Plant City Times &
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Plant City’s Mary Heysek launches new food business.
OUR TOWN
FREE • THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
Super sleuths uncover Young Plant City faithful fun at First gymnasts ready Baptist Church VBS. for nationals
new face by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Plant City names new police chief Edward Duncan brings 34 years of law enforcement with him to the Plant City Police Department.
+ Want to win July 4 VIP tickets? The Plant City Times & Observer and the City of Plant City Recreation and Parks Department have partnered to give away tickets for VIP seating for Plant City’s 2014 Fourth of July Celebration! The celebration will take place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Plant City Stadium, 1810 E. Park Road. Coordinated by the Recreation & Parks Department, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Strawberry Festival, the celebration will feature inflatables, face painting, balloon art, corn hole, bean-bag toss, rockclimbing wall and Bungee jumping. The 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. To enter our contest, simply email Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajur gensen@plantcityobserver. com, and tell us what the Fourth of July means to you! We will contact the winners July 2. Good luck!
Interim City Manager David Sollenberger announced June 20 the appointment of Edward E. Duncan Jr. to serve as Plant City’s new police chief. Duncan will assume leadership of the Plant City Police Department July 7. He has a long history of law enforcement experience and leadership, including 34 years with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, before retiring in 2012 at the rank of colonel. “This is the opportunity of
a lifetime,” Duncan said. “I’m y o u n g enough to still make an impact on the community. It gives me the opDuncan portunity to continue the passion I have.” The appointment comes after a months-long recruit-
ment and screening process facilitated by The Mercer Group Inc. That process resulted in about 80 applications, which were screened to compare the backgrounds of the applicants against the needs of the city. As a result of that screening process, six finalists were identified for further consideration. On June 18, the finalists participated in a comprehensive two-part screening exercise, which included a detailed in-
terview conducted by a panel of both city staff and members of the community. Those panelists included Sollenberger; Assistant City Manager of Public Safety Bill McDaniel; John Borders, interim police chief; Sanders Bush, director of human resources; Cassandra Banning, community leader; William “Bill” Thomas, community leader; and W.D. Higginbotham, senior vice president, The Mercer Group Inc. “He brings to the position a
wealth of experience and wisdom that will benefit both our police department and the community as a whole,” Bill wrote of Duncan in a prepared statement. Duncan said he is excited to deploy his hands-on style of leadership at the department. His first steps will be to study the geographical map of Plant City in relation to the rates of crime.
SEE CHIEF / PAGE 4
+ Be on the lookout for hidden money! The Plant City Times & Observer received an interesting message from a Facebook fan last week. “I’ve recently heard of the pay it forward movement and wanted to bring it to the Plant City/ Brandon area,” the user wrote. “I wonder how long it will take for people to see my new site. Anyway, the goal is simple: This is a scavenger hunt. God has been very good to my wife and me and has blessed us beyond our dreams. We are no millionaires — far from it — but we’re no longer in the poor house, and we want to pay it forward. “Starting June 27 and (continuing) every Friday, we will be hiding money in different parts of Plant City and putting clues on (the user’s Facebook page),” the user wrote. “Please use the money for a good deed. Get creative and post pictures and updates on our Facebook page!” For more, visit the page, facebook.com/profile. php?id=100005135448720.
, 3&
This week’s winner is
Tyler Smith
See her photo on PAGE 15.
GIRL POWER Photo by Will Vragovic | Tampa Bay Times
Durant High School’s “Knuckleball Princess” Chelsea Baker took her signature pitch to the Tampa Bay Rays’ batting practice June 23, at Tropicana Field, in St. Petersburg. Baker became the youngest female in Major League Baseball history to throw the ceremonial first pitch. For more coverage, see Sports, page 12.
GOVERNANCE by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Plant City endorses photo archives’ proposal for sculpture exhibit Plant City commissioners approved June 23 to donate $5,000 to the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center to bring the popular “Man on the Street” collection of sculptures back to Plant City. “It’s an excellent way to showcase the City of Plant City and bring people in,” said Gil Gott, executive director of the center. The collection includes 10 life-sized sculptures by artist J. Seward Johnson that depict a mariachi band, a soldier returning from war, a snooz-
SEE EXHIBIT / PAGE 4
Courtesy of Seward Johnson, The Sculpture Foundation Inc.
strength in numbers by Michael Eng | Editor
Residents pour out in support of Keel & Curley The winery’s rezone request went before a Hillsborough County zoning hearing master June 23. It was after 9 p.m. by the time Hillsborough County Zoning Hearing Master Steve Luce adjourned the first of two hearings of Keel & Curley Winery’s rezone request. But, by the end of the night June 23, Joe Keel, his family and employees all left the Hillsborough County Center astounded by the support they received. “It was awesome,” Keel said.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Hillsborough County Commission, which ultimately will decide the fate of Keel & Curley’s rezone request, is scheduled to hear the item at its Lane Use Meeting, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. “It was bold support — great support.” More than 100 residents — most donning navy T-shirts with the words, “Save the Winery and Craft Brewery,” printed
INDEX Calendar.......................2
on the front — packed the hearing chambers and an overflow room on the center’s 26th floor to show their support for the Plant City business. They were there to stand with the Keel family, whose winery and Two Henrys Brewing Company is under scrutiny after county officials determined the brewing portion of the business, its use of an adjacent lot for overflow parking and its event hosting were not permitted under the company’s current zoning. The Keels maintain they were unaware they were operating outside of their zoning. Keel
SEE WINERY / PAGE 5 Vol. 1, No. 47 | One section
Crossword...................15
Obituaries...................11
Sports.........................12
Weather ......................15
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR THURSDAY, JUNE 26 Arts and Crafts — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 7528700. Kinship Support Group — takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, June 26, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 7528700. Summer Movie — takes place at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215. Weight Loss Surgery Information Sessions — takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 26, at HealthPoint Medical Group, 4120 U.S. 98 N,. Lakeland. Learn more about the advantages of the adjustable gastric band and sleeve gastrectomy procedures and see if surgical weight loss is an option for you. (813) 644-6720.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Interactive Story Time — takes place to 11 a.m. to noon Friday, June 27, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 7528700. Marshall High School Class of 1969 45th Class Reunion — takes place June 27, at the Embassy Suites Brandon, 10220 Palm River Road, Tampa (813) 541-9930 or (813) 677-5210. Music & More Registration — takes place to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday, June 27, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 7528700. The Peacemakers — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, June 27, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Robert Bauman for Circuit Court Judge, Group 34, Fundraiser — takes place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 27, at 12121 Stonelake Ranch Blvd., Thonotosassa. (813) 253-9993. Uncork Your Weekend with Skip Frye — live music from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday,
30, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Glenda Williams, (813) 3078015, Ext. 7111.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27 Giving Tree Drum Circle — takes place at 3 p.m. Friday, June 27, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.
TUESDAY, JULY 1 Flute Circle — takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Utah Farris. (863) 696-0442 or utahflutes1@wmconnect.com.
June 27, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100.
SATURDAY, JUNE 28 Breastfeeding Class — takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. This class will provide the expectant mom and her support person current, evidence-based recommendations for nursing newborns. The class will address latching and positioning, benefits of immediate skin-to-skin contact, newborn hunger signs, tips for returning to work, breastfeeding lifestyles and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant for help. Registration required; $20. (813) 644-6720 or BayCareEvents. org. Uncork Your Weekend with Mark Sprouse — live music from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100. Undercover Betty — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Walk With a Doc — takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Oracle Home Health Office, 1602 W. Timberlane Drive, Plant City. Special guest will be Rich Strand, TRX trainer. (813) 752-3456.
SUNDAY, JUNE 29 DivorceCare — Twelve-week class continues at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Plant City Church of God, 2103 Mud Lake Road, Plant City. Visit divorcecare. org, and search “Find A Group” for location, dates, times and registration. Child care is provided with reservations.
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: meng@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
MONDAY, JUNE 30 ACCESS and KidCare — takes place from noon to 3 p.m. Mondays, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 7528700. Carbon Pollution: Why It’s a Concern and What Can We Do? — takes place at 7 p.m. Monday, June 30, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. The program will be presented by C.L. Townsend, of Plant City. Space is limited; register by calling (813) 638-2260 or emailing to ofa.fl.tb@ gmail.com. Little Amigos Registration — takes place to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 30, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 752-8700. Manage Your Diabetes — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, June
climbing wall and Bungee jumping. The 20-minute fireworks show will begin at 9:15 p.m. Admission to the event is free; parking costs $5 per car.
MONDAY, JULY 7
Ribbon Cutting: Norman Cannella Jr. for County Court Judge, Group 12 — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 1, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.
CPR and Basic Life Support Re-certification — takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 7, at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. This course provides CPR basic life support recertification for health care workers. Your CPR card must be current (no expired cards). Registration and pre-payment required ($40); includes book and card. (813) 6446720.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2
TUESDAY, JULY 8
OneBlood Blood Drive — takes place from 10:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. All donors receive a free wellness screening, as well as incentives such as free T-shirts, movie tickets, and Outback Steakhouse coupons. (813) 757-9215.
FRIDAY, JULY 4 Fourth of July Celebration — takes place beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, July 4, at Plant City Stadium, 1810 East Park Road. Plant City once again will illuminate the skies with patriotic pride at its annual July 4 Celebration. Coordinated by the City of Plant City Recreation & Parks Department, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and the Florida Strawberry Festival, the celebration will feature inflatables, face painting, balloon art, corn hole, bean-bag toss, rock-
MONDAY, JUNE 30 Animal Stories of the Amazon Rainforest Puppet Show — takes place from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. (813) 757-9215.
Morning Book Discussion — meets from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, July 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. This month’s book is “Defending Jacob” by William Landay. (813) 757-9215. Ribbon Cutting: Barbara TwineThomas, PA for Circuit Court Judge, Group 8 — takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org. Summer Movie — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. The movie is rated PG-13 and stars Chris Hemsworth. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. (813) 7579215.
