07.15.16 PCTO by Plant City Observer

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 4, NO. 2

Yellow in Florida isn’t just reserved for the sun’s rays. Page 14 FREE

•

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Holy Toledo, Batman Lakota Lockhart, 7, is using his rare disease to change the world. See page 13.

YOUR TOWN

Business of the Year Nominations for Business of the Year are being accepted from now until Friday, Aug. 12. The program is hosted by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and includes awards for small, medium and large businesses and businesses that have contributed exemplary community service. Winners will be honored at the 23rd Annual Business Awards Banquet Tuesday, Nov. 3. For nomination forms, email samantha@plantcity.org. Fax nominations to the chamber at (813) 752-8793, email samantha@plantcity.org or mail to P.O. Box CC, Plant City, FL 33564.

Welcome a teacher

Three of every four vehicles burglarized are unlocked. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Each year, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosts a New Teacher Coffee at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. This year, it will welcome 225 new teachers to the Plant City area on Friday, Aug. 5. The chamber is accepting cash sponsorships or goodies to put in goodie bags that will go to each teacher. For more information, call the chamber at (813) 754-3707.

SPORTS

ne of the biggest ways to prevent a thief from stealing valuables in your car — or stealing

the car — is to lock car doors. Three out of four cars that are burglarized are unlocked, according

safeguard your car on Page

Remembering the Rev. Lester Durst The Rev. Lester Durst served as the priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for seven years and was known throughout the Plant City community. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Durant High welcomes a new wrestling coach. See page 23

to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. HCSO has made two public service announcement videos on the topic. Even if you’re going inside of your house or a shop for a few minutes, make sure to turn off and lock your car. You could get a ticket for leaving

your car running. According to the Plant City Police Department, more cars were stolen or burglarized in June 2016 than June 2015. But there’s good news: the trend of thefts of cars and burglaries from cars so far this year is downward compared to data through July 2015. To keep it that way, check out more tips to

Even 14 years after he left, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Carey Street still boasts improvements that were made under the leadership of the Rev. Lester E. Durst. The parish hall is still named Bender Hall. The remodeling of the church’s Hargrave House was Mr. Durst’s doing, as well as the purchase of a youth house for the church’s younger members to have their own area. He was responsible for introducing the Family Fall Festival, an ongoing annual tradition, and introducing

Wednesday night suppers. But it was Mr. Durst’s welcoming personality and compassion for his congregation that left the biggest impression. After his term as rector ended, he was still brought back to the church frequently to preside over weddings, funerals and baptisms. “He had a lot of talent as a priest,” his daughter, Lauren Durst, said. “He was a very authentic person. He made it feel like a place where humans could go to worship, and not just perfect Christians.” Mr. Durst, 65, died June 22, 2016. SEE LESTER PAGE 5

Courtesy photo

The Rev. Lester Durst was a priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church from 1995 to 2002.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

WEEK OF JULY 15, 2016

SUPPORT THE RAIDERS

“My dad told me not to do it. But I never looked back.” — Jayme Harris, author, on working as a safety inspector in war zones. SEE PAGE 18

BLUE LIVES MATTER

A new sponsorship program is being rolled out at Plant City High School to support different Raider programs. The program is called Raider Champions, and companies and individuals can sign up for different levels of sponsorship in exchange for advertising opportunities. The contribution can be designated to a specific department, club, sports team and more. LEVELS Bronze: $500 or $1,000 Silver: $2,500 Gold: $5,000 Diamond: $10,000 Platinum: $25,000 Double Platinum: $50,000 To donate or for more information, call Principal Susan Sullivan at (813) 757-9400 ext. 222 or Lori Yarbrough at (813) 478-3886.

HOME MAKEOVER After we reported about the historic Alsobrook house and its renovation, you reacted on Facebook to the before and after photographs.

lant City residents came

‘Hello,’ or gave a friendly wave. Your

together to support the Plant

police department appreciates its

City Police Department after

citizens.”

five officers were killed in Dallas. On its Facebook page, PCPD thanked Anneliese Perez, owner of

Over the weekend, young supporters gathered on James L. Redman Parkway with signs of support.

Southern Muscle, Michelle Valdes,

Five officers died after a sniper in

owner of Tint Plus, and Tolga Senel,

Dallas shot at officers during a peace-

owner of Limitless Fitness, for bring-

ful protest Thursday, June 7. The

ing Publix sandwiches and drinks

protest was in response to the deaths

Monday, July 11, to the department.

of Alton Sterling, in Baton Rouge,

The department wrote, “A special

Louisiana, and Philando Castile, in

thank you to everyone who in the last

Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Both men

week has brought food, cards, said,

were black and shot by police officers.

FROM FACEBOOK Proud to call Plant City home and am thankful every day for our policemen and women! — Trish Hall Sedgwick

Plant City loves its police. — Condessa Amalia

It's a job I couldn't do, so thank you for your dedication. — John Bullard

I love PCPD. You guys and ladies are the best. Stay safe out there. — Debbie Gillespie

The Alsobrook home was built in 1907 and was originally owned by Dr. John Walter Alsobrook and his wife, Margaret. The home was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It was known by its neighbors on North Whitehall Street as “the haunted house.” Cenovio Villa and his company, Project Villa LLC, fixed the home. It is now on the market. FROM FACEBOOK

I’ve been dying for this article! Such a beautiful home! — Kathryn Elizabeth Dream home! — Carol White I would love that house. It’s absolutely gorgeous. — Linda Sue Beautiful job. It’s gorgeous. — Yurina Piña

Come Help us Celebrate JULY 22-23

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

HOT WHEELS Plant City resident Lauren Reeves said she never used to worry if she left her car unlocked when she was at home — until her car was stolen in late June at the Plant City Family YMCA. “I was very lucky,” Reeves said. Both she and her husband have had their vehicles burglarized in the past, as well. “At home I (didn’t) lose sleep over locking the car or not. That’s what I thought before. But lately, since I got the car back, I’ve been more aware.” Remembering to lock car doors is one of the simplest and quickest ways for residents to avoid becoming a victim, said Sgt. Al Van Duyne, the public information officer with the Plant City Police Department. In gated communities especially, such as Walden Lake, residents may take their security for granted. “A lot of people have that false sense of security,” Van Duyne said. “People need to secure their stuff. Don’t leave your garage door open all night, don’t leave the windows down.” Van Duyne shared other tips to prevent thefts of cars.

“We definitely want people to be mindful that, in this day and time, there’s people that are desperate. It would benefit them and us for them to safeguard their property. Anything they can do to help us out is greatly appreciated.” — Sgt. Al Van Duyne, Plant City Police Department.

KNOW YOUR PROPERTY

If your property is stolen, use information to your advantage. This can help law enforcement officers track down your stolen vehicle or possessions faster and more efficiently. “Write down the serial numbers of all valuables,” Van Duyne said. “It makes it easier to track. They can also take a picture of all their information and plates with a smartphone and save the photos or back them up.” The same measures taken with smaller property, such as electronic devices, also can apply to vehicles. Car owners should know the make and model of their car, as well as their license plate number. “In general terms, many people don’t even know their license plate number,” Van Duyne said. “People just want to take a more vested interest in their property and safeguarding it.” PUT VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT

There might be a lot of items you leave in your car without thinking about it: from athletic wear and power tools to phone chargers and navigational systems. But criminals, Van Duyne said, are opportunists. If a criminal sees something of any value in a car, they become more likely to steal it. Van Duyne recommends putting valuables where they can be hidden from plain view, especially anything that lights up. GPS devices that are left on through the night — or left still sticking to a windshield — can attract criminals looking to make a quick buck. Locking valuables inside the trunk of a car or bringing them inside for safekeeping are an easy way for people to protect their belongings. When valuables are moved to their new location, Van Duyne said to do it away from home — and away from prying eyes. “If somebody’s watching, they’ll know where your valuables are,” he said.

BY THE NUMBERS The following charts represent the number of vehicles either stolen or burglarized in Plant City for 2015 and 2016. Source: Plant City Police Department

CHART KEY In Progress: burglaries and thefts that were reported to the police either as they were happening or were about to happen. Delayed: burglaries and thefts reported to the police sometime after the robbery or theft occurred, usually when the victim realizes what has happened. After the Fact: burglaries and thefts reported to the police long after the incident occurred; typically happens with recreational vehicles that are used less frequently.

2015 VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Month In Progress Delayed Total January 0 43 43 February 0 23 23 March 3 34 37 April 0 36 36 May 1 35 36 June 1 25 26 July 1 31 32 August 0 22 22 September 0 16 16 October 1 7 8 November 0 15 15 December 1 30 31 Total 8 317 325

2016 VEHICLE BURGLARIES Month January February March April May June July Total

In Progress 1 0 2 0 1 1 0 5

Delayed 24 26 25 20 25 31 6 157

Total 25 26 27 20 26 32 6 162

2015 STOLEN VEHICLES

Month In Progress Delayed After the Fact Total January 0 10 0 10 February 2 4 0 6 March 0 8 0 8 April 0 10 1 11 May 2 10 0 12 June 0 5 0 5 July 0 9 1 10 August 2 5 0 7 September 0 4 0 4 October 1 6 0 7 November 0 3 0 3 December 0 5 0 5 Total 7 79 2 88

2016 STOLEN VEHICLES Month January February March April May June July Total

In Progress 1 0 3 1 0 1 0 6

Delayed After the Fact 6 2 7 2 4 1 4 0 4 1 8 0 0 0 33 6

Total 9 9 8 5 5 9 0 45

ARE YOU IN THE TOP 10?

GO THE EXTRA MILE

For those who are financially able, Van Duyne recommends people invest in an alarm system or motion detector for their home or driveway. A motion detector flood light that faces the driveway can deter thieves if they see the light come on. Additionally, an alarm system or video monitoring system will allow residents to keep a watchful eye over their home and their belongings, even when they’re away. “They are readily available, and the prices have gone down some,” Van Duyne said. “They can have a view of the whole house, and that’s a deterrent for criminals.”

