05.27.16 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 3, NO. 46

Durant has a new softball coach.

SPORTS, PAGE 12 FREE

•

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

Fruit Loops Guests pick peaches, blackberries and blueberries at the Peach Festival. PAGE 5

YOUR TOWN

HOMETOWN HERO GEORGE BANNING George Banning’s military service began after he graduated from college, but he held ranks higher than members who had served for years.

Good work, officers The Plant City Optimist Club recognized two Plant City Police Department officers as 2016 Officers of the Year Monday, May 16.

JOSHUA SNYDER Joshua Snyder has been with the Plant City Police Department since 2007. After two years as a patrol officer, Snyder was selected to be a part of the Investigative Service Division’s Street Crimes Unit.

With this selection, Snyder received the title of detective. He also worked undercover and with the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Photo by Emily Topper

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

I

t was 1963 when Ret. Capt. George Banning joined the United States

Air Force.

Banning was finishing up his fourth year of college at Michigan State University and would not have any more deferments after his schooling ended. The country was

WILLIAM HARVESTER William Harvester worked as a 911 dispatcher for the Communication Center of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office before he was hired to the Plant City Police Department in March 2015. In December 2015 received Rookie Officer of the Year and recently stopped a burglary of $8,500 worth of jewelry.

Over 40 middle school youths from Marshall and Tomlin middle schools and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center were in attendance at the ceremony to encourage respect for police.

THE FORCE AWAKENS

Durant High’s prom is space-themed. PAGE 7

reeling from the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Banning had a high draft number.

SEE HERO PAGE 9

American Legion to host Memorial Day ceremony The Legion’s Memorial Day ceremony on Monday, May 30, is open to the public.

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

The United States lost 405,399 soldiers during World War II, according to the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

During the Korean War, 54,246 American soldiers were lost, followed by 90,220 soldiers during the Vietnam War. Each year, these soldiers and thousands of others lost in battle are remembered on Memorial Day. In Plant City, the annual day is marked with a ceremony at American Legion Post 26.

The Legion’s Memorial Day ceremony Monday, May 30, is open to the public.

“Everybody is invited,” Alvin McGary, post commander, said. “It’s

IF YOU GO AMERICAN LEGION MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY When: 11 a.m. Monday, May 30 Where: American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. Contact: Alvin McGary, (813) 681-1675, or Larry Gmytruk, (813) 716-6395 Flowers: Drop off Monday, May 30 by 10:30 a.m.; Legion doors will be open by 8 a.m.

a dedicated ceremony. We’re paying homage to military members.”

McGary has been involved in planning the ceremony for the last SEE MEMORIAL DAY PAGE 9

Emily Topper

For Alvin McGary and Larry Gmytruk, Memorial Day is to honor those who served and lost their lives.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

WEEK OF MAY 27, 2016

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

“Outgoing President Marion Smith set the standards for the position high, and our board of directors is determined to find the most qualified person available who will best represent our members, nonmembers and the community.”

— Brian West, chamber chairman on retirement of chamber President Marion Smith. SEE PAGE 10

Little Miss at Fourth of July

FIRST PLACE

T

wo Plant City-area students will have their art featured on one million

stuffers inside of McDonalds bags as part of the Vote Hillsborough Art Contest.

Janet Kell, of Plant City High School, won first place, and Crystal Alleyne, of Durant High School, won second place.

They were recognized Tuesday, May 17.

SECOND PLACE

The 2016 Little Miss Plant City queen and court are preparing for their first appearance at Plant City’s Fourth of July celebration. Court members were crowned Saturday, April 30, and include Queen Carlie Elizabeth Braglin, First Maid Gracie Ashlyn Garner, Kenley Gail Connell, Sarah Grace

Sparkman and Abigail Lee Mullis.

The Fourth of July event will be at Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Road. Admission is free, and there will be face painting, corn hole, a rock wall, inflatables, concession stand, entertainment and, of course, fireworks. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Toot Your Horn

train depot is! I love the train sounds at night when I am visiting my dad, lying in bed at my dad’s house.

Reminds you of when you were a kid like a lullaby.”

While the City of Plant City is working toward limiting train horns in Historic Downtown, many residents voiced their opposition on social media. Called quiet zones, the city has secured a $165,000 grant from the Department of Transportation to make safety improvements to railroad crossings in downtown to accommodate the zones. The theory behind the quiet zones is that they will make downtown a more inviting place to shoppers and patrons.

FACEBOOK

“I don't think quiet zones would offer a more inviting atmosphere to patrons frequenting downtown.

Train horns don't keep people away.

Some people come to Plant City for the trains.”

— Lloyd Thomas

“No! The trains are as much of a part of Plant City History as the

— Christina Green Marcum

“There goes Plant City railroad crossing safety. Honk, honk. Wake up call.”

— Rachel Hernandez

LETTER BACK IN TIME I read your article concerning the train whistle. I journey from zip code 33619 by choice to work in Plant City. I enjoy hearing the train whistle everyday. It helps me when I cross Alexander Street. It reminds me of days gone by. If someone can not sleep or relax without a train whistle bothering them, they need medication. I love to hear the Amtrak whistle from my office.

— RICKY S. COOKE

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

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“When they walk on stage ... you see their faces light up. You see the students grow exponentially because of how seriously they take their art and their craft.” — Joshua Blair, PCHS band director

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

The Plant City High School band has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall, but the price tag is steep.

EMILY TOPPER

BAND BUCKS

STAFF WRITER

It’s an old joke — practice, practice, practice — but it’s also a sentiment Joshua Blair, the band director at Plant City High School, knows to be true.

Next April, Blair’s students will make the trip to the Big Apple to perform at the National Invitational Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall — one of the most prestigious concert venues on the planet.

And in this case, one of the most expensive.

The cost for the band to take the trip to perform at Carnegie Hall is estimated at $1,500 per kid, not including meals. The dollar amount for the five-day trip is tacked on to the annual band fees of just under $500, which doesn’t include the costs of instruments for students who choose to buy their own.

At least 50 to 60 students will perform at Carnegie Hall, Blair said. All must pay their own way.

“We sent in recordings (to the festival),” Blair, who took over as director in 2015, said. “We submitted them, and they came back with high scores.

There are maybe 16 schools total from around the country performing.”

To the best of Blair’s knowledge, this is the first time the band has been invited to perform at the concert hall.

Only three or four of his students have even been to New York. When Blair told them they had been accepted to the festival, they were surprised.

“The first thing they asked was, ‘Will it be snowing there?’” Blair said.

The band found out that they had been accepted to the festival on March 10, giving them just over one year to raise money and prepare for their 26-minute performance on April 15, 2017. Though it’s the first time he’s taking Plant City’s band, this will be Blair’s third time attending the festival.

Blair hopes the community will step forward to help with fundraising.

Annually, the band holds two fundraisers to help cover costs. The band hosts a color guard competition to raise funds and sells strawberry pie and cheesecake at a booth at the Florida Strawberry Festival.

“We need $20,000 dollars worth of instruments next year,” Blair said.

“The band is growing fast. We need horns, we need trumpets. It gets up there.”

Extra fundraisers will be needed for the New York trip.

“I would like to find companies to sponsor students,” Blair said. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many of the students.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

In addition to the $1,500 dollars each student will have to pay for the trip to New York, PCHS band students also have annual costs of about $500.