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coming soon by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
City Pizza tosses dough into local pie market City Pizza and MJ Cakes, both owned by the Burroughs family, are looking to create a unique experience downtown. If you’ve been downtown lately, then you’ve seen that sign hanging above the last empty storefront on East Reynolds Street. “Coming Soon, City Pizza and MJ Cakes.” Then, you might have done a quick count in your head — this will be Plant City’s 13th pizzeria. What’s going to make this one stick out from the rest? Besides the cupcakes, of course, it’ll be the atmosphere. “One of the things when we moved here — we saw a lot of great pizza places, but we didn’t see that kind of oldschool, mainstream pizzeria that we grew up with,” CEO Jason Burroughs says. “That was one of my favorite things
WHET YOUR APPETITE
Although the pizzeria won’t be open until midSeptember at the earliest, its full menu already has been posted online. It’s chock full of the classics, and can be viewed at citypizza-plantcity.com. If you’re craving the baked goods, though, you don’t have to wait until September — MJ Cakes is still in business. Visit eatmjcakes.com for more information.
about being a kid.” Burroughs and his wife, Tanya, are native New Yorkers
who have lived in Plant City for the last seven years. Opening a pizzeria was originally a post-retirement goal of his, but he saw the opportunity present itself and decided to jump in with business partner Mike Mylam. The vision for City Pizza is to make it as close to an authentic New York pizzeria as possible. This has much to do with the style of cooking, but also it affects what customers see when they walk through the door. “The one thing in Florida that they’ve been missing — that kind of downtown pizzeria where you can see the dough being tossed and spend less than $25 to have a great dinner,” Burroughs says.
In fact, the dough-tossing figures to become the restaurant’s signature. In addition to hand-tossing the dough in clear view of the customers, Burroughs plans to have professionals demonstrate their tricks on Tuesday nights. “We want it to be a place where you can go with two or three kids and have them be entertained, have dough they can toss,” Burroughs says. The other half of the store, though, may be even more intriguing. MJ Cakes, an operation started by Tanya Burroughs and the couple’s daughter, Kylee, will be readily available to satisfy any sweet tooth a cannoli can’t cure. “They’ve been doing it for longer than we have decided to open the pizza place,” Jason Burroughs says. “Since they have the space there, they thought it would be great to
have a place where people can come and see them, instead of working out of the house.” MJ Cakes has kept fairly busy while working out of the family home, making baked goods for corporate events, birthday parties and more — working anywhere from 10 to15 events each month. Now, in the business’s third year, it’s upgrading to a real storefront. “People see these shows where they do custom cakes and stuff, and that’s kind of a big thing,” Burroughs says. “In New York, that’s always been happening. I don’t think there’s anyone else in Plant City with that kind of business.” The Burroughs women w i l l h a v e
their own section of the store, which includes a separate kitchen — so, no need for anyone to worry about the cupcakes being baked in an oven with the pizzas. If you ask the family, they’ll tell you that Plant City is ready for such a restaurant — even with so many other pizzerias already established. “It’s one of those things where it seems like the right time to do it,” Jason Burroughs says. “It’s the perfect timing.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver. com.
CRIME by Dan Sullivan and Keeley Sheehan | Tampa Bay Times
Kidnapping victim recovering after blood-clot surgery Sex offender Steven Patrick Myers, 41, of Plant City, now faces several charges, including attempted murder, aggravated property damage and resisting arrest.
NEW BEAT by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen
Priscilla Clark came to the Plant City Police Department after working for the Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco.
New downtown officer hits the streets Priscilla Clark is the first female to hold the highly visible position.
“
“I was just ready for a change of pace” Clark said. “I heard great things about Plant City and about the police department.” Clark was just a teenager when she decided she wanted a career in law enforcement. But, she got married young and moved from California to Florida with her former husband. She put everything aside to raise her children. The itch came back. After about three years in Florida, she decided to work as a dispatcher in Winter Haven. At
“
There’s a new face downtown. Plant City Police Department officer Priscilla Clark recently was named the department’s new downtown officer, who patrols the historic district and the surrounding neighborhoods. Clark has been at the department for two-and-one-half years and came to the department from her position as a Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco investigator. After 14 years, she was ready to make the switch back to municipal work.
I was just ready for a change of pace. I heard great things about Plant City and about the police department. — Priscilla Clark, Plant City Police downtown officer
the same time, she was sponsored to attend the academy. Once she graduated, Clark continued to work as a dispatcher, waiting for her chance to be on the force. When a position opened up in Lake Wales, she applied. The department snatched her up and gave Clark her first beat. “It was great, because it helped me understand both sides and the stressors they go through in dispatch and on the streets,” Clark said of her work on both sides of the department. While at Lake Wales Police Department, Clark worked undercover on a case with Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. After wrapping up the case, they asked her to apply with their office. As a bilingual woman, she was
an asset. She was happy at Lake Wales but applied anyway after talking to her supervisor. The department encouraged her to go farther in her career. She got the job. “My favorite thing there was fraud cases,” Clark said. Clark helped bust up the manufacturing of fake identification cards. Her work led her all over Central Florida. For her first case, she found herself in an Orlando dorm room, where one student was manufacturing more than fake IDs. Now, she’s keeping the streets and youth of Plant City safe. She works as a Hispanic liaison, as well. “I really enjoy (working here),” Clark said. “The people are great. I love the department.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
Ashley Lyon, the Valrico teenager found stabbed after authorities chased and caught the sex offender she was traveling with, is now coping with a blood clot and remains hospitalized in Louisiana. “I pray that this is it and she can recover now,” her mother, Michelle Lyon, wrote in an update posted Tuesday on Facebook. “My daughter has been through enough. Thanks for all the prayers.” Ashley, 16, who suffers from bipolar disorder, went missing on June 11. She was traveling with registered sex offender Steven Myers, 41, of Plant City, whom she knew from the neighborhood and had been exchanging hundreds of text messages. A week after she left, Ashley was seen with Myers by Fawn Domingue, a cashier at a truck stop outside Baton Rouge, La. “I just saw her face and was like, ‘Oh my God,’” said Domingue, 28, who was filling in for a coworker at the Tiger Truck Stop near Baton Rouge when the pair came in June 18. Her tip touched off a 40mile police chase down Interstate 10, authorities said. It culminated in Lafayette when Myers stopped after riding on the sparking rims of four blown tires, climbed on the truck hood and yelled for police to kill him before stabbing himself, authorities said. He was attacked by a police dog and shocked with a Taser before officers arrested him.
Police then found a wounded Ashley in the disabled truck’s cab. Myers had apparently stabbed her eight times in the front of her torso and twice in the back. Myers has twice been convicted of child molestation in Georgia and was required to register his address with local authorities. Ashley’s father, Roger Lyon, said he was relieved the teenager had been found. “My daughter is strong; I know she’s strong-willed,” he said. “I know she’ll pull through this.” On Facebook, Michelle Lyon wrote that Ashley was on a ventilator until June 20. “Since she hasn’t had her meds in so long for bipolar, she is hallucinating as well and having panic attacks,” her mother wrote June 23. “The only good thing is that she doesn’t remember accident or stabbing. I will talk to her about it when she is stable and better.” Tuesday morning, she wrote that Ashley was undergoing surgery to remove a blood clot from her leg. Myers was released from a hospital last week and booked in the Lafayette Parish Corrections Center on charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated criminal property damage. He faces additional charges in Hillsborough County. Follow updates on Ashley on a Facebook page created to find her when she went missing, called Help Find Ashley Lyon.
GOVERNANCE by Michael Eng | Editor
Walden Lake leaders consider playground improvements Walden Lake Community Association directors discussed purchasing removable shade structure to keep kids cool during the summer months. Walden Lake Community Association directors have directed its staff to research the possibility of installing a removable shade for the community’s playground to help keep the equipment cool in the summer months. “Everything gets so hot; the kids can’t even get on the slides,” WLCA Director Jan Griffin said during the board’s June 16 meeting. President Jim Chancey agreed. “These little kids jump on the sliding board when the sun’s out ... I’ve been down there before and have heard
them yell,” he said. Although permanent shade structures are cost-prohibitive, the WLCA asked On-site Manager Lee Weiss to investigate coverings that could be removed before strong storms — a feature that would be particularly important during hurricane season. The WLCA also discussed possible solutions for un-permitted cars parking at the playground parking lot. The WLCA currently has an agreement with Brewington’s Towing Service to tow cars without the appropriate resident stickers. However, WLCA leaders say
the rules — as well as potential costs of recovering a towed vehicle — need to be better communicated through signage at the playground.
LANDSCAPING
Griffin, head of the WLCA’s landscape committee, asked the board to consider planting annuals at all neighborhood entrances. Annuals, she said, would offer brighter, more inviting colors throughout the community — but at a cost. Walden Lake used to plant annuals but changed when water restrictions were tightened. In 1999, the WLCA had a
IN OTHER NEWS Work is nearly complete at the entrance to the Wedgewood neighborhood. The entrance has been pressurewashed, and all island trees were trimmed and sculpted. The final step is a new sign, which will cost $490.99. • On-site Manager Lee Weiss met with Walden budget of $23,000 for annuals. “If we want to do annuals, then we need to make sure we’ve got in the budget for next year,” Griffin said. Griffin suggested the WLCA coordinate the effort with each individual neighborhood
Lake’s security company, U.S. Security Associates, to begin researching a bid to install a new security camera system throughout the community. • Crews trimmed back landscaping that was causing line-of-sight issues along Timberlane Drive. • Crews also repaired poles at the playground that were damaged when a car hit them.
• The annual Walden Lake Back-to-School party will take place Aug. 5, at the Plant City Family YMCA. • Dixon Fencing, the original company the WLCA hired to complete bridge repair work along the community’s trail, backed out of the job. The WLCA agreed to give the job to Twisted Timbers LLC, at a cost of $13,000.
homeowners association. “Maybe we can talk some of the neighborhoods into putting some skin in the game,” Griffin said. “It would be a joint venture, and maybe we can split some of those costs.” Chancey said the addition
certainly would add to Walden Lake’s appeal. “Our community is aging, and we’re trying to find things to make it look appealing,” he said. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
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FAITH by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
For much of his ministry in Alaska, the Rev. J. Hugh Long got used to wearing this fox pelt around his face.
