07.04.013 Plant City Observer

bserver O Happy Fourth of July!

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free • thursday, JULY 4, 2013

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Miss Florida The Plant City Pageant to feature Observer celebrates Plant City beauties. our first anniversary.

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See where our paper traveled in the past year.

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PAGES 10-11

POSTAL PROBLEMS

OUR TOWN

+ Attention Plant City-area anglers!

The Plant City Observer and Lake Panasoffkee are teaming up to bring General Sumter’s Panfishing Challenge to Plant City residents.

The panfishing tournament will be held July 13, at Lake Panasoffkee, 965 C.R. 439, Lake Panasoffkee, about an hour north of Plant City.

Plant City Observer Facebook fans can enter to win free entry into the tournament ($60 value) and a panfish tackle box with an assortment of fishing necessities. To enter, visit bit. ly/12himeu.

The family friendly fishing competition will kick off at 8 a.m. sharp and finishes at 2 p.m. Anglers can put in at any of the public or private access points around the lake with check-in at the FWC pontoon boat in the middle of Lake Pan. Heaviest 25 Florida native panfish per boat wins $500, with additional prizes for heaviest bluegill and heaviest shellcracker.

For more information, visit floridasgreatlake.com.

+ Meals on Wheels needs volunteers With the snowbirds gone for the summer, the Plant City Meals on Wheels currently has five driving routes open.

Meals on Wheels needs four or five volunteers to fill those routes.

The routes take less than two hours to complete and usually are from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m.

Meals on Wheels also needs volunteer help in the office too. Those hours are 9 a.m. to noon, one day a week.

For more information, call Sharon McKendrick at (813) 754-9932.

SEE OUR TOWN / PAGE 2

By Matt Mauney | Associate Writer

Deterioration forces post office closure GIRL POWER. Kellieanne Kirkland is a member of the Plant City Little League AllStar 9-10 softball team.

IN LOVING MEMORY. An American flag stands at the Plant City gravesite of Owen Laymon Johnson, who served in the U.S. Army’s Medical Division.

Spirit of America

HOME SWEET HOME. Ret. U.S. Army Maj. Chad Jones recently moved back to Plant City after 20 years of military service. He and his family, including wife, Paola, and children, Jackson and Isabel, bought the historic 1903 J.R. McDonald House.

For the July 4 edition of the Plant City Observer, we scoured the city searching for images that depicted the American culture and patriotism. From veterans returning home and the railroad to budding softball stars and, of course, our agricultural heritage, the American spirit is alive and well in Plant City. We hope you enjoy these photos as you celebrate the Fourth of July. For more photos, see page 6.

BIG AND BOLD. The Red Barn Ranch stands proudly off Thonotosassa Road just north of Interstate 4.

A Plant City downtown landmark has closed its doors, because of unsafe conditions.

The U.S. Post Office off West Reynolds Street in Historic Downtown Plant City has been closed after deterioration was discovered in the basement of the nearly 80-year-old building.

Deteriorating conditions were discovered in the basement June 26, during a routine inspection.

The facility was put on emergency suspension indefinitely beginning June 27.

“We determined the post office had conditions that needed to be addressed,” spokesperson Enola Rice said. “At this point, we are having safety officials go in to evaluate the severity of the issue, and at this time, we’re not sure when the location will be reopened.”

Rice would not comment on the severity of the problem or the extent or exact location of the deterioration. Safety officials have begun assessing the issue.

As of Monday, no update had been released, but Rice said the location will reopen if the issue is resolved and deemed safe. No projected date for reopening has been set.

“The current plan is to address

SEE POST OFFICE / PAGE 2

CHOO-CHOO. Plant City is one of the most notable railroad towns in the country.

Matt Mauney

Plant City’s downtown post office opened in 1935.

PHOTOS BY THE OBSERVER STAFF INDEX Classifieds......... 19

The United States Postal Service plans to address the problem and reopen the location. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to use the Walden Woods location.

Vol. 2, No. 1 | One section

Crossword.......... 18

Opinion.................8

Sports................ 13

PlantCityObserver.com

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

+ Seminary to host annual yard sale The Evangelical University & Seminary will host its annual Indoor Yard Sale from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 13 and 20, at the campus, 105 E. Baker St., in Historic Downtown Plant City. If you have items you wish to donate, please call the E.U.S. office at (813) 659-1903 to make arrangements for drop off.

For more information, call J. Myrle Henry at (813) 752-4094.

+ Fred’s Market plans fundraisers

Courtesy of the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

In its 70-plus-year history, the post office has become a landmark in Plant City’s downtown district.

POST OFFICES/PAGE 1 the problem and reopen,” Rice said.

The post office, 301 W. Reynolds St., which opened in 1935, has around 16,000 square feet of space and was the only post office in Plant City for more than 70 years.

Growing up in Plant City, City Commissioner Mike Sparkman remembers going to the downtown post office every day, checking his P.O. Box there.

“It became a ritual for a lot of people and became a gathering place where you saw everybody in town,” Sparkman said. “It’s really sad to see it closed, because it’s

been a landmark here for so long.”

There has been speculation that the USPS has been considering closing the downtown location for several years.

“Everybody feels like they are using the conditions of it as an excuse to close it,” Sparkman said. “They have targeted it for closure for some time, and the community has been able to convince them to keep it open.”

Customers will be able to pick up and mail packages at the Walden Woods location, 2501 Walden Woods Drive. Lobby hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

Fred’s Market will host two Spirit Night fundraisers this summer for Plant City-based non-profit organizations.

Both fundraisers will be from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at the restaurant, 1401 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

The first event, benefiting the YMCA, will take place July 16. The second, benefiting Madison’s Mission, will be Aug. 1.

For more information, call (813) 752-7763.

No measures need to be taken by current customers, as P.O. Box addresses will stay the same and function from the Walden Woods location.

Customers may purchase stamps at several retail locations in Plant City, including CVS Pharmacy, 403 N. Alexander St., Walgreens Pharmacy, 2102 W. Baker St., and Publix Supermarket, 2515 Thonotosassa Road.

The West Reynolds Street location had one full-time employee. Rice said the employee now is working at the Walden Woods location.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com.

+ Library offers summer programming Bruton Memorial Library will host a variety of programs for adults this month. All programs will be held at the library, 302 W. McLendon St. All programs are free and open to the public.

The Adult Summer Reading program begins continues throughout the month. Stop by the library anytime to sign up. Participants will earn coupons for merchandise in the Friends of the Library bookstore for every five books they read, as well as a re-useable mesh bag after reading 10 books.

This year’s theme is “Groundbreaking Reads.”

A discussion of “The Tiger’s Wife” by Tea Obreht will take place from 11 a.m. to noon July 9. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library.

Knit 1, Purl 2 will meet from 2 to 3:30 p.m. July 10. Beginner and experienced knitters are always welcome to attend.

Tampa-based author Tim Dorsey will discuss his work at 1:30 p.m. July 13.

A Master Gardener workshop will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. July 15. Pre-register by calling (813) 7579215.

A discussion of “Room” by Emma Donoghue will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. July 16. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the library.

The library will host a family movie night from 6 to 8 p.m.

July 18.

The library will host a smartphone workshop from 10 to 11:30 a.m. July 20. Patrons are invited to bring their smartphone and questions, and the computer services librarian will be on hand to assist.

The library will host a PG-13 movie from 2 to 4 p.m. July 20.

Rowena, of Saraplicious! Kitchen, will host a demonstration on budget-friendly foods from 6 to 7 p.m. July 22. The first 20 participants will receive samples. Pre-register by calling (813) 757-9215.

The library will host an R-rated movie from 2 to 4 p.m.

July 24.

This event has been funded in part by a Tourist Development Tax Grant from the Sumter County Board of County Commissioners in conjunction with the Sumter County Tourist Development Council.

FloridasGreatLake.com

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+ YMCA selects Strong Leader winner The Plant City Family YMCA announced recently “Coach Dave” Robbins as the recipient of the 2013 Strong Leader Award recipient. The YMCA will honor Robbins at its 11th Strong Leader Dinner Aug. 27, at the John R. Trinkle Center, at HCC Plant City.

Robbins’ contributions to the Plant City community echo the YMCA’s commitment to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Robbins started volunteering as a basketball coach in 1967. Two years later, he formed a youth basketball league. With help from Plant City’s Recreation and Parks Department and Plant City Optimist Club, Robbins has been operating as director of the league for the past 44 years.

