06.17.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer

INSIDE

JUNE 17, 2016

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 3, NO. 49

FREE

•

Check out our Journey 2016 section, with a list of high school graduates, photos and more.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

Happy Father’s Day See who won our Father’s Day Contest. SEE PAGE 6

YOUR TOWN

EMILY TOPPER

DADDY’S

STAFF WRITER

ven now, three years after the

GIRL

release of her EP “Restless & Reckless,” country artist

Jessikah Stahl describes herself as a living room singer. “I used a vacuum cleaner as a microphone,” Stahl, a Tennessee

With encouragement from her stepdad, Jessikah Stahl is following her dreams of being a singer-songwriter.

native who moved to Plant City last year, said. “I never sang in front of people.”

Congrats, grad

On Saturday, June 18, Stahl will

Paige Amber Stratton, daughter of Kelly and Dan Stratton, graduated May 6 from the University of South Florida with a bachelor of science degree in integrative animal biology in environmental science and research. Proud grandparents are Delmar and Dorothy Stratton, Steve and Martha DeWeese and the late Rita DeWeese.

take the stage at Plant City’s Krazy Kup for the third time. The local coffeehouse is a venue where she has found fans and a place to call home. The show is a day before Father’s Day, giving Stahl good reason to perform the song “Step Dad,” which

Nate Kilton sworn in to City Commission

she describes as the premise for her album. “I think it takes one person to believe in your career,” Stahl said. “And that was my stepdad.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Photo by Emily Topper

Jessikah Stahl’s music focuses on the battles she’s overcome, including her wild teenage years, her strong relationship with her stepfather and the loss of her mother.

Photo by Emily Topper

Commissioner Nate Kilton’s wife, Stephanie, and his children were present during his oath.

A chance to improve roads? Nope.

The new commissioner was administered an oath of office Monday, June 13.

A 15-year proposed half-cent sales tax, which would be used for road improvements, will not make it to the ballot in November.

EMILY TOPPER

STAFF WRITER

Dozens of friends and family members gathered at City Hall Monday, June 13, to see Commissioner Nate Kilton sworn into office. Kilton, the immediate past chairman for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and a local business owner, was declared the next commissioner after a runoff election against former Lakeland police officer David Cook in May. Kilton takes the place of former Commissioner Billy Keel, who decided to pursue further business endeavors instead of running for re-election. Like Keel, Kilton brings financial knowledge to the table as the owner of Sedita Kilton Life & Wealth Management LLC, and Sedita Kilton & Company, Certified Public Accountants, PL. As the newest commissioner,

Hillsborough County residents will not get to vote on a referendum for a 15-year half-cent sales tax that would raise an estimated $117 million dollars per year for transportation. County commissioners voted 4-3 against putting the referendum on the ballot after a three-hour public hearing Thursday, June 9. In Plant City, that means losing out on an extra $2 million dollars per year that would be used for road resurfacing. Currently, the city allocates $1 million dollars per year for resurfacing, which allows the city to resurface about 3.1 miles of road. Without the extra funding, it will take the City of Plant City 52 years to resurface all of the city’s roads. The extra $2 million dollars would have cut 52 years to 17 years. City commissioners have said road issues are the biggest complaints they get from residents. Prior to the

Photo by Emily Topper

SEE COMMISSION PAGE 3

Commissioner Kevin Beckner was a supporter of the tax.

June 9 hearing, city commissioners expressed their support at a City Commission meeting for putting the referendum on the ballot to let voters decide. “Hopefully they will let the people decide. That’s what government is all about,” Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis said at the May 23 meeting. But Plant City’s representative, District 4 Commissioner Stacy White, disagreed. He voted against putting the referendum on the ballot and was joined in his opposition by Commissioners Sandy Murman, Victor Crist and Al Higginbotham.

WE THE PEOPLE

Before county commissioners made the vote, nearly 70 residents from Plant City and around Hillsborough County spoke out supporting and opposing the referendum. Plant City business owner Yvonne SEE TAX PAGE 5

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

WEEK OF JUNE 17, 2016

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

Dennis Ross releases statement after Orlando shooting

“You can’t just have a vision, you have to have a plan.” —Jeff Eakins, superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools,

After a shooting at a nightclub in Orlando Sunday, June 12, United States Rep. Dennis Ross issued a statement: “Cindy and I are heartbroken by the senseless loss of life that occurred in Orlando. Our community is reeling from this tragedy. I am deeply grateful to our law enforcement officials as they investigate and begin to find answers to this evil act. I ask all Americans to join me in prayer for the victims and their families. Floridians are strong, and we will heal and become stronger. God be with us during this extremely difficult period.” About 2 a.m. Sunday, police said, hundreds of people were partying at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, which was hosting a Latin night. The event was winding down when Omar Mir Seddique Mateen, 29, of Fort Pierce, walked onto the dance floor with an assault rifle, police said. Club-goers said he opened fire, shooting continuously. President Barack Obama called it an act of terror. Forty-nine people were killed by Mateen, authorities said. It is the deadliest shooting attack in the U.S.

on preparing for the future. Page 8

FIXED T

he cupola at the First United Methodist Church of Plant City was in dis-

repair and leaking into the sanctuary. Damages occurred to the balcony ceiling for many years. Douglas Hurlburt and company rehabilitated the structure in one month. Pastor Doug Pareti and Bill Watkins, president of the church board of trustees, were instrumental in facilitating the repairs.

Hope Lutheran honors grads Hope Lutheran Church honored some of its members with a graduation ceremony Sunday, June 5. The church held a graduation ceremony for Ian Matthews and Sara Donadelli, of Plant City High, and Jason Pfeffer, of the University of South Florida. The graduates were also given gifts from the rest of the congregation. “This is always a special time for the members of Hope to recognize and congratulate our young people as they continue to grow and serve,” Rev. Dean Pfeffer said in a release. “These youths have been actively involved in the ministry of Hope, and we look forward to seeing great things from each of them.”

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

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

Monday, July 4, 2016

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(rainout date Tuesday, July 5-fireworks only)

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6:00 to 9:30 pm Plant City Stadium

1810 East Park Road, Plant City FL 33563 (No street parking on Park Road or Jim Johnson Road) 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! Scheduled to appear on stage: Daniel Sprouse Band Double Barrel Band

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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, glass bottles or open containers 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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

HOW SUCCESS STORIES

ARE MADE College student Ilda Martinez started her education at an RCMA day care center for kids of farm workers. Now a board member, she helped to unveil a new center in Dover June 6.

AMBER JURGENSEN MANAGING EDITOR

Loss. Separation. Heartache. Ilda Martinez carries them with her day after day. She isn’t afraid to explore them. In fact, she will be confronting them in a few days as part of her communication as performance class at the University of South Florida. The assignment: pick a poem to perform. The stipulation: a relatable poem. “The poem is about loss,” Martinez says. She has chosen “Heart’s Needle.” It is raining Monday, June 6, while she works on perfecting each line, emphasizing the right parts — the parts that must be understood. In it, poet W.D. Snodgrass describes the weakening bond with his daughter after his divorce to her mother. The estrangement. The divide. Someone will have to weed and spread The young sprouts. Sprinkle them in the hour When shadow falls across their bed. You should try to look at them every day Because when they come to full flower I will be away. Away — it’s something Martinez is familiar with. Her family has been split by necessity. Her mother and three siblings live in Mexico. She, her father and two other siblings live in Mulberry. They have traveled picking crops from Plant City to Michigan to North Carolina. As early as 8, Martinez was carrying buckets of blueberries. In the past six years, the 20-year-old has visited Mexico just once. She went through high school, through coming of age, without her mother’s wisdom. “It’s hard to let go,” Martinez says. She finishes up her homework then sets out for Dover in the midst of Tropical Storm Colin. There’s somewhere important she needs to be. THE SEASON WILL NOT WAIT

Martinez is late. She dodges puddles in the parking lot of a new Dover day care center for children of low-income farm workers. Ten children stand underneath the covered bus ramp at the entrance. They clutch neon-colored scissors and stare at a large paper ribbon eye level in front of them. Gary Wishnatzki, of the Plant City strawberry dynasty Wish Farms, stands next to them with his own oversized pair of scissors. Martinez skips up in time to see the group splice through the ribbon. An applause erupts. The children smile. The center has been unveiled. The new $3.6 million, 15,000-squarefoot center is part of the Redlands Christian Migrant Association. Come November, it will increase RCMA’s capacity in Dover from 88 children to 176. Currently, students 6 weeks to 5 years old attend classes in three modular buildings in the back of the new campus. Martinez was once an RCMA student at the older campus. She spoke Mixteco, a dialect from the mountain city of San Juan, Mixtepec, Mexico. At the RCMA center she learned Spanish and English in between rushing to the tricycles, a hot commodity, during recess sessions. “I do remember attending here,” Martinez says as she walks the grounds after the ceremony. “I remember riding my tricycle and sticking my tongue out at the other kids.” At the RCMA center she made friends. She learned the American way while preserving her culture. She got her start. Although she spent summers in the fields until she was 15, rising at 4:30 a.m. on cold mornings to prepare lunches and working until 10 p.m., her father continued to push for her education, like he did when he and his wife first enrolled her in the Dover RMCA center when she was a toddler. If you don’t want to wind up where we are then you need to study. Now, Martinez is a Gates Millennium scholar. She attends the University of South Florida on a full ride and plans to get her doctorate in the education field, perhaps in Chicago or California. Last summer she snagged one of three internship spots in Washington D.C. with the National Migrant & Seasonal Head Start Association. (And she didn’t get lost or trampled on the Metro as she thought.) And, for the past three years, she has been walking the halls of the older

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

Above: Ilda Martinez is the youngest RCMA board member at 20. Right: The new campus took 10 years to plan and build and cost $3.6 million. Below: Gary Wishnatzki, of Wish Farms, helped children of the Dover RCMA center cut the ribbon. Wish Farms raised money for the new campus.