Amber Jurgensen
Lebanon Baptist Church interim pastor recalls ministry in Alaska J. Hugh Long spent eight years serving as a pastor in a tiny Alaskan town called Cold Bay. Now, he’s back in Plant City as interim pastor of Lebanon Baptist Church. J. Hugh Long ties a thick silver fox pelt around his chin. The rare fur encases his exposed skin in its heated embrace. It’s one of the relics Long has brought back with him from his eight years in Alaska. “It’s very warm,” Long says. “When you turn it around, you can cover up almost your entire face.” From one corner of the United States to the other, Long is back in Florida. He has been serving as interim pastor of Lebanon Baptist Church off North Forbes Road since January and is working to raise membership and youth involvement. So far, bonfire Bible study cookouts have drawn a crowd of truck-driving, sports-playing youth. Long definitely doesn’t need his furry hat around the bonfires. But, his days of Alaskan ministry are never far from his mind.
CALLED TO SERVE
Long first heard the call to ministry when he was in the youth group himself at Lebanon Baptist Church. The high school dropout had gotten back into the group after serving with the U.S. Army. By day, he was involved with the church. By night, he took classes to finish his diploma. “God was impressing on me,” Long says. “I felt the desire to minister, the inward call to preach. It’s hard to describe, but I wasn’t satisfied
THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
2013
THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS 1. A proud elevator told an escalator its problems. “I always think I am either rising above or coming down with something, but I know I have to stay grounded.” 2. A robber stole a calendar from a very fine stationery store. He was nabbed and sentenced to twelve months.
doing anything else.” So, when he met his wife, Marilyn, at Lebanon, he started making plans with the help of her brother, Elvin Hall. Hall was the pastor at Lebanon at the time. He left his stable job at Seaboard Railroad and the couple hit the open road for seminary. They traveled all over the Eastern U.S., serving at a plethora of different churches in New Orleans, the hills of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Palatka and High Springs in Florida. In 1981, they returned to Plant City, where Long served with Hopewell Baptist Church and Bethany Baptist Church. While in Plant City, he became involved in senior ministry, taking mission trips to Alaska, which continued even after his retirement. Mostly, he helped in the kitchens for an Alaska native youth camp. But in 2004, the director of admissions needed more from the Longs. A church in Cold Bay needed a volunteer pastor. Long came out of retirement to apply. Three days later, he got the call. Two weeks later, they were in Alaska. “It was a culture shock,” Long says.
SERVING IN THE SNOW
The town only had around 100 residents. Still, there was more than enough action. The Cold Bay Airport was built during World War II and still sees traffic today. Long
CHIEF / PAGE 1
EXHIBIT / PAGE 1
“I want to get out there, get a grasp on what is truly going on from the front lines,” Duncan said. “Throughout my years of service, I have been a hands-on commander.” He also will look at the patrol division, because it is the face of the agency. He doesn’t foresee any major overhauls or changes to the department. Another key, he said, is communication with the community. “If you don’t have an investment with the department in the community and the community in the department, then you’re going to have a break down,” Duncan said. Duncan was hired after former Police Chief Steven Singletary was fired for using department time to engage in an extramarital affair. Duncan doesn’t think the scandal tarnished the department’s reputation beyond repair. “I do not see a deterioration in the confidence the general community has for the police department,” Duncan said. He did extend an offer to the public to come to him with concerns. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
ing beach-goer and more. The sculptures will be shipped July 9 and arrive July 18, to Plant City. They will be placed in downtown areas such as McCall Park and Bruton Memorial Library through October. “I love the diversity I see here with this group,” Commissioner Mary Thomas Mathis said. Different sculptures from the collection visited Plant City in 2012, including the iconic kiss between a sailor and a nurse at the end of World War II and children playing patty cake. The sculptures were so popular with residents and tourists alike that the center hosted a photo contest, extending an invitation to take creative snapshots with the art pieces. “The only complaint I got is when they left,” Gott said. It has taken considerable work to get the traveling display to Plant City. Since the previous exhibition, the center has been working to secure another round of sculptures. The sculptures are managed by The
IF YOU GO LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH ADDRESS: 110 N. Forbes Road, Plant City PHONE: (813) 752-2006 remembers a Boeing 777 from Japan that had to make an emergency landing. The 253 passengers were headed to Anchorage. For 18 days, the people of Cold Bay set them up at the community center and fed them. They even rented some vans and took them to see wildlife. Long didn’t spend all his time helping stranded passengers, however. He served in nine remote villages, including False Pass, Nelson Lagoon, Tok and Anderson. False Pass and Nelson Lagoon could only be reached by a 45-minute plane ride. Sometimes, they got snowed in for days. Because of the weather, the Longs brought their own food and sleeping bags. Long was well known for the frozen pizzas he would make for the villagers. They also hosted activities for kids, cooked meals and brought stockings around Christmas for everyone in the entire village. They always sat down to eat the same meal with the ones they were helping. “To reach people, we did a lot of cooking,” Long says.
Amber Jurgensen
Mayor Rick Lott declared July as Parks and Recreation Month in Plant City. Recreation and Parks Department Director Jack Holland accepted the proclamation. Sculpture Foundation of Santa Monica, Calif., and are demanded by cities throughout the United States. The collection has even has crossed the Atlantic for exhibits in countries such as Germany. “We were waiting to see if and when we could get them back,” Gott said. The center partnered with the City of Plant City, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Com-
TENNIS CENTER TO RECEIVE UPGRADES The commission approved two different resolutions to improve the Plant City Tennis Center. The addition of two clay courts will allow for more United States Tennis Association-sanctioned
“We thought that was one way to win confidence. We identified with the people.” Through all their work, the Longs saw many societal issues plaguing the isolated towns. Alcohol abuse, child neglect and youth suicide were all dangerous affairs. In one week, the Longs witnessed three attempted suicides. They visited the teenagers every week after they were sent to treatment 200 miles away. “In the long winters, where it’s dark and cold, it can get very depressing,” Long says. “We think our being there and our working with them helped prevent them from trying again.” The Longs left the mysterious corner of the world in 2012, after a family sickness. Long says he is excited to be back at the place of his first calling. “I saw Lebanon when it was at its peak,” Long says. “I have a vested interest in it. They’re a wonderful bunch of people. We just need more.” He hopes if he can get attendance up, the church will be able to hire a younger, longterm pastor. But for now, he’s on call 24/7 — like his travels through Alaska — waiting to serve and to sit at any table. “We have a policy at the church that anyone that walks through the doors is welcome,” Long says. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
tournaments to come to the facility, as well as provide the preferred number of like-type courts for other USTA league play. The improvements include: construction of
merce, Arts Council of Plant City, the Downtown Business and Merchants Association, George and Cassandra Banning, and the Plant City Times & Observer to bring this year’s exhibit to Plant City. “I think we have a good thing going here,” Mayor Rick Lott said. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com. two HydroGrid clay tennis courts and fencing at the Plant City Tennis Center by Welch Tennis Courts Inc. ($121,949); and purchase and installation of court lighting for the two clay tennis courts with Musco Sports Lighting LLC ($57,500).
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WINERY / PAGE 1
THE REQUEST
The winery’s problems began last November, when a neighboring resident, William Woodall, filed a noise complaint with the county regarding the business’ live music. Upon investigating that complaint, code enforcement officials discovered the un-permitted uses. But, that was after Keel & Curley spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in equipment costs to launch Two Henrys. Keel & Curley’s opponents say the addition of the brewery has turned the once-agriculturally-based business into a night club and bar. They want the Keels to stop their beer production and consumption. However, the Keels and James say eliminating one portion of the business would be impossible. “The Keel property is the sum of all its uses,” James said. “No one use is a standalone use. All the family members who work there and their employees share in the responsibilities and take pride in their management of the property. They work diligently to improve their farm and, at the same time, create a destination and a market for their products.” Moreover, they believe there is a significant difference between a wine- and beer-tasting room and a night club or bar. In their application, the Keels included several stipulations they
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Plant City Chamber of Commerce Chairman Nate Kilton, who both championed Keel & Curley’s corporate citizenship and entrepreneurial spirit. “One of the key elements that needs to be considered here is demand,” Raulerson said. “The success of this facility is self-evident, and that’s because there is a demand for this facility in the area. They provide jobs; they’ve been innovative; they’ve been creative.” Kilton agreed. “It’s of no surprise to anybody here this evening that agriculture is a significant economic engine — not just for Plant City but for all of Hillsborough County,” Kilton said. “The majority of that comes from crop production and ancillary businesses, where that produce is shipped to produce aisles across the country. “But, Keel & Curley is different,” he said. “They set themselves apart in a positive way, because of their innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. They understand the importance of providing value-added processes to locally grown produce. They’ve coupled that with very creative agricultural tourism that brings people from far and wide into our community who may not be there, otherwise. That’s a critical model for economic development in the future and also for the sustainability of agriculture in Plant City and Hillsborough County as we continue to face everincreasing competition on a global basis.”
website, the McFauls’ home actually increased in market value — from $124,547 in 2012 to $129,594 in 2013. Ronnie Bayless, who lives about one mile from the winery, said although he enjoys the Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival, he believes the brewery is not consistent with the rural character of the Cork area. “Non-agricultural activities that bring people, cars, noise pollution and light pollution into the area ... are not wanted by the people who are just trying to live peacefully in the neighborhood they chose,” he said. “They’re (Keel & Curley) operating a bar, a retail storefront, and they’re operating a night club with music I can hear at my house almost a mile from the winery.” Other residents disagreed and said there is a distinct difference between Keel & Curley and a night club. “This is not a bar; this is a gathering place,” said Joe Fabel. “My mother is 72 years old, I have a 25-year-old son and three small grandkids, and I take them there. I wouldn’t take them to a bar; I wouldn’t take them to a place I wasn’t comfortable with. ... I think it would be a total travesty if we turn this (rezone request) down.” Michael Trauner, whose family operated the popular Branch Ranch Dining Room less than one-half mile from Keel & Curley, also spoke in support of the business. “The winery has been a great addition to our neighborhood,”
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& Curley obtained a permit to sell beer and wine in 2006 and a separate license in 2011 to distribute beer and wine — a license that required county approval. Furthermore, before the company launched its Two Henrys brewery in 2013, co-owner Alicia Keel obtained a state-mandated brewing license, which also required a county signature stating the brewery’s property was under the appropriate zoning. The Keels and their attorney, Judy James, filed an application March 25 to revise its zoning to include the brewery, beer sales, event hosting and parking.
