05.29.15 PCTO

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

FREE • FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

CELEBRATION

GOLF

LEGACY

PAGES 6-7

PAGE 11

PAGE 3

Area schools honor seniors with free days.

Kellyanne Hurst is a success at U.S. Naval Academy.

Chris Rodriguez follows in father’s steps as captain.

by Justin Kline | Staff Writer OUR TOWN good eats

Smokin’ Aces leases Chancy’s The Smokin’ Aces BBQ team, Robert Jordan and family, are preparing to renovate what used to be Chancy’s Catfish Shack and hoping to found the ‘best restaurant in Plant City.’

+ Recording artist coming to P.C.

Award-winning country group Hoyt Hughes Band will be in Plant City Friday, May 29, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60.

The band will be debuting a new single and video of their latest recording “Stomp On.” This is a song that is exemplary of the band’s musical heritage, a rowdy, rocking, country, southern anthem to having a good time at all times.

The video was filmed by a local team. Matthew Glover, owner of Dream Spinner Films, directed and produced the video.

Brandon D. Hyde served as director of photography.

Members of Hoyt Hughes Band include Hoyt Hughes (vocals/ rhythm guitar), Darrel Hoag (lead guitar), Dennis Hoag (lead guitar), Todd Schultz (drums), Donald Farr (bass).

The event begins at 7 p.m.

Visit HoytHughes.com for more information on the band.

Most people in Plant City know Robert Jordan and his family as the Smokin’ Aces BBQ team, which operates two restaurants within the area and is a Keel and Curley Winery staple.

But the Jordans want to be known for more than just barbecue, and they’re determined to get there by mixing

old and new.

On May 18, Smokin’ Aces agreed to lease Chancy’s Catfish Shack from Charlie Grimes and plan to turn the location into something Plant City doesn’t have: a traditional surf n’ turf spot.

The new restaurant, tentatively called Smokin’ Aces Steak, Seafood and Barbe-

cue, aims to be one of the only family-owned restaurant along Interstate 4, from Tampa to Orlando. It also plans to have plenty of reasons for anyone to stop in and dine.

“This is going to be a huge transformation, and I think that everybody in Plant City is going to see it,” Robert Jordan said. “It’s going to be one

of the best restaurants in Plant City, if not the best — that’s our goal.”

Jordan said that the restaurant will feature premium steaks, fresh fish and some of the barbecue items that the Smokin’ Aces brand is known for. In a nod to the building’s previous occupants, the restaurant will also feature some

OUR TOWN / PAGE 4

, 3&

This week’s winner is

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Emily Topper

Simmons Career teacher David Steffen has a wall of certifications he has helped his students earn in technology-related fields.

Teacher receives business award

Jonathan Davis got his first keyboard from a church he attended in Tennessee.

The Life of a Savant Jonathan Davis has a remarkable talent for playing the piano and a remarkable story behind it.

T

he first thing pianist Jonathan Davis talks about isn’t his music.

“I know Gram told me not to say anything about it, but I like gameshows,” Davis says. “I was just listening to “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

His great-grandmother, Carolyn Clark, giggles. “He likes anything with big wins. That and music are his favorite pastimes.”

They greet me as I step off the porch decorated with a church pew and an old bathtub still as white as the day it was made. Their historic bungalow on Mahoney street is peaceful.

Wide windows fill the rooms with calming light. Each couch throw pillow is deliberately placed. I’m afraid my clumsy steps will mess it up.

Davis lingers in the dining room, close to his bedroom door. The 23-year-old doesn’t

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

Jonathan Davis perfers to play in his room.

venture into the living room where I entered. It’s full of obstacles.

He leads me to his room, a haven from the family pet’s bark-

ing. The bedsheets are pulled tight and neat. Clutter has been hidden in the vintage armoire.

The piano rests in front of two large windows, chiffon drapes softening the early morning light from a springtime Florida sun.

“I hear the music before I get up in the morning,” Clark says.

“He lives and breathes music.”

Davis sits at what they call his big bench. He plays.

The notes dance along the rays from the sky as his fingers tickle the keys of the Clavinova.

We get lost in his music.

I close my eyes, alone with the sound. The vibrations resonate in my eardrums, moving my soul. At that moment, the pitch is all I have in this world.

My other senses are muted.

Is this how Davis feels every time he plays?

Is he suspended weightless

IF YOU GO

MUSIC OF THE NIGHT When: 4 p.m. Sunday, June 7 Where: Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Cost: $25 per person Info: Proceeds go to the Arts Council of Plant City’s scholarship fund. For reservations call Cheryl Worsham, (813) 9731770

SEE SAVANT / PAGE 4

David Steffen has helped students earn more than 200 certifications in Microsoft, Adobe and CIW software.

The inside of David Steffen’s classroom at Simmons Career Center is lined with three rows of computers. A mock green screen that students use to create “The Morning Show” leans against one wall. Some students have decorated the whiteboard with their names in bubbles and other drawings. But it is the far back of the classroom that is Steffen’s pride and joy.

The wall, which runs half the length of the classroom, is covered floor to ceiling with certificates detailing students’ certifications in the Microsoft, Adobe and Certified InternetWeb (CIW) fields. The large mural signifies the passion Steffen has for his job and the students he works with.

It is completely filled, forcing Steffen to place the certificates that his students have earned this year — 75 so far — onto another wall.

But Steffen, who was named the HCTAA Business Teacher of the Year, wants his students to earn another 25 certifications before this school year is finished.

“It’s something they can walk out (of here) with,”

SEE STEFFEN / PAGE 4

Garry Cohen

See his photo on PAGE 14.

SEE ACES / PAGE 4

education

BLIND AMBITION by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

+ Father’s Day contest

Does your dad know how to fix anything? Did he overcome amazing obstacles to take care of his family? The Plant City Times & Observer wants to hear about it. We are looking for entries for our annual Father’s Day contest.

It’s simple. Write an essay telling us why your dad is the best in Plant City. Include a picture.

Send submissions to Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

The winner will receive a special gift for their dad from Parkesdale Farm Market and will be featured online and in print.

Honorable mentions will also be featured.

The deadline to enter is June 12. Good luck!

of Chancy’s most popular menu items, including fried catfish and fried green tomatoes, among other things.

The plan is for the exterior of the building to look the same or similar to how it is now, keeping the “roadhouse feel,” Jordan said. But every-

INDEX Calendar.......................8

Vol.2,No.35 | Onesection Crossword...................14

Obituaries.....................9

Sports.........................11

Weather......................14

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR

+ WLCA should stay out of lawsuit

Dear Editor: During the last master association board meeting May 18, our new president, Robert Hunter, and four other board members made a decision to have the Walden Lake Community Association join a small group that has filed a lawsuit against the golf course, Visions Golf, regarding rezoning part of the golf course.

By joining this lawsuit, it puts every Walden Lake resident in a potential financial obligation. When Visions Golf countersues, the Walden Lake Community Association will be included in that suit, which will impact every homeowner.

The total cost to support this lawsuit is not known, but our dues will most likely go up to cover the lawyer expenses.

The lawsuit could take years to resolve at each homeowner’s expense.

The master association does not have any right to join this lawsuit without first getting the majority vote from all 2,241 homeowners in Walden Lake and letting us know the impact it will have on us. They do not have authority to make that deci-

sion on their own. The master association board’s only responsibility is to maintain the common areas — nothing else. The common areas include the entrance of each local association, the majority of the walking paths, medians, some bridges, parks and docks. They do not have any responsibility for the golf course because it is a private business.

The Association’s lawyer has been telling the board for a long time that they need to remain neutral in the rezoning effort that Visions Golf is pursuing. They should not and cannot get involved with the rezoning lawsuit because the golf course is not part of the common areas.

However, for some reason, these five board members feel they know what is best for every homeowner without getting any input from us.

I, for one, do not support the lawsuit and do not want the money I pay for the maintenance of the common areas to be used for something that will not resolve the golf course issue.

The only thing the rezoning lawsuit will accomplish is that all 36 holes will be weeds — not just the current 18 holes.

Once all 36 holes are weeds,

I feel Walden Lake will never have a golf course again, which will impact every home owner’s home value.

Let’s leave the rezoning issue with our city commissioners to decide what is best for Plant City and Walden Lake, not these five board members. These five board members can join the lawsuit as individuals, but they should not force all 2,241 homeowners within Walden Lake to do the same.

Bill Griffin Walden Lake resident for over 25 years

+ On our decision

Dear Editor: The Walden Lake Community Association Board of Directors has the responsibility to preserve the values and amenities of all residents of Walden Lake, along with maintaining the common property and enhancing the opportunity for an improved quality of life. As such, the board acted to join the lawsuit and oppose aggressively the rezoning effort to build over 300, give or take, single family, possibly twostory, units, and 100, give or take, assisted care living facility units, possibly threestory apartments, etc. on the closed golf course and clubhouse in the middle of our already developed pristine community of homes, lakes, scenic vistas, wetlands, parks and open space.

