06.16.17 PCTO

PLANT CITY TIMES &

JUNE 16, 2017

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 49

School’s out for seniors.

INSIDE FREE

•

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

New developments for Midtown City officials chose a developer for the long-awaited project.

SEE PAGE 4

YOUR TOWN

RECYCLING 101 IT AIN’T EASY GOING GREEN

The process of recycling material can get much more complicated than filling a blue bin.

SEE PAGE 3

Williams joins Plant City staff Breanne Williams has joined the staff of the Plant City Times and Observer as a community reporter.

Williams is a senior at the University of South Florida and is majoring in mass communications with a minor in astronomy.

She worked as an editor at The Oracle at USF for two years and covered a variety of subjects ranging from breaking news to lifestyle pieces. She specialized in covering crime, local politics and the Tampa community.

In her free time, Williams enjoys spending the day at Disney World, watching movies and has a 20-ounce cup of Starbucks coffee in her left hand at all times.

Well, that was quick

Daniel Figueroa IV

Aluminum bales ready for shipping at Republic’s Material Recovery Facility. Bales can weigh between 1,100 and 2,000 pounds.

Following a nearly yearlong absence, ducks have returned to Brewer Park’s pond.

Heavy June rainfall brought the stormwater retention pond from bone-dry to almost full in just a few weeks.

Swindles to be inducted into Florida FFA Hall of Fame The couple’s support and dedication to agriculture has been widely recognized for decades.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

Courtesy

Debbie and Larry Swindle will be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame this September.

Swindle.

It’s a name ever growing in synonymity with agriculture. And, with the coming induction of Larry and Debbie Swindle to the Florida Future Farmers of America Hall of Fame, that synonymity is near guaranteed.

“Larry and Debbie continue to find new and innovative ways to support FFA on the local, state and national levels and their support comes in a variety of ways,” Michael Rogalsky, a Florida FFA spokesperson, said in a news release. “They are always willing to lend a helping hand at any

event, serve on many boards through the FFA, support the various awards and leadership development events and encourage and guide others to bleed blue and gold.”

Married couple Larry, 63, and Debbie, 61, have been involved in agriculture all their lives, they said, and in FFA since the late ‘60s.

“It’s a great honor,” Larry Swindle said. “People don’t realize what a proud moment it is for us to be inducted into the hall of fame. It’s not something to be taken lightly when you’re helping kids. I believe the FFA has more future leaders than any other organization.”

Larry Swindle joined the Plant

City High School FFA as a freshman in 1967. That year, the PCHS FFA won the livestock and dairy state FFA championship and competed nationally. Debbie Swindle, who was a member of PCHS’s first graduating class at the Alexander Street campus in 1973, wasn’t eligible to be an FFA member for most of her high school career. The National FFA Organization voted to allow women to join in 1969, but PCHS didn’t allow women to join FFA until 1973.

“It was one of those things. I’ve been raised on a farm my whole life. If I had been able to, I probably would’ve SEE SWINDLE PAGE 7

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

WEEK OF JUNE 16, 2017

“It’s important to be able to bring in a younger generation and show them agriculture is a great place to be, not just these folks involved in the summit, but their entire communities.” — Ben Carson, who will attend Bayer Corp. Crop Science’s 2017 Youth Ag-Summit in Brussels, Belgium, in October.

One injured, one dead in Alexander, I-4 traffic crash

County, regional board reps selected Representatives to county and regional boards were designated at the June 12 City Commission meeting, and the 2017 selections look much like last year’s.

The only change from 2016 to 2017 was within the Tourist Development Council, where commissioner Nate Kilton will take over. Commissioner Mike Sparkman had the role in 2016.

“Our work is really paying off,” Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson said. “Not just on these boards separately but as a whole, together.” n Council of Governments — Mike Sparkman n Metropolitan Planning Organization — Rick Lott; alternate Nate Kilton n Plant City Economic Development Corporation — Rick Lott n Public Transportation Commission — Nate Kilton (commission sunsets in October) n Ridge League of Cities – Mary Mathis n Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council — Bill Dodson n Tourist Development Council — Nate Kilton

Courtesy photo

Plant City Fire Rescue frees Alyssa Copeland from her vehicle.

A

June 5 vehicle crash at the intersection of Interstate 4 and Alexander Street sent one woman to the hospital and one man to jail.

According to Plant City Police Department's report, a bus, driven by Tomas Martinez-Olivera, was traveling southbound on N. Alexander St. and ran a red light at the intersection.

A two-door Volvo, driven by Alyssa Copeland, entered the intersection from the eastbound exit ramp on a green light and was struck by the bus.

The bus hit the Volvo's driver's side door and front fender, sending both

P.C. woman earns CHCM home care certification Susan Nieves’s April trip to Las Vegas wasn’t to hit the casinos.

Nieves went out west to take a national board exam to become a Certified Home Care Manager, and passed.

She is also a Certified Respiratory Therapist, a Home Care Aid and a member of the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

She is currently an administrator at Oracle Home Health Care.

vehicles out of control to the southwest.

Martinez-Olivera and the 53 passengers of the bus were not injured.

Copeland, the lone occupant of the Volvo, suffered serious injuries. Plant City Fire Rescue and Florida Highway Patrol assisted PCPD personnel at the scene.

According to EMS division chief Jim Wilson, of PCFR, Copeland, who was pregnant, was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital after a rescue crew freed her from the wreckage. It was determined at the hospital that Copeland's unborn baby was killed in the

crash. A GoFundMe page created to benefit Copeland and her family had raised over $11,000 by the afternoon of June 9.

Per the PCPD report, Martinez-Olivera provided an invalid Mexico Commercial Driver's License and an expired personal driver's license at the scene. He was arrested on charges of No Valid Driver's License with Serious Bodily Injury and Operating a Commercial Vehicle Without a Commercial Driver's License. He was later placed into federal custody on an ICE hold when it was found that his personal work visa had expired in April.

Presented by: City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce

Tuesday, July 4, 2017 (Rainout date Wednesday, July 5 - 9:00 pm Fireworks only, no games or vendors, gates open 8:00 pm)

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FREE ADMISSION—$5 PER CAR PARKING PARKING OPENS AT 5:45 PM GRAND FIREWORKS FINALE AT 9:15 Climbing wall, bungee jumps, airbrushing, balloon art, bounce houses and more!

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A FAMILY ORIENTED EVENT Please follow Stadium and parking lot policy: No alcohol on the property (Sec 10-2).

No coolers or outside food or drink are to be brought into the Stadium.

No pets! No boom boxes or loitering outside the Stadium or in the parking lot.

For more information: www.plantcitygov.com (search July 4 Celebration) or call 813-659-4255 weekdays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV | STAFF WRITER

RECYCLING SEEMS SIMPLE. Use a product made of plastic, paper, cardboard, metal or glass, toss it in one of the city-provided blue bins, set it by the curb, hop back on your stationary bike and get back to binging the latest season of this year’s top show. Simple, right? Not so much.

“We try to educate our customers and drivers because they’ll pick up anything that’s plastic or metal or glass and most of it cannot be processed,” Jill Sessions, solid waste director for Plant City, said.

The guidelines for recycling are actually much stricter.

Plant City uses single-stream recycling. Meaning, all recyclable materials are collected in one bin, then sent to Republic Service’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF, pronounced murf) in Lakeland, where trash and nonrecyclable materials are removed and the rest is sorted, formed into bales and sent off to eventually be recycled.

Only the choicest materials, however, make it to that final step.

SINGLE-STREAM RECYCLING GUIDE can now place all of the YES... You following recyclables in one bin.

File folders

Paper egg cartons

Open mail and greeting cards

CLEAN AND DRY

“One of the most important items that we’re talking about now is the contamination in even the plastic or the cans,” Debbie Mullen, municipal services manager for Republic, said.

“We want it clean and dry.”

Contaminants, like food residue, can create major issues in the recycling process, Mullen said. Republic recovers the material, but it’s then sold to mills around the country, and sometimes globally, where the material is returned to a raw state and eventually recycled into new products. A cardboard box can be an easy candidate for recovery, but the grease-stained box from last night’s pizza might not past the test.

Mullen said the recycling industry as a whole is seeing a big push towards emphasizing the importance of clean and dry material. China, a country that often receives recovered material from the U.S. for recycling, has a current initiative called National Sword 2017 that serves as a major crackdown on waste imports. Before being allowed entry into the country, baled material is meticulously checked for contaminants and excess moisture.