Thriving family businesses of this kind are rare. Keel & Curley deserves our full support as (it) grows and branches out … — Michael Trauner, owner, Branch Ranch Dining Room
hope will further delineate that difference. Their beer production will be limited to no more than 250,000 gallons per year, and the Keels no longer will sell beers not manufactured on the premises. The Keels also converted their business to acoustic-only live music (no bass guitar or drums), and staff members also check levels with a decibel meter. The business also will limit its hours to 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Music on the outdoor deck will stop by 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and by 8 p.m. Sundays. The Keels also are limiting the scope and duration of its special events. With the exception of the three-day Tampa Bay Blueberry Festival, no festival would last for more than two days. The business proposes to limit its weddings to no more than four per month. “We specifically included these stipulations in this application to ensure the highest level of compatibility and harmony,” James said. To satisfy safety concerns of the use of the one-acre lot just south of the business for parking, the lot would include a vehicle-access point along Branch Forbes Road and a separate pedestrian-access point near the intersection of Branch Forbes and Thonotosassa roads. Keel & Curley also would add crosswalk paint, signs and lighting to help ensure safety, as well as a new sidewalk along the Thonotosassa to keep guests from walking in the street. “My clients have worked diligently with their neighbors and the staff to address any issues,” James said.
THE VOICES
The Keels came to the hearing with more than 9,500 signatures on petition supporting the rezone request. Joe Keel said of those signatures, 1,108 are from the Plant City area and another 6,951 from Hillsborough County. Plant City residents who spoke in support of Keel & Curley included Florida State Rep. Dan Raulerson and Greater
Plant City resident Emily Pierce, whose daughter, Morgan, is battling cancer, spoke of Keel & Curley’s philanthropy. The business launched the Blueberry Festival Pageant in 2013, with proceeds benefiting Morgan’s medical trust fund. Earlier this year, Keel & Curley hosted the first Sweet Heart Gala to raise funds for other families battling pediatric cancer. “We need events held at Keel & Curley Winery to be able to continue this mission,” Pierce said. Many of Keel & Curley’s neighbors spoke both in support and in opposition of the rezone request, including Kevin and Joyce McFaul, a divided home. Kevin McFaul spoke in favor of the rezone, Joyce McFaul in opposition. “My residence is located under 300 yards away from the store ... and less than 50 feet away from the brewery and less than 100 feet away from the winery,” Kevin McFaul said. “The Keels have been good neighbors. I’ve had a couple of problems with noise over the past couple of years, and that’s been squelched, almost automatically. I tried to record for the board the noise I hear from my front porch. ... Unfortunately, my sprinklers out front were louder than the noise coming from the winery.” Conversely, Joyce McFaul said the home’s proximity to the brewery is harming her property values and quality of life. “This has never been about ‘Save the Winery;’ this is about what they want to do with the brewery,” she said. “This is the latest trend. This is an up-andcoming business, and they are very smart business people to jump on board this trend. But, I want them to jump over in Tampa, in Ybor City, in Seminole Heights. “I feel that (this) has lowered my property value,” Joyce McFaul said. “So, while I applaud their success, and I wish (them) nothing but continued success with the winery, I have to selfishly say the microbrewery was a step too far.” According to Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
he said. “It’s just the kind of business that other communities would like to have. ... Thriving family businesses of this kind are rare. Keel & Curley deserves our full support as (it) grows and branches out. “My family has been around this neighborhood for a while,” Trauner said. “We’ve owned the Branch Ranch property for 158 years, since 1856. ... The Keel family, and Keel and Winery, has my family’s full support as our neighbor.” Keel & Curley Vice President of Operations Ryan Keel said the brewery is an extension of the business’ long history of innovation. The business originally started in 1981, as a landscape plant grower but converted to a blueberry farm in 1997. “As entrepreneurs, we are always looking at how we need to evolve to stay ahead of the curve,” he said. “We started growing blackberries and peaches last year and built a craft brewery in October 2013. The one common theme we’ve kept throughout the years is producing and selling products made from our land — whether it is landscape plants, blueberries, wine or beer. Please help us keep agriculture growing strong in Hillsborough County.”
THE FUTURE
At the zoning master hearing, Hillsborough County Planner Michelle Heinrich said county transportation staff believes the rezone request will have minimal impact on the surrounding roads. Moreover, Planning Commission staff determined the request is consistent with the county Comprehensive Plan, and Development Services found the project compatible with the surrounding development, she said. Luce will make his recommendation by July 16. The Hillsborough County Commission, which ultimately will decide the fate of Keel & Curley’s rezone request, is scheduled to hear the item at its Lane Use Meeting, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12, at the County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
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tribute by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Family, friends remember hit-and-run victim A tear-filled group of friends and family gathered June 20, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, to celebrate the life of Stacey Parkerson. Parkerson died on Father’s Day, after clinging to life for five months from critical injuries she sustained during a hit and run accident in January. There was standing-room only during the memorial as loved ones swayed back and forth to the final song, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” One of her best friends, Candace Webb, held up an imaginary beer. “What we have right here, no one can ever take it away from us,” Webb said. “We will meet again. Or that’s what I’ve been told.” After the memorial, the group headed to the strawberry field near the accident site on Sydney Road. Parkerson had been thrown 72 feet on impact. They lit candles and released a warm, glowing lantern that floated up into the sunsetstreaked sky. The ordeal was over. She was up in those pink and orange clouds. But the pain will never go away. “She would’ve said (the driver) didn’t mean to do it,” said her mother, Kathy Gamble.
a clenched jaw. Unrecognizable. When she emerged from a coma, she could only register her name with a few blinks. After five months, she died. Now, the family is waiting for justice. Dixon has another hearing scheduled which could change his charges from a third-degree felony to a firstdegree felony, raising his sentence from five to 30 years. “She was very much loved,” Gamble said. “Everyone loved her, and she touched everyone.” Courtesy photo
Stacey Parkerson loved kids and gave generously to her nieces and friends’ children. “That’s the kind of person she was. But in the meantime, we’re all a mess.”
THE ACCIDENT
It was almost noon when Parkerson left her house Jan. 17, to go to the store for some cigarettes and a soda. She was staying with her sister, Michelle Glass, off Sydney Road near Creek Road. The store was so close that it could be seen from the end of the driveway. But, Parkerson didn’t make it. She was walking on the grass when a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500,
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driven by Dannie Ray Dixon Jr., slammed into her. He and his passenger left the scene. “Why did you leave her?” Gamble asked. “Why? That’s the only question I have.” What didn’t leave was the grill of Dixon’s truck. It had fallen off and was left behind as the only clue. Police were able to find the vehicle because of it. Meanwhile, Parkerson was shuffled from hospital to hospital. The once wide-smiled 40-year-old had been reduced to a swollen, vacant daughter, aunt, sister and friend with
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HER WAY
Parkerson was loved. She doted on her three nieces and all her friends’ children. She couldn’t have her own. For her niece Ashley’s birthday, she bought her an iPod. And Parkerson couldn’t pay rent that month. “She always made sure they had what they wanted,” Glass said. “Whether she had to beg, borrow or steal. She could lie her way out of a paper bag.”
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Glass had taken in her little sister since Parkerson was 15. She turned Glass’ world upside down with her fun-loving antics, yard-selling and decorating. Although they were sisters, Parkerson was like Glass’s child. On her best days, she would wake up and meet Webb at a buffet for lunch. The two would come back to Glass’ house and throw on their bathing suits to tan at her pool. Glass would have to go to work. “I was so jealous,” Glass said. By the time the sun set, Parkerson and Webb would be ready for the bar. Sometimes, they would go to thrift stores before and buy costumes to wear. They’d pull on black silky gloves to their elbows, widebrimmed hats and carry long cigarette holders. A couple of Holly Golightlys. “There were so many fun times,” Webb said. Like the time the duo won a $500 shopping spree as part of the McDonald’s Monopoly Game. Or the numerous treks across town to find a gas station that had fountain drinks served in Styrofoam cups. It
had to be Styrofoam. But, she wasn’t all fun and games. “I will tell you that if you needed her, she would be there,” Webb said. “Even if she had to walk.” The words ring true. Parkerson volunteered at Lighthouse Ministries. She took all the kids she knew to Trunk-or-Treats at the local churches, dressing up, too. Once she was the house from the Disney movie “Up.” Balloons and all. Parkerson also rescued a pit bull/American bulldog mix from the street. He was just a puppy when she found him abandoned on Forbes Road. The “Canine Arnold Schwarzenegger” was at the candlelight vigil along with the others. As family and friends looked back on her life during the vigil, they laughed and they cried. But they hoped, too. “I see it from the perspective that I will be able to see my friend again,” Webb said. “It won’t make it better today. But, it brings hope to all of us.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
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Stacey Parkerson was a firecracker that lit up the lives of her family and friends. She died Father’s Day from critical injuries she sustained during a hit-and-run in January.
I see it from the perspective that I will be able to see my friend again. It won’t make it better today. But, it brings hope to all of us. — Candace Webb, friend
CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
Plant City Times &
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General Manager/Editorial / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com
Associate Editor / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.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
Neighborhood R E A L E S TAT E | P L A N T C I T Y L I F E | O B I T U A R I E S | G A M E S | FA I T H | S P O RT S
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
CLUB HUBBUB If your club would like to post announcements, email them to Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
+ Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce The 2014 Business of the Year award nominations are open. You may nominate more than one business, each on a separate form. The categories include small business, mid-sized business, large business, special business and growing business. Businesses must be in continuous operation for two years and must have been a chamber member for two consecutive years. Judges will look at operational management, leadership and community contributions, history and philosophy and management. Nominations will be accepted until 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. The winners will be honored Nov. 6, at the annual Business Awards Banquet. For nominations, call the chamber at (813) 7528793 or email amy@plantcity.org.
Caden Dexter helped Layla Lawyer with the crafts.
Jordynn Tingler and Carly Stewart
+ Evangelical University The Evangelical University & Seminary will be holding its annual yard sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 12 and 19, at the campus, 105 East Baker St. The school needs gently used items for the sale. Items can be donated on Tuesday mornings, or donors can call (813) 659-1903 to make other arrangements.