“It has been a wonderful success as it has averaged about 400 boys and girls each year,” Robbins said. “I have always believed in giving back to the community that you live in.”

Robbins has served as assistant coach at Plant City, Lake Gibson and George Jenkins high schools. In addition, Robbins is a charter member of the Plant City High Athletic Booster Club and a familiar face as the man at the concession stand at all PCHS games. As the last involved charter member of the Plant City Optimist Club, Robbins served as chairman of its Christmas tree sales for the last 25 years and chairman of the oratorical contest. He is also a volunteer at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

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development by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

City plans turn lanes at Redman, Alexander Although there is no tentative start date, the city is more than halfway done with the planning stages.

One of the city’s busiest intersections soon could become a little less congested.

Plant City officials currently are working on a proposal to add eastbound and westbound rightturn lanes at the intersection of James L. Redman Parkway and Alexander Street.

“The intersection really gets congested during peak hours of the morning and the evening,” City Manager Greg Horwedel said.

DYNAMIC DUO

The city is about 60% done with the planning stages. It still has to come to an agreement with property owners on James L. Redman Parkway to install an eastbound turn lane.

After the plan is completed, it will be reviewed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District and the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County, among others.

The city has no tentative start

date but expects the project to take no longer than 90 days to be completed.

Originally, the project was budgeted at $1 million. But now, the estimated cost for one turn lane is about $450,000.

The idea to add turning lanes at the intersection originated about four years ago, when Park Road was expanded to four lanes. At that time, the Florida Department of Transportation gave the city a

choice: It could purchase $726,000 worth of land from FDOT for the required stormwater retention ponds for the expansion; or it could find another project.

If the city chose the first option, the monies from the purchase would have gone to the central FDOT office for reallocation of other projects throughout the state and would not have been retained by the FDOT District 7.

City staff believed those funds

would be better spent locally on another project acceptable to FDOT, according to a 2010 city agenda report.

Any local project also would have to benefit a state roadway, so the city set its sights on James L. Redman Parkway.

The city and FDOT entered into a Joint Participation Agreement in August 2010.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

spotlight by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Plant City graduate wins BOA award Jacob Goad has a paid summer internship at Boys and Girls Club of Tampa Bay and will be traveling to Washington, D.C., for a week, as part of Bank of America’s 2013 Student Leaders program.

Victoria Garren and Milee Hasting will grace the stage at the 2013 Miss Florida Pageant.

Courtesy photo

Two of a Kind Victoria Garren will bring Cork Elementary student Milee Hasting along with her as a Sunshine Princess, when she competes for the Miss Florida Pageant crown.

Plant City will be well represented at the upcoming Miss Florida Pageant.

As Miss Orange County, Plant City’s Victoria Garren, 20, will be competing for the state title July 10 to 13, at the Mahaffey Theater, in St. Petersburg. And accompanying her as a Sunshine Princess will be Cork Elementary student Milee Hasting, 6.

Although they’re not bloodrelated, the two are as close as sisters. Hasting sits comfortably in Garren’s lap while she braided her hair.

“She’s a really great partner to me,” Hasting says.

The duo is part of Miss Florida’s Sunshine Princess and Prince Program, a mentoring experience through which Miss Florida contestants choose a “princess” or “prince” ages 5 to 12. The contestants bond with their younger court members through extracurricular activities. The court members also get a chance to go on stage during the evening gown portion of pageants and bring their contestant a flower.

Garren and Hasting have known each other through their families for years. So, it was only natural for Garren to choose Hasting as her princess. The two love to go to baseball games to-

gether, and Hasting also helps Garren secure sponsors, such as Keel and Curley Winery, Your Family Jeweler and Forbes Road Produce, and collect donations for the Children’s Miracle Network.

When Garren won the Miss Orlando/Winter Park/Orange County Pageant in February, Hasting was standing on stage supporting her. If Garren wins the Miss Florida Pageant, she has a shot as becoming Miss America.

Garren, who attends Florida Southern College, has been competing in pageants since she was a baby. Her first win was Most Beautiful at the Florida Strawberry Festival Baby Parade.

Since then, she has been capturing consistently the hearts of judges and Plant City residents.

She won the Duchess title in the Junior Royalty Pageant when she was 9. Garren was the Plant City High School Cover Girl in 2009.

She also was named First Maid in the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court Pageant.

To date, Garren has competed in 20 pageants. At 13 years old, she started in the Teen division of the Miss America system. This is her first year in the Miss division.

Miss Florida Pageant WHEN: July 10 to 13 WHERE: Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg PEOPLE’S CHOICE: Fans can vote for their favorite contestant until July 11.

Votes cost $1 and can be made at missfloridapeoplechoice.com.

WEBSITE: missflorida.org “I didn’t recognize my own strengths until the Miss America system,” Garren said. “That’s when you start the interviews.

Confidence comes from getting on stage and being able to speak.”

Like Garren, Hasting started her pageant career early. She won the 2012 Baroness title in the Junior Royalty Pageant. Most recently, she placed in the top five at Sunburst Beauty Pageant and will go on to nationals.

“I think it’s really cool getting on stage,” Hasting said. “I like walking on stage and showing them who I am.”

“I’m really excited,” Garren said. “It’s one of those things where a little girl says, ‘I want to be Miss America.’ We can see the steps it takes to get there.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

For many high school students with college aspirations, attaining just one scholarship can be hard.

But Jacob Goad aced the challenge. The recent Plant City High graduate has been awarded more than 12 scholarships.

One of those awards is the 2013 Student Leaders Award, a national initiative by Bank of America to provide youth with the opportunity to learn while working at a non-profit organization. Goad has been working with the Boys and Girls Club in Tampa and Plant City.

Goad was chosen from more than 100 applicants to become one of 10 in the Tampa Bay area to receive the award.

The former football player was thrilled to learn he earned the Bank of America scholarship, specifically because he loved working with kids. Since eighthgrade, Goad has been volunteering with the Special Olympics in Plant City. A family friend and teacher at his school knew Goad played baseball. She asked him if he’d want to volunteer with the Special Olympics softball team.

“I had never been around (special-needs) kids,” Goad said.

“So I was kind of scared. But the first day I went out there, I fell in love with it.”

He recruited his family to help with the organization. Now, he’s not limited to just softball, but helps out with the basketball, soccer and volleyball teams as well. His basketball team has been so successful that they will travel to New Jersey next summer to go to nationals.

“A couple of words describe Jacob, and one is commitment,” said Ann Shaler, senior vice president and Tampa Bay market manager for Bank of America.

“He took his passion and talent in sports and found a way to leverage it to community service.”

Goad has devoted more than 650 hours to the Special Olym-

pics program. This summer, he will tally 320 for the Boys and Girls Club.

When he started the program, the first step was to visit to the Tampa Boys and Girls Club for two weeks of training to learn the business side.

“It was kind of different,” Goad said. “There was a lot more paperwork than I expected.”

During training, Goad took classes that every employee undergoes. The class topics ranged from child negligence to game rooms.

“The classes really pump you up to get into the club working with kids,” Goad said.

Now, Goad is working at the Plant City Boys and Girls Club.

The internship lasts eight weeks, at 35 hours per week.

Another perk is a trip to Washington, D.C., where about 220 Bank of America Leadership winners will be taking a tour of the capital and meeting members of Congress.

“The energy and optimism that overflows from that room is unbelievable,” Shaler said of the trip. “I walk away with a renewed sense of what young people can do.”

Never going north of South Carolina or even flying on a plane, Goad is looking forward to the trip.

“I’m not a big history person or places person,” Goad said.

“But some of the stuff we’re doing is very interesting.”

Goad will be attending Hillsborough Community College in the fall.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ p l a n t c i t y o bs e r v e r. com.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

NEIGHBORS

ARDEN MAYS MERCKLE The owner of Arden Mays Designs has worked throughout the United States. His artwork will be featured this month, at Bruton Memorial Library. says. “There’s none quite like me. It has a flair about it. It’s a combination of Disney and ‘Lord of the Rings’-type feel.”

Merckle’s current project focuses on capturing the essence of different states.

He wants to create a book with photographs of landscapes from all 50 states and a painting accompanying each photograph.

“I haven’t seen anything like it out there,” Merckle says.

In anticipation of the project, Merckle has taken three road trips around the country, exploring every corner of the map.

His calls his first trip the Heartland America Trip, during which he traveled the Midwest and ventured up into Niagara Falls. Merckle also explored Texas and many state parks.

