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See who won the 2015 Father’s Day contest.

Enter our I Love PC photography contest for a chance to win.

SCHS fishing team going to national champisonship.

TAKING THE HELM by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

OUR TOWN

governance

by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Plant City reappoints Rick Lott mayor

+ Times & Observer adds new staff

+ Garden Club blooms into season

Plant City Garden Club installed new officers at a pot-luck dinner and revealed the winner of the annual Garden Clubber of the Year Award.

President Jan Griffin presented the award to Cindy Card. Card was presented the award based on a vote by the membership.

Joane Mason received the People’s Choice Award for the most tokens at the flower show by public vote.

New officers are: President Jan Griffin, First Vice President Anita Weaver, Second Vice President Mikie Snyder, Treasurer Cassandra Banning, Recording Secretary Christy Linke, and Corresponding Secretary Sally Murphy.

+ Enter Father’s Day contest

Busciglio Smiles is hosting a Father’s Day contest.

Nominate your dad for a chance to win a Big Green Egg. What is the best lesson your dad taught you? Enter with an answer at theorthodoc.com. Include a picture for a second chance to win. Contest ends June 15.

, 3&

This week’s winner is

Dale Kersch

See the photo on PAGE 15.

Rick Lott selected Bill Dodson as vice mayor for a second term.

Photo by Emily Topper

Susan Sullivan also was selected as the HCPTSA Middle School Principal of the Year.

Meet the new principal Susan Sullivan encouraged positive relationships as principal of Tomlin Middle School — one of the many reasons she was chosen as the new principal at Plant City High School.

There’s a new sibling rivalry in town. Susan Sullivan has been selected as Plant City High School’s new principal. Her sister, Pam Bowden, is principal of Durant High School.

The announcement was made at a June 9 Hillsborough County School Board meeting.

She will leave her position as Tomlin Middle School’s principal to take over at PCHS July 1.

“I’m excited to be in this new direction in my career,” Sullivan said. “I will look to the community for support and encouragement.”

The PCHS principal position was held formerly by Colleen Richardson, who retired at the end of the school year.

The career move is the ic-

ing on top of a school year of triumphs for Sullivan, who recently was named the Middle School Principal of the Year by the Hillsborough Council of PTA/PTSA. “I was quite surprised,” Sullivan said about the award. “I knew PTSA had nominated me, but there are a lot of great principals in Hillsborough County.

I’m very honored.”

Now Sullivan hopes to carry her achievements and standards for excellence to PCHS.

NOT-SO-NEW BEGINNINGS

For as long as she can remember, Susan Sullivan has wanted to be an educator. Her standards for success developed in the Winter Strawberry

Capital of the World. Sullivan grew up in Plant City and comes from a family of educators. Her mother was a teacher, and both of her sisters work at local schools.

Sullivan has been working in Hillsborough County since 1981 and has worked as a guidance counselor at Plant City High School.

The new job is more of a homecoming to Sullivan rather than a fresh venture.

“I’m looking forward to getting reunited with people,” Sullivan said.

She began working at Tomlin in 2001 as an assistant principal of curriculum and just

SULLIVAN / PAGE 4

“

I’m excited to be in this new direction in my career.

I will look to the community for support and encouragement.

“

The Plant City Times & Observer is pleased to announce that Nikki McAlpine has joined the sales team as a multimedia account executive.

McAlpine has previously worked for the Tampa Bay Times in the marketing department. Her event and promotions experience coupled with her former position as the membership director with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce makes her great addition to the Plant City Times & Observer.

McAlpine was born and raised in Plant City. She enjoys challenging herself in education, and she recently started a new certification program to learn how to train and instruct others on leadership and life coaching.

At the City Commission meeting Monday, June 8, commissioners reappointed Rick Lott to serve another term as mayor.

“I promise you that I will give you my best this next year,” Lott said over the phone.

Lott, who was out of the country for the meeting, was sworn in by phone by City Attorney Kenneth Buchman. Lott selected Bill Dodson as the vice mayor for the upcoming year.

Dodson served as vice mayor last term, as well.

Dodson, who led the meeting in Lott’s absence, is pleased to once again be serving the city.

“I’m happy Mayor Lott agreed to become mayor again,” he said. “He’s done a wonderful job, especially in economic development.”

Both Lott and Dodson were also selected as the chair and vice chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency.

City Commissioner Mary

COMMISSION / PAGE 4

APPOINTMENTS The commissioners currently hold appointments on the following boards. The appointments will be carried through the next year: Council of Governments Metropolitan Planning Organization Public Transportation Commission Ridge League of Cities Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Tourist Development Council

DOWNTOWN UPDATE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

New shop comes to historic downtown Plant City As one consignment shop closes in Plant City, another opens its doors.

There are some changes happening with stores in Historic Downtown.

One popular furnishing and decor store, Oh My! Consignment, will be closing its doors.

The announcement comes shortly after The Herban Cowboy also closed. But a new consignment store, New Leaf Upscale Boutique, took The Herban Cowboy’s storefront.

NEW LEAF UPSCALE BOUTIQUE

The Herban Cowboy, a store that sold clothing, jewelry and essential oils, closed May 23.

IF YOU VISIT

WHERE: 114 W. Reynolds St., Plant City WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday PHONE: Paula Fogelman, (813) 812-5323 EMAIL: newleafboutiquellc@gmail.com After it closed, the neon signs of New Leaf Upscale Boutique hit the windows.

New Leaf owner Paula Fogelman opened her store on

May 30, but she already has two consigners.

“My husband and I have time shares in Daytona Beach,” Fogelman said. “He’s been trying for three years to get me to move here.”

The former Bellevue, Kentucky, resident relocated to Valrico but knew Plant City was the perfect place to open her business.

Fogelman saw similarities between the shops in Bellevue to the ones in Plant City’s historic district. She was encouraged by the number of consignment shops already in the downtown area.

“I saw it as a good thing,”

SEE STORES / PAGE 4 Paula Fogelman opened New Leaf Boutique May 30.

INDEX Calendar.......................2

Emily Topper

Vol.2,No.37 | Onesection Crossword...................15

Obituaries...................11

Sports.........................12

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

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COMMUNITYCALENDAR

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

AARP Safe Driving Class — takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Participants are asked to bring a bagged lunch. The class cost is $15 for AARP members, $20 for non-members, payable by cash or check the day of the class. Participants are asked to pre-register by calling (813) 757-9215.

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 12, 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, June 12, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Michael LuBeck Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Friday, June 12, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Bollywood Moves: A Fun, Indian Dance Fitness Class — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 13, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302

McLendon St. (813) 757-9215.

Building a Success Story: Resume Workshop — takes place beginning at 11 a.m.

Saturday, June 13, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 7579215.

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

Saturday, June 13, 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, June 13, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

MONDAY, JUNE 15 Camp Invention — takes place from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, June 15, to Friday, June 19, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 1206 N. Park Road. The STEM-centric summer camp challenges students to use their brainpower to create, innovate and work together, and is headed

by Walden Lake Elementary teacher Paul Coletti; (813) 951-6266 or pacman1988@ hotmail.com.

Camp Kilimanjaro VBS — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Monday, June 15, at

Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 State Road 39. The safari theme VBS will offer crafts, snacks and more. (813) 737-3053.

Celebrate Recovery — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, June 15, 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.

Gentle Yoga — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. every Monday and Tuesday in June at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. (813) 757-9215.

Summer Basketball Clinic — takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, June 15, to Thursday, June 18, at Plant City High School, 1 Raider Place. Young ballers, age 6 to 14, are welcome at the Plant City High gymnasium if they want to fine-tune their skills and get some more buckets. The school’s boys and girls head coaches, William Teeden and Wilt Wilkerson, are hosting the clinic. $115 per camper; William Teeden, (813) 967-7551; Wilt Wilkerson, (813) 944-8727.

BEST BET Wine and Canvas — takes place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60 E. Paint a beach sign and enjoy some of Simone’s sangria. Register for the painting class at WineAndCanvas.com/ wine-and-canvas-calendar-tampa-fl.html.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16 The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16, 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.

Superhero Trivia — takes place from 3 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday, June 16, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. How well do you know your heroes? Show off your super knowledge and determine if you are worthy of superhero, or sidekick sta-

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. tus. Bonus points for those in costume or wearing superherothemed clothing. For grades 6 to 12. (813) 757-9215.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 17, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18 ABCs & 123s of Yoga — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 18, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Kids benefit from yoga, too. Lucky Cat Yoga introduces yoga to toddlers using basic yoga postures. Bring a towel or yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing. For ages 2 to 5.

(813) 757-9215.

Cornhole — takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. $5 entry fee. First place wins a cash pot.

Second plans wins two $10 Smokin’ Aces gift cards.

(813) 752-9100.

Movie Time: Animated Arcade Hero — takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302

McLendon St. (813) 757-9215.

Network Professionals Inc. — meeting takes place beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, June 18, at IHOP, 805 S. Collins Street. For more information call Guy Howerton at (813) 310-2860.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, 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, June 19, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Skip Frye Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Michael LuBeck Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 20, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 7529100.

Strawberry Classic Car Show — takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday, June 20, in Historic Downtown Plant City.