+ Bruton Memorial Library A new adult program has been added to the lineup at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. Mclendon St., Plant City. The library will host a Beginning Crochet class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, July 28. The instructor will provide handouts as well as a hands-on demonstration of basic crochet. Patrons should bring a crochet hook and yarn with them. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, call Adult Services Librarian Lisa Kreutter, (813) 7579215.
Josiah Malcolm and Jacob Bueno went incognito for this year’s Vacation Bible School.
SUPER SLEUTHS Hundreds of Plant City children donned detective badges for Plant City’s First Baptist Church’s Vacation Bible School June 16 to 20. The children enjoyed a plethora of undercover activities, including making badges, playing games and listening to Bible verses and passages.
+ Plant City Rotary Clubs The Plant City Daybreak and Noon Rotary clubs sent three students to the Students for Tomorrow’s Leaders program last week. Yessica Chavez and Megan Shulmister participated in S4TL which was hosted at Florida Southern College in Lakeland. The program had students brainstorming and debating on hot topics that include national and world affairs.
DETECTIVE WORK
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
The youth group supervised this year’s Vacation Bible School participants.
+ Daybreak Rotary Club The Daybreak Rotary donated donated four new bikes to Springhead Elementary students who had perfect attendance. Two girls and two boys received the bikes just in time for summer fun.
Jake Taylor was ready to have a blast at this year’s VBS. Right: As always, participants enjoyed a variety of games.
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LOVE WINS by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Plant City couple named grand marshals of 2014 St. Pete Pride As part of the Tampa Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Plant City residents Nancy and John Desmond will be the grand marshals of the 2014 St. Pete Pride. Nancy and John Desmond’s Walden Lake home is full of stacked boxes stuffed with colorful beads, heart-shaped light up antenna headbands and loving banners of support. It’s all for the St. Pete Pride Parade, which takes place Saturday, June 28. Nancy digs into a box and held up two banners: I love my two moms. I love my lesbian cousin. The couple will be holding up their own sign during the parade to let the world know they love their gay son, J.P. “It’s all about love and support,” Nancy said. “It has consumed our lives in such a great way.” The Desmonds will be riding on the Tampa Chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays parade float. The Plant City residents are active in the chapter, reviving it after their son came out to them. Now, John is president. This year, PFLAG has been selected as grand marshal out of all of the participating LBGT organizations. They barely
found out in April that they would be leading the parade on their rainbow-colored float. “This has been a busy couple of months,” John said. “When we march with PFLAG, the crowd is loud, just screaming. So, as grand marshal, you know it’s going to be crazy.” It might get crazy during St. Pete Pride Week. But, it’s nothing the Desmonds haven’t conquered before.
COMING OUT
The Desmonds didn’t have any idea J.P. was gay. There were no signs. No behaviors. In fact, he succeeded in school. He was always the smart kid, so ahead of his classmates that, in fourth grade, his mother decided to homeschool him. “His idea of fun was to be in a library all day,” Nancy said. At the time, the family lived in Washington, D.C. The motherson duo would take trips to the Smithsonian. By the time he was in ninthgrade, Nancy couldn’t keep up. His success continued. J.P. got
BY THE NUMBERS 25 people allowed on the PFLAG float
36 heart antenna head-
bands on the PFLAG float
5,000 the number of strings of beads tossed from the PFLAG float the highest SAT scores out of the whole grade. He was accepted into college. College didn’t go as well. He became depressed and dropped out. His parents didn’t know it yet but their son had come out. His depression stemmed from the harsh judgement of his peers and the poisoning stigma from mainstream culture. “It was devastating,” Nancy said about her son dropping out. J.P. didn’t let it destroy his world. He came home, got a job
and finally, when he was ready, went back to school. He lived with three roommates at first. Then two. Then one. It was this one who had become a special part of J.P.’s life. So, at 28 years old and after dating him for eight years, J.P. told his parents the truth. “When he came out to us, it was brand new to us,” Nancy said. “What does this mean? Is he going to be safe? Is he going to have a happy life?” His parents loved him, regardless. They wanted to visit his boyfriend up north. “All of a sudden, it throws you into a world you know nothing about,” Nancy said. So they got online and started researching J.P.’s world. What they found was PFLAG.
IT’S ABOUT SUPPORT
The Desmonds started attending the Brandon chapter of PFLAG, which offers support groups to families and friends of gay and lesbian loved ones. Through the meetings, the Desmonds witnessed all walks of life. Whether it was a trans-
Amber Jurgensen
Nancy and John Desmond are proud to participate in this year’s St. Pete Pride. gender college student or a father struggling to come to grips with his child’s lifestyle, they were all there for each other and to learn. The Desmonds were inspired by the stories and their son’s own life. They were even more determined to get involved when they learned how prevalent suicide was with lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a nationally representative study of adolescents in grades 7 to 12 found that lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth were more than twice as likely to have attempted suicide as their heterosexual peers. The Desmonds decided to do something about it. They revived the Tampa chapter of PFLAG.
“You don’t know how much of a relief it is to get that support,” Nancy said. “It’s exactly what you would imagine. A lot need help.” The Desmonds even took in a homeless youth who had come out as gay to his parents. They continued to get involved with the Homeless Coalition of Tampa, The Spring of Tampa Bay and lobbied to end labor discrimination based off of sexual orientation and sexual identity. “I’m a Christian,” Nancy said. “Jesus’s teachings are about love.” And PFLAG plans to promote that love for years to come. After all, PFLAG’s theme for the parade is “Love Wins.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
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TOUCH YOUR TOES
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Evelyn Crouse and Sarah Griffin enjoyed the class together. Left: The yoga participants loved learning new moves.
Of course, the yoga class included a variety of stretches.
Bruton library stretches minds, bodies at yoga class Namaste. Children at the Bruton Memorial Library were invited to put down their books June 19, and take a stretch break during a kid yoga class. Participants enjoyed a relaxing, guided introduction to yoga.
Families enjoyed learning yoga together.
Erin Wheeler
flag day by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Leading Knight Judy Wise spoke of the history behind each flag design.
Plant City Elks Lodge shows its patriotic pride The Plant City Elks Lodge No. 1727 held its annual Flag Day Ritual June 12, at the lodge. The ritual displayed every version of the U.S. flag, carried in by Eagle Scouts from Troop 5 and veterans Angel Gonzalez, Bob Johnson and Robby Bryant, and Leading Knight Judy Wise recounted the history behind each design. It’s a tradition unique to the Elks, as no other fraternal body in the country requires a formal observance of the holiday.
Jake Fortune carried one of the flags. Left: Eagle Scout Isaac Rivers represented Troop 5 at the Plant City Elks Lodge’s 2014 Flag Day Ritual.
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IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!
CATERED AFFAIR by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Line of health foods hits Plant City Mary Heysek has designed a healthy salad for families on the go or business professionals through her new company, Steel and Grace.
GOOGLE HEADQUARTERS, CALIFORNIA. 2014 Doodle 4 Google Florida winner and national finalist Kristyn Ardrey took a copy of the Plant City Times & Observer with her on her recent trip to Google’s California headquarters. And not just any old issue: This one — April 26, 2014 — features her cover story. Snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.
PlantCityObserver.com
We’ve all been there — the fast food drive-thru at lunch. Or chowing down on that frozen dinner riddled with high amounts of sodium. Life gets busy, and when you’re on the go, sometimes, you don’t have time to make a healthier meal for yourself or your family. That’s where Steel and Grace comes in. The new health food line is being launched by Mary Heysek, who has worked in the medical field with her company, Medstat Healthcare Services, since 1989. She has designed four different salads all with fresh ingredients. They come packaged in an air-tight jar to make it easy to take along to work, the beach, parties and more. The best part? She delivers. “My philosophy is you don’t need an overhaul to become healthier,” Heysek said. “Just cut something out or add something in.” Heysek has packed her salads with a variety of ingredients, such as pine nuts, strawberries, blueberries, gourmet cheeses and spinach. Of course, she makes the dressings herself, including a honey vinaigrette or a lemon vinaigrette with grape seed oil. The menu will rotate throughout the year to match the growing seasons for different ingredients. She wants to use as many fresh and locally grown products as possible. The most popular salad so far is the power salad. It contains sunflower seeds, pine nuts, onions, spinach, chickpeas, beans and more. She’s also created a bean salad, southwest salad and an evergreen salad that has fruit in it. Heysek just rolled out the idea to family and friends,
O
Amber Jurgensen
Mary Heysek wants to bring healthy eats to families and businesses throughout Plant City through her new business, Steel and Grace.
INTERESTED?
For more information or to place an order visit facebook.com/steelandgrace. Orders can also be placed by calling (813) 763-4660. and it’s already taken off. “It’s so much fun to do this,” Heysek said. “I’m surprised how well people responded.” The idea for Steel and Grace came about while Heysek was working out at the Plant City Family YMCA. Often, she would hear mothers talking
about their busy schedules and dinner plans. At first, Heysek thought of making a compact stacked meal that would resemble a cupcake. Something like lasagna or meatloaf piled on mashed potatoes. But, it was too hard to package to stay fresh. Then, she thought of salads. What could be fresher than that? “You just feel so much better when you eat healthy,” Heysek said. The salads come in 32-ounce jars and are layered so when emptied on the
plate, everything is distributed evenly in a colorful display. Heysek already has booked parties and a wedding shower to cater. She delivers to offices and homes. As the line grows, she hopes to add snack cookies that are chocolate and peanut butter based as well as breakfast fruit cups and 12-ounce dessert jars. “Almost every month I can have something new,” Heysek said. “I’m excited.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Laurie Ronald Garvin
Laurie Ronald Garvin, 54, of Mulberry, died June 16, 2014, at South Florida Baptist Hospital, in Plant City. Born Oct. 16, 1959, in Tampa, he was the son of the late Laurie Garvin and Frances Pennel Garvin. His family will be having private services. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Johnny Glover Simonds
Johnny Glover Simonds, 60, of Dover, died June 23, 2014. Mr. Simonds was a lifelong heavy equipment mechanic owning his own business, Simonds Equipment Repair. He was a devoted husband of 34 years to wife, Karen Simonds; loving father to his children, Amanda Wright, of Valrico (Justin) and Ashley Long (Dale), of Land O’ Lakes; remarkable Papa to his three precious grandchildren, Jalynn, Bailey and Blaydin; grandpet Gizmo; and survived by brothers, Jack Killian (Darlene), Renney Simonds (Jean), Leroy Simonds and Billy Simonds (Beth); sisters, Linda Bynum (Danny) and Annette Franklin (Mike); daughters, Toni and Stacey; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Mr. Simonds fought a long and hard battle against lung cancer but is now being reunited with his parents, Burlington and Edith (Carroll) Simonds; brother, Richard Simonds; sister, Ruby Jane Morgan; brother, David Simonds; and brother, Lewis Killian. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at First United Methodist Church of Brandon, 121 N. Knights Ave., Brandon. Graveside service to follow at Bloomingdale Cemetery of Brandon.