During his second trip, Merckle went to Chicago and into the Northwest. Although he reached Yosemite National Park in June, it was snowing, and the lake was still frozen.

Inclement weather forced him to improvise, and he detoured through Las Vegas and into the Southwest. He was also able to see the majestic

Redwood trees in California.

“It was an absolutely spiritual experience,” Merckle says. “You can’t help but not be moved.”

On his third trip, Merckle visited New England with two other Plant City artists, Punk and Lou Ann Watson.

Together, they saw New York City and visited many historic battlefields.

“I like to keep myself busy

and have a purpose to paint,” Merckle says. “It inspires me to paint.”

With all the traveling, Merckle has been inspired to paint 20 landscapes of different states.

“I feel at home out west,” Merckle says. “I love the diversity.”

Merckle’s artistic talent comes from his family. His grandmother, Katherine

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Arden Mays Merckle has a one-of-a-kind studio. Located off Evers Street in Historic Downtown Plant City, the foyer transports viewers into the elegant time period of Rococo. The lavish entrance features hand-painted faux marble columns, a crystal chandelier and forest murals on every wall.

It’s no wonder the Bruton Memorial Library asked to feature his artwork this month. An opening night reception was held July 1.

Drawing inspiration from Europe, his style is unique.

But perhaps his biggest inspiration — old Disney animation — is the most prevalent.

Last year, Merckle also showed at the library. His signature piece was a large landscape of Sleeping Beauty in her forest. The realism was laced with theatrical lines and colors.

This year, the same piece will be in the children’s section. In other areas, Merckle will display other pieces, including impressive, largescale landscapes of Utah and West Virginia.

“I’m not the best artist, and I’m not the worst,” Merckle

Mays, taught him everything she knew. She attended Pratt Art Institute, in New York, and specialized in abstract art.

Another Plant City artist, Jossie Arozin, mother-in-law to commissioner Bill Dodson, also gave Merckle lessons.

Merckle graduated from Florida State University’s School of Visual Arts. He then moved to Atlanta, where he met artist and designer Gerald V. Underwood through friends.

Together, the two traveled to Europe and Mexico and worked on a plethora of projects, including interior design, faux finishes and murals, from Pennsylvania to Texas.

In 1993, they were commissioned to work for Bob Turley, a former pitcher for the New York Yankees, to do extensive artwork at his home on Marco Island.

Merckle also has worked on a mural in the Park Building, in Atlanta, where Elton John has several units.

Merckle had to put his artistic career on hold when his mother, Neva Wilson Merckle, became ill.

“I had to choose between two worlds,” Merckle says.

After Neva died on Valentine’s Day, Merckle began painting again.

“Now, my time has come into play,” Merckle says. “I’ve got the foundation down, and God gave me a great talent.”

— Amber Jurgensen

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

SILVER-SCREEN SUCCESS

5

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Mills Cooper portrayed a drug addict in “Generation Curse.”

Courtesy photo

Filmmaker Mills Cooper completes third script Cooper’s ‘Generation Curse’ recently won top honors at a film festival. Now, he is working on his next film, ‘High Priest.’

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Filmmaker Mills Cooper his script to his typist in penned his first novel, “GenAtlanta. Meanwhile, he PARTNERSHIP eration Curse,” just five years will be gathering a techniMills Cooper partnered ago. cal crew. Once he gets the recently with Derek At the time, the writer was script back, Cooper will Youngblood to create a homeless. He had been laid make a casting call.

Christian-based producoff from his construction job, Some actors from “Gention company, Kingdom and his marriage was ending. eration Curse” will come Films.

Living out of his car, depresaboard once again. CooFor more information sion settled in like a curse. per expects the shooting on Mills Cooper and his But instead of letting the to last about seven days. films or to buy a copy of depression consume him, Then, he will begin posthis books and films, visit Cooper used that depression production editing. kingdomfilmscorp.com. to tell a riveting story.

“You never know what’s Now, things are on a comcoming,” Cooper said of plete turnaround for the Plant City film- the storyline. “Every scene is intense. That’s maker. one of my favorite things about it — the inCooper is no longer homeless and credits tensity.” his Christian faith and writing for helping Cooper draws inspiration from Stephen him heal.

King. His first film, “The Delivery,” was a Once a therapeutic process, “Generation monster-themed action flick.

Curse” has been adapted to a film. Recently, “Some people might question my sanity,” it won the Christian category in an Oakland Cooper said, laughing. film festival, and Cooper has entered the film in another festival in Australia.

FUTURE PLANS And he’s not stopping there.

After finishing “High Priest,” Cooper The busy writer has just finished his third wants to address a more delicate matter he script, “High Priest.” feels is plaguing women today. The script, “You’re Beautiful,” will focus on plus-sized HIGH PRIEST women and societal pressures they face.

It took Cooper about three weeks to write “That’s a real issue here in America,” Coohis newest project. per said. “And it’s always been an issue, but The psychological thriller sounds like it I think it is more so now. Everyone wants to could be the next twisted CSI episode. The be small. story follows Jesse, a deranged police of“But they should be happy about how ficer. His schizophrenia leads him to prey God made them,” he said. “People need to on a woman he met through Facebook. He hear that message.” kidnaps her and convinces her it’s God’s After “You’re Beautiful,” Cooper wants will the two should be married. to address two more social issues: bullying “As a writer, it depends what kind of and religion in schools. mood I’m in,” Cooper said. “At that time, I “I got so many ideas in my head,” Cooper was in a dark place.” said. “It’s about to explode.”

Cooper wants to begin filming in August Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ or early September. But first, he has to send plantcityobserver.com.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

FLYING HIGH. The Plant City Veterans Monument stands in Historic Downtown Plant City. Dedicated in 2010, it honors veterans from all military branches. Most recently, monument leaders dedicated 35 newly engraved bricks.

FRESH OFF THE FARM. Plant City’s famous Parkesdale Farm Market is home to some of the freshest produce available. Plant City visitors and longtime residents alike come to the market to purchase a variety of fruits and vegetables, and, of course, sample its milkshakes.

IF THE SHOE FITS. Kevin Mead is a third generation farrier and specialist in equine hoof care. He built his operation, Kevin Mead Farrier Services, out of the back of his vehicle.

TWO-FINGER SALUTE. Gabriel Hull, 7, a Cub Scout in Plant City-based Pack 5, shows his respect and appreciation for the flag by giving the proper two-finger salute. Founded in 1910, the Boy Scouts of America is one of the largest youth organizations in the United States, with 2.7 million members and over a million adult volunteers.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE. Bing Rooming House is one of two national African-American landmarks in Hillsborough County. Built in 1928, it earned the designation primarily because of its role as a hotel for African-Americans during the segregation period.

Spirit of America CUTE CRITTER. This tiny chick currently resides at Southside Farm and Pet Supply. The Plant City business stocks farm supplies, pet supplies, Western wear and more.

UNCORKED. Plant City’s Keel and Curley Winery specializes in a variety of blueberry wines. Soon, it will introduce its newest product — craft beer under the name, Two Henrys Brewing Company.

PHOTOS BY THE PLANT CITY OBSERVER STAFF

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

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

JUNE 10

MOWER REMOVED

4700 block of Sydney Road. Attempted Theft. Unknown person(s) cut the fence on the southwest corner of the property and attempted to steal a Toro Z-turn, 72-inch mower valued at $8,000.

BIG BANG THEORY

2270 block of Gilchrist Park. Criminal Mischief/Arson. Unknown person(s) set off an unknown type firework, causing the plastic garbage can to explode.

In addition, a small fire was set between the wall and the toilet that resulted in no damage.

JUNE 11

SOME PEOPLE NEVER LEARN

1400 block of South Collins Street. Retail Theft. The suspect concealed items of store merchandise under his clothing and left the store without paying. He was stopped and detained by the store’s loss prevention.

The suspect was arrested and charged with felony retail theft, because he had five previous theft convictions.

JUNE 13

CANE PAIN

700 block of North Wheeler Street. Aggravated Battery. The victim was followed into the bathroom by a male, who had been in an argument with his father. The male suspect then beat the victim with a walking cane. This case is still under investigation pending identification of the suspect.

1410 block of South Collins Street. Domestic Battery/Aggravated Assault on LEO/ Aggravated Fleeing to Elude. After committing domestic battery, while fleeing the scene, the suspect attempted to ram a police vehicle, causing the officer to veer off the roadway to avoid a collision. The officer pursued the vehicle, and the suspect was apprehended and transported to Orient Road Jail.