Bob Hunter WLCA president

MUSIC by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

TEEN TAKE

Graduation is the first taste of the real world From the time we are aware the mail highlighting that my of our graduation date, our chances of graduation were view on walking the stage is slim. The print screamed with framed with shimmering high disappointment. I wasn’t goschool gowns and the iconic, ing to receive my diploma. synchronized tossing of caps.

Of course, I am on track In reality, cap tossing is not to graduate. My guidance allowed, in fear that a counselor knows corner of the sharply this, and so does the cut headwear will poke electronic system that a graduate in the eye. holds my fate. HowAnd the gowns, a ever, my mother did symbol of 12 years not. Every week when of academic stress, a letter came, she had are unshapely and a controlled meltdown unrealistic. There is aland assured me that I ways one student in a needed to contact the ABBY slightly off-color gown, office and everyone BAKER unaware he or she else behind a desk to doesn’t blend in, and make sure — yes — for remains the shuffling target the eleventh time, it was a for all eyes in the room. mistake.

The entire process is an There are other holes in the unglamorous, unorganized graduation process you might clamor of getting everything fall into, as well. you have forgotten in the last If you are a student that has four years together for the less than the maximum seven ultimate ceremony. periods, you are destined If you are a dual-enrollment to be left scrambling your student, attending both high schedule around for cap and school and a community colgown pickups and end-oflege, you may have noticed the-year meetings for the last that the ending dates of the 18 weeks of your high school semesters conflict each other career. and leave a student confused For example, the pickup and in question of their pofor cap and gowns is a short tential completion.

30 minute block each lunch Personally, I had one class period. For the student that that I needed to pass in the leaves school before lunch or last semester of my senior comes after, this is scheduling year, and it happened to be nightmare and a time for “we at Hillsborough Community are on school time, honey” college. Because Plant City explanations.

High School did not recognize When I received my cap I was attending this college and gown package, I failed to class, I received alarming notice the insulting 5-foot-1 yellow letters every week in label. I am not 5-foot-1. I am

COPS PCHS band and orchestra performs spring concert The Plant City High School band and orchestra ensembles put on a spring concert Tuesday, May 19, under the direction of Jackie Worley.

Soloists, small ensembles and duets were featured in addition to performances by the Concert String Orchestra and Symphonic Band. The fun evening was concluded by a performance from the Strawberry Jam Jazz Band.

Marlee Arn sang “Feeling Good” for the Strawberry Jam Jazz Band.

REUNITED AT LAST

MAY 7

HAND IN THE COOKIE JAR

1400 block of Oakdale Avenue. Grand theft of a firearm.

The complainant reported that a silver .38 caliber Smith and Wesson revolver was stolen from his property.

WHAT A COINCIDENCE

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

BRING THAT BACKPACK BACK

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Vehicle burglary.

A backpack containing $482 in cash and clothes was stolen.

RED-HANDED

FIRST-TIMER

HIGH TIMES

MORE BITE THAN BARK

Suzena Castro performed “The Swan” on the alto saxophone.

Polk County. Recovered stolen vehicle. Officer located stolen 1994 Honda Civic after tip from Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Oak Hammock Lane/East.

Timberlane Drive. Warrant/narcotics arrest. A traffic stop for a safety violation turned up a warrant and led to the arrest of two suspects.

2100 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail theft.

Officer responded in reference to retail theft. The suspect and his mother were entered into the Juvenile Arrest Avoidance Program.

Chris Ruiz played the guitar for the PCHS Rock Band.

He was joined by Jordan Gude playing bass and Jesse Butterworth playing drums.

CORNER

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

COWBOY UP

Robby Scarff and Grant Rhodes performed a euphonium duet.

WEST ORANGE

2600 block of Adams Street.

Dog bite. Complainant reported being bitten by a dog.

MAY 8

NEXT TIME, PAY UP

2100 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail theft.

Suspect was arrested for retail theft.

FRAUD FAILURE

2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Grand theft/ scheme to defraud. Suspect was arrested for grand theft and attempting to commit fraud.

less than 5 feet, and I filled out the upper height on some form in a burst of vanity. But the process of requesting a correctly fitted gown is too much trouble. So rather than fill out many more sheets and wait with hope, I accepted that I will look slightly hobbitesque when crossing the stage in front of my friends and family.

We can’t just have the new joys of being a senior (senior portraits, prom, the free hoodie). All those mistakes you made freshman year are brought back up with one automated phone call. Remember that biology book that disappeared from your locker two years ago? You are going to need to come up with $200 by next Tuesday if you want to go to the senior banquet.

Did you mean to take that vet class as a science? It doesn’t count. You need to finish chemistry online in three weeks.

As far-off fantasies of the end of the year become solid dates and final grade point averages, the buildup to the ceremony increases in stress with each mark on the calendar. I think we all get that graduating is the official send-off to the real world, but maybe there could be a gradual bridge between the naïve fourteen year-olds that clutch binders and new adults with vehicles and mustaches.

Emily Baker is a senior at Plant City High School and a contributing writer.

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

Possession of drugs/paraphernalia. Officers arrested two suspects on counts of possession or paraphernalia, and possession of crack cocaine.

MAY 9

GET OUT OF MY CAR

1100 block of West Risk Street. Stolen vehicle. A 1995 teal Saturn SL sedan was reported to have been stolen sometime between May 8 and May 9.

NEED FOR 10 SPEED

1500 block of East Cherry Street. Bicycle theft. A blue and silver, 10-speed bicycle was reported stolen.

MAPPING AN ESCAPE ROUTE

600 block of North Alexander Street. Vehicle burglary. A Garmin GPS device, wallet and cell

phone were reported stolen from a vehicle.

TRY KNOCKING POLITELY

600 block of East Alexander Street. Criminal mischief.

Complainant reported damage to his front door that happened after he left his house.

MAY 11

SLASH AND DASH

1300 block East Cherry Street. Criminal mischief. Two tires on a blue 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer were cut overnight.

LIFT WEIGHTS, NOT WALLETS

2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Petit theft.

Officers responded to a gym in reference to a stolen wallet.

BRAND AMBASSADOR

110 block of West Alexander Street. Theft. Officer responded in reference to an advertising flag stolen from a business.

MAY 12

WEIGHING THE OPTIONS

800 block of South Gibbs Street. Burglary. Complainant reported a stolen jewelry scale.

MAY 13

FAKE IT ‘TILL YOU MAKE IT 2500 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Counterfeit bill.

Officer reported to a business which claimed it had received a counterfeit $50 bill.

SMILE! YOU’RE ON CAMERA 600 block of East Baker Street. Petit theft. Complainant reported that a security camera on the building perimeter had been stolen.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

governance by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

REMEMBRANCE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

The commission was presented with two options for improvements at Timberlane Drive and Alexander Street. The approved modifications will take about 90 days to complete.

Hilman Bowden

P.C. Commission approves Community intersection modifications remembers

The intersection of Timberlane Drive at Alexander Street, part of the Walden Lake entrance, has been criticized for its traffic problems.

Two options for creating better traffic flow were presented at the May 26 meeting after both sides of the intersection were studied at peak traffic hours. The first option, presented to the commissioners as Option A, would include re-striping one part of the intersection, in addition to adding one left turn lane.

The second option, presented as Option B, would include the new left turn lane in addition to adding a separate right lane. Resurfacing and re-striping the intersections would also be done to create

IN OTHER NEWS

• Don Walden, who served on the advisory board of the Metropolitan Planning Organization for over 10 years, was thanked at the meeting yesterday for his service.

The Metropolitan Planning Organization is responsible for all transportation in Hillsborough County. better traffic flow.

Although Option A was cheaper, both the eastbound left lanes and eastbound right lanes saw more improvement with Option B. The board approved Option B with a vote of 5-0.

“If you look at the traffic counts, by having those lanes changed to through and turn combined...I believe that will greatly lower the commute time,” Mayor Rick Lott said.

It is expected that the modifications to the intersection will take approximately 90 days, from August to November of this year. The cost of these improvements is expected to be $175,000.

FIRE RESCUE EARNS AWARD

Plant City Fire Rescue was presented with an award from Kathy Fenelon, regional vice president of the American Heart Association. It was recognized for being one of the best in the nation for its ability to recognize STEMI, the dead-

liest form of a heart attack.

Plant City Fire Rescue was also recognized for having the proper equipment in their vehicles and the proper staff to identify such an attack.

“It is the speed and expertise that this group has shown that has really earned them this recognition,” Fenelon said.

The award was presented to Chief Dan Azzariti before the board of commissioners.

“We’re appreciative to have our fire rescue department be recognized as one of the finest in the nation,” Lott said of the award. “We’re very proud of the men and women that serve in that department.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

search and rescue by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Emily Topper

Captain Chris Rodriguez works out of Station 2 in Plant City.

Newest fire captain continues family legacy

After a lifetime of service to the Plant City community, Plant City leaders remember Hilman Bowden.

Hilman Bowden was known for many things: quick wit, snazzy outfits and one-line zingers. But he will be remembered most for his unwavering dedication to the Plant City community.

Mr. Bowden, a longtime Plant City resident, died May 16, 2015 at home.