Online condolences may be made to the family at StowersFH.com.
Carol Griffith
Carol Griffith, 61, died June 18, 2014, in St. Petersburg. She was born Jan. 29, 1953, in Troy, N.Y., to the late Lloyd and Madeline Dean and lived most of her adult life in Plant City. Mrs. Griffith, beloved mother, is survived by her children, Deana Ielfield (Ian) and Bryan Griffiths (Nicole Sobota Griffiths), grandmother of Riley Marie Ielfield. She also is survived by Arthur Griffith; sister-in-law, Lynn Ciccarello; and niece, Leah Moore; sisterin-law, Linda Dean; nephew, Michael Dean; and nieces, Kim Myerscough and Suzanne Byrne; numerous additional family members and close personal friends. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 28, at Wells Memorial & Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.
Rebecca M. Lowe
Rebecca M. Lowe, 65, died June 20, 2014, at home. She was born Feb. 2, 1949, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Sol and Sarah (Gartenlaub) Liebman. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Wayne A. Lowe; a son, Wayne Lowe Jr. (Rebecca); three daughters, Lisa Lowe, Laura Brody (David) and Jeanine McClellan (Charles); 12 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held June 24, at Wells Memorial & Event Center, Plant City. Memorial. Burial took place at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to LifePath Hospice in Temple Terrace. Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.
Catherin “Imogene” Martin
Catherin “Imogene” Martin, 82, of Dover, died June 14, 2014. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward “Pid” Martin. She was the church secretary for 58 years at First Baptist Church Bloomingdale, and she was a foster mother to many children. She is survived by her children, Grady Edward Martin (Diann) and Jane M. Clark (Billy); siblings, Carl Porter, Dorothy Rudd, Carol Mayes and Leon Summerall; five grandchildren; and 12 greatgrandchildren. A Celebration of Life was held June 18, at First Baptist Church Bloomingdale, Valrico. Interment at Bloomingdale Cemetery, Valrico. Online condolences may be made to the family at WeCare. io.
Ollie Colding Morgan
Ollie Colding Morgan, 88, of Lithia, died May 31, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; and brothers, Arthur Lee Colding and Wilbur Colding. She is survived by her children, Ernestine Petty, George Wesley Morgan, Sue Beasley and Kay Reyna; siblings, Waymon Colding, Nell Hewitt, Donna Mae Parker, Grace Thompson, Terry Colding and Larry Colding; seven grandchildren; 17-and-onehalf great-grandchildren; and many loving family and friends. A Celebration of Life took place June 4, at Alafia Baptist Church, Lithia; interment at Alafia Cemetery.
Condolences may be made at WeCare.io.
Elworth Lee O’Steen
Elworth Lee O’Steen, 86, of Brandon, died June 15, 2014, at Dalaney Creek Lodge, in Brandon. Born July 23, 1927, in Plant City, he was the son of the late Christopher and Lorena Johnson O’Steen. He was the husband of the late Yvonne Trout O’Steen. Mr. O’Steen was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in World War II and Korea. He retired from Cargill after 38 years. Survivors include sons, Edward (Donna) and Donald (Carmella) O’Steen; four grandchildren; and one greatgrandchild. Military honors were rendered June 21, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, Plant City. Donations may be made in Mr. O’Steen’s name to LifePath Hospice. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Charles Emory “Charlie” Parker
Charles Emory “Charlie” Parker, 73, of Plant City, died June 17, 2014, at Melech House, in Temple Terrace. Born Sept. 1, 1940, in Tampa, he was the son of the late Charles and Dorothy Crum Parker. He was the husband of Glenda West Parker, who survives. Mr. Parker sang with the Centurion Gospel Quartet, was a Florida Gators fan, owned Parker’s Barbershop and served in the U.S. Army National Guard. He was predeceased by wife,
Phyllis Parker; and son, Rocky High. Survivors include a son, Steven Parker; daughters, Stephanie Parker and Dodie High; brother, Richard Parker; sister, Janice Prevatt; and six grandchildren. A funeral service was held June 23, at East Thonotosassa Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made to the family at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Jewett Douglas Pollock
Jewett Douglas Pollock, 68, of Plant City, died June 9, 2014. He is survived by his sister, Betty DeLong (John); uncle, James T. Pollock (Dottie); niece, Teresa Abbott (Edward); nephews, Tim Brown (Laura), Steve Brown (Carol), Chan Pollock (Stephanie) and Alan Pollock (Amy); and many great nieces and nephews, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jewett and Arylee Pollock; and brother, Benny Lamar Pollock. A Celebration of Life was held June 16, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. Interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Memorial contributions may be made to LifePath Hospice, Development Dept., 12470 Telecom Drive, Suite 300, Temple Terrace, FL 33637. Condolences may be made to the family at WeCare.io.
Katherine “Ann” Robinson
Katherine “Ann” Robinson, 65, of Lithia, died June 6, 2014. She was a member of Central Missionary Baptist Church and was a retired school bus driver with Hillsborough County Public Schools. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Robinson. She is survived by her children, Lisa Colding (Kim), of Lithia; Bobby Robinson, of Zephyrhills; and Rob Robin-
son (Shelley), of Williamsburg, Va.; grandchildren, Ethan, Alyshea, Makenzee and Alyssa; and many other family and friends. A Celebration of Life was held June 14, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. Interment followed at Springhead Cemetery, Lakeland. Condolences may be made at WeCare.io.
Leon E. Rubio
Leon E. Rubio, 77, of Plant City and formerly of New Jersey, died June 12, 2014. He was a servant of the Lord, with a generous heart and spirit. He is survived by his wife of 54 years; two children; seven grandchildren; and one sister. He loved his family and friends and he will be missed. A Celebration of Life was held June 20, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. Interment at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. Memorial contributions may be made to Health Center of Plant City, 701 N. Wilder Road, Plant City, FL 33566. Please note the contribution in memory of Leon E. Rubio. Online condolences may be made to the family at WeCare. io.
Juanita C. Warren
Juanita C. Warren, 89, died June 19, 2014, at her home, in Plant City. Mrs. Warren was a member of God’s Miracle Mission for more than 40 years. She is preceded in death by her husband, R.L. Warren; and daughter, Evelyn Warren. Survivors include two sons, Michael Warren and Robert Warren (Marilyn); three daughters, Louise Bridges, Betty Earl Brown and Jannita Manning; one brother, Earl Caraway; two sisters, Frances Fulton and Sheran Lerch; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. A funeral service was held June 21, at God’s Miracle Mission, Dover. Burial followed at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens in Brandon, Florida. Online condolences may be made to the family at wellsmemorial.com.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Maurice “Mo” Eston scores 19 en route to gold medal. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
SIDELINES Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
From left: Javaras Stevenson, Nathan Jones, Justin Bulgreen, Bud O’Callaghan, Jacob Goad, Jacari Stevenson, Maurice Eston, Kory Brevik and Jacob Dube
gymnastics
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2014
karate by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Welbon karate team punches ticket to nationals
GOING FOR
GOLD
With AAU Karate Nationals coming up next week, the Chris Welbon Karate team is ready to show its stuff and win some medals. Fresh off of a strong performance at last month’s AAU Super Regionals, Chris Welbon’s karate team is ready for an even bigger stage. The team will go to the AAU Karate Nationals July 3, in Fort Lauderdale, and look to recapture last year’s success. “Every year, we come back with lots of medals,” Welbon says. “Last year, we had several national champions. I don’t expect this year to be different.” Last month, in Fort Pierce, head coach Brian Warren led the team to several medals and event wins. One competitor, Julie Karlson, was even named first overall in her division. Warren chalks it up to everyone’s great individual efforts, and a lot of hard work. “Every other week, we have training on Friday nights or Saturday mornings,” he says. “Three hours of sweat, tears, blood. Jump rope, ladder drills, pad drills, sprints in the parking lot, kata training, hard fighting.” And, from the kids, the excitement is visible. Just watching them practice at the school, one can practically feel the energy from the other side of the room. “I think anybody from the team can make a big splash here,” Warren says. “They’ve
+ Plant City ballers win gold at nationals The Plant City Unified basketball team has been together for five years now, and all their years of their hard work finally paid off last week. By defeating teams from Michigan, New Jersey and Tennessee — which Plant City beat twice — the boys were able to win the gold medal at the 2014 Special Olympics National Games in New Jersey. It was the cherry on top of a successful run by Hillsborough athletes, who also won three gold medals in cycling, one in track and field, and one silver apiece in track and golf.
BASKETBALL
+ P.C. Vipers to host tryouts Any boys in the area who have summer hoop dreams will have a chance to take them somewhere on Saturday. The Plant City Vipers travel basketball team will hold tryouts for the upcoming 2014-15 season at 11 a.m. June 28, at Mike E. Sansone Community Park, 1702 N. Park Road, Plant City. “We’re going to continue to develop as an organization to where we may have multiple teams — a ninthand 10th-grade team, and an 11th- and 12th-grade team,” President Reggie Rivers says. “We encourage boys who are interested in playing competitive basketball to try out.” Tryouts will be open to boys ages 14 to 18, with age eligibility determined by birthdate. The total registration cost, which includes a uniform and other registration fees, is $200. For more, contact Rivers at (813) 763-2390 or vpbaplantcity@aol.com.