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education by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Independence Academy to revisit teacher contracts After three popular teachers at Independence Academy did not have their contracts renewed, parents and students put together a petition for the board to get them reinstated.

On the last day of school, teachers’ contracts at Independence Academy, formerly Shiloh Charter School, were up for renewal. For three of the middle-school teachers whose contracts were not renewed, the news came as a shock.

They weren’t the only ones surprised.

Parents, and present and former, students banded together to form a petition to get Donelle Casselman, Melanie Weitz and John Bull reinstated as teachers at the school.

“I was very shocked and heartbroken for our own children, families and students,” Casselman said. “I know in my heart we did absolutely nothing wrong.”

At the monthly board meeting Tuesday, June 9, petition-

ers spoke on behalf of the teachers. Because of their voices, the board decided to host a workshop at 4 p.m. July 13 at the school cafeteria.

“It’s going to give us a couple of weeks to find out some more information,” board member Charles Harris said.

“There were a couple questions that were good that were brought up.”

Many of the parents and students who stood to speak wanted to know why the teachers’ contracts were not renewed for another year, especially because the teachers were some of the most involved at the school.

As co-teachers, Casselman and Weitz were teacher mentors, helping others with grade books and rolling over

vacation hours, and organized National Junior Honor Society, eighth-grade graduation, yearbook and community service fundraising efforts for veterans, all while having a history of high test scores.

They, along with Bull, also took the seventh- and eighthgraders on end-of-the-year field trips. This year, they went to DaySpring in Ellenton.

“Before my kids hit sixth grade, they did not like school,” parent Taylor Baker said. “Miss Casselman and Miss Weitz turned that around for them.

“We, as a community, deserve to know why they were let go,” Baker said. “And there’s no way you can replace them.”

The board does not make decisions on contract renew-

als. Neither does Charter School Associates, the management company for Independence Academy.

“We provide advice at the HR level,” Mike Strader, president of CSA, said.

The decision is up to the administration. Principal Shane Clark let the teachers know of the status of their contracts in after-school meetings Friday, June 5.

“When I make the decisions for school, I always make decisions for the students,” Clark said. “It’s a personnel decision. I am not at liberty to discuss the details.”

Casselman said she was the one who brought up contract renewals to Clark after other teachers were signing theirs. “‘It’s just not working out’ — that’s what he told me over and over again,” Casselman said.

Four students praised the teachers for their work in the classroom at the meeting.

WHAT’S NEXT

The board will host a workshop at 4 p.m. July 13 at the Independence Academy cafeteria.

“Mrs. Weitz and Mrs. Casselman weren’t just my teachers; they were my role models,” one student said.

“Change is really hard,” parent Rebecca Finklea said. “As humans, we don’t like it. If we can just understand why this decision was made, that’s where a lot of our emotion is coming from.”

But not everyone disagreed with Clark’s decision.

“I can see why some people were let go,” Steve Cooper said. “Mr. Clark has turned the culture around at this school … I am happy with those decisions, and this is part of changing the culture of this school.”

Over the weekend, the petition had gathered 390 signa-

tures as of the board meeting.

The school reported that 62 of the signatures were from parents with children presently enrolled at the school: 36 elementary parents and 26 middle-school parents.

“It was important to listen and give everybody time to speak,” Harris said. “Everybody made really good points, had really great stories, and no matter what side everybody was on, they were respectful.

Everybody’s trying to do the right thing and take care of the students.”

Casselman and Weitz feel the same about the students and school.

“I want the school to be successful. I want the teachers to pour their heart and soul into it,” Weitz said.

“There’s nothing that I wouldn’t have done for my students,” Casselman said.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

NEWS BRIEFS

NATURE’S BEAUTY by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

+ Grant to be used for PCPD equipment

Money from the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program will go to buy the Plant City Police Department technological equipment for use in patrol cars.

The city received $11,627. PCPD has asked the grant be used to purchase 18 in-car printers for marked patrol units and 18 accessory bundles, such as a lighter plug, charger and USB cables, for use with the printers.

The printers would cost about $9,332. The accessories would cost about $2,295.

+ Bid selected for water main project

The McIntosh Preserve covers about 363 acres.

Emily Topper

McIntosh tract opens as park to public

Eight bids were received for the construction of a water main on Henderson Way. Central Concrete Products Inc. had the lowest bid at $196,900.

The proposed water main

The area of land off Paul S. Buchman Highway has walkways and hiking trails.

Plant City residents looking for a new place to exercise don’t need to sign up for a gym membership.

McIntosh Tract, an area of land off Paul S. Buchman Highway and East Knights Griffin Road, opened to the public as a passive park May 11. Those who visit the tract can take advantage of manmade walking trails, hiking trails, mountain-bike trails and quiet areas to enjoy the natural beauty of the preserve.

The tract was purchased in 1998 by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Hillsborough County Environmental Lands Acquisition and Protection Program for $1.1 million.

The proper use of the tract and its preservation are the goals of the Hillsborough River Greenways Task Force, an organization tasked with protecting the landscape of the upper Hillsborough River Basin.

In addition to protecting the

ABOUT THE WETLAND

The eastern 100 acres of McIntosh Tract was a grassy meadow used as pasture land before it was converted into a prairie wetland. The cost to convert it was $2.5 million and came mostly from grant money in a cooperative effort between local, county, state and federal agencies to acquire land for preservation.

The prairie wetland area is capable of removing up to 50% of the pollutants going into the Hillsborough River from northeast Hillsborough County. The Eastside Canal, which flows into river tributaries known as Itchepackesassa Creek and Blackwater Creek,

property, Plant City residents also can take advantage of a new, free public destination.

“It’s a pristine property,” City Manager Mike Herr said.

“Residents can enjoy a natural preserve.”

The property is about 363

will flow through the wetlands area before arriving at the Hillsborough River at Two Rivers Ranch. The Eastside Canal drains 6,300 acres of urban and rural land in and around Plant City, including about two million gallons of treated wastewater.

The prairie wetland also will provides suitable habitat for wood storks, sandhill cranes and just about any type of wading bird.

Future plans for the remaining 260 acres are to continue to build the passive park area and feature low-intensity uses, such as horseback riding, hiking and biking trails, and pavilions. acres. One hundred of the eastern acres were developed as a Southwest Florida Water Management District Regional Water Quality Project and preserved as a wetland.

The park portion of the tract has picnic tables underneath

shelters that were formerly cattle-working shelters. In the future, city leaders hope to create another trail through a northern area of the tract that will be at least two miles long.

Herr believes the property will attract both tourists and locals, especially those looking to take advantage of Plant City’s natural landscape. He hopes tourists staying in a nearby bed and breakfast can take advantage of the bike and walking trails at the preserve before spending the rest of the day wandering historic downtown.

“If (they’re) looking to get away from the stress of everyday living, they can go to the preserve,” Herr said. “It’s some of the best featured tract that Plant City has to offer.”

When more funds for the tract become available, further trails and natural additions will be made to McIntosh Tract.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

REMEMBRANCE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Memorial markers to be placed around city Plant City leaders hope that the markers will increase public safety while memorializing those lost in traffic accidents.

City leaders recently adopted a policy that will allow for a process of review for memorial markers around the city’s roads.

The action for a memorial marker was requested by Tanya Martinez, who lost her husband, Jayson, in a traffic accident on Alexander Street.

The purpose of the memorial markers is to remember those lost in traffic accidents on Plant City roads and encourage motorists to drive safely and acknowledge the right of way.

“It will allow for an expres-

sion of sympathy,” City Manager Mike Herr said. “And it will make sure the right of way is properly governed.”

The markers will be about 42 inches tall and 15 inches wide, according to a sketch done by the Florida Department of Transportation Highway Safety.

Those who wish to have a marker placed within the city can send requests to the city engineer’s office. Requests can be made by immediate family members exclusively, such as

sisters, brothers, parents and spouses.

The city engineer also will determine the exact spot for the marker; the markers cannot be placed in street medians or in spots that may interfere with the flow of traffic. Excessive decorations are not allowed on the markers, but families can choose to include the name of their lost loved one on the marker.

“I expect this to be a very friendly process,” Herr said. “It provides citizens with the op-

portunity to pay respects to their loved ones.”

Each memorial marker costs about $70, and the money will be taken out of the sign fund.

The cost includes the construction, installation and removal of each memorial marker. If approved by the city engineer, the memorial makers will remain in their designated places for two years before removal.

City leaders hope the placement of future markers will continue to increase public safety.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

will connect the water main at Henderson Way to another water main installed west of Coronet Pit Road.

Eliminating the dead end of the Henderson Way water main will improve flow capacity on Henderson Way and provide additional water distribution system reliability by looping the system.

The project includes installing about 3,500 linear feet of 10-inch diameter water main. In addition to the water main, the project includes providing fire hydrants, valves and fittings necessary to connect the water main into the distribution system.

PCPD OFFICERS AWARDED The Plant City Optimist Club held its annual Respect for Law dinner at the Plant City Police Department in May. At the dinner the 2015 Officers of the Year, James Burchett and Jeffrey Hilsman, were honored.

Both officers saved a mother and her children from a burning Plant City home last November. The mother’s boyfriend had stabbed her and set fire to the house.

Burchett began his career with the Plant City Police Department in January 2010. Burchett is assigned to the patrol division and is a member of the Field Training Officer program for the Department. Burchett first started in law enforcement in December 2003 with the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia.