Mr. Bowden moved to Plant City from Enterprise, Alabama with his family during the Great Depression, later graduating from Plant City High School.

After Pearl Harbor, he joined the United States Navy and served during World War II and the Korean War. After his graduation from Florida Southern College in 1948, Bowden began working for Hillsboro Bank in Plant City, now SunTrust.

Throughout his life, Bowden and his wife, Barbara, donated to South Florida Baptist Hospital, University of Florida Foundation and Plant City’s First Baptist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed golf and weekly poker games.

While living in Plant City, Mr. Bowden also worked on the boards of a number of organizations, including those for the Florida Strawberry Festival and Hillsborough Community College. It was on these boards that he made lifelong friends in the Plant City community.

Bob Edwards, a retired attorney in Plant City, knew Mr. Bowden for fifty years.

He met him in 1955, when Mr. Bowden was working at Hillsboro Bank.

“We were community friends,” Edwards said. “We worked together for the good of the community. He was always smiling and glad to see you. He talked to everyone. He was an affabletype person.”

Edwards worked on the Hillsborough Community College board with Mr. Bowden.

“He was well respected,” Edwards said. “He worked for the good of the community constantly. He was always there and available to help.”

Hilman Bowden Even during the last few months of his life, Bowden was still active in the ongoings of Plant City. While working on the board of the Florida Strawberry Festival, he met Robert Trinkle and Sandee Sytsma.

“His was a life that was well lived,” Trinkle, an attorney for Trinkle Law, said.

“He was a great gentleman.

He did what he did on his own.”

Sytsma, who is also on the Florida Strawberry Festival board, agreed. Sytsma drove Mr. Bowden to board meetings, which Bowden always dressed impeccably for. Mr. Bowden, Sytsma said, was one of her all-time favorite people.

“He was such a fun guy,” Sytsma said. “He was quite progressive. He never started thinking old.”

She said Mr. Bowden always worked to make sure that the festival was moving forward.

Mr. Bowden is survived by many family members, including his wife of 64 years, Barbara, and sons, Bud and Charlie. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Katie Corby, and Chip, Chelsea, Bailey and Lindsey Bowden, and one great-grandchild.

“He was so proud of their accomplishments,” Trinkle, who visited him a few weeks before he died, said. “He was loved by many and will be missed by more.”

“He loved Plant City,” Sytsma said. “He left it better than he found it.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

IT’S READ EVERWHERE!

Chris Rodriguez joined the fire academy directly out of high school.

Now, as captain at Station 2, he is looking forward to new challenges

Chris Rodriguez has always wanted to be a firefighter.

Now, after fifteen years with Plant City Fire Rescue, he has been promoted to captain.

To those who know him best, this promotion has been a long time coming.

“The job picked him,” Chief Rick Sullivan, the chief at Station 2 in Plant City where Rodriguez is captain, said. “He didn’t pick the job. He’s always been professional, and he definitely has the desire.”

“It was something I was always interested in from seeing fire helmets and jackets,” Rodriguez said, who worked as a driver engineer for 10 years before becoming captain.

The fire helmets and jackets belonged to Rodriguez’s father, who was a fire chief in Plant City. Although his father died when he was 4 years old, Rodriguez’s dream of becoming a firefighter never dwindled.

“It must be in his blood,” Rodriguez’s mother, Verna McKelvin, said. “It’s just a drive that they have.”

Those who have worked with both Rodriguez and his

father agree, seeing remarkable similarities between the two.

“I would do something or make a comment and they would say, ‘You look or act just like your dad,’” Rodriguez said. “I would imagine it’s in my blood, but it’s hard to say.”

The drive for the job led Rodriguez to join the Fire Academy directly after graduating from high school. While getting the necessary education, he also worked as a volunteer firefighter.

Despite the challenges and dangers of the job, Rodriguez never has any fears or concerns.

“I think when you have a passion for something, you don’t look at the bad,” Rodriguez said. “You just look at the good.”

Although the decision for Rodriguez to become a firefighter was an easy one, his McKelvin wasn’t always so sure.

“It kind of shocked me,” McKelvin said about when Rodriguez initially announced that he wanted to join the fire academy.

She might have been shocked, but she was still supportive.

McKelvin pinned Rodriguez when he joined Plant City Fire Rescue and was there cheering him on when he was promoted to captain less than two weeks ago.

“I’m a really proud mom,” McKelvin said. “I’m sure his dad would be proud of him.

He has excelled in many ways.”

Now, Rodriguez is focused on his new responsibilities as captain.

“Making sure we all go home in the morning is my biggest priority,” he said. “Right now, my goal is solely and entirely focused on being the best shift leader that I can be as a captain.”

The job is not an easy one.

Rodriguez and his crew often work 24-hour shifts, never knowing what they might face when they get a call. At that point, passion kicks in.

“When it’s all said and done, we’ve got to go to work,” Rodriguez said.

For him, the hardest part of these 24-hour shifts is being

away from his wife of 10 years, Erin, and 2-year-old daughter, Adalynn.

“That’s one thing about this job,” Rodriguez said.

“You don’t stop. You put other things on the back burner and deal with the problem later.”

As Plant City Fire Rescue works on advancing the departments and making changes for the better, Rodriguez looks forward to being part of the growth and accepting the challenges to come.

“It’s a team effort,” he said.

“There’s a new fire that’s built up in me … with this new position. There is a huge sense of accomplishment that all the work for many months has paid off.”

Occasionally, Rodriguez and his team see how their work has made a lasting impact.

“It hasn’t happened a tremendous amount of times,” Rodriguez said. “But when people come back and thank you for something that you’ve done, that’s beyond any type of paycheck we can get here.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

UTAH. Some residents never leave home without staying in touch with their hometown happenings. Deanna Rollyson, Debbie Hawkins, Jerri Lynn Gregory and Dana Carpenter took the Plant City Times & Observer all the way to Park City, Utah, for this photo op.

Snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

STEFFEN / PAGE 1 Steffen said. “And it will help them.”

Steffen has been teaching at Simmons Career Center since the school opened in 2004. In 2010, the first certification was earned. The following year, two students earned certifications.

Since then, that number has jumped. Last year, Steffen’s students earned a total of 103 certifications, some earning between five and 10. Steffen is proud each time one of his students earns another certification, especially since many of them doubt their abilities at the beginning of the school year.

“A lot of these kids have never turned on a computer,” he said. “You cannot believe the expression on their face when they pass. Just the sense of accomplishment.”

According to Jama Hoffman, a certified school counselor for Simmons Career Center, Steffen deserves all the credit for these students’ accomplishments.

“He gives them something they can do well,” Hoffman said. “Something that they’re proud of. He shows the kids that they do have abilities.”

Besides his regular classes, where he teaches students the skills that they need to pass their certification tests, Steffen is also in charge of the senior yearbook and senior slideshow, as well as the school’s morning show broadcast. Along with his students, Steffen creates almost all media that the school may need — from flyers and programs to invitations and signs.

As if that weren’t enough to keep him busy, he is also the club sponsor for Future Business Leaders of America. At competitions, the club has taken first place in web design and second place in business presentation. His involvement both in the classroom and out of it has encouraged his students to succeed, giving them the necessary skills for the technology industries.

“Working with these guys is just the most fun,” he said. “I learn with them every day. If I don’t learn something every

day I come in, I don’t think that was a good day.”

Learning alongside his students is exactly what Steffen does. In addition to his own 20 certifications, Steffen also has a reading endorsement and has worked as a district trainer for Hillsborough County. This, he believes, allows him to help students in multiple fields.

“Kids can work on reading and learn content at the same time,” he said.

Steffen earned this certification after he began working at Simmons Career Center so that he could better help his students. For those who know him, like Hoffman, this action comes as no surprise.

“He is gregarious and outgoing,” Hoffman said. “He gives confidence to the kids.”

Hoffman also said that Steffen is known for recruiting students in the hallway to the business technology program, even allowing them to join his class in the middle of the year.

Beyond that, he is known for following up with students when they start to have multiple absences.

“He’ll say that he was worried about them and asks how he can help them,” Hoffman said. “He never forgets his kids.”

Even with multiple certifications and endorsements, Steffen was surprised to find out that he had been selected as the HCTAA Business Teacher of the Year.

“We have awesome business teachers (in the district),” Steffen said. “For me to be in the same conversation is pretty cool.”

But Steffen believes the award was one that he would not have earned without his dedicated students.

“I’m lucky to have great kids,” Steffen said. “You have to give it to the kids. I don’t take the test, they take the test.”

When asked about his next teaching goal, he gestures to a blank wall in his classroom.

“Filling another wall,” Steffen said. “I think that’s the best thing I have going for these kids.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

CUTESTCRITTER

F

ox is 13 years old and diabetic. He has to have insulin injections each day to help regulate his sugar levels. He is such a sweet boy and pretty cute, if you ask his mama, Robyn Baker.

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest.

Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information. Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center.

Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter Contest. Good luck!