JUNE 15

TOOLS TAKEN

JUNE 14

DIRECT DEPOSIT

1710 block of Brookstone Way. Residential Burglary. The victim reported someone broke the master bedroom window, climbed inside the residence and stole $200 from a safe in the bathroom.

LANDSCAPE LARCENY

1300 block of South Collins Street. Theft.

Unknown person(s) stole plants from outside of the store. Total value is $450.

POLE PROBLEM

Intersection of North Park Road and Village Park Road. Traffic Crash/DUI. A witness indicated a white Dodge hit and knocked down a light pole at the intersection before leaving the scene. Officers located the vehicle nearby still occupied by

NOTICE OF SALE

In accordance with the provisions of State law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lein of the goods herinafter described and stored at: Uncle Bob’s Self Storage located at: 1005 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563. 813-7599526. And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at

BAD DECISION

public auction at the above stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 @ 9:00 A.M. Mike Crawford - Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes, Sprtng gds,Tools, Applnces,TV/Stereo Equip, Acctng Rcrds Sharon Paulk - Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes Vanessa Smith - Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes, Applnces AliceYvonne Brown - Hsld gds, Applnces,TV/Stereo Equip, Furn, CnstrctnTools/equip Miguel Zavala -Tools,TV/Stereo Equip, Cnstrctn equip, Lndscpng equip

800 block of West Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Vehicle Burglary. The victim’s 1998 Dodge truck was impounded the night before. While it was in the impound yard, unknown suspect(s) broke the window, causing $200 in damages. Once the window was broken, the suspect(s) stole $1,100 in tools from the locked cab.

JUNE 16

FAKED OUT

2100 block of West Reynolds Street.

Business Burglary. An officer discovered the front window of the business broken.

It appeared a vehicle had backed up to the front window/door and pulled it out.

The business owner responded and stated he could not find anything stolen, except some costume jewelry.

TAKEN TWO-WHEELERS JUNE 11

2200 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Theft. Unknown person(s) stole a men’s 21-speed, gray Schwinn bike from in front of the store.

JUNE 12

1300 block of North Barnes Street.

Stolen Bicycle. A men’s red Mongoose pedal dirt bicycle with a black leather seat was taken from the residence. The bike was valued at around $150.

JUNE 13

100 block of N.E. Drane Street. Bike Theft. An unknown black male stole a brown 24-inch Mongoose bicycle.

JUNE 16

2900 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Stolen Bike. Unknown suspect(s) stole a men’s black and blue Schwinn bike, with 29-inch skinny tires, front and rear lights and a wireless tachometer, was stolen from the west parking lot.

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We are here for you and your family.

We are Plant City’s oldest and largest hometown financial institution. We’ve been helping our neighbors since 1954.

We make all decisions locally and offer all the modern banking services you expect.

“Banking on a First Name Basis”

If you like the idea of doing business close to home, visit us and see how easy and friendly hometown banking can be.

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the suspect, who was arrested for DUI and transported to Orient Road Jail.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

Observer

PLANT CITY

“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

Founding Publisher / Felix Haynes General Manager and Managing Editor / Michael Eng, meng@ PlantCityObserver.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editors / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com; (Sports) Matt Mauney, mmauney@PlantCityObserver. com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver. com Advertising Coordinator / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver. com Accounting Manager / Petra Kirkland, pkirkland@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

anniversary by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Observer celebrates one year in Plant City In some ways, it hardly seems possible we absolutely would need the support that an entire year has passed since our of our community. We’d need dedicated first edition hit newsstands and drivereaders and advertisers. We’d need story ways. ideas, feedback and critiques. We’d In others, it’s hard to believe it’s need to know just what kind of only been a year since that inaunewspaper you wanted. gural edition.

And today, as I flip back through When the Plant City Observer the archives of our first year publaunched July 4, 2012, with the lishing, I am thrilled by how far we front-page headline, “Born on the have come. So many of our frontFourth of July,” no less, we did so page stories — many of the best with one mission in mind — to be ones — began with a phone call the best community newspaper or email from one of our readers.

MICHAEL Almost immediately, you became a in Plant City.

ENG In that first edition, I promised participant in this newspaper, givyou pages “filled with accurate, ing us the inside track on a commuhonest and complete news covernity so deeply rooted in its history age; entertaining and compelling features and tradition. You took us on vacation about you and your neighbors; photo gal(see our It’s Read Everywhere! map, pages leries of Plant City events; and a compre10-11), you sent us wedding and engagehensive sports section dedicated solely to ment photos, and you trusted us to tell Plant City athletics.” your story.

I also said we’d build this paper brick by With your help, we also won five awards brick, handshake by handshake, and that for our journalistic efforts in the Local Mefor our newspaper to achieve greatness, dia Association’s 2012 Editorial Contest, a

OCTOBER 2012

Advertising Graphic Designers / Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@yourobserver. com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@ yourobserver.com; Jim Knake, jknake@ yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@ yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@ yourobserver.com



CONTACT US

The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City 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.

TO ADVERTISE Call Veronica Prostko at 704-6850.

SEND US YOUR NEWS

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your community events, celebrations and family member achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100A, Plant City, FL 33563

The Plant City Observer LLC Locally Owned

Publisher of the Plant City Observer and PlantCityObserver.com

President / Felix Haynes Directors / Nate Kilton, Ed Verner, Matt Walsh

110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100A Plant City, Fla. 813-704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Observer LLC 2012 All Rights Reserved

national contest. Those awards included: • First place, Best Special Section: 2012 Football Preview: Under Construction • Second place, Best Headline: Leave It To Beevor • Second place, Best Photojournalism: Spirit of America • Second place, Best Front Page • Third place, Best Feature Photo: Spirit of America: Home A simple “thank you” isn’t enough.

Anniversaries are good times for reflection. So here, we’ve chosen to take a look back on 12 of our most important news stories of the past 12 months. The Plant City Observer was the first to report many of these stories, restoring to Plant City a definitive breaking-news source. Other stories that have graced our front page were the perfect depiction of our community’s unique, proud spirit.

We hope you enjoy trip back into our archives and thank you for your amazing support.

Without you, this isn’t possible.

JULY 2012 Called to Duty. Published July 26, 2012. The Plant City Observer launched its Hometown Heroes series with a feature on U.S. Army Pfc. Ben Secor, a Plant City native who was five months into a nine-month tour of Afghanistan. Following the story, Secor returned to the United States in November, 2012. Secor — along with about 230 members of the Fourth Brigade Combat Team, Fourth Infantry Division, received a hero’s welcome Nov. 4, at Ft. Carson, Colo. Even better: Secor’s son, Colt, was born while he was overseas. Father and son met for the first time.

AUGUST 2012 Thousands missing from school PTA account. Published August 23, 2012.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and Lakeland Police Department officials partnered to investigate the theft of between $15,000 and $25,000 from the Parent-Teacher Association bank account for Springhead Elementary School. Former PTA president and secretary Lisa Shirah eventually was charged with the theft.

Shirah had stolen the money by cashing a series of unauthorized checks from the PTA account. She pleaded guilty to four of the 16 original charges — grand theft, uttering a forged instrument, forgery and criminal use of personal identification. She received 30 days in jail and five years of probation.

SEPTEMBER 2012 Long Time Coming. Published Sept. 27, 2012. Work to restore the historic Bing Rooming House was completed in September 2012. The renovations included work to both floors of the home.

The first floor now features a museum of African-American history. Bing Rooming House, named after its first owner, Janie Wheeler Bing, is one of two national AfricanAmerican landmarks in Hillsborough County. Built in 1928, it earned the designation primarily because of its role as a hotel for African-Americans during the segregation period.

Making the Move.

Published Oct. 4, 2012. Highland Packaging Solutions began moving its impressive operation from Polk County to Plant City. The company manufactures a variety of plastic clamshell containers, mesh baskets and corrugated boxes, and its labeling division creates custom labels for many of its clients. Today, the company is operating fully in its Plant City headquarters off Gordon Food Service Drive.

NOVEMBER 2012 Raulerson Wins. Published Nov. 8, 2012. Former Mayor and Plant City Commissioner Dan Raulerson cruised to a victory for the Florida House of Representatives District 58 seat. Raulerson celebrated the win with family, friends and supporters at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Grill, in Plant City. Since his election, Raulerson helped pass S.B. 934, the stormwater management permits bill that will help the city move forward with the Midtown project.

