previously served on the WLCA board, as well as a Plant City commissioner from 1998 to 2004. After six years on the commission, Glorioso was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2004 and re-
elected for three more terms. He served from 1998 to 2004 on the Hillsborough County Metropolitan Planning Organization; as vice chairman of the Hillsborough County from 1998-2004; on the State Metropolitan Planning Organization Advisory Council from 1999 to 2004; and on the West Central Florida Chairs Coordinating Committee from 1999 to 2004. Before his political career, Glorioso spent 27 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a colonel. The WLCA’s 2014 officers also include Treasurer Bob Hunter and Secretary Heather Updike.
PARK PROBLEMS
As the weather continues to warm, WLCA directors said they expect an increase in non-Walden Lake residents visiting the community’s park — which is only open to residents. Any cars parked at the park
IN OTHER NEWS
• The new information signs have been installed at the Turkey Creek and Mud Lake entrances to Walden Lake.
• Sarasota-based Hoover Pressure Cleaning will be in Walden Lake May 16, to begin pressure-washing the community’s five entrances. Once the work is approved by On-site Manager Lee Weiss, the WLCA will enter into a contract — which includes a $500 initial fee followed by quarterly $300 fees — to maintain the entrances on a regular basis. • Weiss and guards from U.S. Security are working to determine the suspects responsible for repeated parking lot are required to have a sticker indicating residency. In the past, the WLCA has utilized an unarmed officer and a patrol car to deter un-permitted visitors. WLCA ing a new sign warning that vehicles without stickers
vandalism in Silverstone. • The WLCA still is seeking bids to improve the parking area in front of the dog park. The area floods during heavy rains, and cars can get stuck in the mud. WLCA Treasurer Bob Hunter said he suspects it may be a substantial engineering problem that could require more work than installing a new surface on the grounds. • WLCA board members amended its motion opposing Visions Golf LLC’s submitted redevelopment plans for the country club and golf course. The amendment adds more details regarding the reasons the board opposes the plans. would be towed. “The residents paying the dues that they pay should be entitled to have the park available when they want it,” Chancey said. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
NEWSBRIEFS
HANGING AROUND by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
+ Two children hit by SUV out of ICU
Assistant Principal Jarrod Haneline is a favorite among students at Bryan Elementary — specifically because of his willingness to do whatever is necessary to inspire and motivate his school.
STICKY SITUATION Bryan Elementary Assistant Principal Jarrod Haneline was duct-taped to a tree May 8, as part of a fundraiser for childhood bone cancer. Jarrod Haneline’s fate was all wrapped up. Literally. The assistant principal had volunteered to be taped to a palm tree outside Bryan Elementary School to raise money for childhood bone cancer. He expected many students to participate, paying $1 for one strip of heavy duty duct tape. But, he didn’t expect a throng of hundreds to swarm around him. The three students that walked by during preparation should have been a warning to him. They sipped on their purple punch drinks and pointed to their beloved “Mr. H.” “You have the duct tape?” one student said. “That tree?” another said. They and cheered in anticipation. From the moment the kindergartners came out, it was chaos. They started with the classic silver tape, winding around and around. Then, came the Superman, Batman, pink and green tape. Each student skipped away excitedly, waving their hands and giving their waiting friends a thumbs up. Each grade shuffled in and out of the courtyard, and teachers arrived, camera phones in hand, to capture the moment. Even Principal Cheryl Boddie stalked the grounds, teasing her right-hand man. Her laugh could be heard echoing through the outside hallways. “This was a very good idea,” she said to one of her teachers. There were so many students
The students couldn’t wait for their turn to place a piece of tape on Assistant Principal Jarrod Haneline. Left: It took more than an hour to complete the taping task. who wanted to add a sticky strip to the cocoon that teachers had to quit allowing them to wrap all the way around and instead place a foot-long piece on top of the existing tape. When his legs and torso were covered, they started aiming for his shoes. Then, his mouth. “If I had claustrophobia right now, I’d be worried,” Haneline said during the event. “Too bad I do have claustrophobia.” Tighter and tighter the duct tape wound. Haneline mentioned he felt like he had asthma as the unforgiving material
constricted around his waist like a girdle. But, the pain was worth it. Each dollar the students paid will go toward Pasta for Pennies. Although the school has participated in the fundraiser in the past, this is the first year its students have taped anyone to a tree for it. Second-grade teacher Morgann Mathis led the cancer drive this year and saw the idea on Pinterest. When the tape wouldn’t stick to the Bryan’s brick walls, she decided a tree would be a good replacement.
And, “Mr. H” would be the perfect victim. “He’s silly,” Mathis said. “He’s fun. He’ll do whatever for the fun of the kids.” After the fifth-graders were finished, it was time to pull the makeshift stool out from under Haneline’s feet to see if he would stick to the tree. One teacher approached to make sure he could support Haneline if he fell face first. The students got quiet. The stool was removed. Haneline stuck. Cheers erupted in the courtyard. Children screamed. Teachers hooted. Boddie fell into fits of laughter. “OK everyone, time to go home,” Boddie said. “We’ll see you tomorrow.” She was teasing Haneline. But, Boddie won’t be laughing for long. “What about the ‘pasgetti?’” a student asks. In two weeks, students will be able to dump bowls of spaghetti on Boddie and Haneline. Yet another initiative to raise funds for Pasta for Pennies. “I think it’s time for dismissal,” Haneline said. Seventy-one minutes and 752 students later, Haneline was still hanging from the tree. The bell rang. Children flocked to their buses. But, the teachers still didn’t released Haneline. They snapped pictures with him to send to the district before finally bringing out the scissors. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
The two Plant City children who were struck last week by an SUV have been released from the intensive-care unit at Tampa General Hospital. According to Plant City Police Department reports, Madison Dodski, 6, and her sister, Allison Dodski, 9, were walking eastbound at about 7:25 a.m. May 9, along Victoria Street near Dort Street, after missing their school bus. They were headed to Wilson Elementary School, about a mile away, when they stepped in front of an SUV driven by Patricia Baxter, a teacher at Wilson. Allison was transported by Plant City Fire Rescue to Tampa General Hospital, with a broken leg, wrist and collarbone. Madison was flown to Tampa General Hospital, with a broken leg, skull fractures and a large laceration to her forehead. Police have determined Baxter was not at fault and will not be charged.
+ Plant City man fires shotgun at car
A Plant City-area man is facing charges after he fired a shotgun at a woman’s car during a domestic dispute May 9, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies said. Allen Carlisle, 25, and Brittany Hardiman, 24, were reportedly arguing shortly after 9 a.m. at their home in the 4900 block of C P Keen Road. Carlisle hit Hardiman’s vehicle with the front bumper of his truck then shot it several times with a 12-gauge shotgun. Deputies said Carlisle drove away with the shotgun but was stopped at Alderman’s Ford Park Drive and Thompson Road. Carlisle was charged with domestic violence battery and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
+ Three-vehicle wreck closes U.S. 92
A three-vehicle collision last week closed U.S. 92 for about three hours. According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, at about 4:23 p.m. May 6, Geoffrey Bruwelheide, 29, of Seffner, was driving westbound on U.S. 92, east of Swinger Road. For unknown reasons, he veered into the eastbound lane and struck the left front side of a dump truck driven by Frank Persaud, 43, of Plant City. Persaud lost control of his vehicle and collided with a third vehicle, a Toyota Tacoma driven by Jacquelyn Oakes, 48, of Seffner. Bruwelheide, who was not restrained, sustained critical injuries and was transported to Tampa General Hospital.
Michael Eng
FHP Trooper Brett McCranie lives in Antioch.