BASEBALL & SOFTBALL
+ Little Leaugers begin summer play As of Monday, district tournament action for Plant City Little League softball and baseball is underway. Although the 9/10 softball team has been eliminated, 9/10 and 10/11 baseball are still alive and kicking. Monday’s scores: 9/10 Softball: Lake Wales 20, Plant City 0 9/10 Baseball: Plant City B 9, North Lakeland A 5 Tuesday’s scores: 9/10 Softball: Lake Wales 8, Plant City 5 (Plant City eliminated). 9/10 Baseball: Plant City A 12, North Lakeland B 2. 9/10 Baseball: Auburndale A 11, Plant City B6 10/11 Baseball: Lake Wales 10, Plant City 8 Wednesday’s scores were not available for press time.
THE ROSTER Of the 13 competitors, 11 have been on this stage before. Only two — both in the Beginners divisions — are newcomers. Nick Gorman, 18 (Advanced) Peter Nguyen, 15 (Advanced) Emmarie Gaudet, 13 (Advanced Female) Ryan Bjelke, 15 (Intermediate) Jakob Arnold, 15 (Intermediate) Alvaro Padron, 14 (Novice) Julie Karlson, 11 (Novice) Joey Spitler, 11 (Novice) James Timberlake, 11 (Novice) Nick Karlson, 10 (Novice) Robbie Spitler, 9 (Novice) George Humphrey, 21 (Adult Beginner) Sebastian Padron, 10 (Beginner) been training hard. Anybody can do well if they put their mind to it. They’re talented kids. They all may medal gold — you never know.”
SEE KARATE / PAGE 13
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
Justin Kline
Photos by Justin Kline
Kelsey Slone and Alessandra Cappucci are excited to represent the Plant City area at the 2014 YMCA Gymnastics Championships.
At the upcoming YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, Kelsey Slone and Alessandra Cappucci will be the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World’s two lone representatives. The stage is set for young gymnasts from all over the United States, who are going to take over Tampa during the 2014 YMCA National Gymnastics Championships, which will take place July 1 to 5, at the Tampa Convention Center and Raymond James Stadium. Although there will be hundreds of competitors coming from cities far and wide, the team from North Brandon will be Plant City’s closest thing to a true hometown team. And, it’s got at least two reasons why everyone in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World should get ready to root for those girls. Representing the Greater Plant City area will be Kelsey Slone and Alessandra Cappucci, who hail from Plant City and Dover, respectively. These two young ladies are coming off solid performances at a mid-June AAU team tournament in Naples, winning first place in at least a few events, and look to carry that momentum into the first week of July. For Slone, these YMCA National Championships are her last chance of the season to get a perfect score — a feat she barely missed out on in Naples.
FROM BASEBALL TO BALANCE BEAMS
Unlike some of her teammates, Slone, 10, is something of a late bloomer to the sport. She first entered the sport of gymnastics just two years ago, coming from a very different background. “I’m a baseball fan, and I cheered when I was a kid,” her mother, Tiffany Slone, says. “You put your kids in what you did when they’re young and, when they’re old enough to decide — She decided on gymnastics, so we were like, ‘OK — whatever you want.’”
SEE GYMNASTS / 13
THE TOURNEY
The YMCA National Gymnastics Championships will be held from July 1 to 5, at the Tampa Convention Center and Raymond James Stadium, but competition doesn’t actually begin until July 3. Gymnasts from all over the country — a total of 20 states — will be competing against Kelsey Slone, Alessandra Cappucci and the rest of the North Brandon team for gold medals. For more information about the event, visit ymcagym nationals.org.
Chelsea Baker brought her signature knuckleball to the Tampa Bay Rays’ batting practice.
Knuckleball Princess makes MLB history Here’s a little bit of trivia On Monday, though, for you baseball fans out things were looking up. there: Who is the youngest The Rays were coming woman to ever throw batoff of a 5-2 win over the ting practice before a Major Houston Astros on Sunday, League Baseball game? giving them their second Whatever the answer series win over the ‘Stros was, it changed on Monday in two weeks. The ‘Buccos afternoon. It’s now had barely survived Durant High School their series against relief pitcher Chelthe Chicago Cubs, sea Baker, who also so there was some threw out the first confidence in the air. pitch right before Maybe this would be the Tampa Bay Rays the series where the played the PittsRays finally got their burgh Pirates. groove back? Spirits It was nice to be were higher than JUSTIN able to go to Tropithey have been. KLINE cana Field on a good Baker and her parday, which has been ents — who donned something of a rarity for the customized jerseys made Rays lately. The last time I for the occasion — had a went to a game, the mood ball out there. Her stepthere was somber — the father’s Hulk Hogan-like team had just ended a two- presence drew the attention week losing skid with a win of the cameras and microover Seattle, but the legend- phones, and he was happy ary Don Zimmer had just to tell ESPN and Fox 13 all died and the team dediabout his stepdaughter. cated that entire pre-game Her mother darted back ceremony in his memory. and forth between the two, A few hours later, the Rays snapping as many photos blew an attempt to rally as she could. She even had from a deficit and snapped Baker pose for photos with their new win streak at one SEE KLINE / PAGE 14 game.
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GYMNASTS / PAGE 12 It didn’t take too long for the then-8-year-old to make up her mind. “When I tried out, I loved it,” Kelsey Slone says. “And, I decided to do that. I just do gymnastics now, but I also do dance.” It was a natural fit. Slone picked things up quickly, with help from coach Tyna Papillon, and started entering competitions just this year. “I like competing, because I get a good feeling,” Slone says. “I like doing the balance beam. It’s just the thing that I have the most skill on — when I’m doing it, I feel confident. I also like the floor event.” It’s easier to get Slone to open up about gymnastics than it is to get many other kids — older or younger — to talk about other sports. Her obvious love for gymnastics has helped her parents, who are big baseball fans, adjust to the transition. “We’re still learning, but we trust the coaches,” Tiffany Slone says. “It’s one big family there. It’s not a place where you take your kid and you worry about them — I literally just hand over my kid and trust them.” Kelsey will be competing in the bars, balance beam, floor and vault events but says the beam is her favorite. It’ll also be a shot at redemption for her, in a way: a small mistake cost her a shot at a perfect 10 at her last competition. “When I went to a competition in Naples, I almost got a
perfect 10 on the beam,” Slone says. “There was one part that I did mess up on, but that was it. It was only a pivot turn — I wobbled a little bit. But, that was it.” Still, it’s a testament to the perfectionist nature of the sport. To make sure it doesn’t happen again, she’s been working on her routines for four days a week — a little over 12 hours — and has everything carefully mapped out in her mind. “I think I’m going to do good,” she says.
STOP THE STRESSES
While Slone is still fairly new to the sport, Cappucci is a six-year veteran. Her parents placed her and her siblings into several different sports from a young age, to see what would be the best fit, and the 9-year-old ended up choosing gymnastics over dance and soccer. Having been a gymnast since age 3, Cappucci has been comfortable with the sport for a long time. Last season, she frequently scored nines and enjoyed a lot of success doing what she had always done. But, this season, a few things changed. “This season, there were some changes made to the routines and stuff, so she worried a lot about them,” her mother, Leanna Cappucci, says. “The last three meets she did, we told her, ‘Don’t pay any attention to your scores at all. Just go out and have fun.’ And, she was back in the nines in
3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP all three of them, because she stopped stressing about them. She wasn’t allowed to look at her scores or anything.” At the Naples event, Cappucci took home five medals and, among other girls in her age group, placed third in the country in the vault event. True to form, she just focused on what drew her to the sport in the first place: having fun. “I like all of the events,” she says. “My favorite is the bars, because I can’t wait to move up to the uneven bars.” Later in July, she’ll take a test to be eligible to compete in the uneven bars event starting next season. All she needs to be able to do is kip up to the higher bar — a skill she’s been working on and is close to achieving. Like Slone, Cappucci also will be competing in the bars, beam, floor and vault events in Tampa. She says she’s excited to be one of the Plant City area’s two representatives and hopes her hard work at the North Brandon facility will pay off. “I’m going to try to get nines on the bars, and all of the other events,” she says. Both girls also have something to look forward to in 2015. The next YMCA National Championships, which will be held in Kansas City, Mo., could be the first time the girls travel outside Florida to compete. It’s on their radars, but, for now, they both just want to go to Tampa and have fun and, hopefully, enjoy some success. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
Photos by Justin Kline
Chris Welbon’s karate team has set high expectations for the AAU Karate Nationals.
KARATE / PAGE 12 Warren and Welbon expect big things from the entire team, and a few of the competitors are especially excited for the upcoming tournament.
STAYING ON TOP
Julie, 11, a brown belt, enjoys competing in all events. She’s most familiar with kata, or a showcasing of form, and kumite, which is standard sparring. Last month, her firstplace finish in kata helped land her the title of best in her division. She’s now up for a fairly new challenge, though. Julie began training with weapons about two months ago and, coming off of a win at Super Regionals, now will test her skills against many more kids. “There was only one other person in Fort Pierce,” she says. Now, with around 2,000 people expected to compete in Fort Lauderdale, she has been studying film of her past fights to perfect her form. “I just prepare with my coaches,” she says. “They work on the stuff that we’ve done in the matches. They see all the mistakes, and we just work on it over and over again.”
As a first-level weapons user, Julie will be using a bo staff — the long, wooden staff most famously used by Donatello, one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. “You go up in different stages as you get into higher belts, and then you use different weapons, like nunchaku and sais,” Julie says. Her main goal is to win some gold, but she also hopes to learn a thing or two from the competition. “I’m looking forward to seeing new people and seeing how they fight,” she says. I was used to, like, four people, and now there will be 20 people.” Although Julie likes competing in every event, two of the other big winners at Super Regionals — the Padron brothers — are all about the kumite.
BASH BROTHERS
Alvaro and Sebastian Padron were used to wrestling with each other at home when they found karate two years ago. A year after Alvaro, 14 and the older brother, started taking classes at Chris Welbon’s school, Sebastian, 10, knew that he wanted to jump right in. “I just wanted to get (Alvaro)
Nick Gorman will compete in the adult division for the first time.