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the following cars were the top cars stolen in 2013: 1. Honda Accord, 53,995 stolen 2. Honda Civic, 45,001 stolen 3. Chevrolet Silverado, 27,809 stolen 4. Ford F-150, 26,494 stolen 5. Toyota Camry, 14,420 stolen 6. Dodge/Ram pickup, 11,347 stolen 7. Dodge Caravan, 10,911 stolen 8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee, 9,272 stolen 9. Toyota Corolla, 9,010 stolen 10. Nissan Altima, 8,892 stolen Source: National Insurance Crime Bureau

BE AWARE

A small town mentality, Van Duyne said, can be advantageous for criminals. “People tend to think, ‘little bitty Plant City,’” Van Duyne said. “But we can’t prevent everything. We don’t have a huge theft problem, but we do have some.” A false sense of security is often what criminals rely on when they’re in search of their next target, with some criminals coming from out of town to commit crimes in Plant City. “We definitely want people to be mindful that, in this day and time, there’s people that are desperate,” Van Duyne said. “It would benefit them and us for them to safeguard their property. Anything they can do to help us out is greatly appreciated.” Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

WHAT’S HAPPENING The following car burglaries occurred in Plant City within the last three months and were recorded in our “Cops Corner” section:

MAY 27

1300 block of North Orange Street. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) broke into her 2005 Nissan Armada SUV and stole a ring.

JUNE 17

4400 block of Country Hills Boulevard. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle and stole a pair of prescription sunglasses. The vehicle had been left unlocked at the time.

JUNE 27

610 block of Collins Street. Stolen vehicle: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen a blue 2007 Chrysler PT Cruiser from his car lot.

JULY 3

800 block of West Mahoney Street. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her 1999 Toyota Camry and burglarized it in a church parking lot. Complainant had left the vehicle unlocked at the time.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

THE CAN’T MISS ON CANNABIS The second public hearing addressing the production and sale of cannabis medical purposes in Plant City is set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. The first public hearing before the City Commission was held Monday, July 11, but no residents spoke. Plant City would only permit the production of medical marijuana in preapproved areas if federal law eventually approved it. Though many states are adopting their own laws on allowing medical marijuana use, the city will continue to abide by federal regulations. If the law does not change, the sale and production of cannabis will remain prohibited within city limits. As it is right now, federal law does not differentiate cannabis use between recreational or medical purposes. The public hearing is being held to comply with regulations when and if federal law does change. Currently, the zoning code within the city does not address locations for cannabis growth. If approved, the sale of cannabis would be allowed within the C1-B district, located near South Florida Baptist Hospital. Production would only be allowed in the M-1 and M-1A Light Industrial Districts and restricted to medical uses.

Emily Topper

The City Commission presented the Kiwanis Club of Plant City with a proclamation marking the club’s 95th anniversary.

IN OTHER NEWS The City Commission presented the Kiwanis Club of Plant City with a proclamation marking the club’s 95th anniversary. The club was formed on July 6, 1921. Members Don Walden, Sharon Moody, Jimmy Webster and Denise McDaniel were present to accept the proclamation.

WE BUY GOLD

209250

1701 S. Alexander St., Suite 102 (813) Plant City, FL 33566 M-F 10am-5:30pm • Sat 10am-12:30pm Village Plaza at Walden Lake

0003583131-01

WE BUY GOLD 752.0585

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Twelve acres were added to an existing 188-acre site, which will likely be used for industrial purposes. EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Twelve acres were approved to be rezoned into the existing 188-acre Eastland Industrial Community Unit District at the City Commission meeting Monday, July 11. The site is located on the east and west side of Charlie Taylor Road and at the southwest corner of South Frontage and Wiggins Roads. The site has been proposed for industrial uses, though such uses have not yet been specified. Previously, at a Thursday, June 9, meeting, nearby residents had concerns about noise and lighting from the industrial area. Wiggins Road resident Tommy Thomas requested that a limit be made on noise in the area, specifically the use of motors and forklifts. Thomas asked for the usage to be prohibited from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Though no additional noise ordinance was proposed, the applicant and planning staff took measures to accommodate residents. At the site, the glare of lights will be eliminated from adjacent residential properties. Additionally, the site will not be able to use outdoor loudspeakers or paging systems, and trees will be added around the site as a natural noise buffer. Prior to development, a transportation analysis done in 2008 by Sprinkle Consulting Inc. will be updated. Phillip Scearce, principal planner with the City of Plant City’s Planning and Zoning Division, said at the Commission meeting numerous transportation conditions will need to be addressed before development begins on the site. “That will be an issue for whoever decides to develop it,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “It will be addressed in the development of that property ... so

that development can move forward without adverse effects. We’re trying to build a harmonious community.” With their concerns addressed, no residents spoke against the proposed rezoning at the July 11 meeting. “We are being very sensitive to their concerns, and we believe that what we are proposing has evidently pleased them,” Linda Pearson, who represents the applicant, said. The addition of the 12-acre parcel into the existing district allows for a total of 3 million square feet to be built for industrial uses. Formerly, 1.79 million square feet were allocated for development. The Commission also unanimously approved changing the name of the district to the Eastland Industrial Planned Development District. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS - WE BUY ROLEX WATCHES - GOLD - SILVER- COINS

Become a RAIDER CHAMPION today! CHAMPION SPONSOR LEVELS

Bronze $ 1,000

Silver $ 2,500

Gold $ 5,000

Diamond $ 10,000

Platinum $ 25,000

Double Platinum $ 50,000

Athletic Package with two Athletic Passes to regular season games and one complimentary parking pass for all home sports games* Raider Champion plaque

The PCHS PTSA is looking for Raider Champions to support ALL of our students. For the first time, through our new Raider Champion program, sponsors have the opportunity to choose which organization(s) will receive their support. Choose from: • Booster Clubs (Athletics, Band, Chorus, Drama, and ROTC) • Co-curriculum Programs (FFA, FBLA, HOSA, Skills USA, and Raiders in Need) • PTSA • Senior Class • Frameworks Program Our students need our financial support to prepare them to become the future leaders of our community. Please contact Lori Yarbrough via email (lori@intracusa.com) or phone (813-4783886) for more information today.

One Advertising Banner displayed at your choice of location (sports fields, gymnasium or auditorium lobby) Name printed on Sports Athletic Complex Sign** PCHS Golf umbrella Advertising on all PCHS Social Media Continual advertising scrolling on marquee, school website and Raider TV program Additional Advertising Banner displayed at your choice of locations (sports fields, gymnasium or auditorium lobby) for a total of two banners Raider Champion yard sign Listed as a Raider Champion in a newspaper ad in May 2017 $500 Scholarship in your name presented to a student of your choice at Awards Night Advertising Opportunities to offer a presentation to the 150+ faculty, along with opportunities to present to groups of students Additional Advertising Banner displayed at your choice of locations (sports fields, gymnasium or auditorium lobby) for a total of three banners Ad included in the PCHS Calendar Girl annual calendar Video Commercial prepared by students at your place of business and shown on Raider TV Two embroidered Raider Champion shirts Seat on the Business Advisory Board of PCHS $1,000 Scholarship in your name presented to a student of your choice at Awards Night BONUS Athletic Package—two additional Athletic Passes to regular season games, one additional complimentary parking pass to all home sports games* Two additional Advertising Banners with one displayed at each location (football, baseball and softball fields, gymnasium and auditorium lobby) for a total of five banners PCHS School Services provided—Jazz Band performance at an event and/or JROTC presentation of colors at an event Home Game Sponsorship Additional $1000 Scholarship in your name presented to a student of your choice at Awards Night for a total of two 1/2 page ad in the newspaper Meet and Greet with a School Board Member and PCHS School Administration at your business location Three additional $1000 Scholarships in your name presented to a student of your choice at Awards Night for a total of five Legacy Gift * Athletic passes are good for all athletic events in Hillsborough County during the 2016/2017 seasons, excluding any invitation or state playoff. ** Names printed on the Sports Athletic Complex Sign must be received by 8/19/16. ~ Additional benefits may apply to donations based on the organization/club/sport that you specify on the reverse side of this form (including advertising in programs or special seating at events).

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FROM LSTER PAGE 1

“He lived a life of grace. He did not make it difficult for others. He set a good example, and he was always a gentleman.” — Lauren Durst, the Rev. Lester Durst’s daughter

Courtesy photo.

Lester Durst with his wife, Carolyn. The couple was married for 43 years.

His work at St. Peter’s from 1995 to 2002 made as much of a difference in the Plant City community as it did in his church’s parish halls. COMING TO FAITH

Most recently, Mr. Durst celebrated his 25th anniversary with the priesthood on Jan. 18. A Valrico resident, the milestone was commemorated by leading the service at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, in Tampa, where he served as a volunteer priest. Being a pastor was Mr. Durst’s second career. After studying history at Stetson University and meeting his wife, Carolyn, he felt a call to the ministry close to graduation. Still, he had other passions. After he and Carolyn were married, Mr. Durst enrolled in law school at the University of Florida. In the 1970s and 1980s, he practiced law in the Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte area. Lauren Durst, who gave the eulogy at her father’s funeral, cited his remarkable career as a lawyer: He argued for a living ... and sometimes for free. His courtroom words made his opponents shake in their shoes and his clients smirk with glee. After a long and successful career as a lawyer, he felt the call toward the ministry once again. “It was a hard decision because he was so good at being a lawyer,” Lauren Durst said. This time, he went by his faith. In 1986, the entire family — including his two children, Michael and Lauren — moved to Alexandria, Virginia, where Mr. Durst enrolled at Virginia Theological Seminary. He graduated from seminary in 1990. The family then came back to Florida, where Mr. Durst was ordained a deacon at the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota. The family stayed in Sarasota through 1993, before moving to St. John’s Episcopal Church, in Tampa. “He was an assistant priest there,” Carolyn Durst said. “Then when he

PEARLS OF WISDOM

Besides his faith-based advice, the Rev. Lester Durst had many “pearls of wisdom,” according to his family. His wife, Carolyn, and children, Lauren and Michael, cite these as most memorable: n Never pass up an opportunity to take a nap. n Be careful of the friends you pick. n Always smile, it makes people nervous.

became the rector at St. Peter’s, he was the only priest.” Mr. Durst was at St. Peter’s in Plant City for seven years, followed by another seven years at St. Christopher’s Episcopal in Pensacola. While serving in Plant City, Mr. Durst served in the Daybreak Rotary Club and led prayers at many Plant City events. He also started a dialogue with other Episcopal churches in the area to build up the community. During his time at St. Peter’s, he was the first Episcopalian priest to lead Plant City High School’s baccalaureate during the 2001 ceremony. He left a lasting impression. It wasn’t unusual for his children, who both graduated from Plant City High School, to have friends that later called Mr. Durst to preside over their weddings or other milestones. “He was always touched when they remembered him,” Lauren Durst said. To his family, he led not only in faith but by example. Mr. Durst was a voracious reader, an avid learner and a frequent library visitor. “He would gobble up several (books) in a week,” Lauren Durst said. “He loved spy novels and mysteries. He kept a typed list of all the books he’d read, and he would take it to the library so he wouldn’t re-read them.” A MAN OF INTEGRITY

