07.11.13 Plant City Observer

bserver O

PLANT CITY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

inside

CONTEST

SPORTS

Storms can’t Pitcher Chelsea extinguish Plant Baker headed City’s patriotism. to the Far East.

PAGE 9

OUR TOWN

+ Need some peace, tranquility?

TheRoom will be offering special yoga sessions during July.

Sophia Hyde will be teaching a stretching and guided meditation class from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. July 17 and 31, at TheRoom,110 W. Reynolds St., in the Young & Moody building.

Enter through the back door, because all other doors will be locked.

Bring a yoga mat if you have one. For the meditation portion, bring a light wrap, socks, a neck roll or any other accessories that will help you feel most comfortable during meditation.

The price is $10 at the door.

For more information, contact Hyde at theroompc@ gmail.com or (813) 3910642.

+ Platform gets lift from Lions The Plant City Lions Club donated this week $5,000 to help build the new train-viewing platform in Historic Downtown Plant City.

President Steve Nierman presented the check to train-viewing platform committee member and Plant City Commissioner Mike Sparkman during the club’s July 9 meeting.

Sparkman shared the latest platform news with club members, including plans to host an annual train festival in the weeks before the Florida Strawberry Festival.

free • thursday, JULY 11, 2013

PAGE 11

business

See inside for this week’s photo contest winner.

?

PAGE 14

Are we the

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

PARADISE LOST

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Target market

With three new stores slated to open this month, at Lake Walden Square, Plant City shoppers will have more options in town. However, the most requested retailer also has remained the most elusive.

N

estled between Lakeland and Tampa, some may think Plant City residents have all their shopping needs met.

But with a 20-minute drive each way, many residents are clamoring for more hometown retailers.

This summer, three new shops will help satisfy shoppers. PetSmart, Michael’s and Ross Dress for Less all will open this month at the renovated Lake Walden Square.

And, although residents are excited for their arrival, any announcement of new stores comes with the same response: What about Target?

If the Plant City Observer’s Facebook fans are an accurate sample of the Plant City population, Target would enjoy immediate success. But so far, the retailer has no plans to open in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

“Target is selective when choosing new store locations to ensure we make the best use of our capital from a long-term perspective and build a store that is a good fit for each community where we do business,” said Andrea McCauley, a Target spokeswoman.

So what would it take to attract Target to our town?

This week, the Plant City Observer examines the

More than 200 Walden Lake Golf & Country Club residents attended a town hall meeting to fight plans to change their country club and golf courses.

Throughout his 30-year service in the U.S. Army, Col. Dan Orrico’s career has taken him and his family all around the world. Each of his and his wife, Shelly’s, five children were born in different cities, and each home was considered temporary.

Until they discovered Walden Lake Golf & Country Club nine years ago.

The Orricos fell in love with the upscale golfing community nestled in quiet Plant City. A family full of golfers, the Orricos paid a $20,000 premium for a lot that backs the No. 4 hole of the Hills course, one of the community’s two 18-hole courses.

That first year, the family enjoyed regular outings on the fairways. Dan Orrico often played all 36 holes, and the family spent Sundays cheering on the Green Bay Packers at the country club. Their home on Pine Tree Drive already is outfitted for wheelchair access. It’s where they had planned to spend the rest of their lives, once Dan Orrico retires this year.

“The golf course wasn’t just a big

SEE GOLF COURSE / PAGE 8

Michael Eng

A fallen tree sits on the Hills course.

SEE TARGET / PAGE 2

INDEX Cops Corner..........2

Residents mobilize for golf course battle

Vol. 2, No. 2 | One section

Classifieds......... 15

Crossword.......... 14

Sports................ 11

PlantCityObserver.com

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TARGET/PAGE 1 Minneapolis-based company and analyzes its nearby locations to see whether Plant City is a fit.

THE FACTORS

Target’s site-selection leaders look at a variety of factors when choosing a potential location.

“We identify potential new store opportunities in areas that are underserved or have the potential for new population growth,” McCauley said.

True, Plant City residents feel they are underserved in the retail market. But in terms of population growth, does the community have what it takes?

Plant City’s 2012 estimated population was 35,903. From 2010, the population is estimated to have grown 3.5%.

Brandon and Lakeland, both of which feature Target stores (two in Lakeland), have higher populations. Brandon’s population was 103,483 as of the 2012 census; and the Lakeland Economic Development Council reported Greater Lakeland at 243,202 earlier this year. Moreover, that Lakeland number represents a 20.1% growth rate since 2000.

But population and growth don’t dictate all.

St. Augustine, a Florida city with only an estimated 13,407 city residents and 6,417 in its beach district in 2012, has a Target.

“We analyze extensive data on existing store performance, demographics, competition and market potential to identify areas (that) would be well-served by additional Target store locations,” McCauley said.

THE TARGET SHOPPER

Target’s average shopper is a median age of 40 and has a median household income of about $64,000. Less than half of Target’s shoppers (43%) have children, and more than half (57%) have completed college .

How does Plant City compare? According to the most recent data, the median income of a Plant City household

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

is $47,565. Furthermore, only 17.1% of people older than 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

By comparison, Brandon’s median income is $55,344, while Lakeland’s is lower, at $39,509.

However, although Target’s typical shopper doesn’t match the average Plant City resident, that doesn’t mean Target doesn’t look for other demographics in a location.

Despite a state median household income of $47,827, Target has 123 stores in Sunshine State — making it the third most Target-populated state in the nation. Florida’s stores represent 17,263,000 square feet of the retailer’s 237,847,000 square feet of total national retail space.

Of Florida’s stores, Target notes that its Tampa and Kissimmee locations are popular with foreigners, specifically British vacationers, who find those stores stocked with their favorite foods.

The retailer operates nine stores in Greater Tampa Bay (including St. Petersburg, Town ‘N’ Country, Carrollwood, Riverview and Brandon).

WHERE WOULD A TARGET GO IN PLANT CITY?

Most of Target’s general merchandise stores are about 135,000 square feet. The SuperTarget stores, which also feature a larger grocery selection, are about 174,000 square feet.

The 134,357-square-foot Lakeland location on Harden Boulevard sits on a 13.08-acre parcel, while the Target off U.S. 98 is on 13.6 acres and measures 126,411 square feet.

The smallest location near Plant City is Brandon’s 122,752-square-foot store, which is situated in a strip mall on a 9-acre parcel.

Several new stores opening up this year are bigger than any three of the neighboring Targets. Both in California, a Fresno store will be about 140,000 square feet and a Rocklin store will be about 136,000 square feet. A store in East

EAT MORE CHICKEN Chick-fil-A is another business Plant City residents would like to see come to town. The franchise has more than 1,700 locations in 39 states and reported $4.6 in sales for 2012.

Like Target, Chick-fil-A looks at a specific market area to select potential store locations.

“It is the natural course of business for us to explore opportunities for future growth,” Public Relations Coordinator Bernard Hendrix said. “We explore options every day, all over the country, that include various demographics, populations, etc.”

Kendall, near Miami, will be 173,000 square feet.

“The type of store we build is determined by factors, such as anticipated sales volume, site constraints and the specific needs of a community,” McCauley said.