FROM COMMISION PAGE 1

Kilton said he plans to remain focused on two key issues he talked about during his campaign: economic development and diversity. “I certainly feel very privileged to be here this evening,” Kilton said. “The chamber is allowing me to chair a group about diversity in membership. You know my commitment there, and I’m not going to stop with that. We have a wonderful staff. I think the best is yet to come, and I’m excited to be a part of that.” The commissioners expressed their support and congratulations to Kilton. “I know that you’ll do a great job,”

Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis said. “You have a love for this city.” “You’ve been a friend for a long time,” Vice Mayor Bill Dodson said. “We all look forward to working with you and for good reason.” Mayor Rick Lott also offered his support. “I know that we’re all looking forward to working with you,” he said. Lott was also offered congratulations at the June 13 meeting, as he was re-appointed mayor for another term. Following his oath of office, he vowed to continue to work hard to better the community. “I take this position very seriously,” Lott said. “Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity. I love

this city, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve for another year.” “You have been going way above,” Commissioner Mike Sparkman said. “You’re the right person to be in that position.” Following the oath of offices, the commissioners were appointed to their existing councils and leagues throughout Tampa Bay. Commissioner Nate Kilton was appointed to the Council of Governments, the Public Transportation Commission and as the alternate for the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

ABOUT RCMA The Immokalee-based Redland Christian Migrant Association is Florida’s largest nonprofit childcare provider. Founded in Homestead in 1965, RCMA expanded to Ruskin in 1974 at the urging of a Catholic nun. RCMA opened a center in Dover in 1981, after a 4-year-old boy went into a burning car next to the strawberry field where his parents were working to save his dog. There are 69 centers that RCMA operates statewide.

TEN YEARS IN THE MAKING The new RCMA center in Dover, at 3103 San Jose Mission Drive, will open in November. In October, RCMA plans to move the old center, a cluster of modular buildings, to a rear corner of the 6-acre home of the new center. It will resume operations there.

$3.6 million cost of the center

15,000

number of square feet the center is

176

number of children the center can accommodate

$1.9 million

amount the USDA Rural Development loaned RCMA for the center

$1.7 million

amount from grants the federal Head Start child-care program paid for the center

RCMA campus — this time as a board member. The youngest board member in RCMA history. LOVE’S WISHBONE, CHILD

“It smells so new,” Martinez says. She has entered a large classroom with durable gray floors at the new campus. “The last time I saw it, the whole thing was still wood,” Martinez says. It was last winter, another rainy day, and construction workers were panicking because the cement was going to get ruined by the weather. But the center survived the droplets. It is one of RCMA’s 69 centers statewide. It is also the center with the longest waitlist. “It’s so neat to see because it’s something the new kids will get to enjoy,” Martinez says. Just as she raced other children to the tricycles at recess, the next generation will play among two large oaks in the center of campus. Martinez plans to be there for the kids, to ensure RCMA centers will thrive so the kids won’t have to play in the dirt while their parents pick in the fields under a Florida sun that blisters skin like a thousand paper cuts. So there are no more Heriberto Torres Jrs., the 4-yearold who jumped in his farm worker parents’ burning car to save his dog, Bobo, while they were distracted in rows of crops. For now, she’s on the grounds of the community she was born in. But her potential has been unlocked thanks to her parents and the RCMA. “(At my D.C. internship) they asked if I wanted to work there,” Martinez says. “You could stay in your community or you can go and make huge changes and not only affect your community but others. There’s so much, so many good people out there. This is what I want to do. Help people for the rest of my life.” Loss. Separation. Heartache. Her days are also filled with ambition, possibility and heart. She has competed with law students from Harvard, Princeton, NYU. She has mastered three languages. She has toiled in the fields. And although her family is scattered between two countries, the sacrifice was made for her. You are still my daughter. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Photo by Emily Topper

Mayor Rick Lott was administered a new oath of office. His parents were present for the ceremony.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

THE ART OF

REDESIGN The Art Lounge Gallery has made a number of improvements to the storefront on Reynolds Street. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

IF YOU GO

Patrons who regularly visit The Art Lounge Gallery on Reynolds Street might be doing a double take on their next visit. The shop, which opened in August 2009, has recently undergone an overhaul. The gallery’s walls have been repainted from an off-white to a pure white, and the walls have been patched. An old antique window that once served as a makeshift wall in the gallery also has been removed, opening up the gallery’s walkable space. The gallery’s co-op of artists decided to do the overhaul in February. “We wanted to freshen the look up and keep things alive and moving,” Eric Barber, co-op president, said. “It’s nice to see things with fresh eyes.” All of the artwork that lined the gallery’s walls has been rehung and reorganized. Opening up the gallery space allowed the co-op to bring in room for a guest artist, as well as two more permanent artists. Prior to the overhaul, the gallery had artists who worked in mediums including paint, photography, jewelry, leather works and knife works. The gallery has since grown from 11 to 13 artists, and Barber hopes that the gallery will eventually have 15 to 16 regular artists, plus a different guest artist every month. The co-op also is interested in attracting artists of different medi-

THE ART LOUNGE GALLERY When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday Where: 119 E. Reynolds St., Plant City Info: (813) 704-4872

ums, including artisans and sculptors. Artists are selected after the approval of the majority of the co-op. Artists are approved based on the quality of their work and their ability to work as members of a team. “The goal is always to attract more artists,” Colleen Justin, a co-op member, said. “We also wanted to create an awareness of the gallery.” In the future, the co-op plans to update the font and color of the lettering on the outside of the gallery and utilize the back room of the building. As time goes on, the co-op will consider expanding the gallery’s hours. “Once the back room is done, we will have room for at least three more permanent artists,” Barber said. “We have a goal of providing art for the community and giving artists a place to host their artwork.” An “Art After Dark” event was held at the gallery in April, which served as an unveiling of the gallery’s new look. “(Patrons) just really liked the open feel,” Barber said. “The reaction we got is what we were going for. About

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100 to 125 people came through that night.” “It’s a lot easier for people to move,” Charlie Galvin, another co-op member, said. He and his wife, artist Rebecca Nipper, spearheaded the gallery’s re-painting endeavors. “It’s easier to see and view the art. People can step back and visualize it.” The gallery is looking to host more events, as well. In June, the gallery will start hosting live drawing classes, where artists can practice drawing live models for a low fee. “Those will be held every month,” Barber said. “They are open to the public.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

All of the art at the gallery was rehung on the freshly painted white walls. The co-op artists describe the updated space as “clean and open.”

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Co-op members Charlie Galvin, Colleen Justin and President Eric Barber are already starting to see some of the positive changes from the overhaul.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

Concert at Krazy Kup Father’s Day weekend CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

SINCE DAY ONE

Stahl’s stepdad, Dave Shanower, first came into her life when she was 2 years old. Her mother, Kim, had decided to remodel the family kitchen. Shanower was the contractor for the job. After meeting him, Kim decided to remodel the entire house. The couple was married three years later in their backyard on a farm 10 minutes from Nashville. “I wasn’t excited because I didn’t want my mom’s attention taken away,” Stahl said. “But it’s the best decision she ever made, besides having me and my brother.” The two were happily married for 20 years before Kim Stahl died of breast cancer in 2010. During her treatment, Shanower was Kim’s primary caretaker while looking after Stahl and taking care of her autistic brother, Josh. “He was so in love with her the whole time, just doting on her and taking care of her,” Stahl said. “He was just so supportive and proud of her. Through that whole process, he did all of the cooking and cleaning, and he worked. I think that’s the definition of love. You give, and you don’t expect anything in return.” Since her mother’s death, Stahl and Shanower have maintained a close relationship. “He’s awesome,” Stahl said. “He’s a really earnest and loyal man. There’s no judgement with him. He’s patient. He gave me hope that I can find somebody someday, just like the way that he treated my mom. After we went through this tragedy together, we got closer.” It was that love and care that even-

“I think it takes one person to believe in your career. And that was my stepdad.”

tually led Stahl to write “Step Dad” as a Christmas gift for Shanower. The song, which she co-wrote with singer-songwriter Justin Addis, is featured on her EP. Stahl wrote the remainder of the songs on the album. “I’m a storyteller,” Stahl said. “I know that I wouldn’t be all that I am without (Shanower) and his support along the way.”

— Jessikah Stahl

SETTING THE STAGE

After Step Dad was written, it still took some convincing for Stahl to put her music out to the world. She performed the song privately for friend Jeff Giles. He encouraged her to perform and offered to pay for half of her record. He later became her manager for one year. Eventually, Stahl landed a gig on a tour, where she performed across Indianapolis, Chicago and Nashville. “I grew up near Nashville,” Stahl said. “There’s so much competition there.” Stahl’s found support in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. She moved to Plant City last year, after earning her Ph.D. in psychology from Clemson University. She accepted a job at Publix, where she serves as an industrial psychologist for the company’s human resources department. “We measure cognitive ability and personality dimensions of applicants to determine if they’ll be successful,” Stahl said. “It’s an algorithm. It’s kind of like eHarmony.” But Plant City doesn’t know her as Dr. Jessikah Stahl. Her fans at Krazy Kup know her as a country singer with powerhouse vocals and songs from the heart. At Krazy Kup, between 50 to 60 fans usually pack the house when Stahl performs. She’s sold all 350 copies of

Courtesy photos

Jessikah Stahl will perform the song “Step Dad” at the event, which she wrote for her stepdad, Dave Shanower. The two have remained close even after the death of Stahl’s mother in 2010.

her EP. “I have had more success in Plant City than in any other area,” Stahl said. Although Stahl describes herself as being quick-witted on stage, her lyrics have brought her audiences to tears. “I’m real and honest,” Stahl said. “I just let people into my heart. When my mom was sick, I couldn’t really deal with it. I just partied and drank a lot.” When Stahl struggled with her mom’s sickness, music was the way she expresed her emotions. “When I turned 27 ... I turned

FROM TAX PAGE 1

Fry, who serves on the Hillsborough Commission on the Status of Women, spoke in favor of the proposed tax. “Transportation options, access and affordability factors affect women and children in very different ways than men,” Fry said. “We have resolved to ask you to provide leadership on a comprehensive plan for our county and to ultimately let the voters decide on this important issue. We also ask for urgency of bringing a referendum to the ballot as our citizens, especially women, are negatively affected by our lack of options and planning.” Plant City Economic Development Corp. President Jake Austin also spoke in favor of the tax.