Band fees: $300 Marching shoes: $25 Concert dress (women): $85 Tux (men): $120 Marching uniform: $37.45 (Hillsborough County charge)

RAISE UP THE RAIDERS

Emily Topper

Joshua Blair instructs flute students Brenda Carreño, Jasmine Santiago and Imogen Redfern. Blair will be taking the entire band to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall in April 2017.

For fundraising: RaiderRegiment. com Contact: Joshua Blair, Joshua.Blair@ sdhc.k12.fl.us

COST OF THE CRAFT According to band director Joshua Blair, students can rent instruments from the school for $42.80 per year.

However, some students choose to purchase higher-quality instruments as they become better performers.

The average cost of such instruments are typically thousands of dollars.

ALTO SAXOPHONE: $4,000

TRUMPET: $1,015

FRENCH HORN: $3,300

TUBA: $10,000

TROMBONE: $1,600

FLUTE: $3,000 FOR PROFESSIONAL-GRADE;

$1,200 FOR CHEAPER MODELS

Making ‘cents’ of the half-cent sales tax If voters agree to the tax, Plant City will use the additional money for roads.

ROADWAY RESURFACING

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

In a town more than 100 years old, aging roads are an ongoing battle.

Funding for an additional $2 million dollars per year for roadway improvements in Plant City is dependent on a Hillsborough County Commission public hearing June 9. But it comes at a cost: a half-cent sales tax.

The public hearing, set for 6 p.m.

June 9, will be the second time County Commissioners debate putting a halfcent sales tax increase on the ballot in November. Earlier this month, County Commissioners voted against a tax increase for 20 to 30 years with a 4-3 vote. The public hearing will revisit the tax for 10 to 15 years.

District 4 Commissioner Stacy White, who represents Plant City, was one of the representatives to vote against putting the tax proposal on the ballot.

White’s opposition was supported

by Commissioners Al Higginbotham, Victor Crist and Sandy Murman.

At the City Commission meeting Monday, May 23, City Commissioners approved adopting a 10-year and

Emily Topper

An extra $10 million dollars would go to funding for neighborhood streets if the 15year plan was approved.

15-year project plan that would be funded if the half-cent sales tax referendum would be placed on the ballot and approved by voters.

The plans show how funds would be spent on major streets in Plant City, including Alexander Street, Timberlane Drive and Sydney Road. The 15-year plan would allow an additional $10 million dollars over time to be invested into neighborhood streets.

Commissioner Billy Keel, who was present for his final meeting May 23, said the conditions of streets were the biggest complaint commission-

ers have from citizens.

“Right now ... the roads are in terrible shape,” he said. “It would solve a problem that’s existed for a very long time.”

While the city commissioners have not made a stance on if they approve or disapprove of the tax, all commissioners are in support of putting the tax on the ballot and leaving the decision in the hands of the voters.

Currently, the City of Plant City has $1 million dollars allocated for road resurfacing per year, which allows the city to resurface about 3.1 miles

10-YEAR PLAN Road Cost Alexander Street $2,370,000 Sydney Road $834,000 Airport Road $869,000 Woodrow Wilson Road $82,000 Timberlane Drive $1,530,000 Sammons Road $527,000 Grant Street $430,000 Maryland Avenue $770,000 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard $1,074,000 Walter Street $139,000 Franklin Street $316,000 Mobley Street $142,000 Shannon Street $379,000 Lake Street $157,000 Neighborhood streets $4,360,000 Collins Street $5,180,000 Sidewalks $1,000,000 Total $20,159,000

of road. With that funding, it would take the 52 years to resurface all of the city’s roads.

If approved, the additional $2 million dollars that would stem from the half-cent sales tax increase would reduce 52 years to 17 years.

“Hopefully they will let the people decide,” Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis said. She encouraged resi-

15-YEAR PLAN The 15-yearplan allocates the same amount of money to each street with the exception of neighborhood streets.

Under the 15-year-plan, neighborhood streets would get $10 million more than the 10-year plan, bringing the total on neighborhood streets to $14,360,000.

dents to pick up the phone and call their county representative. “That’s what government is all about.”

Mayor Rick Lott agreed.

“Let the citizens vote on it,” he said.

“That’s all we’re asking.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

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Vehicle burglary: Officer responded to a residence in reference to a reported vehicle burglary. Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) had entered his vehicle and stolen $5 in change.

TABLET THIEF 2510 block of Thonotosassa Road.

Grand theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen two black Samsung Galaxy Note 5 tablets from a store. The tablets were valued together at $850.

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Found property: Complainant found an APG cash register drawer and case on the property of a store. The register had not been listed as stolen.

WALLET WOES 110 block of North Pearl Street.

Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had smashed the rear window of his vehicle and stolen his wallet.

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Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had broken into his car and stolen two pairs of earrings and two medication bottles. The earrings were valued together at $200.

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Possession of marijuana: Officers noticed a vehicle swerving from lane to lane and conducted a traffic stop.

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Vehicle burglary: Officer responded to a residence in reference to a

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Grand theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen their PlayStation 4 gaming console and JVC flatscreen television. The items were valued together at $2,300.

OFF-SCREEN TALENT 1730 block of Oakwood Estates.

Criminal mischief: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) removed and damaged the screen from one of her house’s exterior windows between May 15 and 19. The screen was valued at $30.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

Lana and Jasmine Turner searched high and low for the perfect peaches.

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L

ife was peachy for attendees of the Second Annual Peach Festival at Keel and Curley Winery Saturday, May 21.

The event featured U-picks for blueberries, peaches and blackberries. Guests enjoyed food vendors and trying the winery’s signature fruity drinks, including peach wine, beer and chardonnay.

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Photos by Emily Topper

for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Uncle Bob’s Self Storage location(s) listed below.

And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest Larry Strauss took Liam Strauss to his first U-pick.

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Gary and Darlene Springs traveled to the winery’s peach field off of Hawk Griffin Road for one of the U-picks.

Clay and Kirsten Schnelker made sure to get plenty of ripe blueberries.

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Above: Nedra and Summer Messenger found plenty of peaches during the U-pick.

Left: Kelly Wood poured samples of the winery’s peach chardonnay for guests.

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

G

reater Plant City Chamber of Commerce members tried their luck at the organization’s third annual Reverse Raffle Thursday, May 12. The event was held at Brew Hub in Lakeland.

Guests enjoyed snacks and cocktails while gift cards, Disney World tickets and more were auctioned off to lucky winners. Attendees also participated in a reverse raffle with giveaways and a cash prize of up to $1,500 dollars.

— EMILY TOPPER

Scott and Kim McElveen

Photos by Emily Topper

Charles Harris was the event’s emcee.

Terrie and Michael Cameron

ON THE BIG SCREEN

THE JUNGLE BOOK The film has a terrific pace that is constantly filled with thrilling action, comedy and heart.

“The Jungle Book” is the latest film by diverse actor-director Jon Favreau, (“Iron Man,” “Elf,” “Chef”) and you can immediately see this was a passion project.

“The Jungle Book” is a live-action film based on the stories of Rudyard Kipling, and in some ways is a remake of the original, but the tone is very different. It is the story of Mowgli as he grows up in the jungle speaking and living with the jungle animals, some who wish him harm.

What follows is an intense action adventure that is sure to thrill audiences.

The cast of voice actors includes Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley, Idris Elba, Christopher Walken and newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli. Each of these actors bring personalities to their characters.