If it doesn’t pass muster, those shipments can be turned around and sent back. Originator facilities can potentially incur major costs.

“When in doubt, leave it out,” Sessions said.

Chris Jones, general manager of Republic Services for Polk County, said consumers need to focus on making sure the items they add to their recycling bins have been rinsed well or they can contaminate other items as well. There is, however, a caveat.

Excessive cleaning of items, like a peanut butter jar, can negate the environmental benefits of recycling.

“If you have to use hot, soapy water to clean something, you’re not really helping the carbon footprint,” Sessions said. “Some things are just worth throwing away.”

LIVING IN A MATERIAL WORLD

So, you’ve tossed your food-drenched takeout containers in the trash and cleaned (but not too much) what items you can. The job as a consumer might be over, but now the real work of the recovery and recycling world kicks in.

Larry Saylor is the MRF operations manager for republic. He oversees the 80,000-square-foot facility responsible for sorting through most of the recoverable material between Tampa and Orlando.

Materials brought in for recovery are fed to balers and sorted. Glass gets removed almost immediately. It’s the least valuable of all the recyclable materials.

“For the recovery industry it’s pretty worthless,” Saylor said. “It’s abrasive. It tears equipment up.”

Some recycling contracts, Jones said, now exclude glass from recyclable materials.

Magazines, brochures and catalogues

Blueprints

White or pastel office paper

Newspapers and inserts (no bags)

Phone books

Paperboard boxes

Corrugated cardboard and paper bags Empty aerosol cans (no caps)

Paperback books

Loose metal jar lids and steel bottle caps

Paper milk/juice cartons (no foil pouches, do not flatten)

Plastic containers

Tubs

Jars

Cans (do not crush or flatten)

Bottles

Glass bottles and jars

Jugs

*New: Recycle plastic screw-top caps on empty plastic containers (No #7 PLA compostables, no foam, do not flatten)

Aluminum foil

No need to remove: paper clips, stamps, address labels, staples, tape wire, metal fasteners, rubber bands, spiral bindings, plastic tabs.

cannot recycle NO... You any of the following. n Scrap metal n Tyvek envelopes n Needs or syringes n Frozen food, ice cream or

frozen fruit containers n Mirrors n Ceramics n Pyrex n Light bulbs n Plates n Vases n Drinking glasses n Window glass n Hazardous or bio-hazardous waste n Plastics other than those listed n Tissues, paper towels or napkins n Waxed paper or waxed cardboard n Stickers or sheets of address labels (affixed address labels and stamps are ok) n Styrofoam n Paper to-go containers Source: Republic Services

At Republic’s MRF glass is broken down and separated into fine pieces, which will get sent to landfills for daily covering, 3/4-inch to 2-inch pieces that can be recovered and larger pieces that are contaminated with other materials like plastic and paper that also go straight to the landfill.

However, Saylor said even the recoverable materials of the middle group can be largely unrecoverable during wetter months because of contamination. Glass, the heaviest recovery material, makes up 30% of the materials they receive by volume, Saylor said. Most of it winds up in the trash.

In the balers, cardboard, often the largest material by size, gets separated first. Steel “stars” rotate, acting as screens that remove the cardboard and place it on conveyer belts, separating it from other material. As the remaining material moves on, other stars (the rest made of rubber) operate as screens separating other materials.

Plastics are organized into seven number categories. Ones, water bottles and most thin food containers, get separated by an optical sorter. Twos, thicker plastic containers like those for laundry detergent, are sorted separately and threes through sevens are grouped together.

An “eddy current” separates aluminum cans from number 3 through 7 plastics with a current that launches the metallic items over the plastics, allowing the plastics to fall through.

Paper is also separated through the baler’s screens.

Saylor said between 85 and 90% of material gets separated by the machine, but workers are positioned at various points to catch materials that slip past screens and remove non-recyclable trash items, like contaminants, shopping bags and other plastic films.

Plastic films pose a unique threat to balers. If a baler was Superman, the films would be kryptonite. The thin films get caught in the spinning shafts of the screen, turning them into giant drums and preventing them from properly sorting materials, Saylor said.

Do not, by any means, put your Publix bags in with your recycling, he said, and don’t put your recyclables into plastic bags. Recycling in plastic bags won’t get sorted. It’s too dangerous to open those bags, he said, because people try to hide everything from animal parts to hypodermic needles in wrapped recyclables.

“By the time that bag with good recycling material gets through, our guys pick it up and throw it with the trash,” Saylor said. “You can’t take that risk.”

OFF TO THE MARKET

Once the material is separated by the baler, it’s organized into bales by material type. Those bales are then sold based on monthly Official Board Market (OBM) pricing, often referred to as Yellow Sheet Pricing. That pricing guide sets the market value for the recovered material, which is sold by weight. The pricing varies month to month and is adjusted for different regions of the country.

Once the material is sold, a processing cost is removed and the remaining money is divided between Republic and Plant City. Plant City gets 30% of the remaining funds.

Recycling isn’t a lucrative endeavor, Sessions said. In the 2015-2016 fiscal year, Plant City received about $20,000 in funds from residential recycling, which went back into the city’s solid waste fund. City participation in recycling programs is, however, mandatory.

Daniel Figueroa IV

Far Left: A Lakeland recycling truck dumps a load of single-stream recycleables at the MRF. Left: Workers “dress the bales” by removing unwanted material before shipping.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

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ing Plant City’s character. The development would also include space for retail locations, restaurants, a fitness center, senior living facility and an educational facility.

The idea would be to create an 18-to-24 hour living space that could “achieve an authentic walkable community connected to Downtown as an expansion, integrating all age and ethnic groups,” Jim Edwards a real estate associate and former Lakeland CRA director said.

Hefferin offered a timeline showing seven-phase project with expected completion near Jan. 18, 2022. The first phase, which would consist largely of the new park, could be completed by early 2019. However, market conditions could get in the way, he said.

“It’s a factor beyond anybody’s control,” Hefferin said. “You’re always trying to stay out ahead of it.

Be aware of it. From a timing standpoint, the sooner you move, the better off we will all be… We’re not just doing a Field of Dreams here, where you just build it all and hope they come. You’ve got to literally bring it on as the market will support it.”

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Ten years after its inception, the oftmaligned Midtown Redevelopment project finally has a developer, E2L Real Estate Solutions, and could have aspects of the project completed by 2019.

During a meeting of the Community Redevelopment Agency, City Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to direct city staff to move ahead on contract negotiations with the Maitland-based firm.

“When we started the project, I think we envisioned making a decision like the one we have before us today,” Mayor Rick Lott said.

It’s been more than 10 years since city officials set out to redevelop the area of land south of Historic Downtown know as Midtown. A national financial crisis shortly after the proj-

tion stage. Utilizing local talent, he said, is crucial to keeping the project tied in with Plant City’s unique character and allowing for seamless transition into Downtown. He also said the timing is right.

“We didn’t pick local partners to get a score,” Hefferin said. “We picked local partners because we know they know the culture and history. They are here to help us understand that, get us up the learning curve as quickly as possible and teach us how to be a part of your community.”

The proposal Hefferin and his team created is for a mixed-use residential and commercial development adjacent to Historic Downtown within the overall Midtown redevelopment area.

The main segment of the development would start on Collins Street, move west past Wheeler Street and go south to Ball Street.

The development would include a park and event corridor adjacent to the Village Green Midtown Park, continuing west to near South Daniel Street. The Park would serve as an “event corridor” to host weddings, concerts and other functions.

The center of the development would be a boutique hotel similar to Winter Park’s Alfond Inn, incorporat-

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STAFF WRITER

nies as partners is like making “two home runs.”

“I know there is a market for it,” Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson said. “I know there is a need for it.”

The E2L concept is still in the conceptual “vision” stage. E2L President Mark Hefferin has already recruited a team of partners, including local community members and established industry professionals, to help move the vision forward into the applica-

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DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

ect came together, the economy’s slow-crawl return and stormwater related environmental concerns were among issues that slowed the project in the last decade. Those hurdles have now been mostly cleared.

Plant City has spent more than $4 million getting the area ready for development.

The selection of E2L follows a March authorization from the city for three companies, E2L, Green Mills Group and Lefrois Builders, to respond to a Request for Proposal. Only E2L and Green Mills followed through with proposals.