DECEMBER 2012 ‘Paw’sitive Environment. Published Dec. 20, 2012. The Plant City Observer featured some of the community’s most famous residents — the four-legged employees greeting customers at shops in Historic Downtown Plant City. From Spooky and Lucky at Brown’s Floral Shop to Ben at The Corner Store, these furry family members help give downtown its unique, friendly atmosphere.

PlantCityObserver.com

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FEBRUARY 2013 Trip of a Lifetime. Published Feb. 28, 2013. Plant City natives Skyler and Jordan McDonald are spending their 2013 traveling the world. Their first stops included Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. As of press time, the Plant City High alums were on safari in Africa. Readers can discover more about their travels on the McDonalds’ blog, 180degreeswest.com.

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Crowning Glory. Published Jan. 31, 2013. The Plant City Observer was the first newspaper to publish the names and photos of the 2013 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen and Court.

Our coverage included photo galleries of all 25 pageant contestants, as well as video interviews with 2013 Queen Kelsey Fry, First Maid Ericka Lott and court members Madison Astin, Maddy Keene and Jamee Townsend.

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NOTICE OF SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY the 24TH of JULY 2013 @ 09:15 AM. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER.

MARCH 2013 VisionPro to lease Plant City Stadium. Published March 28, 2013.

Fifteen years after the Cincinnati Reds left Plant City for Sarasota, the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World learned it once again would be the home of a professional sports team. VisionPro Sports Institute Inc. currently is leasing Plant City Stadium to serve as the home of its its four United Soccer League franchises — USL Pro, PDL League, Super 20s and W-League. The lease is good through August, with potential to extend through September.

Lori Alexander-Hsld gds Rachel Christie-Hsld gds Rene De La Fuenta-Box truck YEAR: 1990 MAKE: GMC VIN: 1GDJ7H1P5LJ604549 Gerald Dicken-Hsld gds Thomas Fouts-Motor vehicle- YEAR: 1986 MAKE: FORD VIN: 1FTEF14N7GNA17570 Sunbelt Credit Corp of Florida-Motor vehicle- YEAR: 1986 MAKE: FORD VIN: 1FTEF14N7GNA17570 Geomap Technologies Inc- Survey Equip, Company records Geomap Technologies Inc- Vessel-YEAR: 1984 MAKE: MAK 2 HIN: MAK228260284 Geomap Technologies Inc- Vessel- YEAR: 1995 MAKE: YSI 1 HIN: YSIA0352I495 Jeffery Hollingsworth- Survey Equip, Company records Jeffery Hollingsworth- Vessel-YEAR: 1984 MAKE: MAK 2 HIN: MAK228260284 Jeffery Hollingsworth- Vessel- YEAR: 1995 MAKE: YSI 1 HIN: YSIA0352I495 Citicorp Vendor Finance- Survey Equip.

Citicorp Vendor Finance- Vessel-YEAR: 1984 MAKE: MAK 2 HIN: MAK228260284 Citicorp Vendor Finance- Vessel- YEAR: 1995 MAKE: YSI 1 HIN: YSIA0352I495

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APRIL 2013 Queena celebrates in style at Keel & Curley Winery.

Published April 25, 2013. Queena, the woman formerly known as the Bloomingdale Library attack survivor, celebrated her 23rd birthday April 20, at Keel & Curley Winery. The celebration included a special prayer vigil led by Plant City’s Chaplain Ret. Maj. Daniel Middlebrooks. Then, Queena surprised everyone by standing and dancing with Christopher Tolisano, an athletic trainer with whom Queena has been working for about a year.

l

loca

local

local MAY 2013 Heads of the Class. Published May 23, 2013. The Plant City Observer put its spotlight on local valedictorians. This year’s top students included Jacob Bernier (Durant), Sarah Winters (Plant City), Exor Serrano-Arce (Strawberry Crest — traditional) and Rahul Patel (Strawberry Crest — IB). Plant City residents Reece Dial, Rachel Dwyer and Sera Moore also earned the top spots at their respective schools.

JUNE 2013

1401 MLK BLVD. PLANT CITY, FL 33563 813.752.7763

www.FredsSouthernKitchen.com LAKELAND :: WINTER HAVEN :: BARTOW :: RIVERVIEW

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Hundreds light night for Misti Whitfield. Published June 6, 2013. More than 200 gathered for a candlelight vigil June 4, at the Train Depot in Historic Downtown Plant City, to offer prayers and support for the family of Misti Whitfield.

Whitfield, 35, has been missing since May 2. Private investigator Brad Sparkman said he suspects foul play and that Whitfield, daughter of Cuzzins Bar owners Sharon and Mel Ardelean, had been murdered. As of press time, Whitfield has not been found.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

it’s read everywhere!

by Plant City Observer readers

Oh, the places we’ve b To put it mildly: We were amazed!

Since our first edition, our email inboxes have been flooded with your amazing It’s Read Everywhere photos.

We’ve been near, we’ve been far, and

we’ve been practically everywhere inbetween.

For our staff, these photos always give us a reason to smile. We love that you enjoy this feature, and we can-

future you. E Editor tyobse Everyw

not believe how far and wide our little paper has traveled in its first year.

Here, we’d love to recap all the wonderful places you’ve taken us. And, as always, if you’re taking a trip in the

CELEBRITY SIGHTING: Haught Funeral Home’s David Wolf shared the Plant City Observer with “Sons of Anarchy” star Ryan Hurst, aka Opie.

TALL TALE. Poppell Insurance’s Mark Poppell took the Plant City Observer to the highest altitude in Year One — 11,300 feet at Snowmass, Colo.

THEY’RE NO. 1. Plant City residents Beverly and William “Rob” Roberts have the distinction of taking the Plant City Observer’s very first It’s Read Everywhere photo. The couple snapped their photo in New York City July 7 — just four days after our first edition was published.

FOREIGN AFFAIR. University of South Florida senior and Navy ROTC Midshipman John Byrd brought a piece of home with him to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in capital city of Muscat, Oman. He received a scholarship from the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center of Oman to study Arabic and foster exchanges of cultural ideas in Oman this summer. His major is international studies and Arabic, which he hopes to put to good use for the U.S. Navy when he graduates next spring. John is the son of attorney Johnnie Byrd and his wife, Melane.

OATH OF OFFICE. Walden Lake residents C. L. and Ione Townsend brought their favorite community newspaper with them to the 57th Presidential Inauguration Jan. 22, in Washington, D.C.

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been!

e, make sure you take us with Email the photo to Managing r Michael Eng, meng@plantcierver.com; subject line: It’s Read where.

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Over 25 Years of Real Estate Experience

TRAVEL LOg

Below is a list of all the locations the Plant City Observer traveled in its first year.

*Restrictions apply, call The Sweet Team for details

UNITED STATES Asheville, N.C. Beaver Creek, Colo.

Brookfield, Conn.

Cedar Springs, Mich.

Chattanooga, Tenn.

Chicago, Ill. College Station, Texas Dillsboro, N.C. Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska Grand Canyon, Ariz.

Juneau, Alaska Lancaster, S.C. Las Vegas, Nev. Louisiana Long Island, N.Y. Martha’s Vineyard, Mass.

Napa Valley, Calif.

New York City (5) North Carolina Pearl Harbor, Hawaii Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Plymouth, N.C. San Diego, Calif.

San Francisco, Calif.

Savannah, Ga. Snomass, Colo.

Spokane, Wash.

Tuscaloosa, Ala. Washington, D.C. (2) Waynesville, S.C.

Natalie Sweet

Angel Miller

758-9586

546-9863

Keller Williams Realty

1607 S Alexander Street • Plant City FL 33563

Holy Trinity Anglican Church Join us for great fellowship and God - centered worship Each Sunday evening at 6:00 pm, at the Johnson Road Community Church, 103 Johnson Road, Plant City, FL

NORTH AMERICA The Bahamas

www.theocentric.org

FLORIDA Gainesville Lakeland Tallahassee (2) University of Central Florida Vero Beach

An ancient-future parish of the Anglican Church in North America

ATTENTION Homeowners:

AFRICA Malawi, Africa

Have you recently been denied Homeowner’s Insurance?

AUSTRALIA Sydney, Australia

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!!!

EUROPE Florence, Italy Interlaken, Switzerland Paris, France Rome, Italy Spetses, Greece DOWN UNDER. Aaron and Alicia Pues traveled the farthest from home with the Plant City Observer.

Their trip to Sydney, Australia, was more than 9,200 miles from the Strawberry Capital of the World.