My favorite part about this film is the lengths Favreau and his effects team went to make this movie immersive. The scenery is incredible, with lush jungles and fantasticlooking rendered animals.

The film was shot in Los Angeles with green screens. It is an impressive feat, as the animals they have designed blur the line between fiction and reality. They digitally

ZACH HOWE

rendered the animals and used motion capture for the speaking parts, showing Favreau’s dedication to using advanced technology.

If you are looking for a jungle adventure thrill ride for the whole family, make sure to check out “The Jungle Book” in theaters (I recommend trying to see it in 3D because that is the format Favreau designed this film for).

On a press speaking event about the Jungle Book Jon Favreau said, “And [usually] big action spectacles are the only films that seem to make studios comfortable enough to use this level of artistry and technology in storytelling. And so the unique opportunity I’ve had is to use it for humor and emotion and showing nature and showing animals and getting into that real deep mythic imagery that I think always marries well with technology and always has.”

I think he was right.

ZACH HOWE IS A PLANT CITY MOVIE BUFF WHO WANTS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO SEE GREAT FILMS.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

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Photos by Emily Topper

Alicia Perez and Federico Cabrera battled it out.

D

urant Cougars took over The Regent in Riverview for Durant High School’s prom Saturday, May 21.

Students danced the night away with dates and friends. The dance had a final frontier theme, complete with space and alien decorations.

Prom attendees enjoyed taking pictures with alien cutouts, battling with lightsabers and looking through a telescope on the venue’s balcony.

— EMILY TOPPER

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

SENIOR OF THE MONTH

Dora Beveard

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Editor’s Note: Senior of the Month is a new, monthly profile on a senior citizen or senior couple based in Plant City. Any resident over the age of 55 who has left a lasting impact in the community is eligible for Senior of the Month.

If you know someone who would make a great Senior of the Month, contact News Reporter Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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Dora Beveard, the mother of Plant City community leaders Marsha Passmore and Dodie White, is known for her cooking and hospitality.

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Plant City is in the middle of a growth spurt, but Dora Beveard remembers a time when the town was much smaller.

Beveard lived behind Mt. Zion Assembly of God for much of her adult life. Back then, there wasn’t a Starbucks or a Wawa that led into the city — just winding roads.

But for Beveard, Plant City was big enough.

Now 91, Beveard moved to Plant City with her family when she was about 12 from Opp, Alabama.

“Opp only had a sewing factory and a cotton gin,” Beveard, the oldest of six, said. Residents who didn’t work in the factories earned money by harvesting cotton, corn and peanuts.

“There were not that many public jobs for people. Opp was about like Dover. One red light,” Beveard said.

Beveard has been back to visit Opp often. She frequently went with her daughters, former City Commissioner Marsha Passmore and Plant City Entertainment Vice President Dodie White.

“Opp is a good place to go back and visit once in a while,” Beveard said.

“But this is home.”

COOKING FOR A CROWD

If there are Plant City residents who haven’t met Beveard, it’s likely they’ve had her cooking — and loved it.

For years, Beveard was the cook at Good Times Café, a former eatery once located on Reynolds Street. Beveard was recruited to the position by café owner Edna Stimmer.

Beveard can still remember the meals she made at Good Times, from corned beef on Fridays to Shepherd’s pie, which became a café staple.

If someone didn’t like what was on the menu, Beveard would cook them a special meal by request.

“Mama’s just a true old Southern cook,” Passmore said. “She always tailored it to what you like. We could invite anyone over, we always had food.”

The only thing more popular than her cooking was Beveard herself. She would mingle with the customers during the café’s breakfast and lunch hours, including members of a men’s morning coffee club.

But Beveard and her cooking were popular beyond the city limits. Reporter John Keasler from The Miami News visited the café whenever he was in town. He was so enamored

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FAVORITES FAVORITE FOOD TO COOK Collard greens with cornbread and hot peppers, or chicken and dumplings FAVORITE DESSERT Turtle Pecan Blizzard from Dairy Queen FAVORITE MUSICIAN Conway Twitty. “I have two $2 bills that he signed for me,” Beveard said.

FAVORITE BOOK The Bible, specifically the Book of Isaiah FAVORITE PLACE TO TRAVEL Chimney Rock, North Carolina

with Beveard’s collard green sandwich, served on fresh cornbread, that he wrote about it.

He tried to convince Beveard to move to Miami, too, to cook for a bigger crowd.

“He begged me over the phone like a starved-to-death kid,” Beveard said.

But Beveard wasn’t interested. Her clients, paying or not, were in Plant City.

Besides working at Good Times, she cooked banquet meals for Plant City Entertainment and served dishes for Cork Methodist Church every Wednesday. She served as the president of the church’s women’s society.

“I have cooked a lot of meals in my time,” Beveard said. “Some of it I learned from my mother, but I took up cooking on my own. I just love it. I rather cook than do anything else I’ve ever done.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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Beveard with her daughters, Marsha Passmore and Dodie White. Like their mother was during their childhood, both Passmore and White are very active in the community.

LOVE, DORA Dora Beveard had two brothers and a nephew who served in the armed forces. During their service, she wrote them daily.

“I couldn’t stand the thought of mail call without them getting a letter,” she said. “I used to write them every day.”

“Hallmark should have hired her,” daughter Marsha Passmore added. “She always writes a message.

She loves to write cards.”

FAMILY AND FOOD Beveard’s husband, Milan, was often sick. Called “Doc” by his friends, Milan, worked part time as a produce man at Bruton’s, but Dora Beveard’s cooking gigs often served as the family’s main income.

The couple was first introduced by a mutual friend.

“I liked him, and we fell in love,” Beveard said. “He had a Chevy pickup. He took me for a ride once, and we ran out of gas. It was the first time we went riding.”

But Beveard wasn’t mad at her would-be husband.

She was too much in love.

The Beveards were married on Christmas Eve in 1948. On Fridays, the family would go out to eat — one of the only nights of the week Beveard didn’t cook.

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On a family trip, Dora Beveard once gave her daughters, Marsha Passmore and Dodie White, specific instructions.

“She said, ‘If a goodlooking man comes through the door, you call me Dora. Don’t call me Mama,’” White said.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FROM MEMORIAL DAY PAGE 1

10 years, but the Legion has been hosting the ceremony for at least 20 years.

Over 350 people came to the event in 2015. This year, McGary is hoping for even more attendees.

“We hope to fill the room,” McGary said. “They don’t have to be a veteran to come out.”

The ceremony includes the presentation of the colors by the Plant City High School JROTC, a club the Legion sponsors. The ceremony will feature guest speaker Eunice Butts, who will talk about ways to honor veterans. The Legion also will ceremoniously burn the names of deceased veterans. It acquired the names from local funeral homes.

Friends and family of fallen veterans are welcome to bring floral arrangements and wreaths to the event. The arrangements will be brought out as veterans’ names are called.

For family members who are unable to attend the ceremony, the Legion requests floral arrangements be dropped off by 10:30 a.m. the day of the ceremony. The flowers can be picked up after the ceremony or can be donated.

The ceremony will be followed by a grilled chicken lunch.

McGary served in the United States Air Force. The current post commander, Larry Gmytruk, served in the United States Army Infantry.

“For us, it’s honoring the veterans that have passed on either from natural causes or killed in action,” Gmytruk said.

The commanders encourage families of veterans to come.