ACES / PAGE 1 thing else will change out of necessity. New tables, chairs, lighting and ceilings will spruce up the inside, and the back yard will be cleared out, screened in and made comfortable for up to 40 people. Some landscaping will be done in front to make the building visible from the road.

Jordan, who has operated the Smokin’ Aces restaurants for the past few years, said that the restaurant couldn’t have been possible without Keel and Curley Winery, as his expansion to the winery grounds helped his business thrive when it needed to.

Now, he hopes that opening up Plant City’s first locally-owned steakhouse will be the next local favorite for years to come and put Smokin’ Aces on the map.

“We want this place to stay family-owned, locally owned and operated by people in this community,” Jordan said. “We want to be highly involved in the community. … There’s a lot of tradition in this place, and we’ve got a lot to live up to.

It’s a big risk, but I’m willing to do it.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@planticityobserver. com.

OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

+ KW agents help at food bank

Every year, the second Thursday of May is “Red Day,” renew, energize, donate, at all Keller Williams Realty offices.

In Plant City, nine agents

converged on the United Food Bank to help process the over 40,000 pounds of food received during the recent annual Mail Carrier Food Drive.

Marking cans and boxes with expiration dates and sorting all kinds of groceries onto shelves, the agents processed two, huge pallets of food, working hard to give back to their community.

Agents received a tour of the

immediate playlist, Bach’s “Prelude in C.” “That’s pretty,” Clark says. “I like that.

“No one can ever stop me,” Davis says.

“No one will,” Clark says. “I’d have to break all ten fingers.”

“I have a t-shirt that says, ’88 keys, 10 fingers, no problem,’” he says.

We laugh together. Sitting on the edge of his bed, I can’t help but be charmed by his resilient sense of humor.

HUNGRY NOW? Although the currently operating Smokin’ Aces locations do not have the menu that the new restaurant will, hungry people can get a taste of the barbecue section by visiting one of two locations in the area: LAKELAND 5675 New Tampa Highway (863) 937-9787 PLANT CITY Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road (813) 704-1374 Open Fridays and Saturdays

bank, an update by Executive Director Christine Miller, and also donated one large wood desk, kitchen table and chairs set, plus a 6-foot bulletin board to the United Food Bank.

The local food bank always needs food and monetary donations to help “feed the needy not the greedy.” For more information, visit UFBPC.org.

Amber Jurgensen

Country music is Jonathan Davis’ favorite thing to play.

SAVANT / PAGE 1 in an abyss he knows nothing about with music the only thing anchoring the reality of his universe, of his existence?

I want to feel what he feels when he plays. I keep my eyes closed.

Davis’ are open. But it doesn’t make a difference for him.

He is blind. And autistic.

HIS FIRST GALA

Before there was music, there was food.

Davis was a picky eater.

“The hardest part with him was getting him to eat,” Clark says.

She settles herself into a hugging, leather recliner next to Davis’ piano. He keeps playing.

“Everything was fine until it was time to eat,” Clark says.

She has raised him since he was a baby, taking him from the strawberry fields of Florida to a rural farm in Clinch Mountain, Tennessee, and back again.

Until he was three, Davis would gag on his food and throw up on his tray. He didn’t like textures. To this day, he loathes pretzels, potato chips and anything with a hard crunch. Clark took him to a doctor.

“Dr. Pennington,” Davis says, still making music.

He remembers names. Lots of them. And numbers.

Turns out, nothing was wrong with Davis’ stomach. Davis just didn’t know how to chew. The revelation hit Clark when she visited the Tennessee School for the Blind and saw mothers carrying blenders onto campus with their children. They, too, would mush up the meals so that their children could eat.

“What is ‘chew’ or ‘bite?’”

Clark asks. “You wouldn’t know if you can’t see. Who would ever think he didn’t know how to chew?”

So she coached him by slicing up apples — galas are his favorite — and waiting for him to open his mouth. She would place a slice halfway in and let him chomp down to take it.

Good boy. Bite.

It was one of the first important life lessons Clark taught him. And she continues to push his limits throughout his life, despite his disabilities.

88 KEYS, 10 FINGERS, NO PROBLEM

“He’s always loved music,” Clark says. “Even the jingles on the commercials.”

She couldn’t ignore his passion for tunes. His first experience with structured lessons was the Angels Choir at Spires Chapel in Tennessee. The small, mountain church’s choir was mentored by the pastor’s fam-

ily, who had their own traveling singing group.

“The Redeemed Quartet,” Davis says. He might be playing the piano beside us, but he is still listening to his Gram and me, hanging on every word and adding in his own stories and commentary.

“The biggest problem for them was to get the kids to sing,” Clark says. “They never had trouble getting Jonathan to sing. If you look at pictures of him from that time, his head is back, and his mouth in an ‘O.’” The church gave him a keyboard — his first.

Clark gets out of the recliner and taps the bedroom door closed. Behind it is a keyboard, napping from its many years of musical mischief.

“It’s a Yamaha,” Davis says.

He didn’t know how to play it when it was first given to him.

But, he was intrigued from the start.

“After a year of just hitting it, I decided I needed to find someone to teach him,” Clark says.

She didn’t know of anyone in the isolated town tucked in the folds of Clinch Mountain, so she asked a member of the church where Davis might be able to learn. The parishioner sent her 22 miles away, down snaking Flat Gap Road to TN-1, which turned right into Main Street, Rogersville.

For his first lesson, Davis’ teacher took his hand and placed it on the piano’s nameplate. Then, she guided it down, to the keys.

“This is middle C,” Clark says, back in her recliner, mimicking the teacher. “Do you know what comes after C?” Davis knew: D. They repeated it with E, F, G. Davis wanted to go on further. But that day, he also learned the chords stop at G. He laughs at the memory, the kind of laugh that fills a floundering cocktail party and brings it back to life. His hands explode onto the keys of his piano. He’s playing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” the first song he ever memorized.

“He has a rare gift that some autistic people have,” Clark says. “It didn’t take but a few lessons, and he realized he could put the keys together to make music. She taught you everything.”

“Yes, things like this.”

He switches from the elementary “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to the forever classic “Für Elise.” He plays for a moment.

“And so on.”

He switches again, to Albert Ellmenreich’s “Spinning Song.” It’s one he hasn’t played since he was young, and yet, he doesn’t skip a beat.

One last song is cued in his

A LIFE WORTH LIVING

Davis knows all the classics.

But he plays beyond that genre.

He is invited to churches, clubs, fundraisers and galas to play concerts. One of the most memorable was a MacDonald Training Center anniversary party at the Straz Center in Tampa.

“It was fantastic,” he says. “I can’t even tell you.”

He picks his set lists carefully.

Psalms for some, classical for others. His favorite is country.

Clark keeps a calendar for him. His appearances are far too many to keep track of in their heads, even though Davis has a remarkable memory.

His next performance is called Music of the Night, an Arts Council of Plant City event. Ticket sales from the June 7 concert will raise money for the Council’s scholarship fund. Scholarships go to aspiring arts students in the Plant City-area.

He will be playing with Rossano Spallino, a pop star from Sicily, and local performing arts student, Emile Hanscom.

I recall what event coordinator Cheryl Worsham told me in an earlier phone conversation about the talented, young pianist: “He’s wonderful, he’s a savant. Working with him, I don’t notice any disabilities at all.

Outwardly, they are not apparent. He has overcome incredible obstacles and has a wonderful attitude to accomplish so much in his very short life.”

Now, I see for myself exactly what she was talking about. In his room, he strokes the keys, his children. Then, he shoots off his chair.

“Being blind is normal for me,” Davis says. “You can be blind and still be happy.”

I smile. The church bells across the street ring in triumph.

He goes back to playing. He has a three-hour rehearsal tomorrow for the event, although I’m told he can play for much longer. Clark sneaks me out the door. The same is true for today.

I could be there for two more hours if we let him have his way.

She walks me to the front porch.

Elvis’ “Evening Prayer” is wafting from his bedroom. I smell spring roses and promise.

“Being different is what makes him special,” Clark says to me. “Through his whole life, I try to tell him that … no one needs to pity him … for him, it’s just life.”

The music dwindles to a soft close. The chair creaks. A switch. His radio is on. He’s finishing “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

This is his life.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

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

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

SCHOOL’S OUT by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Principal Colleen Richardson will retire at the end of this school year, after 31 years at Plant City High School.

A LASTING

LEGACY

Colleen Richardson started at Plant City High School as a teacher in 1984. Now, she is wrapping up her final year as principal before retiring.

Colleen Richardson recieved a gift from students. They presented her with it after she announced her retirement.

When Colleen Richardson walked into her office Thursday, May 21, she was greeted by a room full of balloons, crepe paper and a basket of candy.

The Plant City High School principal, who started at the school as a teacher 31 years ago, is retiring at the end of the 2014-2015 school year. The office decorations are just a small token from students who will miss her legacy.

Earlier in the week, Richardson also walked down a red carpet that had been rolled out by students in one of the school’s main hallways. When she reached the end of the carpet, she was presented with a framed collage of each of the classes, complete with notes from students.