Plant City Realtor Ken Gibbs said Plant City currently has several land parcels that could accommodate a Target location.

A 19.2-acre parcel at 3018 James L. Redman Parkway is for sale. Currently, it is a cow pasture with two homes. It also has access to water and sewer lines.

But Gibbs cautions retailers from going any farther south, because the access to utilities may be limited or non-existent. There is also not a lot of development farther south. Gibbs said stores such as Target try to stay in high-traffic areas.

“Stores like this usually try and conglomerate where they are together,” Gibbs said. “Development for a Target in Plant City is going to require city water and sewer, high visibility and ease of access.”

To the north of that Redman parcel, there are a number of national and regional retail developments nearby, including Walmart and Lowe’s Home Improvement. Brandon Regional Hospital’s Plant City ER also sits across the street.

Two other parcels that satisfy Target’s size requirement are not for sale. A 30.29-acre plot at the southeast corner of Park Road and Sam Allen Road has just sold. The second is an 18.56-acre parcel at 702 W. Sam Allen Road. Currently, it is the site of a flea market.

Midtown may be another option, Gibbs said. The Sweetbay building would have to undergo renovations to fit the Target brand. The volume of traffic may be another issue with the location.

“Target works closely with local officials and guests to develop stores that complement and support a community’s needs,” McCauley said. “In addition, once a store is opened, we continue to support local communities.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

Cops Corner PLANT CITY

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

JUNE 16

CUTTING CRIMINAL

600 block of West Tever Street. Vehicle Burglary. The victim reported someone entered her unlocked Ford Escape and stole 10 Case pocket knives and one Spyderco knife. The total value is $600.

GO AHEAD, USE THEM

1300 block of North Franklin Street. Vehicle Burglary.

The victim reported that unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked white Chevy Suburban. The suspect(s) ransacked the interior and stole two blank checks on a closed checking account.

FUNNY MONEY

3500 block of West Baker Street. Counterfeit Bill. An unknown white male attempted to pay for merchandise with a counterfeit $10 bill.

CLEANED OUT

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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2110 block of Elmwood Court. Theft. The victim advised several items worth $2,700, including computer and other electronic equipment, were missing after a roommate moved out.

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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

3

government by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Commissioners honor first-responders Eleven Plant City Fire Rescue members helped save 11 victims after a May 19 car crash.

Plant City Manager Greg Horwedel honored 11 fire rescue team members during the City Commission meeting, July 8, at City Hall. Each first-responder received a letter of recognition of outstanding service for their actions on the scene of a May car crash accident.

“They did perform very well as a team,” Horwedel said. “They worked hard to protect our citizens.”

The two-car crash occurred May 19, at the intersection of Trapnell Road and James L. Redman Parkway. All 11 victims required rapid treatment. Two victims had to be extricated from their vehicles.

An 11-month-old baby had

to be transported, via helicopter, to Tampa General Hospital. Without the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the first-responders, the baby might not have survived, Horwedel said.

Assistant City Manager of Public Safety Bill McDaniel and Interim Fire Chief David Burnett gave remarks before the presentation of awards.

“This incident is a shining example of the outstanding abilities and dedication of the department,” McDaniel said. “It’s demonstrative of the teamwork they do every day. I’m extremely proud of these individuals and the department as a whole.”

The recipients include James

IN OTHER NEWS • Mayor Mary Mathis has declared 2013 the Year of the Youth. In honor of the proclamation, Vice Mayor Rick Lott was asked to find a youth who demonstrates outstanding ability. He selected Omar Castro.

Castro, 17, has just been signed to a Division 1 European soccer team in Germany. He got his start on the Plant City Lancers recreation team at age 3. Technically, the talented tot wasn’t supposed to start until 4, but his talent blew the organization away.

Maxwell, William Saunders, Reggie Smith, William Wimberly, Vince Kiffner, Stacy Stearns, David Jackson, Jimmy Riley, Wilfred Har-

Castro hasn’t had an easy road to success. He’s only one of two Americans this year to sign with Division 1 European teams. And he’s been legally adopted by the Lancer’s president, Stephen Rossiter.

From a humble background, Castro’s parents are migrant workers. When the family fell on hard times, his parents asked Rossiter for help. Rossiter assumed guardianship over the player when Castro was 11.

Castro contract includes a clause that for every 10 games he plays, his team will donate 25,000 euros to the Lancers grove, Jason Mesa and Jake Elliott.

“We truly, truly, truly appreciate what you do every day for our citizens,” Mayor Mary

program. Castro’s first game is Aug. 15. He plans to continue school through Florida Virtual School and graduate next year.

He holds a 3.9 GPA. • The commission voted to approve a public hearing scheduled for July 22, to consider a small-scale map amendment.

The amendment includes 12 parcels that have been developed with eight duplexes/ triplexes and three singlefamily homes on 1.97 acres, located west of North Plant Avenue, north and south of West Charlotte Street and north of West House Street.

Thomas Mathis said.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

helping hand by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Unity in the Community donates $10K to YMCA

off broadway

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor The actors currently are rehearsing three times per week to prepare for opening night.

Amber Jurgensen

Theater serves up fundraiser for 2013 ‘Les Mis’ production Plant City Entertainment’s version of ‘Les Miserables’ will open July 19.

IF YOU GO ‘Les Miserables’ Spaghetti Dinner WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. July 13 WHERE: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St., Plant City COST: $10 for adults; $5 for children DETAILS: The dinner will be held to benefit ‘Les Miserables.’ The menu will include spaghetti and choice of meat or plain tomato sauce, salad, bread, dessert and tea, coffee or fruit drink. Live entertainment will be provided by singers, dancers, musicians and actors from the show.

Les Miserables WHEN: 8 p.m. July 19 to 27 and Aug. 1 to 3; 2 p.m. July 28 WHERE: Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St., Plant City TICKETS: $10 for members or group advanced sales; $12 for seniors and students through 12th grade; $14 general admission non-members

Plant City Entertainment will serve up a night full of food and fun in preparation for its summer production of “Les Miserables.”

The community theater will host its Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser from 4 to 7 p.m. July 13, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s activity hall, 302 Carey St., Plant City. The price per dinner is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

Live entertainment will be provided by singers, dancers, musicians and actors from the show.

PCE is the first community theater in Florida to obtain the rights to the popular musical. Performance dates run from July 19 to Aug. 3.

Directed by PCE veteran Domin Pazo, “Les Miserables” will feature a whopping 52-member cast. Pazo spent 10 hours April 10, watching more than 100 hopefuls. “‘Les Mis’ and ‘Phantom’ are the two most popular musicals in the world,” Pazo said. “They just set such a high standard.”

“Les Miserables” was adapted to theaters last year, also causing a rise in popularity of the musical.

“The movie has to do a lot with it,” Pazo said. “People who loved ‘Les Mis’ in high school dragged their boyfriends and girlfriends

and friends to go see it. And now, they love it.”

Cast member Rick Faurote always has loved the songs from “Les Miserables.” During a Broadway Review, he sang some of protagonist Jean Valjean’s numbers. Now, he has a chance to act alongside the song, as one of the Valjeans in Pazo’s production.

“As a tenor, it’s a dream role,” Faurote said. “Actually being able to act it out lets me cross it off my bucket list.”