HOW THEY VOTED For: Les Miller, Kevin Beckner, Ken Hagan Opposed: Stacy White, Sandy Murman, Victor Crist, Al Higginbotham

Photo by Emily Topper

Sandra Sroka uses a wheelchair after a car accident and relies on public transportation to get around.

Jessikah Stahl will be performing at Krazy Kup Saturday, June 18.

my lifestyle around,” Stahl said. “I stopped drinking and partying. I kind of just want to let (people) know that it’s OK to struggle.” She’s grateful for a town that has allowed her to pursue her passion. “It’s really Plant City’s that’s revived my soul,” Stahl said. “I love Plant City, I love being here. I didn’t do this by myself. I’m only as good as the people behind me.” And while her fan base continues to grow, Stahl knows who her number one fan is: her stepdad.

IF YOU GO JESSIKAH STAHL When: 8:33 p.m. Saturday, June 18 Where: Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Cost: $7

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

“We have to do something, we have to act fast,” Austin said. As a millennial, he voiced the need for more diverse transportation options. “The issues are well documented, and the consensus is we have to do something.” Still, other residents were opposed to the tax for what they considered to be a poorly laid-out plan. “Commissioners, we don’t trust your tax hikes,” resident Tim Curtis said. “It’s not a game. There’s nothing funny about having to allocate (scarce resources) that we have right now.” Sharon Calvert, the Tea Party Chair for Hillsborough County, told county commissioners they should be “hitting the reset button” on the transportation issue. “I’m opposed,” Calvert said. “Because the county could fund ... within the existing, growing budget. An unnecessary tax hike is only part of the problem. The problem is you don’t have a plan. You put the cart before the horse.” Valrico resident Kathy Brown said she wanted to see existing problems fixed before seeing the county focus on bettering public transit. “You have deliberately shorted the

budget on transportation,” Brown said. “You’ve wasted our time and our money, and I’m mad about that. Transportation is a big need. We don’t need a choo-choo train, we need our roads fixed.” THE DECISION

Though residents who spoke at the public hearing were nearly split down the middle on the tax issue, County Commissioners didn’t budge from their previous stances on the 30-year and 20-year plan for the tax. “I take exemption to being told you lack leadership ability if you don’t support this tax,” Commissioner Stacy White said. “It takes leadership to say no.” “There is value in having this exchange,” Higginbotham said. “I see the body language and the passion.” He still voted against putting the referendum on the ballot. With the referendum defeated, Commissioners voted 4-3 to study a separate proposal by Murman, which includes conducting a transit study. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 2016

A FATHER’S LOVE D

ads do a lot for their families. They can bring home the bacon, as well as eat all the bacon. They fix things, teach their kids about sports, play tea parties and kill spiders. We want to celebrate the things dads do. We asked to hear what makes your dad the best for our annual Father’s Day contest. Winner Richael Bowen wins a $150 gift card to Southside Western & Outdoor Wear. He can pick it up at Southside, 3014 James L. Redman Parkway.

WINNER BIG HEART My fiance, Richael Bowen, is an amazing father to our two beautiful kids, An’Jalyse, 5, and Richael Jr., 2. He has been there for us always. June 2, 2015 he had a heart attack. He was put on life support for three days. We were scared to death we were going to lose him. He ended up having open heart surgery. He had a blocked artery. He received a bypass to repair his mitral valve. Thank God for the surgeon. He was awesome. He sent him home all fixed up. We have had a rough year. But through it all he was there for us. He never gave up. Today I am proud to say he is doing great. He has gone back to work a little here and there. He always makes a way for us to keep pushing. It’s rough at times, but I know our kids are grateful their father is here to spend another Father’s Day together. He is the best man I have ever met, and I hope we have many, many, many more days to spend with him. We want him to know that he is the greatest daddy anyone could ever ask for. Thanks for everything, Richael Bowen. We love you and your heart. Courtesy photos

— ALICE SPROUSE

Clockwise from left: Big Heart, Missing You, Playing Hard, My Hero, Living Carefree

FINALISTS KEEPING HIS PROMISE My father, James Wiggins, is the best in the world. Growing up with five kids, it wasn't easy for my parents to make a living. At many times in our life my parents had four to five jobs at one time to make sure their kids had food on the table and clothes on their backs. My parents raised us up on chicken or dairy farms. Most of our life we worked before and after school on the farms. My father never stopped. My mom was the sunshine of his life. My dad had a heart attack at the age of 42, and even after that he continued to give and give. He has a heart of gold. He will be 80 years old in one month. These last 10 months of his life have been the hardest of anything he has ever gone through. My mom passed away in August 2015, and they would have been married 58 years. His life now is empty. He has lost his true love, partner, best friend and, most of all, his wife, who he loved and took care of for so long. Our whole family has been different because the bond that was there is gone. But my dad still gives to his children all he can give: painting, cleaning, mowing, taking grandkids and great-grandkids. He will do whatever he can do. Over the last few months of losing my mom, my dad has slowly gone down. But he will never give up the promise he made to his wife and his children. My dad deserves nothing more than a special day to say this: “You’re awesome, you’re great and you’re the best and most God-

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

fearing man there is. And most of all, you’re the greatest father in this world.”

— SHEILA WIGGINS

MISSING YOU My dad is a sergeant in the United States Army. I miss my dad. He is gone all the time because he is fighting for our freedom. His job is to find bombs and blow them up. He reads me stories and sings me Happy Birthday on Skype. He is brave and strong and he is my hero. Sgt. James David McQuaig, 35, is the father of Patrick, 11, and Connor, 9, McQuaig. He is stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia. He is a resident of Plant City.

— CONNOR, 9

PLAYING HARD My husband, Taylor Garrett, is a Hillsborough County firefighter who is also in paramedic school. He is gone two out of three days but still manages to have a second job and also spend time with his family. Our oldest son is 2, and we have another son due in September. He manages to work so hard but play harder for his little boy. Our son, Cole, absolutely loves his daddy and I couldn't ask for a better dad for my children!

— BETH GARRETT AND SON, COLE GARRETT

MY HERO What can I say about my daddy? It's hard to put into words how much he means to our family, but I'll try. He's an amazing man. He's loyal, trustworthy, hard working and kind.

He's all the things I want to be. He is a Vietnam Army veteran and a proud American. He has always been dedicated to our family and has lived for my mama for almost 45 years. He never shies away from a challenge, whether it's fixing something broken or trying a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies. He's struggled with his health a lot over the last 15 or so years. Heart attacks, stints. More heart attacks, repair and replace stints. Another heart attack and bypass surgery. A year later, reconstructive surgery on his chest wall. Another year later, surgery to remove melanoma from his ear. Last year he was tired and feeling his age. He didn't want to do much and really had no zeal for life. And then, one day in November, he decided to make a change. He decided that was no way to live. So he started making better decisions about his health and what he was eating. He started to get out and move more. As of June 1, he was up to walking 4 miles a day and had lost 45 pounds. A couple weeks ago, he went to have a mass removed from his lung and ended up having an extremely invasive and long surgery where they had to take the lower portion of his lung because the mass was malignant. He's home now and expected to make a full recovery. The doctors and nurses are so proud of his progress. And so are we. I know he will be back out there walking every morning and back in the kitchen baking for his grandkids very soon. He's strong. He's courageous. He loves and trusts the Lord. He is an amaz-

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

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ing papa and the best daddy I could have ever asked for. He's my hero.

— KATHIE PAGLIARO

TRIBUTE I am fortunate to have had the love of my father, a blue collar worker with a 12th grade education. He was the epitome of fatherhood; a Christian man with an inner strength founded in the belief that it isn’t important what life does to you but what life finds in you. He understood the importance of time spent with me, hugging me in a moment of crisis, listening carefully, kindly dishing out advice, providing warmth and security and being something more to me than just a provider. The best of fathers might feel a little bit uncomfortable about being honored on Father’s Day. It's nice, of course, but although I celebrate in the special attention I receive from my wife and children on Father's Day, it’s as a son I most reflect on the holiday and its meaning. No matter if it was hitting my first home run in Little League, being recognized in school for some accomplishment, or giving me a piggy-back ride for the last stretch of a long hike, I could always count on my dad being there. He was a simple man, who spent most of his time tending to his family and his church. The ease of following the biblical teachings of the New Testament certainly made child-rearing less mysterious to him. In families, as in most situations, people want to be regarded, and my father always expressed that we mattered to him and that he cared.