Now a loved and well-respected educator, Richardson began her career at PCHS in 1984 as a biology and anatomy teacher, a position she held for 17 years before becoming principal eight years ago.

Although Richardson’s work anniversary was Nov. 1, she wanted to see the graduating class through the end of the school year.

“May is the month of cele-

Although she’s retiring, Richardson wouldn’t completely eliminate the possibility of returning to her career.

“I would go back as a teacher, back in the classroom,” Richardson said. “I think a lot of people still see me as a science teacher.”

Some of her current students do. She is often stopped in the hall by students who say that she taught biology to their mothers and fathers.

Though dozens of classes have graduated since Richardson has been at Plant City High School, her goal for the students is one that has been the same from the start: getting them across the graduation stage.

“Parents are counting on us to make sure they earn that diploma,” she said. “I love graduations and the celebrations we do with the students, celebrating the success of the school as a whole.”

Plant City High School’s graduation will be June 3. Richardson will be there, cheering her students on.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

and 2005, respectively.

Richardson has seen the school go through positive changes, as well. It was during her time as principal that the school received an ‘A’ rating for three consecutive years, from 2012 to 2014.

“It was a challenge for us to bring the school to an ‘A’ school,” Richardson said. “It was a number of years before we became an ‘A’, and we kept it for three years. I’m proud of the students — it’s really their achievement.”

Plant City High School received a ‘B’ ranking this year.

The state of Florida changed the grading scale for schools.

If the old scale was used, PCHS would have received an ‘A’ rating for the fourth year in a row.

As she starts her retirement, Richardson is looking forward to spending time traveling with her husband, who is a merchant marine. One of her first stops will be in Italy, hopefully in the spring of next year.

In addition to traveling, Richardson is also planning on spending time with her grandsons, ages 3 and 6, while pursuing her interests in cooking and photography.

“

I’ll miss the people. I love Plant City.

The city is great, the community is incredible. It doesn’t matter what we need, they’re always there for us.

“

bration,” Richardson said. “It’s a great month to retire after. It’s very fulfilling.”

Richardson noted that the optimum time for transition is during the summer. Though she is looking forward to spending time with her family and traveling when her retirement begins, the feeling is still bittersweet.

“I’ll miss the people,” Richardson said. “I love Plant City.

The city is great, the community is incredible. It doesn’t matter what we need, they’re always there for us.”

Richardson will miss the friendships that have developed the most, as well as witnessing the students’ growth from when they enter ninth grade to their graduation at the end of their senior year.

“They turn out to be wonderful young men and women,” Richardson said. “You build a bond with them after four years.”

Although she’s from Pennsylvania, Richardson has connections to the high school that go beyond her career.

Her husband graduated from Plant City High in 1975, and her daughters followed in 2002

Photos by Emily Topper

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

WET AND WILD by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Above: Students clowned around on the volleyball court.

Left: Sweet treats were available for the seniors.

Shedrick Davis and his friends celebrated their upcoming graduation.

PCHS seniors get wild on water day The Plant City High School Raiders have been working hard this year as they move toward graduation. On Friday, May 22, students finally took a well-deserved break and

The students didn’t just play in the water. Football and games were also popular.

Tyrus Williams and Kellen Morris had fun at PCHS senior water day.

After being inside all year, students finally got the chance to run around at senior water day.

Plant City Times & Observer

TO ADVERTISE

Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

SEND US YOUR NEWS

The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG

cooled off at PCHS’s annual water day.

Students enjoyed inflatables, volleyball and a massive slip n’ slide, along with burgers and sno-cones.

Call Veronica Prostko, (813) 716-0007.

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 Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays.

It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City.

The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

Left: It was a hot, sunny day.

Plant City Times &

Observer

General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

WATER WORLD

by Jose Lozoya | Contributing Writer

The future is so bright for these seniors, they have to wear shades.

Jonathan Wasierski and Spencer Tatum

SCHS slips, slides into graduation

Strawberry Crest High School celebrated the end of the year with a water day for its students. From giant slides

to dancing in the sprinklers, the senior students got to say goodbye to one another before graduation June 3.

The slides reached high into the sky.

Nathan Carroll

Above: Jordan Johnson, Georgia Foster, Stevie Millerleile and Megan Osteen Left: Kelsey Howard

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Durant hosts breakfast for graduating seniors Durant High School seniors enjoyed their senior breakfast Friday, May 22, before heading off to graduation rehearsal.

Breakfast consisted of donuts, bagels and students’ choice of drink. The senior video was shown after breakfast, and gold envelopes were handed out.

Friends said goodbye before the year ended.

Right: Student leadership teams helped faculty and staff put the event together.

Michelle Scolaro and Michael Witchoskey The breakfast was in the school’s cafeteria.

Teachers and administrators also attended.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

COMMUNITYCALENDAR

FRIDAY, MAY 29

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Hoyt Hughes “Stomp On” Release Party — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse, 106 State Road 60 E. Support a local musician with the CD release party. (813) 737-4444.

HoytHughes.com.

Open House — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday, May 29, at Edward Jones, 2501 Thonotosassa Road. Come find out about saving for your child’s college.

Refreshments will be served.

(813) 759-1491.

Skip Frye Blues Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 29, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Unity in the Community Golf Classic — takes place beginning at 8 a.m. Friday, May 29,

at 4113 Great Golfer’s Place, Valrico. Registration can be done at 7 a.m. Call Henry Falcon at (813) 754-9338.

Tickets usually sell out.

SATURDAY, MAY 30 Anytime Fitness Free Workout — takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 30, at Martin L. King Recreation Center, 1601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. It is part of a nationwide initiative among 1,000 Anytime Fitness locations to help members of their communities get more active — even those who do not feel like they are in the best shape. The free session is a circuit workout that includes walking lunges, burpees, pushups, planks and step aerobics. There are variations of each exercise, to accommodate participants of all ability levels.

Los Dos Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 30, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 7521220.

MONDAY, JUNE 1

Celebrate Recovery — takes place beginning at 7 p.m.

Monday, June 1, at Parkway Baptist Church, 4305 James L. Redman Parkway. A free recovery program for those struggling with addictions, depression, co-depency, anger and grief. Contact Lauren at (813) 763-4355 for more information.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

Farmers Market — takes place from 4 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 3, at McCall Park, 100 N. Collins St. PCLocalHarvestFarmersmarket. com.

Strawberry Crest High School Graduation — takes place beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 3, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 4800 US 301, Tampa.

THURSDAY, JUNE 4

The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 2, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

Network Professionals Inc. — meeting takes place beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday, June 4, at IHOP, 805 S. Collins Street.

For more information call Guy Howerton at (813) 3102860.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Michael LuBeck Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 3, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Plant City High School Graduation — takes place beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday, June 3, at the Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 4800 US 301, Tampa.

Plant City Local Harvest

FRIDAY, JUNE 5

SATURDAY, JUNE 6 Crawfish Boil — takes place

To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday. beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

VBS Fun Day Kick Off — takes place from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at First Thonotosassa Baptist Church, 10650 McIntosh Road, Thonotosassa. There will be water activities, games, food.

Free. Young and old are welcome. (813) 986-4756.

BEST BET Bowling Tournament — takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 4, at Family Bowl, 2250 US Highway 92 E. The tournament is hosted by the Plant City Greater Chamber of Commerce. There will be prizes and awards, including the best dressed team, worst score, best score, and raffles. Proceeds benefit the chamber’s scholarship fund.

Preregister by calling the chamber for more information, (813) 754-3707.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

OBSERVER OBITUARIES Linda Kay Alexander

Linda Kay Alexander, 52, of Plant City, died May 19, 2015 at home.

Ms. Alexander was a native of Blue Island, Illinois, and the daughter of the late Howard Jr. and Lola LaVielle Alexander. She was a member of Plant City Church of God, loved to sing and boat at the lake.

She is survived by her mother, and siblings, Howard and John Alexander, Deborah Smith and Dianne Partin.

She was preceded in death by brother, Mark Alexander.

A memorial service was held Friday, May 22 at 11 a.m. at Plant City Church of God, with the family receiving friends at 10 a.m.

If desired, donations may be made to the McDonald Training Center, 2902 Cork Road, Plant City, 33565. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Louie J. Davis

Louie J. Davis, 83, died May 12, 2015 in Graceville.

Mr. Davis was a disabled Army veteran who served during the Korean War. Visitation was May 18 at Wells Memorial, followed by a graveside service May 19, at Fellowship Cemetery in Wimauma. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Raymond Wilson Fox

Raymond Wilson Fox, 79, died May 16, 2015.

Mr. Fox was a veteran of the Air National Guard. He retired as a truck driver. His favorite pastime was singing karaoke. He was a member of Countryside Baptist Church of Dover, and The Moose Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Gale Clippard Fox; son, Raymond Odell Fox; daughter, Ronda Fox-Farrington; and grandchildren, Shaun Evan Haynes and George Matthew Fox. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mae Ruth Barnette; father, Woodrow Wilson Fox; sister, Virginia Edith McAbee; and stepfather, James Saye Barnette.