FHP TROOPER ASSISTS IN BABY DELIVERY ON I-4 In his 23 years as a Florida Highway Patrol state trooper, Brett McCranie has seen many things. Once, he responded to a call about a Denny’s that had been firebombed. Another time, he worked a scenario involving a shooter. And on May 9, he was on scene for an overturned tanker on Interstate 4. But, he said, nothing tops helping a beautiful baby girl into the world. After responding to the overturned tanker, McCranie, an Antioch resident, was walking back to his patrol car at 7:35 a.m., when Plant City resident Arturo SantiagoSantiago, 32, pulled his vehicle onto the interstate’s median near him. Baby! Baby! Baby! he shouted. McCranie responded, rushing to SantiagoSantiago’s car to find his wife, Emila Paz, in labor in the back seat. McCranie himself has a 10-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, and he was in the hospital delivery room for both. “I basically comforted her and provided basic care,” McCranie said. “I instructed her to breathe and remain calm. Once the baby came, I told her to wrap the baby up and keep it close to her.” Once McCranie determined the baby, a girl named Iris, was healthy and breathing on her own, he called Hillsborough County Fire Rescue personnel, who responded and took the family to Tampa General Hospital. Both Paz and Iris are in good condition. “I’ve seen a lot of things through 23 years on patrol — but never a baby,” McCranie said. “It was heart-warming. “It’s just part of the job; you do what you gotta do to make sure everyone is OK,” he said. “But this was the best day of my career so far.” Iris is the couple’s second child. — Michael Eng
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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP GOLF / PAGE 1 Crenshaw’s father was silent for most of the trip back home. Finally, he asked his son: Do you have any idea how worried your mother was? Then: If you really want to play football this badly, I will talk to her. But, the day you decide to quit, you are going to get the worst whooping of your life. Crenshaw didn’t quit. He continued playing throughout high school and even at the University of Alabama for the mighty Crimson Tide. “I never ever thought about quitting,” Crenshaw says. “I just could never reconcile the fact that if I did quit, I would never be able to look my father in the eye again.”
CURTIS CRENSHAW
Crenshaw was back home from college for a visit when he fell in love with real estate. “My mom and I were out looking at houses,” he remembers. “She loved looking at houses.” After graduating in 1963, from the University of Alabama, Crenshaw took a job with Shell Oil Company, in New Orleans. After starting in marketing, he worked his way into the company’s real-estate division and helped select sites for new gas stations. He later moved onto work in a real-estate subsidiary of a company in Birmingham, Ala., where he helped run a 36-hole golf course for the Alabama Power Company. He also began his work in commercial real estate and shoppingcenter development, and in, 1972, he launched Coastal Companies. His company had worked on three projects in the Sunshine State before he moved in 1980, to Tampa. He met Wilbur Brantley, brother of Visions Golf LLC partner Earl Brantley, during those early projects in Florida. To date, Crenshaw’s company has completed about $580 million in projects in eight different states. He says his company manages its portfolio in seven-year plans and currently has concentrated on assisted-living facility projects in Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana. And although Walden Lake Golf and Country Club is different from his company’s past work, Crenshaw believes it could be a crowning achievement in his career. Crenshaw keeps a card in his wallet with a prayer he learned from his old coach at Alabama. Dear God, it reads. Thank you for giving me this day to do with as I wish. I will use this day to do positive and not negative; for good and not evil. “It’s not just about how much money you make,” he says. “If we did something, and the end product wasn’t good ... there’s not a lot of pride in that. “Any time someone takes the attitude of, ‘Take the money and run,’ they’re limiting their future to that day,” Crenshaw says. “That’s not something I’ve ever done in my entire life and career, and I’m not starting that now.” Bridgepoint Capital has tapped golfcourse developer Ron Garl, the original golf-course architect for Walden Lake, to redesign the course. “That’s the most important part of this deal — the golf course and country club,” Crenshaw says. “That’s what these mem-
ORDINANCE / PAGE 1 She asked commissioners to make the amendment. “(Visions Golf exists) within our community and should not be allowed to continue the blight they are imposing on Walden Lake’s community,” Orrico said. “Walden Lake’s residents are required to maintain their homes and properties. Should we be expecting less from a property, formerly a viable golf course, to allow such deterioration that wreaks havoc on our property values and property rights?” Orrico said the overgrowth makes the property unusable and wild, leading to other problems. She said kids on dirt bikes and
THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
IF YOU GO
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17 WHERE: Plant City Airport, 4007 Airport Road COST: Free; $5 parking INFORMATION: Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, (813) 7543707 or plantcity.org. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ PlanesTrainsAutos
VEHICLES / PAGE 1
2013
THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS 1. Is making big money and cold, hard cash a crime? No, unless you make the notes too big or mint your coins in the garage. 2. A worker alerted the boss to his computer being down. He elaborated by saying that he had dropped a rubber band in it and it was making snap decisions.
City Chamber of Commerce believes it still has room to grow. “Hopefully, we can get 3,500 people through the gates,” chamber President Marion Smith says. “Come on out.” Operational model trains will chug their way around the exhibits, and guests will be able to get a rare up-close look at CSX trains, artifacts and memorabilia. A number of classic and exotic cars will be on display for the guests, and
WLCA AMENDS MOTION OF OPPOSITION
The Walden Lake Community Association amended May 12 the motion stating its opposition to the development plan Visions Golf LLC submitted to Plant City. The sale of the country club and golf courses to Bridgepoint Capital is contingent upon the city approving Visions Golf’s rezone request. The amended motion is as follows: “The WLCA Board of Directors objects to and recommends denial of the rezoning application of Visions Golf, LLC to the Plant City City Commission. We make this recommendation because the rezoning:
1. Is not compatible with our community of mostly owner-occupied, singlefamily residential; 2. Deteriorates our quality of life within Walden Lake of open space, lakes, scenic views and vistas; 3. Destroys the property values, current scenic views and vistas of those who live on the closed, abandoned and unkept Hills 18-hole golf course and the entire community; 4. Increases significantly traffic and congestion onto Timberlane Drive, Griffin Boulevard and Clubhouse Drive; 5. Substantially reduces the pervious, open-space surfaces to developed impervious surfaces, increasing storm water runoff and drainage; 6. Utilizes our green, pristine, premier community and rights-of-way that we have funded and maintained for more than 30 years for their development efforts, with no guaranteed return on our investments; and 7. Destroys Walden Lake as a currently master-planned, mostly single-family, built-out community, with nearly a 30% increase in mostly higher density, multifamily units. This motion is made in good faith to reflect the concern of the WLCA board of directors about the rezoning of four large pristine parcels for more housing (mostly multi-family) inserted into our community.” bers will be embracing for the next 25 years.” Crenshaw didn’t meet fellow Bridgepoint Capital principal Jimmy Wright until recently, but it seems the two share that same sentiment. “He’s one of those people you meet in life and instantly feel like you’ve known them for 30 years,” Crenshaw says.
JIMMY WRIGHT
“We’re not, 20, 30 or 40 years old; we’re not in this for the money at this stage in our lives and careers,” Wright says. “We want to leave this (Walden Lake) as our little legacy. We want to do something for the residents of Walden Lake. “We know they’re suspicious, because they have gotten burned,” he says. “What we need to do is show who we are and what we stand for. I want to be able to puff my chest out and show my 12 grandkids what Granddad did.” For Wright, Walden Lake would be the crowning achievement on a long, celebrated career in the sport. Growing up in Enid, Okla., Wright was introduced to golf in the sixth grade, when he took a job as a caddie. “In those days, it was either that or a newspaper route,” he says. It didn’t take long for the game’s hooks to sink themselves into Wright. The first time he took to the links himself with a set of loaner clubs, he shot a 72 on the first nine holes. Four years later, he shot a 28 on the same nine. “Golf just came naturally to me,” he says. “I had a natural swing, and I didn’t try to pattern myself after anyone. I just picked up the club and played. “You can play golf your whole life,” Wright says. “As long as you can get out of bed, you can play golf. It’s the ultimate game against yourself. You will never beat yourself; that challenge is there every single day. And when you hit that perfect shot ... there’s nothing
loitering strangers are common sights. “Since the closing of The Hills, some individuals have turned it into a public playground,” she said. Frank VanDeBoe, an avid golfer, lives on The Lakes course. But, for him, it’s still hard to ignore the changes that are being proposed by Visions Golf. “I’m disturbed by the people in general,” VanDeBoe said. “I haven’t played in 17 weeks. My wife and I are very disappointed. We moved here just for (the golf course). What’s going on there is just a joke.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
Smith hopes that that also will be a selling point for anyone wishing to spend a day checking out classic cars. The Plant City Car Show is scheduled for later that afternoon. “We’re hoping that people will come out here in the morning, then travel to the Plant City car show,” she said. Don’t forget to look up in the air, either. There will be several flyovers and remote-controlled planes flying around throughout the day. Those R/C models, along with real planes and cars, will be judged by the people in a “Best of Show”-type competition, during which guests can vote for their favorite vehicle. Officers with the Tampa International Airport will bring their furry companions for some K-9 demonstrations at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Plant City Fire Rescue also will display its engines, and the Plant City Police Department its mobile units. Area Boy Scouts also will have a few good reasons to make an appearance at the
in life that gives you that same high.” In high school, Wright won a state championship in golf and began considering a career as a professional golfer. He attended Oklahoma State University and was a three-time All-American. He won the Oklahoma State Amateur Championships in 1960 and turned professional one year later. Following college, he played the PGA Tour for two years. He joined the U.S. National Guard in 1963. Upon completing his duties, he resumed his career in golf as an assistant at the famous Winged Foot Golf Club, in Mamaroneck, N.Y. “My wife and I got married on March 28, a Saturday, in Oklahoma, and I was supposed to be at Winged Foot April 1,” Wright says. “We had $200 cash, and everything I owned was in the car.” About a year later, Wright was selected to become the head golf professional at Inwood Country Club on Long Island, N.Y. While there, he continued playing part-time on the PGA Tour. Following 10 years at Inwood, Wright held the same position at Fenway Golf Club, in Scarsdale, N.Y.; The Falls County Club, in Lake Worth; and The Oaks Club, in Osprey. Then, in 2005, he was named director of golf of The Concession Golf Club, in Bradenton. Wright is a seven-time Metropolitan New York Player of the Year. He played in 26 major championships and 13 PGA championships and is the only club professional to play in all four majors. Should Bridgepoint Capital take ownership in Walden Lake, Wright will manage the country club and golf amenities through a hand-selected team. “I won’t be there 50 to 60 hours a week, but I will have team that will be in constant contact with me,” he says. “I’m really excited about the chance to bring Walden Lake back to its glory days.” Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
IN OTHER NEWS • Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis presented a proclamation designating May 15, 2014, and declaring the week of May 11 to 17 a “Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week in Plant City.” She presented the proclamation to Plant City Police Department Capt. Susan Pruett. Pruett was also the lead detective in a recent homicide case and was instrumental in helping the department
find the suspect within 24 hours. • The commission voted unanimously for an ordinance that would regulate the placement of shipping and cargo containers. The guidelines stipulate that containers should be limited to one for every 20,000 square feet; be located to the side or rear of the primary building; and are excluded from residential areas, the downtown core and Midtown.