SEND US YOUR NEWS We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

Even when he had little material things to give, he was there with his concern and understanding. During those times of difficulty in my own parenting, I am reassured by the knowledge that being there with care and concern matters. Dad died 19 years ago, however, he will always live in me through his example that what is most important in fatherhood comes from the heart. — JERRY LOFSTROM

LIVING CAREFREE Chris Bond is an amazing dad. He is always putting his children first, provides for them and makes sure that they are happy. He is such a fun dad for these two kiddos. When asked, what do you describe your dad as, Madison, his daughter said, “Cuddly, and he loves me very much! And he takes me on daddy/ daughter nights!" There are so many great things I can say about Chris, not only as a father but a friend and husband. I will have to say the one thing he wants for his kids is to enjoy experiences and not to worry. As a child, they should enjoy themselves and live life. They shouldn't worry about what is happening in the world. He lets his kids be kids and carefree. I think that is his best asset in being a father. He wants them to be happy, and when he senses something is wrong, he makes sure to ask them and talk it through. My husband Chris Bond is a wonderful dad who will always be there for his babies.

— MAILEN BOND

PLANT CITY TIMES &

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

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

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Above Left: The passion flower attracts zebra longwing and gulf fritillary. Top Right: Gulf fritillary larvae Above Right: Gulf fritillary butterfly

in Florida year-round, look for them in abundance in late summer and fall when countless numbers migrate southward into Florida from throughout the U.S. The zebra longwing, the official state butterfly of Florida, has young larvae that resemble the gulf fritillary. Older larvae are white with rows of black spines. The pupa resembles a dead leaf, so is very easily overlooked. Unlike the gulf fritillary, the zebra longwing is particularly long lived, frequently lasting up to six months. Theories for their longevity is their ability to consume pollen and sip nectar. The passion vine’s smaller cousin, the corky-stemmed passion vine, is also a host plant for the gulf fritillary and zebra longwing, but the leaves are much smaller and the flowers inconspicuous. There is much speculation as to why Carl Linnaeus, the renowned Swedish botanist, named it Passiflora incarnata some 250 years ago. Incarnata means flesh colored. There is nothing flesh colored about the passion vine. One theory is the significance of the flower pattern to God. In 1610, Jacoma Bosio, an Italian monastic scholar, heard reports

of a wonderful flower in Mexico. The design of was said to have been created by God as a sign the native people of Mexico should convert to Christianity. The theory was the three stigmas represent the three nails used on the cross, the five anthers count the wounds in Jesus, the corona of the flower recalls the crown of thorns, the ten petals equal the disciples (minus Paul and Judas) and the whip-like tendrils represent the whips used on Jesus, thus, the “Passion of Christ.” Whatever your theory on Linnaeus’ mindset so long ago, the passion vine is a plant any Florida gardener would be passionate about. If you would like to learn more about the passion vine or other Florida native plants, visit the Suncoast Native Plant Society, the Hillsborough chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. It meets every third Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Seffner Hillsborough Cooperative Extension Service office, 5339 County Road 579, Seffner. Or visit SunCoastNPS.org.

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The first time I saw a passion flower, with its bizarre, lavender zigzaggy petals and yellow-star stamens, my immediate thought was it must be from another planet. It looks like no other flower shape — daisy, tulip or rose. Not only is it spectacular to behold but it’s huge, measuring about 4 inches across, and it smells like a sorority house on formal night. I had to have one! Sometimes called the maypop or May apple, this perennial vine is native to Florida and the southeastern United States. It grows well in zones seven to 10, climbing on fences trellises or as a ground cover in sunny locations. It spreads underground, sending out shoots some distance from the parent plant. It is attractive to zebra longwing and gulf fritillary larvae, which keep it in check. Thus, supplying your garden with a steady stream of butterflies. Just when you think you’ve found the perfect garden plant, one of your flowers will go to seed, yielding a 2to 3-inch passion fruit, which taste much like a crunchy kiwi when ripe. For those of you living in dry areas, coastal beaches or dune communities, the passion vine will prosper along with your sea oats, saw palmettos and seaside goldenrod. Mine sprawls across a picket fence, gets watered when it rains and is not particularly fond of being overwatered. The passion vines have special glands that produce nectar at the base of the leaves which attract ants. The ants roam all over the plants and carry away butterfly eggs or young caterpillars they find. But with a few gulf fritillaries flitting about laying eggs, the butterflies keep up a steady supply of larvae, and some manage to elude the ants to grow to maturity. The gulf fritillary’s tiny eggs are yellow, initially, turning brownish just before hatching. Females lay them one at a time on the tendrils and young leaves of the vine, usually in sunny locations. The caterpillars live exposed on the plant, and small larvae sometimes rest at the tips of tendrils to avoid predator ants. Once the caterpillars get large enough to avoid the ants, they will turn orange with black spines and will eat leaves, tendrils and flower buds before entering the pupa stage. Although the gulf fritillary is

We asked: What is the best memory you have of summer?

“Going to the beach and fishing. Catching tarpon is my favorite.” — Brittany Elliott, 27

“Last year when it was lobster season. We got to go out and catch lobsters.”

“Practicing for football my freshman year.” — JD Gorthy, 21

— Erin Brownlee, 8

“Being with friends in Lakeland.” — Josh Thompson, 18

“Going to summer camp in Georgia.” — Matt Crowder, 24

“Finishing my first game. It’s called Raid.” — Nick Bosco, 21

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

COPS CORNER

JUNE 3

WALLET WOES 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered their vehicle and stole a patchwork wallet, which contained identification and a Social Security card. The vehicle had been left unlocked. STOLEN VALOR 300 block of Sugar Creek Drive. Residential burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) broke into his home and stole his PlayStation 4 gaming console, a military duffle bag with National Guard camping gear and field supplies, and a wallet, which contained the complainant’s driver’s license and military ID card.

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FIREARM FOLLY 300 block of North Alexander Street. Accidental injury: Officers met with complainant, who stated he had accidentally shot himself in the hand while attempting to load his pistol. Complainant had pulled the trigger of his 9mm Glock, and the bullet entered through his palm and exited through the side.

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

JUNE 6

Vacation Bible School Dates: June 27 - July 1 Times: 6pm - 9pm Ages: Completed K - 6th grade

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MAJOR KEY 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) keyed the passenger side door of her vehicle while it was parked at a store. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution. CHAIN SAW CHUMP 2800 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Felony retail theft: Officers responded to a store in reference to a report of retail theft and arrested a man for stealing a chain saw, valued at $408.

EASY TARGET 3510 block of Trapnell Ridge Drive. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her SUV and stole a 9mm handgun from the glove compartment. The vehicle had been left unlocked in her driveway.

JUNE 8

PLAYING WITH POWER 2700 block of Thonotosassa Road. Business burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole a 7,000-watt Black Max portable generator, valued at $3,000.

LAUNDROMAT LAWBREAKER 2700 block of Paul Buchman Highway. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered his laundromat between 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., broke his office window and caused $5,000 in damage to two washing machines.

ONE DOWN, THREE TO GO 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Grand theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole one tire and one rim off a 2016 Honda Civic.

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Contact Info: Phone: 813-985-9381 Fax: 813-664-0155 Email: sunrise@sunriselandscape.com Office address: 5521 Baptist Church Rd, Tampa FL 33610 Sunrise Land Care, Inc.:

• Is seeking 20 landscape workers for temporary, full time employment from June 27, 2016 until December 2, 2016. • Employer will offer 40 hours of work per week Monday to Friday from 6:30 to 4:30pm. Working on Saturdays may be required. • The job duties include: cutting lawns using various sized power mowers at predefined cut levels, trimming and edging using a gas powered edger/trimmer, operating a gas powered backpack blower, trimming shrubs and low trees to shape and improve growth using gas powered hedge & branch trimmers, manual shears or pruners, planting seasonal color, performing light irrigation repair, proper removal of leaves, trash, grass clippings or any other debris during maintenance process, performing weeding by hand, managing plant materials, basic insect/disease identification, basic irrigation controller programming, sod laying, fertilizing, digging, & raking. • Employer will provide workers at no charge all tools, supplies, & equipment required to perform the duties • Drug Screening and Background Check Required. • Employer will equally carry out the drug screening and the background check for the US workers and the H2B workers by using a Laboratory and Background Check Service at the company’s expense. The Drug Screening and the Background Check takes place the first day prior to working. The Applicants agree to undergo a drug screening and a background name check and are terminated if they produce results inconsistent with the company’s policies. • No Experience Required • No Minimum Education Required • Daily transportation will be provided to and from the Tampa worksite to the following geographic areas of intended employment: Hernando County (Tampa-St. Petersburg- Clearwater, FL MSA), Pasco County (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA), Pinellas County (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA), Hillsborough County (Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL MSA), Manatee County- North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL MSA), Sarasota County (North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL MSA), Charlotte County (Punta Gorda, FL MSA), Citrus County (Northeast Florida Nonmetropolitan Area, FL MSA), Polk County (Lakeland, FL MSA) • The rate of pay will be $11.19 per hour paid weekly on Fridays • Overtime may be available and will be paid at the rate of $16.79 per hour • A single workweek will be used to compute wages due • Employer guarantees to the workers three-fourth employment for a total number of work hours equal to at least three fourths of the workdays of each 12-week period • Employer provided lodging is available for those who wish to participate. Weekly cost of lodging is $55.00 per person per week. If employee chooses to accept Employer ‘s lodging, $55.00 will be deducted from the worker’s paycheck weekly to cover the cost, • Employer will make all deductions from workers’ paycheck required by law & deduct accepted cost of housing. • Employer will pay directly for the worker’s transportation and subsistence cost to travel from the place from which the worker has come to work from to the place of employment • The employer will pay directly for the worker’s cost of return transportation and daily subsistence from the place of employment to the place from which the worker, disregarding intervening employment, departed to work for the employer, if the worker completes the certified period of employment or is dismissed from employment for any reason by the employer before the end of the period, consistent with § 655.20(j)(1)(ii). • Employer will reimburse the H-2B worker in the first workweek for all visa, visa processing, border crossing, and other related fees. • Employer will pay for the worker’s reasonable costs of return transportation and subsistence back home or to the place the worker originally departed to work, except where the worker will not return due to subsequent employment with another employer • The amount of transportation payment or reimbursement will be equal to the most economical and reasonable common carrier for the distances involved • Employer will pay with a company’s check for the worker’s cost of return transportation and daily subsistence from the place of employment to the place from which the worker, disregarding intervening employment, departed to work for the employer, if the worker completes the certified period of employment or is dismissed from employment for any reason by Employer before the end of the contract. • Daily subsistence will be provided at a rate of $12.09 per day during travel to a maximum of $51.00 per day with receipts. • Interested candidates should inquire about the job opportunity or send applications, indications of availability, and/or resumes directly to the nearest Career Source Office: 9215 N. Florida Avenue, Suite 101, Tampa, FL 33612 ,Phone:813-930-7400, (TDD) 711, Fax: 855-484-6949 (Job Order # 10194246) or by applying in person at 5521 Baptist Church Rd, Tampa FL 33610 from 8:00am to 5:00 pm.