In addition to the large cast, a live band also will be performing during the show. The 18-member band has been Pazo’s biggest challenge.

“We have limited time with them, so we are learning together,” Pazo said.

“Les Miserables” follows Jean Valjean on his quest of redemption in 19th century France. After breaking his parole to make himself a better man, he is relentlessly hunted by Inspector Jalevert.

Throughout the musical, Valjean meets an array of characters, including orphan Cosette, to whom he becomes a guardian.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

For many years, the Plant City Family YMCA has provided youth programs and financial assistance to those who couldn’t take advantage of the camps and programs offered.

Unity in the Community, a Plant City-based charity, is helping ensure those efforts continue.

The Plant City non-profit presented the YMCA July 9, with a check for $10,000. The money will benefit the youth programs and scholarship initiatives.

“Most of our funding we receive go to our youth programs, as well as anything we do to reach out into the community,” said Rick Gould, the new executive director of the Plant City YMCA. Gould took the position June 24 and came to Plant City from Dover, Del. He has 25 years of experience working with the YMCA. This summer, the Plant City YMCA has about 80 kids enrolled in summer camps each week. Gould said more than half of those kids are able to participate in the programs because of financial assistance.

Aid is determined on a family’s financial status.

“We’re really dependent on the community to support us so we can provide services to families in need,” Gould said.

The YMCA is one of many

organizations and charities to which Unity donates. In 2012, it donated $130,000 to local charities and programs, including the YMCA, the United Food Bank of Plant City and Meals on Wheels.

In the last three years, Unity has donated $28,000 to the Plant City YMCA. “Organizations come in and make a presentation and we look over the presentation and donate the money to a cause that will benefit the most children in the community,” President Anna Reitz said. “The YMCA has a summer program where some of the kids can’t afford the full cost, so this money will help offset that so they can participate.”

Unity raises money throughout the year with fundraising events. They sponsored a golf tournament in May and raffled off a pickup at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival, courtesy of Stingray Chevrolet owner and Unity in the Community member Steve Hurley.

Unity will hold a clay sport shooting event Sept. 21, as another fundraising effort.

In addition to its summer camps, the YMCA is offering other youth programs, including team leadership, kindergarden readiness classes and a summer literacy program.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

Matt Mauney

New YMCA Executive Director Rick Gould, center, was joined by members of Unity in the Community and summer program campers for the check presentation.

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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Beautiful TAKING THE STAGE

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

TRIUMPH Nicole Bristol has a mental illness, but it’s not stopping her from becoming a beauty queen.

The Plant City teen will compete in the National America Miss Pageant this weekend, in Orlando.

Nicole Bristol was surrounded by a voice. It screamed at her during class. It stalked her at night.

The incessant sound was unrecognizable, plaguing her for months. Neither male or female, the Plant City High School student couldn’t make out what the voice was saying to her at first.

Then it got worse. It began to talk about gruesome things. “It was like Jeffrey Dahmer was living in my head,� Bristol said.

Soon, a spindly cloaked figure appeared to her. The red eyecharacter wielded a knife and followed her every step.

But no one seemed to notice it beside her.

That’s because the figure and the voice existed only in her head.

Bristol has bipolar one disorder with visual and auditory hallucinations. The 16-year-old was diagnosed with the disorder about 18 months ago. “I was perfectly healthy until about 14,� Bristol said. “Then things started to go wrong. I

thought, ‘It’ll go away, and everything will be fine.’�

But it didn’t. Along with the hallucinations, Bristol experienced drastic mood swings.

Periods of manic highs were followed by depressed lulls.

Irrational episodes of extreme anger landed her on the therapist’s couch. Finally, she told the therapist that not only was she having mood swings, but also she was seeing and hearing things.

Her therapist sent her to St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center.

There, she endured a psychological evaluation. The rules were simple but strict: no cell phone, only 15 minutes of outside free time a day, and sleep with the door open. “It was a different experience, but not a bad one,� Bristol said. “It was nice to meet kids dealing with the same situation. It was nice to talk with someone with similar feelings and knew what I was going through.�

She’s been admitted three times.

After her first hospital trip,

Amber Jurgensen

Nicole Bristol said she can’t wait to wear this gown at the National America Miss Pageant.

Bristol tried to go back to school. But the crowded building caused her too much anxiety. Although she tried to get to school early, the hallways closed in with bodies. The bell was a death sentence. She has

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to be home-schooled.

Through all the obstacles, the resilient teenager isn’t letting her disorder stop her. On July 14, Bristol will compete in the National America Miss Pageant, in Orlando, her first pag-

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eant. Bristol wants to inspire other girls fighting against the odds.

She also thinks the pageant will help with her anxiety. To control her anxiety, Bristol takes Xanax. She also takes an antidepressant and an antipsychotic.

Crowds trigger her anxiety.

To prepare for the pageant, she has been putting herself in front of people. During a workshop day, Bristol had to stand in front of around 50 people to introduce herself.

So far, Bristol remains calm about the experience. She’s still hasn’t yet written her introduction. But, she does have a dazzling dress.

The black chiffon gown is dotted with glimmering crystals. Bristol considers her fashion style more rocker chick and less girly girl. As tall as a runway model, Bristol has gaged ears and a whimsical tattoo of musical notes on her hip. Her friend, Summer Rogers, has offered to help do her makeup and hair.

And, no matter the pageant outcome, Bristol said the experience of taking the stage will be a huge step in her life. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from all of this is that there’s hope,� Bristol said. “There’s going to be a sunshiny day at the end. Never give up.

Always keep trying. “It’s something you have to accept,� she said of her diagnosis. “It’s part of who you are.

You have to embrace it and not think negatively.�

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

5

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE!

MUSKAT, OMAN. 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.

“Our family is thrilled to have a local newspaper with actual news of Plant City life,” Melane says. “I worked ages ago as a reporter for my small hometown paper, The Brewton Standard, and I can tell you everybody wanted a copy of that paper every week, because it was their news.”

Snap a photo of you with the paper at your destination of choice and email it to Managing Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com. Make sure you include your full name and where the photo was taken.

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Observer

PLANT CITY

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

SPOTLIGHT

LETTER

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

TO THE

“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.”

EDITOR

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

+ Education needs restructuring

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

Charleene Closshey and Richard H. Blake star in “Feather.”

Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com

Plant City composer debuts production at New York festival

Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com

Charleene Closshey’s ‘Feather’ is part of the 2013 New York Musical Theatre Festival. NRG also will be performing as the youth choir.

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

The colors are vibrant — turquoise, red and yellow — all smattered on a canvas. Papua New Guinea artist Jeffry Feeger attacks the slate, massaging the tints in a circular motion with his bare hands, palming the pigments to cover the space.

Feeger looks like he is throwing caution to the wind. But what appears like an abstract piece suddenly becomes something more.

It’s a completely organic experience, as Feeger uses the tips of his smudged fingers to create a face outline.

Finally he picks up a brush. Miraculously, a nose begins to appear. Then, the eyes of his subject take shape.

The rich colors and liberating strokes form a portrait of Plant City native and composer Charleene Closshey during the theatrical production “Catharsis.”

The painting looks just like her.

And Feeger did it in two hours.