E2L presented a master plan concept commissioners said fell in line with the “live-work-play” vision for Midtown that has guided the project.

Green Mills, a developer of affordable housing for families and seniors, provided a concept for a 75-to-100 unit complex of affordable housing for senior citizens.

Though commissioners felt the Green Mills proposal didn’t fall in line with the Midtown vison, they gave a consensus agreement for city staff to move forward with finding another suitable location for the Green Mills project. Interim City Manager Kim Leinbach said gaining both compa-

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Maitland-based E2L Real Estate Solutions will head a public-privately partnered development in the Midtown CRA

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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, kberry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, sholt@plantcityobserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@ PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, dfigueroa@ PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@ PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

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Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. Our team of biologists and ecologists is dedicated to ensuring the protection and stewardship of Florida’s native wildlife through the most advanced relocation techniques and prime habitat development. By working with local environmental groups, Mosaic has preserved and created thousands of acres of natural habitats throughout our region for nearly 300 types of native wildlife. Grant, Mosaic ecologist and authorized agent, works to ensure wildlife like the Florida gopher tortoise thrives in reclaimed xeric upland habitat.

To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.

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WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TO NURTURE NATIVE WILDLIFE.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

THE BAND PLAYS ON CITY LEADERSHIP STAYS INTACT AFTER ANNUAL SECTIONS Mayor Rick Lott will serve a fourth consecutive term.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

City leadership for the next year will look much the same as it has for the last year.

Citing marked strides in development during the last year, the City Commission Monday unanimously selected Rick Lott to continue as Plant City’s mayor. Lott, in turn, selected Commissioner Bill Dodson to continue to serve as Vice-Mayor.

While commissioners are voted to three-year terms by constituents, the commission selects a commissioner to serve a one-year term during the first commission meeting in June every year.

“For the last year I have to give credit where credit is due,” Commissioner Mary Mathis said. “Our current mayor, he has served us well. I’ve even heard of the firm and courageous conversations you’ve had with the county commission to make something happen.”

Throughout the last year, many

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long-running city initiatives have begun to come to fruition. Plant City Main Street has reformed to revitalize the Historic Downtown area; more companies have moved into business parks along County Line Road, allowing for new construction to begin; a request for proposal went out for a sports complex along Park Road; and a developer has been selected for the long awaited Midtown redevelopment project, among other accomplishments.

Lott has served as mayor since 2014, succeeding Mathis, who served between 2013 and 2014. Prior to that, he served as mayor between 2007 and 2010.

“I am honored. It’s an honor to serve this city and work for this city.

But it’s also an honor to represent this board,” Lott said. “I believe our future is very, very bright.”

Traditionally, the mayor and vicemayor also serve as chair and vicechair of the Community Redevelopment Agency, which is comprised of commission members. With the unanimous selection of Lott and Dodson to those respective positions, that tradition continues.

Daniel Figueroa IV

Di Lott (center) holds the bible as Mayor Rick Lott (left) takes the oath of office administered by City Clerk Kerri Miller (right).

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joined,” Debbie Swindle said. “Growing up, we were out on the farm just as any other boy. That’s where we came from. That’s where I came from. With FFA now, there’s so many leadership opportunities.”

The Swindles said they’ve watched the FFA change over the years. These days, they said they sometimes see as many, if not more, women than men in the organization, especially in leadership roles. And, it runs in the family.

Their granddaughter, Madi Conrad, is a chapter officer for the PCHS FFA and granddaughter, Anna Conrad, is the Area 5 state vice president for the Florida FFA. The Swindles said they’ve watched their granddaughters grow into future leaders through the FFA, as they have many young men and women over the years. That’s why they support the organization with such dedication, they said. The Swindle’s are known

for sponsoring scholarships, buying steers and swine and donating money so FFA members can attend conventions. While they help at the high school and college levels both nationally and statewide, the Rocking S Farms owners are especially known for their support of the Florida Strawberry Festival agriculture shows.

“Larry and Debbie Swindle have been some of the most dedicated and generous supporters in the history of the Florida Strawberry Festival’s youth livestock programs,” Florida Strawberry Festival President Paul Davis said. “Not only have they provided financial support to many of our exhibitors, they have also given of their time and knowledge to help foster a love for agriculture in our young people. Many of our exhibitors are better equipped for their futures because of the Swindles, and we are honored to call them friends.”

The Swindle’s said the induction is a humbling experience. They don’t

like the limelight and see themselves more as “behind the scenes people.”

They help because, to them, it’s the right thing to do.

“That (FFA) is where our future leaders are coming from. If we don’t help try to develop them and support them, where will we be in the future?”

Larry Swindle said. “God blessed us to where we can do this. These young people are the ones who are going to take care of us in the future. It’s a pleasure and a blessing for us to be able to do this. The world will be a much better place if we help people instead of trying to run each other down.”

The Swindles will officially be inducted into the Florida FFA Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony Sept. 25 at the Florida FFA Leadership Training Center in Haines City. Larry’s father, Ed Swindle, and his high school agriculture teachers Richard Joyner and Ray Arrington are also Florida FFA Hall of Fame members.

THINKING POSITIVE

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

SCOTT TOLER

Focus on freedoms to lessen fears Scott Toler believes it’s possible to find inner peace in a world gripped by fear.

W

ith the recent fatalities from attacks in Europe, the tendency to adopt a fearful view of life might become an issue. Letting fear grow as a companion to daily life seems paralyzing. However, reminding ourselves of certain abiding values holds a lot of merit.

We value the freedom to speak our minds in appropriate ways.

This gives us the latitude to agree or disagree with others and to engage in public debate. It includes the freedom of speaking and acting in ways that reflect our genuine selves.

Something else we have always valued is freedom of the press. This freedom fits with our origins of wanting to live by Constitutional guidelines instead of authoritative decrees. The press reports what it thinks happened and we, as citizens, decide the individual validity of these stories on a personal basis.

Freedom of religion took root as an important value in our country many years ago. It allows us to worship and to express our faith in ways that our hearts find acceptable. It provides refuge and shelter against any possible sanctions that seek to curtail liberties in this area.

The freedom of lawful assembly flourishes here. We engage in groups and associations that we feel enhance our public and private lives. This includes gatherings that express a belief or a set of opinions.

These freedoms only respond to

fear if we allow it to happen. In fact, they stand as the antidote to any fear provoked by those with destructive agendas. We need to remind ourselves of these free traditions, born out of a desire that people live without fear.

Focusing on this reassuring heritage also applies to our inner lives.

The act of diminishing fear provides a peace that many seem to crave.

Inner peace leads to order in our thinking, balanced perspectives on outer events and efficacious personal actions.

Our history stands as an affirmation that millions of people have lived and are living in an open society that promotes the kind of freedom which banishes fear. Our responsibility lies in reaffirming our commitment to shaping and communicating these values in the face of those who wish to relegate them to secondary status.

We have met and survived these kinds of challenges to our society before in history. The Civil War and the Great Depression stand as two examples. Just as we need other people to play important roles in our lives, we may need others who share our values to help us overcome the situations that have played a bigger role in our national lives since September 11, 2001.

The freedoms we share will help us to overcome these challenges, too.

Scott Toler is a licensed mental health counselor living in Plant City.

He can be reached at etoler25@tampabay. rr.com.

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Phillip Valeriani, of the United Food Bank of Plant City, holds up one of the donation-filled buckets at the June 10 Rise Plant City dodgeball tournament.

On average, Heysek said the food bank serves 1,000 families — 3,500 people — each month. She said the food bank gave away over 1 million pounds of food last year, but that there are still times when donations aren’t coming in as frequently as around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

In times like the summer months, a little extra help can go a long way.

Lott’s goal is to get other local businesses and people invested in the cause.

He’s working on the idea of “Food Bank Fridays,” where entities are encouraged to round up goods throughout the week and drop off donations on Fridays. As a coach on Plant City High School’s tennis and soccer staffs, Lott

is also working to get PCHS athletes involved by creating volunteer work for them at the food bank.

His promotional efforts are also expanding into community events.

Most recently, Rise Plant City — of which Lott is a member — held a dodgeball tournament on June 10 to benefit the food bank through food and item donations. Spectators who brought donations to the tournament received a discount on the ticket price.

Lott hopes that, in time, the food bank can see hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds of food donated on Fridays.