The event will feature a selection of classic cars. event. It will be possible for troops to earn their aviation merit badge, traffic safety merit badge, or their search and rescue merit badge at the event. There will be live music and a karaoke booth, compliments of Kustom-Karaoke and DJ Service. Although there are plenty of opportunities for kids to have fun, with a play area and com-
Courtesy photo
puter flight simulations, the real star of the show is the opportunity to climb into a plane and fly for free. One hundred kids, ages 8 to 17, will be able to participate in these flights, provided by the Lakeland EAA Young Eagles. Registration stops at 1 p.m., so it would be best to get there early. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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Mel Ardelean and Tampa Police Det. Scott Bullard are determined to find Misti Whitfield.
MISTI / PAGE 1 the Ardeleans hosted May 10, the second candlelight vigil for their missing daughter. It worked. “Over the last couple of days, because of the vigil, we have some of the best leads we have ever had,” said Whitfield’s stepfather Mel Ardelean. “The words we are using are ‘cautiously optimistic.’ We feel closer. We’ve got some good things going, and those leads are being pursued as we speak. Right now, this case does not feel like a cold case.” Sharon Ardelean agreed: “This case will be solved. I know it will.” Since Whitfield’s disappearance, the Ardeleans, who own Cuzzins Bar, in Historic Downtown Plant City, have committed nearly every waking moment and every resource to find their daughter. In the beginning, they hired private investigators to bolster Tampa Police efforts. They have taken to Facebook and garnered plenty of leads through Whitfield’s extensive network of friends and acquaintances. They also adopted one of Whitfield’s children. “We, as a family, we get down, we get up,” Mel Ardelean said. “We get tired. We cry. We laugh, sometimes. We pray. We help Misti’s kids get through this ordeal. We grieve. And we hope. That’s what we do. “What we don’t do is give up,” he said. “We won’t quit. We won’t give up. We won’t rest until the perpetrators of this crime are arrested, put in jail and prosecuted.” According to Bullard, Whitfield was attending a party May 2, 2013, near Nautical Marine, 5525 W. Hillsborough Ave. She got into an argument with a person there and then left the party. She walked about three miles, until she came into contact with another person, whom Bullard has interviewed multiple times, and hasn’t been seen since. “We classify this as a missing person case, because, technically, there is no evidence
Photos by Amber Jurgensen
Misti Whitfield’s mother, Sharon Ardelean, continues to receive support from the community. to indicate that she has been killed,” Bullard said. “Having said that, the probability that she is not alive is great. I can’t, definitively, say that she was murdered. I can’t say that there wasn’t an accident. I can’t say that she didn’t have some kind of health issue, and somebody panicked. “I have no doubt that she was more than likely picked up on Hillsborough Avenue by somebody that she knows,” he said. “She may have communicated with somebody at a convenience store and asked for a ride and said, ‘Hey, can I get a ride to Eastern Hillsborough County, Plant City, Seffner, Thonotosassa area?’” The Ardeleans believe Whitfield’s body will be found in Plant City or Eastern Hillsborough. However, Bullard said currently, he has nothing concrete to support that theory. “There, specifically, is no evidence that she made it back to Plant City,” he said. “But, the people she associates with are in the Seffner, Thonotosassa area. If somebody out there has given her a ride to this area, it might be able to close a gap or fill a piece of the puzzle in for me in this investigation.” So far, the investigation has taken Bullard to many places throughout the county. “We’ve searched lakes; we’ve searched ponds,” Bullard said. “We’ve searched swamps. We’ve searched woods. We’ve done three or four canine searches. We’ve had dive team
searches. We’ve had helicopter searches. We’ve done red-light traffic-signal searches, using video surveillance searches and thousands and thousands and thousands of interviews trying to find out where she is.” The Ardeleans praised Bullard and his department for the work they have done. “We, as a family, have worked with the homicide department and Det. Scott Bullard from day one,” Mel Ardelean said. “He told me he will solve this case — no matter what. He is doing everything possible. This is a serious case, and he is working on it as hard as he can.” Bullard agreed. “All I want to do — and all the family wants to do — is get her back,” he said. “Let us make the determination of how she passed away after we get her. It could have been an accident. If somebody knows something about an accident, call me and tell me it was an accident. If somebody knows it’s an overdose, call me and let me know. If somebody thinks it’s intentional, call me and let me know. I will follow up on it. I will not stop until I find her.” If you have any information on Misti Whitfield’s whereabouts or about her disappearance, call Tampa Police Department Det. Scott Bullard, (813) 231-6130. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stoppers, 1-800-873-TIPS. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
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C R E AT I V E S P A C E
Matthew Croxton After a long week of teaching science to his excitable students at Ruskin Christian School, there’s one way Plant City photographer Matthew Croxton likes to unwind. He loses himself in the natural wonder of the Lower Green Swamp Preserve. “Being a teacher, the weekend is the best time to visit,” Croxton says. “It really brings solace to life.” Croxton grew up hearing about the preserve’s beauty. So, when it was finally opened to the public for hiking and equestrian activities in January, he decided to see it through his lens. Croxton began an artistic quest, ending up with six color images of beautiful scenes from the preserve. The exhibit can be seen at the Bruton Memorial Library until the end of June. Walking down paths shaded by great oaks with rings that could tell the history of time, Croxton snapped hundreds of pictures of the preserve. Among his favorite areas to visit are the cypress
ABOUT THE ARTIST
• Matthew Croxton’s inaugural exhibit will be at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., until the end of June. • Prints of Croxton’s photographs can be purchased from Southern Hospitality Furniture and Decor, 1709 James L. Redman Parkway. • Croxton can be reached at matthewcroxton@ gmail.com. stands that dot the land. “It’s really when you put the images together when you get a story,” Croxton says. “The story for this exhibit is the diversity and beauty of a special location.” Croxton’s love of photography stemmed from the Bruton Memorial Library when he was a boy. He enjoyed looking at volumes of books that just contained the works of photographers. “I thought it was unusual that people published books
with nothing but pictures,” Croxton says. “I liked to read, but seeing just photos in a book rocked.” The works of German photographer Albert Renger-Patzsch inspired the young Croxton. RengerPatzsch had published a book, “Baume,” meaning trees. Renger-Patzsch used a ranger to guide him through the process, looking to capture interesting species and features. Croxton also likes to look at things with a scientific eye, as well as an artistic one. With a graduate degree in forest resources and conservation from the University of Florida, he can guide himself through the jungles of Florida. For him, each cypress dome has a unique architecture. The glades that surround some of those domes are very special places to observe the changing light. “My approach to photography brings together a passion for making images with a zeal for educating others about the natural
Amber Jurgensen
Matthew Croxton enjoys shooting nature photography. One of his favorite spots is Lower Green Swamp Preserve. CREATIVE SPACE is a new feature in the Plant City Times & Observer that spotlights Plant City-area artists, musicians, filmmakers and other creative people. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming edition, send an email to Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. beauty and biology of the Florida landscape,” Croxton says. “For me, this enables the process of education to escape the pages of a textbook or reference work and take on a life that engages
learners and viewers at an emotional level. In particular, I focus on the plants and plant communities that comprise the landscape.” Croxton also was inspired by a local artist, Bud Lee.