A funeral service as held Thursday, May 21 at Hillsboro Memorial Funeral Home and Cemetery.

Ron Goodson

Ron Goodson, age 66, of Dover, died May 19, 2015 in Tampa.

Mr. Goodson was a lifelong member of First Baptist

Church Dover, a great strawberry farmer, a loving husband, father, father-in-law, Papa and friend to many.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debbie Goodson; daughter, Lamonica Goodson; son, Russell Goodson (Jamie); one granddaughter, Carly “Papa’s Girl;” four sisters and four brothers.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and one nephew.

A funeral service was held May 22 at First Baptist Church Dover. The family received friends at the church, and a burial followed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his honor to First Baptist Church Dover. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

George Lockwood

George Vernon Lockwood, Jr., of Plant City, died May 22, 2015.

Mr. Lockwood was a retired non-commissioned officer with the United States Army, having served honorably in the Vietnam War. He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Lockwood (Tom), Heather Lockwood (Ron), Sheri Spencer (David), and Susie Gainous; grandchildren, Skylar Lockwood, Renea Saylor, Lea Jones, Zeke Gainous, Woodrow Gainous and Blake Spencer; great-grandchildren, David Jones, Piper Jones, Bentley Farmer, Hadley Morgan, and Nate Spencer; and siblings Gary Lockwood, Shirley Valazza and Sandy Lockwood. Mr. Lockwood was preceded in death by his parents, George V. and Mildred Lockwood, Sr. The family received friends May 27 from 10 to 11:00 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors followed at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Everett Talmadge Sapp

Everett Talmadge Sapp, 86, of Plant City, died May 22, 2015.

Mr. Everett worked at Publix, Ernie Haire Ford, USF, Reynolds Metals and alongside his wife, Margie, at their family business, Margie’s Plants and Things.

He was a former member of East Sligh Avenue Baptist Church in Tampa, where he taught Sunday School for 35 years before moving to Plant City.

As a Plant City resident, he was a member of Harmony Baptist Church where he taught Adult Sunday School for 14 years.

Loving family who survive is his beautiful wife of 67 years, Marjorie “Margie” Sapp; son, Ronnie Sapp (Kim); daughters, Karen Collinsworth (Don) and Gina Collins (Luke); eight grandchildren, Valorie, Eric, Travis, Michael, Paul, Cody, Lauren, Amanda; and fifteen great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Talmadge Sapp and Lillie Mae (Hart) Sapp; brother, Jimmy Clair Sapp; and sister, Minnie Juanita Morgan.

A visitation was held May 27 at Harmony Baptist Church in Plant City, followed by a funeral service and burial at Sunset Memory Gardens.

The pallbearers were Everett’s six grandsons, Travis Collinsworth, Paul Brumbles, Michael Collins, Scott Richardson, Darrin Porter, Eric Ayala, and brother-inlaw Jack Jones.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Harmony Baptist Church Building Fund. Burial took place at Sunset Memory Gardens in Thonotosassa, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his memory to the Harmony Baptist Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Frederick H. Yarbrough

Frederick H. Yarbrough, 66, of Plant City, died May 20, 2015.

Mr. Yarbrough was a retired United States Army veteran and loved to fish. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Lydia Yarbrough; sons, Jamie Yarbrough (Megan), Gary Yarbrough (Stephanie), Ryan Yarbrough (Danielle); daughters, Sherri Lott (Tony), Nicole Furst (Stevan); sisters, Sandra, Diane and Dottie; and twelve grandchildren, Brayden, Ashley, Mackenzie, Baeleigh, Landen, Payton, George, Karis, Ethan, Marlee, Brittany and Dawn.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Nell Hubbard.

Private services and military honors at Florida National Cemetery are currently pending.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

OUT AND ABOUT by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

The Plant City High School Concert Choir performed under the direction of Nathan Drawdy.

Club honors students at social

The GFWCWoman’s Club of Plant City held its Spring Social Tuesday, May 19.

Scholarship recipients from each of the three area high schools were recognized, and the Plant City High School Concert Choir performed under the direction of Nathan Drawdy.

The scholarship recipients were Megan Zimmer (Plant City High School), Kevin O’Hare (Durant High School) and Lucero Ruballos (Strawberry Crest High School). Susan Cole was also awarded a scholarship for Women Returning to Work, and Samantha Sun was the HOBY recipient.

President Nancy Miller, Wendy Edwards and Judy Glorioso

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

AMERICA by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

There was a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers who fought for freedom.

The Ultimate Sacrifice Plant City American Legion Post 26 celebrated Memorial Day May 25 with a moving ceremony at its building off Baker Street. Members spoke to honor those who were fallen soldiers or MIA. A table with a single rose and a flaming candle symbolized their sacrifice. School JROTCs presented the colors. State Rep. Dan Raulerson also spoke.

American Legion stives to support veterans and do community service.

Alvin Orrico saluted the flag.

Attendants said the Pledge of Allegiance before the ceremony.

American Legion Post 26 members attended in full force.

JROTC instructors watched over the ceremony.

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

SPRINGHEAD CIVIC CLUB HOSTS MEMORIAL DAY CELEBRATION

THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Missouri 2) West Point 3) GI’s General 4) VA 5) Korean War. Omar Bradley

James Money, a 94-yearold Army veteran of World War II, was the guest speaker during a Memorial Day event sponsored by the Springhead Civic Club, May 25.

Money spent 19 months and a day in the service, crossing the English Channel and arriving in Le Havre, France in December, 1944.

“I was assigned to the 37th Tank Battalion of the 4th Armored Division, part of Gen. Patton’s Army,” Money said. “We felt fortunate to ride on tanks and half-tracks as we moved through Europe, on our way to Germany.”

Money was wounded several times, earning three action stars as his unit fought their way into Germany.

“As we crossed the German border I was struck in the chest by a 38 caliber slug,” he said. “I was wearing a thick winter jacket and had placed my leather wallet inside my shirt pocket. The bullet struck the wallet giving me a heavy bruise but it only managed to barely break the skin,” he said. “Otherwise I would have been among the thousands of boys who were killed over there. It is their sacrifice that we

must be thankful for as we live our lives today.”

Money, who lives in Plant City, said that he was drafted into the Army along with six or seven other young men from Eastern Hillsborough County. Several died in the war while the others have lived out their lives.

Money said that at 94 he thinks he is the last one, or at least the oldest one, still standing.

“I thank God that I was able to withstand the training and action I faced during my time in the service.”

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Brylie Davidson flips her way to a first-place medal. 13 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

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

FOOTBALL

+ Cougars drop game to Newsome

The Durant-Newsome rivalry started another chapter Thursday, May 21, albeit in one half of a spring football jamboree.

The Cougars and Wolves played one half of a game at Bloomingdale High School, and Newsome left with a 14-0 win. On the Cougars’ end, quarterback Noah Johnson completed six of his nine passes for 35 yards, as Durant experimented with a short passing game to get a feel for its new pocket passer.

+ Mike Gottman camp to be held

Parents of children interested in football should clear their calendars next Saturday morning.

Durant High School’s annual Mike Gottman Youth Football Camp is set for Monday, June 8 to Thursday, June 11.

The skills camp, which caters to youths from fifth grade up until incoming high school freshmen, will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day at the Durant practice field, 4748 Cougar Path. The camp costs $125 per camper. Pre-registration will be 8 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at the school gymnasium, and on-site registration will be accepted Monday, June 8.

For more information, visit DurantCougarsFootball. com or Facebook.com/ DurantCougarsFootball.

training camp by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Teams take shape during spring football Having completed their spring games, all three Plant City-area teams now have a better idea of what they’ll need to work on in the offseason.

Some would say it isn’t really springtime until those football pads are popping and the sound of a coach’s whistling blends in with the birds’.

Since all three Plant City-area schools played in spring games Thursday, May 21, it must be springtime.

Those local athletes are about to hear a lot from their coaches over the next few months, with offseason practices now in full swing and lessons learned from each spring game performance.

The games showed that each team

has a lot of work to do, even if some of the on-field results weren’t negative.

DURANT

The Durant Cougars made no secret of their game plan in 2014: pounding the rock until there were six points added to the board. With dynamic athletes like Erick Davis and Crispian Atkins handling much of that load, it was doable. But both are gone, and it’s up to the coaching staff to adapt.

The key here isn’t finding

a replacement for Davis, or creating one out of another position player. Durant is, for the moment, putting its confidence behind Noah Johnson, who is essentially the opposite of Davis: a pro-style pocket passer. In the spring game against Newsome, head coach Mike Gottman opened up the passing game a bit, and Johnson went 6-for-9 with 35 passing yards in the team’s one half of action.

With a pocket passer now

SEE FOOTBALL / PAGE 6

Justin Kline

NOLONGER

APLEBE GOLF by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

MARTIAL ARTS

+ Welbon karate camp coming soon

The first wave of Chris Welbon Karate’s popular summer camp is beginning soon, and there’s still time to register your child.

The camp, which is broken up into two sessions, is for children 4 to 12, and includes basic training, selfdefense techniques, a bowling field trip, a giant water slide and squirt gun games.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chris Welbon camp without “Battlefield! Swords.”