“It’s a necessity for (people) to have these items,” he said.

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One person’s junk may be another person’s necessity.

That’s what Trent Lott, owner of College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, believes. Lott’s business has partnered with the United Food Bank of Plant City to help with food, furniture and other wares, but the groups want the rest of Plant City to get on board.

“I’m just trying to get the community a little more behind it,” Lott said. “I wanted to make something our company could do to help out, make something more grassroots rather than just saying, ‘Our company donates to a certain national charity,’ or something.”

Having known United Food Bank executive director Mary Heysek for much of his life, the partnership was a natural fit for Lott. It began when Lott realized that much of the food his customers would dispose of during a move, as well as some of the furniture and kitchenware they were getting rid of, were usable and even in good condition.

“They pay us to haul it away,” Lott said. “I know we say we’re ‘hauling junk’ but, if we can, we’d like that ‘junk’ to be repurposed.”

It came at a good time for the food bank, which Heysek is structuring to do more than just provide food for people in need.

“We’re going from our clients coming in just wanting food to them telling us their entire story without us even having to ask,” operations manager Angelica Conrad said. “We realize that they have so many other problems or obstacles that they face in their life.”

In some of these cases, clients may not be able to afford furniture, cleaning supplies or other household items of need. The food bank is able to fulfill those needs through help from donors such as Lott, which helps these people furnish their homes and get back on their feet after periods of low income, or even homelessness.

“Most of our clients are the ‘working poor,’” Heysek said. “They’re working, but they just don’t have enough to make ends meet, so they’re food insecure. They’re one medical bill away from disaster.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

Plant City man selected for ‘Feeding a Hungry Planet’ conference in Brussels Plant City will be represented during a global summit on hunger issues this October.

DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER

The future of food security might be found in Plant City.

Ben Carson, a Plant City native, has been selected as one of 100 people from around the world to participate in Bayer Corp. Crop Science’s 2017 Youth Ag-Summit, themed “Feeding a Hungry World.” Carson will join four other Americans as part of the conference’s U.S. delegation, joining 95 other young adults from 49 countries.

The conference, to be held in October in Brussels, Belgium, will be Bayer’s third Youth Ag-Summit. The first was held in Canada in 2013, then again in Australia in 2015.

The bi-annual conference brings together adults ages 18 through 25 to discuss issues relating to the future of agriculture. Through the conference, Bayer hopes to bring together talented young minds who can keep the agriculture industry innovative and forward-thinking in addressing

issues like world hunger, Casey Allen, a spokesman for Bayer Corp.’s Crop Science division, said. The conference’s participants, he said, can then bring ideas from the conference back to their communities.

In 2011, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations released a report stating that food production would need to increase by 70% to sustain an expected population of about 9 billion people by 2050.

This year’s conference addresses the United Nations’ sustainable development goals of ending hunger, achieving food security and promoting sustainable agriculture, Allen said.

“Addressing the challenge of feeding a growing population, you need that continual pipeline of talent driving the industry and driving innovation,” he said. “It’s important to be able to bring in a younger generation and show them agriculture is a great place to be, not just these folks involved in the summit, but their entire communities.”

Carson, 21, grew up surrounded by agriculture. His grandfather, W.B. “Hap” Carson, is the founder of Chemical Dynamics, a Plant Citybased liquid fertilizer company. Carson, a finance and marketing major at Samford University in Birmingham,

Ala., said he hopes to use his business knowledge and experience at the conference to provide management consulting services to agricultural businesses to boost economic development within agricultural communities around the country.

“I’m looking forward to hearing from great minds on agriculture and learning as much as I possibly can about agriculture around the world,” Carson said. “I want to go in there like a sponge and soak up as much as I can.

I’m only 21. I know I still have so much to learn about the agriculture industry. I want to focus my career on making agricultural businesses thrive, because feeding these companies means feeding our future.”

Carson said he found out about the conference from his brother, Nathan, who attended in 2013. To be selected, Carson had to write an essay about proposed solutions to a global hunger crisis, incorporating the U.N.’s sustainable development goals. Carson said growing up around the citrus industry inspired him to write about citrus greening, particularly about successful studies that have used genetic material from spinach plants to combat greening.

“Ben Carson’s passion and dedication to finding a solution to a dis-

Courtesy photo

“I want to go in there like a sponge and soak up as much as I can.

I’m only 21. I know I still have so much to learn.”

– Ben Carson

ease that threatens the global citrus industry is a great example of the power of youth leadership,” National 4-H Council President and Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Sirangelo said. “I’m excited that Ben and other young people from across the globe will have the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Youth Ag-Summit to further engage and build sustainable solutions for global food production.”

Sirangelo was one of six judges from the agriculture industry who gathered to select the five-member U.S. delegation from a pool of more than 60 applicants. Globally, there were more than 1,000 applicants, Allen said.

The chance to represent Plant City’s agricultural community is one Carson said he doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s a great honor,” he said. “I get to represent my hometown in Plant City, my school in Samford and the United States in general. I wouldn’t be here without my parents and my background in agriculture. I wouldn’t be here without the community and what the Plant City community and agriculture has provided me. I want to be able to represent everyone who’s given me this opportunity. I hope to take this opportunity and invest back into the world in a way I could not do before.”

TACTICAL TITAN The rains cleared Saturday for the more-than-30 obstacle race.

T

he Tactical Titan, a 5k obstacle course, returned to the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds in Dover Saturday.

Hundreds of racers turned out to compete in the event’s first run in 2014. Tactical Titan is a mud-free obstacle course with more than 30 obstacles. Competitors ages 12 through 39 were able to compete in an “elite” timed event for prizes or a number of unscored waves. There was also a division for runners over 40 years old and One-and-a-half mile race for children under 12 with 15 obstacles.

Tactical Titan is operated by Titan Runs, which also operates Mud Titan in Plant City.

Mud Titan 8 will be held in Plant City on October 7.

– DANIEL FIGUEROA IV

Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV

Above: Lillian Martinez and Viviana Montanez.

Right: A competitor climb the “warped wall” using a rope made mandatory for female competitors.

The grip rig is one of Tactical Titan’s toughest obstacles.

Stacy and Jason Leigh flex before getting ready to run.

Dressed as a Dragon Ball character, a competitor goes “Super Saiyan” on the “warped wall.”

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

NO STONE UNTURNED 600 block of Walter Drive.

Vehicle burglary: Officers responded to a vehicle burglary report and found that unknown suspect(s) had burglarized five vehicles at an apartment complex. The burglaries happened in the same time frame and in one general area. Miscellaneous items were reported stolen.

HAVE YOU SEEN ABRAHAM? 3600 block of West Baker Street.

Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated a suspect burglarized a vehicle and stole a ring bearing the name “Abraham.”

A juvenile was located and arrested in connection with the crime.

“The Simpsons, because there’s so many different levels of humor.”

GREEN THUMB 20 block of C Street.

Drug investigation: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) placed two marijuana plants at her doorstep.

She did not know why anyone would do that. Officers took the plants to PCPD for evidence.

— Arley Smude, 30

THOSE DARNED KIDS 1000 block of Woodlawn Avenue.

Criminal mischief: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) damaged her mail box, rear glass door, rear window and stove while she was away on vacation. She believed a “neighborhood kid” had caused the damage by striking a window air conditioning unit. Officers contacted other residents of the neighborhood and found no witnesses to the crime.

Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

“Law & Order SVU. I like Olivia Benson.”

— Amy Pack, 25

“Mystery Science Theater 3000. It’s hilarious. Full of wit.”

NICE TRY 1860 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Criminal mischief: While conducting a foot patrol, officers found a male subject spray painting graffiti on a wall connected to a gym.

Subject was arrested.

“Cops ... you get to see stuff you wouldn’t ordinarily see.”

MISTAKEN IDENTITY Franklin Street/Tever Street.

Drug investigation: A female subject was stopped when it was determined the tag on her Ford Mustang was both expired and registered to a Volkswagen. Subject was arrested and taken to jail without incident.

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PLANNING AHEAD 910 block of South Woodrow Wilson Street.

Criminal mischief: Officers responded to a business on a report of criminal mischief and found that unknown suspect(s) had cut the lock to the business’s electrical panel overnight. It was determined that no attempt to enter the business was made.

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OKEYDOKE GONE WRONG 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Felony retail theft: Complainant stated a female subject stole an item on June 6 and, the following day, attempted to return it to the store for $40.54. Subject was arrested.