BOOK BAG BANDIT 200 block of Drake Street. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle and stole her book bag, which contained an Apple iPad tablet and five security cards belonging to her family. The iPad was valued at $300. The vehicle had been left unlocked at the time of the burglary.

Superintendent Jeff Eakins cites graduation rates as a top priority

301 E. Alsobrook St. PC 33563 | 813-752-3740 Hablamos Espanol

93: percentage of students who graduated from Strawberry Crest High School in 2015 88: percentage of students who graduated from Plant City High School in 2015 87: percentage of students who graduated from Durant High School in 2015

BY THE NUMBERS 76: percentage of 2015 graduates 2: percentage increase of 2015 graduates to 2014 graduates 4: ranking of Strawberry Crest High School out of Hillsborough County schools

Photo by Emily Topper

Hillsborough County School Superintendent Jeff Eakins outlined his goals for the school district at a Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce contact breakfast.

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JUNE 3

Graduation rates were up last year, but Eakins wants all Hillsborough County students to cross the stage. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

In between graduation ceremonies, Superintendent Jeff Eakins laid out his plan for Hillsborough County schools at a Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce contact breakfast Wednesday, June 8. “There is a clear pathway forward,” Eakins, who has served for just over one year, said. “But it takes key ingredients to making that happen. We’re committed. You can’t just have a vision, you have to have a plan.” Eakins said graduation rates were one of his top priorities for the coming years, followed closely by communication. “We know the minute they don’t have that diploma, all those open doors to them collapse,” Eakins said. “We have to make sure students walk across that stage.” The county has been making steady improvements toward that effort. In 2015, the school district had a graduation rate of 76%, up 2% from 2014 and up 6.6% from the last five years. Strawberry Crest High School, home to the International Baccalaureate program, was ranked fourth in the district last year with a graduation rate of 93%, a 3% increase from the previous school year. At Plant City High School, 88% of the school’s seniors graduated in 2015, followed closely by Durant High School with 87% of the seniors graduating. The school district has said it will

remain focused on being advocates for students, specifically by looking at classroom culture through voices and leadership opportunities. Eakins expressed his desire at building a future workforce in Hillsborough County out of school district graduates. “If you think about it, developing a workforce requires a lot,” he said. “There’s the skills necessary for the types of jobs and the career awareness with the businesses in town. That kind of connection we have to start building. Once we start building those pipelines, you’ll never have to worry about employment in the future.” Plant City has taken its own initiatives toward creating a developing workforce with graduates. Last month, Plant City High School held a Future Fair that brought in apprenticeship programs, local businesses and technical schools. The fair was primarily aimed toward students set to graduate. School Board member Melissa Snively, who attended both the Future Fair and the Wednesday contact breakfast, said there are goals toward expanding and involving more schools next year. “We must see ourselves as a player in the future workforce of our community,” Eakins said. “I’m excited about the plan but even more excited about what we’re implementing.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

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Sue Harrell, Tiffany Dale, Judi Whitson and Sarah Williams, of the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, dressed as Florida Strawberry Festival redcoats.

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he annual Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce bowling tournament saw several local businesses rolling for the gold. The field of 13 teams went hea to head from 2 to 6 p.m. at Family Bowl, and six awards were given out at the end of the day.

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illsborough County State Attorney Mark Ober is running for re-election. A campaign breakfast was held Wednesday, June 1, at Johnson Barbeque. Ober was first elected in 2000 and was successfully re-elected in 2004, 2009 and 2013. He was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1977 and entered private practice 10 years later. Before becoming the Hillsborough County State Attorney, Ober handled over 40 first-degree murder cases and chaired over 250 criminal jury trials. He is a recipient of the Jack Edmund Award from the American Inn of Court and the President’s Award from the Tampa Bay Chiefs of Police. Ober is running for re-election against his first opponent in 10 years, former federal fraud prosecutor Andrew Warren. Dozens of supporters came out June 1 to show their continued support for Ober. “You all have been so kind to me,” Ober said at the campaign event. “This community is wonderful because people care about each other. So, thank you.”

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

YMCA BEST SUMMER EVER CAMP 2016 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays until Friday, August 5, at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Traditional day camp and Campers in Leadership training are eight-week programs. Children ages 5 to 12 can register for day camp, while children ages 13 to 14 can do leadership training. Plant City Select Members can register for $135 per week, while non-members can do so for $155. For more information, call (813) 757-6677 or register online at TampaYMCA.org.

SUNDAY, JUNE 19

BEST BET SATURDAY, JUNE 18

250 MEN FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST AND MEN OF COURAGE SEMINAR 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 18, at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College, 1206 N. Park Road. The theme of this year’s seminar is “There is A King in You,” and the speakers include: Randy Humphrey, lead pastor of One

OUT OF THE ORDINARY 3 to 4 p.m. Monday, June 20, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Explore the outrageous and crazy world of record-breaking and extreme sports with stories and activities. For grades kindergarten to fifth.

HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH CAVE QUEST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 6 to 7:30 p.m. Sundays from June 5 to July 31 at Hopewell Baptist Church, 6001 S. County Road 39. For more information, call (813) 737-3053 or visit HopewellBaptistFl.org.

MONDAY, JUNE 20

HARMONY BAPTIST CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, to Friday, June 24, at Harmony Baptist Church, 6008 W. Knights Griffin Road. The program is for kids 4 years old to sixth grade. The theme is “Be Strong in the Lord.” LOAN OAK BAPTIST CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, June 20, to Friday, June 24, at Lone Oak Baptist Church, 3505 Lone Oak Road. The camp is free for children in pre-K through fifth grade. For more information, call (813) 754-5278.

SUMMER SOCCER CAMP 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, June 20, to Friday, June 24, at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2602 E. Cherry St. Children ages 6 to 12 participate in the morning class, while children ages 3 to 5 participate in the afternoon class. Registration is $60 (ages 3 to 5) and $125 (ages 6 to 12). Call (813) 659-4255 or email recinfo@ plantcitygov.com for more information. YOUTH TENNIS PROGRAM Registration is from Monday, June 20, to Monday, June 27. The program will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Tuesday, June 28, to Thursday, July 14.

ONGOING

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

Accord Church; Michael Mays, a licensed marriage and family therapist and COO for AMaysing Services, Inc.; and Reggie Rivers, senior pastor at Plant City Christian Center Inc. Registration is $20, which includes the buffet breakfast and seminar. For more information and to register, contact Dr. Pauline Rivers at (813) 759-0260 or pmrivers@ aol.com, or Dr. Jimmy Webster at (717) 421-6388 or doctorweb1@ aol.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 21

CAREFEST MEETING 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 21, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Find out how you can volunteer to do home improvement projects for families in need. For more information, call (813) 326-0749.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23

ABC’S AND 123’S OF YOGA 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, and 10 to 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 28, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. This program introduces toddlers to basic yoga postures. For children 18 months to 5 years. Bring a towel or yoga mat. (813) 757-9215. BABY YOGA 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Bond with your baby through relxing yoga and baby massage. For children up to 18 months old. Bring a towel or yoga mat. (813) 757-9215.

FRIDAY, JUNE 24

DANCE 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, June 24, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. There will be food and a bar.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25

SATURDAY SCHOLAR SERIES 10:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of the month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 402 W. English St. Learn about health, wellness and ways to improve the life of your family. This month’s program is themed “Senior Comprehensive Care Management.” The speaker is Donna Diotalevi, owner of DDA Care Management Inc. THIS IS AMERICA! CONCERT 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, June 25, at St. Clement Catholic Church, 1104 N. Alexander St. Tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Tickets are available online at PCCChorale.org.

BABY TIME 10 a.m. Thursdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, bouncy rhymes and songs in this 20-minute lapsit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language development. For children ages up to 18 months and their caregivers. BORN AGAIN GUN CLUB 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month, at One Accord Church, 2203 W. Baker St. For more information and to view the club’s bylaws and application email President Jeff Keene at bornagaingunclub@gmail. com. 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. THRIFT STORE 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays at Springhead Baptist Church’s education building, 3106 S. Wiggins Road. WALKING CLUB 7:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The club will meet at the library and walk around the neighborhood for 45 minutes. Susan Miles, (813) 757-9215.