As a priest, Mr. Durst was always open

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

with his congregation. He congratulated them on their accomplishments, led them through prayer and reminded them that God would take care of them — and that God would take care of him too. He was honest about his struggles with prostate cancer but remained unwavering in his faith. He later lived with Parkinson’s disease for many years. “He was diagnosed in 2000,” Lauren Durst said. “He lived a life of grace. He did not make it difficult for others. He set a good example, and he was always a gentleman.” Even during hardships, he still found joy in the little things in life: especially chocolate milkshakes. He shared a love of them with his granddaughter, Margaret. His family said that the slurping sound he made when he reached the bottom of a shake was fondly referred to as a “granddaddy noise.” “He was proudest of being a grandfather,” Lauren Durst said. “Anytime anyone asked about Margaret he would light up.” He was equally as close with the rest of his family. He passed on his love of sciences to his son, a physics professor. He passed on his love of faith and theology to his daughter. “I majored in theology,” Lauren Durst said. “He and I shared that love together, and that was very special.” Mr. Durst is survived by his wife of 43 years Carolyn; daughter, Lauren; son, Michael (Alison); granddaughter, Margaret; and sisters, Mildred Dana (Noel) and Amanda Durst. A memorial service was held June 30, at the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota. Memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5014. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

Almost to 100 T

he Kiwanis Club of Plant City celebrated its 95th anniversary with a party at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Tuesday, July 12. The club was founded in July 1926, with Dr. John Walter Alsobrook as the club’s first president.

Today, club efforts are focused on youth, including supporting Christmas for Angels, Apples for Teachers and Stuff the Bus. The milestone was celebrated with a wine and cheese social hour followed by a catered dinner. — EMILY TOPPER

Photos by Emily Topper

Steve Sparkman, Judy Glorioso and Gil Gott

Jim and Denise McDaniel

Above: Heather Coats and Teresa Armbruster Left: Danielle Odden and Anakarina Gregorio

Amanda and Ed Verner

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

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

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Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt or Danny Crampton, at (813) 704-6850.

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

PLANT CITY TIMES &

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

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

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

GREEN THUMB

All About Asters

Asters can brighten any garden with yellow.

GARDENING NOTES PLANTING Seeds are small and are usually sowed on bare soil. Barely press them in to the soil.

DONNA BOLLENBACH FLORIDA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY

Florida is the Sunshine State, and yellow is the color of sunshine. It is also the color of many of our native flowers. No matter where you live, you can add a splash, or a sea, of yellow to your landscape with these Florida favorites in the aster family. These asters are easily started from seed and will readily reseed to bloom year after year in your garden. They love basking in full sun, and once established, most will tolerate some drought. Interestingly, the aster flower is actually made of many small flowers surrounded by petal-like rays. So what appears to be a single flower is actually many flowers. For this reason, asters are a favorite of many bees and butterflies. The following are some yellow asters that will brighten up your Florida landscape. BLACK-EYED SUSAN

Many a black-eyed Susan has been sacrificed in solving this age old lover’s rhyme: she loves me, she loves me not, she loves me, she loves me not. The native black-eyed Susan that is most adaptable to central Florida is Rudbeckia hirta var. floridana. This aster is a short-lived perennial that grows between 1 and 3 feet tall. Rudbeckia does well in soils that are well-drained but not too dry. For the most blooms, it should be planted in full sun or partial shade. The flower head consists of a dark cone of disk flowers and bright yellow rays. It can be used as a border plant or mixed with native grasses in wildlife

WATERING Even drought-tolerant plants must be watered until established. Use plants that are best adapted for the soil in your landscape.

Beach sunflower is ideal for coastal landscapes.

LIGHT Most of these asters like full sun to light shade. The more sun, the more blossoms. Do not deadhead too early or they will not reseed as profusely.

meadow, but it is not particularly salt tolerant, so for coastal gardens you may want to consider one of the other asters mentioned below.

Tickseed is a perfect choice for wildflower meadows.

THE WEST COAST DUNE SUNFLOWER

in coastal landscapes.

This aster, aptly called “beach sunflower,” is a highly salt-tolerant sunflower found on beaches and coastal dunes. The west coast variety, Helianthus debilis, subsp. vestitus, is endemic to Florida’s west coast, where it plays an important role in dune stabilization and beach beautification. It is can be started by seeds or cuttings, spreads fast in full-sun and sandy soils and is highly drought tolerant once established. The bright-yellow ray flowers with reddish-brown disks bloom nearly year round. It reaches a height of only 2 to 4 feet, making it a good edge plant or as a ground cover

SWAMP SUNFLOWER

As the common name implies, Helianthus augustifolius, or the swamp sunflower, likes moist soils. It grows naturally in swamps, wet pinelands, coastal salt marshes and moist roadside ditches. It does best in a garden with poorly drained clay soil. It will grow up to 6 feet tall, with profuse yellow ray flowers surrounding a reddish to purplish brown disk, from early October through November. While it likes full sun, it will tolerate some shade but will not be as robust. If you have a moist area in your landscape, this aster will make it shine.

Florida natives bring sunshine to the garden.

TICKSEED

There are 14 species of tickseed, Coreopisis spp., native to Florida. All of these species are considered to be the Florida state wildflower. Of all the Coreopsis spp., Leavenworth’s tickseed, or Coreopsis leavenworthii, is the most common. It can be found throughout Florida in the wild and is a popular choice for native plant landscapes. Leavenworth's tickseed has slender stems and leaves. It is best grown from seeds in moist to wet soil. Once established, it will reseed profusely, forming large colonies of bright-yellow rays flowers with a brownish disk. The

Black-eyed Susan makes a good border in full sun to part shade.

blooms may persist throughout the year but are at their peak in the spring and summer. Like all of the asters, these flowers attract lots of bees and butterflies. Learn more about how to grow and where to buy native plants by joining the Suncoast Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. The Suncoast chapter meets at 7 p.m. every third Wednesday of the month at the Hillsborough County Extension Services Office, 5339 County Road 579. For more information visit SunCoastNPS.org.

ids got crafty with stickers and glitter glue at St. Peter Episcopal Church’s vacation Bible school Thursday, June 30. The camp ran through Friday, July 1. Volunteers and coordinators at the camp included Jennifer Hamilton, Kyle Hamilton, Betty Jones and Margaret Holt.

Jimmer Moody

— EMILY TOPPER

Photos by Emily Topper

Evie Johnson, Jackson Johnson, Piper Stevens and Jimmer Moody

Jackson Johnson

Evie Johnson goofed off with a photo frame.

Volunteers and coordinators included Betty Jones, Kyle Hamilton, Jennifer Hamilton and Margaret Holt.

Piper Stevens

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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JULY 1

JUST BROWSING 500 block of North Howard Street. Vehicle burglary: Complainant reported unknown suspect(s) had entered his vehicle, but nothing was stolen. The car had been left unlocked. TV TROUBLE 110 block of North Pearl Street. Residential burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole a 52-inch Sony flat screen television from her apartment. ROCK ON 10 block of Lake Boulevard. Throwing deadly missile into property: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) threw a rock into the front window of a residence.

JULY 2

WINDOW WOES 610 block of South Alexander Street. Criminal mischief: Officers responded to an area and found unknown suspect(s) had broken out the passenger side window of a Ford F-150 pickup truck. ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER 4610 block of West Highway 574. Multiple charges: Officers met with complainant, who stated his bike had been stolen a few days earlier. A man was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon, possession of methamphetamine and paraphernalia and resisting arrest without violence.

JULY 3

NAPTIME 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Drug possession/felon possession of ammo: Officer responded to a gas station regarding a suspicious persons report. Subject was found sleeping in a vehicle at a gas pump, where he has been for several hours. He was arrested for drug possession and felon possession of ammunition. SINNER 800 block of West Mahoney Street. Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her 1999 Toyota

JULY 5

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

CUTEST CRITTER

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

RENTAL RAMPAGE 2400 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) damaged the screen on a Redbox storefront machine in the morning. A waiver of prosecution was signed.

Camry and burglarized it in a church parking lot. Complainant had left the vehicle unlocked. NEW SECURITY NEEDED 700 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue. Residential burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole a Corex surveillance camera from his home, as well as a Kenwood surround sound system.

JULY 5

ALL FOR A FIVE 1210 block of West Risk Street. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her Mercede and stole $5 worth of change. There was no damage to the vehicle and nothing else was taken, so complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

JULY 6

Asher is Jerry Danowski’s best friend and loved by all that appreciate his character, temperament and beauty. He is an outcrossed breed because the breed is split between two countries: Finland (karelian bear dog) and Russia (Russo European lakita). The dogs in this breed are black and white. This breed is not aggressive and not for a first time dog owner. The breed needs to have an area to run, run, run, or the breed needs to be walked at

TOO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Grand theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole watches, valued at $1,500, from a jewelry display in a store.

JULY 7

least 10 times a day. He is a papered with a different kennel club, and not with AKC. Another great thing about this breed is they have no dog odor. Enter our Cutest Critter contest by sending a photo of your favorite pet along with a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com.

BIKE BANDIT 1710 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Petit theft: Complainant reported unknown suspect(s) had stolen a white Huffy bicycle, cruiser-style, which had a pink seat with flowers.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Courtesy Photos

Lakota Lockhart went to a superhero-themed party in Washington D.C. for Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. He dressed as his favorite superhero, Batman.

THE HERO

PLANT CITY NEEDS Every day, Lakota Lockhart concocts schemes to capture comic-book villains. In June, he got a chance to confront real-life obstacles by visiting lawmakers in Washington D.C. to advocate for children with complex medical conditions.