“The guys that are serving now, their families go through hardships too,” Gmytruk said. “We try to help everybody.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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9

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

HOMETOWN HERO GEORGE BANNING FROM HERO DAY PAGE 1

PAPER PLANES

“I had a fabulous career,” Banning said. “It was fun, I got to see the world.

And I had a lot of challenges.”

Today, Banning is known throughout the Plant City community for his dedication to the Rotary Club, the YMCA Board, the South Florida Hospital Foundation Board and for chairing the board of the United Food Bank of Plant City.

But for Banning, a longtime resident of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the Word, it was his service in the military that matured him into the person he is today.

While a service member was loading a KC-97 with toilet paper, he saw George Banning’s wings and asked Banning if he had any advice about loading the plane.

“I told him that I thought he could fit a lot of toilet paper in there,” Banning said.

“I just thought it was funny.”

FLYING HIGH

When Banning enlisted in the armed forces, the military was having trouFile Photo ble finding new officers. Because of this, Banning was able to move up in George Banning, top right, replaced a flag at Veterans’ Memorial Monument Park in the ranks quickly. He lieutenant in one Plant City with members of the Rotary Club. year and became a captain in two years.

During training, Banning qualified to be a navigator but was not interested training room, so we played around on than him — often by decades. The other members of Banning’s detachment in the position. Instead, he did aircraft the exhibits.” maintenance.

As the Vietnam War became increas- enjoyed making fun of his age, often Banning served as the commander ingly significant, so did Banning’s role pranking him by putting a skateboard of his detachment on the Air Force in the military. At one point, he helped in his parking spot and a high chair in his office. base. He was responsible for teach- train 500 airmen in eight months.

But Banning said the jokes — coming refresher courses for pilots on the “A lot of the airmen and officers C-130 Hercules, a plane used to take pulled out to go to Vietnam,” Banning bined with his service — made him troops and equipment to war zones on said. “Our detachment, we would go a better person. He retired from the shorter runways. Banning also taught down and run periodic maintenance. I military in 1967 and would encourage the basics of the plane to those who know all about jet engines and how to anyone who is thinking about joining the military to enlist. worked in aircraft maintenance. take them apart.”

“Do it,” Banning said. “I advise a “That was what my job was, was to But for Banning, who was only 26 help,” Banning said. when he left the military, learning how lot of kids to do it. The service ... it He taught similar lessons for the to take apart a jet engine was almost matures you. In order to evolve in the KC-135 Stratotanker, a plane Banning easier than gaining the respect of those culture, you learn how to be a team player. I owe everything I stand for dubbed a “flying gas station” because under his command. today to the service.” it was primarily used for refueling oth YOUNG COMMANDER

er planes.

“It was kind of fun,” Banning said. Most of the military members who Contact Emily Topper at “We had a mock-up of a KC-135 in the served under Banning were much older etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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

We asked: what are the only two things you would bring on a deserted island?

“I’d bring matches or something to start a fire. Probably a hunting knife too.”

“Food and toilet paper.

Not healthy food.”

– Ashley Watkins, 21

“A pot for water. A hunting dog to get me some food.”

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Dogs make everything better. Hopefully, it would protect me.”

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

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved

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CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

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

Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

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

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

10

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

FRIDAY, MAY 27

BEST BET

YARD SALE 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 27, and Friday, June 3, at Eastside Baptist Church, 1318 Calhoun St. The large, indoor yard sale will benefit the youth camp trip. Furniture, electronics, clothes, toys and more will be available.

FRIDAY, MAY 27

GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESIDENT MARION SMITH’S RETIREMENT PARTY 5:15 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 27, at 3200 Polo Place. Chamber members are invited to the home of Rick and Di Lott to celebrate President Marion Smith’s retirement party.

RSVP by calling (813) 7543707.

SUNDAY, MAY 29

HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH SUMMER SPLASH 5 p.m. Sunday, May 29, at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39. The event is a kickoff for the church’s Cave Quest summer series. For more information, call (813) 737-3053 or visit HopewellBaptistFl.org.

MONDAY, MAY 3O

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY HOSTED BY THE AMERICAN LEGION 11 a.m. Monday, May 30, at American Legion Post #26, 2207 W. Baker St. For more information call (813) 752-8608.

THURSDAY, JUNE 2

SIXTH ANNUAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT 11 a.m. Thursday, June 2, at Family Bowl, 2250 U.S. Highway 92. For more information or to register, call the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at (813) 754-3707.

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

BAYCARE CANCER SURVIVOR EVENT 4:30 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Steinbrenner Field, 1 Steinbrenner Drive, Tampa. BayCare and the

Tampa Yankees are teaming up for the annual Strike Out Cancer Event to honor and recognize cancer survivors. If you are a cancer survivor, call (855) 314-8353 to get free tickets for you and up to four of your loved ones. A jersey auction also will be held at the event with donations going to hospital foundations across BayCare.

SUNDAY, JUNE 5

HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH CAVE QUEST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays from June 5 to July 31 at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39.

For more information, call (813) 737-3053 or visit HopewellBaptistFl.org.

ONGOING

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at

O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

BABY TIME 10 a.m. Thursdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, bouncy rhymes and songs in this 20-minute lapsit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language development.

For children ages up to 18 months and their caregivers.

BLUES NIGHT 7 to 10 p.m. Fridays, at Top Shelf Bar & Grill, 110 E. Reynolds St. Blues veteran Don Lehman brings sophisticated, contemporary blues, soul, funk and jazz to Historic Downtown. No cover. (813) 7046994.

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

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

CHRISTIAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW AT UNCLE MIKE’S second Saturday of every month at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse and Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. UncleMikesGrill.com or (813) 737-4444.

NIGHT OWLS STORYTIME 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15, Thursday, June 22, and Thursday, June 29, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The library is a hoot at night. Children are invited to wear pajamas and bring a blanket and favorite cuddly toy for stories, songs and activities during this 30-minute program. For children ages 3 to 7 years and their caregivers.

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

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

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

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ENTREPRENEUR SERVICES ASSISTANCE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

KEEL AND CURLEY LIVE MUSIC 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY SCHOLAR SERIES 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 402 W. English St. Learn about health, wellness and ways to improve the life of your family.

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PlantCityObserver.com

BLANCHE BENNETT

BLANCHE BENNETT, 85, OF PLANT CITY, DIED TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016.

Mrs. Bennett was the daughter of the late James and Annie Dixon Lewis.

She was a member of the Mt. Zion Assembly of God Church and loved the Lord Jesus with all her heart. She was an accomplished singer, singing on radio programs in Plant City. She also enjoyed gardening and took pride in being a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Robert Lee Bennett.

She is survived by her children, Roger Lee Bennett (Joyce), Brenda Glover, Annie Marquis (Duke), Renee Dearinger (John) and Kathryn Lagay (Ross); 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held May 20, at Mt. Zion Assembly of God in Thonotosassa.

Contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

MARIE ELNA ROGERS BUTTRAM

MARIE ELNA ROGERS BUTTRAM, 94, DIED APRIL 30, 2016.

Mrs. Buttram loved the Lord, and her most precious possession was her Bible. She was blessed to have many friends. To her, everything was fantastic, and she was the happiest person on Earth.