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Mr. Clark was born April 15, 1958, in Torrance, California, to Robert and Daisy (Sims) Clark. He was a Catholic and loved to draw. He attended Plant City High School and Tampa Bay Tech. For many years, he was the manager of XYZ Liquor in Lakeland. He was often spotted riding his bicycle through town or holding the sign for Brown’s Jewelers off of James L. Redman Parkway. He is survived by his mother, Daisy Leona Williams, of Plant City; sisters, Debra Kinchen (Steve), of Winter Haven, Janice Robinson (Curtis), of New Port Richey, and Ellee Knight, of Clearwater; aunt, Phyllis Meachum, of Plant City; uncle, George House, of Wewahitchka; and many cousins, nieces, great-nieces and greatnephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Thomas Clark. The family will be having private services.

LINDA C. CONNOY LINDA C. CONNOY, 59, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 4, 2016.

Mrs. Connoy was born and raised in Plant City and spent a lot of time knitting and crocheting. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Jim Connoy; daughters, Stephanie and Callie Connoy; and brothers, Rick Freed (Tammy) and Rob Freed. A funeral service was held June 9, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Burial followed at Limona Cemetery in Brandon. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

THELMA FELKER THELMA FELKER, 65, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 9, 2016.

Mrs. Felker was born in Blytheville, Arizona and moved to Florida when she was a teenager. She was a homemaker and a member of Church of the Nazarene in Plant City. She loved her family, her grandchildren, yard sales, flea markets and sewing. She spent

TERRY FRIER TERRY FRIER, 55, OF DOVER, DIED FRIDAY, JUNE 10, 2016.

A native of Plant City, Mr. Frier was the son of the late Walter and Nellie Lastinger Frier. He attended the Advent Christian Church on Dover. He is survived by his sisters, Betty Jean Mathews and Helen F. Pharis. He was preceded in death by his siblings, Mary N. Adams, Carolyn L. Frier, Ralph T. Frier, Harry W. Frier and Joyce A. Frier. A graveside funeral service was held June 14, at Mt. Enon Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com. s

BETTY “MIMI” HUGHES BETTY “MIMI” HUGHES, 70, OF PLANT CITY, AND BORN IN BANGOR, MAINE, DIED JUNE 9, 2016.

Mrs. Hughes was a retired agent with Progressive Insurance and attended Southside Baptist Church in Mulberry. She loved her family, and enjoyed making blankets for homeless people, crocheting and scrapbooking. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Hughes. She is survived by her children, Michele Sardin (Jerry), Sherry Kilgore (Jason) and Scott Hughes (Lesa), of Plant City; siblings,

Wallace, Roger, Dwight, Daryl and Richard Graves; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of life was held June 15, at Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

SANDRA DIANE POLK SANDRA DIANE POLK, 69, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 3, 2016.

Mrs. Polk retired from GTE and was employed with Chico’s Fashions in Lakeland. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed buying and selling antiques, spending time with her family and spoiling her grandkids, who were the love of her life. She was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She is survived by her sons, Ronald “Ronnie” Polk (Lisa), Jason Polk (Heather) and Kimberly Polk; and loving grandchildren, Brandon Townsend, Bailey Polk and Ty Polk. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Polk; and parents, Buford and Nellie Touchton. A celebration of life was held June 9, at Hopewell Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens in Plant City. Committal followed at Springhead Cemetery in Lakeland. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ROBERT “BOB” QUEEN ROBERT “BOB” QUEEN, 56, OF PLANT CITY, DIED SUNDAY, JUNE 5, 2016, AT HIS HOME.

A native of Elyria, Ohio, Mr. Queen was the son of the late Keith and Audrey Hearne Queen. He loved remote-controlled vehicles, especially helicopters, building and riding motorcycles and fast cars. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Queen; children, Keith and Amy Queen; grandchildren, Evan Queen and Jaime Allen; and brother, Scott Queen. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Dale Queen Jr.; and brother, Dennis O’Brien. A funeral service was held June 11, at Haught Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s

Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

LOIS ELAINE REAUME LOIS ELAINE REAUME, 79, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 7, 2016.

Mrs. Reaume was a baptized child of God. She was born in Lakeview, Michigan. She married her high school sweetheart, Ernie, on June 25, 1955, in Turk Lake, Michigan. They moved to Seffner, Florida in 1967 and relocated to North Carolina and Georgia before settling in Plant City. She was very active in her community and church through missions and outreach. She will be sorely missed. She is survived by her loving husband, Ernie; children, Dirk Reaume (Brenda), Michele Hill (Mike) and Jeff Reaume (Alison); grandchildren, Ted, Hannah, Jeffrey and Rena Reaume and Neo and Nova Hill; five great-grandchildren; siblings, Jim Foster (Darlene), Keith Foster (Sue) and Jane Christiansen (Dick); many nieces and nephews; and all of her many friends, brothers and sisters in Christ at Hope Lutheran Church. A memorial service was held June 10, at Hope Lutheran Church in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eagles Ranch Children’s Home, 5500 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch, Georgia 30542 or Hope Lutheran Church Missions and Outreach Team, 2001 N. Park Road, Plant City, Florida 33563. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

GARY DAVID SEARS

GARY DAVID SEARS, 76, OF HUDSON, FLORIDA, DIED JUNE 7, 2016.

Mr. Sears was born and raised in Ogdensburg, New York and was one of five brothers. He worked in the auto sales industry and management most of his life and eventually owned a dealership in Oswego, New York. He believed in giving back to his community and served as a board member for the Oswego Planning Board, president of the New Car Dealers’ Association and board member for the St. Lawrence Eastern Ontario Lakes Commission. He later moved to Plant City, where he lived for 33 years. He was a member of the Planning Board of the City of Plant City, Hillsborough County and the American Planning Association. He also served as a director for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and a board member for the Plant City Election Board and the United Food Bank in Plant City. He was a longtime member of the Plant City Noon Rotary Club and was later a member of the Daybreak Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife, Janet; children, Lisa (Donnie), David, Christopher (Kathy), Christine and Jennifer (Jon); 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 404 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, Florida 33563. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association at Heart.org or Cancer. org.

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GREGORY ROBERT CLARK, 58, OF PLANT CITY, DIED MONDAY, MAY 30, 2016.

much of her time babysitting her family and all of the neighborhood kids. She is survived by her husband of over 44 years, Johnny Felker; son, Paul Marchman Coalson (Michelle); daughters, Tammy Felker, Jeannie Marie Dempsey and Pamela Diane Townsend (Pete); brother, Rawley Lewis; sisters, Shyanne Lawrence (Perry), Marlene Carlson and Teresa Rice (Dewey); 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughters, Angela Felker and Sheila Coalson; and brother, Lee Willford. A funeral service was held June 14, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center in Plant City. Burial followed at Shiloh Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

OBITUARIES

GREGORY ROBERT CLARK

JUNE 17, 2016

SIDELINES

Cory West bounces back from a jiujitsu injury. Page 14

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

The All-Stars are coming Plant City Little League’s All-Star season is coming soon to Mike Sansone Park, 1702 N. Park Road. The 9-10 softball, 11-12 baseball, juniors baseball and seniors baseball teams will open up District 4 play in Plant City, while the 9-10 baseball, 10-11 baseball and 50-70 baseball teams will compete in Haines City. This weekend will see the 9-10, 10-11 and 50-70 baseball teams spring into action. On Monday, June 27, 9-10 softball, juniors and seniors baseball will start their tournament series. Last, but not least, the 11-12 baseball team will start tournament play on Tuesday, July 5. For more detailed AllStar outlooks, keep an eye out for next week’s Plant City Times & Observer’s annual All-Stars section.

“I would really like to see the community center more around the things that the city can offer. But it’s going to take a little bit of work to find out what exactly those things (people) need are, so that we can meet it.” — Maggie Morona

SUMMERTIMESWITCH

Register for hoops camp Plant City High’s basketball coaches and the City of Plant City are asking young hoops fans to save some dates. Registration is open for the camp, which will have sessions from Monday, June 27, through Tuesday, June 30, and Monday, July 18, through Thursday, July 21, at the Plant City High gymnasium, 1 Raider Place. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., is for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 and costs $115 per camper ($100 per camper for homes with more than one). To register, visit PlantCityGov.com or stop by the Recreation and Parks Department, 1904 S. Park Road.

The Planteen Recreation Center has a new director, who has past experience working at Disney. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

aggie Morona has always loved summer camp. But she never thought her first job as a

16-year-old camp counselor would come back around years later. Morona is now in charge of the Planteen Recreating Center

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Be mindful of social media

summer program just weeks before its start date. The gig comes as she begins her new position with the City of Plant City as the director of the center. She couldn’t be happier. “I didn’t think that, at the end of the day, that I would end up coming full circle,” Morona says. “But it tickles me pink that that’s what happened, because that was what I gravitated toward when I was

Photos by Justin Kline

Above:Maggie Morona joins the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department after six years with the Boy Scouts of America. Top: Kids learned to play gaga ball at the Planteen Recreation Center.

young.” SEE SUMMER PAGE 13

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

In the wake of the Orlando tragedy, Justin Kline warns teen athletes to think twice before posting. In terms of disgusting behavior, it’s pretty hard to top what happened in Orlando Sunday, June 12. The last thing anyone affected by the tragedy needs is to have to deal with the negative opinions of others. If you’re a teenager expecting to go to college, and you have something less-than-supportive to say about anything of this nature, I’m here to tell you the last thing you’ll want to deal with is your own negative opinion. I logged onto Twitter Sunday morning and, amidst the flood of prayers, saw a kid make a mistake that will cost him big time. A kid named Brandon Carney tweeted, “I’d shoot up a gay night club also… Too soon?” At the time the tweet first got picked up, it only had two retweets SEE KLINE PAGE 14

Clean Sweep Plant City’s machine-pitch all-star teams placed in their final tournament of the season, held the weekend of Friday, June 10. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