PIPE DOWN 400 block of Damon Street.

Criminal mischief: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) caused $1,459.33 in damages to PVC fencing and a gate at a housing community. The damage was believed to have been caused by a BB gun.

— Vicky Saunders, 29

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JUNE 2

TEST RUN Robin Drive/North Johnson Loop.

Vehicle burglary: Complainant reported two male subjects checking door handles of cars and homes around his neighborhood.

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Petit theft: Complainant stated two unknown suspects stole over $100 in towels and other items from a hotel’s pool deck. Complainant stated the suspects drove a white station wagon and he believed them to be homeless. A waiver of prosecution was signed.

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

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— Justin Surrency, 34

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

ONGOING

PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT PASTA DINNER 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 N. Carey St. Enjoy a plate of spaghetti and meatballs and help Plant City Entertainment raise money for its upcoming performance of Shrek. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $6 for children.

Diners can receive a discount by presenting their ticket stubs for Once Upon a Crime.

PAINTING WITH BETTY FAIRBANKS AT THE CLASSROOM GALLERY Takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The cost is $20 per class.

Bring own supplies and references to learn about color theory, design and different techniques. Call (813) 757-3632.

MONDAY, JUNE 19

BUILD! AT THE BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY 3 to 4 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The library partners with Lowe’s Home Improvements to let kids in kindergarten through fifth grade get creative.

Lowe’s is providing projects for kids to build and take home, all for free.

John Russell, (813) 757-9215 x24 or jrussell@plantcitygov.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 20

TEEN BOOK CLUB AT THE BRUTON MEMORIAL LIBRARY 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The book club will discuss Firstlife, by Gena Showalter. John Russell, (813) 757-9215 x24.

THURSDAY, JUNE 22

COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE 3 to 4 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Children of all ages are welcome to join drummers from Giving Tree Music for a fun, musical learning experience.

Teamwork and gratitude concepts are also covered. John Russell, (813)

PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome.

BEST BET FRIDAY, JUNE 16

ONCE UPON A CRIME: A FAIRYTALE MURDER 8 p.m. June 16 and 17 at Plant City Entertainment Inc., 101 N. Thomas St. A murder mystery with a fantasy twist takes the stage for a weekend showing at Plant City’s community theater. Tickets coast $15 per person, which includes admission to the show and dessert.

Funds raised by the show will help Plant City Entertainment cover the costs to finance its upcoming Shrek production.

757-9215 x24 or jrussell@plantcitygov.com.

MONDAY, JUNE 26

COUNTRYSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Countryside Baptist Church, 13422 Sydney Rd, Dover. Kids in Pre-K through fifth grade are invited to join the Countryside crew for food, games and learning about the Holy Bible from June 26-30. There is no cost to attend the VBS and any funds raised through the event will help the church’s Youth Local Missions. Call (813) 571-8200.

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. There is a full kitchen.

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

THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.

MEMBERS ENJOY FAMILY FUN

DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. Fridays at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. For more information, call Walt Arnold at (813) 752-1602.

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

KRAZY KUP LIVE MUSIC 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

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

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

PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Mondays at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St. PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive.

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. James Chittenden, (813) 204-9267.

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Bank and Brandon Hospital and was PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 6.

Dormany was employed by the a member of the Brandon Rotary M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 10:42 AM Greyhound Corporation for 35 Club, where he was past president She was born in 1965. years. He was most passionate and started the Wild Game Cookabout his family. He was a member out. He was also a member of the of the Olin S. Wright Masonic Lodge Plant City Rotary Club. He loved his FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS 79 and a lifetime member and Saint family, especially his grandsons, www.HopewellFuneraI.com Peters Episcopal Church where he and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM served on the vestry. coaching youth baseball.

He is survived by daughter, Karen He is survived by his wife of 58 Mica (David); grandson David Mica years, Jeanette Belisle; sons, Keith Jr. (Mary Caroline); granddaughBelisle (Betty Joyce) of Samson, we’re dedicated to helping families a and Allison Mica; and WE’R E PRO U D TO(Annie) S E RVE of ourDucommunity ters, create Julianne Ala., and Kevin Belisle Garth W. Pementer unique and 62, meaningful memorial that truly personal, compassionate care since 1896.W. PEMENTER, great-grandson, David Mica III. rant; with and grandsons, Justin Belisle GARTH OF PLANT ® celebrates it represents. He was preceded in death by his As your Dignity Memorial professionals, (Nicki), and Jake Belisle (Morgan).

CITY DIED JUNE 10 AT the HISlife HOME. wife, Letha; and son Larry Stephen He was preceded death byGuarantee his > 100%inService > National Plan Transferability Dormany. parents, Bill > and Eva Belisle; and He is survived by his wife of 45 Bereavement Travel Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® The family wishes to thank Big two brothers, Billy Belisle, and Joel years, Cheryl Permenter.

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Belisle.

Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

A graveside service will be held at Memorial contributions may be June 16, with memorial service at made to A Kid’s Place of Tampa Bay 3 the p.m. at Wells Funeral Proudly supporting Plant CityMemorial Strawberry Festival. noon on June 19 at Oaklawn Cemetery East, in Plant City. at www.akidsplacetb.org/Ways-toHome.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may Give/Donate. be made to Saint Peters Episcopal Expressions of condolence can be Church, Plant City, or Saint Peters left at www.HopewellFuneral.com.

Anglican Church, Tallahassee or the Big Bend Hospice, Tallahassee.

WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Scotti Thompson of Bevis Funeral FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS Home is assisting the Dormany www.HopewellFuneraI.com family with their arrangements.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

our community with personal, compassionate care since 1896.

As your Dignity Memorial® professionals, W E ’R E P R O U D TO SE RV E

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

11

Taking care of each other is what

Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Robert F. Jenkins > 100% Service Guarantee > National Plan Transferability ROBERT F. JENKINS, 52, OF PLANT Helpline® Braswell> Bereavement KendrickTravel Assistance > The Compassion JACQUELINE “JACKIE” BRASWELL KENDRICK, 70, OF PLANT CITY, FLORIDA, DIED JUNE 5.

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Shewith is surcelebrates the life it represents. vivedAs byyour her Dignity Memorial® professionals, Wells MeMorial & event Center sister, Patsy > 100% Service GuaranteePlanT > National Plan Transferability CiTy B. Holley; > Bereavement Travel Assistance Jacquelyn > TheShenefield Compassion Helpline® her husband, JACQUELYN SHENEFIELD, 69, DIED813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com George; JUNE 8. nephews, M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 10/27/15 Benjamin committal service will be held Proudly1 supportingAthe Plant City Strawberry Festival.

Wilson, Michael Wilson, Mark Wilson at 11:30 a.m. June 23 at Florida (Robin); James Holley (Lena), Gene National Cemetery.

Burtz (Pamela), Fred Burtz (Chris), Julius “Sleepy” Burtz (Connie); niece, Melanie Wilson; stepdaughWELLSMEMORIAL.COM ter, Judy McNabb; several grandchildren; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel B. Kendrick; Wells MeMorial & event Center her parents, Ledford Patton BrasFrances Scott PlanT CiTy well and Minnie Myrtle Chisholm FRANCES SCOTT, 97 OF PLANT CITY, 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com Braswell; and brother Michael Cole- DIED JUNE 9. man Braswell.

M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 10/27/15 Jackie requested cremation and The family received visitors June 13 no service. She asked her ashes be at First Assembly of God. spread on the Blue Ridge Parkway Services followed. in her beloved mountains of North Condolences can be left for the Carolina. Instead of flowers, donafamily at www.haught.care. tions can be made in her honor to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation or your favorite charity.

Care was provided by Hopewell Funeral Home.

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

JUNE 16, 2017

SPORTS

“I wasn’t really nervous. I felt really confident I was going to do good.”

— Deven Gonzalez batted .409 in a tourney. SEE PAGE 14

Do you have a good sports scoop for us?

Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

Chris Welbon Karate offering summer camps Chris Welbon Karate Clubs of Plant City is no stranger to summer fun.

The karate school is promoting its latest round of summer camps for kids age 4 to 13, from half-day camps to full-day affairs. There are three types of camps left between June and July, and they’ll give kids the chance to learn karate, take field trips, ride a water slide and enjoy pizza parties.