AMBER JURGENSEN MANAGING EDITOR

akota Lockhart slaps a drawing onto the ottoman in his living room. A thick black scribble winds from corner to corner on the white paper. To him, it is much more than a chaotic loop-theloop of lines, a mad rollercoaster, of sorts, which has been derailed. It is a cave. The 7-year-old says the cave is part of his plan to capture villain “Lobo Bounty Hunter.” His name is not actually Lobo Bounty Hunter, but Lobo, a dark, 1980s comic book character who is an interstellar mercenary and bounty hunter. Lakota karate kicks in between sentences that explain his

scheme. First he must lure Lobo to the bottom of the cave. Its whereabouts are unknown, although it could as likely be on Lobo’s home planet of Czarnia as it is at the base of Lakota’s backyard treehouse. After Lobo reaches the bottom of the cave, Lakota will tie him up with his “stinky” feet. The stench of Lakota’s socks will make Lobo faint into a pool of water, where Lakota will bop him on the head with one final blow. “Why don’t you just take him to jail?” his mother, Krystal Lockhart, asks. She is sitting on the couch next to the ottoman while listening to her son’s active imagination in progress. “Duh. I tried that already. He’s bro-

ken out 10 times,” Lakota says. “Every day I ask him, ‘What are you going to do today?’” And he says, ‘I’m going to fight crime,’” Lockhart says. His answer reminds her of the cartoon “Pinky and the Brain,” a show about two lab rats plotting to take over the world every night — if only they could escape their cage. But Lakota’s desire to fight crime — essentially, to overcome obstacles and work for the betterment of society — goes beyond stippled comic book pages and lighted television screens with Cartoon Network shows. From Monday, June 20, to Wednesday, June 22, Lakota met with lawmakers in Washington D.C. as part of Children’s Hospital Associations’ annual Speak Now for Kids Family

COLLECT T

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During the Washingto n D.C. trip Lakota Lo , ckhart wa s joined by other child 41 ren with c omplex m cal condit ediions. They were able change th to exeir very ow n trading c with each ards other as th ey attende socials an d d explored the city.

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FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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IT’S A BIRD, IT’S A PLANE, IT’S LAKOTA

After several karate kicks in the family living room, Lakota begins scheming against Lobo again. He talks shark pits, black holes, fireballs, bait nets, motorcycles driving through space — all while punching the air. His mother pulls him from his stories by asking to see his trinkets from Washington D.C. He places them in front of his mother in the living room. “That’s George Washington’s head,” he says, pointing to a miniature bust of the United States’ first president. He says he went on a bus tour, met secret service agents, walked through the front doors of the White House. Lots of cool things, yet not cool enough to top the superhero-themed party Children’s Hospital Associations threw for the 41 families who joined Lakota in meeting with lawmakers for Speak Now for Kids Family Advocacy Day. Lakota got to dress up as Batman and take a photograph with Superman, Green Lantern, Wolverine, Captain America and his role model, Batman. “Man, I love this picture,” Lakota says as he gazes upon it near his other souvenirs. The Lockharts were sponsored by St.

Joseph’s Children’s Hospital to attend the trip. The family goes to the hospital’s Chronic-Complex Clinic, a facility which provides medically complex children with specialized care. Lakota, his mother and grandmother, Annel Douglas, met with Reps. Vern Buchanan and David Jolly to support the ACE Kids Act, or Advancing Care for Exceptional Kids Act of 2015. Among things the ACE Kids Act would do, it would allow children covered under Medicaid to seek treatment in other states if there wasn’t available treatment in their home state. For Lakota, that means being able to get a pacemaker to control his diaphragm and saying goodbye to his trach tube. The act would also create a database of care for children with complex medical conditions and give providers incentives to take on children with complex medical conditions or create centers such as St. Joseph’s Chronic-Complex Clinic, where specialists are housed in one facility. “I’m here to advocate for families, to let families know they’re not alone, but I’m also here to say … this really does affect people. It’s not just words on paper when they pass a bill,” Lockhart says. When the Lockharts left to Washington D.C., three different news station camera crews met them at the airport. They caught the ever-energetic Lakota jumping up and down and climbing up his dad’s leg. Lakota had never been on a plane before. Lockhart didn’t know what to expect. They packed his ventilator and suction pump and oxygen under the seats in front of them and buckled up. At altitude, the meters began to reach tricky numbers, but they were prepared with his equipment. Lakota peeked out the window in the front of the plane to see clouds and cities below. It’s the same view his beloved superheroes see, whether it be in the Batplane or the Invisible Plane. “He can fly,” Lockhart says. “We can do this.”

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Lakota Lockhart and his mother, Krystal Lockhart, met with Rep. Dennis Ross while in Washington D.C. Monday, June 20, to Wednesday, June 22, to advocate for the ACE Kids Act.

Like her son, Krystal Lockhart is a superhero. She is an advocate for families with children with complex medical conditions. “My main mission is to let other parents know that they’re not alone … and that there’s help and resources,” Lockhart says. She’s started a blog, PennedWithGrace.com, and she is a regional coordinator for the second CCHS Day, which will raise money for research and provide college scholarships to those with the condition. She’s also active on the CHHS Facebook, where she mentors families. She says she knows of 26 families in Florida with a child with CCHS and 400 around the United States. “It just feels good to know another family is going through the same struggles,” Lockhart says.

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It’s called “The Wall of Lakota.” A portion of the family’s living room is covered with photographs of Lakota. In one shot, he helps his father, Marty, with handiwork. In another, he’s rock climbing. Lockhart hung the memories by clipping them to string with clothespins as decorations for her only son’s birthday party. She never had a chance to take them down, and a year later they’re still up. Below them is a pile of medical equipment: a black rolling suitcase, ventilator, suction pump, oxygen and mystery bags. They are a reminder of what it takes for Lakota to build the happy times in the photographs above. If he overheats while rock climbing, he needs oxygen. He can’t have sleepovers. He can’t leave the house, even to go grocery shopping with his mom, without those bags. It’s not a typical upbringing, but the pregnancy was typical, Lockhart says. Lakota was born July 22, 2009 by C-section at Brandon Regional Hospital. Laying on the delivery table after giving life to her son, she was unaware of just how special that life would be until one of the nurses whispered behind her. Come on, baby, breathe. Lakota was rushed to the neonatal intensive care unit. For two days, doctors couldn’t figure out why Lakota wasn’t breathing on his own. A transfer to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital confined him to an incubator. Ventilator and feeding tubes were taped to his cheek. His parents still hadn’t held him. Would he walk? Would he talk? What was wrong? The Lockharts cuddled his hand through the incubator. Two weeks passed. Finally, they were allowed to hold their son. Surrounded by nurses and a respiratory therapist, the Lockharts passed their swaddled baby between family members. “There’s that moment of reality, where you realize your child’s differ-

Left: Lakota Lockhart’s parents couldn’t hold him until he was 2 weeks old. Right: Krystal and Marty Lockhart’s only son, Lakota, has congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. It’s a rare disorder that causes him to be unable to breathe at night.

0003463026-01

LET LAKOTA LEAD THE WAY

ent,” Lockhart says. A week later, the doctors began to notice a pattern: Lakota only stopped breathing when he slept. After more research, they diagnosed him with congenital central hypoventilation syndrome, a rare central nervous system disorder, which affects breathing. There’s no medication. There’s no cure. “We just really had no idea,” Lockhart says. “They were telling us everything they knew. There wasn’t much information.” The Lockharts made the choice get their son a tracheotomy. Lockhart calls it “the best decision.” After the tracheotomy, Lakota became more relaxed. But there were still trials. Lockhart would watch him as an infant trying to figure out how to eat and breathe. When he began to crawl, he accidentally unhooked himself from his ventilator. Mom freaked. Until he did it again and again. And he was OK. She decided to turn the ventilator off. “We really learned to look at him and see what he wanted,” Lockhart says. “We let Lakota lead the way.” Leadership — one of Lakota’s many superhero traits.

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Advocacy Day. Lakota has congenital central hypoventilation syndrome. The short of it: he stops breathing every time he falls asleep. Less than 1,500 people worldwide have the disorder. Lakota and his family want lawmakers to pass the ACE Kids Act to allow children better coverage under Medicaid and better care with incentives to build facilities exclusively for children with complex medical conditions. Like Batman, Lakota’s favorite superhero, Lakota is a symbol. One that can spur everlasting change.

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Nancy Fryrear

happysnation.com

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

OUTBACK STAKEOUTS ARIE FRY

Plant City High School incoming senior Arie Fry has teamed up with co-writers Andrew Rafalski, Emmy Menia and Jacob Cothren to shoot a movie.

ACE DINGO, WRITER, CREATOR How did Ace Dingo catch on at Plant City High School? My sophomore year I had the morning show third period, and we were given a challenge to create something that students loved to watch. I talked in Aussie and put on skits. I’d get pointed out at school as Ace Dingo. Jacob (Cothren) helped me film on the abandoned golf course in Walden Lake or we filmed in the wilderness. I think with all the positive reviews, having a movie like this is something fans will like.

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

uring his sophomore year at Plant City High School, Arie Fry was given a challenge as a class assignment: to create a character for the morning announcements students would love to watch. Fry created the Aussie native Ace Dingo, a Vegemite lover who served as a reporter for the morning news segment. Fry produced Ace Dingo skits with his friends, and the character quickly became beloved at 1 Raider Place. This summer, Fry has joined forces with Andrew Rafalski, Emmy Menia and Jacob Cothren to produce “Ace Dingo: The Movie.” The estimated 40-minute feature film follows Ace Dingo and his trusty sidekick, Bathrobe Guy, as they take on Dingo’s nemesis, Jack Wallaby. Shot and produced in Plant City by Fryed Egg Productions, the comedy features a car chase, fight scenes and appearances by many of Plant City’s own movers and shakers. Though there’s no release date set, Fry, the producers and the film’s other writers sat down to share what filming the movie was like.

What made you decide to do “Ace Dingo: The Movie”? All my friends wanted him to come back. I wanted to create more Ace Dingo with him in real life, and not just as a reporter. I’m glad that I have really good people to help bring him back. What’s been the best part of the process? My favorite part (as a writer) is just that in the moment, a lot of things come to your mind that you can ad lib and include. My favorite part as an actor is creating. What do you do to get into character? I think I’ve just been doing Ace for so long that it’s natural. I do it at school without realizing it sometimes. I just do it. Do you have a favorite line in the movie? When I (Ace) say, ‘Looks like you brought a gun to a boomerang fight.’

“It was kind of stressful at first, but I got more and more involved. As the assistant director, I got to keep the shots organized. I started out as the makeup director.” — Emmy Menia, writing credit, assistant director ANDREW RAFALSKI CO-WRITER, DIRECTOR

“The coolest thing for me is seeing what they love, and Arie loves this. It’s hard work, and they can’t get enough of it. As a mom, that’s a beautiful thing to watch. And everybody in town that we asked for help, they did not bat an eye. That’s just a testament to our community.”— Yvonne Fry, producer, Fryed Egg Productions owner

How did you get involved in the movie? I’ve helped Arie with various projects. I’m the voice of not-so-reason. It’s been a collaborated effort. I’m making sure everything weaved together in the script and the film. I think we’re pretty proud of the thing as a whole.