He worked as a patrol deputy and was promoted to investigations in 2008, where he was assigned to work narcotics and violent crimes.

Hilsman began his career with the Plant City Police Department as a patrol officer in July

2012. He is assigned to the patrol and information services divisions. He joined the U.S. Air Force and served four years on active duty and currently serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He obtained his law-enforcement certification through Hillsborough Community College and is working toward degrees in criminal justice and electronicsystems technology.

Prior to starting with the Plant City Police Department, he served five years as a reserve deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

Also in attendance at the dinner, along with family and friends, were Marshall Middle School’s Gentleman’s Quest club and FFA members; Tomlin Middle School’s Gentleman’s Quest club; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center Supervisor Lillie Brown and her Empowering Quality Character mentoring group.

The dinner is not only to recognize outstanding service but also to inspire respect for the law among young people.

Courtesy

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COMMISSION / PAGE 1

Fogelman said. “The more shops in an area, the better.”

Fogelman worked to complete the store’s layout for three days straight prior to the grand opening. She currently has no employees for the boutique, but both her mother and mother-in-law are helping. Fogelman hopes, however, the store will grow to where she needs employees.

“I’m really big on shopping local businesses,” Fogelman said. “And for the money to stay in the town.”

Although she may have to wait on hiring employees, Fogelman is seeking more consigners. The store sells clothes, shoes and accessories, as well as designer labels. New Leaf Boutique currently has items from Calvin Klein, BCBG, Coach and Michael Kors, among others.

In the future, Fogelman hopes that her business will be successful enough to allow her to move to a bigger location in the downtown area.

Thomas Mathis was recognized at the meeting and administered an oath of office after a successful campaign against resident Hasani Jackson in April.

“To be in this position — it comes from the heart,” Mathis said. “I am proud to serve you, and I am here for you.”

Mathis thanked her family, friends and the commissioners for their support. Her family and fellow members of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church joined her as she took her oath of office, administered by Buchman.

The remaining commissioners chose to continue to serve on the appointments that they currently hold, including the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the Tourist Development Council. All appointments will be carried forward into the next year.

OH MY! CONSIGNMENT

After three years in Plant City, the owners of Oh My! Consignment on Collins Street are closing their doors.

Co-owners Susan Rafalco and Nancy Coggin have been best friends for 18 years and used to meet up in Plant City long before they opened their business.

Coggin’s husband received a job transfer, which will relocate Coggin and her family to Tennessee. Although there is no exact moving date set, the lease for the building was up at the end of the month.

“We’ll close at the end of the month,” Rafalco said. “Possibly earlier if the store gets sold out.”

Previously, Rafalco was selfemployed as a furniture representative before she retired,

SULLIVAN / PAGE 1 completed her seventh year as principal. Although Tomlin has seen changes in both demographics and standardized testing over the years, Sullivan’s focus has and will continue to be on the students.

“The best part of my job is getting to interact with the kids and getting to know their stories,” Sullivan said. “We have great kids here. It’s not always fun, but it’s rewarding.”

She is looking forward to seeing new and former students at PCHS in the fall.

“It’s great to see the students, especially the seniors, get into colleges,” she said. “And to see them be successful.”

While at Tomlin, Sullivan put emphasis on community service. Last November, Tomlin students collected more than 13,000 pounds of canned food for the United Food Bank and raised more than $17,500 for Relay for Life. Tomlin also hosts to a variety of programs that promote accountability and healthy relationships.

Sullivan wants to continue this history of service at PCHS to make Plant City a better place overall.

Emily Topper

Nancy Coggin and Susan Rafalco were business partners in Oh My! Consignments. and Coggin was a bookkeeper by trade. The decision to open Oh My! was, to them, one of the best ways to use their abilities. While Coggin took care of the bookkeeping aspect, Rafalco dealt mostly with the layout of the store.

Their dynamic has worked so well that now, as they are working on their final sales, customers are begging them to stay.

“We have a lot of people to thank,” Rafalco said, who specifically mentioned Valerie DeArmond from Valerie’s Attic. DeArmond welcomed Rafalco and Coggin to the downtown area with open arms and frequently sent customers to the store.

Now those customers are saying their final goodbyes.

After they made the decision to close Oh My!, the women wrote a letter to the consigners notifying them of the store’s closure.

“No matter what, we will take care of the people who have taken care of us,” Rafalco said. “Our faith is strong.

That’s the end result for us.”

In addition to the consigners, Rafalco and Coggin also want to thank the many loyal customers who have reached out to them through personal “I want to provide students with hope for jobs,” she said.

“Things for kids to come back to, here in Plant City.”

TOMLIN PRIDE

The list goes on and on when it comes to the programs Sullivan helped implement at Tomlin.

Sullivan brought Frameworks of Tampa Bay to the school — one of the first in the district to use this program.

Frameworks provided sixthand seventh-grade students with a one-day seminar that focused on social and emotional curriculum. The program was so successful that it will become district-wide next year, involving 46 schools.

Sullivan was awarded the Frameworks Head & Heart Award last year.

She has encouraged other social programs at the school, as well. Tomlin currently practices “Be Nice, Be Noticed,” a program that recognizes students for their positive actions.

In addition, Sullivan has embraced changes in demographics throughout the last few years. When she first started at Tomlin in 2001, Hispanic students made up 30% of the stu-

ON THE CORNER

Another clothing store opened March 21 in Historic Downtown.

Hi-Class Designs, 205 N. Collins St., sells Colombian clothing, jewelry, shoes and accessories.

HOURS: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Saturday PHONE: (813) 708-8558 EMAIL: hiclassdesigns1@ gmail.com notes and messages on Facebook.

“We’ve made a lot of friends, and we feel very blessed to have had the employees and vendors that we’ve had,” Rafalco said.

Although the store is closing, the women will continue to meet in Plant City when Coggin visits from Tennessee.

Rafalco lives just a few minutes away in Tampa with her family.

“I couldn’t ask for anybody better to work with,” Rafalco said. “We’re best buds. I want her to be happy, and she wants me to be happy.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com. dent body. Now they constitute 43%. Sullivan is proud of the relationship that the school has cultivated with these students and their families.

“To be able to reach those families, we’ve had to do some things differently,” she said.

Tomlin has hosted a Fall Family Fiesta for students and their families, and Hispanic student mentors from the University of South Florida have also encouraged students to take advantage of college and career counseling.

Sullivan said there are representatives from the Hispanic community both on the PTSA and the SAC. She believes these positive changes benefit the entire school.

“People come from all different backgrounds,” Sullivan said. “(We) teach them to be aware and respectful of that.”

HOMETOWN GIRL

Although her new job will keep her busy, Sullivan still will find time to be a leader in the Plant City community. She is involved with the praise team at First Baptist Church and taught swimming lessons for 25 years.

“I’m very loyal to this community,” Sullivan said. “Plant City is a great place to raise children and have a family.

“There are a number of things I’m proud about,” she said, also noting Tomlin’s top athletic program and the students’ generosity. “But I’m most proud of our culture, and making people feel welcome and connected to the school.”

After her success at the middle school, Sullivan is hopeful that a new leader will continue to keep Tomlin’s winning tradition. “(The new principal) needs to have a heart for students,” Sullivan said. “They need to love Plant City and strive for excellence in all areas.”

ECONOMICS

In anticipation of future development, the City Commission has chosen to set public hearings on two items, including one that would rezone an area along County Line Road.

One ordinance would rezone 17.5 acres of land near the southwest corner of Interstate 4 and County Line Road from a Transitional Area to become part of the Sterling Commerce Center Planned Development District. The Sterling Commerce Center Planned Development District was adopted by the commission in 1999 and has been designated for industrial and commercial uses consistent with neighborhood business district zoning. A small portion of the 17.5 acres has some wetlands in southwest corner, which will remain undeveloped if the land is rezoned.

The public hearing is set for June 22.

The second item was to set a public hearing for the I-4 Tech Corridor Overlay for July 13. The overlay was adopted by the city in 2010. The intent of the overlay district is to build and expand the local employment base by increasing economic activity.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

IN OTHER NEWS HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS

Deputy Chief David Burnett gave a presentation on hurricane preparedness, detailing the city’s Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, as well as the city’s debris removal contract.

The city monitors debris from hurricanes to ensure reimbursement from FEMA. The city has five emergency shelter locations: Walden Lake Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Marshall Middle, Tomlin Middle and Simmons Career Center.

Tomlin and Simmons are the only two out of the five shelters that are special-needs prepared.

AWARDS

Plant City Water Resource Management Division employees were awarded six awards from the Florida Water Environment Association, including the Earle B. Phelps Award for the highest level of nutrients removed and Outstanding Water Treatment Plant Operator.

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

FATHER’S DAY CONTEST

Daddy’s Girl The winner of the annual Father’s Day Contest came from a daughter who loves her daddy very much.

The Plant City Times & Observer is proud to announce the winner of our Father’s Day Contest. Shaylee Spell, 5, won for her essay on why her daddy is the best. Shaylee and her father, Troy, will receive a gift certificate to Parkesdale Farm Market. The certificate can be picked up at the market.