She is survived by her wonderful husband, Phillip C. Buttram; and her devoted daughter, Linda Diane Calhoun (Mrs. James), of Plant City; many stepchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

DENISE CARDWELL

DENISE CARDWELL, 59, OF PLANT CITY, DIED MAY 18, 2016.

Mrs. Cardwell is survived by her husband of 30 years, Aaron Cardwell; daughters, Chrissy Velasquez, of Seffner, and Cassidy Cardwell (TJ Johnson), of Plant City; grandchildren, Danny, Noah and Dixiemae; and siblings, Gilbert

Rodriguez, David Henson (Erika), Steve Alvarez and Tom Henson.

A celebration of life was held May 23, at Youmans Praise and Worship Center in Plant City.

A private viewing followed at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ARTHUR “DOUG” COUTTS

ARTHUR “DOUG” COUTTS, 83, DIED TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016.

Mr. Coutts was born in Jacksonville and retired from CSX Railroad.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Tampa. He was a United States Navy veteran and served in the Korean War. He was a NARVE member and enjoyed woodcrafting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Phyllis L. Coutts; sons, Douglas W. Coutts and Dean D. Coutts (Kari); daughters, Debbie J. Modlin (James), Mindy A. Fearon (Korbin) and Laura Laisure (Don); grandchildren, Josh, Mandie, Ashley, Megan, Jesse, Madison, Haidyn, Hollyn, Darus, Rose and Daria; and great-grandchildren, Matthew, Ethan, Aiden and Jayden.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Herman W. Coutts.

A funeral service was held May 24, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Burial followed at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran School, 3712 W. El Prado Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33629.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

MARY L. CULLINS

MARY L. CULLINS, 84, DIED FRIDAY, MAY 13, 2016.

Mrs. Cullins was born in Tampa and lived for her family. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, and she was the center of the family.

She is survived by her sons, Edward T. Cullins (Sandy) and Raymond E. Cullins (Nancy); daughters, Connie Brooks (Richard) and Cheryl D. Wright (Matthew); sister, Margaret Edinger; brother-in-law, Richard Cullins;

sister-in-law, Esther Nunn; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Lacy T. Cullins; parents, Ruby and Lee Adams; and sister, Hazel Dixon.

A funeral service was held May 21, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery in Plant City. Flowers are accepted, but donations also may be made to hospice.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

THOMAS W. “TOM” CURTIS

THOMAS W. “TOM” CURTIS, 79, OF DOVER, AND FORMERLY OF MAUMEE, OHIO, DIED MAY 14, 2016.

Mr. Curtis was a mechanical contractor, inventor, entrepreneur and mentor.

He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Plant City. He was the founder and president of SOS Events Ministryand the past commodore of the Maumee River Yacht Club.

His passion was mentoring and leading people to Jesus Christ, up to his dying breath.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; children, Stephanie Dieter, Allison Lee (Ryan), Graceanne Williams (Rick), Evie Weintraub (Steve), Judy Bodine, Jeff Bodine (Sue), William Slater (Danielle), Joel Slater (Barbara), Stephen Slater (Shirley) and Barry Slater (Jean); siblings, Carolanne Neiman, Kathleen Brandes and John Curtis; 44 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his son, Nicholas Curtis; and brother, Eugene Curtis.

A celebration of life was held May 18, at First Baptist Church of Plant City. Private committal followed at Sunnyside Cemetery in St. Petersburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to SOS Ministries at SOSEvents.org.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

HELEN DAVIS

HELEN DAVIS, 79, OF PLANT CITY, DIED MAY 8, 2016.

Mrs. Davis was born in Bullard, Texas. She loved her family, and she enjoyed helping animals in need.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Bobby Davis; daughters, Vicky Sawyer, of Lithia, and Sharon Strout (Lou), of Plant City; five stepchildren; and many other grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Randall Cooper.

A celebration of life was held May 13, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Inurnment followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

MELBA JEAN FORBES

MELBA JEAN FORBES, 86, OF PLANT CITY, DIED MAY 16, 2016.

A native of Pelham, Alabama, Mrs. Forbes was the daughter of George and Pansy Lawrence Cox. She was a veteran of the Air Force Reserves, serving in Korea. She worked for Lakeland Hospital for 18 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dixie Leon Forbes.

She is survived by her son, Leon “Buddy” Lamarr Forbes; daughter, Dixie Forbes-Gorby; brother, Edward Cox (Lupe); sisters-in-law, Winnie Cox and Sandra Beckham Cox; grandchildren, Dennis Bartlett and Stephen Forbes; and many nieces and nephews who loved and cared for her.

A memorial service was held May 21, at Eastside Baptist Church in Plant City. She will be interred with her husband at Florida

|

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

11

National Cemetery at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

LOWELL ATKINS HALL JR.

LOWELL ATKINS HALL JR., 53, OF PLANT CITY, DIED MAY 14, 2016, AT HIS HOME.

A native of Muskegon, Michigan, Mr. Hall was the son of Lowell Sr. and Carol Boyd Hall.

He is survived by his mother; wife, Crystal Diem Hall; son, Brian Hall; daughters, Cheyenne Diem and Jasmine Diem; and grandchildren, Faith and Briana Hall.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lowell Sr. The family will be having private services.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

BILLIE SUE “SUE” MORTON

BILLIE SUE “SUE” MORTON, 62, OF DURANT, DIED MARCH 12, 2016.

Ms. Morton was born March 5, 1954, in Georgetown, D.C. She is survived by two children, Virginia “Gina” Creel (Tommy) and T.J. Watson (BranDee); sibling, Lisa Holland; grandchildren, Garrett, Abby, Tytan, Easton and Briley; and companion, Robert Heath.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Dick; mother, Virginia Glass Dick; and brother, Mickey Dick.

A graveside service was held on Good Friday, March 25, at Cedar Grove Cemetery.

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MAY 27, 2016

SIDELINES

Courtney Green had a baller last game for senior day. Page 14

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

Lancers to hold tryouts The Plant City FC Lancers announced the 2016-17 season tryout dates this week.

From May 31 to June 4, free open tryouts for boys and girls ages 5 to 18 (birth years 1998 through 2011) will be held at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St. The age groups and times vary by date, as follows:

Coaching change for Durant softball Former assistant coach Jessica Howton was promoted following Matt Carter’s retirement.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

When longtime Durant softball coach Matt Carter announced his retirement, the school didn’t have to look far for his replacement.

Jessica Howton, an assistant coach with the team, was named Carter’s successor at the same time he announced his intention to call it a career. An assistant for the last four

years, Howton will give the team a sense of continuity as she takes over.

“It's going to be nice to have a team I can mold myself,” Howton says. “I really want to start molding the program the way I want it to be.”

In her nine years of coaching the sport at the prep level, this is Howton’s first gig as a varsity head coach.

RECESSION AND RELOCATION

Before moving to Florida in 2011,

Howton coached in Michigan for four years. She served as a junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant at various schools, never settling into a stable situation.

“There were a lot of layoffs,” Howton says. “It was hard to keep jobs there.”

To make matters worse, the Great Recession of 2008 hit her hard outside of school: her husband, a police officer, was laid off and unable to find police work in the area.

The Howtons relocated to Florida SEE SOFTBALL PAGE 13

Courtesy photo

Jessica Howton has four years of service with Durant softball.