It was a video like this that first drew Closshey to the artist. Australian human rights consultant and friend Rae Smart sent Closshey and her fiance and writer, Jeremy Culver, a YouTube video of Feeger painting a live portrait.

“He just paints portraits in a unique and fascinating way,” Closshey said. “Jeremy saw a story. I saw a symphony.”

The couple immediately wanted to collaborate with the artist for a show.

After a rendezvous in Malibu with Rae and Feeger, the group created a show for a private function. To Closshey’s music, Feeger performed a live painting set.

The positive feedback motivated Culver to write a script.

Originally called “Catharsis,” the show became a unique multimedia experience. It sought to tell the untold story of Noosa, Queensland-based charity founder Moy Sweetman.

“Catharsis” premiered in 2012, in Noosa, Australia. With outstanding reviews, the team was able to enter the show into the internationally acclaimed New York Musical Theatre Festival.

“The main theme of the story is really about love and sacrifice.”

Closshey said. “It explores the

Accounting Manager / Petra Kirkland, pkirkland@PlantCityObserver.com

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Jeffry Feeger is an artist based in Papua New Guinea. mundane aspects of life but with a greater scope as well.”

After making adjustments to the script, the show is now called “Feather: A Musical Portrait.”

“Feather” follows a married couple, Cat and Eli. Cat is a human rights attorney. Eli is a photojournalist making a documentary film on child refugees. When Eli is abducted from a refugee camp, Cat replays the events to her therapist.

On stage, the story unfolds, jumping from past to present, how they fell in love, what tore them apart and how it all relates to a greater purpose.

The plot is riveting, but perhaps what stands out most is the unique way it is presented. Each performance is completely different. Each night will feature a different story of a child.

Stories like one little girl in a war-torn corner of the world. She witnessed her father being shot to death. At just 3 years old, she could only recall two memories about her tumultuous beginnings — her humble house being bombed and not having any bread to eat.

“Each story is unique,” Closshey said. “Some are full of hope.

Some have to stop going to school to work for their families at the age of 7.”

While the story unfolds, Feeger will be painting a portrait of one of the children on stage.

Closshey also will find her-

Courtesy photos

self on stage as Cat. “It’s kind of surreal,” Closshey said about acting in her own creation. “It’s very artistically rewarding.”

Alongside her includes a slew of talented artists. Broadway veteran Richard H. Blake will be playing Eli. Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Derek Wieland is the music director and will be playing the musician.

Plant City’s youth pop group, NRG, also will be performing as the youth choir. Their songs are written in Sanskrit.

Proceeds from the show and sale of the paintings will benefit the Save the Children Foundation. The show itself gives a call to action by highlighting the unimaginable strife in the world.

“It’s not forced,” Closshey said.

“Some people are doers; some people are watchers. You can choose to be entertained or motivated to action. But, it’s really about telling the story.

“Humanity thrives on stories,” she said.

“Feather” will be showing July 9, 10, 13, 14 and 16, at the Alice Griffin Jewel Box Theater, at Signature Center, in Manhattan, with possible extension dates on July 15 or 18.

For more information about “Feather,” visit FeatherTheMusical.com.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Dear Editor: How is it, that with all the tax dollars allotted to educating our youth in America, we only rate in the middle of the world’s standings?

The United States spends more money on education than any other country in the world, yet we still get these less-than-expected results.

The answer is waste, fraud, ridiculous government grants and misuse of our hard-earned tax dollars by the federal government and teachers unions abroad.

We have teachers who are tenured with astronomical salaries, retirement plans and medical plans that not only can we not afford but also are one of the main culprits in the rising tuition to our schools. This tends to usurp the necessity for which our dollars should be used — for the youth — not someone’s bank statement or their ego.

We here 24/7 about how we need more money for education, which is the left’s answer to every problem — throw more wasted money at it in hopes of gaining more votes and power.

No, we need a thorough audit and restructuring of our education system, along with financial and moral disciplining there, as well as with our youth.

We the people need to remove the federal government from our educational system and return to the success of the local municipalities in the early 1960s, prior to the take over by Lyndon Johnson and the so-called “Great Society,” when all families were far better than today’s nightmare of dependency, when it came to education and the solidity of a home with both a mother and a father being present in their lives, proving that it takes a family, not a village.

Our current president claims to be a warrior for the working class and our youth. Really?

As many as 18% of our graduates are being forced into jobs below their education level — solely because of this president and his strangling, inept economic policies.

They are moving back into their bedrooms at home, instead of getting out on their own, because of these failed policies and our government’s latest Ponzi scheme — student loans.

Are you aware that student loans are the only loan on which you cannot declare bankruptcy?

Students are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars of loan debt, and thanks to this administration and its policies, they can’t find a job that will allow them to ever pay this loan back. That smacks of control by the government to me.

Currently, in New Jersey, it costs the taxpayers $27,000 per year to educate a child in a regular school. How is that possible?

And now this government has raised the interest on student loans to double what it was before July 1.

It proves that education in the U.S. today is just another one of the government and socialist intervention failures.

Gary Keeler Plant City

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

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HEALTHY AND HAPPY

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Festival grounds offer summer fun at Senior Fest and Jamboree Seniors flocked to the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall June 27, for the third annual Senior Fun

Fest and Jamboree.

The health fair also featured bingo, live entertainment and a host of vendors

and organizations, including the Red Hat Society.

More than 100 vendors participated in this year’s event.

Life is better in the Quick Lane.

Auto service just got better!

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Oil Change, 4 tire rotation, battery inspection, multipoint inspection, check and top off all fluids, and brake inspection.

Shop supplies and tax extra. Most cars and light trucks.

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Not to exceed 10% parts & labor Expires 7/16/13

(813) 757-6429 2000 East Baker St. Plant City, FL 33563 Emily Guglielmo and Elizabeth Aguilar were from Team MOR.

at Jarrett-Scott Ford

Service Hours Mon. - Fri. 7am - 7pm Sat. 7am - 3pm

www.jarrettscottford.com

Gerd Cohran, Ellen Kowalski and Mac McClendon had a fun day at the event.

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Marilyn Waltz, Dottie Fulford and Elizabeth Calloway represented the Red Hat Society and were promoting Red Hat Day in Plant City — March 4, 2014.

CITY PROPERTIES COMPANY MANAGEMENT • SALES • RENTALS

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

GOLF COURSE/PAGE 1 reason we chose Walden Lake,” Shelly said. “It’s the only reason.”

But now, that No. 4 hole — and all of Walden Lake’s Hills course, for that matter — have turned the Orricos’ dream retirement into a nightmare. Closed May 15, the Hills is hardly recognizable as a golf course. Weeds have invaded the putting greens, and the oncepristine fairways now are indistinguishable from homeowners’ yards.

Since the Orricos purchased their home, dwindling membership numbers and a struggling economy have put financial strain on Visions Golf LLC, the entity that owns and operates Walden Lake Golf & Country Club. In 2011, Visions Golf LLC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and emerged in February 2012.

After General Manager Steve Mercer closed the Hills course, residents became alarmed when they noticed Visions Golf stopped mowing and maintaining the course.