Sports teams aren’t defined by how they start a season but by how they finish it. Plant City’s machine-pitch all-star teams, which started tournament play well before the rest of Plant City Little League’s squads, just wrapped things up on the highest possible note. The Bulldogs, Warriors and Rays combined for a sweep of the Eagle Lake All-Star tournament, with the Bulldogs and Warriors winning their divisions and the Rays getting a secondplace win. BULLDOGS

The Bulldogs were the only team to play in the Rookie A bracket, which

contained seven Central Florida squads. They were also the only team to win a trophy by blowout, picking up a 13-3 win over Lake Wales in unlikely fashion. “Bunting was our ticket,” head coach Brian Purkey says. “I think everybody on the team laid down a good bunt. I could hear the parents getting mad, from the other team. ‘Is that all they’re going to do, is bunt?’” Rather than single out an MVP candidate, Purkey credits the outfield for coming up huge defensively: the unit caught fly balls and turned double plays when it had to. For this team, getting to the championship was a long time coming. In the previous two tournaments, at Courtesy photo

SEE BASEBALL PAGE 13

Recent Athlete of the Week Brenham Hay won with the Bulldogs.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FROM SUMMER PAGE 12

Morona was named director of the Planteen Recreation Center in May, after previous director Jason Hargrove accepted a job in Polk County’s Parks and Recreation department. With just over a month of experience working in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, Morona already has some big plans in mind. A Florida native, Morona’s first experience working at a summer camp came at the Patrick Air Force Base’s youth center, south of Cocoa Beach. “I did what my coaches will be doing for me this summer,” she says. After graduating from high school, Morona spent some time in the United States Naval Academy and college and worked at Walt Disney World afterward. She spent 11 years at the

FROM BASEBALL PAGE 12

Winter Haven and Lakeland Highlands, the Bulldogs could only reach the semifinals before being knocked out. The key to making the third time the charm was the team’s focus. “We only had about one error in the last two games,” Purkey says. “The kids bunted very well, and that’s something we’ve worked on. A lot of these kids have a hard time trying to charge the ball and then get rid of the ball.” WARRIORS

The Rookie B division champions, the Plant City Warriors, were in a good situation heading into the final round. No matter who won the championship game between the Warriors and the Rays, the end result would be a Plant City sweep. The Warriors happened to be a little better on Sunday, June 12, picking up a 7-4 win over the Rays. “We just had some great defense, and some bats that came alive for us,” head coach Chris Ham says. The Warriors had previously finished second in the Winter Haven tournament but were then knocked out in the first round of the Lakeland Highlands tournament. Ham says the team knew it had to play well to make up for the loss. While Ham says there were “lots of MVPs” from the tournament, one play in particular stood out: in the championship game against the Rays, first baseman Hunter Carbaugh

park, working in operations management in Epcot, Mission: Space, Spaceship Earth and other attractions. She also worked in some of the park’s recreation departments. In 2008, when the Great Recession hit, Morona was laid off. She later found work with the Boy Scouts of America, spending one year as a sports program director and the rest of her time as a summer camp program director. She spent four years at Flaming Arrow Scout Reservation, in Lake Wales, and two at Sand Hill Scout Reservation, in Brooksville. Morona became interested in the Plant City job after seeing the posting online. With the ability to give herself a more flexible schedule, to work in recreation year round and to work in the place she’s lived for the last four years, Morona decided to apply. “I thought, ‘Gosh, I would love to

GOALS n Get kids outside n Provide a setting for seniors to socialize n Revive old programs, such as sewing, and instate new ones

do that all the time,’” Morona says. “I’m really excited about the opportunity.” She’s spent her first few weeks on the job preparing for the ongoing Summer Youth Program, which started earlier this month, and had been developing ways to give the kids a new experience. “Summer camp is just really special for me,” Morona says. “You get the kids for a short amount of time, but

you can do a lot of things with them — you can get them hands on, and you can get them excited about things.” Her main goal is to get the kids playing outside as much as possible, which means the kids will play some sports they’ve never tried before. This includes “human foosball,” involving a large amount of pool noodles, and gaga ball, an Israeli game that combines dodgeball and soccer in a pit. She hasn’t stopped at summer camp, though. Morona is also planning to get as much use out of the Planteen Recreation Center as possible and will try to get more of the community involved in the building’s day-to-day activities once the summer program ends. “My first two weeks here, I spent time going through the bins of all the stuff we used to offer for the past 20, 30 years,” Morona says. “It was neat

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

to see: ‘Oh, we still have ceramics! Oh, we still have a kiln! Oh, we used to teach sewing!’” Under Morona’s watch, the Planteen Recreation Center will give Plant Citians the opportunity to put their talents on display for others and pass along their skills. She also hopes to make the center into a hangout spot for seniors. “We don’t really have a senior center in the city, so it would be great if we could provide that,” Morona says. “Maybe even just a couple of days a week where they knew, from 11 to 3, Mondays and Wednesdays, they could come hang out with their friends, they could get a cup of coffee, maybe play bridge or bingo — whatever it is that they want to do.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

caught a pop fly and then got the tag at first to complete the game-ending double play. “It’s pretty exciting,” Ham says. “We were pretty stoked.” RAYS

The Rays finished second in the Eagle Lake tournament. “It was definitely fun,” head coach Chris Fry says. “The kids had a lot of fun, and they played really good. That last game, they were tired. They’d been out in the sun all day.” Fry was pleased with the way the team looked, especially in the case of first baseman Brisen Tweedy, and says the most fun moment of the four-team tournament came on Friday, June 10, when the Rays picked up a 5-4 win over Winter Haven. At the end of the game, Plant City was hanging on to a 5-4 lead by a thread. Winter Haven had the bases loaded with one out, but Fry’s son, Tyler, turned a double play to put the game away. Coincidentally, the Rays’ next game would end with them on the wrong side of a game-ending double play — but, it’s all in good fun, and the kids still got to go home with a trophy. “I’d definitely rank it among the best (seasons) I’ve been a part of,” Fry says. “When you’ve got good parents, everyone gets along and the kids have fun, that’s what I like.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Courtesy photos

The Plant City Rays, Bulldogs and Warriors each left the Eagle Lake AllStar tournament with hardware.

ROSTERS PLANT CITY RAYS Tyler Fry, 6 Brayden Kopel, 7 Brisen Tweedy, 27 Kyle Lewis, 17 Landyn Jackson, 2 Tanner Gonser, 3 Kyle White, 55 Jordan Yacinich, 8 Will Cline, 1 Jermey Cannon, 24 Kaiden Anderson, 4

PLANT CITY WARRIORS Gunnar Ham, 1 Cayden Bryant, 2 Tytan Gill, 3 Brayden Tinney, 4 Justin Swindle, 5 Alyssa Chancey, 6 Deacon Hay, 7 Hunter Carbaugh, 8 Brendan Smith, 9 Colton Fricks, 10 Alli Jo Taylor, 11 Cuy Holley, 12

PLANT CITY BULLDOGS Brody Bryant, 8 Caiden Hutcheson, 23 Bryson Plunk, 2 Parker Scott, 5 Jake Carbaugh, 15 Bryce Purkey, 6 Tyler Turner, 55 Josh Machado, 13 Brayden Keys, 39 Drew Cothren, 7 Lane Jellison, 3 Brenham Hay, 9 Jackson Trapnell, 44

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At what point early on did you decide this was something you wanted to fully commit to? I’m just a really competitive person. When I first got into it, I was an MMA fighter. I wanted to be an MMA fighter. Jiu jitsu was just part of that for me. I spent two years fighting MMA. I had five fights. The last few fights didn’t really go my way, and I kind of just took some time off to reflect. That’s when I realized I just wanted to focus on jiu jitsu. That was what I wanted to do, probably, for the rest of my life.

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Now you’re teaching here at Cross Guard. I do help with the kids class, and I cover the adult classes if Sam’s gone for a tournament or something, and I’m still here. I’m a substitute instructor, I guess you could say … For now, it’s more or less an internship kind of thing.

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FROM KLINE PAGE 12

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

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9 1

Regular exercise makes the heart stronger. A strong heart can pump more blood through the arteries with less effort and with less force. As the natural force on the arteries decreases, the blood pressure is lowered. This natural benefit can be as effective as some blood pressure medications. But the exercise program must be consistent to work. Consider exercise as prevention for hypertension if your blood

What got you into it? My dad actually got me into it, when I was younger. In my early twenties, I was kind of getting into a little bit of trouble. He stopped by and gave me a card for Beto (Nunes), Sam (Kimmel)’s original instructor. He gave it to me and said, “If you want to be tough, why don’t you try it out here?” I brought a friend with me, took an introduction class and was sold ever since.

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HOW DOES EXERCISE WORK?

How long have you been doing jiujitsu? About six or seven years.

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with age, but getting enough exercise can make a big difference. The systolic (or top number) is the key indicator to monitor for those over age 50. Although not all medical experts agree on the ideal blood pressure readings, a 2015 Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial study of more than 9,300 participants showed those with a systolic reading of 120 or less were 33% less likely to suffer a heart failure, heart attack or stroke over the five-year period.

One of two instructors at Cross Guard Brazilian jiujitsu, Cory West has been rehabbing a knee injury that’s kept him out of competition. He hopes to make it to the World Master Jiu-Jitsu IBJJF Championships this August in Las Vegas.

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JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.

pressure is already normal — less than 120/80. Start slowly with your exercise plan and build up to a weekly goal. Know it will take one to three months of consistent exercise to have the desired impact on your blood pressure. Another benefit from regular exercise is weight control. Dropping 10 pounds can drop the systolic readings another four points. Regular exercise builds muscle which also boosts metabolism. For blood pressure concerns, exercise is a win-win, as long as you keep it up. HOW MUCH EXERCISE IS BEST?