Belt promotion camps, which invite students to learn new techniques and advance in rank, are on tap for sessions from June 19 through 23 and July 17 through 21. SuperHero Week is scheduled from July 10 through 14, and Ninja Warrior — where campers visit the 2Infinity Extreme Air Sports center in Lakeland — will be held from July 24 through 28.

Half-day camps, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., cost $145 per week. Full-day camps, which run from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., cost $185 per week. The full-day cost for belt promotion camps is $215, which covers the fees for testing and for new belts.

There is a $50 per week deposit.

Registration forms are available at Chris Welbon Karate Clubs, 602 S. Collins St. Online registration at ChrisWelbonKarate.com is also accepted. For more information, call (813) 752-9800.

PRO TIPS Ahmad Black "tackles" a camper for fun during one-on-ones.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE

Take advantage of affordable sports camps Quality education for the playing field doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

W

hen it comes to putting your child into a sports camp, I believe one of the best things you can hear is, “We try to keep it affordable for families.”

Don’t get me twisted here — if you have the disposable income to send your kid to a top-of-the-line camp, or something that advertises itself as such, I’m not one to tell you how to spend your money. It’s just that there are many parents out there that want to give their kids such opportunities but, because the money’s not right, they can’t. Or, so they think.

One of my favorite things about Plant City is that a lot of local coaches get that, thus they try to keep the prices low. Having covered many of this town’s recurring camps and gotten to know these coaches, I can tell you it’s generally possible to get a good learning experience here on the cheap.

I went to the Coach Kris Broussard football camp on June 10 and saw kids get plenty of sound advice from Broussard’s team and the co-hosting Plant City Dolphins personnel.

Broussard has coached on several National Football League staffs in the last few years, not to mention that he brought former Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ahmad Black to town to help. If anyone knows what it takes to reach the game’s highest level, it’s guys who got there.

That education cost families as little as $35 for that one day.

Sure, it wasn’t a full-pads contact camp. Everyone played in their “CKB” shirts, basketball shorts and cleats. You can absolutely get full-pads action in the Tampa Bay area, but Offense-Defense Football Camps are going to run you at least $299. In that camp’s case, you’re also SEE KLINE PAGE 13

Photos by Justin Kline

CKB Football Camp comes to Plant City Kirk Broussard and Ahmad Black shared NFL experiences with kids on June 10.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Y

outh football players usually celebrate with teammates after scoring touchdowns. It’s not very often that they’ll get to dap up or dance with an NFL player.

On June 10, Plant City youths got to do just that with former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ahmad Black.

That’s because Plant City hosted a CKB Football Camp at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex that day, despite the threat of rain and thunder.

Run by NFL coach Kirk Broussard, it was the first time the Pensacolabased, nationally-hosted camp came to town.

Broussard, who most recently coached on Rex Ryan’s Buffalo Bills staff in the 2016-17 season, has hosted camps in Florida, California and Oregon since 2014. The Pensacola native began spreading throughout the Tampa Bay area in 2015 and had his sights set on Plant City for this summer.

“I just do it based on relationships,” Broussard says. “I had a relationship, previously, with the president of the Plant City youth football (Eric Lawson), and we kind of pitched the idea to each other, started putting some plans (together) and seeing the plans come into fruition with parents pre-registering for it. We thought we could have a successful camp based on the amount of interest that we started getting.”

Broussard likes to bring professional athletes to his camps whenever possible, and doing so also requires him to work his contacts. To link up with Black, who retired from the NFL in April, Broussard went through a

Kirk Broussard addresses campers after completing a series of drills.

mutual friend: former NFL running back Chris Rainey, a teammate of Black’s at both Lakeland High School and the University of Florida.

For Black, the opportunity to work with kids wasn’t one he could pass up.

“Just being out here with the kids, it’s the passion,” Black says. “These guys want to make it to the NFL. They want to learn. They’re eager. They’re hungry. I just like to be out here, giving back to the kids what was taught to me.”

Black shared his knowledge of the defensive back positions with the kids and did everything in his power to put smiles on their faces. Bouncing around the field with exuberance, Black was especially talkative during one-on-one drills with wide receivers and defensive backs. He was just as quick to congratulate a wideout for making a tough catch as he was to dance with a defensive back that would return a pick for a touchdown.

Broussard, his crew and the Dolphins personnel on hand, guided the neon-clad campers through skills and drills, covering everything from the offensive front to the defensive backs. They taught the benefits of proper nutrition and hydration, as

well as the importance of staying in school and getting good grades.

“We try to get hands-on with the kids and relay the things that we’ve learned through our football careers, pros, college, into the kids on a fundamental basis … we’ve got to continue to hone the fundamentals of the kids,” Broussard says.

Of course, Broussard and Black also offered to share some “tips and tricks” picked up from their NFL experiences.

They also invited Black to tell his story in his own words. Though he was highly recruited out of high school, Black’s path to the NFL was far from easy.

“Don’t ever let nobody tell you you can’t,” Black says. “I’ve been told I was too small. I’ve been told I was too slow. It caught up with me in the NFL. It’s a big-man, fast-man game, to let them tell it. But I think I did an OK job out there.”

Black’s message runs parallel to the message Broussard hopes to convey to kids through his camps, whether in Plant City or anywhere else.

“I really want to relay that to the kids,” Broussard says. “That there’s no instant gratification in the real world. You have to earn your spot.”

“These guys want to make it to the NFL. They want to learn. They’re eager. They’re hungry. I just like to be out here, giving back to the kids what was taught to me.”

– Retired Tampa Bay Buccaneer Ahmad Black

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

Raiders hoops camp puts “fun” in “fundamentals”

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

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Plant City High School held its annual summer basketball camp from June 5 through 8.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Only at Plant City High School’s annual basketball camps are kids just as likely to get backed down in the post by coach Billy Teeden as their fellow campers.

Teeden and the boys and girls of the school’s hoops programs hosted the first of two annual summer sessions from June 5 through 8. The camp, now in its 10th summer, is meant to teach boys and girls age 6 through 14 the fundamentals of the game. Shooting, dribbling, positioning, defending and

other offensive and defensive areas are covered by the school’s group of coaches, in this case a mixed bag of the teams’ actual coaches and the varsity players.

The camp’s second session will be held from July 10 through 13, and the cost to register is $115 per camper.

Registration forms can be printed from ow.ly/N5sM30bc6IW and returned to the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department, 1904 S. Park Road.

For more information, call Teeden at (813) 967-7551 or email PCHoops@ yahoo.com.

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Mackenzie Steele teaches young campers how to protect the ball and avoid causing steals.

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Boys basketball head coach Billy Teeden gets in on the one-on-one action and puts up a shot.

KIDS’ CORNER

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers

Puzzle One Solution: “If only I’d known my differentness would be an asset, then my earlier life would have been much easier.”

– Bette Midler

DYLEN COUTURE

How long have you been coming to the basketball camp?

Three years.

What keeps you coming back?

I keep coming just to play basketball. For the experience.

Who are some of your favorite coaches to work with out here?

Justyn (King) and Mikey (Oyola).

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned at these camps?

Playing as a team. Making sure everyone’s playing together.

MYKEL OYOLA

How long have you been coaching at the camp?

Two years.

What’s the most fun thing about it?

Learning to cope with kids.

What’s the most important thing someone should know about that?

All of them are respectful, but you have to learn to be productive.

What’s the most important thing you try to teach these kids?

Always be respectful to your peers.

What positions do you play?

Point guard and sometimes shooting guard.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

looking at prices as high as $895 for overnight sessions. You could send your kid to IMG Academy’s camp for a week at a cost of $1,249.

Though the quality of those camps and others like them may be excellent, the costs are simply not feasible for many families that want what’s best for their kids. Enroll if you have that kind of money, but don’t fret if you don’t.

You could enroll your kid in a one-week session at the University of Tampa for $260, or stay local and try Plant City High School’s summer

What’s the most fun thing about coaching at these camps?

The most fun thing about coaching at these camps is teaching the younger generation how to play the game I play. The basics. Learning the basic stuff like dribbling and shooting.

What’s the most important thing someone should know about learning to play Raiders basketball?

That it’s a “one team, one goal” thing. If you have a team, you’ve got to have that one goal. There’s no “I” in “team” and there’s no “I” in “goal.”

What about the fundamentals, what’s the biggest thing for you when teaching kids?