Shelly Orrico filed code-enforcement complaints with Plant City, and ultimately, Mercer had the course mowed. But, the Hills course still is far from playable, and after learning of Mercer’s plans to potentially remove parts of both golf courses in favor of townhomes and retail space, Shelly Orrico called for a town meeting.

More than 200 Walden Lake residents attended the July 8 meeting, held outside the Walden Lake Community Association’s building. There, Shelly Orrico and her supporters gathered signatures on a petition, which they plan to submit to Plant City commissioners at their regular meeting July 22.

“We, as a community, have to band together to slow down or possibly stop this process,” Shelly Orrico told the residents. “Right now, I’m a one-man band. But, all of us can be an orchestra.”

Many residents in attendance spoke of declining property values. The Orricos’ home recently was appraised for $30,000 less — largely because of the condition of the golf course, she said.

Resident Joe Shillady said he received similar news about his home.

“The condition is decreasing our home values rapidly,” he said via email. “I have proof ... an appraisal last month of my property was $30,000 less than one two years ago, when the course was playable. The appraisal included a picture of the unsightly golf course.”

Officers from the Walden Lake Community Association were not present at the meeting.

“The Walden Lake directors, at the advice of counsel, didn’t attend the resident meeting, (because) it was really their meeting — not the board of directors,” President Jan Griffin said. “We need to gather all the facts relating to the land before we can properly and legally assist the residents.”

However, Griffin said, the WLCA’s official stance is one of support for its residents.

“Walden Lake and its board of directors opposes the development of the Walden Lake golf courses,” she said. “We wish to preserve the current Walden Lake golf courses and related amenities.”

HISTORY

Walden Lake’s two golf courses date back to the 1970s, when the original developer Walden Lake Inc. constructed the first 18 holes.

The first nine holes of the second course were built in the 1980s, followed by the final nine holes in the 1990s.

The sandtraps on the Hills course are full of weeds, and the fairways are indisinguishable from the roughs.

Hundreds of residents signed the peitition to stop Visions Golf’s development plans.

The property has had many owners since its inception. Fairways Group purchased it from Walden Lake Inc. and Sun City Center Corp. Under the Restrictions and Easement Agreement among Walden Lake Inc., Sun City Center Corp. and Fairways Group, the developer included language dictating operations protocols for the golf course.

“All portions of the golf and country club shall continue to be operated and open for use by members during the term of the restriction set forth in this subparagraph (b), subject to temporary closure for not more than five days for maintenance and repair and for installation of new improvements on or to the golf and country club,” the agreement reads.

Furthermore, the document provides standards for maintenance.

“It is understood and recognized by Fairways that the continued maintenance and operation of the golf and country club has a material impact on the future development of Walden Lake by Sun City and (Walden Lake Inc.) and that this restriction is an integral part of the consideration for the conveyance of the property,” it states.

Visions Golf LLC purchased the course from Fairways Group in 2006. Before taking over Walden Lake, Mercer had served as manager for the now defunct Plant City Golf Course.

Orrico and her supporters argue that Mercer’s recent actions — the current closing the Hills course and the conditions of the course itself — violate the original developer’s intentions for the property. Furthermore, the Hills course contains several city code violations, they say.

Mercer said he plans to keep the course mowed to satisfy city code.

“A couple of weeks ago, circumstances — additional rain and repair issues with our large mower — caused us to fall behind on our scheduled mowing,” he said. “We

expect to keep the course mowed to the required standards for as long as it is necessary.”

FINANCIAL STRUGGLE

In every year since Visions Golf has operated Walden Lake Golf & Country Club, it has lost money.

Mercer attributes the struggle to a sluggish economy, fewer members and a golf and country club operation that may be too large for the community it serves.

“When we bought Walden Lake Golf & Country Club in 2006, our intentions were to operate a 36hole golf operation, tennis, pool and fitness facilities, along with banquet and restaurant operations,” Mercer said. “Even with the recession beginning in 2008, we invested over a million dollars into the facilities, in hopes it would help us maintain and improve our memberships and general sales.”

Unfortunately, it didn’t work.

Memberships continued to decline and now are down to about 100 golf memberships. By comparison, Mercer said he would need about 400 golf memberships to run a profitable 18-hole operation, or 700 to operate all 36 holes.

“These numbers only include the maintenance of a course in good condition,” he said. “The costs of renovation of just 18 holes will run into seven figures, and 36 holes of renovation is not feasible.”

Furthermore, he noted, of the 100 residents who have property bordering the front nine of the Hills course, only one is an active member.

Resident Howard Rawlings, who had been a member of the country club since 1994, attended the town hall meeting and reiterated that residents’ support was crucial to the success of the golf and country club.

“It takes money to run a golf course,” he said. “A lot of us here haven’t been supporting the club, so if you want a golf course, step up and join.”

In August 2012, Mercer and former general manager John Keaton

Walden Lake resident Shelly Orrico, right, is spearheading the fight against Visions Golf and General Manager Steve Mercer.

THE PETITION Walden Lake residents ask the City of Plant City and Hillsborough County to evaluate the Walden Lake Golf & Country Club’s request for the rezoning and building of homes by Walden Lake Golf & Country Club on golf course property.

Walden Lake residents purchased homes at a premium, with the intent of living on a golf course or in a golf course community. The additional building of homes and closing one or both courses would seriously impact the current values of all Walden Lake residents.

asked for residents’ support. They approached the Walden Lake Community Association about adding a $200 fee to homeowners’ dues, which would give them full access to the club.

The WLCA denied the request.

“As to Visions Golf and Steve Mercer’s request for $200 per household assessed by the WCLA, our stance is legal,” Griffin said.

“We cannot give a private company money from our homeowners to keep his business open without permission from every homeowner. “

MERCER’S PLAN

As a business owner, Mercer has been searching for a way to stop the hemorrhaging of money. Understanding his customer base is primarily the Walden Lake community, he said he is prepared to share all of his plans for redevelopment and hopes to have the community help shape those plans.

“As of right now, our plans are not definitive, but the Hills front nine course is part of the area we are looking at for possible development,” Mercer said. “The back nine of the Hills is closed but is being considered for renovation and to remain part of the golf course. ...

We have not come to a definite decision to leave it closed as of today.

“Our intentions all along have included meeting with the residents and HOAs — when we a have a complete plan to present and discuss,” he said. “But at this time, we have not completed the process, and it would not be beneficial to anyone to try to present an incomplete proposal.”

In January, Mercer told the Plant City Observer he and his partners were considering a town-center-type concept. That could include commercial space for shops and restaurants, and adding more residential units to the community — a possibility that has angered Shelly Orrico and others. They say they are losing the amenity that attracted them to Walden Lake in the first place.

“We want to see (the golf course) brought back to life,” Shelly Orrico said. “We want someone else to jump in and give it a shot.”

Resident Terry Murphy, a Walden Lake resident since 1996, agreed.

“We’re not going to let this happen,” she said. “If I have to lie down on the golf course, this isn’t going to happen.”

So far, no proposal has been submitted for city review. According to conveyance documents issued in 1990 and 1993, no redevelopment can take place until 25 years after the documents were signed. That means the earliest development could begin would be 2015, said resident Scott Collins, a developer for Vantage Properties.

If and when that time comes, Mercer said his goal is to build something that will make Walden Lake a stronger community.