A SIMPLE MAN

My dad passed away on September 11, 2013. He was one of eight and was born into a farming family where he learned hard work and dedication. His stories of carrying water for him and his eight siblings so they could draw a bath seemed to be something out of a 19th century novel, but it was their way of life, and his family went on to be one of the dominating farming families in North Dakota.

He was a simple man.

Nothing pleased him more than fishing off a pier and taking trips to anywhere in the United States that he

had never been before, and his pride and joy were his two daughters. We traveled most of our life seeing places not many people are blessed enough to experience, all thanks to our dad.

Our dad instilled the knowledge we needed to become strong women. He was kind, loving, generous and patient. His 56 years on earth would be enough time to leave a mark on hearts that knew him. a ther’s Day, at one time, was a sad occasion, but we are blessed to have been raised by a man who valued life and lived it to the fullest.

— Kelsey Bridgess, 27

Courtesy photos

Just because Antonio Avila is a step dad to Sarahi doesn’t mean she doesn’t think he’s the best daddy ever.

THE TICKLE MONSTER I think my daddy is the best in the whole world. No one else has a daddy like mine (except for my baby brother), and that makes us lucky.

Our daddy works very hard for our family to make sure we have lots of things. Whenever daddy comes home from work he always makes sure to come in our rooms and give us hugs and kisses, even if we are already asleep.

When Daddy is off work he spends every moment with us. He takes us on adventures.

Sometimes we go to the park

with mountains, and last weekend he took me horseback riding. He plays with us all day. We go outside and chase each other, and roll in the grass together.

I like when he pretends to be a tickle monster and gets me and Bubby.

I love that my daddy always buys me stuff, too. He buys me toys and pretty dresses whenever he can. And happy meals.

I also like that he spends alone time with me and Bubby, but just us one at a time. I get to watch my favorite cartoon (“My

Little Pony”) with Daddy, and he won’t move a muscle, and he plays with just bubby alone, too.

Bubba likes to play with cars.

Daddy always kind of looks tired when he comes home from work, but he always plays with us instead of going to bed.

I love him! There is no other daddy like mine. He is strong and big and gentle and hardworking. He loves my mommy, my brother and me more than anything in the world. Even if he didn’t win this daddy contest he is always a winner to me. My daddy is just simply the very best.

— Shaylee Spell, l 5

HAPPY FAMILY MAN

My name is Sarahi, and I am 11 years old. My dad is actually my step dad, Antonio Avila. He came in my mommy, sister and brother’s life three years ago. I have two other brothers and one more sister. Now I have a baby brother named little Tony.

My step dad is always trying his best to take care of Mommy and me and my sisters and brothers. He work on a roof all day to provide for us. We just got a house. Mommy was so happy.

Daddy Tony makes her so

happy, and I thank him for coming in my life to help Mommy. Even when we don’t have money he works to make more so we can always be happy kids. He is a hard worker, and I don’t tell him a lot that I love him, and I thank him for helping my mom with everything and for making a better life for me, my sisters and brothers.

He deserves a great reward. I wish I could tell him how much he really means to me and Mommy. He’s the best daddy ever! Thanks for making Mommy happy.

— Sarahi Perez, z 11

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MY VIEW

Change the way you see The development of technol- are. We can choose to personalogy was supposed to reduce ize what they do in terms of our stress in our lives by allowing own concepts about behavior, machines to do the work that but this sets us up for conpeople had to do by hand for stant disappointment in other thousands of years. people. Recognizing that the Instead it seems that life has choices people make usually become less carefree than it have more to do with adjustused to be. Cell phones allow ments they have made to life us to be reached at more times over a period of years helps in and places than ever softening the blow if our before, and opening feelings are hurt. the window of FaceThe moment by mobook on a daily basis ment account we get reveals what others of daily life from social do with their personal media also makes us lives. subject to the shifting Has this constant moods people may have exposure contributed at a given moment. to increased stress in Instances of another SCOTT the lives of people? individual’s feelings TOLER Even if this is not the seeping into our own cause of people feeloutlook are becoming ing less relaxed, it seems that more common. Making the people are more stressed than conscious choice to remain they once were. This situation positive in the face of this raises the issue of what to do sometimes unwanted factor of about the stress people feel. modern life can lead us to feel As a mental health counselbetter. or, I have found some coping This means that we must strategies that work well. These fortify our inner selves with involve accepting that, though reminders to be grateful about we cannot change what hapwhat is good in life, and that pens in life, we can change the we remember the qualities in way we see what happens. Our ourselves we find likable. view of events is crucial to the We can identify just what it is way we feel. we feel, and then ask ourFor instance, if someone says selves why we feel that way. If or does something we dislike, the reason for the emotion is it is better to realize that each something significant, we can person takes actions arising formulate a plan to improve out of an agenda that makes the way we feel. that person who and what they The plan could be some-

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thing simple such as going for a walk or calling someone who comforts us. It could involve describing the source of the troublesome feeling in writing and then throwing away the paper or erasing the text.

This symbolizes a desire to be finished with the issue that bothered us.

Sometimes feeling better involves changing patterns of behavior that cause problematic consequences. When this is the case, any pause made before speaking or acting allows time to think about the way our intended words or actions may affect other people.

The momentary rush of saying and doing just what is wanted at the moment is less important than the impact this could have on another person.

Making the effort to do this is called being mindful. Mindfulness means that we are aware of ourselves in relation to our inner lives and in relationships with other people. It helps us to pay attention to important messages from the occurrences of everyday life.

Taking needed time to respond to someone in a thoughtful way is part of this approach to life.

It helps us to treat ourselves in more careful ways, too.

Scott Toler is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor living in Plant City. He can be reached at etoler25@tampabay.rr.com.

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

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REAL ESTATE by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Stafford Oaks home tops transactions A north Plant City home topped the real estate transactions for May 2015.

The home at 6403 Cathedral Oaks Drive sold May 29, for $512,000. Built in 2005, it has ďŹ ve bedrooms, three and one half bathrooms and 3,979 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $128.68.

1,740 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $106.32.

El Pavo Vista

The home at 4513 sold May 28, for $71,000. Built in 1968, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,200 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $59.17.

Alexander Woods Townhomes

The home at 2104 Grayson Woods Court sold May 19, for $120,000. Built in 2015, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,789 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $67.08.

Apache Trace

The home at 714 Burning Arrow Place sold May 15, for $108,000. Built in 1997, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,713 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $63.05.

Beatys

The home at 1302 Victoria St. sold May 20, for $245,000. Built in 2002, it has four bedrooms, three and one half bathrooms and 2,430 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $100.82.

Cameron Acres

The home at 2902 Lampp Road sold May 27, for

Four Oaks Farm

Amber Jurgensen

This home, which has five bedrooms, three and one half bathrooms and 3,979 square feet of living area on two acres, sold for $512,000 $135,000. Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,052 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $65.79.

Cherry Park

The home at 1302 N. Maryland Ave. sold May 29, for $60,400 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 1959, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,161 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $52.02.

Chipman

The home at 204 W. Calhoun St. sold May 22, for $195,000.

Built in 1910, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,056 square feet

of living area. The price per square foot is $94.84.

Colson Acres

The home at 5101 Horton Road sold May 29, for $87,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,942 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $44.80.

Country Hills

The home at 4637 E. Eastwind Drive sold May 15, for $115,750. Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,240 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $93.35.

The home at 515 Lindsay

Anne Court sold May 7, for $109,700. Built in 2004, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,315 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $83.42.

Douglas

The home at 1201 Spring St. sold May 1, for $127,000. Built in 1962, it has four bedrooms, three and one half baths and 2,726 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $46.59.

Dumont

The home at 1110 Mercer Loop sold May 14, for $185,000.

Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and

The home at 5144 Justin Lane sold May 8, for $205,000.

Built in 1999, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,890 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $108.47.

Grove Manor

The home at 4180 North Forbes Road sold May 22, for $345,000. Built in 2003, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,160 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $159.72.

Helen Winter Gardens

The home at 4801 Platt Road sold May 13, for $270,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,426 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $111.29.

Hillsborough

The home at 1604 E. Calhoun

SNAPSHOT

Minimum: $34,000 Maximum: $512,000 Average: $159,384 Median: $152,650 St. sold May 6, for $82,500. Built in 1916, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 1,068 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.25.

The home at 4809 Gallagher Road sold May 21, for $230,000 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1993, it has ďŹ ve bedrooms, four bathrooms and 4,000 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $57.50.

The home at 309 Kilgore Road sold May 20, for $275,000.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,728 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $159.14.

The home at 608 W. McLendon St. sold May 22, for $162,000 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 1949, it has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,957 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $54.79.

The home at 2701 Medulla Road sold May 4, for $170,000.

Built in 1958, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,040 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $83.33.

The home at 3108 Turkey Creek Road sold May 18, for $123,400 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 1996, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,456

REAL ESTATE / PAGE 8

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3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP REAL ESTATE / PAGE 7 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $84.75.

The home at 5202 Vaughn Road sold May 14, for $144,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,544 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $56.96.

The home at 1109 S. Wiggins Road sold May 1, for $126,000.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,580 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $79.75.

Hussar Acres

The home at 1046 N. Forbes Road sold May 8, for $82,900.

Built in 1958, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 891 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $93.04.

Paddocks

The home at 1912 Horseshoe Drive sold May 26, for $235,000.

