07.18.13 Plant City Observer

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PLANT CITY

You. Your neighbors. Your neighborhood.

IN FOCUS

OUR TOWN

free • thursday, JULY 18, 2013

CONTEST

SPORTS

Plant City YMCA Spotlight shines trots into summer on Plant City’s with horse camp. Zamir Knighten.

See inside for this week’s photo contest winner.

PAGE 9

PAGE 14

PAGE 11

one for the money by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Plant City Times &

Observer you. youR NEiGHBoRS. youR NEiGHBoRHooD.

A pARtNERSHip WitH

Youth Alliance dresses up for first gala.

PAGE 9

OUR TOWN

+ Director returns to alma mater Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Executive Director Gil Gott attended recently the 50th reunion of his U.S. Air Force class of 1962 graduation from the Chinese Language Program at the Institute of Far Eastern Languages, Yale University, in New Haven, Conn.

The 20 veterans were treated to a guided tour of parts of the campus and lunch at Yale Commons.

Robert Bonds, assistant director of the Association of Yale Alumni, and Henry Kwan, director of Shared Interest Group Relations, led the group to the spot where they stood in 1962 as Honor Guard for President John F. Kennedy, who delivered the commencement speech June 11, 1962.

Although things have changed in the past 50 years, Gott managed to locate his old dorm room in St. Elmo’s Hall, now called Rosenfeld Hall.

FREE • tHuRSDAy, JuNE 27, 2013

iN FoCUs SPORTS

spotlight

Family-style fun rides into Plant City.

Plant City faces Newsome this Friday.

pAgEs 10-11

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politics

HOMETOWN HERO by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

HOME SWEET HOME

Durant alum wins final ticket to debate

Riley Andreu was one of only about 100 Lynn University students to receive a ticket to the presidential debate.

More than 700 Lynn University college students entered the lottery to win a ticket to the last 2012 presidential debate that took place on the Boca Raton campus.

Plant City native Riley Andreu was one of 500 students who showed up the day before the Oct. 22 debate for the drawing. Remarkably, she was drawn as the first alternate ticket winner, making her the last person to receive a ticket to the event.

“It was the most exciting thing that has happened (to me) here,” the freshman said.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it.”

Andreu always has enjoyed politics. She has watched other presidential debates on TV but said the debates translate differently in person than on TV. “Being able to watch the candidates expressions firsthand, you don’t have to rely on camera angles to show you what’s going on or what the candidate is thinking,” Andreu said. “You can see it for yourself.”

Sitting eight rows back from the stage, Andreu was able to get a good view of Gov. Mitt Romney, the GOP candidate.

Although the debate was considered a tie, Andreu thought President Barack Obama performed better in this debate than he had in the previous debates.

“I don’t think it was a landslide win,” Andreu said. “But I wouldn’t be shocked if he won some votes from this debate.”

Andreu turned 18 at the end of August and can’t wait to vote for the first time. Her candidate: Romney.

“I find that the economy is the biggest issue, and I haven’t been too impressed with Obama’s economic policies,” Andreu said. “I think Romney can do a better job because of his business experience.”

Photos courtesy of Endless Dreams Photography

U.S. Army Pfc. Jordan Williams and his nephew, Caden Roberts, embraced in a tear-filled hug upon Jordan’s return to Plant City after a tour in Afghanistan. Top: The Williams family: Michael Williams, Jessica Williams, Sandi Williams, Jordan Williams, Greg Williams (holding Charlie Roberts), Matthew Roberts (holding nephew Caden Roberts) and Samantha Roberts

U.s. Army pfc. Jordan Williams received a hero’s welcome when he returned to plant City following a tour in Afghanistan. + Webelos earn geologist badges The Webelo Scouts of Plant City Boy Scouts Troop 14 attended the Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club show Oct. 21, at the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds.

For attending the show, the troop completed the Geologist Merit Badge.

The scouts were able to talk to lapidaries and observe them creating beads and jewelry. An amethyst vendor from Brazil also had been a scout and was happy to talk to the boys.

I PC

This week’s winner is

Dee Dee Wheeler See her photo on pAGE 16.

When U.S. Army Pfc. Jordan Williams was told to meet his mother at the Plant City Police Department on his way home Sept. 28, from Fort Bragg, N.C., he found it a bit strange.

But he went along with her request.

Just two weeks before, Jordan had set his feet back on American soil after serving a tour in Afghanistan.

Jordan knew his mother, Sandi Wil-

liams, and family would be happy to see him. Little did he know the town of Plant City would be happy, too.

Upon arriving at the police department, Jordan received a police escort from the fire department, down Alexander Street, to his church, Victory Baptist Church, on South Baptist Church Road. Police officers stood along the streets and saluted the ser-

viceman. People Jordan didn’t even know lined the streets with signs, yelling, “Welcome home, Jordan,” and “Thank you,” at his caravan.

“It was a complete surprise,” Jordan says. “I was not expecting it.”