Croxton had gone to school with some of his family members. He was impressed that Lee could make art and income through his passion. In the late 1990s, Croxton began taking photographs. He still uses film and primarily shoots black and white. He started to focus on making color photographic prints from digital images in 2010. — Amber Jurgensen
The Plant City photographer’s muse for his inaugural exhibit was the Lower Green Swamp Preserve.
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“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
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 | S P O RT S
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014
CLUB HUBBUB
If your club would like to post announcements, email them to Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajur gensen@plantcityobserver. com.
+ Plant City Daybreak Rotary
The Plant City Daybreak Rotary attended Rotary Ride for Kids April 26, at Rotary’s Camp Florida, in Brandon. The club provided lunch for the riders. Ride for Kids benefits the Polio Plus Campaign and Rotary’s Camp Florida, a 21-acre, non-profit organization that caters to children with special needs and challenges.
Evan Gales and his mom Susan Gales punched tickets when students got on the caboose.
ALL ABOARD! Piper Simmons
Dakota Hawkins
CHUGGA-CHUGGA
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
+ Plant City Junior Woman’s Club
GFWC Plant City Junior Woman’s Club member Racquel Sturgis presented Strawberry Crest High School junior Juliana Alfonso a scholarship on behalf of the GFWC Florida Federation of Woman’s Club. Juliana was awarded a $400 Youth Leadership Scholarship at the federation’s annual convention in April, in Orlando.
+ P.C. Chamber of Commerce
The Small Business Development Center will host a workshop, titled, “Business Protection 101” from 9 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, at the chamber, 106 N. Evers St. The 2014 Leadership Class Graduation will be held Thursday, May 22, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The 6 p.m. event is for the graduates and is by invitation only. RSVP to Jane at (813) 745-3707. The Mud Titan will be Saturday, May 24. There are more than 30 obstacles in the 5K challenge. Part of the proceeds will benefit The Youth Alliance, which sends motivational speakers to empower students around the United States. For more information, visit themudtitan.com.
Kasen and Britney Howard enjoyed the train tour. Education took to the tracks May 14, during the first field trip to the new Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, at Union Station Depot. Five-year-olds from Plant City’s First Baptist Church Early Learning Center were the lucky conductors to go on the field trip to the museum, which now has a new train caboose and other artifacts donated by Willaford. Train enthusiast Evan Gales and his mother, Susan, gave tours of the caboose, helping the students ring the bell and punching their train tickets to board. Willaford himself also spoke inside the depot.
+ Mid Florida Summer Home Show
The Mid Florida Summer Home Show will be coming to Plant City July 25 to 27, at the Strawberry Festival Grounds Charlie Grimes Agricultural Building. It is actively looking for unique vendors, sponsors and community support to help make this show a success. For more, call (727) 320-2202.
Robert Willaford was one of the tour guides at the museum.
+ Relay for Life
The Wrap-Up Party for all teams was held May 5, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. Relay for Life also held a party for its committee May 12, at Fred’s Southern Kitchen.
Jada Justin and Jaxson D’Avignon
+ Bethany Baptist Church
Bethany Baptist Church will host its Chocolate and Roses Ladies Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the church, 3409 Cork Road. Event features lunch, guest speaker, entertainment and door prizes. Advance tickets are $7. For more, call (813) 752-9209.
Brennan Bailey
Teacher Emily Hester led Trent English up to the caboose.
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STRUMMING ALONG by Michael Eng | Editor The Weaver Believer Survival Revival travels in two 40-foot tour buses. One is for the parents; the second is for all the children.
Hopewell celebrates Homecoming with faithful bluegrass concert
Hopewell Baptist Church began the festivities for its 144th Homecoming with a bluegrass concert May 3, at the church. The Georgia-based Weaver Believer Survival Revival, a bluegrass band featuring the Weaver family, performed a variety of famous bluegrass tunes, Christian hymns and even original material. Although the matriarch of the group, Chris Weaver, did not perform, the band included patriarch Paul Weaver and six children — Michelle, Samuel, Stephen, Michael, Sarah and Jonathan. Samuel Weaver played several instruments during the band’s Plant City performance.
throwback by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Clogging Connection opened the show with an inspired routine.
Opry honors the country cracker The Florida Opry celebrated the country cracker during its final concert of the 2013-14 season May 10, at the 1914 PCHS Community Center.
The show opened with Clogging Connection dancers and followed with musical guests. The Florida Opry was established in 1996 and continues
Music was a popular part of the program.
to provide outstanding entertainment, offering a variety of live country, foot-stomping bluegrass, gospel and much more.
The Florida Opry brings in acts from around the state.
ESSAY CONTEST WINNER RECEIVES PRIZES
Michael Eng
Mother’s Day Essay Contest winner Kenley Connell, second from right, her mother, Erika, and siblings picked up their prizes from Grimes Hardware Manager Stacy Zemlo. Plant City Times & Observer advertising executive Veronica Prostko also congratulated the family.
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taking the state by Michael Eng | Editor
Durant musicians hit high notes at 2014 Cougarstock Musicians from Durant High School showcased their talents for a worthy cause during the school’s Cougarstock Benefit Concert May 2, in the school’s cafeteria. The event, a fundraiser to benefit a Durant family in need, featured nine different acts — from solo artists to full-fledged bands. Attendees also enjoyed refreshments, rounds of cornhole and henna tattoos.
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CELEBRATION by Michael Eng | Editor
There Goes the Neighborhood performed a set full of high-energy rock.
Durant High School goes all-in with Vegas-themed Prom night Attendees were able to get henna tattoos at the event.
Durant High School students placed their bets at the school’s Las Vegas-themed Prom, held May 10, at The Italian Club, in Ybor City. This year’s bash featured a
Bassist Eric Guess loved performing in front of his friends and classmates.
room full of card games and frozen beverages. One floor above the teen-friendly casino, students boogied the night away on the dance floor.
Maddy Clifford, Shannon Bell and Marissa Thompson
Alex Cooper showed off his lead guitar skills.
Ben Osenton was a member of the court.
Josh King and Aaliyah Williams
Students enjoyed playing casino-style games, including roulette.
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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Cynthia Marie Floyd
Cynthia Marie Floyd, 64, of Plant City, died March 19, 2014, at HPH Hospice, in Dade City. Born July 3, 1949, in Modesto, Calif., she was the daughter of the late Hayden and Norma Peach Miller. She was the wife of Charles Floyd for 45 years; he survives. Mrs. Floyd was an avid gardener and was a past officer with the Plant City Garden Club, a member of the Temple Terrace Garden Club and was an FCHP. She was the owner of Three Palms Nursery. Survivors also include sons, Chuck (Stephanie), Ernie and Andrew Floyd; daughter, Dawn Walker; brother, Leonard Miller; sister, Laura Epperson; and four grandchildren. She was predeceased by a sister, Jeanette Goff. Celebration of Life services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 17, at Church on the Rock, 301 E. Alsobrook St., Plant City. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made to HPH Hospice, 37439 Clinton Ave., Dade City, FL. 33525, or online at hph-hospice.org/donations-2. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
MinElla Kelly Glover Gray
MinElla Kelly Glover Gray, 97, died May 4, 2014, at home. Mrs. Gray was born in 1916, in Kingsport, Tenn. She and her parents moved in 1924, to Florida, settling in the Plant City area. She later attended Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee. In 1937, she met the love of her life, Manuel Glover, to whom she was married for 21 years until his death. She was married to her second husband, Charles Gray, for 20 years. Mrs. Gray learned new pursuits, such as hunting, fishing and golf, from her husbands. But, above all, she loved to read, follow politics and play bridge. She was known to be an excellent player. Mrs. Gray was predeceased by her parents, Orion Earl and Edith Denham Kelly, and her husbands, Manuel M. Glover and Charles Gray. She is survived by her greatniece, Barbara Ward Bennett (Robert); her dog, Buddy; and her many friends. A graveside service was held May 14, at the Committal Shelter at Lakeland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Good
Shepherd Hospice; Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE); or SPCA Florida. A Celebration of Her Life will be held November 8, 2014, at the Beacon Terrace Clubhouse, Lakeland.