Alvaro Padron says he enjoys the competitive nature of martial arts. back for hitting me every day,” he says. No, they don’t hate each other — it’s just boys being boys, and they felt that channeling that energy into karate could be useful. And, they were right — both boys came out on top of their divisions in kumite at Super Regionals. “I like it,” Alvaro says. “You get to hit people. Kata’s not really my thing. After I do kata, I’m like, ‘Time to get my game on.’ I like fighting.” Alvaro also said Sebastian could really make some noise in his division next week. As a left-handed fighter, the younger Padron often takes his opponents by surprise to win his matches — just like he did to win last month. “Nobody thinks he’s lefthanded,” Alvaro says. “So, when he fights, all he does is just roundhouse kick them in the back, and he wins.” “I made two kids cry,” Sebastian adds. For two kids competing in a national tournament seven days from now, the brothers could not be more calm. One only has to talk to them for about two minutes before it’s clear they believe they will win. “I’m looking forward to getting my game on,” Alvaro says. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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Justin Kline
Chelsea Baker got to meet her favorite player, Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Evan Longoria.
KLINE / PAGE 12 some of the media members. But, hey — it’s a mom thing. As relaxed as the atmosphere was, with the Rays keeping loose and the media’s questions all familiar, Baker was still a little nervous about possibly throwing the ball all over the place in front of her favorite players. And, the ESPN crew having her run so many wired microphones through her jersey made her a little uncomfortable. What’s it like, earning a place in baseball history? “I’m kind of nervous and stuff, because this is so big for me,” Baker said. “I’ve never done anything like this before,
but I’m really excited. So, it should be fun.” She first played catch with catcher Jose Molina and eventually calmed down. He was also the first player to bat and did end up whiffing a few times. Then, out of nowhere comes star third baseman Evan Longoria, who must not have gotten the memo. “I didn’t know we were going to be hitting knuckleballs,” he said aloud as Baker pitched to Molina. “I thought it was just normal BP.” Of course, with Longo came ESPN’s attention. Everyone with a media pass swarmed to the plate and, right as Baker was about to throw her first pitch, a cameraman yelled,
“You’re about to go live on SportsCenter!” A friend of mine who was watching SportsCenter said they showed the first few pitches, but not the one where Baker accidentally hit Longo. That one drew quite a few laughs in the third baseman’s direction. And then came staff ace David Price, who was excited for the pitchers’ duel. He actually fared better than Molina and Longo, taking two of Baker’s pitches all the way out to the warning track in center. But, he still whiffed badly on several of Baker’s knuckleballs. “I’m impressed,” he told some players after his at-bat. Baker then left the mound to do an interview with the media, which also aired on SportsCenter. “This is beyond anything I ever imagined,” she said. “It was a great opportunity. It was so unexpected — (Joe Maddon) surprised me with everything, the first pitch and all of that. I feel very honored that he was able to get me out here.” After a couple of questions about her career, one reporter asked, “What’s the one pitch you’re going to remember most out of all this?” “Definitely the one where I hit Evan,” she said. “Definitely not going to forget that, ever.”
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
MAURICE ‘MO’ ESTON Before the basketball championship game at the 2014 Special Olympics National Games, Plant City center Maurice “Mo” Eston knew he wanted to play better than in the previous game — he had scored eight points. In the big one, he led the team to the gold medal with 19 points in a 44-36 victory. You guys were just on Fox News this morning. How was that? It was fun. It was my first time being there. They asked about our games, how the dorms were and a lot of stuff. You guys also just won the gold medal at the National Games. What was the competition like up there? There was a lot of work to do. We had to play our hardest. One team was very good — Louisiana. We lost against them. Tell me about the championship game. It was a big stage, to me. It was my first time playing in a college gym. We played at Rider University. I was just trying to win. I had to guard No. 11. I played great defense. I did good on offense, but I kind of made some mistakes. I got 19 points. I scored from everywhere. You guys had been working hard for this all year, and then you got the gold medal. How did it feel to be able to put that around your neck? It feels good. We worked on this for a long time. What was the rest of the experience like in New Jersey? What did you do when you weren’t playing? We saw a lot of famous people. We saw the (WWE wrestler) Big Show. We went on a dinner cruise, it was fun.
We saw New York City and the Statue of Liberty. They had some good food there — salad, brisket. When you guys flew back home, did you have a lot of fans waiting for you? Oh, yeah. It was very exciting. Besides basketball, what other sports do you play? Softball and soccer. My favorite is basketball. What else do you like to do for fun? I like to play guitar. I have a bass guitar, and a Fender acoustic guitar, too. I’m also in Athlete Leadership. We talk about games, and volunteer, and we help raise money to go places. What’s your favorite food? Pepperoni pizza. What’s your favorite TV show? “That 70’s Show.” What’s your favorite movie? I like action movies. I just like them all. What are your plans for the rest of the summer? I’m playing softball. I’ll probably play right field.
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0,!.4ª#)49ª4)-%3ª ª/"3%26%2 4(523$!9 ª*5.%ª ª
PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
WEATHER
WED.
June 18
0.00
THURS.
TEMPERATURES
June 19
0.00
FRI.
0.01
SAT.
June 21
0.00
SUN.
0.03
MON.
June 23
0.24
TUES.
June 24
0.20
JUNE
TO DATE
3.12 (2013: 7.22)
HIGH 94 93 92 93 88 88 91
Thurs., June 26 Fri., June 27 Sat., May 28 Sun., June 29 Mon., June 30 Tues., July 1 Wed., July 2
June 20
June 22
3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Thurs., June 26 Fri., June 27 Sat., June 28 Sun., June 29 Mon., June 30 Tues., July 1 Wed., July 2
SUNRISE 6:34 a.m. 6:34 a.m. 6:35 a.m. 6:35 a.m. 6:35 a.m. 6:36 a.m. 6:36 a.m.
SUNSET 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m. 8:29 p.m.
LOW 74 74 73 73 73 73 74
MOON PHASES
July 12
July 18
SEEDLESS WATERMELON SHIPPING POINT: CENTRAL AND NORTH FLORIDA SIZES 36s and 45s 60s
YEAR
TO DATE 10.32 (2013: 16.32)
LOW $.15 $.14
HIGH $.17 $.14
June 27
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
July 5
, 3&
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Master Dep. Tyler K. Smith submitted this photo of a breath-taking sunrise over Lake Thonotosassa. The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.
CO-SIGNED
By Mary Jersey | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Book of maps 6 Wrist bones 11 Botched 19 Fowl place 20 Arctic, for one 21 Cousin of a helicopter 22 Tree with purplish leaves 24 Trigonometric function 25 Helmsman 26 Uniform shade 28 LaBeouf of film 29 Pepsi, e.g. 30 Hipbone-related 32 Accumulated dirt 35 “The Merchant of Venice” heroine 38 They may be blown 40 “Long, Long ___” 43 It’s often mixed with 29-Across 45 Draft choice 46 Hindu festival of lights 48 Gasoline thief’s tool 51 Mad cow disease, for short 52 “Good going!” 54 Balance sheet item 55 Play ball 57 Linda of “Dynasty” 59 Courtroom event 62 Naval rank (Abbr.) 63 Basic belief 64 Poison in the blood 66 Fix firmly (var.) 68 In the direction of 70 Make very slow progress 71 Fashion industry 74 Gift on “The Bachelor” 75 New shoots 78 Gets one’s guitar ready
79 82 83 86 88 89 91 93 94 95 97 99 100 101 102 104 106 109 111 112 115 117 121 125 127 128 129 130 131 132
Olympic metal It’s outside the outskirts Mysterious craft Goes as high as one can Work, as dough Gathered together Pinocchio, at times Drink greedily Mozart’s “L’___ del Cairo” El ___, legendary city of riches It may be explosive “All the Things You ___” After expenses Dracula, at times Grand Canyon transport Book names “West Side Story” extra Fishnet with floats ___ new world record Fork setting Fail to tip Peacock’s pride Matrimony prelude Clotting Like a hermit Downy duck Hawaiian island Oktoberfest locale Admiral’s command Taints with soot
DOWN 1 Curved trajectories 2 Barfly’s binge 3 Bound 4 Viewpoint 5 Drug abused by some athletes 6 Charmer’s snake 7 High card
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 23 24 27 31 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 41 42 44 47 49 50 53 56 58 60 61 65 67 69 72 73 75 76
Raise a stink Classic board game from India Have an inspiration? Asian language Inning sextet One of 50 states Kind of boom Actress Samantha Board-game piece Ashes holder Flower holder Set tiles again Cloak-and-dagger org. Smooch Banquet entree City planner’s concern Checked for prints Glazier’s items Drink garnish Sum up statements Material sold by the yard In the preceding month Whoopi’s Oscar movie Alley-___ (basketball play) Track events Hardly dry Rocks in a bar Broadcasting company Tangle up Justifications Place to recover Adjoin Back off Yonder woman Buggy terrain Sun, e.g. More authentic Alaska native Scout’s mission (Abbr.) Anti-ship missile
© 2013 Universal Uclick
77 80 81 84 85 87 90 92 96 97 98
Kama ___ Congo’s former name Beats by a hair Guinness Book listings Uneven Maple fluid Corn holder Do over, as a joke Final notice, for short Girl Scout emblem Ceremonies
103 International relief org. for kids 105 Dish-shaped gong 107 Tiger’s miscue 108 Mark with a cut 110 Clairvoyant’s claim, briefly 111 Sudden burst of growth 113 Big section of 1-Across 114 Indian dish made with stewed legumes
116 Grow dim 118 Aborigine of northern Japan 119 Buzzing pest 120 Sponsorship (var.) 121 Young grizzly 122 Half and half 123 Manipulate 124 Not feeling well 126 “Fancy that!”
C RY P T O G R A M S 1 . E Q P B T J L A L M E C B P C B A J E G L F I E A E C B P W C F Q P B Z A LY F. “ W E A K E O F C V W G S W E Y LW C V L P P W F W G H E Z B M L B P I B Y W G H J B K G K W C V F B Y L C V W G H , Z T C W S G B K W V E M L C B F C E O H P B T G J L J .” 2 . B E AU U W E C G A N W B I B N W Q J B E V E A D B RW E H V L Q W C G B G L AQ W E H C G A E W. Z W O B C Q B U U W J B Q J C W Q G W Q I W J G A G O W N RW D AQ G Z C .
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