“The last time I acted was in first grade and then in fifth grade. If the fight scene turns out well I think that will be my favorite part. For my character, I’ve just got to lose a sense of humor. I have to have a straight face.” — Blake Dunn, Bathrobe Guy FOLLOW ACE DINGO

TRINKLE LAW

What’s been the most exciting part for you? Probably acting. Normally I’m on a crew. It was a different perspective for me, and when I’m not acting I’m on the crew. My favorite part’s definitely been acting. As Henchman #2, how do you get into character? We’re just supposed to be kind of stupid. I’ve got to try not to laugh at every second. Do you have any prior experience in the production industry, besides helping with the original Ace Dingo skits? I’ve worked at Fryed Egg Productions as a field audio engineer. Do you have a favorite part of the movie? It’s not a single line, but the whole fight scene. That’s definitely the funniest thing.

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What’s been your involvement in the writing process? We were coming back from a different shoot, and we all just started spitting out ideas. Then the next few days we were at Panera writing. I wrote the car chase sequence. We would just kind of spit out ideas.

What’s been one of the craziest scenes that you’ve done? Probably the car chase. I’m up in the sunroof shooting and the car is still driving. That was pretty fun.

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When did filming start? We started filming on Sunday (July 3), and we’ve filmed every day except the Fourth. It’ll be about 30 to 45 minutes. We’ll be in post production for two to three months, depending on how the footage goes. What’s been the toughest part about filming? Our second day shooting at Sparky’s, we had six actors going on at once. It was a long, hard day. We were there from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The following locations are included in the movie:

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL

As a writer, do you have a favorite part? I have a whole bunch. Bathrobe Guy (played by Blake Dunn) is one of my favorite parts. There’s something that makes everyone laugh at least once, but Bathrobe Guy cracks me up. I also like when Boomie (the boomerang) is rushed to the hospital.

JACOB COTHREN

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

JAYME OF ALL TRADES After 15 years abroad, Plant City native Jayme Harris is back and will have a chapter on success in an upcoming book. AROUND THE GLOBE

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

e’s only four, but Jayme Harris is already thinking about the lessons she wants to pass on to her son, Dylan. Lessons on happiness, specifically. She turned to the poem “Success” by Ralph Waldo Emerson and expounded on each point in the poem: to laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people, to leave the world a bit better. Harris compiled the points into a chapter and submitted it to CelebrityPress. The chapter will be included in the new book, “Success Manifesto: The World’s Leading Entrepreneurs and Professionals Reveal Their Secrets for Achieving Success in Your Health, Wealth and Lifestyle.” The book is tentatively set to release in Fall 2016. For Harris, a military veteran and the founder of proposal and contractwriting company I Consult Jayme, there’s one certain truth about success: it doesn’t come easy.

Jayme Harris has lived in or visited the following countries:

Jayme Harris’ business, I Consult Jayme, was created for consulting, event management and content writing. Jayme Harris also offers personal coaching and mentorship programs. Website: IConsultJayme.com Contact: Jayme@IConsultJayme.com

NETHERLANDS

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within an hour. Nothing was stopped.” It was a 24-hour job. “I started cracking a little bit,” Harris said. “We grew so big, so fast. It was so much pressure on me. After a while I couldn’t even breathe and sleep because the stress got to be so much. The pressure to me was unbearable. This is like a baby, this is like a kid.” Eventually, Harris took a step back. She went to London for one year, but felt directionless. After a short stay in the Dominican Republic, she went to Thailand, where she gave birth to her son. By the time she gave birth, she was back in work full swing. “I was emailing in labor,” Harris said. “I worked on proposals while my son was in intensive care.” After some real estate investments that crashed with the market, Harris moved to Dubai and then to Mexico. She stayed there for one year, where she managed a resort and wrote proposals for the government. Harris and her son returned to the United States in May. While living in Tampa, she’s working on her real estate license and hopes to continue her consulting business while writing proposals for Unity. LAUGH OFTEN AND MUCH

After she served active duty for four years, she became a civilian firefighter. In 2001, she became Civilian Firefighter of the Year. She stayed with the department for 11 years, eventually running her own fire truck. But soon, she was ready for her next adventure. She left the department to join Halliburton KBR, a once billiondollar procurement and construction company. “My dad told me not to do it,” Harris said. “But I never looked back.”

WIN THE RESPECT OF INTELLIGENT PEOPLE

Growing up, Harris said she was the kid who didn’t have a lot going for her, at least in terms of finances. She was nearing her graduation from Plant City High School when military recruiters came to speak to graduating seniors. Harris attended the seminar as a way to get out of class, a decision that ultimately affected the rest of her life. “I graduated from Plant City and immediately entered the (United States) Air Force,” Harris said. “The Air Force was four years. I wanted to get in and get out, but I ended up loving it. It was the best choice for me.” Harris determined she wanted to be a fire protection specialist — the equivalent of being in the military’s fire department. The job description, she said, made it sound like she would be a superhero. But when she got to basic training and told the recruiter her plans, she was laughed at. She was told she would have to work twice as hard and

CONTACT JAYME

Emily Topper

Jayme Harris has just moved to Tampa after 15 years abroad. She has started her own consulting business, I Consult Jayme, and is working toward getting her real estate license.

do twice as well to be considered equal to her male counterparts. The only female in tech school, she refused to allow herself to be limited on physical capabilities. “And that’s what I did,” Harris said. “I wanted to be taken seriously. I always had to prove everybody wrong.”

LEAVE THE WORLD A LITTLE BIT BETTER

As a KBR employee, Harris served as a safety inspector. In the 2000s, Halliburton constructed and ran military bases, oftentimes overseeing facilities such as base dining halls. Though Harris was in the middle of a war zone, she was living a dream of experiencing the world around her. “It was an amazing feeling,” Harris said. “When you’re living your dream, you’re also learning. I was seeing the people affected when we brought them supplies. It was really emotional.” After enrolling in vocational school

when she left the Air Force, a teacher told her she wouldn’t amount to anything. “She said, ‘When you’re born poor and a nobody, you’ll die poor and a nobody,’” Harris said. Every day from then on, Harris worked to prove that teacher wrong. From Iraq, Harris went to Kuwait, where she worked under local companies to bring in supplies to the military. In 2003, she ventured away from KBR to co-found billion-dollar Unity LSS. The company’s work in construction and logistics was used by the United States government in the Middle East. Harris was always on the job. “We did our first $10 million in the first two years,” Harris said. “And $800 million in 10 years. It was a really proud whirlwind. It was hard to fill all orders. We had to rely on locals a lot.” The company, originally under five people, grew to 600 people with camps all over the world. “I was the person that flew in (to the camps),” Harris said. “I would get three to five hundred emails per day. I would be there for the customers. Sometimes they would need a quote

For Harris, it feels a bit weird to consider “home” a townhouse in Tampa. She doesn’t have tons of furniture and decorations yet — most of it is still in storage in Dubai. It’s her first time living back in the United States in 15 years. But with her son getting closer and closer to school age, Harris was ready to settle down for him. Dylan is learning how to swim, and Harris is looking forward to taking him to the Florida Strawberry Festival in March. “This is where I want to be in my life,” Harris said. Even now, the comment from that teacher still keeps Harris motivated to follow her dreams. She advises others to do the same. “Look at true examples of people that have (made it),” Harris said. “Just remember the reality and the real people that have made it. If they’re from Plant City, they have got somebody in their corner.” In her next endeavors, Harris hopes she’ll be able to give back. “I would like to do mentorship programs,” she said. “I want to show kids that they have other options.” All they have to do is look at her to know anything is possible. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

Tampa’s Teen Idol is Plant City’s rising star Give Kenzie Wheeler almost any country song and he can woo an audience — something he hopes to do with record labels in Nashville. EMILY TOPPER

the music industry, including Florida native Michael Ray in Ocala. “That was last summer, right before his big album came out,” Wheeler said. In the future, he hopes to make a name for himself with his original songs.

LISTEN

STAFF WRITER

When Kenzie Wheeler was a high school freshman, he took to the karaoke stage at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill to belt out Gary Allan’s “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful.” “That’s where it all started,” Wheeler, a 2016 graduate of Strawberry Crest High School, said. His baritone country voice captivated both the audience and the grill’s proprietors. He went from a reserved shower and car singer to a regular performer in showcases at Uncle Mike’s. In January, he took his talents to Jefferson High School, where he was named the first-ever Tampa Teen Idol. He earned the title from audience voters after a rendition of Chris Janson’s “Buy Me a Boat.” An easygoing Dover resident with an affinity for fishing and George Strait, Wheeler’s quiet nature paired with his smooth country vocals are helping him make a name for himself in and beyond Tampa Bay. COUNTRY RAISED

Growing up, the thought of becoming a country singer was always in the back of Wheeler’s head. In elementary school, he made allcounty chorus. But in middle school, his voice started going through changes. “It was everywhere,” Wheeler said. “I didn’t know how my voice was going to end up.” Eventually, his country vocal cords grew into their own, complete with a register that continues to get deeper. “I always believed in him because I knew what kind of voice he had,” Wheeler’s mother, Patty, said. She doubles as his manager, booking him solo gigs and group showcases when-

Facebook: Kenzie Wheeler Country iTunes: Kenzie Wheeler Contact: Patty Wheeler, PattyW8367@tampabay.rr.com

RISING STAR

ever possible. “I’ve just always told him, ‘Pursue your dreams. If you’re going to dream, dream big. Go for it.’” It’s in the last three years Wheeler has come into his own. After his first performance at Uncle Mike’s, Wheeler went from developing his voice sophomore year to booking gigs his junior year. He’s performed across Plant City, taking every stage from Krazy Kup open mic nights to entertaining the audience at Strawberry Crest’s Calendar Girl competitions and belting it out in the Florida Opry. Most recently, he rounded out the night at Next Radical Generation’s Sing Out Loud! Talent Show and performed at the state Future Farmers of America convention in Orlando. He lives and breathes country music: from his idol, George Strait, to Merle Haggard, Kenny Chesney and Chris Stapleton. “There’s a lot of singers that I like,” Wheeler said. “I like a lot of older country music. Older country music has more of a country music feel. Some new stuff sounds too pop-y. That’s just my opinion.” Wheeler’s a natural at performing covers, winning over audiences with renditions of George Strait’s “Amarillo by Morning” and Jason Aldean’s “Laughed Until We Cried.” His talent has earned him gigs performing as opening acts for up-and-comers in

So far, Wheeler has released two original songs on iTunes. The first, “Talk to You,” was released in December 2014. The second, written by his grandmother, is entitled “Just Once in A While.” It was released Feb. 12, 2015. He’s started performing solo, as well. His first solo performance was at Uncle Mike’s, where he sang 14 songs for a crowd of about 150 people. With each performance, he works on becoming a better singer and performer. “My voice has gotten better over the last couple of years I’ve been singing,” he said. Now that he’s a high school graduate, Wheeler has his sights set on his next goal: a trip to Nashville in October. He hopes to make contact with a few record labels while he’s there. “It’s hard to pursue when you’re young,” he said. “I’m going to go to HCC for two years. I might go to USF depending on how music goes. I might be having to do it online on the road. I want to let people hear my voice and see what they think, get feedback from record labels.” In the meantime, he’ll keep his schedule full — right in his hometown. Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.