Built in 1986, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,818 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $129.26.

Patronelli Acres

The home at 5829 Kelly Road sold May 29, for $165,000. Built in 1999, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,432 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $67.85.

Robinson Farms

The home at 4418 Hawkins Road sold May 27, for $263,000.

Built in 2005, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,367 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $111.11.

Laurel Lake Condominiums Rustic Oaks The condo at 2770 Golf Lake Drive #2 sold May 8, for $189,900. Built in 1996, it has three beds, two bathrooms and 1,723 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $110.25.

The home at 4605 Sleepy Hollow Lane sold May 29, for $274,900. Built in 2011, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,905 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $144.30.

Little Alafia Creek Estates

Sam Allen

The home at 1305 Captiva Charm Lane sold May 12, for $190,000 (RE0/bank owned).

Built in 2007, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,150 square feet of living space. The price per square foot is $88.37.

Magnolia Green

The home at 3813 Crystal Dew St. sold May 19, for $200,990. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,432 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $82.64.

The home at 3838 Crystal Dew St. sold May 8, for $180,990. Built in 2014, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,828 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $99.01.

The home at 3113 Magnolia Meadows Drive sold May 18, for $199,800. Built in 2009, it has four bedrooms, two and one half baths and 2,831 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $70.58.

Manning

The home at 916 Cowart Road sold May 29, for $270,000.

Built in 1998, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,353 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $114.75.

Morrell Park

The home at 514 Langford Circle sold May 28, for $115,000. Built in 1957, it has four bedrooms, one bath and 1,489 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $77.23.

Mulberry Acres

The home at 3418 Todd Country Place sold May 29, for $226,000. Built in 2006, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,746 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $129.44.

Orange Heights

The home at 1508 N. Ferrell St. sold May 29, for $64,900 (REO/bank owned). Built in 1950, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,294 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $28.29.

The home at 3310 Sam Allen Oaks Circle sold May 1, for $330,000. Built in 2000, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,239 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $147.39.

Shepherd

The home at 5201 Herman Shepherd Trail sold May 12, for $83,000. Built in 1977, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 798 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $104.01.

Springfield

The home at 3215 San Andreas Drive sold May 12, for $274,762. Built in 2015, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,487 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $110.48.

Storck Acres

The home at 6215 Bob Head Road sold May 13, for $265,000.

Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,147 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $123.43.

Swilley Acres

The home at 1714 E. Knights Griffin Road sold May 8, for $60,500 (REO/bank owned).

Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,296 square feet of living area on one acre. The price per square foot is $46.68.

Sunny Acres

The home at 501 Sunset Road sold May 29, for $159,000. Built in 1954, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 2,235 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $71.14.

Trapnell Ridge

The home at 3911 Chipping Sparrow Lane sold May 26, for $115,000 (short sale). Built in 2007, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,491 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.13.

Vilma Acres

The home at 524 S. Wiggins Road sold May 15, for $50,000.

Built in 1961, it has two bedrooms, one bath and 950

square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $52.63.

Walden Lake

The home at 2912 Aston Ave. sold May 1, for $299,900. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,404 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $124.75.

The home at 4210 Barret Ave. sold May 12, for $102,000 (short sale). Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,616 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $63.12.

The home at 4310 Barret Ave. sold May 29, for $163,500.

Built in 1988, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,616 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $101.18.

The home at 2602 Bridle Drive sold May 7, for $169.900.

Built in 1990, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,590 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $106.86.

The home at 2803 Forest Club Drive sold May 13, for $285,000. Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,811 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $101.39.

The home at 3503 Pine Club Court sold May 8, for $235,000.

Built in 1989, it has four bedrooms, two and one half bathrooms and 2,331 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $100.82.

The home at 3420 Silver Meadow Way sold May 29, for $160,000. Built in 1993, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,600 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $100.00.

The home at 3341 Silvermoon Drive sold May 15, for $215,000. Built in 1993, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,027 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $106.07.

The home at 2401 Sprucewood Lane sold May 11, for $192,200. Built in 1984, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,988 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $97.03.

The home at 2006 E. Timberlane Drive sold May 20, for $146,000. Built in 1979, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,595 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $91.54.

Walden Lake Fairway Estates

The home at 1903 Country Club Court sold May 20, for $224,000. Built in 1981, it has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and 2,344 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $95.56.

Walden Woods

The home at 727 Ashentree Drive sold May 6, for $89,000 (short sale). Built in 2010, it has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,185 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $75.11.

The home at 779 Ashentree Drive sold May 8, for $152,650.

Built in 2014, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,483 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $102.93.

The home at 2030 Greenwood Valley Drive sold May 29, for $128,000. Built in 2008, it has three bedrooms, two and one half baths and 1,649 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $77.62.

Wallace Road Acres

The home at 3509 Binkie Lane sold May 7, for $125,000.

Built in 2001, it has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,052 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $60.92.

Whispering Woods

The home at 2622 Walden Woods Drive sold May 15, for $180,000. Built in 2011, it has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and 1,857 square feet of living area. The price per square foot is $96.93

Wilder Park

The home at 2909 Wilder Creek Circle sold May 12, for $130,000. Built in 1994, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,273 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $102.12.

Wilder Trace

The home at 2715 Wilder Trace Court sold May 15, for $159,000. Built in 2000, it has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,619 square feet of living area.

The price per square foot is $98.21.

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CONDUCTOR CLASS by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor

Robert Willaford, for whom the museum is named, gave the students a tour.

On the Right Track

Students listened during a tour in the caboose.

TRAIN SAFETY

With the end of spring comes prom, senior portraits, and summer wedding and engagement photographs.

The volunteers at the Robert Willaford Train Museum in Historic Downtown Plant City are cautioning those who are scouting train tracks as a photoshoot location to change their minds in the name of rail safety.

The train tracks that snake downtown are the private property of CSX Railroad. Anyone playing, walking or taking photographs on the tracks is considered to be trespassing.

CSX has a “Play It Safe” ini-

Kids R Kids, a child learning center in Valrico, took a field trip the the Robert Willaford Train Museum and historic depot Tuesday, June 9.

The students learned from Willaford himself about the donated artifacts in the museum and about railroad safety. Volunteer conductor Evan Gales gave the students a tour of the red caboose outside.

This is one of the biggest field trips — about 50 students — to visit the museum. tiative with tips for staying safe around the rails: 1. Always look out for warning signs and signals.

2. Always assume there is a train coming. Always look both ways before crossing. Trains can run on any track at any time.

3. Don’t get stopped on the tracks. Before you cross, make sure there is enough room for your vehicle on the other side.

You should leave at least 15 feet between the end of your vehicle and the tracks.

4. If your vehicle stalls on a crossing, get everyone out immediately. Also, make sure you are far away from the

Kylie Goss tracks even if you don’t see a train. Call the emergency notification number posted on or near the crossing or local law enforcement.

5. Trains cannot stop quickly.

The average freight train traveling 55 miles per hour takes a mile or more to stop.

6. Watch for vehicles that must come to a full stop at railroad crossings. These vehicles can include school buses, commercial buses and trucks carrying hazardous materials.

7. Never try to beat a train across the tracks. There is no reason to risk your life for a few extra minutes.

8. Please report any and all problems.

CUTESTCRITTER

K

elliAnne, a 6-yearold Jack russell/ maltese mix, loves to snuggle on her pillows.

She can be found next to whoever is available to give her some love.

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!

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OBSERVER

OBITUARIES

Robert “Bob” Beattie

Robert “Bob” Beattie, 82, of Plant City, died June 2, 2015.

Mr. Beattie worked for BF Goodrich in his younger years and was retired from Publix.

He also served his country proudly in the United States Army during the Korean War. He is survived by his loving family and wife of 54 years, Ruth Beattie.

A celebration gathering will be held Thursday, June 18 at 9 a.m. at Wells Memorial. A celebration of life service will begin at 10 a.m. with Pastor Tommy Warnock officiating. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Herbert Clifton “Cliff” Edwards

Herbert Clifton “Cliff” Edwards, 48, of Plant City, died June 1, 2015.

He loved fishing, old movies, collecting knives and everything pertaining to the military. He was in ROTC and served in the United States Air Force.

He is survived by his sons, Kenneth Wayne Edwards (Chelsea), Samuel Edwards, and Warren Baker (Julie); grandsons, Curtis Baker and Brycen Lewis; parents, Herbert Edwards Sr. (JoAnn), and Marie Hudson (Don); stepsister, Terri Collins (Tommy); nephews, Ethan Ham and Seth Collins; and numerous loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence and Geneva Edwards, and Samuel and Betsy Cannon.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m. at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 CR 39 S., Plant City, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m. Condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Monica Cristina Guille

Monica Cristina Guille, 58, of Palm Harbor, died May 15, 2015 at Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.

A native of Talca, Chile, she was the daughter of the late Gustavo and Gladys Correa Schleyer. She worked at Oscor Medical Supplies in Palm Harbor and loved to knit.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Guille; daughters, Catherine (Markham) Eaves, Jessica Ambros; brother, Gustavo Schleyer; sisters, Andrea Schleyer, Ximena Schleyer, Muriel Schleyer; grandchildren, Emily, Adin, Mason, Natalie and Tripp Eaves. She was preceded in death by her daughter, JoAnn Solange McDade.