Eunice Marie Hendrix
Eunice Marie Hendrix, 83, died May 6, 2014. She was born Aug. 2, 1930, in Miami, to Eugene and Effie (Bowen) Fears. Mrs. Hendrix worked for Publix and retired after 25 years. She loved to dance and travel to all parts of the world. She is survived by two daughters, Colleen Diaz (John) and Darlene Faye; six grandchildren; and 13 greatgrandchildren. Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
William “Bud” Keith Keene
William “Bud” Keith Keene, 76, died May 10, 2014, at LifePath Hospice House, Sun City, ending his courageous 16-month battle with cancer. Mr. Keene was born Nov. 29, 1937, in Plant City, to Andrew Joseph Keene and Mildred Alene Cox Keene. He was youngest of two boys. He was raised from age 4 by his mother, Mildred Cone, and stepfather, C. W. Cone, in the Midway community, north of Plant City. He learned a strong work ethic on the 14,000-acre Cone Ranch while working horses and cattle, raising and loading melons on train cars, tending orange groves, etc. He and friends put on their own rodeos in an arena north of Plant City, where he rode the bulls. He enjoyed visiting grandparents, aunts and uncles, Cox and Keene cousins, and many friends in the area. He was specially close to his aunt and uncle, J. D. Cox and Lois Bush Cox. Mr. Keene attended Plant
City schools and Riverside Military Academy, in Georgia and Florida. He served four years in the U. S. Air Force, stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. In his adult years, his motivation and skills helped him achieve success in several business ventures, including cattle, orange groves, farming and heavy equipment. He was an officer and part owner of the Briarwood Mobile Home Park. He owned Bud Keene Equipment Rental Inc., Plant City. He also owned Bud Keene Crane Rental Inc., Mulberry, with his son, Kip Keene. In October 1952, at age 14, he met Mary LaVerne Lett, 13, at the Springhead School Halloween Carnival. After dating four years, they were married Dec. 1, 1956, and had 57 happy years of marriage and working together. He also enjoyed many hours bass fishing at his home on Lake Nellie, south of Clermont, and was especially proud of the 14-pound bass he caught. Above all else, he valued and loved his wife and family. He was predeceased by his parents, Mildred Cone, in 1963, and C. W. Cone, in 2003; brother, Jerry D. “Don” Keene, in 2001; and his in-laws, to whom he was devoted, Mary Belle Maddox Lett, in 1986, and Fletcher King Lett, in 1991. He is survived by his wife, Mary LaVerne Keene; three sons, Jerry Keith Keene (Lisa), Fletcher Carter Keene (Rhonda) and William Kipling Keene (Stephanie); five grandchildren, Abbie Usko (Matthew), Amy Uzzardo (Vinny), Amanda Keene (Mike Farrow), Samantha Keene and Nathan Keene; eight great-grandchildren, Ben and Zac Usko, Caleb and Elena Farrow, Nolan Ryder, Madelyn and Alessandra Uzzardo, and Bentley Keene; sister-in-law, Barbara Keene Wallace; and many other relatives and friends. A graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 15, at Springhead Cemetery, corner
of County Line and Medulla roads. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Helen Betty O’Neal
Helen Betty O’Neal, 81, died May 5, 2014, in Tampa. She was born in Georgia. Funeral services were May 8, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, Plant City. Burial at Sunset Memory Gardens. Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.
Anthony “Tony” Passalacqua
Anthony “Tony” Passalacqua, 89, died April 27, 2014, in Plant City, with his devoted son, Anthony Jr., at his side. Mr. Passalacqua was born June 8, 1924, to Salvatore and Rose (Pusateri) Passalacqua. He was a devoted, loving husband to Freda (Nelson), deceased; and father of Richard “Ricky,” deceased. Mr. Passalacqua spent his life working in transportation with his brothers as co-owner and vice president of operations of a trucking company. He also loved watching old Western movies. He his survived by wife of 53 years, Ginni Mancini; sons, Terry (Sonja) and Tony Jr.; daughter, Rose Mary Robey (Rich); siblings, Julius (Cecilia) and Christine Vaccaro (Leonard); grandchildren Marc, Damien (Natalie), Tori and Richard Robey Jr. (Alexandria); eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves his devoted companion and shadow, Max. He was preceded in death by his brother, Roy (Eurydice). Mass of Christian Burial was held May 5, at St. Noel Church. Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Loyd Sherwood Rousey
Loyd Sherwood Rousey, 72, died peacefully May 8, 2014, at home, in Plant City. He was born May 29, 1941, in Butchertown, Ky., to the late Lloyd Carl and Tina Rich Rousey. Mr. Rousey graduated in 1959, from Hustonville High School. After a successful career as an accountant, he later owned a feed and tack store,
where he continued his passion for ranching and horses. He also loved the outdoors, fishing, racquetball, golf and woodworking. Mr. Rousey is survived by his life love, Patricia Welch; five children, Richard, Jeffrey, Sean, Matthew and Julie; four daughters-in-law, Alicia, Shari, Marcia and Buffy; one son-in-law, Rob; 14 grandchildren, Joseph, James, Ricky, Ashley, Joshua, David, Matt, Chris, Tyler, Travis, Lindsey, Trey, Tucker and Alexis; one great-grandchild, Carmen; three brothers, Allen, Buddy and Ronnie; one sister, Nina; three sisters-in-law, Mildred, Joan and Barbara; and many other beloved family members and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, in Plant City. A Memorial Service will begin at 3:30 p.m. Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Hollis Strauss
Hollis Strauss, 90, of Plant City, died May 13, 2014, at Lakeland Hospice House. Born Jan. 1, 1924, in Plant City, he was the son of the late Fred and Lydia Lee Strauss. He was predeceased by his first wife, Margaret. He was the beloved husband of Janice Lanier Strauss, who survives. He grew up in the Cork area and was a member of Plant City’s First Baptist Church. He served in the U.S. Marines during World War II and was stationed throughout Southeast Asia, including occupied Japan. Survivors also include a daughter, Martha (David) Wilk; five step-daughters; sisters, Elizabeth Bourne and Dorothy Bennett; grandchild, Neil (Tabatha) Davis; and four great-grandchildren. A funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. Friday, May 16, Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 15, at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.
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heroic effort by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Officers honored at annual bash Because the only disappointment at the 52nd annual East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinner was that the Corvettes at the door weren’t prizes, one could call the event a success. About 450 guests —
including many past and present officers of the law — attended the May 13 event, held at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall. Four current officers, each in a different organization, were honored with Officer of the Year awards:
Det. Manuel Gonzalez (Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office), Officer Craig Baker (Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission), Trooper Matt Williams (Florida Highway Patrol) and Det. Robert McLellan (Plant City Police Department).
Detective Manny Gonzalez, Andrea Gonzalez and Sheriff David Gee
Pat and Lee Hutto
Marsha Passmore and Jodi Stevens
Maj. Michael Thomas, Trooper Matt Williams, Caroline Campbell and Trooper Joseph Campbell
SPOTLIGHT by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
‘MAMA’S’ LAST MURALS
Marie “Mama” Buttram has some difficulty seeing these days, but that didn’t stop her from completing three murals for Liberty Christian Preschool. After creating artwork for decades, it can be difficult to adjust to failing eyesight. “I’ve got advanced macular degeneration,” Marie Buttram says. “There’s nothing you can do about it. I can sometimes hardly see my hands in front of my face.” Despite the diagnosis, Buttram still found the motivation to complete three big murals for Liberty Christian Preschool. “One day, the pastor said, ‘I need a big picture of Noah’s Ark. And, a lighthouse,’” Buttram says. “And I said, ‘Who’s going to paint it for you?’ He said, ‘You are,’ and I said, ‘No, I can’t.’ Then, I came home and thought, ‘They really need those pictures.’” It took her some time to convince herself, though. Two years ago, Buttram worked on a painting that was to be a birthday present. Because of her eyesight, it didn’t go quite as well as planned. “I felt like I was painting with my nose,” she says. “And the picture really didn’t turn out very good. I thought, ‘Well, this is the last picture I’m ever going to try to paint.’” For a while, it was. She couldn’t bring herself to throw away her brushes, paints and supplies, so she put them in a drawer in her bedroom and walked away. With that still in the back of her mind, it took Buttram some time to convince herself to try picking up the brushes for a few more paintings. “I thought, ‘Well, the worst I could do is fail, so I’ll try,’” she says. Ten days later, she had finished three scenes: a cheerful depiction of Noah’s Ark, a lighthouse on a rock and adjacent little town and a barnyard scene with plenty of animals. When the preschool staff came by to check it out, Buttram wasn’t sure what to think. “I was looking at their faces to see how they would react,” she says. “They just looked completely blank, and I thought, ‘They’re embarrassed to say they don’t like it.’ My heart just sank. But, the pastor said, ‘Oh, I love it!’ What a relief.” And, it’s not just the pastor. “Oh, my goodness gracious, it’s a blessing,” center Director Gina Fredette says. “It’s amazing.” Especially considering the level of detail that went into the paintings. For example, the Noah’s Ark scene: At the bottom of the back of the vessel sits a tiny pair of cockroaches, and there’s no mistaking them for anything else. “She wanted the ark for the outside of the school,” Fredette says. “When I saw it, when it was done, there was
Marie Buttram, a self-taught artist, painted three murals for Liberty Christian Preschool. no way it was going outside of the school. In each picture, she hides something.” It’s cockroaches on the side of the ark, a cross on the church in the lighthouse town, and Fredette and her family in the barnyard scene. The little things like that — giving to those around her, with some little surprises — kept Buttram busy over the years. She says her painting days are pretty much over now, but she has no regrets. “I’m the happiest person in the world,” she says. “I’m just thankful that I can see what I can see.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Justin Kline
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One of Marie Buttram’s murals depicts Noah’s Ark.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
Brandon Moore is now a tae kwon do instructor. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
special olympics by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Plant City athletes going for gold Members of Plant City’s Special Olympics teams — six of which are competing in the State Summer Games this weekend — are ready to repeat last year’s successes.