Contract to Sell Your Home in July or August and receive a *Mini Getaway Compliments of The Sweet Team

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PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

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Early in 2010, we experienced sinkhole activity at our home. Ultimately, we were dropped by our insurance carrier and we chose to move to another location in Plant City. We started the process of shopping for homeowners insurance. Rollyson/Fearnow Insurance was very aggressive in finding the right carrier for our needs. Obviously, we were interested in a policy that provided sinkhole coverage, but that wouldn’t break our bank. Rollyson/Fearnow found a provider that met all of our needs at a great price. Furthermore, they were very informative and excellent at follow up. I could always count on a call from our agent, Rhett, to let me know where we were in the process and what documents were needed to keep the ball moving.

Even if there was no change in status, he would call to let me know things were still the same and we were just waiting on this or that. That really eased my mind to know I had an agent who was on top of the situation so that I didn’t have to worry about it. We were very pleased with our experience and have already recommended Rollyson/Fearnow to our friends.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

back in time

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

OBSERVEROBITUARIES

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Nathaniel Tyler Hoxit

Nathaniel Tyler Hoxit, infant son of Melissa Murphy and Juan Hoxit, died June 14, 2013, at Tampa General Hospital.

A gathering of family and friends was June 28, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.

Travis Dean Bronson Kinkade MacDonald Training Center President and CEO Jim Freyvogel, Director of Development Rita Hattab and Cheryl Worsham, producer and director of Blast 2 Past

Council goes back in time with Blast 2 Past bash The Arts Council of Plant City went back in time for its Blast 2 Past fundraiser June 23, at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club.

The event featured a silent auction, art exhibits, a cash bar and appetizers. The performance featured experienced singers and perform- Marsha Passmore, Arts Council President ers, including Gigi Dodie White and Carole Wright Burns, a Peru native who has performed at the Straz is to bring quality arts programs Center for the Performing Arts. and services to all of the strata of The show featured two acts, the residents of Plant City. As a totaling 22 songs and was pro- non-profit, the Arts Council also duced and directed by Cheryl offers annual scholarships to loWorsham. cal students who have a desire to The mission of the Arts Council pursue a career in the arts.

Travis Dean Bronson Kinkade, 19, of Plant City, died June 25, 2013.

Born July 11, 1993, in Brandon, he was the son of William Bronson and Brenda (Shayne) Kinkade White.

Mr. Kincade loved anything outdoors — hunting, fishing and ATVs — and playing on his Playstation.

Survivors include his son, Trenton Kinkade and Trenton’s mother, Shelby Westbrook; brother, Troy Kinkade; sisters, Chyanne, Courtney and Caitlynn Kinkade; grandparents, Nancy Kinkade, Kathleen (Kenny) Lamberton; Allen, Toni, Christopher and Ashley Kinkade; and his other mama “J.” A memorial service was held July 3, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel.

If so desired, donations can be made to the family.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.

Walter Wayne Norquest

Walter Wayne Norquest, 93 of Dover, died June 30, 2013.

Born Feb. 18, 1920, he was the husband of Shirley Jenkins Norquest, who survives.

Survivors also include many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.

Sylvia Monroe Murphy Prescott

Sylvia Monroe Murphy Prescott, 69 died June 28, 2013.

Mrs. Prescott was born Feb. 1, 1944, in Lakeland to the late James Monroe and Ruby Shiver Prescott.

Mrs. Prescott retired from the Polk County School District, where she had been a custodian. She was affiliated with New Home Baptist Church, she enjoyed animals and bluegrass music.

Survivors include sons, James “Robby” (Shaun) Prescott, of Lakeland, and Curtis M. Prescott; sister, JoAnn Hodge; grandsons, Cody, Dylan and Jacob Prescott; great-grandchildren, Carsten, Cayson, Hunter and Arianna Prescott.

She was predeceased by sister, Lucille Gibson.

A graveside funeral service was held July 3, at New Home Baptist Church Cemetery, Lakeland.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.

Phyllis D. Rose (Swisher)

Phyllis D. Rose (Swisher) died June 26 2013, at home, with her daughter by her side.

Mrs. Rose was born May 9, 1932, in Hindsboro, Ill. She lived in Indiana, Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, before moving to The Meadows at CountryWood as a pioneering resident.

She was an avid golfer, who achieved 12 holes in one, as well as a faithful bowler and bridge player. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Plant City, where she attended worship and bible study. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and enjoyed refinishing furniture, playing cards and visiting with friends over happy hour.

Survivors include her daughter, the Rev. Jackie Ann Rose Kraft (the Rev. Thomas M. Kraft), of Pendleton, N.Y.; a granddaughter, Autumn Rose Kraft-Decota, of Cheektowaga, N.Y.; greatgrandson, Landis Michael DeCota, of Cheektowaga, N.Y.; and one brother, Earl (Jack) Swisher, of Lakeland.

Mrs. Rose is predeceased by her husband, Russell, her daughter Georgianna, as well as seven brothers and sisters.

A celebration of life memorial service was held June 28, at First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be sent to: Amherst: Asbury United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 743, 850 Dodge Road, Getzville, N.Y. 14068.

Online Condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.

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Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Emily Longoria takes mound for All-Stars. 16

PLANTCITYObserver.com

anniversary by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

SHOW ME THE MAUNEY

AUGUST

Time flies when you’re having fun It’s hard to believe that it has already been a full year for the Plant City Observer.

It seems like just yesterday that I was meeting all the coaches at local schools and scoping out the sports scene here.

The great thing about this job is it allows me to go out and meet some wonderful people doing great things and tell those stories.

From Kevin Garcia, a specialneeds student who realized his dream of playing and scoring in a varsity basketball game at Strawberry Crest to a Little MATT League team MAUNEY bulldozing all others on their way to becoming Southeastern regional champions, in the past 12 months, I have covered some of the most heartwarming and inspirational stories of my career.

When we launched the Plant City Observer, one of its objectives was to provide our readers with the most in-depth coverage of local sports. I feel we have done that and our goal is to continue to get better every day.

We are dedicated not only to covering every varsity sport at Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest but also delivering plenty of youth and adult sports coverage, as well. In the last few weeks, we have featured a story on former Knotts Hardware owner Johnny Knotts following his dream of working full-time in motorsports and a story on 8-year-old tumbling and gymnastics standout Aubrey Hancock. From young to old and from ice hockey to highland games, nothing is out of bounds. Our only rule is that it is sports coverage related directly to Plant City.

We are especially proud that our 2012 Football Preview received first-place honors for Best Special Section in Local Media Association’s 2012 Editorial Contest. Of course, receiving recognition from our journalism colleagues throughout the nation is great for the ego, but the honor also brought some recognition to Plant City, as well.

A few weeks ago, I received a package from Weakley County Press, a community newspaper in Martin, Tenn. In it was a copy of their 2012 Football Preview and a letter asking me to critique it.

That publication has had success in its own right, winning the 2011 Tennessee Sports Writer’s Association’s award for the Best Special Section for a non-daily entry. The folks at the Press saw our section

SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 17

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

JULY

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

BEST OF THE BEST

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JANUARY

JUNE

As the Plant City Observer celebrates its one-year anniversary, we take a look back at the top sports stories in each of the last 12 months.

For the past 12 months, the Plant City Observer has devoted its sports section to our community’s athletes, teams and coaches.

We’ve stood on the sidelines and watched amazing plays develop. We’ve met athletes who have overcome astounding odds.

We’ve seen Plant City’s best use their skills to achieve amazing accomplishments.

For this special anniversary

edition, we are taking a look back at the top sports story of each month for the past year.

There were plenty of stories and topics from which to choose, but we feel these 12 best exemplified Plant City sports each month.

Best of all, they were either exclusive stories or ones you read here first.

We hope you enjoy this look back, and we invite you to join

us as we forge ahead into our second year. Thank you for your support, and we’ll see you at the game!

July 2012 Hometown Olympian Published July 26, 2012 In the first edition of our “Where Are They Now,” series, we took a look into the life of Brooke Bennett, a Durant High School

alum who, at age 16, became an Olympic gold medalist.

Bennett brought the gold medal to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World in 1996, after winning the 800-meter freestyle swim at the Summer Games, in Atlanta. She won two more golds in the 800 free and the 400 free in the 2000 Games, in Sydney, Australia, setting a

BEST OF THE BEST / PAGE 16

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

Celebrating Our First

AnniversAry

The Plant City Observer thanks all of our readers and Advertisers for your continued support. you made this possible.