A memorial service was held Saturday, June 6, at Grace Community Church in Valrico. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Saul Ocampo

THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS

Saul Ocampo, 45, of Dover died Monday, May 25, 2015.

A native of Guerrero, Mexico, he was the son of Samuel Ocampo and Elvira Rayo.

He is survived by wife, Virginia Rayo; children, Saul Ocampo Jr., Javier, Omar, Edmundo and Elvira Ocampo.

The famil received friends

Sunday, May 31, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services were Monday, June 1, at St. Clement Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

June Perkins

June Raynell Perkins, 75, of Lithia, died June 3, 2015 at her daughter’s home.

A native of Plant City, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Ruby McCullers Harvey.

Mrs. Perkins was a member of Church on The Rock in Plant City and worked in the cafeteria at Springhead Elementary School for over 10 years.

She is survived by children, Thomas Wayne and Timothy Allen Perkins, Rhonda Kabrich (Harry); sister, Margaret Kersey; grandchildren, Courtney Davis (Michael), Kyle and Cody Kabrich.

She was preceded in death by siblings, Betty Voyles, Marion Barenklau, Marvin and Johnny Harvey.

The family received friends Sunday, June 7, at Church On The Rock, 301 E. Alsobrook Street, Plant City, where funeral services were also held.

Online condolences may be left for the family at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Jean Holloway Pierce

Jean Holloway Pierce, 90, of Plant City, died June 2, 2015.

Mrs. Holloway was born in Whitesburg, Georgia.

She was a member of Cork United Methodist Church in Plant City.

She is survived by her son, Scott Pierce (Amanda); grandchildren, Carrie Simonds (Justin) and Mark Cruickshank; great-granddaughter, Brianna Cruickshank; and three siblings.

She was preceded in death by her grandson Andrew Pierce.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Rosemary Rutherford

Rosemary Rutherford, 84, died May 14, in Plant City.

She was born in Orlando to Anker Thoren and Anna (Gold) Damgaard.

Family who survive are son, Michael Rutherford; daughter, Robin Panagia (Robert); grandchildren, David Bridger (Jenny), Ginger Rutherford McIntosh and Stephanie Rutherford; and great-grandchildren, Joshua and Jacob Bridger. She is predeceased by her husband of 48 years, George K. Rutherford, United States Navy Retired Masterchief (E9); and daughter, Sharon Blanton.

Donations may be made in her honor the Wounded Warriors or Children’s Miracle Network. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

Christine M. “Chris” Schauffert

Christine M. “Chris” Schauffert, 63, of Plant City, and formerly of Long Island, New York, and St. Louis, Missouri, died June 5, 2015.

Mrs. Schauffert was born in Manhattan in 1951. She was a client services representative at Hillsborough Community College.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Art Schauffert; mother, Caroline Rickers; siblings, Carol Mouyeos and Henry Rickers, Jr. (Maryanne); eight nieces and nephews; and many other family and friends.

Mrs. Schauffert is preceded in death by her father, Henry Rickers.

The family received friends Thursday, June 11, at Hopewell Funeral Home.

A funeral Mass will be held Friday, June 12 at 11 a.m. at St. Clement Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Clement Catholic Church, The Foundation at South Florida Baptist Hospital and/or the American Cancer Association. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

Billy Dean Vickers

Billy Dean Vickers, 76, of Plant City, died June 5, 2015 at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Mr. Vickers was a native of Colquitt County, Georgia and was the son of the late Woodrow and Ada Belle Sumner Vickers. He was a member of the Whitehurst Road Baptist Church and was retired after more than 20 years from Continental Can Company.

Mr. Vickers was a master carpenter and loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Janet; sons, Richard (Carlye), David, and Scott (Elise); his favorite daughter, Brenda K. Smith; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Tuesday, June 9, at Whitehurst Road Baptist Church in Plant City. The family received friends for one hour prior to services at church.

If desired, donations may be made in Billy’s name to the church building fund. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Hazel J. Waltman

Hazel J. Waltman, 81, of Plant City, died June 5, 2015 at Wedgewood Health Center in Lakeland.

A native of Alamo, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late Herbert and Maudie Lee Rowland Andrews. She was a longtime member at Midway Baptist Church and was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church for over 20 years.

Mrs. Waltman was a Quality Assurance Inspector for the fiberglas industry. She loved southern gospel music and reading.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Waltman; son, Arlin Cope (Kelle); daughters, Marilyn Sorah (Ken), Diane Heth (John); brothers, Donald Andrews, Clayton and J. Freddie Wiggins; sistersin-law, Pat and Betty Sue Wiggins; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Waltman is preceded in death by siblings Vern Wiggins, Parklyn Lewis and Jerry Wiggins.

A funeral service was held Wednesday, June 10 at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plant City. Visitation was Tuesday, June 9, with interment at Mt. Enon Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

CRYPTOQUIZ ANSWERS 1) Grosse Point 2) Mary Todd Lincoln 3) Emily Dickinson 4) Joan of Arc 5) Queen Victoria.

Julie Harris

SUDOKU ANSWERS

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Kelein ‘K.J.’ Johnson has quite the pitching arm. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 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.

FLAG FOOTBALL

+ USFTL to host tourney in P.C.

The United States Flag and Touch Football League has announced that it will host its 45th annual national championship tournament in Plant City.

The tournament, which will take place January 15 to 17 in 2016 at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, is expected to bring in around 9,000 players and 400 teams from across the nation, and the field includes youth, coed, men’s and women’s divisions.

The USFTL Hall of Fame induction ceremony will also be held during this time, scheduled for 1 p.m. Jan. 16, 2016.

basketball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Durant alums help UT win national championship The University of Tampa Spartans baseball team, long one of the top NCAA Division II programs in the country, recently won the national championship with help from four Durant alumni.

With all the injuries that the University of Tampa pitchers dealt with this season, the players probably didn’t expect the national championship game to be won by a starter’s complete game. But that’s exactly what happened Saturday, May 30, thanks to Michael Calkins. And now four Durant High alumni can now show off some new hardware the next time they’re in town.

“You couldn’t ask for a more

perfect way to end your senior season, as national champion,” senior Brett Jones says.

Jones, who graduated from Durant in 2011, was the one who put the final nail in Catawba’s coffin in the championship game. After Catawba took a 1-0 lead in the third inning, Calkins was lightsout on the mound, and in the fourth inning, Tampa got on the board when Stephen Dezzi and Cody deNoyelles were

driven in by Nick Tindall’s RBI single. In the seventh inning, Jones hit a one-out single and scored on Casey Scoggins’ RBI single one out later.

“It was definitely exciting,” Jones says. “I wasn’t starting at the beginning of the year. … I went from a substitution guy to a starter, and to win a national championship this year was a really good feeling.”

Troy Herring, UT Athletics

The Spartans defeated Catawba (North Carolina) College May SEE SPARTANS / PAGE 13 30, to win the school’s seventh national championship.

FISHING by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

TENNIS

+ Pate makes final four in tourney

Local tennis player Maggie Pate recently made a splash at the Bobby Curtis Junior State Championships, placing fourth in the field of 64.

The Bobby Curtis tournament is considered a “closed” tournament, meaning that not just anyone could sign up to compete. In Altamonte Springs, Pate played well enough to advance through the 14U division’s field of 64 up to Tuesday’s semifinal round of four, where she took her first loss of the tournament.

On Wednesday morning, she played in the third/fourth-place game.

BASKETBALL

+ PCHS hosting summer clinic

Next week, Plant City High will host its annual summer basketball clinic for local youths.

Anyone age 6 to 14 can participate in the camp, led by coaches Billy Teeden and Wilt Wilkerson, at a cost of $115 per camper.

It will be held at the school gymnasium from Monday, June 15 through Thursday, June 18. For more information, contact Teeden at (813) 9677551, or Wilkerson at (813) 944-8727.

BASEBALL

+ PCLL to name All-Stars

The 2015 Plant City Little League All-Stars have been decided, and PCLL’s cream of the crop will find out whether they made the cut this weekend.

That also means that the Plant City Times & Observer will once again dedicate an entire Sports section to the All-Stars, giving readers complete, comprehensive insights on each team’s strengths and upcoming schedule.

To learn who made the cut, and what each squad will be capable of, mark your calendar for Friday, June 26, and be sure to pick up a copy of the paper.

Crest’s duos took first and third place in the state championship competition.

REELING IN THE BIG WIN The Strawberry Crest High fishing team, in its first year of existence, is sending four anglers to a national competition after performing well at states.

T

he Strawberry Crest fishing club team made its mark on the Florida high school scene by winning its first-ever tournament in November. On Sunday, May 31, the team became top dogfish and plans to be for a while.

Two Crest teams took first and third place at the B.A.S.S. Nation State Championship, on Lake Okeechobee near Clewiston, and punched their tickets to the national

championship tournament next month. The team of Rafet White and Colten Smith placed first, and the team of Jonathan North and Russ Butler Jr. placed third.

These anglers expected to do well at the tournament but may not have expected the ending to unfold like this.

“They (North and Butler) placed top five, pretty much every tournament,” White says. “We haven’t had the best tournaments — we’ve placed

— but we really pulled our game up.”