The first camp will be held from Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12, and the following camp will be held from Monday, July 13 to Thursday, July 16. Every day begins at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. The cost is $200 per camper, but discounts are available for children with siblings and those who wish to sign up for both weeks.

To register, and for more information, call Chris Welbon Karate at (813) 752-9800 or visit PlantCityKarate.com. The school is located at 602 S. Collins St.

Phil Hoffman/U.S. Naval Academy Athletics

Kellyanne Hurst is happy to no longer be a “plebe,” or first-year USNA student.

Kellyanne Hurst, one of the most successful golfers in Plant City High history, just finished up her first year at the U.S Naval Academy. A year at the USNA is nothing like what most college athletes experience.

K

ellyanne Hurst has been celebrating the end of her first year in the United States Naval Academy, joined in Maryland by her family. Having survived both her “plebe summer” and “plebe year,” all while staying committed to the women’s golf team, the Plant City High alumna is ready to begin her major in oceanography and start the final leg of her time at the USNA. It’s easy to see why plebe year isn’t to be taken lightly,

especially when compared to the average freshman year of college.

“It was tough in the beginning, but it really went well,” Hurst says. “Just getting used to going from civilian life to a military lifestyle, it was a big adjustment. And time management — we take 18 credit hours, plus military and sport obligations. A lot to do in not a lot of time.”

A DAY IN THE LIFE

After a summer spent learn-

ing the Navy’s fundamentals, all USNA freshmen have a similar plebe year experience: general education classes, coupled with military and sport activities. The daily routine is pretty much the same throughout the entire year.

Hurst is up by 5:30 a.m., when every company goes through a morning workout.

By 7 a.m., the plebes are in uniform and ready for formation.

“Accountability purposes,” Hurst says.

After formation, the school

day begins.

All students must be enrolled in at least 15 credit hours — Hurst took 18 — and class scheduling is set up much like a high school’s block. Each school day consists of six periods, with a lunch break for everyone at noon, following fourth period. As in college, certain classes are often held on alternating days.

Athletes like Hurst get a sixth-period blocker, meaning

SEE HURST / PAGE 12

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Thursday night notes the Chargers and the I couldn’t be happier Plant City Raiders in to be writing about action. The stands were high school football packed on both sides right now, even if it’s of the field. Last year only about a spring wasn’t the best in Chargame. There really gers history, so to see is nothing quite like that many people there watching the game — not only there, but in Florida, even if the JUSTIN totally hyped up — was game in question feaKLINE great for the athletes. tures zero juggernauts.

As is custom for Friday (in I drove out to Strawberry this case, Thursday) Night Crest last Thursday to catch

Notes, here’s what caught my eye during the game: Plant City fans probably want to know if quarterback Corey King has developed in the offseason, now that it looks like he won’t be sharing half of the offensive snaps with anyone else. From what I saw, the soon-to-be junior really is starting to look like a different signal-caller (and, no, not just because he

switched from number 14 to number 2). King looked confident, even when everyone was visibly shaking off the spring rust and things weren’t going exactly as they were drawn up. He also showed off his speed with a few nice runs, including one in the red zone that went for a late touchdown.

Some of the problems that plagued the Raiders last

season were still present. You may recall last year’s team drew a lot of penalties, mostly for making mental errors. It often had to rely on a huge game from Markese Hargrove to find the path to escaping with a win. With that in mind, there are two things to know about this coming season: those mental-error

SEE KLINE / PAGE 13

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP FOOTBALL / PAGE 11 in the mix, it’s imperative that Durant gets more comfortable throwing the ball than it was last season. And with big targets in Garrett Rentz and Joe Williamson now out of the picture, Johnson and the team will have their work cut out for them this offseason.

PLANT CITY

As the only team to win its spring game, Plant City probably has the fewest question marks of the three programs.

It was the only school with a coaching change, but having hired from within, there hasn’t been any adjustment period for the players.

On offense, every skill player who played a key role in 2014 (with the exception of graduating senior Austin Carswell) will be back. The coaching staff is pleased with the way quarterback Corey King has developed in the offseason, and it looks like he’ll have full control of the QB1 spot. The team is losing some key defensive players to graduation, but the Raiders have had a great track record of developing talent on that side of the ball for at least a few years now.

GO TO THE GUIDE The Plant City Times & Observer will have end-ofsummer reports from each program in the annual Football Guide. Included in the guide: All-Area teams, potential sleepers to watch and everything else fans need to know to be ready for anything in the 2015 season.

File photo

Plant City’s top two offseason goals, according to head coach Greg Meyer, are becoming more fundamentally sound and developing mental toughness. No team in the area fell victim to more penalties in 2014 than the Raiders, and Plant City’s tendency to make mistakes certainly cost the squad a win or two. Should the Raiders figure out how to get their heads in the right place, things look promising for 2015.

STRAWBERRY CREST

Coming off of a 1-9 season, Strawberry Crest players and coaches knew that the offseason was going to be a grind.

It’s certainly a bigger grind than most teams will have to deal with, as the team lost quarterback Tristan Hyde, top wideout Clay Cullins, defensive captain Josh Engram and sleeper surprise running back Arjay Smith to graduation, among others.

The good news is that inexperience, arguably the Chargers’ biggest problem in

2014, shouldn’t be as much of a factor anymore. The freshmen and sophomores, who made up the biggest chunk of the roster, saw a full season’s worth of game action and appear to have learned from it.

Ball movement against Plant City’s stout defense wasn’t too much of a problem May 21, and incoming sophomore quarterback Tate Whatley appears to be progressing along as the coaches have hoped.

Much like Plant City, the Chargers are fine-tuning their fundamentals this offseason above many other things. The most pressing issue for the team is at wide receiver. Crest has gotten great seasons from just one wideout at a time the past few years. With a young quarterback at the helm, the team needs to have several impact players at the position to make a difference. Whatley will have a few 6-footers to work with, including returning senior A.J. Quinn, Tyler Hood and Chase Lawson.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Some of her favorite courses were in South that they can go to practice Carolina: Country Club of before the day wraps up at Charleston, Osprey Point 3:20 p.m. Sports period is and Cougar Point. They held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., were as close to Florida and that’s when Hurst hits courses as could be. But, the Navy course. At 6:30 much of her work was done p.m., she must be present in Maryland, which meant for evening meal formaless water, more trees and tion, and dinner lasts until more slopes than in Flori7:15 p.m. da.

The 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Hurst finished the seablock is considered a study son averaging about an period, though many 85 through eight tournaplebes will often be up later ments, shooting a few than that. rounds of 77 in March and The schedule is as tough April and finishing as high as it sounds. as 15th overall in the Patri“It was hard to adjust,” ot League Championship.

Courtesy photo Hurst says. “I didn’t have The team itself did fairly Kellyanne Hurst has seen many as much practice time as well, especially for such a new courses with the Academy. at home. We (the golf team) young group: It entered the had a few meetings with a Patriot League tournament Navy sports psychologist, and but golfers rarely need to wor- as a 5-seed, but fought its way that was really helpful.” ry about how the landscape, to a third-place finish.

This was the case for most of rather than the surface, will Finishing up at the Naval the team, as six of the nine golf- affect their shots.

Academy will not be easy, and ers in the USNA women’s proIn Maryland, those things neither will be Hurst’s quest to gram were plebes this year. The called “hills” have Florida golf- excel on these courses the way psychologist’s advice seems to ers like Hurst thinking more she did in Florida. But, with have worked for Hurst, as she strategically than before. some of her most trying times was able to handle her sched“Back home, you don’t have now in the rearview mirror, ule on top of adjusting much to account for difference in she’s already ready to take the of her golf game, and come out yardage, but it’s a really big next steps and leave plebe life of it with her sanity intact. deal here,” Hurst says. behind.

There’s also the weather, “They say they break it ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT but that workaround is a little down into three parts: plebe Compared to many other easier: Hurst says that she and summer, plebe year and the courses in the country, Flor- her teammates simply had to rest of the way,” Hurst says. “In ida’s are easy. Sure, there are figure out how to swing while a way, it’s like we finished twoalligators every now and then, wearing three jackets. thirds of the academy.”

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

HURST / PAGE 11

A NEW APPROACH

While at Plant City High, Kellyanne Hurst earned a reputation as one of the county’s most unflappable, consistent golfers. But moving to another part of the country meant having to adjust to new terrain. Adding that extra burden is enough to faze some golfers.

But the entire team avoided any mental breakdowns, since its members were required to meet with a sports psychologist early in the year. The meetings had a positive effect on Hurst’s approach to the game.

“Get yourself out of the way and focus on golf,” Hurst says. “I try to focus on the same pre-shot routine, so that I’m comfortable over the ball. We talked about breaking the round into three-hole segments: You set yourself a goal for three holes, and once they’re done, you just move on.”