Emily Topper

Strawberry Crest High School graduate Kenzie Wheeler is pursuing his dreams of becoming a country musician. He was recently named the first Tampa Teen Idol.

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

FRIDAY, JULY 15

BEST BET

‘COURAGEOUS’ MOVIE SHOWING 7 p.m. Friday, July 15, at Springhead United Methodist Church, 2301 Sparkman Road. The movie is from the makers of “War Room.”

SATURDAY, JULY 16

FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PHYSICALS 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Dr. The free physicals are for Florida students in grades kindergarten to 12th. Sports, Head Start and child care physicals are not available. Screenings include vision, blood pressure and height/ weight. In addition to the physicals, free immunizations are available for Medicaid or uninsured children in grades kindergarten to 12th. An immunization record is required to receive shots. To make an appointment for a physical, call (813) 443-3048.

YMCA BEST SUMMER EVER CAMP 2016 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays until Friday, Aug. 5, at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. Traditional day camp and Campers in Leadership training are eight-week programs. Children ages 5 to 12 can register for day camp, while children ages 13 to 14 can do leadership training. Plant City Select Members can register for $135 per week, while non-members can do so for $155. For more information, call (813) 757-6677 or register online at TampaYMCA.org. HELLO DOLLY! 8 p.m., Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16; Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23; Friday, July 29, and Saturday, July 30; and at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 24, and Sunday, July 31, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. Victorian-era matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi arrives in New York to pair up friends and find love herself. PCEShows.com.

Union Station Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. For more information visit PlantCity.org.

SUNDAY, JULY 17

FAMILY ART WORKSHOP 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. For children of all ages.

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

STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CAR SHOW 4 to 8 p.m., Saturday, July 16, at

LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 6:30 to 9 p.m., Sunday, July 17,

SATURDAY, JULY 16

through Friday, July 22, at Lebanon Baptist Church, 110 N. Forbes Road. Toddlers through sixth grade are welcome, and a meal is provided. For more information, call youth Pastor Matt Barfield at (813) 7048838.

MONDAY, JULY 18

SUMMERSALT SPORTS AND ARTS CAMP 8 a.m. to noon Monday, July 18, through Friday, July 22, at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 503 N. Palmer St. For children who have completed first through sixth grades as of June 2016. Registration is $50 and includes a T-shirt, snacks, supplies and special camp

gear. Scholarships are available. FBCPC.com/Summersalt.

giveways, raffles, refreshments and more. There will be a blood drive.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DOVER VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 9 a.m. to noon Monday, July 18, through Friday, July 22, at First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 Gallagher Road. The cost is free for children entering first through sixth grades. For more information, call (813) 719-2273.

ONGOING

SUMMER CAMP

BABY TIME 10 a.m. Thursdays, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, bouncy rhymes and songs in this 20-minute lapsit program that introduces early literacy skills and encourages language development. For children up to 18 months and their caregivers.

THURSDAY, JULY 21

MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY 6 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. The movie for adults revolves around a prehistoric adventure. Popcorn will be served. For more information on the movie, call (813) 757-9215.

BORN AGAIN GUN CLUB 7 p.m. the second Monday of the month, at One Accord Church, 2203 W. Baker St. For more information and to view the club’s bylaws, email President Jeff Keene at bornagaingunclub@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY ENTERTAINMENT ANNUAL OPEN MEETING 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at Plant City Entertainment, 101 N. Thomas St. New board members will be elected. A slate of candidates will be offered and nominations from the floor provided by members will be accepted. All members are eligible to vote. New and renewed memberships will be accepted at the beginning of the meeting. For more information, call (813) 7520728.

CHRISTIAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY ENTREPRENEUR SERVICES ASSISTANCE 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St.

SATURDAY, JULY 23

WELLNESS EVENT 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 23, at Stone Ledge Manor, 12006 McIntosh Road. Get blood pressure checks, glucose screenings, balance testing, proper shoe fitting, diet tips and healthy living information and enjoy games,

PLANT CITY FAMILY YMCA REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN...

SWIM LESSONS

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

KARAOKE 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturdays at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse and Grill, 106 E. State Road 60.

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY! > > > > >

Family Activities Pool & Water Park NEW Fitness Classes Program savings* and MORE...

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(Actual bike not shown)

FREE PARKING SPONSORED IN PART BY

JULY 23 9AM-4PM The Lakeland Center

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Plant City NOVEMBER 4-5 ♥ 9AM-4PM STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FAIRGROUNDS 2866 REYNOLDS STREET WEST $5 admission / free parking

Over 100 Beautiful Booths Garden Dećor & Salvage Shabby Chic & Farmhouse Antiques & Treasures

Fabulous Furniture Artisan Jewelry Original Art Vintage Trailers

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

REV. LESTER E. DURST THE REV. LESTER E. DURST, 65, OF VALRICO, DIED JUNE 22, 2016, IN PLANT CITY, AFTER A BRIEF AND SUDDEN ILLNESS. He was born Jan. 7, 1951, in Sarasota to Marion and Mildred Durst. He was a retired Episcopal priest and former attorney. He enjoyed reading, being with his family and chocolate milkshakes. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Carolyn; daughter, Lauren; son, Michael (Alison); granddaughter, Margaret; and sisters, Mildred Dana (Noel) and Amanda Durst. A memorial service was held June 30, at the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota. A reception followed at the church’s Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Donation Processing, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5014. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

LILA MCCARROLL ECKELBARGER LILA MCCARROLL ECKELBARGER, 92, OF LAKELAND, AND FORMERLY OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 20, 2016. She was born in Jasper, Alabama, and loved her church and family. She was preceded in death by both her husbands, Bill McCarroll, and Jack Eckelbarger. She is survived by her sons, Marion D. Potts (Nancy), of Westland, Michigan, and Gary B. McCarroll (Tami), of Lakeland; grandchildren, Jeff Potts, Joe Potts, Sydney McCarroll and Cody McCarroll; and four great-grandchildren. A graveside service was held June 24, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ALBERTA “BERT” TADLOCK FLETCHER ALBERTA “BERT” TADLOCK FLETCHER, 92, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 22, 2016. She was a founding family member of Cork United Methodist Church, and retired bus driver with the Hillsborough County schools after 30 years of service. She is survived by her sons, Rex Tadlock (Dorie), of Plant City, and Ronald M. Tadlock, of Bushnell; three grandchildren; seven greatgrandchildren; and five great-greatgrandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Fletcher; and daughter-in-law, Patricia Tadlock. A graveside service was held June 25, at East Oaklawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

WILLIAM “BILLY” GLAROS WILLIAM “BILLY” GLAROS, 93, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 24, 2016. A native of Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late Jack and Margaret Griffith Glaros. He was a retired letter carrier with the United States Postal Service. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He loved to play sports, especially basketball. He was a 1942 graduate of Plant City High School. He is survived by his son, Steve Glaros (Teresa); brother, George Glaros; grandchildren, Tara Garmon and Alex, Zach and Josh Glaros; and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Helen Glaros; son, Greg Glaros; siblings, Jack, Ewanna, Virginia, Eileen and Dorothy. A funeral service was held June 27, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel

Florist 116 North Collins Street Plant City, FL 33563 ph: (813) 567-5735 allabloomtampa.com

Historic Downtown

in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

JEANETTE KEEN HARRIS JEANETTE KEEN HARRIS, 99, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 21, 2016. She was born in Plant City and attended Cork United Methodist Church. A member for 92 years, she was the oldest member on record. She was preceded in death by her husband, William H. Harris Sr. She is survived by her son, William H. Harris Jr. (Beverly); daughters, Jo Sink (Carroll) and Lila Harris Pelham; sister, Verna C. Harris; six grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; and 26 great-greatgrandchildren. A funeral service was held June 28, at Cork United Methodist Church. Burial followed at East Oaklawn Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

MICHAEL ANTHONY HARRISON MICHAEL ANTHONY HARRISON, 25, OF LAKELAND, DIED JUNE 20, 2016. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. He was a family man and loved his children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and everything about football. He played for the Lakeland Gators his whole life and became the coach of the Lakeland Storm. He enjoyed MMA fighting, working out at the gym and looking good. He is survived by his parents, Stephanie Harrison and Anthony Harrison; fiancée, Shana Williams; sisters, Amanda Harrison and Jamie Selin; brother, Anthony Harrison; daughter, Kinlee Harrison; son, Keelin Harrison; stepson, Noah Martinez; and beloved nieces and nephews, Jace, Jaelynn, Colton and Kelsey. A funeral service was held June 28, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Plant City. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

She is survived by her son, Danny Hines (Cindy); daughter, Jackie Edgell (Tim); sisters, Mamie West, Dot Howard and Pat Hasley; grandchildren, Christi, Jennifer, Justin, Kimberly and Brian; and great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Jaelon, James, Jasiah, Devin and Mason. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Hines; and son, Rick Hines. A funeral service was held July 2, at Victory Baptist Church. Burial followed at Mt. Enon Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

LENA MAE LOTT LENA MAE LOTT, 78, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JULY 5, 2016. She was born July 7, 1937. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Dover and was a retired clerk with the United States Postal Service. Her family was her life. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Ronald; sons, Mike (Sandy) and Rick (Dianna “Di”), of Plant City; daughter, Teresa, of Plant City; sister, Louise Wall, of Plant City; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A celebration of life was held July 11, at First Baptist Church of Dover. Committal followed at Dover Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

JAMES MCCANN JAMES MCCANN, 84, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 29, 2016. Previously from Waterloo and Walton, New York, he later resided in Chesapeake, Virginia. He served his country with the United States Marine Corps from 1951 through 1954 and was a member of the Chesapeake, Virginia Masons. He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn (Kay), and many family and friends. A family memorial will be held at a later date.