May 31: birth years 2005 through 2011, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

June 1: birth years 1998 through 2004, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

June 2: birth years 2005 through 2011, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

June 3: birth years 1998 through 2004, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

June 4: birth years 2005 through 2011, 10 to 11:30 a.m.; birth years 1998 through 2004, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

For more information, visit PlantCityFC.com or email pcfclancers@gmail. com.

Durant boys lacrosse wins GPA award Among the many Hillsborough County prep athletes and teams highlighted on Thursday, May 19, was Durant’s boys lacrosse program.

The team received an award for having the highest unweighted GPA in the county at the annual Hillsborough County spring sports awards ceremony.

Also honored at the May 19 awards ceremony were several Plant City High coaches.

Drew Martucci (cross country), Meg Jordan (golf), Greg Meyer (football) and Dale Rice (tennis) were honored with Coach of the Year awards. These coaches — the “Fantastic Four,” in Jordan’s words — were given the awards based on a county-wide vote by their peers.

Plant City's high school football teams have seen a lot of action this spring. What’s the inside scoop from each?

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

I

f it seems like this spring has been busier than normal for Plant City-area

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

football teams, that’s because it has been.

Views from the sideline:

SPRING FOOTBALL

All three schools particistin Kline

Photos by Ju

past few ack over the g at quarterb

artin ty of action st Plunk saw plen on xt May 20. ra B e or g warmups on st sophom rin re du C y ill rr dr be nd w fe and-de Top: Stra y for a catchBurke get read hy weeks. ot m Ti d un Ward an Above: Tresha

pated in several scrimmages and jamboree exhibitions over the past few weeks, giving athletes a chance to go against other teams in full pads. Even with all the drills, intersquad games and camps that populate the spring and summer months, nothing holds a

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

candle to real game action.

I was talking to new Strawberry Crest head coach Ron Hawn over the weekend, and he mentioned this spring’s football action has been the most physical he’s ever seen.

From what I’ve seen lately, I’d have to agree. These kids are getting out there three months before the real season begins, but they’re playing like it’s mid-August.

I think fans of all three teams have plenty to get excited for already.

Durant didn’t have the most explosive spring jamboree game, especially compared to what was going on at SEE KLINE PAGE 14

“I thought it was a great opportunity for the coaching staff to coach against your own team,” Durant head coach Mike Gottman says. “We usuwberry Crest mage at Stra

pher Gay and

isto Durant’s Chr

Triston H

May 14 scrim e during the odge celebrat

.

ally have an intersquad game, and it was so much better to focus on somebody else.”

SEE FOOTBALL PAGE 13

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

May 26 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63)

4

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

Howton says while much of the pro-

gram’s culture will look like it did under Carter’s watch, there will be things to change in the coming months.

“Coach Carter did a great job,” Howton says. “He’s an amazing coach and an amazing person. We have different philosophies, so I'll change some things. Nothing earth-shattering.”

Most of Howton’s top priorities involve the mental aspect of the game.

1

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5

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

4 3

Protein enjoys top-shelf status in nutrition.

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NOT CREATED EQUAL

To better make your daily food choices, think about the total nutrients being consumed. Compare the total nutrients of animal protein to vegetable protein sources. Plant protein contains fewer amino acids than animal proteins. The most well-rounded total nutrient-based proteins come from dairy products, eggs, meat and fish.

Nuts and beans contain protein but they require supplementation. A 20 to 25% increase in plant protein intake might be needed to get those extra nutrients. Nuts and beans come with extra fats and carbohydrates for the same source of amino acids.

7

The human body continuously uses protein to build new cells and remove the old ones.

A protein-heavy meal allows for only a few hours of muscle building while the body must break down muscle and other tissue the remainder of the day.

Fat, carbohydrates and protein are all macronutrients, meaning the body needs large quantities of each. Vitamins and minerals are micronutrients, which are needed in smaller amounts. But unlike fats

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Consume 100 grams per day; 30 grams for each meal and a 10-gram snack.

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D

and carbohydrates, the human body cannot store protein. A new supply is needed throughout the day, every day.

Eat sufficient protein at each meal with one or two protein-based snacks throughout the day to fuel the body.

2

50s

Consume 110 grams per day; 30 grams for each meal and a 20-gram snack.

Consume 120 grams per day; 30 grams for each meal and a 30-gram snack.

SOURCE: The MD Factor Diet

Remember those extra carbohydrates and fats found in nuts and beans? To get the needed nutrients, this diet adds extra calories.

Cut down fat and carbohydrate intake by eating more lean protein such as eggs, yogurt, fish and meats.

We also need a balance of essential fats and slow-burning carbohydrates to fuel the body. Meal planning and food selections are essential for long-term health. Even simple changes bring benefits that can be felt immediately.

5

amounts of protein, but the same calorie amount, converted those fats and carbs into stored fat.

EXERCISE

The more active you are, the more total calories and protein you need.

The calories fuel the increase in body movement, while the protein is the source for rebuilding all those cells. Exercise builds muscle mass and increases strength. Strength lets older adults maintain their mobility and function and, by doing so, avoid injuries.

9 6

Both age and activity levels impact human protein needs. Recent studies at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences challenge previous positions about how much protein adults over age 50 need. The more protein the study participants consumed, the better their ability to keep and build muscle tissue was.

Gradual decline occurs in both muscle mass and function starting at age 50 and progresses each year.

Study participants who ate small-

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D., IS A DOCTOR OF INTEGRATIVE HEALTH BASED OUT OF PLANT CITY. SHE TEACHES YOGA CLASSES AT THE PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA ON THURSDAYS. CONTACT HER AT JENNIFERCLOSSHEY@ GMAIL.COM.

DURANT

Things went pretty well for Gottman’s Durant Cougars.

The defense, as he had hoped, looked solid against each team it faced.

Gottman credits strong play from star defensive back Jaden Garrett, defensive end Xavier Lyas and mike linebacker Jake Ross for helping the unit keep offenses from opening up.

The Cougars offense looked good at the Strawberry Crest scrimmage series, held Saturday, May 14.

It struggled out of the gate during the Thursday, May 19, scrimmage at Brandon, but Gottman enjoyed the way Brandon Myers, Steven Witchoskey and Cameron Myers played. Peyton Ledbetter sealed a 7-6 win over Newsome with a successful PAT kick.

Gottman praised the team’s overall effort and knows where work needs to be done over the next few months.

“We’re still trying to solidify our O-line and D-line,” Gottman says.

“We played some young kids in the trenches. We’re going to be concentrating on that. It’s always big, on my part, to be good up front, be good in the trenches.”

PLANT CITY

Because the Raiders lost a huge senior class, a lot of younger players will have to step up if the team wants to

repeat last season’s success.

Head coach Greg Meyer has been pleased with what he’s seen of the team, including its effort in the Tuesday, May 24, jamboree at 1 Raider Place.

“D.J. Gordon started in the linebacker rotation last year, and he’s in complete command of the spot now,” Meyer says. “Ge’Sean (Parker) and Treshaun (Ward) looked fantastic.

We’re really excited.”

The team picked up a 20-2 win over Crest in its jamboree action, which featured a number of key players experimenting in new roles. Notably, three-year defensive lineman Nathan Hamilton moved to offensive tackle, and linebacker Steven Ogletree played some snaps at fullback.

“They’ve done a great job,” Meyer says. “We just have to add protection — be more physical.”

Other players on the rise, according to Meyer, are Corey St. John, Christian Austin, Antoine Thompson and Corey King.