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

PlantCityObserver.com

15 Lake

batter up! by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Family Friendly Fishing Competition

At Lake Panasoffkee!

For more information:

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McKenzie Wheeler will be a sophomore for Strawberry Crest next season.

Strawberry Crest pitches annual baseball camp Strawberry Crest High School’s baseball coaches and players helped Plant City-area players hone their skills during the school’s annual Baseball Camp last week, at the high school.

About 25 kids, ranging from 13 to 17, participated in this year’s camp. They learned the fundamentals of the game, along with some of the finer points of each position.

The camp also formed two teams that will compete in games against other schools this week. The Chargers Baseball Camp has been been held at SCHS for the past five years.

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Tyler Chancey was caught stealing and tagged out by Mark Moclair on this play.

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Matthew Trzeciak is a rising sophomore at Strawberry Crest.

Jake Ralyea will be a junior next season.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

EMILY LONGORIA Emily Longoria isn’t much of a talker, but she lets her game speak for itself. Longoria, 11, helped lead her 9-10 Plant City All-Star softball team to a district championship by beating North Lakeland 21-8 and then 6-0. She threw complete games for both, striking out 15 in 12 innings pitched.

For about seven years How long have you been pitching?

Just one year What do you like about pitching?

I just like it. It’s fun.

Do you have a favorite pitch to throw?

What do you like to do outside of softball?

Do you have a favorite TV show?

I like all the girls, because they’re funny.

As the Plant City Observer’s first special section, we introduced the inaugural high school football preview.

Titled “Under Construction,” we highlighted the three area high school teams, along with local youth teams.

To go with our theme, the three starting quarterbacks from Plant City, Durant and Strawberry Crest — Nick Rodriguez, Trey VanDeGrift and Tristan Hyde — joined us at a construction site for the cover photo shoot, hard hats and all.

The section not only was well received by our readers but was awarded first-place in the Best Special Section category of the Local Media Association’s 2012 Editorial Contest, a national competition.

The section set the bar high for the Observer’s special sections to follow and set a precedent for future high school football previews. Look for the Plant City Observer’s 2013 High School Football Preview in late August.

Morrison Steel. I also play for the Crusaders travel ball team.

What do you like about this All-Star team?

Why is that?

“Spongebob”

What are some personal goals you have this summer?

To hit a home run Have you ever done that?

Not over the fence, but I’ve

October 2012

Under Construction Published Aug. 30, 2012

What Little League team were you on this season?

It gets a lot of people to swing and strike out.

My changeup

August 2012

had an inside-the-park home run before.

Just softball. That’s all I do. I like to play catch with my brother, but that’s basically the same thing.

Olympic record in the 800 with a time of 8:19.67.

Bennett’s push for a third Olympic appearance in 2004 fell short, when she missed qualifying by one spot after battling back from surgery on both shoulders in 2001. She retired in 2008.

Since then, she has gone on to be a sports broadcaster, personal trainer, nutritionist and motivational speaker.

But in Plant City, she always will be known as the hometown Olympian.

If you could play softball anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Boston. I like the Red Sox.

Cleaning Up Several Plant City Little League All-Star baseball and softball teams won district championships last week.

In addition to 9-10 softball, the 12-year-old Majors earned a district banner, beating Lake Wales 6-0 June 27, at Mike E. Sansone Park. The 10-11 baseball All-Stars beat Auburndale 11-4 that same night to claim a district title. Cole Cothren was the winning pitcher, and Josh Dunbar and Jose Machado Jr. each hit home runs. The 11-12 baseball All-Stars won the district after beating Auburndale 17-2 Sunday. The 11-12s hit eight home runs in their two tournament games, including ones by Ben Pues, Parker Messick, Andrew Long, Hunter Emerine (2), Dylan Robinson, Bryar Christian and Tommy Johnson.

which came into the season after losing three senior starters.

The new group solidified quickly, leading the Cougars early-season surge as they outscored opponents 86-7 in their first two games.

Senior Alex Wood and junior Nick Insley were the only two returning starters up front, as Cody Martin, Michael Watkins and Dalton Wilkerson stepped in and contributed immediately.

Durant ended the season 11-1 and had an offense that averaged more than 300 yards per game with 55 total touchdowns, in large part to the “big guys up front.”

September 2012

Tomlin archers Published Oct. 4, 2012 In October, we featured a group of Tomlin Middle School students that unwinds after a long day of classes by shooting arrows at targets in the Arthur Boring Civic Center on the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.

The group competed in the National Archery in the Schools Program World Tournament in October, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World.

Coach David Sweat has been involved with archery competitions for many years and said the Tomlin group has seen a steady increase in participation during the last few years.

There are a few other NASP programs in Hillsborough County, but Tomlin was the only to compete at last year’s World Tournament and one of just seven in the state. The competition included teams from across the country, Canada and South Africa.

November 2012 Cougar Pride Published Nov. 8, Nov. 15, Nov. 22 and Nov. 29, 2012

Big Guys Up Front Published Sept. 20, 2012 There are several positions on any football team that usually get little press, but the offensive line is one area most overlooked by fans and the media.

We shined the light on the Durant O-line,

Last fall was a memorable one for the Durant High football team.

On Nov. 9, Durant defeated King High School to cap off its first undefeated regular season in program history.

The Cougars hosted Tampa Bay Tech

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THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

BEST OF THE BEST/PAGE 13 the next week and defeated the Titans 34-7 in the region quarterfinals, before seeing their historic season come to an end with a 21-14 loss to Newsome Nov. 23, in the region semifinals.

The Cougars were led by their stingy defense and strong rushing attack, including standout senior fullback Jamarlon Hamilton, who rushed for 1,340 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Hamilton was featured in the Plant City Observer in early November, along with former standout back and current Durant running backs coach Matt Stwan.

December 2012 Pigskin Party Published Dec. 6, 2012 Last fall was another successful one for youth football teams in Plant City, but only one team can claim the title of “national champions.”

The Plant City Raiders 10-year-old unlimited team allowed just 12 total points through three games of the United Youth Football League National Championship Tournament at Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, in Plant City.

The bracket-style tournament featured talented youth football teams of varying age groups from across the country. The Raiders had the advantage of playing on a familiar field, but had to go toe-to-toe against teams from Newark (N.J.), Homewood Flossmoor (Chicago) and Oakleaf (Jacksonville).

In the championship game, the Raiders squared off against the Homewood Flossmoor (Chicago, Ill.) Jr. Vikings, who came into the game having not lost for the past two years, but the Raiders scored four times on them and held them to just one score.

Plant City plans to host the UYFL National Championships for the third year this fall.

January 2013 Cheering Chargers Published Jan. 31, 2013 The Strawberry Crest competitive cheerleading program is still one of the youngest in Hillsborough County, but the Chargers have found plenty of success in a short amount of time.

We took an inside look at the program as it prepared for the FHSAA state meet at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.

The Chargers were coming off a first-place finish out of 27 teams at the Western Conference meet Jan. 22, at Durant High School.

Strawberry Crest competed in the Class 2A Small Co-ed division at the state meet, where they qualified for the finals before finishing in fourth-place, behind Lake Howell, Bartow and state champion Fleming Island.

then measured by distance and accuracy.

Barber’s first event was the Zephyrhills Highland Games six years ago. Since then, he has competed in games all over the state, from the Panhandle to Ft. Lauderdale. In Florida, the typical season generally spans from January to April.

April 2013 Welcome Home Published April 18, 2013 After securing a lease on Plant City Stadium in March, Plant City acted as the home for a professional soccer team beginning last April, when the stadium became the home venue for VSI Tampa Bay FC PRO — a member of the United Soccer League — and three other USL teams — PDL, W-League (women) and Super 20s.

In its inaugural season home-opener April 13, VSI PRO picked up a 3-0 victory over the Rochester Rhinos, in front of 1,032 fans.

Plant City Stadium has hosted dozens of matches since then, after the complex was transitioned from a softball complex to a soccer stadium.

The VSI PRO team has played especially well at Plant City Stadium, holding a 6-1-2 record. VSI’s lease on the stadium runs through August, with an option extension through September. However it is unclear what the future holds for professional soccer in Plant City. The company has identified several areas throughout Tampa Bay to construct a 30,000-seat stadium.

May 2013 Against the Odds Published May 9, 2013 In May, we featured 2008 Plant City High graduate Mark Popek, who signed with the New York Jets, after a career at the University of South Florida.