“We hope that when everything is presented, the community will see the benefits of the whole project and will help us transform Walden Lake Golf & Country Club into a premier golfing facility and, thus, the community into a premier golfing community,” he said.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@ plantcityobserver.com.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Hailey and Ethan Quigley

Clark and Cale Bazley raised money for Cub Scouts.

Mareli Palacios

Jett Scaglione

IN FOCUS

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor Abigail and Conor Stephens loved participating in all the activities at Plant City Stadium.

Sherlyn Hernandez

America Beautiful THE

Intermittent thunderstorms couldn’t extinguish Plant City’s American spirit, as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World celebrated the Fourth of July with food, fun and, of course, fireworks, at Plant City Stadium.

Attendees arrived early for a plethora of activities, including face-painting, bounce houses, crafts from Lowe’s Home Improvement and much more.

Then, at 9 p.m., the city turned off the stadium lights for a 20-plus-minute fireworks display.

Kylee Kincaid was all decked out in red, white and blue.

Autumn Suiter and Amelia Carricales

Kirsten, Kinsey and Shauna Horn had a blast at this year’s celebration.

The Double Barrel Band was one of two bands to perform at this year’s celebration.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

OBSERVEROBITUARIES Thomas Judson Boehm III

Thomas (Tom) Judson Boehm III, 62, of Plant City, died July 6, 2013, after battling cancer for 13 years.

Mr. Boehm was born May 29, 1951, in Boston. He was the son of Thomas Jr. and Daphne (Gamsby) Boehm.

He was employed by Publix Supermarkets for almost 40 years and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife, Alice; sister, Debbie Alligood (Charles); three sons, Tommy Boehm, David Boehm and Chris Shanks; three daughters, Carol Moore (Jeff), Camille Vetzel (Rick) and Cindy Killpatrick (Glenn); and grandchildren, Alex, Jordan, Max, Taylor, Lindsey, Hunter, Allie, Harrison, Braden, Haylin, Paige and Michael.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. July 12, at Wells Memorial Funeral and Event Center, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m.

Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.

Randy Eugene Childers

Randy Eugene Childers, 59, of Plant City, died June 24, 2013, at his home.

Born Aug. 16, 1953, in Lapeer, Mich., he was the son of the late Joe Childers and Jean Kabosky Turner, who survives.

Mr. Childers served from 1976 to 1979,

in the U.S. Army and retired from Publix as a meat cutter and store manager. He enjoyed fishing and working on cars, trucks and tractors. He also raised pigmy goats.

Survivors include his mother, Jean Kabosky Turner; sons, Randy E. Childers Jr. and Scott Childers; sister, Diana Tallent; three grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Giselle Childers.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Det. Rick Childers; and sisters, Lindy Humphry and Barbara Ann Childers.

A funeral service was held July 8, at Whitehurst Baptist Church. Interment was in Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Michael Thomas Cole

Michael Thomas Cole, 32, of Plant City, died July 1, 2013.

Born Aug. 25, 1980, in Tampa, he was the son of Thomas Cole and Deborah Johnson.

He was the husband of Terri Cole.

Mr. Cole was a senior environmental technician with Mosaic and loved his family greatly.

Survivors include his wife, Terri; son, Collin; and sisters, Brandi Wiley and Hol-

Christian Business

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Larry Scott Lindner

Larry Scott Lindner, 53, of Plant City, died July 6, 2013, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Tampa.

He was born April 30, 1960, in St. Louis, Mo., to Ronald H. and Charmain (Laubersheiner) Lindner. He married Tina (Knapp), who survives.

Mr. Lindner worked in the telecommunications industry and was employed

by ACCI Inc. in Tampa. He enjoyed life, Harley-Davidson motorcyles and always had the biggest and brightest house on the block at Christmas.

He is survived by his parents; his wife, Tina; two sons, Nicholas and Tyler; one brother, Ronald; and a sister, Debbie Miller.

A Celebration of Life service was held July 10, at Wells Memorial and Event Center.

Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.

Melanie L. Singletary

Melanie L. Singletary, 49, of Sanford, died July 2, 2013.

Born Nov. 12, 1963, in Lakeland, she was the daughter of Thomas Southerland and Yvonne Yeomans.

She also is survived by Billy Oden.

The family has not planned any services at this time.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

Erlene Bush Smith

Erlene Bush Smith, 69, of Plant City, died June 28, 2013, at her daughter’s home, in Sarasota.

She was born April 9, 1944, in Brooklet, Ga., to the late Anderson Bush and the late Francis Wilkerson Bush.

Mrs. Smith enjoyed fishing, playing solitaire and reading — especially her Bible. She was a special, kind, caring and unique individual who touched the lives of everyone who crossed her path.

Survivors include her husband, William K. Smith; daughter, Rosa Daughtry (Stan); brother, Jonathan Bush; sisters, Verna Johnson (Lee), Ollie Reaves (Emmanuel), Dardell Baldwin, Bernice Taylor, Rosa Sanders (Ernest) and Arnetha Sirmons; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny B. Bush, and sister, Linda Sue Bush.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. July 13, at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, 911 E.Warren St., Plant City. A wake will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. July 12, at the church.

Winslow Honors Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.

NOTICE OF SALE

Wyley F. Johnson A/C & Heating Inc. Wyley (813) 997-3307 Terry (813) 416-3178

ly McLean (Richard).

Funeral services will be private at a later date.

If desired, donations may be made to the Collin A. Cole Fund, c/o Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, 1905 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.

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

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

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Sports

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Nick Gorman qualifies for world competition. 13

PLANTCITYObserver.com

SHOW ME THE MAUNEY

McBride puts PCHS in national spotlight

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

INTERNATIONAL STAR

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Last week, Montel McBride (complete with PS3 and XBox was playing the “NCAA 14” 360 consoles) and the opporvideo game on Playstation 3, in tunity to meet NFL stars such Oregon. as Adrian Peterson, Marshawn It was a full week before the Lynch and Clay Matthews. game was released to the public “How they treated us was like (Tuesday). we were in the pros,” he said.

“It was a ball,” he says.

“The best thing for me But playing a new video was the teaching that game wasn’t the only went on.” thing McBride was doing McBride is no stranger in Beaverton, Ore., the to performing well at — home of Nike. The Plant he was the offensive line City High School offenMVP at the Nike Football sive/defensive lineman Training camp in Orlando was one of about 160 in March and won the of the best high school same award in February MATT prospects in the country at MVP Camp in Valdosta, MAUNEY at Nike’s “The Opening,” Ga. — but the experience an annual combine held in Oregon will be one he at the Nike world headquarters. will never forget.

There, the 6-4, 330-pound In addition to working out for Class of 2014 prospect participat- prestigious coaches and with ed in various drills and workouts, other talented prospects on along with a lineman challenge. national TV (the three-day camp “The whole experience was was aired on the ESPN netjust so much fun,” he said. works), McBride made his colMcBride and the other camp lege choice official by commitparticipants received a VIP treatting to the University of Alabama ment at the prestigious camp, while he was in Oregon. receiving some Nike swag, having access to the players lounge SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 12

TOP SPIN

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Local tennis player headed to nationals In the last few months, 12-year-old Maggie Pate has skyrocketed from a promising young prospect to an elite youth tennis player.