Justin Kline
Jamesha Roper is looking to capture her second volleyball gold medal in two years.
SIDELINES
Plant City’s Special Olympics Unified Sports teams enjoyed a successful summer in 2013, and this weekend, they will return to Orlando try to recapture the magic. Six teams, most of which are under the Plant City Raiders banner, will represent the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World in four different sports: soccer, athletics, volleyball
and bocce. Many of the athletes have been here before, but others have not.
SOCCER
The Raiders are fielding two soccer teams for the Games: the Black team (5-on-5 soccer) and the Orange (7-on-7) team. Although there are soccer skills competitions, these teams are going to take it a step further
and play full games. The field is a little smaller than a regulation soccer pitch, but that’s the only difference in the Special Olympics game. Gerardo Carbajal, a player on the Raiders’ Orange team, took home a gold medal in 2013 — his first time competing. He found his calling quickly, rolled with it and can’t wait to get back on the field
spring football by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Following Draft, P.C. native still seeks home in the NFL
VOLLEYBALL
+ Tomlin Middle girls take title
Strawberry Crest lost several startes to graduation or transfer.
Durant High School hopes to focus on its offensive line.
BACK TO WORK
SOCCER
+ F.C. Plant City announces tryouts
U.S. Club Soccer is coming to Plant City, and young footballers can start trying out for the team as early as Monday. F.C. Plant City, led by UEFA-certified Technical Director Greg Petersen, is a brand-new U19 club for boys and girls who want to play soccer — whether or not they have experience. Tryouts for ages 7 to 12 will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 19, 21 and 23. Ages 13 to 19 can try out from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 20 and 22, or from 3 to 5 p.m. May 24. All tryouts will be held at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St. All players are guaranteed a position on the team. For more, visit FCPlantCity.com.
FOOTBALL
+ Crest to host scrimmage, BBQ
Family and supporters of the Strawberry Crest football team are invited to come out to a scrimmage for a day of food, fun and football this weekend. The game will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 17, at the school, 4691 Gallagher Road. After the game, everyone will move to the cafeteria for lunch.
SEE OLYMPICS / PAGE 13
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
May 8 was a great day to be a Tomlin Tiger: The Plant City middle school’s volleyball team won the Hillsborough County championship. The top-seeded Tigers beat fifth-seeded Benito Middle at home May 7, to make it to the finals, where they handled the second-seeded Randall Hawks to take home the title. The Tigers are: Kassidy Bolling, Antonella Delgado, Danizia Martin, Autumn Miller, Kelly Nichols, Macayla Phillips, Kennedy Sapp, Nyah Collins, Carly Day, Melissa Moore, Kate Ruppert, Caroline Brummer, Kaitlyn Dunne, Zharia Griffin, Macenzie Jones, Deveney Moser, Samantha Palestrini, Delaney Rodriguez and Jordin Vance.
this weekend. “I’m a defender,” Carbajal says. “I like to go to the ball.” He’s as confident as any of the other athletes and will let his play speak for itself. Another exciting possibility for him is meeting famous athletes — after one of his shoes came apart last year, women’s soccer
The Plant City Raiders hope to build on the successes they enjoyed during the 2013 season.
Photos by Justin Kline
Spring football practice for all Plant City-area teams has begun. Here’s what the teams are working on, before Saturday’s big Jamboree. It wouldn’t be the month of May without three things: sunny days, Florida love bugs and spring football practice. All three Plant City-area high schools — Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest — are returning to the gridiron, shaking off the rust and, in some cases, carving out new identities. Annual intrasquad games aside, these teams do have something to look forward to in the near future: The May 22 Spring Jamboree, hosted by Durant, will give the teams a chance to play each other and scout the competition in a game scenario. But, it’s still early enough in the year that the teams are focusing most strongly on themselves. One might see the action outside and wonder, “What’s going on with those guys?”
PLANT CITY
Losing 17 seniors to graduation — many of them starters — is never a good thing. That’s the case for the district runners-up, the Plant City Raiders: Perhaps no one lost as many impact players as
PIGSKIN-PALOOZA
Itching to watch some prep football? If so, make plans to be at the Spring Football Jamboree at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 22, at Durant High School, 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City. All three Plant City-area teams, along with Seffner powerhouse Armwood, will play a series of exhibition games. Plant City and Armwood will play each other in the first half of the game, followed by the Cougars taking on Strawberry Crest in the second. they did, and it could really show on the lines. Many players on their vaunted offensive and defensive lines — Sedrick King, Montel McBride, John Broome, Lance Doenges, Quincy Robinson, Jordan Buck and Jeriah Burlingame — are all gone. The younger guys have some big shoes to fill, and head coach Wayne Ward and
his staff are working to make that an easy transition. “The key thing is fundamentals,” Ward said. “The details of the game, and getting these kids mentally prepared to play a physical football game.” Shoring up those lines appears to be the Raiders’ biggest challenge, because just about everything else looks good. Receivers T.J. Chase and Markese Hargrove, both currently sophomores, are talented enough to make life easier for whoever steps in at quarterback — be it Cory Cotnoir, Cory King or Strawberry Crest transfer Austin Carswell. Offensive weapon Hassan Bailey may be gone, but sophomores Sterling Day — who got plenty of touches last season — and Ervin Micheal can fill that void. On defense, junior linebacker Sawyer Dawson appears ready and able to anchor a unit that includes up-and-comers Javaris Whitsett, Quay Young and Peyton Collins. The possibilities for this team are good, and Ward’s ready to see if he can’t
SEE FOOTBALL / PAGE 13
Thanks to ESPN’s constant, almost suffocating coverage, this seems more like a question that’s already been answered. Kid declares for the Draft, hires an agent, performs at his school’s Pro Day and, maybe, the NFL Combine, and then spends the rest of the time leading up to the Draft talking to teams. On one of the Draft nights, he gets a nice phone call from a team, and all is well. The thing is, though, that this only applies to early-round JUSTIN picks. HunKLINE dreds of others with slimmer chances hope to be picked up in the later rounds — if at all — and it’s much harder to gain exposure. I was curious to see how different things were for those less-heralded, so I got in touch with a Draft hopeful with local ties: Michigan State defensive end Denzel Drone, a former Plant City Raider. Drone got to see both sides of the Draft process. Teammate Darqueze Dennard, regarded as one of the top cornerbacks of the 2014 Draft class, was a first-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals and was treated as such by the media. On the other hand, Dennard was the only Spartan selected in the Draft — which means that Drone and the rest of his teammates will have to find another way into the league. And, even though they weren’t selected, it wasn’t for lack of effort. The NFL Scouting Combine is in February, but there’s a catch: Not everybody is able to participate in it. That normally includes later-round hopefuls, such as Drone. For these guys, the first big test in the spotlight is their school’s Pro Day — basically, everything the Combine has to offer but with a home-field advantage. Schools
SEE KLINE / PAGE 14
Courtesy of Michigan State Athletic Communications
Denzel Drone celebrated a 2014 Rose Bowl win.