According to the American Heart Association, most healthy people need 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Good choices include brisk walking, jogging, climbing stairs, swimming, dancing or active sports. Don’t forget that raking leaves, gardening and scrubbing the floors count too. To lower blood pressure or cholesterol, 40 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise four times a week works best. Include flexibility and stretching exercises along with strength training and aerobic activity for an overall fitness plan. Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. She teaches yoga classes at the Plant City Family YMCA on Thursdays. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

Cory West

Rhett Rollyson, President Rolly Rollyson, Sr. Advisor

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Elevated blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects nearly 75 million Americans. Three of every four people over age 60 are affected. Equally present in both men and women, hypertension can have no obvious symptoms. Hypertension left untreated significantly increases the chance of both heart attacks and strokes, along with other serious health conditions. The good news is that blood pressure readings are easy to take, and remedies are available. Taking a patient’s blood pressure is one of the first tests done in a doctor’s office. Home monitoring devices are inexpensive and easy to use. Even grocery and drug stores frequently offer a self-administered test that is simple and quick. I check my blood pressure almost every time I go to the grocery store, in addition to having it checked in the doctor’s office. Your doctor can customize your plan based on your degree of blood pressure elevation, overall health, age and other factors. For moderately-elevated blood pressure, according to Glenn M. Chertow, M.D., medical professor at Stanford University, lifestyle changes might be the answer instead of medications.

and six likes. A Twitter user going by “Alex” captured it with a screenshot, found the school Carney attends and plays football at and took a screenshot of his MaxPreps page — which had his picture posted. Alex wrote, “I don’t think you’ll be graduating in 2017 anymore! Gonna go ahead and SHOOT this message over to ur school.” That tweet, as of Wednesday, June 15, got 9,667 retweets and over 12,300 likes. We’re all entitled to our own beliefs and opinions but, contrary to popular belief, your First Amendment freedom-of-speech rights do not always protect you from what happens after you choose to express your opinion. Trust me, high schoolers: if you

Absolutely. That’s definitely the end goal. When I’m a high-level brown belt, maybe a black belt, that’s when I want to start looking for a place to open my own spot.

defend yourself.

How long do you have to go before you reach that level? That’s really tough to say. That’s really up to Sam. He keeps a close eye on my progress and how I’m developing with my skill set. I really try not to think about a timeframe as far as my belt is concerned, because I know I’m in good hands and that it will come when I’m ready for it. It’s going to be a few more years, for sure.

Where do you want to improve most? My fundamentals. My basics. Particularly my grip placement — centimeters can make worlds of difference. And pressure, same thing. Speed and timing are the two main things on my mind right now.

What’s the strongest part of your game? Defense.

You’ve been working on rehabbing your knee before you get back into competitions. How long do you think you have until you can jump back in? I’m really starting to get back in now. I know what I can and can’t do to try and stay safe. I try to stay conscious of my knee and watch out while I train — not really go easy, but just cautious. Hopefully, I’ll be competing again in the next couple of months. What was your last competition? NAGA in Lakeland, not this last December, but the year before that. It’s been about a year and a half now. What advice would you give to a newcomer? Patience. I like to tell people that you have to get comfortable being uncomfortable if you’re going to get good at jiujitsu, because a lot of it is getting smashed and learning how to deal with that, to stay composed and properly

put something controversial on one of your personal social media accounts, there’s a high chance someone will find it. You don’t want that trouble, especially with college looming and scholarships on the line. Here are a few guidelines you can follow to make sure you don’t mess up your shot at the higher education experience you’ve been dreaming of. Think | If you think someone might take offense to what you have to say, don’t say it. Of course, the exception here would be friendly sports banter that, for whatever reason, the other person starts taking way too seriously. Keep Calm | Stay away from personal attacks. People love to use Twitter for “trolling” purposes, and these people want to see you snap and say something you’ll regret. The most important thing to remember

is that person is only tough and edgy on the keyboard — and probably not in real life. As the saying goes, “Don’t feed the troll.” Clean yourself up | There are probably some old Tweets and Facebook posts in your history that, looking back, you wish you hadn’t posted. Get rid of them as soon as you can. Colleges, interviewers, coaches and more know how to dig deep into your profiles and find anything these days. Since they don’t always get to meet you in person, these people will perceive you to be the person you present yourself as online. All it takes is one lapse in judgment to ruin everything you have going for yourself. Don’t make Carney’s mistake. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FORECAST

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, JUNE 17

High: 87 Low: 76 Chance of rain: 20%

Samantha Lane took this photograph after a rainstorm. Do you have a picture that speaks to the personality of Plant City? To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email that photo and a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com. Winners will have their picture featured.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18

High: 87 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 90%

FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, June 17

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Saturday, June 18

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Thursday, June 23

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W EAT HER

I LOVE PLANT CITY

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, JUNE 19 High: 85 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 40%

July 4 New

MONDAY, JUNE 20 High: 87 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 40%

June 27 Last

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June 20 Full

RAINFALL

EGGPLANT Shipping point: Orlando $6 to $6.35

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

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YEAR TO DATE:

MARCH TO DATE:

2016

17.6 in.

2016

1.78 in.

2015

9.12 in.

2015

5.73 in.

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01 On the way 07 Expelled matter, as lava 13 Circus athlete 20 “Eye” or “can” follower 21 Like some lands? 22 American Beauty kin 23 Coin-flip options 25 Protects, as in a museum 26 Sideshow collection 27 Lofty tennis shot 29 G.I.’s headgear, slangily 30 Well-bred chap 31 Sticking to one’s ribs?

1. U E F J U X R 2. K J N M C Q E G R

35 Earthy pigments 38 Honeydew, for one 39 A smattering of 40 “To the max” suffix 43 Kublai, Genghis and Aly 44 Its atomic number is 5 45 Type of gridiron offense 47 Little litter critter 48 April or May 49 Ceases to live 51 Transparent, as fabrics 52 “Go on” 53 Fierce way to fight 56 Slithering Nile denizens 57 Jamaican music 58 Breathing trouble during sleep 59 Tug abruptly 60 Elaborately designed 62 Neck backs 64 One of several tissue layers 65 Senior member of a group 66 Scatterbrained 68 Con ___ (with vigor, in music) 70 Come to mind, as a question 72 Hair-cream blob 75 Southpaw’s stronger hand 76 Extremely thin 79 Obsolete preposition 80 Athol Fugard’s “A Lesson From ___” 82 Bread unit 83 Dances on Maui 84 Travel on water 85 Sang in unison 87 Last-place finisher 88 Not domesticated 89 Little fox 90 LaBeouf of films 91 Apportions (with “out”) 92 Popular aquarium fish 93 Undecided 95 Penthouse feature 96 Sitting muscles 99 Lung contents 100 Like undiscovered ore (var.) 104 Takes umbrage at 106 Kin 110 Supervise 111 Sea between Greece and Italy 112 Using WD-40, say 113 Like the best housekeeper 114 Treeless plain 115 Snipes of Hollywood

3. G R Z E K R 4. K I Z E Q L 5. B I G G E J Q I E X

He is a husband and father of eight residing in Sacramento:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 June 16 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.57) through 9 in each row, column and box.

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6 5

8 3

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2 9 7 5

8 4 5 2

(p) 813-250-0500 (f) 813-276-1600 criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com

ACROSS

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

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Sammis Law Firm, P.A., 1005 N. Marion Street, Tampa, Florida 33602

CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

205917

Weekly or monthly payments Operated by Owner tonyslawnmaintenance@yahoo.com Call for a free quote

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DOWN

01 West Coast salmon 02 Page in the paper

June 16 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.57)

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6 4 3 9 1

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03 Margaret of Samoa 04 Needy 05 Empty ___ (parents of grown children) 06 Wood characteristics 07 Concludes 08 Fast airplane 09 Airport stat. 10 Tai ___ (exercise method) 11 Expose by finking 12 Burning crime 13 Noshed on 14 Venezuelan coin 15 Characteristic of raunchy humor 16 Great ape, for short 17 Nonsense 18 Out of port 19 Try out 24 Part of the badminton court 28 Indicate, old-style 31 Woman’s wide lace collar 32 Hawaiian’s hello 33 Over there, to a bard 34 Statue trunks 35 Creole veggies 36 Slab of chocolate 37 With never-ending effort 38 Three-card game

40 Alert (with “all”) 41 “George Washington ___ Here” 42 Right to the point 44 Timely blessings 46 Macbeth title 48 Bikes with some power 49 1944 Normandy event 50 Motel relative 53 Scotch or masking, e.g. 54 Chute fabric 55 Sets free 61 Some bakery loaves 63 Do a tailoring job 64 Edith, aka the Little Sparrow 65 Kuwaiti money 66 “Alas and ___” 67 Capital successor to Calcutta 68 Personal information 69 Gene material, briefly 70 One who flaunts privileges 71 What actors take on 73 Highlights at operas 74 She has a ball? 77 Fashionable Calvin 78 Hindu loincloth 81 Hitchcock genre 84 Strong shore embankments 86 Non-Sunnis

87 Pasture 88 It’s on the house 91 Dark red wine 92 Look-out device? 93 Baby berths? 94 They played Elvis 95 French wine 96 Small, man-made cave 97 Jeans brand 98 Not mint 100 Hair on a horse 101 One way to make eggs 102 “The ___ Ranger” 103 Tense and irritable 105 Tennis match part 107 L.A. to Denver, e.g. 108 Tiny drink 109 Occur, old-style

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, JUNE 17, 2016

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