Maggie Pate may not belong to a fancy tennis academy or spend every second of her free time on the court, but she has loads of potential playing the sport she loves.

The 12-year-old Keysville resident practices four to five days per week at the public tennis courts at Ellis Methvin Park, in Plant City.

Playing since she was 6, Pate took to the sport immediately and hasn’t lost interest since.

“The biggest thing for me is her desire to train and work hard

herself,” Plant City Recreation and Parks Department tennis pro Shane Johnson said.

Johnson began coaching Pate six years ago during a tots beginner lesson. She quickly progressed and was placed with older players.

In the past few months, Pate has faced other talented young players and held her own — enough to raise her USTA Florida Juniors ranking to qualify her for the 12U

SEE PATE / PAGE 13

This will be Chelsea Baker’s second trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Courtesy photo

Knuckleball Princess

Chelsea Baker, a standout baseball pitcher who has been featured on ESPN, MLB Network and Good Morning America, among others, has an opportunity to play for an all-girls 16U team this August, in Japan.

Matt Mauney

Maggie Pate practices several times per week at Ellis Methvin Park.

At just 16 years old, Chelsea Baker’s baseball career has allowed her to travel the country to play the game she loves.

This August, the Plant City resident will have the opportunity to play overseas in a part of the world in which women’s baseball is a common and popular commodity.

Baker’s 16U all-girl All-Star team, comprising some of

the best young players from around the United States, will head Aug. 10-17, to Osaka, Japan, for five exhibition games against Japanese all-girl high school baseball teams.

This will be Baker’s second trip to the Land of the Rising Sun but her first time actually competing. She went in March 2012, as a goodwill ambassador for girls’ baseball in the

U.S. and Japan’s Hit and Run Baseball.

“It was a fun trip and allowed me to experience their culture,” she said. “Their transportation and everything was different, and I had to have a translator the whole time, because I couldn’t understand anybody.”

SEE BAKER / PAGE 12

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

BAKER/PAGE 11 Along with her teammates and their families, Baker will travel to Japan with her parents. Hit and Run Baseball is sponsoring the trip and paying for room and board, but players and their families are responsible for their own transportation.

Plane tickets cost about $1,900 per person, so Baker’s father, Rod Mason, created a fundraising website to help cover some of the cost.

As of Wednesday morning, $1,600 has been raised to help cover Baker’s ticket.

“The support of the local community here has been great,” Mason said. “This is a wonderful opportunity for these girls, and it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many of them.”

RESPECTING THE GAME

During her previous trip, Baker saw vast differences between women’s baseball in Japan and the U.S. “They have a lot more passion for the game, I feel like, than we do here,” she said.

In Japan, women’s baseball is a popular sport, drawing 30,000 to 35,000 fans to venues such as the Tokyo Dome during professional games.

“We didn’t get to play last time, so I’m excited about that,” Baker said.

Japan’s national team won the World Cup in August 2012, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, beating the U.S. national team in the finals. Participation in women’s baseball is also much higher than the U.S., although the sport has grown rapidly the past few years.

“Japan baseball is really good,” Mason said. “This trip will be fun to see how our girls stack up.”

CELEBRITY STATUS

For some, playing in a foreign place may be intimidating, but Baker, a pitcher, is used to having many eyes on her when she takes the mound.

Baker’s dominance in Little League, including throwing two perfect games, gained her national attention, including

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Help Chelsea DETAILS: Japan’s Hit and Run Baseball is putting the trip together, but all players and their families are responsible for their own airfare, which runs about $1,900 per person.

HOW TO HELP: Chelsea’s father, Rod Mason, has put together a site to help raise money to pay for Chelsea’s ticket. To donate, visit gofundme. com/34z8dw. a segment on ESPN’s “E60” and MLB’s “This Week in Baseball.” In August 2010, she had her Brandon Farms Little League jersey on display at the Baseball Hall of Fame, in Cooperstown, N.Y. During the trip, Baker was featured on “Good Morning America” and was able to throw on Broadway in Times Square, with her dad catching.

“I remember being more nervous than she was,” Mason said. “There were people lining the street and cameras all pointed at us. I could barely throw the ball back to her. I asked her, ‘How do you do stuff like this,’ and she said, ‘Dad, we’re just playing catch.’”

Baker’s signature pitch is one of the rarest in baseball and even more uncommon at the youth level — the knuckleball.

Baker learned the pitch from the late Joe Niekro, a former Major League player and brother of MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro.

Throughout the years, she has perfected the crafty pitch, thrown to minimize the spin of the ball in flight, causing an erratic, unpredictable motion. Not only has it led to dominating pitching performances and many strikeouts against boys her age, but also it has been effective against those much older than the young pitcher.

In February, Baker was invited to be a part of MLB Network’s first reality TV series, “The Next Knuckler.” There, she met famous Boston Red Sox knuckleballer Tim Wakefield and had an opportunity to pitch against the show’s contestants

— five former quarterbacks who were competing to learn the pitch from Wakefield. Baker would strike out former MLB infielder and Louisiana State quarterback Josh Booty, the eventual winner of the competition, along with the show’s host, Kevin Millar, a former teammate of Wakefield.

“That day was the best I’ve ever seen her knuckleball,” Mason said of his daughter.

“No one could hit her that day.”

Although she has garnered plenty of attention in the States, Baker is a celebrity figure in Japan. In her visit last year, she was featured on the front page of sports pages and on Japanese TV shows. She was also constantly asked to sign autographs by adoring fans.

“I’m almost known more in Japan than the U.S.,” she said. “They call me the Knuckleball Princess.”

PRO POTENTIAL

Baker was offered a women’s professional contract in Japan when she was just 15. If she accepted, she would be making around $40-50,000 a year and playing against some women twice her age. Although taking the offer wasn’t the right fit at the time, Baker is considering playing overseas, after graduating from Durant High School, where she will be a junior this fall.

“I’ve thought about playing for the U.S. national team and thought about playing in Japan, and I just think it would be a neater experience if I play in Japan, because I would be the first foreigner to ever play over there,” she said. “I would love to do that.”

In the meantime, Baker is soaking everything in and enjoying playing this summer for her travel ball team, the Angels of Baseball Heaven. She is the only female player on the team.

Baker played on Durant’s junior varsity team last spring and hopes to make varsity next year.

“That’s been a goal of mine for a long time,” she said.

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver.com.

MAUNEY/PAGE 11 “At first, I wasn’t going to commit while I was there,” he said. “I was just going to go up there and enjoy the experience, but it just came down to what felt like the best thing for me. It just felt like the right thing to do.”

McBride, who had been offered by the Crimson Tide less than a month before “The Opening,” said he has stayed in constant contact with Alabama coaches since defensive line coach Chris Rumph attended one of his summer practices at PCHS. “Before he left that day, he said, ‘Don’t be surprised if I come back with some good news,’” McBride said.

His long list of suitors were looking at him as either an offensive or defensive lineman at the next level. McBride will play defensive tackle and offensive guard for the Raiders this fall.

McBride went on a college tour earlier this summer that included stops at Clemson, Kentucky, Louisville, Tennessee and Vanderbilt. He will head to Tuscaloosa this weekend for the very first time.