STRAWBERRY CREST

New head coach Ron Hawn is pleased with what he’s seeing on the field thus far.

The Chargers looked good in their Saturday scrimmage against Newsome and, although Durant and Plant City got the better of them in those matchups, Hawn enjoyed see-

ing the effort his players put forth on the field.

“I think they’re very resilient,” he says. “They’ve been through 19 straight losses in the last two years.

That’s challenging for a coach to deal with and also challenging for them to deal with.”

After the first eight plays of the Plant City game, which saw Crest give up 14 points, Hawn says coaching that game was an enjoyable experience.

“Over the next 22 minutes of game time, our kids fought back,”Hawn says. “They continued to play. They got better and better as the game went on. Here’s the most amazing statistic: we got 42 snaps on offense and 19 snaps on defense. Our goal is ball control.”

The team is still learning the new playbooks, so this offseason is about getting everyone comfortable. Adapting to the number of changes Crest made in 2016 doesn’t happen overnight for any team, but Hawn thinks that his group has what it takes to pick things up and get back on track.

“They’ve dealt with probably the most physical spring they’ve ever seen — it was certainly the most physical spring I’ve ever seen — and they still came out and played football,” Hawn says.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

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Football: spring outlooks CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

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For example, getting the girls more acclimated to the prep game will be crucial to her program going forward.

“I had a very young team last year,” Howton says. “Seven freshmen.

They've only done travel ball, and a lot of them didn't have that team mentality. We have to focus on shifting from travel ball to high school ball and making sure the girls understand that it's a different mindset.”

To create stronger chemistry, Howton hopes to take a leaf from baseball coach Butch Valdes’s book.

“I'm really big into having a sense of family,” Howton says. “I'm similar to coach Valdes in that respect. Playing for the person next to you on the bench — worrying about your teammates, not your stats.”

Howton says the past five years in Florida have been great for her, and she’s committed to Durant for the long haul.

“I love Durant High School,” Howton says. “I can see myself working here until I retire.”

0003463026-01

Matt Carter leaves with a 16583 overall record since 2006.

Under his watch, the team won the FHSAA Class 8A state championship in 2012 and district titles in 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014. He also guided the team to the state Final Four three times.

This season, the team finished with an 11-15 record and nearly topped district runner-up Riverview in the 8A-6 playoffs.

13

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in 2011, after some friends in the area were able to get her husband a job at Gordon Food Services. He later attended the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Academy and found police work at the Falkenburg Road Jail.

Howton was able to join Durant’s faculty as a physical education instructor and girls swimming coach.

She became a softball assistant in 2012.

“It's been awesome,” Howton says.

Odd as it may sound, one of Howton’s favorite things about her new job is that she can relax a little more.

That’s not to say that the new Durant softball head coach is going to take the job lightly. Rather, it means she won’t have to wear three hats at once anymore: Howton was the head coach for the boys’ and girls’ swim teams, as well as an assistant for softball — an experience that she considered rewarding, yet stressful, especially as a mother of two.

THAT’S A WRAP

203313

FROM SOFTBALL PAGE 14

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

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Plant City High the same Thursday evening, but here’s what matters: the Cougars fought back and got the “W” in the end. For that, Cougar fans have running back Cameron Myers and the offensive line to thank: with just under two and one half minutes to play against Newsome, Myers took a handoff 24 yards up the middle for a touchdown.

The offense didn’t start off as well as it had in the 2015-16 season, but it’s only spring. And, having watched Carlton Potter get into a rhythm with the offense at Strawberry Crest’s spring scrimmages, I’m sure whatever caused the slow start Thursday is fixable. No one should sleep on this team come August.

Plant City, of course, still looks a lot like the Raiders team that took the Tampa Bay area by storm last season. A 20-2 final score over Crest in last Thursday’s jamboree sure looks similar to the first half of their 2015-16 matchup on paper too.

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Corey King looked confident, Tydre Ward is still scoring touchdowns on special teams and the defense is still nasty.

If anyone wants to know how the team looks without all-star running back Markese Hargrove in the backfield, I give you this: the very first thing Treshaun Ward did was run 69 yards for a touchdown on the Raiders’ first offensive play of the game. I covered him when he played for the Turkey Creek Trojans, before he went to PCHS last year, and I can confirm the kid’s got the talent to do big things once his game develops more.

Strawberry Crest may not have looked so good against Plant City on paper, but there’s more to their spring than what can be gleaned from the box score. Crest actually had the possession advantage throughout its two quarters with the

Courtney Greene’s Plant City Lady Raiders basketball career ended earlier this year, but the senior made one last appearance on the court Monday, May 23, in a game that pitted teachers against seniors. Greene was money from beyond the three-point line as she went on a hot streak in the second quarter to help seal the win for her and her classmates.

Greene wins a $25 gift card from GNC at Walden Woods. She can pick up the gift card at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 1507 S. Alexander St. #103.

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“… they’re playing with determination. Every coach on the planet will say that kind of attitude is the foundation for building a winner.”

Raiders: the Chargers ran 42 plays on offense against just 19 on defense.

Plant City struck quickly and frequently, but there was a pretty good stretch where the teams were on much more even ground than “20-2” suggests.

This team’s undergone a lot of roster and personnel changes lately — which we’ll get to when the 2016 Football Guide hits the presses in a few months. I have to give the guys who stuck with the team credit: they may not have the playbook down pat just yet, but it’s clear they’re playing with determination. Every coach on the planet will say that kind of attitude is the foundation for building a winner.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Courtney Greene

What were you expecting to do when you went out there?

Honestly, I don’t know. I was expecting to pass, really. I wasn’t going to shoot much but, whenever I started feeling good and my shot started sinking, I just kept shooting.

At what point in the game did you all think you were going to win?

The very beginning. We were in the lead. And we had hard-working players.

You get $1 billion in the bank one day. What do you buy?

I would go shopping. I would get clothes. Probably a lot of Under Armour and stuff like that.

You get any super power you want. What do you pick?

I would do invisibility.

You get to meet any famous person you want. Who would it be, and what would you do if you could hang out with them for a day?

Brett Eldredge. My gosh. Maybe go to the beach, go shopping, go fishing. Have to go fishing. Oh, and four-wheel riding.

Who’s your favorite athlete?

Courtney Dunbar. She plays for the University of Tennessee women’s basketball team.

A little girl comes up to you and asks for advice on how to get better. What do you tell her?

I’d probably tell her to keep shooting and to work on her ball-handling drills. That’s what got me better.

That’s what I’ve always worked on.

The rest will come to you as you keep moving up and practicing. The main thing is to keep doing the drills and to keep shooting.

What are you doing after graduation?

I was going to go to Hillsborough Community College, but I might not be going to college because I might be going into the Air Force or the Marines. One of those. I don’t really know yet.

What made you want to join the military?

My dad was in the Marines for 10 years. He’s told me a lot about going in, and it really interests me. I have a passion for it.

205500

What are you going to miss most about high school?

Oh my gosh. Probably seeing my friends every day. I feel like walking the halls, I think that’s where all the fun and the laughter happens.

WE HAVE MOVED!