The offensive lineman signed with the Jets as part of a 15-player undrafted free agent list. Popek started nine

17

games at guard and tackle in 2012 for USF. He missed games against Syracuse, UConn and Cincinnati, because of an ankle injury. Popek earned second-team All-Big East honors.

We took a look back at Popek’s life as a “tall and lanky” tight end for the Raiders to the 6-foot-7, 300-pound build he is today. While at Plant City, he was rated the 83rd-best offensive tackle in the country, according to Scout.com and was named to the Class 5A second-team All-State as a senior.

Popek has completed rookie mini camp with the Jets in New Jersey and now will face the uphill battle of making their final roster after fall camp.

June 2013 Pitching Machine Published May 30, 2013 Really, the whole spring could be dedicated to Durant pitching standout Tyler Danish.

He helped lead his Cougars baseball team to a district title and its first region championship before leading them to the Class 8A state championship game at Jet Blue Park, in Fort Myers, where Durant finished as state runner-up.

It was the beginning of June when Danish hit legendary status, after being taken in the second round of the Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft by the Chicago White Sox. The University of Florida commit decided to forgo a college playing career and begin his pro career right away, signing with the White Sox, including a $1,001,800 signing bonus.

He joined the White Sox rookie-level Appalachian League affiliate Bristol in late June, where he holds a 1.80 ERA in three appearances.

Danish won several awards as a senior for Durant, including being named Mr. Florida Baseball. Danish finished his senior season with a 0.00 ERA in nearly 100 innings pitched.

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February 2013 Charity Polo Classic Published Feb. 28, 2013 Women in floppy hats, men dressed to impress, champagne flowing and one of the world’s most fascinating sports painted the scene at the second annual Charity Polo Classic Feb. 23, at DI Polo, in Plant City.

The event raised about $150,000 for three Tampa Bay charities: the Children’s Cancer Center, Wheels for Success and Starting Right Now. The event featured a gourmet lunch, a charity raffle and, of course, an exhibition polo match, including special guest player John Walsh, host of “America Most Wanted.”

The Golf Channel’s Lauren Thompson was one of the emcees for the event.

This was the second year the event came to Plant City.

March 2013 Celtic Strongman Published March 7, 2013 In March, we highlighted Plant City resident Eric Barber’s hobby as a Highland Games competitor.

Barber, a Plant City native and the president of the Art Lounge and Gallery in Historic Downtown Plant City, has been competing in Highland Games competitions for more than six years.

The Celtic-based games are a series of throwing competitions, including the caber toss, the most famous event, during which competitors throw a large tapered pole end over end after a running start. The throws are

and asked for advice on how to make theirs even better.

With a full season and offseason under our belts, we’re now looking forward to making our 2013 Football Preview even better.

However, the most memorable part of my first year in Plant City sports is admiring all of our talented athletes.

This area is rich with talent, and not just on the field, court, course or swimming pool, but in the classroom, as well.

Watching these amazing players make a job like mine enjoyable. Their stories deserve to be told and shared, and I am blessed to be in a position to share them.

I look forward to many more exciting years to come!

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Plant city observer

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Plant City

RAIN

(inches)

I PC

Weather

WED.

June 26

1.42

THURS.

TemperatureS

Thurs., July 4 Fri., July 5 Sat., July 6 Sun., July 7 Mon., July 8 Tues., July 9 Wed., July 10

FRI.

June 28

0.26

SAT.

June 29

0.28

SUN.

June 30

High Low 91 77 90 77 91 77 91 77 91 77 91 77 91 77

sunrise/sunset times

0.87

Sunrise Sunset Thurs., July 4 6:37 a.m.

8:29 p.m.

Fri., July 5 6:37 a.m.

8:29 p.m.

Sat., July 6 6:38 a.m.

8:29 p.m.

Sun., July 7 6:38 a.m.

8:29 p.m.

Mon., July 8 6:38 a.m.

8:29 p.m.

Tues., July 9 6:39 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

Wed., July 10 6:30 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

MON. July 1

0.25

TUES. July 2

0.03

JULY

TO DATE

MOON

PHASES

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July 15

July 22

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PRODUCT LOW 24-inch bins, seeded (28s) $.15 24-inch bins, seedless (36s) $.20

Brittani Taylor sent this photo of her niece, Alli Jo, heading out to pick some blueberries in her grandfather’s field off Knights Griffin Road.

The Plant City Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certificate to The Corner Store!

To enter, email your photo, with a caption, to Managing Editor Michael Eng, That’s what our town meng@plantcityobis made of.server.com; subject: I Love City.

State Farm® hasPlant a long

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ACROSS 1 6 12 19 20

23 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 36 38 41 45 47 49 50 51 55 56 58 59

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. C X M C E I Q D Y M U A C X C X M H E M M U Z K : X M U X I X M J A C Z C M J

62 63

A J S I C I S Y K Y I J C D Q C R AY M J H E I R C X M S M L C M L A C .

65

2. R Y N X N X Z Q B T R R H M U A N W Z M Q Y N M U X U Q Y H D U B Z

66

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69 70

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On the Pacific Beach shelter Bessemer locale Hardwood tree Kind of lamp used in auto headlights Drenched Nationals, prior to 2005 Put one’s wits to the test Stretched out Homer’s path Takes home Refer to Brazil’s ___ Paulo Castle protectors One of Franklin’s two certainties “... falls ___ on the plain” Masseuse’s workplace Bishop’s hat Unfathomable chasm False front?

Talk foolishly Counterpart of ma’am One way to seal a deal Not perfectly upright Stylebook concern Da Vinci model Panettiere of “Nashville” Ness of “The Untouchables” Prepared to propose Construction wood, sometimes Mess hall drudges, briefly Car scar Behind-the-scenes sages “Cut that out!”

73 Attendance fig., often 74 Help for the hapless 75 More quick to the helm 76 Hit for Leo Sayer “More ___ Can Say” 77 Omsk’s land 80 Horror film fare 81 “___, meenie, miney, moe ...”

82 Fail 84 Self-love 89 Kenan’s old partner on Nickelodeon 90 Climb down 93 Instruct 94 Make ___ at (try to pick up) 96 Adult doodlebug 97 Young newt 98 Corny bit?

101 Ready to be drafted?

103 Off the payroll 104 “I love” to Latin lovers 107 “Not guilty,” e.g.

110 Location for a concert 114 Cause of Cleopatra’s demise 115 Bandmate of Keith and Charlie 117 Profession for a very high-minded smart person 122 Easily irritated 123 One way to come into some money 124 Calls it a career 125 “Let’s Make ___” (game show) 126 Branch of geology that studies the shape of the Earth 127 Abraded 128 Robert of “G.E. College Bowl”

dOwn

1 The brother in “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

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39 Many a Groucho Marx quip 40 Say further 42 Where some great ideas are formed 43 ___ Aviv 44 It’s often left hanging 45 Paths for flight attendants 46 Advisory group 48 Fuel-yielding rock 50 Brushed leather 52 Acid neutralizer 53 Brother or father 54 Black eyes 57 Obtained 60 Soviet leader who preceded Mikhail 61 Word that’s an ayeful

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There is no ___.”

65 Small Russian turnovers 67 They’re played at the track 68 Door-to-door pitch 70 Barker and Rainey 71 Blackstone craft 72 Seashell seller in a tongue twister 76 Arizona State home 78 Revealed the true nature of 79 Unit of wound thread 82 Consumer’s protective agcy.

83 “Funeral in Berlin” author Deighton 85 Partook of, as food 86 NBA official 87 Curiosity victim, in an old saying 88 Wall St. “500” 91 Last word for Ripley 92 Cloning need 95 City in western California 99 Cleaned the slate 100 Breathers, musically speaking 102 Common pipe material, briefly 103 Bad smelling 105 Cheapskate 106 Based on base eight 107 Snobbish highbrow 108 “The ___ Ranger” 109 Empty room sound 111 Blarney Stone land 112 “... ___ the twain shall meet” 113 “Do ___ others as ...”

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RAULERSONBUSINESS &andCOMPANY, P.A. Consultants NAVIGATION

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LIC./INS. Please see our ad in the Service Directory

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HARRINGTON PAINTING CHUCK HARRINGTON COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL 813-453-0507 HARRINGTON PAINTING CHUCKLIC./INS. HARRINGTON RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL Please see our813-453-0507 ad in /the Service Directory CHUCKLIC./INS. HARRINGTON Please see our813-453-0507 ad in the Service Directory

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CONSTRUCTION

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THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

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