“I haven’t been able to make it up there until now, but I’m so happy to be going this weekend,” he said.

Alabama was a dream school for McBride, and with his verbal commitment out in the open, he now can focus on the task at hand — preparing for his senior season at PCHS. “That’s the most important thing for me right now,” he said. “I want to make sure I’m the best player I can be for my last season at Plant City.”

McBride’s success and commitment to a national power like the Crimson Tide only helps to propel the football program at PCHS. The Raiders are no strangers to sending players to the next level, but this year could prove to be one of the most successful in that sense, with a handful of rising seniors already with Division I offers. Defensive end Sedrick King and tight end Landon Galloway also have already made verbals, both committing to Central Florida.

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

PATE/PAGE 11

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

NICK GORMAN Describe the experience of winning a national title.

It felt really good. The whole team was there in Cincinnati with me. I had never been there before. It was a great competition, and I did very well.

It’s just exciting to know that the hard work had paid off and knowing that everyone behind behind me.

Have you been to nationals before?

I had been three times before, but this was my first competing in a black belt division.

What was it like to compete at the highest division?

I knew that it was going to be much more difficult than the past competitions. I knew that I had to train a lot more ahead of time to make sure I did well. It was different, because there were so many more divisions I was able to compete in this year. I had six divisions I could compete

LOOKING AHEAD

in this year, where you have less if you are a blue or brown belt.

What do you know about the World Championship?

It was in Australia this year, and the competitors from the United States did very well. We’ve had many World Champions. In 2010, when the World Championships were in Italy, two students from our karate school — Kyle Queenan and Emarie Gaudet — went and did very well. That was my first year competing in tournaments, so I was really inspired by them and thought that when I got to the black belt division, I would have my chance, as well.

What do you like about karate?

In school, it is more of a business relationship with the students and teachers, but karate is more of a friendship. I consider Mr. Welbon a friend. He’s been doing karate for over 30 years, and when he is refereeing an event, he’ll introduce me to some of the best American karate fighters ever.

NOTICE OF SALE

Lake

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.

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Maggie’s interest in tennis came from watching Wimbledon and other tournaments on television.

“I just thought the sport looked interesting,” she said.

Johnson says her backhand was her most natural stroke and was “pretty textbook,” while her forehand has “really come on since she was 9.”

“Everything is starting to really click for her,” Johnson said.

One attribute Maggie has is the top spin she has learned to put on the ball.

“Coach Shane taught me how to hit with top spin, and not many girls know how to do that, so it was very helpful,” she said.

“Not many girls can handle it, and it’s obviously working for me.”

Maggie took part in the Sanchez-Casal Academy last week in Naples. It was her first big tennis camp away from home and gave her exposure to nationally ranked and international youth players.

“She decided she wanted to do it and that she could do it,” Morris said. “We thought that it would be a good experience for her.”

Maggie also hits regularly with Rhett Rollyson, a local player who was a standout at the University of Florida. Rollyson volunteers his time to workout with young area players to give them extra practice.

“She will be the first youth player from Plant City to go to nationals in 25 years,” Rollyson said.

Maggie is districted for Durant High School. While it is still a few years away, she hopes to play in college.

“Everybody in my family went to Alabama, so I know that would be good for me,” she said. “I also like Stanford, but I know that’s a really hard school to get into.”

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver.com.

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.

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For about four-and-a-half years

DIFFERENT APPROACH

Pate doesn’t have the typical life of a young tennis prospect.

At her age, many players dedicate their free time to the game, and many are homeschooled or attend virtual school, so they can have extra practice time in the afternoons with private coaches and trainers.

“She’s not a full-time tennis player, but she’s managed to excel,” Pate’s father, Morris, said. “My wife and I are big proponents of her just being a kid. There comes a point where you have to give her some downtime and not be out there all day, every day.”

Morris said he never wants Maggie to feel pressure to play.

“Tennis is just something she loves to do,” he said of Maggie, who also plays the cello in the orchestra at Mulrennan Middle School. “If she ever gets in trouble for something, the biggest punishment you can give her is to take tennis away.”

Johnson has seen many talented junior players who burn out by the time they reach their teenage years.

“I’ve seen kids time and time again drop out once they can make choices themselves,” Johnson said. “If your hearts not in it, you’re not going to do well or keep playing.”

But, Maggie loves to compete and is willing to work hard. Because of that hard work, Maggie — a public parks kid — is going to a national tournament that many academy kids fell short of qualifying.

“You never really know what the potential is in a young player,” Johnson said.

“But what you can hope for is that they can play in college and get a quality education through that. If they go further than that, then that’s just gravy.”

For Maggie, the nationals will be an opportunity to improve, both physically and mentally.

Plant City High rising senior Nick Gorman, 17, qualified for the World Karate Championships in 2014, after winning the national championship for the 17 Advanced Kumite (fighting) division in Cincinnati. He will head to Detroit in early August for the Junior Olympics team trial, along with three other students from the Plant City-based Chris Welbon Karate Club — Jack Ray, Jakob Arnold and Ryan Bjelke.

How long have you been studying karate?

Clay Court Nationals this weekend, in Boca Raton.

“Only 128 in the nation made it in, and I’m just glad I’m one,” she said.

“When I heard that the tournament was coming up, I knew I wanted to be in it and compete against great players,” she said.

“I’m hoping it will make me better and mentally stronger when I have matches against good players.”

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ATHLETE of the week

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Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Plant City

RAIN

(inches)

I PC

Weather

WED. July 3

0.37

THURS.

TemperatureS

Thurs., July 11 Fri., July 12 Sat., July 13 Sun., July 14 Mon., July 15 Tues., July 16 Wed., July 17

FRI.

July 5

0.10

SAT.

July 6

0.00

SUN.

High Low 90 75 88 73 91 75 90 75 90 73 88 75 90 75

July 7

sunrise/sunset times

MON.

Sunrise Sunset Thurs., July 11 6:40 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

Fri., July 12 6:40 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

Sat., July 13 6:41 a.m.

8:28 p.m.

Sun., July 14 6:41 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

Mon., July 15 6:42 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

Tues., July 16 6:42 a.m.

8:27 p.m.

Wed., July 17 6:43 a.m.

8:26 p.m.

0.00 July 8

0.00

TUES. July 9

0.00

JULY

MOON

PHASES

Community starts with neighbors who care.

July 15

July 22

TO DATE

APPLE PRICES (FROM CHILE)

1.08 (2012: 1.58)

SHIPPING POINT: CENTRAL FLORIDA PRODUCT 18 kg. cartons tray pack

TO DATE 18.80 (2012: 18.02)

LOW $23

July 29

HIGH $25

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

Tony Lee CLU, Agent 1702 S Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563 Bus: 813-752-7202 www.tonyleeagent.com

M

YEAR

Jaclyn Lanier shared this photo of a perfectly Plant City farm scene —complete with strawberry boots.

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 State Farm® hasPlant a longCity.

PL E

July 4

0.16

July 8

SA

14

heritage of helping out in the community. That’s why I’m proud to support Event/Charity.

Get to a better State .

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Edited by Timothy E. Parker

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PlantCityObserver.com

Plant city observer

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

C ool the Heartburn

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