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the old ballgame by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Little League teams close regular season It’s the final week of Plant City Little League’s regular season, and all of the teams have been trying to get some momentum for the playoffs. There have been plenty of nail-biters and shootouts late-
ly, and the action May 12 was no exception. Friday will be the last day of the regular season, with three games in the Majors division to be played simultaneously at 7:30 p.m. May 17.
This young hurler put everything he had into the pitch.
AAA Guns & Ammo and Plant City Sonic played hard.
Plant City Civitan players get some quick coaching tips during their game. Left: Nothing feels better than crossing home plate to score a run.
OLYMPICS / PAGE 12 great Julie Foudy was the first to offer him help. “I didn’t know who she was at the time,” Plant City ESE teacher Sandy Denham says. “I told her, ‘I’ll just buy another one. It’s OK.’”
ATHLETICS
Although Plant City has fielded Athletics teams in the past, this is the first time the school has fielded the team in a while. Everything just worked out: The Raiders found coaches and players who were willing to compete and now will send nine athletes to the Games. Among them is Nathan Jones, a multi-sport athlete who, like Carbajal, most recently won a gold medal with last year’s soccer squad. This Athletics competition marks a return to the sport for Jones, after spending some time competing in soccer, basketball and softball.
FOOTBALL / PAGE 12 help take the team further than last season’s first-round playoff exit. “I’m excited to be out here on the grass, in the sun a little bit and getting some helmets popping a little bit,” he said. “It’s going to be good for us.” Also keeping the Raiders busy are the college scouts who keep dropping by. Dawson and lineman Evan Crowell have gotten a combined total of nine offers, and Chase is almost at 20 — including some from Clemson, South Carolina, Michigan, and many more bigtime BCS programs.
DURANT
If 2013 was a historically great year for the Raiders, it was one that Durant and head coach Mike Gottman would love to put behind them. After losing a number of seniors, the 2013 Durant team posted a disappointing 3-7 record. Clearly, Durant has some work to do in practice if it doesn’t want to repeat 2013. “We’re working on mental toughness, No. 1” Gottman said. “We’ve got to be betterdisciplined. We turned the ball over too much last year and made too many mistakes. We’ve got to clean up the mistakes — we’re working hard on that.” Specifically, protecting the ball and playing better defense — two aspects that spelled doom for Durant for most of last season. Fortunately for the staff, as well as fans of the school, Gottman said his players have been coming to the practice field in the right state of mind. “I told anybody that didn’t want to be here, ‘There’s the door,’” he said. “‘Go home.’” They’re all here, now, and they’re all working. If everything goes well, at least some of Gottman’s predictions may come true. Ask the coaches, and they’ll say to keep an eye on the team’s collection of backs. That includes tailback Chris Atkins and fullback Kadarius Griffin, a pair of ju-
EVENT SCHEDULE
WHEN: May 16 and 17. Friday events include athletics, soccer and volleyball preliminaries. Saturday events include athletics, soccer, volleyball and bocce singles. WHERE: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, 700 S Victory Way, Lake Buena Vista WEBSITE: specialolympicsflorida.org “I competed on Marshall Middle School’s track team for two years,” Jones says. “I wanted to come back to (Athletics).” Florida’s Special Olympics offers every event of traditional track and field, as well as a few others, such as the softball toss, wheelchair shot put and assisted race-walks. Jones will compete in three events: the 200-meter race, the 4x100 relay and the long jump. He’ll also be recognized beniors that showed some promising flashes when they got touches in 2013. To make them work well, though, the Cougars have to make sure their O-line is in sync. “The O-line, we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Gottman said. “We’re trying to put one together.” Such work will be necessary to help quarterback Trey VanDeGrift’s replacement — who has yet to be named — have enough time to throw to his best targets, lanky wideout Garrett Rentz and tight end Joe Williamson.
STRAWBERRY CREST
The Chargers were arguably the most pleasant surprise of 2013. Although they lost their starting quarterback, Tristan Hyde, to an ACL injury within a few weeks, Austin Carswell was able to step in and help take the team to its best record ever. Crest just missed out on
fore the Games begin: Jones is a member of the national basketball team that will compete for international gold this summer in New Jersey, and the team will be honored as part of the opening ceremony.
VOLLEYBALL
The two volleyball teams that the Raiders brought to last year’s games — the Punishers and Raiders — will be back in action. Volleyball is divided into four divisions for the Games and, as with the NCAA, Division 1 is the highest level of competition. The D-4 Punishers are coming off a bronze medal win, while the D-3 Raiders are hoping to get another gold. Gregory Hawkins, entering his fourth year of competition, wants to make sure that he and his fellow Punishers give it their best effort to win a gold. Hawkins and his coaches like the team’s chances, and he can’t wait to do what he does best. a playoff spot and the district title, but it proved it could hang with the bigger dogs. Now, they’ll have to try to do it all over again — without many of the players that made it possible. Four of the 2013 team’s five best players — Alex Carswell, Josh Hyde, Matt Chaney and Chris Perez — are graduating. The fifth, Austin Carswell, transferred to Plant City to be closer to his family. Add in all the rest of the graduations, and everyone else who left the team for their own reasons, and the Chargers are suddenly a team with little in-game experience at the varsity level. “I don’t really choose to talk about the guys (who) left — they made their decision, and that’s fine,” head coach John Kelly said. “I wish them well wherever they go. I’m going to coach and work with the ones that really, truly want to be here. We’ve got some good
The younger players were always excited to get a base hit. “I have a really hard serve,” Hawkins says. “I like to hit the ball really hard, and it surprises people.” Jamesha Roper, on the other hand, doesn’t have as much competition experience as Hawkins. She was a part of the successful 2013 Raiders team, though, and has been working hard in practice. Winning another gold is important to her, but she’s not just in it for the fame. “To be honest, I like hitting the ball, meeting new people and making new friends,” Roper says. “I’ll be trying my hardest, having some fun and getting some gold.”
BOCCE
This year, there’s only one Raider competing for bocce’s top prize: Josh McAlpine. McAlpine has competed in Florida for three years, after moving with his family to Plant City from West Virginia — where he also played bocce and several other sports. kids.” The 2014 senior class will be just over half the size as last year’s but does boast a couple of strong leaders who will help the younger guys assimilate. On offense, team captain Tristan Hyde will return from his injury to quarterback the team. On defense, captain Josh Engram — a defensive back — will look to lead that unit. With new coordinators on the coaching staff, Kelly is counting on team leaders like Hyde and Engram to help the new guys out as much as possible. Although the Chargers just got a lot younger — and much more raw — it may not be accurate to think that the team doesn’t have much potential. “There’s talent on this team,” Kelly said. “They’re just unproven, and they’re going to have that opportunity to get in the fire here, pretty soon.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Attempting a bare-handed grab can be risky.
“He says that softball is his favorite now but, if you asked him in January, he probably would have said, ‘basketball,’” McAlpine’s father, Dan Kolopajlo says. “There aren’t many sports that he doesn’t love to play.” Although bocce isn’t McAlpine’s favorite sport, that doesn’t mean he isn’t good at it. He does have a Florida gold medal to his name and an 18-inch trophy from his time up north.