Whether a three-hole stretch was good or bad, Hurst and her teammates are hitting the “reset” button and moving on after that ball sinks into the third hole.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

KLINE / PAGE 11 flags are still being thrown, as of Thursday, and teams are actually going to know who Hargrove is and why paying attention to him is a big necessity. Head coach Greg Meyer has said that working on fundamentals will be a priority this offseason, and it looks like the team still has some work to do on that front.

The last time Strawberry Crest QB Tate Whatley got to

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

line up full-time, he was busy leading the Plant City Dolphins to success. Now that Tristan Hyde has graduated, Whatley appears to be the guy to take Hyde’s place. And, you know what? That might not be something to worry too much about. Whatley looked poised in the pocket, especially for a sophomore who had to stare down some of the best linebackers in the area.

Another thing working in Crest’s favor — though Raider

fans may just chalk this up to it being a spring game — was that the offense was moving the ball better than I’d seen the unit move it in some time. The team still needs to find ways to put points on the board (and I’m still not 100% sure that the answers to last season’s wideout questions are now there), but it was good to see them move the chains. There are three months to go until the season starts, and I expect the Chargers will improve.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

BRYLIE DAVIDSON Local gymnast Brylie Davidson recently placed first in a regional gymnastics competition in Kissimmee, nearly making the cut to travel to a national tournament in Texas.

Davidson, 8, flipped and whipped her way to the top with a tumbling routine that wowed the judges and scored her the medal in Level 7 competition, and her double mini routine won her the Level 6 reserve championship.

Tell me a little about the competition.

I really like it. They work us really hard. Our coaches are very good, and I follow everything that they tell me to do.

Where do you train?

Elite World, in Lakeland.

Was this your first time competing in a big-time event?

No, I’ve competed in more competitions.

When you’re not doing gymnastics, what do you do for fun?

Gymnastics in the yard.

I also ride on my horses,

How long have you been doing gymnastics?

For about four years now.

What made you want to get into it?

What made me get into it was that they were teaching me lots of new things, and new tricks to do. The flips — I love the tumbling the best because I get to do these flips.

What made you want to try gymnastics for the first time?

My dad was wondering what sport I wanted to do, and I picked gymnastics because I already did ballet.

I practiced at home, kind of, and then I wanted to do it actually advanced.

What’s your favorite event to compete in?

My favorite event is tumbling. There’s tumbling, there’s double mini, and there’s also trampoline.

What’s double mini?

Double mini is a small trampoline that you jump on, and you do some flips on there, and then you jump off.

If you could play any other sports, what would it be?

Soccer.

Do you have a favorite gymnast, one that you look up to?

I look up to my coaches, and I also look up to my friends.

and I also watch TV. Do you do eventing stuff with your horse, or do you just like to ride?

I like to ride her, and I also balance on her like a balance beam.

Can you balance on her while she’s walking?

We had to do that to see if I could balance really good on the pony, to get to cantering.

Where do you go to school?

Cork Elementary.

What’s your favorite subject?

Math. I just like adding and subtracting, and doing regrouping.

What’s your favorite TV show?

“Jessie.”

If you could meet any famous person, who would you want to meet?

I would actually want to meet the Black Widow girl, on “The Avengers.”

Why Black Widow?

Because whenever Hulk flipped her over, if she was a regular person, and not, like, really strong, she would have died.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Flying. I would do flips and stuff, up in the air.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done in a gymnastics routine?

The whips. It’s when you do a back handspring, but with no hands.

How many can you do in a row?

Sometimes I only do a round-off back handspring whip, and then I do another whip.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 -!9

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. May 21

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

May 22

0.00

SAT.

HIGH 92 93 93 94 94 89 93

Friday, May 29 Saturday, May 30 Sunday, May 31 Monday, June 1 Tuesday, June 2 Wednesday, June 3 Thursday, June 4

May 23

0.00

SUN.

May 24

0.00

MON.

May 25

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

0.00

TUES.

SUNRISE 6:33 a.m.

6:33 a.m.

6:33 a.m.

6:32 a.m.

6:32 a.m.

6:32 a.m.

6:32 a.m.

Friday, May 29 Saturday, May 30 Sunday, May 31 Monday, June 1 Tuesday, June 2 Wednesday, June 3 Thursday, June 4

May 26

0.00

WED.

May 27

0.00

MAY

TO DATE

6.86 (2014: 1.55)

YEAR

TO DATE 13.14 (2014: 8.60)

SUNSET 8:18 p.m.

8:19 p.m.

8:19 p.m.

8:20 p.m.

8:20 p.m.

8:21 p.m.

8:21 p.m.

LOW 70 71 72 72 72 72 73

MOON PHASES

June 2

June 9

BELL PEPPERS SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

$12.35 to $14.85

June 16

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

June 24

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of an American general. Using the hints Z=E and L=S, decipher the clues to name the general.

1. V C L L K P T C 2. X Z L D J K C R D 3. H C ’ L H Z R Z T Q S 4. G Q 5. M K T Z Q R X Q T

This general planned Operation Cobra in WWII:

SUDOKU

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

1

3

8

6

9

3 4

1

6 8

6 1

5

8 7

7 8 1

2

5 4

7

6 9

The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe. TO enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.

CROSSWORD 100 PERCENT by Henry Quarters

CRYPTOQUIZ

8

, 3&

Garry Cohen took this picture of a magnificent display of pickerelweed in full bloom. It is an aquatic plant and a fine example of the diverse flora found in Plant City. Being adjacent to his property, it provides a great scene for meditation.

1

9

8

7

3

8

ACROSS 1 Famous diamond 5 France wine place 11 Mobile phone download 14 Type of start 19 It comes to mind 20 One living off the land?

21 Historical period 22 Central New York city 23 Dry cleaner’s method, typically 26 Variable stars 27 Welcomed as a brother?

28 Shirley MacLaine film title word 30 Title with a tilde 31 Make lace palindromically 33 Listless feeling 34 Up and around 37 Native of Israel 39 “___ of fire, break glass” 43 Bad joke’s sound?

44 Chain reaction requirement 49 Vitality 50 Asian food staple 51 Alphabetic character of old 52 Handle adversity 53 Old gambling game 54 Rub the wrong way 55 Was deprived of 59 Cap for Picasso 60 Spanish fortress 62 Provide an address?

63 Clear the blackboard 64 Hazardous inert gas 65 Expect 66 Emulate a trolley bell 68 Upright pillar 70 Leaflike flower part 71 Alarm clocks, e.g.

74 Gave false hope to 75 Having a senior moment?

77 Appetizer selection 78 Nerve cell process 79 Burnoose wearer 80 Give the heave-ho 81 Type of list 82 Fraternity “T” 83 Stain-free state 87 Boss of the fashion industry 88 Prevents, in legalspeak 90 Boot out of one’s own country 91 Type of nut 92 Concert site 95 Be moved to tears 96 Boiling byproduct 99 One putting on a show 103 Avian sounds 107 Eyelashes 108 Thing to do when retiring?

111 Spiral-horned antelope 112 Blood classification syst.

113 Moon of Jupiter 114 Land surrounded by water 115 Balladeer’s repertoire 116 Computer network acronym 117 Smoky vessel in a church 118 Boston cager, informally

©2015 Universal Uclick

DOWN 1 Place to play old records 2 Scandinavian war god 3 Persian fairy 4 Part of Manhattan 5 One of billions 6 Slow, to a musician 7 Not as dangerous 8 In the thick of 9 Garage occupant 10 “Uncanny” trio 11 One spelling of ages and ages 12 Excessively proper one 13 Ecclesiastical plate 14 Some charity races 15 The “A” in AEC 16 “___, from New York ...”

17 Diagnostic test 18 Right on the map 24 Wedding cake feature 25 Brightly colored tropical fish 29 Absinthe flavor 31 ___ chi (martial art) 32 Major network 34 “Take ___ down memory lane” 35 Bake in a shallow dish, as eggs

36 Beat 37 “Little of this, little of that” dish 38 Creator of the March sisters 40 Balanced, as numbers 41 Ratios in trigonometry 42 Act theatrically 44 Mission statement 45 Haul to the police station 46 “___ the wild blue yonder” 47 Small grimace or pout 48 Quick on the uptake 53 Joanna of “Growing Pains” 55 Become broader 56 Hawkeye 57 High school sport 58 Port-au-Prince is its capital 59 Humdinger 61 Hair studio 65 Fit for planting 66 Kind of examination 67 Awkward boors 68 Patio flooring option 69 Austin’s place 70 Cry like a lamb 71 Chills, fever and sweating 72 Mountain crest

73 Ribbon holder 75 Male sib 76 One minus one 79 Altar locations 81 Like most good crosswords 83 Jam and jelly 84 Parolee, e.g.

85 Lady’s man 86 Like a fox 89 Following crew commands 91 “Art of Fugue” composer 93 Concerning birth 94 Cruise destination, sometimes 96 Farm storage buildings 97 Drivel 98 Painter Degas 99 Boardwalk coolers 100 “Venus de ___” 101 Blueprint 102 It’s pumped in a gym 103 Capital city on the Aare river 104 Fail to win 105 Peaceful pause 106 Proofreader’s mark 109 Sleuth, for short 110 Color