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WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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14

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

W EAT HER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, MAY 27

High: 89 Low: 67 Chance of rain: 10%

SATURDAY, MAY 28 High: 89 Low: 69 Chance of rain: 10%

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, May 27

6:34a

8:18p

Saturday, May 28

6:33a

8:18p

Sunday, May 29

6:33a

8:19p

Monday, May 30

6:33a

8:19p

Tuesday, May 31

6:33a

8:20p

Wednesday, June 1

6:32a

8:20p

Thursday, June 2

6:32a

8:21p

High: 90 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 20%

June 4 New

MONDAY, MAY 30 High: 90 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 20%

May 29 Last

June 12 First

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

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

RAINFALL

CORN Shipping point: Orlando $10.95

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

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Friday, May 20

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Saturday, May 21

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Sunday, May 22

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Monday, May 23

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Tuesday, May 24

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Wednesday, May 25

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YEAR TO DATE:

MAY TO DATE:

2016

7.71 in.

2016 2.06 in.

2015

2.12 in.

2015

1.57 in.

Now Serving Breakfast!

Personal Service • Low Prices • Great Selection

Mon.-Sat. 6:30am- 4:00pm

Farm & Ranch • Plumbing • Electrical Paint • Lawn & Garden

813-704-5907

- Dine In or Carry Out Catering Available – Please call for pricing!

SERVICES INCLUDE

Keys made • Hydraulic Assemblies • Propane Refills Pipe Cutting • Pipe Threading • Paint Tinting • Paint Correction

15% HARDWARE STORE

Check out our Savings!

OFF

Need holiday gift ideas or that something special for the man in your life?

GIFT CARDS

PURCHASES OF $20 OR MORE

NOW AVAILABLE!!

Mon. - Fri. 7:30am - 5:30pm • Sat. 7:30am - 4:00pm

813 - 759 - 0851

• Sandwiches • Salads • Soups • Milk Shakes • Ice Cream • Desserts

EARLY FARMER

SPECIAL

4

$ 99

2 eggs, bacon or sausage

grits or hashbrowns biscuit or toast

3161 Paul Buchman Hwy. • Plant City • Located one mile north of I-4

ACROSS

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a beloved TV mom. Using the hints U=I and S=T, decipher the clues to name the character.

1 Oblong tomato variety 5 Brewski order 10 Talk trash to 15 Mine find 19 Bartlett’s abbr.

20 Iconic riveter 21 One-way symbol 22 It may be fishy 23 Supplier of pelts 25 Part of a toy army 27 Sound of censure 28 Is in arrears 29 Taxi posting 31 Princeton gridders 32 TV listing, informally 33 Window areas 34 Take the bait 35 Bug to no end 38 Carell of “Evan Almighty” 39 Fines arbitrarily 43 End of a bridal path 44 Bocelli, notably 47 “___ Buttermilk Sky” 48 “Add to ___” (Amazon command) 49 Kedrova of “Zorba the Greek” 50 Welfare factor 51 Bed choice 52 Hellenic H 53 Shipping route since 1914 57 Rummy cakes 58 Use a needle and thread 59 Like a squid’s discharge 60 Home run, in slang 61 Peaceful state 62 Hayloft stack 64 E.C. who created Popeye 65 Showy garden flower 66 Placed at intervals 68 Longtime “Today” host 69 Cheshire Cat feature 70 Debussy’s “La ___” 73 Raconteur’s repertoire 74 Most urgent 76 “To a ...” work 77 Alternative to De Gaulle 78 Betty of old cartoons 79 Onetime rival of Nair 80 Rent-a-car option 81 Texter’s “I believe” 82 Killjoy 86 Luxury hotel booking 87 Feline in a Scott Adams cartoon 89 Former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi ___ 90 Least likely to crack 91 Smelter loads 92 Easy to grasp 93 Brewer’s ingredient 94 Trunk items 97 Spanish inquisitor ___ de Torquemada 98 Beaufort scale category 99 Go head-to-head 102 Deli dangler 104 Winter Olympics event 107 Couturier Saab 108 Lo-cal brews 109 “On the other hand ...”

110 To boot 111 Letter starter

1. V U L L U A 2. R U D A Q O R 3. M A J U G U Y S 4. U G S A R R U T A G S 5. O Q P V U S A P S

She is a wife and mother of four residing in Columbus:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 May 26 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63) through 9 in each row, column and box.

4

3 1

5

5

9

9

7 4 3

3 1

6

9 5 1

4 1 2

7

8 5 5

9 6 9

203262

CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

8 5

1

4 May 26 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.63)

4 7

8 6 2

3

1

9 5

6 3

1

9 7

8 2

5

9 7

2

8 4 3

4 5 5

1

8 4 6 3

9 1

2

7

6

15

McCloud is a macaw parrot who is living the good life. He rides around the Lakes Mobile Home park in his parents’ golf cart, equipped for his comfort.

June 20 Full

Thursday, May 19

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

I LOVE PLANT CITY

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, MAY 29

|

©2016 Universal Uclick

112 Most trifling 113 “Eek!” inducer 114 The first parts of this puzzle’s long entries are kinds of these

DOWN

1 Adam and Eve’s place, in diner lingo 2 Albatross, so to speak 3 ‘80s TV alien 4 Tiny colonist 5 Bureau part 6 Did ranch work 7 Sacred creatures of Egypt 8 Old-style 27-Across 9 Jack Russell, e.g.

10 Spills the beans 11 First zodiac sign 12 Ashes holders 13 Figs.

14 Cheated on 15 Inn guest 16 Drooling dog of the comics 17 Goof-off’s opposite 18 Blows it 24 68-Across cohort 26 Soda buy 30 Thomas ___ Edison 32 Baseball card tidbit

33 Fulton’s power source 34 Bialy alternative 35 Duel distances 36 Make giddy 37 Unofficial vote 38 Spread outward 40 Wild West shoot-’em-up 41 ___ Sports Bureau 42 Feel in one’s bones 44 Sty sounds 45 Word before city or child 46 At hand 49 Like many swimming pools 51 Dances like Bojangles 53 Reactor parts 54 Absorbed eagerly 55 Hoops player 56 Classic arcade name 57 Jack who was Rochester’s boss 61 “Nick of Time” singer Bonnie 63 ___-deucey 64 Overly sentimental 65 Nosy sort 66 Showing no emotion 67 Italian cheese city 68 Rioter’s haul 69 Eco-friendly 71 Cuts and pastes

72 Odometer button 74 Law school course 75 Keeping up (with) 78 Hides nothing 80 Em or Bee 82 Shimon of Israel 83 Life line reader 84 Draft rating 85 Jackie’s Ari 86 Witch trials city 88 “Welcome to ...” sign spot 90 Respectful greeting 92 Makes the scene 93 Important tournament 94 Get rid of 95 India ___ ale 96 La Scala highlight 97 “Catch you later” 98 Gershon of “Cocktail” 99 Bob the TV handyman 100 RPI or MIT (Abbr.)

101 They may clash 103 Bunch of baloney 105 Letters on a fast-food bucket 106 Oom-___ band

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

PLEASE READ THIS: Before You Buy a Hearing Aid

Why would you go anywhere else?

Rating Rating Rating www.floridamedicalhearing.com Rating Rating

Rating

WINTER HAVEN 250 Avenue K SW, Suite 105 Winter Haven, FL 33880 863-268-2105

WINTER GARDEN 13750 West Colonial Dr. Suite 330 Winter Garden, FL 34787 407-745-4595

KISSIMMEE (Under the Historic Arch) 1310 North Main Street Kissimmee, FL 34744 407-978-6641

205619

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