LEARNING LAKE O

Smith, North and Butler are all freshmen, and their performances this season are encouraging for the future. But White, a senior, would have been fishing in his last tournament with the team had he and Smith not placed in the top three. He was hoping to go out with something to show for it, and Lake O requires all

anglers to be on their A-game.

Because of its size, Lake O presents a series of challenges that no other lake in Florida has. Each day of the state tournament conditions were different.

“It changed so much,” North says. “On the first two days, we caught fish on the inside of the grass while we were pre-fishing. The first tournament day, we caught them all inside. The

SEE FISHING / PAGE 13

INVESTORS? POSSIBLY YOU

The fishing team has added several sponsors since the original Plant City Times & Observer story ran, but the team is always looking for more to help mitigate the travel and food, and tackle costs of making the trip to Tennessee next month. Any persons or businesses interested in sponsoring the boys can contact Dale North at (813) 695-4200, or email schsbassmasters@gmail.com.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Enjoy the Lightning, enjoy hockey, but avoid pettiness As a lifelong hockey fan in Plant City than usual. from western New York, I’m This is good. happy to have ended up living For those of you who have and working in an area actually gained a new that’s embracing the appreciation for the greatest game on ice. game beyond the hype Since the preseason, of a local team doing I believed this would big things and plan to be the year when the stick around through Tampa Bay Lightning thick and thin, I need ended up hoisting to clear something up sports’ coolest trofor you: The Lightning JUSTIN phy, the Stanley Cup, organization may not KLINE in June. So when the think as highly of you team made the playas you want to believe. offs, I noticed there was a lot How is this possible conmore interest in hockey here sidering that enough fans

showed up to Amalie Arena this season to put the Bolts in the top 10 for attendance?

The answer is something that, on the outside, appears to have nothing to do with you.

The rules the team implemented for the Chicago series — the one that bans Blackhawks fans from wearing team logos and colors in 1,400 club-level seats, and the one that limits ticket sales to cardholders with Florida ZIP codes — are so petty it’s almost physically painful.

“During the playoff run,

we’ve done everything we can to make Amalie Arena a great home environment for our team and our fans,” Bill Wickett, Lightning executive vice president of communication, told the Chicago Tribune in a June 2 story. “We’re going to keep doing that, and we hope people understand.”

This isn’t anything new to the NHL as many teams implement similar procedures (or have in the past).

But they’re teams that have historically had trouble putting butts in seats because the

local demographics simply aren’t as hockey-friendly as, say, small-market Buffalo. The Nashville Predators aren’t a bad ticket most nights, but it appears that the people in the area don’t always get the memo.

But Tampa, despite being the butt of many “relocation to Quebec” jokes for many years, doesn’t have attendance problems at the moment. Why Wickett and the organization would need to

SEE KLINE / PAGE 13

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SPARTANS / PAGE 12 The championship capped off a perfect 8-0 run through the postseason for the Spartans, who are looking at this season as a testament to hard work.

Earlier in the season, Tampa lost five of its pitchers to injury. Among those injured was junior starter Trey Oest, another former Cougar, who hurt his shoulder. The Spartans also lost starter David Hines, and three bullpen arms. But the rest of the pitching staff took it as an opportunity to show what it was capable of and why Tampa is a force to be reckoned with on the diamond.

“Our pitching wasn’t as strong as we wanted throughout the year, but when it mattered most they came up big,” Paxton Sims says.

Looking at the season stats, it would be tough to guess at

FISHING / PAGE 12 second day, we caught them all on the outside.”

Weather changes affected the fish’s behavioral patterns even when it was something as simple as a clear day following up an overcast day. Wind patterns also came into play.

“On the second day, there was hardly any wind in the morning, so we could fish better that day,” Smith says. “We caught a lot more on that day.

There was no wind getting in the way of what we were trying to do.”

White and Smith each caught the bag, with White filling up on the first day and Smith on the second.

The fish out there are bigger, to the point where the boys had to throw back bass that they’d normally have kept.

“It really is the land of the giants,” North says. “It truly is. There’s big fish all over that lake.”

North caught an 8.53-pound bass, the second-biggest of the high school tournament.

Now that that’s over, the

KLINE / PAGE 12 create a “great home environment” for fans that already seem to have no problem going to Amalie is beyond me.

Do they just not want people to have to put up with the Blackhawks fans?

I can see why egos would run amok with Chicago fans in attendance, as they’ve had plenty of success to brag about in the last half-decade, but they’re far from the most annoying in the game (cough, Toronto, cough). And there are many Blackhawks fans who would pay good money for some of those 1,400 seats they’re not allowed, and many more who probably just want to see their favorite team in action for, maybe, for the first time in a while, but can’t because of childish ZIP code restrictions.

The responses the team has offered to criticisms such as mine, mostly through social media, has essentially been, “It’s my party, and I’ll cry if I want to.”

Meanwhile, Chicago’s mayor sent an open invitation for Lightning fans to go visit Chicago and watch a game at the United Center, and the general consensus is that the Blackhawks are acting like a team that’s been in this position before.

Grow up, and act like you’ve been there before: That’s what I would say to most other teams who stoop to this level of pettiness. But the Lightning have actually been here in all, or most, of our lifetimes.

And general manager Steve Yzerman knows that you don’t need to judge people by the color of their apparel in the playoffs. The Detroit Red Wings never did anything like this before, during or after his illustrious playing career.

What the heck is going on here?

It must be, then, that the Lightning organization doesn’t trust you to support the team in person. Maybe they think that if you don’t show up, the Blackhawks fans will, and that those fans will turn the arena into United Center South. The players don’t care about that. No athlete worth his or her salt cares about what’s going on outside of the playing field and bench.

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP first glance that the Spartans were banged up. The team finished with a 43-13 record and ended on a 10-game win streak. Also notable was the team’s 6-2 win over Major League Baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies in a March 1 spring training exhibition game.

Of course, such success isn’t possible without strong team chemistry. So when Jones, Oest and senior Dylan Barrow all arrived at UT after playing for other schools, the familiarity they had with each other helped everyone get more comfortable playing with each other.

“We already knew each other, so we gelled right away,” Jones says. “Other guys on the team, understanding we’re from Durant, they picked up on it. It helped bring the team together in a big way and build that chemistry. Knowing that you have each other’s backs is boys are getting ready for nationals.

UNFAMILIAR TERRITORY

From July 22 to 25, the Crest anglers will be on Kentucky Lake, about 100 miles outside of Nashville, competing against the other top high school teams in the country.

This is going to be a new experience for them, as this competition will have more rules than anything they’ve entered in Florida. Also, Kentucky Lake itself is unlike anything in Florida: While most lakes here are quite shallow, Kentucky Lake’s initial drop-off is around 25 to 30 feet, and only gets deeper from there.

“Any other state will have deep, clear lakes,” Butler says.

“Florida, what’s the deepest hole in Florida? Eight feet, maybe. It’s a completely different element for us.”

For starters, the depth affects the way the anglers will cast their lines and will also change what they’re putting on the lines. This means the boys will probably have to fill And if the Blackhawks fans don’t give their money to the Lightning, a local business, is it a guarantee that Lightning fans will show up in their place? No well-run business would turn away paying customers like this unless it had Apple money, which the Lightning and every American sports team do not.

I urge you all to go to any hockey games you can, as I believe it’s the only one of the big four North American sports with a considerably better live product than the television experience.

Maybe more of the younger readers will be inspired to put on some skates and go somewhere with it, like Plant City native Clint Walden has.

And the Lightning is a fun team to watch. It’s built to score goals like Oregon football scores touchdowns, and skate with as much speed and finesse as the Ducks move the ball with.

But, please, don’t stick up for the kind of front office culture that would bar you from attending a Stanley Cup Finals game in a Western Conference arena under the same petty regulations.

big for the postseason.”

Jones came from Polk State College, which won the NCJAA JUCO World Series while he was there in 2012. Oest came from the University of Virginia and Barrow came from Santa Fe College. Sims, a freshman,

is the only one of the group to have come to Tampa straight out of high school.

Sims says that his playing days at Durant, which included a trip to the state championship series, helped him transition to life in a big-time collegiate program.

“There are a few Durant guys on the team, so UT knows it’s a big program,” Sims says. “It’s definitely better to come from a top high school when you go to a situation like this.”

Oest and Sims will be the last Durant players left from this championship roster, going into next season. Should any more Cougars find their way onto the team, it sounds as though they’ll have plenty of support right out of the gate.

“I got to know all the guys pretty well, but a core group of guys you can go to with questions does make it easier,” Sims says.

their tackle boxes with a whole new arsenal of natural-colored lures.

“I’m used to flipping bass lines in a foot of water,” White says. “Now I have to throw a hare jig in 25 feet of water, over a ledge, 100 yards from a creek.”

The tournament will also take the boys offshore quickly, which requires a different strategy. In Florida, the boys stay close to the grass because that’s where bass tend to gath-

er. Up north, the fish are more mobile.

The anglers are going to have to learn a lot about fishing up north over these next few weeks, but they’re up for the challenge. And come tournament time, they expect to be ready for whatever happens.

“Fishing’s all about confidence,” North says. “Every cast, you’ve got to expect to get a bite. You have to work your bait just right. You have to do everything right.”