“I like bocce, because it’s similar to bowling, and I’m very good at bowling,” McAlpine says.’ Unlike the rest of the Raiders, McAlpine will only be competing on Saturday — Friday’s slate only includes team bocce. Still, he and his father will be there on Friday to cheer on his teammates in their respective sports. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP KLINE / PAGE 12 normally hold their Pro Days in March, about a month after the NFL Combine. The weight room is where all of the athletes are on equal ground. There isn’t any of the outside pressure from the media weighing heavier on a Dennard than a Drone. All that the players have to do is work and prepare themselves for anything that NFL scouts and coaches will ask of them. This starts with the school’s strength and conditioning coaches. “We got into a weekly routine,” Drone says. “On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, we lifted. Monday was upper-body day, Wednesday was lower-body day, Friday was a total-body workout. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, we did Combine drills.” Although the 40-yard dash gets the most publicity, there are five others prospects need to be able to complete: the bench press (as many reps of 225 pounds as possible), the vertical jump, the broad jump, the three-cone drill (weaving
between cones in an L shape) and the shuttle run. Although there’s no official power ranking for the drills, that’s basically the order of importance in the public eye. After Pro Day, everything is left largely up to the athletes themselves. “I was eating healthy, working out three to four times a week,” Drone says. “I was really running more than I was working out — I wanted my cardio to be ready, if I got picked up by a team.” Because there are no other highly publicized workouts left before the Draft, this is where the agents come into play: keeping teams interested in their guys. But, for players such as Drone, hiring an agent isn’t always a viable option. The later-round guys know there’s a chance they won’t get selected at all, so they start considering other options. “I actually did not hire an agent, because I felt there was no point of wasting money,” Drone says. “I was looking more forward to free agency. I used my own knowledge (to
work with teams), and my friends in the NFL helped me.” Unlike Johnny Manziel, guys such as Drone don’t get easy access to the spotlight for self-promotion. For them, everything after the Pro Day really takes on a “who-youknow” approach. His friends, mentors and coaches all worked their NFL contacts to keep Drone on the radar, but whether that worked has yet to be seen. Although he’s still committed to joining the NFL and continues to prepare for it, Drone also has played it smart by creating a backup plan for himself. “I’m just waiting if I hear something,” he says. “Right now, I’m working on getting back in school and trying to get my master’s (degree), in case nobody picks me up. I’m trying to get education degree, so I can get into teaching and become a high school coach one day.” If Drone does make it onto an NFL roster and sees playing time, he’ll be the first Plant City native in 21 years to do so.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
BRANDON MOORE 2014 has been kind to Brandon Moore, a local tae kwon do black belt who trains under Master Steven Reynolds at Planteen School of Tae Kwon Do. After earning his seconddegree black belt in March, Moore, 13, won the Florida State Championship on April 12. On Saturday, he completed certification training to become an instructor. Tell me about the State Championship win — how did you do it? Well, I was up against some pretty good people. I did my form in front of five judges, and they would all give me a score from one to 10. The average score was seven. There are all these things about the numbers, where you take one out, and stuff like that. They had people writing my scores down, but I wasn’t allowed to see them. How long have you been doing tae kwon do? Four or five years. I started when I was 9 years old. Now you’re 13, and you’re a certified instructor. Yeah. I went to NCIT, which is the National Certified Instructor Training. Senior Grandmaster Brenda J. Sell did a presentation about how to instruct a class, what to do in certain situations and gave us a packet. Then, there was a test at the end. If you pass it, you’re nationally certified as an instructor. So, what are your plans for teaching? Helping out at Planteen? Yes. That’s actually what these black pants are for — they mean that I’m an instructor. Any plans for future competitions? Nationals, in July. Maybe joining a travel tournament team, going here and there and competing. I’m thinking about it.
What do you like to do outside of tae kwon do? Any other sports? I like to play soccer, play video games and hang out. Right now, I’ve been playing “Call of Duty: Ghosts” a lot. I did play soccer for my school, Advantage Academy of Hillsborough. I played center-defense. Who are your favorite athletes, in any sport? Daniel Sterling. World famous tae kwon do guy. He goes to Japan and stuff like that to do tournaments. I think he’s real cool. He does a bunch of extreme stuff with weapons. Other than that ... I don’t really watch a lot of sports. I just play them. What’s your favorite food? I’d probably just have to say wings. I’ll eat any type, but my favorite are Buffalo wings. What’s your favorite movie? “Batman Begins.” I like Batman. If you could have any one superpower for the day, what would it be, and what would you do? I’d have the power to have, like, Mr. Fantastic arms. Where I can stretch and stuff. I wouldn’t have to get off the couch to get the remote.
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WEATHER
WED.
May 7
0.06
THURS.
TEMPERATURES
May 8
0.03
FRI.
0.00
SAT.
May 10
0.00 0.00
MON.
May 12
0.00
TUES.
May 13
0.00
MAY
TO DATE
.86 (2013: 1.21)
YEAR
TO DATE 5.97 (2013: 7.86)
HIGH 83 81 85 87 88 88 90
Thurs., May 15 Fri., May 16 Sat., May 17 Sun., May 18 Mon., May 19 Tues., May 20 Wed., May 21
May 9
SUN.
PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
May 11
3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Thurs., May 15 Fri., May 16 Sat., May 17 Sun., May 18 Mon., May 19 Tues., May 20 Wed., May 21
SUNRISE 6:39 a.m. 6:39 a.m. 6:38 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 6:37 a.m. 6:36 a.m. 6:36 a.m.
SUNSET 8:11 p.m. 8:11 p.m. 8:12 p.m. 8:12 p.m. 8:13 p.m. 8:14 p.m. 8:14 p.m.
LOW 67 58 62 64 65 67 68
MOON PHASES
May 14
, 3&
May 21
BLUEBERRY PRICES
SHIPPING POINT: CENTRAL AND NORTH FLORIDA PACKAGES 12 1-pint cups w/ lids 12 6-ounce cups w/ lids
LOW $22 $15
HIGH $28 $16
April 28
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
May 6
Frank Starmer submitted this incredible photo of a mother owl feeding its baby in Walden Lake. 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 Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.
ISN’T THAT SWEET!
By Dennis E. Mitchell | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Stuff to stick with? 6 Hoity-toity one 11 Sigh after failing 15 Car-radio button 19 Make changes to 20 Psychic emanations 21 Hanukkah cash 22 Quartet minus one 23 “It was nothing, really” 25 Shoveler’s creation 26 Aquatic zappers 27 Org. for attorneys 28 Squeals 29 Long, slender cigar 31 “Same here!” 34 Twine fiber 35 “___ Mia!” (ABBA musical) 38 Derived from milk 40 Elroy Jetson’s dog 41 Bloom part 42 Long and lean 45 Buckeyes’ campus (Abbr.) 47 Carrier of genetic info 49 Hawaiian guitar, for short 50 Card with one pip 51 Derringers, e.g. 57 More ill-humored and surly 60 Nest egg, briefly 61 Construction piece 62 Shout upon seeing the light 64 Black bottom line 65 Alumnus at homecoming, e.g. 68 Getting on in years 70 Essences 71 Their output is sweet 75 Colorado skiing town 78 Intended 79 Medieval strummer 83 Angelic one 85 Netflix offering
86 88 89 91 94 95 96 98 99 101 104 107 111 112 113 117 119 121 122 124 125 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135
Middle measurement “___ to Billie Joe” A couple of fins It’ll give you a lift Board-game piece, sometimes Buffet beverage server Little masterpiece Hydrogen’s atomic number Forces to leave Indo-European, formerly Orange type Stands in the studio? Spandex fiber trademark Discharge, as lava No-goodnik War of words Smoldering ruins California’s Santa ___ winds Bingolike game Ward (off) Baker’s illusionary promise? Spiraling, watery current Latch ___ (comprehend) Oft-quoted saying Much more than meager Spinning toy Play the lead role Primrose lanes One deep in thought
DOWN 1 Pertaining to the Holy See 2 Excuse in court 3 Chophouse offering 4 Gumshoe, briefly 5 Before, in palindromes 6 Least at risk 7 Cell centers 8 One type of college exam 9 Acorn droppers 10 Comfy, casual shirt
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 29 30 32 33 34 36 37 39 42 43 44 46 48 52 53 54 55 56 58 59 63 66 67 68 69 72 73 74 75 76 77 80 81
Struck with horror Composer Bernstein “I knew it ___!” “Don’t expunge that!” Commemorative stones Weaklings or rich desserts Feel unwell They start many park signs Concerning the ear Thomas Magnum and the like Typesetter’s measures Moose relative Means’ mates Suffix with “dino” Succeed “Heads up!” and others Fast-food drink Hibernation station “God’s Little ___” Tidy United States uncle A father of Dada Porcelain-making dynasty Lying port-to-starboard Eyed impolitely First Christmas visitors Ankle-knee connector Yens Pass off as genuine Iron-poor blood condition They employ Windows Accumulate, as a tab Toward the rear, at sea Mill fodder Enthusiastic thumbs-up review Draws to a close Whip ___ shape Real and true Cooking wine Inexpensive sweets of old Fishing poles Prepare for publication
© 2013 Universal Uclick
82 84 86 87 90 92 93 97
Wineglass leftovers Entangle in details (with “down”) Washed-out in complexion Away from the wind, on a ship “West Side Story” building, etc. Young equine Item in a breadbasket Primary color of color printing
100 “The Star-Spangled Banner” land 102 Dry gully, out west 103 Remind and remind and remind 105 Ballpark employee 106 Guinness World Records suffix 108 Comparable, heightwise 109 Dramatic snippets 110 National League division 114 Some stingers
115 Thing you don’t want to twist 116 More merry 118 Some vehicles in sci-fi movies 119 1871 Verdi debut 120 Airplane assignment 122 Crucial 123 Tokyo, formerly 125 Infant fare 126 One of Noah’s sons 127 Grounded bird
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