MURLE HINES

LOUISE LINTON MURPHY

MURLE HINES, 71, OF LAKELAND, DIED JUNE 25, 2016. She was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Plant City and loved her family.

LOUISE LINTON MURPHY, 90, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 27, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wiley “Gene” Murphy. She is survived by her daughters,

Loretta Norris (Lonnie), of Mulberry, Linda Williams (Clifton), of Lee, and Kathy Carter (Bob), of North Carolina; and many other loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. A celebration of life was held July 1, at Hopewell Funeral Home in Plant City. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

HEATHER USSERY HEATHER USSERY, 33, OF PLANT CITY, DIED MONDAY, JUNE 13, 2016, AT HER HOME. She attended New Horizon Church in Brandon, and her children were the love and joy of her life. She enjoyed reading, especially the Bible, and dancing, computers and giving spiritual advice to those she loved. She will be greatly missed by all those who loved and cared for her. She is survived by her parents, Bruce Ussery (Rena) and Linda Terrell Ussery; children, Haley Rodgers, Cody Rodgers and Icysis Smith Ussery; siblings, Teresa Studtmann Ussery, Melissa Hale, Kasey Cole, Nikki Kamden and Colby Ussery; nieces and nephews, Grant and Katlin Studtmann and Korbin Kamden; and many other loving family members and friends. A funeral service was held June 17, at Haught Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

VIRGIE V. WILLIAMS VIRGIE V. WILLIAMS, 88, OF PLANT CITY, DIED JUNE 10, 2016. Born in Andalusia, Alabama, she was a retired seamstress with Ross of Florida and was a member of First Assembly of God Church in Plant City. She loved her family, and she enjoyed sewing and cooking. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Williams. She is survived by her children, Gary Williams (Marcia) and Laura Cowart (Harmon), of Plant City; siblings, Betty Sue Lott, of Opp, Alabama, and Daryl Norsworthy, of Plant City; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one greatgreat-grandchild. A celebration of life was held June 17, at First Assembly of God. Interment followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

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JULY 15, 2016

SIDELINES

SPORTS

McKenna Mays wins four medals in a championship. Page 26

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

Durant alum Jim Kauderman will take over as wrestling coach for Drake Millard. JUSTIN KLINE

Chris Welbon Karate racks up AAU medals

One of the top 20 AAU karate teams in the nation is right here, in Plant City. Chris Welbon Karate Club received top 20 honors for the third year in a row at the 2016 AAU National Championships in Fort Lauderdale. The team competed from Thursday, July 7, though Saturday, July 9, and racked up 33 medals — enough to give the school its highest medal count ever for a single season. AAU championship total: 33 medals (10 gold, four silver, 19 bronze) Season total: 228 medals (70 gold, 52 silver, 106 bronze) AAU National Champions: 10 AAU State Champions: 11

SPORTS EDITOR

As a former Durant wrestler, Jim Kauderman knows exactly what a strong program looks like. That’s part of the reason Kauderman was hired as the new head coach in June, following the departure of Drake Millard from the program. Kauderman wants to keep the Cougars competitive and put student athletes in place to succeed right away. “I want to bring the championships back,” Kauderman says. This is the first time Kauderman, a Pennsylvania native, will be a head wrestling coach in his six-year coaching career. He’s coming off of a five-year stint as a Spoto High assistant and had previously coached the University of South Florida’s club team for a year. He began wrestling in second grade but, a year after moving to Florida in fifth grade, left the sport for two years.

Justin Kline

Jim Kauderman will return to his alma mater as head wrestling coach.

SEE WRESTLING ON PAGE 24

WINNERS: Jakob Arnold (male ages 18 to 34; advanced): bronze, team kumite Gianna Ayuso (female age 9; beginner): gold, sanbon kumite; bronze, kata Emmarie Gaudet (female age 15; advanced): bronze, team umite Sarah Jane Hooker (female age 11; beginner): bronze, sanbon kumite Nick Karlson (male age 12; intermediate): bronze; sanbon kumite Julie Karlson (female age 13; intermediate): bronze, sanbon kumite, team kumite Kaitlyn Maddox (female age 11; novice): gold, kata McKenna Mays (female age 14; novice): gold, kata, sanbon kumite; bronze kobudo, team kumite Matt Melisi (male ages 45 to 54; advanced): gold, kumite; silver, kata; bronze, team kumite Fernando Melendez (male age 14; intermediate): bronze, sanbon kumite Brady Michael (male age 15; intermediate): silver, sanbon kumite; bronze, kata Sebastian Padron (male age 12; intermediate): gold, sanbon kumite Cole Starling (male age 15; novice): gold, kata, sanbon kumite Jordan Smith (female age 8; beginner): bronze, sanbon kumite Joey Spitler (male age 13; intermediate): bronze, sanbon kumite Sydney Swartman (female age 14; intermediate): silver, kata; bronze, sanbon kumite, team kumite Gage Torgerson (male age 14; intermediate): gold, kata; bronze, sanbon kumite Darius Way (male ages 18 to 34; intermediate): gold, sanbon kumite; bronze, kobudo, kata, team kumite Elijah West (male age 9; novice): silver, kata

Ballin’ on a Budget Plant City-based Global Sports Alliance Baseball is enjoying success as an affordable option for travel ball. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

Having put three boys through baseball, Bob Mondoux knows that America’s pastime can really wring out a wallet. “It was getting way too expensive,” Mondoux said. “Organizations charged an arm and a leg.” That’s why, seven years ago, he began a career in baseball with the goal of giving Plant City an option both competitive and affordable. Now, Global Sports Alliance Baseball has become that option for Plant City and many travel teams around Florida. GETTING STARTED

Mondoux jumped into baseball as a full-time job in 2009, after he was one of 15,000 laid off from Dearborn Express when the company was bought by DHL Express. Because of his ties to the area baseball scene as both a parent and a coach, his fatherin-law suggested he do something within the sport.

Justin Kline

He worked as a Florida director for Nations Baseball for six months but wasn’t big on its prices. After laying the foundation in 2010, Mondoux helped GSA Baseball get incorporated in Florida in 2011. “We started GSA to be a nonprofit organization to bring the cost of travel ball down,” Mondoux said. “It costs half of what any other organization out there costs — registrations, insur-

ance, everything.” GSA started exclusively in Plant City and charged $125 to play in a tournament. If teams wanted to play in two or more, the cost dipped to $100. According to Mondoux, this was about a $100 difference from what other groups were charging. “The going rate at the time we

GSA Baseball hosts a statewide tournament in Plant City every month.

SEE BASEBALL ON PAGE 25

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

Picking a favorite athlete Sports Editor Justin Kline tackles another of his “Athlete of the Week” interview questions.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

One of the staples of my Athlete of the Week interviews is, “Who’s your favorite athlete?” Many times, when kids do have an athlete to tell me about, it’s usually someone they’ve always looked up to or someone currently playing who they’re trying to be like on the field. Other times, as is the case this summer, everyone just says, “Kevin

Kiermaier.” But that’s cool too. Some kids give pause before answering and ask, “Right now, or all time?” With that in mind, I’ll tackle both options myself. Right now, my favorite active athlete is Texas Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltré. This dude has been playing Major League ball since before most Athlete of the Week

selections I’ve interviewed were born. He started with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1998. Somehow, he’s just as good at age 37 as he was 10 years ago. His run with the Texas Rangers has been remarkable, whether you account for his age or not. He’s even got an iconic home run swing, often dropping to one knee when mashing a breaking ball out of the park. If you follow baseball, you know SEE KLINE ON PAGE 26

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

FOCUS ON FITNESS

Can staying trim be done without living at the gym or constant dieting? with the dentist, we manage to get to the right place and get there on time. Our exercise is as important to our health as that trip to the dentist. Plan your weekly schedule and write your appointment to exercise in the same place the dentist appointment would be written. By the way: floss every day too!

Staying fit while keeping the weight off is everyone’s goal. Make it easy on yourself without breaking the bank or adding hours to your schedule with these five tips you can do every day.

HAVE PLENTY OF SNACKS.

Yes, snacks between regular meals are important for managing both calories and nutrients. The right snacks can curb an appetite, making it easier to eat the right amount and make the best food selections at the next meal. In the long run, you can save calories and increase nutrients to fuel the body for the entire day. Plan ahead so snacks are easy to grab and go. On the weekends, prepare and package snack-size portions for you and your entire family for the week. Hard-boiled eggs provide protein, as do nuts and roasted seeds. Cut up fresh fruits and veggies for vital phytonutrients. Think complementary combos: carrots and hummus, grapes and almonds, cranberries and yogurt. Find your favorite combinations and get them ready to take the stress out of making good snacking choices.

FIND THE SHADY PARKING SPACE.

The Florida sun can heat up a parked car in minutes, so it is always nice to come back to a cool car parked in the shade. Let this choice add steps to your daily routine by parking in the space furthest from the entrance — hopefully, in the shade. It’s all about finding ways to

WRESTLING FROM PAGE 23

“I went to the Brandon camp in middle school,” Kauderman says. “It was a lot different than what I was used to in Pennsylvania.” In high school, Kauderman was drawn back into the sport. He joined the Cougars’ team as a freshman, partly because his brother had wrestled for the school and partly because he liked the atmosphere coach Dennis Kitko had created. “I think it was more of a team kind of thing,” Kauderman says. “Rather than a brand or a club, it was a team thing. It was different.” As a Cougar, Kauderman qualified for states in his junior and senior years. He never managed to place in those competitions, citing injuries, and had to have knee surgery after his high school career ended. He joined the club team while at University of South Florida as a way to stay in shape and have fun but injured his shoulder and once again had to go under the knife. It was then that he transitioned into coaching, overseeing the club team’s practices while working on his education degree. “USF didn’t have a lot of kids,” Kauderman said. “It was come-andgo for practices. It’s a lot better now. I just ran practices — it wasn’t really serious.” After graduating, he moved to the high school level to join the Spartans’ staff in 2011. Five years later, Kauderman decided to move on and try something new. He applied for the Durant job and, to his surprise, got the call. “Once Ms. (Pam) Bowden called me, it was kind of overwhelming, at first,” Kauderman says. “But I was really excited. I told all my friends.” Kauderman joins the staff as both a head coach and a math teacher. He’s now Durant’s third varsity head coach in 13 years, following Kitko (hired 2003) and Millard (hired 2012). Making things easier is that junior varsity head coach Kerry Beaty is staying with the program. Kauderman has been holding practices three days a week for about 12 wrestlers who attend regularly. He plans to start on one of his two main goals immediately. “I want to raise intensity,” Kauderman said. “I had a parent meeting the week before practices started, and a lot of kids asked about the intensity.” His other goal for the 2016-17 season is to take the team to districts and come back with some new hardware. “We hope to bring a district championship this year,” Kauderman says. “We had a few state qualifiers last year, and I definitely want to bump that number up. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

FOR THE KIDS One of the things Jim Kauderman and the Durant wrestling staff are hoping to bring to the table this summer is a kids’ program. The program, which could potentially start in August, would give young wrestlers the chance to hone their skills with coach John Heyman and the staff. To participate, wrestlers would have to join USA Wrestling and fill out a card, which can be found online at USAWmembership.com. This program is still in development.