WINNING WAYS Since the 1990s, the University of Tampa has been nothing short of a baseball powerhouse. The school can claim that it’s won championships in each of the past three decades, and it’s not outrageous to think that the team could keep its winning ways alive in the near future.

CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2015, 2013, 2007, 2006, 1998, 1993, 1992.

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ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

KELEIN ‘K.J.’ JOHNSON Plant City Little League’s BPO Elks team, which won the Majors city championship, competed in the Tournament of Champions over the weekend. The team was able to take the whole thing with a 4-2 win over Lake Wales on Sunday, thanks in part to the pitching of Kelein “K.J.” Johnson. Head coach Danny Coton cites Johnson’s skills, as well as his attitude on and off the field, as being important for the team.

What positions do you play?

Shortstop, third base, pitcher and a little bit of first base.

pitching style from?

No, sir. I learned a lot from my brother (T.J. Gainer).

In the T.O.C., what was your primary position?

Pitcher.

Who usually wins your pitching competitions?

He does.

You guys ended up winning the championship, and your coach said you played very well.What was working for you, out on the mound?

My fastball. I was painting the corners and throwing in the high 60s.

When you’re not playing sports, what do you do for fun?

Play video games. My favorite is NBA 2K15.

How old are you?

12 years old.

I remember you were on the All-Stars last year, and the selections are coming up this weekend. If you get picked again, what are you looking forward to?

Going all the way to the Little League World Series.

How did you guys do last year?

We lost in the championship round.

How many All-Star teams have you made?

Five.

What’s your key to cracking the All-Star lineup so often?

Pitching. My speed from pitching, and my power from batting.

What’s your favorite thing about playing baseball?

Batting.

You mentioned being a power hitter.

Do you know how many homers you’ve hit in your career?

I think 36.

Do you play any other sports?

Basketball. I like playing shooting guard.

Do you play on any local teams, or just for fun?

Just for fun.

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

Maybe the Yankees.

Most of my favorite players have played on that team.

Who are your favorite Yankees?

Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez and Brett Gardner.

Is there any pro player you got your

Who’s your team?

Cleveland. I like Kyrie Irving and LeBron James.

Who has the best handles in the NBA, Kyrie or Steph Curry?

Steph Curry.

Who are you rooting for in the Finals?

I hope Cleveland wins.

What’s your favorite sports movie of all time?

42.

Where do you go to school?

Tomlin Middle.

What’s your favorite subject?

Math. I like counting up numbers and decimals. It’s kind of cool, counting up money and seeing what you get.

Is there any sport you’ve never played before, but always wanted to try?

Hockey. I like how you have to score on a tiny little goal, and you skate on ice.

If you could be either rich or famous, what would it be?

Rich.

You have a billion dollars in the bank.What do you do with the money?

Help my family out if they have financial problems.

I’m sure you’d still have a lot of money left in the bank after that, so if you could buy one really cool thing with a bunch of money, what would it be?

My own island.

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

Flying. I would fly all over the world.

If you could meet anyone you look up to, who would it be?

If he was alive, Jackie Robinson. I’d like to get pointers on playing baseball and to hang out with him.

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PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES)

WEATHER

THURS. June 4

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

June 5

0.14

SAT.

HIGH 95 94 95 96 94 97 94

Friday, June 12 Saturday, June 13 Sunday, June 14 Monday, June 15 Tuesday, June 16 Wednesday, June 17 Thursday, June 18

June 6

0.00

SUN.

June 7

0.00

MON.

June 8

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

0.00

TUES.

SUNRISE Friday, June 12 6:32 a.m.

Saturday, June 13 6:32 a.m.

Sunday, June 14 6:32 a.m.

Monday, June 15 6:32 a.m.

Tuesday, June 16 6:32 a.m.

Wednesday, June 17 6:32 a.m.

Thursday, June 18 6:32 a.m.

June 9

0.00

WED.

June 10

0.00

June

TO DATE

0.44 (2014: 0.11)

YEAR

TO DATE 13.58 (2014: 9.59)

SUNSET 8:25 p.m.

8:25 p.m.

8:26 p.m.

8:26 p.m.

8:26 p.m.

8:27 p.m.

8:27 p.m.

WATERMELONS

PHASES

June 16

July 1

PRICE .13 to .15 SIZE 36s Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

July 8

2. Q U C L W I J J E Y H B I E H 3. D Q Y E L J Y B A Y H X I H 4. M I U H I R U C B 5. G O D D H T Y B W I C Y U

This entertainer won a Tony five times, including one for their work in I Am a Camera:

SUDOKU

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

3

7

2 8

1

7

8

2 8 5

3 6

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4

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These birds of prey watched Dale Kersch doing yard work.

Parkesdale Farm Market provided a $15 gift certificate for this week’s I Love PC winner. Know for its strawberry milkshake and strawberry shortcake, Parkesdale is the place to go for a sweet treat, fresh produce and southern seasoning. The gift certificate can be picked up at the Plant City Times & Observer office, 110 E. Reynolds St. Suite 100A. To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City.

CROSSWORD GIVE IT A GO by Bill Bob

1. P C I X X D K I Y H W D

7

MOON

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a Tony award winner. Using the hints I=O and H=N, decipher the clues to name the entertainer.

9

LOW 73 73 73 74 75 76 76

June 24

CRYPTOQUIZ

1

4 7

6 2

5

ACROSS 1 Ski slope bumps 7 Pathetically inept person 14 Fishbone, e.g.

19 Counterfeit (var.)

20 Neophyte 21 Walk like a show horse 22 Not be a pushover 24 Small stream 25 Roguish character 26 Dash lengths 27 Dracula, at times 28 Grp. dealing with cases 29 Some plums 32 “Winning ___ everything!”

34 Invisible emanations 36 Distinctive flair 37 College major, briefly 38 French vineyard 39 NASA OK 42 Nicaraguan president Daniel 44 Hemingway’s nickname 46 Garlicky mayonnaise 47 Cedar trees 49 Tree-dwelling primate 52 Vintage video game 56 Clairvoyance, telepathy, etc.

57 Doctor in a 1964 movie 58 In a furious manner 60 Show to be true 61 Drink cooler 64 “By the ___ token ...”

65 Rifled, as book pages 66 Someone who imitates 68 Tag ___ with (accompany) 70 Language in Mumbai 72 Thousands of pounds 73 Harsh-voiced parrots 75 Balkan native 77 “Ain’t I a ___?” (Bugs Bunny line) 79 “It’s just a ___ wound!”

80 Music, literature, etc., collectively 82 Modern F/X field 83 Bloom-to-be 86 “Fiery furnace” survivor 88 Tangle 89 Colleague of Calliope 91 Finnish lake 93 “Naked Maja” painter 95 Inclined 96 The Dark Ages, e.g.

101 90-degree shape 103 Barely managed (with “out”) 104 Magic man Henning 105 Uninspired, as prose 106 Andean land 108 States plainly 109 Keyboard key 110 Soccer zero 111 ___ alai (handball relative) 113 Stereo knob 115 Surface smoother 117 Be an entrepreneur 122 Sporting a Roman robe 123 Case for an eraser?

124 Fruity-smelling chemical compounds

©2015 Universal Uclick

125 Stimulate the economy 126 Up for grabs 127 Rubbish barrel DOWN 1 Automobile sticker fig.

2 “Now I’m on to you!” exclamation 3 Supreme Being 4 Still sealed 5 “The Chronicles of Narnia” author C.S. 6 In ___ (harmonious) 7 Agitates 8 Fluorescent tube gas 9 Morse morsel 10 Locale 11 Muppet percussionist 12 It’s all about counting heads 13 Large container of beer 14 Very dry, as wine 15 Competed in a race 16 Records of the past 17 Cold treatment 18 The “D” in FDR 21 Ancient Roman magistrate 23 “My ___ Lady” 27 Turn less acidic, in a way

29 Crystal-lined rock 30 Land measurements 31 Fall apart 33 Get progressively thinner 35 Scandinavian rug material 36 Move to a new country 38 Capital of Venezuela 40 “Falcon Crest” actor Lorenzo 41 Run off to the chapel 43 Battering wind 45 Property receivers 48 James Brown’s music 50 One of the Four Corners states 51 In a negligent manner 53 Risk it all 54 Like every other number 55 1990 World Series champs 59 Mardi Gras follower 62 Collapsing suddenly, as the stock market 63 “Poppycock!”

65 Related to language 66 Band letters 67 Blanched 69 ___ Torino (old Ford model) 71 Monopoly rollers 74 Thin piece of leather 76 Fort ___, N.C.

78 Baby foxes 80 Make ecstatic 81 Boy Scout contingent 84 Certain berth 85 Accomplishments 87 Kind of seat 90 The hour before noon?

92 “___ little teapot ...”

94 Oxygen-requiring organisms 96 Adjusts to new circumstances 97 Walk with a bounce 98 Blackout 99 Refuse to allow, legally 100 Fresh as ___ 102 “To Sir, With Love” singer 107 Conjure up, as memories 108 Out of whack 110 Be unable to function without 112 Word after “bang,” “break” or “bump” 114 “I could ___ drink!”

116 Palindromic Bobbsey 117 “Today” rival, initially 118 It may be acquired on the beach 119 Common Market letters 120 Married woman in Mex. 121 ID theft data, perhaps

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 *5.%