How to dribble the ball and the proper way to shoot. We use a thing called “B.E.E.F.” Balance, elbow, eye contact and follow-through.

What’s the most fun thing about this camp, every year?

Probably the games.

FROM KLINE PAGE 12

JUSTYN KING

EMERSON NEDURIAN

How long have you been coming to these basketball camps?

This is my first year.

Puzzle Two Solution: “I’m proud to be an Oakie from Muskogee ... We still wave Old Glory down at the courthouse.”

– Merle Haggard

This week’s Sudoku answers

What made you want to come out here?

My mom always played basketball when she was in high school, and I just thought it was a fun sport.

Is this your first time with competitive basketball?

I’ve practiced a little, but not real, like this.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this week?

How to shoot, how to dribble and how to play the game properly.

©2017 NEA, Inc.

This week’s Crossword answers

JUSTIN KLINE

basketball camp at $115 per week.

You’re unlikely to find a cheaper alternative for summer wrestling than the Charger Wrestling Club, which charges $30 per month and operates on the Planteen Recreation Center’s grounds. You can get in on Plant City High School’s cheer clinic for $70 if paying $200 for the Bucs’ youth clinic is a bit much.

A good place for parents to start looking for such local offerings would be the city’s Recreation and Parks Department, which nearly always has something going on in our parks. We’ve got several martial arts schools around town that offer

summer camps, as well.

As a proponent of youth sports, I believe all sports camps should be affordable. I hope that, in time, some of those “elite” sports camps will start to resemble ours in price. It could be the one thing that changes someone’s entire summer for the better.

Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

2017

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FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

Deven Gonzalez This year’s “golden ticket” team, the Plant City Raiders, were one of 104 teams kicking off the first week of the Cooperstown Dreams Park Tournament. The team was able to pick up some big wins in upstate New York thanks to several strong performances from the group of 11-year-old boys.

Shortstop Deven Gonzalez led the way with five home runs and a .409 batting average throughout the tournament.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

How was the Cooperstown experience?

It was really good. I liked it a lot. I liked playing other kids from around the country.

I know it was your first time up there, but it looks like you weren’t very nervous at the plate.

I wasn’t really nervous. I felt really confident I was going to do good.

What positions do you play, besides shortstop?

I play second base, and sometimes I pitch.

Dr. Jennifer Closshey says proper skin care doesn’t just start with sunscreen.

Which is your favorite?

I like shortstop the best. I feel like you’re the captain of the infield. You get to call anybody off, and stuff.

S

ummer is officially here.

School’s out. Friends are out water skiing, fishing and playing tennis, golf and beach volleyball. The Florida sun shines bright between rain storms and, when it does, many of us are taking our workouts outdoors. Exercising outside is one of the many benefits of living in our great state, but it can also have a negative effect on the skin without proper care.

Who’s your favorite Major League Baseball player?

Javy Baez, from the Chicago Cubs.

I like the way he plays.

What would you want to do if you could hang out with Javy for a day?

Probably tell him to give me some tips on how to field. Any tips to play shortstop.

What’s the best baseball advice a coach has given you?

To never show attitude on the field. If I strike out, or commit an error, I just know I can make the play next time. I can do it next time.

OUR LARGEST ORGAN

Healthy skin does so much for us, besides protecting and shielding the body from environmental elements such as bacteria and temperatures.

The nerve endings located under the skin provide sensation of heat, cold, pain and pleasure. With this information, the skin helps regulate body temperature and toxins with perspiration. As we exercise, our skin monitors body temperatures to help us stay cool.

Like the lungs, human skin also takes in oxygen through the pores and releases carbon dioxide. Healthy skin relies on proper hydration to stay soft and supple and function properly. This is why it’s important to stay hydrated.

Is there any sport you’ve never played but want to try one day?

I’d like to try soccer.

I’d play forward, striker.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever done on a baseball field?

This one tournament, there was this really fast kid at the plate. He hit one to second base, I dove for it and I got it. I threw him out.

It sounds like Cooperstown is a pretty fun place for you guys off the field, too. What was the most fun you had between games?

Trading pins was really fun.

I was trying to get mostly every pin. I have 60 pins.

TAKE EXTRA CARE

The American Cancer Society says there is a direct link between overexposure to the sun and contracting skin cancer. Proper sunscreen use and sun exposure follow-up care is strongly encouraged every day.

The average American woman uses 12 personal care skin products per day, according to OrthoMolecular Research, while the average man uses six. With hundreds of products on the market, how do you know what to use for your unique skin type and sun exposure?

Which MLB team would you most like to play for when you get older?

Either the Boston Red Sox or the Cubs.

What advice would you give to another Cooperstown first-timer in the future?

Be confident at all times, and just be ready.

DR. JENNIFER CLOSSHEY

Take steps to protect skin before outdoor workouts

baseball. I liked to play with other kids, to have fun on the field.

What was the best moment of the tournament for you?

Hitting my first home run in Cooperstown. It was 10-8, I hit a home run and there were two people on base.

How long have you been playing baseball?

Since I was 4. I’m 11 now.

My parents got me into

FOCUS ON FITNESS

What’s the first thing you’d buy with that MLB contract?

Probably a house for my parents.

WHAT TO AVOID

Courtesy photo

Parabens are synthetic preservatives frequently used in skin care products to increase shelf stability. Known as hormone disruptors and toxins to the human body, parabens were linked to 19 out of 20 women’s breast cancers in a 2004 medical study in the United Kingdom, led by Dr. P.D. Drabre. Look for skin care products and sunscreen with a paraben-free label.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a common ingredient in most skin care items, especially shampoos, body washes and cleansers. It’s also found in some toothpastes and makeup foundations. Listed as mod-

erate hazard on the Environmental Working Group’s database, SLS is simply best avoided.

STEPS BEFORE SUNSCREEN

I recommend using toner before applying sunscreen to keep the skin mildly acidic, with a pH range of 4.6 to 5.0. This level of acidity promotes the best skin function for nutrient absorption, tone, texture and natural moisture, and it also alleviates skin sensitivity.

When the skin is too alkaline, dryness and increased sensitivity will set in. When the skin is too acidic, sun sensitivity is heightened as the skin becomes dehydrated and rough to the touch. The right pH at the start of your workout will facilitate better results whether you’re at the gym, golf course or beach.

Many factors can influence skin pH. Some medications change the pH level of the skin, including cholesterol-lowering drugs. Diet, cosmetics and skin care products modify skin pH. A high-acid diet including meat, dairy, sugar and refined carbs will throw the skin pH balance off.

Just bring along a spray bottle of toner to use throughout the day. Use broad-spectrum sunscreens with at least SPF 30. Apply it generously at least 30 minutes before going into the sun. Repeat sunscreens application throughout the day. Sunscreens are only water-resistant, so re-apply after going into the pool.

If toner is too pricey, try witch hazel.

Witch hazel has been used for hundreds of years by Native Americans as a folk remedy. WebMD lists witch hazel as a way to lessen inflammation, draw tissue to gather and slow bleeding and balance skin pH. Spray or wipe it on with a soft cloth. The natural tannins and oils work with the surface of the skin’s chemistry.

Witch hazel can also treat insect bites, bruises, varicose veins, scrapes, minor burns and even hemorrhoids. It can be found at your local drug store or grocery and, applied properly, is safe for children.

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health and YMCA yoga instructor in Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

ABSOLUTE

AUCTION 11AM FRIDAY, JUNE 23RD COMMERCIAL BUILDING ON CORNER LOT

FAMILY MEDICAL SPECIALISTS OF FLORIDA

2501 MEDULLA ROAD, PLANT CITY • Corner of Medulla Rd. & Coronet Rd. • 4,912+-SF Building Situated on a 0.85+-Acre Lot

Michael Paul Gimness, MD Board certified in Family Medicine

Sony Sam, MD Patricia Siemionko, ARNP AUCTION HELD ON SITE! Preview 1 hour Prior to Auction Terms–10% deposit day of sale. Balance due at closing on or before 30 days. 10% buyer’s premium.

1703 Thonotosassa Road, Suite A, Plant City, Florida 33563

P: 813.567.5679 | F: 813.567.5686 www.fmsflorida.com

813.567.7198 A licensed Real Estate Broker

John Haney • Earl Williams

243222

acebid.com/realty 241849

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

High: 86 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 80%

While traveling on C.A. Bugg Road in May, James Flemister noticed this “Moss Monster” and captured the moment with his camera. Flemister wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.

Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City?

Send it to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

High: 88 Low: 73 Chance of rain: 60%

High: 89 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 60%

High: 85 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 60%

Shipping point: Orlando $16.35 to $16.85

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Visit FeltonsMarket.com

Baker St.

The only bug you should have in your home or business is the one in our logo! We now have a mosquito fogger!

• Roach & Ant Control • German Roaches • Bees • Ground Hornets • Fleas & Ticks • Rodent Control • Quarterly & • Spiders Semi-Annual Service • Silverfish

olds

Reyn

St.

County Line Rd.

Lakeland

92

Felton’s Market

HOME PROTECTION PEST CONTROL

www.homeprotectionpc.com Hours: 8am-5pm M-F • Sat by appt.

Lic. # JB 138531 242315

WALKER PLAZA 617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City (813) 752-1548 www.feltonsmarket.com

813.757.6752 Cell: 813.716.0623

Steve Paul, Owner

CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

Family Owned & Operated Since 2006 • 19 Years Experience

CELEBRITY CIPHER

CROSSWORD

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

ACROSS

“LW GPMD L’S CPGBP OD SLWWJEJPHPJNN BGYMS UJ KP KNNJH, HXJP OD JKEMLJE MLWJ BGYMS XKTJ UJJP OYAX JKNLJE.”

– UJHHJ OLSMJE Puzzle One Clue: B equals W

“U’X GACRT JC MY EK CEHUY ZACX XRIHCFYY ... VY IJUNN VEOY CNT FNCAS TCVK EJ JBY WCRAJBCRIY.”

– XYANY BEFFEAT

Puzzle Two Clue: W equals C ©2017 NEA, Inc.

SUDOKU

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

©2017 Andrews McMeel Syndicate

1 It’s earthshaking 6 Wee troublemakers 10 “___-daisy!”

14 Chowderheads and birdbrains 19 Smell that whets the appetite 20 Famous shipbuilder 21 Kitchen necessities 22 Dodge, as a posse 23 Smaller relative of a guitar 24 Souvenir for a fan behind a dugout 25 Wild plum of a gin fizz 26 On the ___ (soon to occur) 27 Like many databases 29 Film with a very sad ending 31 “What happened next was ...”

32 It activates airbags 34 Where wedding vows are exchanged 35 Loud rackets 38 Sinai and Everest (Abbr.)

40 Hippy bones 41 One’s short life story 42 Prefix for one 43 Flat-topped plateau 44 Old-fashioned sound detector 48 Heavy artillery weapon 50 Grapefruitlike fruit 52 Torches on poles 55 Type of pear 56 Mil. designation 57 Type of blockade at sea 60 Chick’s quick sound 61 Perforated magazine page 63 Type of cold-weather boot 64 Friday, for many 66 Some police-led groups or posses 70 Who to win one for?

74 Shed item that breaks ground 75 Clutch activator 80 Pained look of a pouter 81 Swahili form of address 83 Suffix with real or manner 84 Bald or golden bird 85 University founded by Booker T. Washington 88 Philosopher Immanuel 90 Stable worker on a horse farm 91 Successor to 44-Across 94 Common breakfast items 96 Blade that splashes 97 Director Howard 98 Orange coat 99 Morse code bit 100 Too inquisitive 101 African antelope hunted by lions 105 Joined together, as two companies 107 In need of resupply, as a cupboard 109 Be aware of 111 Close calls 116 Van Halen on guitar 117 Apple tree spray no more 118 Place to grab a quick lunch 119 Comedic Martin 120 Right hands, in business 121 Decorate in an entirely new style 122 Use persuasion 123 Fudd with a big gun

Saturday, June 17

6:32a

8:27p

Sunday, June 18

6:32a

8:27p

Monday, June 19

6:32a

8:27p

Tuesday, June 20

6:32a

8:27p

Wednesday, June 21

6:32a

8:28p

Thursday, June 22

6:33a

8:28p

June 19 Last

June 28 First

July 8 Full

Wednesday, June 7

0.62

Thursday, June 8

0.41

Friday, June 9

0.19

Saturday, June 10

0.31

Sunday, June 11

0.47

Monday, June 12

0.20

Tuesday, June 13

1.02

YEAR TO DATE:

JUNE TO DATE:

2017 11.92 in.

2017

7.48 in.

2016 11.62 in.

2016

2.15 in.

GOT PESTS?

4

Park Rd.

Maryland Ave.

PLANT CITY

8:26p

Time for New Glasses?

241884

Sam Allen Rd.

39

6:31a

RAINFALL

OKRA

Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm | Sundays 7am - 8pm At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll find only the best quality meats at bargain prices. Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the finest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

Friday, June 16

June 23 New

MONDAY, JUNE 19

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR THIS WEEK’S SAVINGS

Sunrise Sunset

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

15

Dr. Jeremy H. Gaffney O.D. Dr. Barry M. Gaffney, O.D. PA Dr. Daniel G. Gaffney O.D. The struggle between fashion and function is officially declared a tie!

Never before have eyeglass frames been offered in so many stylish choices.

Yet, you’ll be amazed at how many options are at your fingertips to help you see well and protect your vision!

www.drgaffney.com

813.754.3593 | 2002 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563

©2017 Universal Uclick

124 Might, to King James 125 Sand on a golf course 126 Breakfast, lunch or dinner 127 River of Paris

DOWN

1 Lip a parent doesn’t appreciate 2 An American canal 3 Insignificantly small amount 4 Brilliance or intelligence 5 It comes in like a lion 6 Babies 7 Fatty man breast, of slang 8 St. ___ Girl (German beer brand) 9 Awkward, inept bumbler 10 One-way step?

11 Mammal known for smelling horrible 12 Summer ermine 13 Belgian river to the North Sea 14 Grows and matures 15 Apparent and out in the open 16 Coat for extreme winter weather 17 Landscaper’s neatening tool 18 Futurists 28 Macho dudes

30 Pressly of “My Name Is Earl” 33 Like Midwesterners, stereotypically 35 Old gold coin 36 Idiotic and silly 37 Warrior in black 39 Part of a china set 41 Folk singer Ives 43 Type of chocolate dessert 45 TV brand 46 Award given by a cable sports network 47 Propped up a pigskin 49 Word often linked with “neither” 51 “You’re mine now!”

53 Bagged leaves’ creation 54 Undercover infiltrator 56 Grant-awarding org.

58 Police blotter initials 59 Olive-oil bottle word 62 That girl 64 ___ diem (daily allowance) 65 Charge, as with a fine 67 Baltimore darlin’ 68 Tried out 69 “___ the Walrus” (Beatles

tune) 70 Clock standard (Abbr.)

71 Something from a tapped-out gambler 72 Sell aggressively 73 Lap dog, for short 76 Chapeau 77 White northern abode 78 Dog biters 79 Robe cloth 81 “You oughta ___ pictures” 82 Common skin cyst 86 The first to arrive 87 Moan go-with 89 Supplement to a book 90 Old Irish alphabet 92 Island state in the West Indies 93 Deliver by parachute 95 Heavenly horn blower 100 Get cozy, as a couple 101 Type of steel girder 102 News reporters, collectively (with “the”) 103 Rice field 104 Sign of one born on April 7 105 Certain distance runner 106 John of farm equipment

108 Gets out of bed in the morning 110 Mini-store 112 Blue-green birdbath growth 113 Prefix meaning half 114 All tied up 115 Like desert ground

241874

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

|

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2017

“I had no second thoughts, I knew I wanted to use South Florida Baptist Hospital.” ~ Glenda R., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital

Emergency Care When You Need It When it comes to all the health care needs of Glenda and her family, South Florida Baptist Hospital has always been her first choice. From her emergency visits to endoscopies and a robotic surgery, Glenda has received a lifetime of care here. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City.

Let South Florida Baptist Hospital be your partner in getting you well and keeping you well. Fill out a health profile online at SouthFloridaBaptistCare.org and you’ll be sent a complimentary travel first aid kit.

Emergency Care Our modern Emergency Center treats a wide variety of medical and surgical conditions and is one of the largest and most technologically advanced emergency centers in eastern Hillsborough County. We treat adult and pediatric patients, and our fast and friendly service is provided by clinicians focused on delivering the best care to you.

BC1701958-0317

241938

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