Photos by Justin Kline

Jim Kauderman hopes to guide Durant wrestlers through districts and the rest of the FHSAA playoffs.

GO TO HAPPY HOUR.

JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D

get an extra mile of walking done each day. Take a stroll — maybe with your family. Can you skip one car trip each day? Walk the kids to school. Leave the car in front of one store and walk to the next. Walk to the bank, around downtown or take the long path to get your coffee. The extra time spent in the Florida heat can be part of your detoxing plan.

EXERCISE SPORADICALLY.

Start with squats while brushing your teeth. Try back bends and twists while in the shower. Take the stairs, perhaps even two at a time. End the day with a simple routine of exercises you like. I do three yoga sun salutations each morning and three yoga moon salutations before going to bed. Find what works for you or come to my yoga class for ideas to do at home.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH YOURSELF.

When we set an appointment

Beverages can be a huge challenge for calorie consumption and getting proper hydration. Many drinks contain sugar or high fructose corn syrup that break the daily calorie bank. Water can be bland and boring. Break from the boring with this low-calorie idea: treat yourself every day to a happy hour drink. Combine water, mint leaves and a slice of lime. Or try orange slices or strawberries in water. I like cucumbers in my water. It’s the drink frequently found in a spa setting. This combination acts as a natural diuretic and detoxing agent. Make your special drink early in the morning so it is waiting for you in the refrigerator when you get home. Happy hour this way is pleasant, with no added calories. Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. She teaches yoga classes at the Plant City Family YMCA on Thursdays. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2016

“We made it affordable for everybody to play travel ball. We’ve grown leaps and bounds.” — Bob Mondoux, GSA baseball

If there’s a baseball field in Plant City, it’s safe to bet GSA Baseball will use it for a tournament. In fact, the tournaments can get big enough that the group has to branch out of greater Plant City and host games in Dover, Brandon and Lakeland.

ELLIS METHVIN PARK 2601 E. Cherry St.

PLANT CITY STADIUM 1810 E. Park Road

MLK PARK 1703 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

IMPACT

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL 1 Raider Place

BA KER ST.

MIKE SANSONE COMMUNITY PARK 1702 N. Park Road

ST.

PARK RD.

REYNOLDS ST.

7 GRANT ST.

ALSOBROOK ST.

RANDY LARSON SOFTBALL COMPLEX 1500 S. Park Road

R N

6 PARK RD.

. RD

GSA has plans to add branches in Lake City and Miami soon, start a program in North Carolina and reach out to international players. “A couple of the kids that graduated with my son in North Carolina are going to live up there, and they want to start baseball up there,” Mondoux says. “Two of the players are from Venezuela. One will be down here with us full time and will work with international teams, bringing them to Plant City, plus do all the marketing for GSA.” GSA can also be found sponsoring events all over the city, including the City of Plant City Fourth of July celebration, and helping local travel teams that want to play in other tournaments but may not have the money. “All funds raised go to teams — not GSA,” Mondoux says. At the rate the organization has grown, Mondoux feels that GSA has accomplished exactly what he hoped it would when he got on board. “We made it affordable for everybody to play travel ball,” he said. “We’ve grown leaps and bounds.”

To maintain interest, there’s usually only one GSA tournament held each month. “I don’t believe in oversaturating the market,” Mondoux says. “There’s one in Tampa each month, one in Plant City. A lot of organizations host every two weeks. We don’t do that. You only have one chance a month to play in GSA.” The only exception is July, with the Summer Slam and Summer Sizzler tournaments at the beginning and end of the month. “This month, we have two because everybody moves up (into the next age group),” Mondoux says. “I put up fences for 12 year olds at Randy L. Larson (Softball Complex) for this weekend so that some kids who haven’t hit homers yet have a chance to hit them.” Because GSA is a nonprofit organization, all tournament fees are put toward future events. For example, teams who rack up tournament wins in the fall and spring get paid entries into the GSA World Series.

IT’S PLAYED EVERYWHERE

CO L L I N S

TOURNEY TIME

“Eighty percent of the teams that were in this past World Series didn’t have to pay,” Mondoux said. “All money we get goes toward this, to pay for umps, field costs, etc.” Mondoux makes it a point to visit every field at every park during every tournament and is constantly busy fielding calls from area directors on the board and interested teams. He estimates that he puts in 80 to 100 hours of work each week, and also employs six college-aged interns from the area to help out.

WHEELER ST.

started, not including umpires, was $200 (per tournament),” he says. GSA is also able to bring the cost of insurance down. Mondoux says bigger groups, such as AAU and USSSA, charge $140 for the same team insurance that GSA offers for $74. “We modeled ourselves after AAU: 501(c) 3 umbrella coverage, but without the prices,” he said. Using his connections around the area, Mondoux was able to get local travel ball teams to sign up for the early tournaments. Eventually, word spread out of town and interest in GSA grew. The organization can now be found in Plant City, Tampa, Winter Haven, Auburndale and Brooksville, with each area overseen by one director.

A LEXANDER ST.

BASEBALL FROM PAGE 23

SNOWDEN PARK 1000 S. Waller St.

4 N

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Summer Slam hits Plant City The GSA Baseball Summer Slam tournament was held in Plant City Saturday, July 9, and Sunday, July 10.

ozens of travel ball teams from around the state spent the weekend in Plant City doing what they do best. The GSA Baseball Summer Slam, held at nearly every ball field in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, saw travel ball teams in eight age-based divisions duke it out for championship gold.

WINNERS 8U: TPA Blaze 9U: New Port Richey Renegades 10U : PBC 10U Playmakers 11U: Bulldawgs Baseball 12U: Rawlings Vipers 13U: Hit Factory Spartans 14U: Ocala Venom 14U 16U (gold): HofFitz Legends 16U (silver): Warriors Red

Photos by Justin Kline

Thunder Elite 16U picked up a 1-0 win over Bull Sharks Baseball at Mike Sansone Park Sunday, July 10.

Above: The Rawlings Vipers powered their way to a 9-7 win over East Bay Sunday, July 10. Right: Central Florida Wolverines Osuna had little trouble scoring on Carrollwood.

— JUSTIN KLINE

Saturday the 16th | 8AM - 4PM

Household Goods • Outdoor Furniture • Tools • Clothing 1800’s Antique Bed & Dresser w/Marble Top

Above: Many games were held at the Randy L. Larson Complex. Left: A Thunder Elite player warms up in the on-deck circle.

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3203 Gloria Avenue, Plant City, FL 33563 2016 Candidate Forums for Plant City Area

PUBLIC NOTICE OF TESTING The City of Plant City will conduct smoke testing on the mainline sewer system beginning July 26, 2016 through July 29, 2016 on the following streets: Azalea Blossom Drive, Berry Blossom Lane, Grove Blossom Lane, Harvest Orchard Drive, Trapnell Grove Loop, Trapnell Ridge Drive, San Moise Place, Pearl Dove Lane, Magnolia Meadows Drive, Magnolia Green Street, Magnolia Garden Drive, Crystal Dew Street, Sandburg Loop, Kilmer Drive, Alcott Avenue, Kilmer Place, Milton Place, Cummings Place, Nohlcrest Place, Polo Place, Silver Meadow Way, West Timberland Drive, Michener Place, Silverstone Court, Silverpond Drive, Silverwood Drive, Silverspring Drive, Silvermoon Drive, Pine Club Drive, Steinbeck Place, S. Thackery Way, Stevenson Street, Eliot Place, Barret Avenue, Longfellow Drive, Kipling Avenue, Hawthorne Court, Emerson Place, Concord Way, Clemons Court, Forest Club Drive, Pine Club Drive, Oak Club, Fairlea Circle, Asbury Court, Aston Place, Aston Avenue, Clubhouse Drive, Executive Circle, Hampton Place Court, Griffin Boulevard, Wedgewood Drive, Charleston Woods Court, Eagle Greens Drive and Golf Lake Drive. If you have any questions, please call Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.

Thurs. July 14th – 1914 Community Building, 6PM

NOTIFICACION PUBLICA

*School Board District 7

La ciudad de Plant City conducirá una pruebas de humo en el sistema de alcantarillado principal en las calles, a partir del 26 de julio de 2016 hasta julio 29, de 2016: Azalea Blossom Drive, Berry Blossom Lane, Grove Blossom Lane, Harvest Orchard Drive, Trapnell Grove Loop, Trapnell Ridge Drive, San Moise Place, Pearl Dove Lane, Magnolia Meadows Drive, Magnolia Green Street, Magnolia Garden Drive, Crystal Dew Street, Sandburg Loop, Kilmer Drive, Alcott Avenue, Kilmer Place, Milton Place, Cummings Place, Nohlcrest Place, Polo Place, Silver Meadow Way, West Timberland Drive, Michener Place, Silverstone Court, Silverpond Drive, Silverwood Drive, Silverspring Drive, Silvermoon Drive, Pine Club Drive, Steinbeck Place, S. Thackery Way, Stevenson Street, Eliot Place, Barret Avenue, Longfellow Drive, Kipling Avenue, Hawthorne Court, Emerson Place, Concord Way, Clemons Court, Forest Club Drive, Pine Club Drive, Oak Club, Fairlea Circle, Asbury Court, Aston Place, Aston Avenue, Clubhouse Drive, Executive Circle, Hampton Place Court, Griffin Boulevard, Wedgewood Drive, Charleston Woods Court, Eagle Greens Drive and Golf Lake Drive. Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame a Angel Soto-Diaz at 813-757-9288 ext. 4725.