Sandi had invited friends and family to welcome Jordan home that day.

sEE WilliAMs / pAgE 6

HOMETOWN HEROES

Hometown Heroes is a recurring feature in the Plant City Observer in which we profile veterans from Plant City. If you have a loved one currently serving or who has served in the past, please contact Managing Editor Michael Eng by email at meng@plantcityobserver.com or by phone at 704-6850.

sEE tiCKEt / pAgE 6

LOOk OUT by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Plant City secures $25,000 for train platform The plans are in the preliminary stages, but organizers already have many details on track.

A new plan to create a trainviewing platform next to the Plant City Union Depot is gaining steam.

Members of the community, downtown merchants, Plant City and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce met April 17, to discuss the details.

The platform will be situated on the south side of the depot

about 3 feet off the ground, so viewers will be in line with the sill of the box car. An additional platform will give railroad enthusiasts an overhead view, sitting 14 feet above the track in a tower. The project is estimated to take no longer than six months to complete.

Project coordinators already have secured a $25,000 grant

from CSX for the construction. They have applied for another grant but will not know its status until the end of the year. The anticipated cost for the project is no more than $200,000.

“No city monies will be used,” Mayor Mike Sparkman said.

David Miller has been ap-

pointed chair of the capital campaign.

“We have to expand the vision and scope to make this project a commemoration of railroad heritage,” Miller said.

“Plant City wouldn’t be here without the railroad.”

To honor the heritage, orga-

Advocates believe the platform

sEE plAtFoRM / pAgE 6 will attract more tourists.

iNDEX Calendar.....................10

Courtesy rendering

Vol. 1, No. 18 | one section Crossword...................19

Obituaries...................12

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

Sports.........................15

PlantCityObserver.com

+ Times & Observer to launch Aug. 1 About a month ago, the Plant City Observer announced a new partnership with the Tampa Bay Times to produce the Plant City Times & Observer.

The new version of your favorite community newspaper will begin publishing Aug. 1.

What does this mean for you? It means a larger newspaper chock full of more of the hyperlocal news you have come to expect from us.

Furthermore, you’ll see swanky new newspaper racks and boxes, a 33% increase in circulation and more presence at Plant City community events.

Our headquarters will remain right in the heart of Plant City, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. Stop by and say hello!

We are thrilled with the new partnership and look forward serving our community.

As always, send your news tips, comments or questions to Managing Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com.

+ Plant City band seeks new members Plant City High School’s marching band and color guard are seeking new members.

Band Director Jackie Worley currently is recruiting new members for the 2013-2014 school year.

No experience is needed — only a passion for music and a willingness to work hard.

For more, call (813) 7579370, Ext. 282.

invasion Plant City’s own GaryElvis Britt will compete in the 11th Annual Elvis Tampa Bay Festival July 20, at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.

S

itting in a hidden corner of a hotel lobby in Las Vegas, GaryElvis Britt didn’t seem that noticeable at first.

The Elvis tribute artist was in town for the Heart of the King Las Vegas Elvis Festival and Competition. And even though he wasn’t in his dazzling costume, his dyed black hair gave him away.

In true celebrity style, a fan approached him. Deborah Hamilton was excited to see one of her favorite Elvises.

Known as the “flower lady,” she followed the competition circuit around the United States, donating flowers to the performers.

“The thing that blows me away is that you never realize how good the people (who) miss Elvis treat the tribute artists,” Britt said.

One look at the Plant City resident could convince anyone Elvis is still alive. Britt has competed in 301 Elvis tribute contests. He’s won 20 and places in the top 10 of the majority of competitions.

He will be shaking, rattling and rolling right into another competition July 20, at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds. Britt will compete at the 11th Annual Elvis Tampa Bay Festival, which carries an

SEE ELVIS / PAGE 2

battle begins

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Residents’ plea to WLCA: ‘You represent Walden Lake’ About 100 Walden Lake residents attended the WLCA’s meeting July 15.

Their mission: get support for their fight against any changes to the golf course.

They came seeking answers but left perhaps with even more questions.

About 100 residents attended the Walden Lake Community Association’s meeting July 15, at the HCC Plant City’s John R. Trinkle Cen- Inside ter. The asso- See letters ciation invited from Walden residents to Lake resishare their dents. Page 7 concerns regarding the future of the community’s two golf courses and country club, both currently owned by Visions Golf LLC. In the past three weeks, the potential redevelopment of Walden Lake’s signature amenity has united the community’s residents, who say current conditions of the golf courses and country club already are affecting their property values. They fear any redevelopment would impact those values — and their quality of life — even more.

However, although the residents who spoke at Monday’s meeting hoped for answers and a detailed attack plan against Visions Golf General Manager Steve Mercer, WLCA leaders and attorney Web Melton, of Bush Ross, P.A., said any actions would be premature at this time.

“It’s very important to understand what’s going on right now, and that is — really — nothing, other than the fact that Visions Golf has discussed a potential plan that may or may not be implicated,” Melton said. “We have yet to reach any formal plan or formal application to the city ... to really get this plan started.

“Right now, we’re still dealing with hypotheticals,” he said. “So, for the board of directors to come out and take a position, or the as-

SEE WALDEN LAKE / PAGE 8

INDEX Cops Corner..........5

Vol. 2, No. 3 | One section

Classifieds......... 15

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

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

PlantCityObserver.com

2

FREE!

Amber Jurgensen

Among GaryElvis Britt’s bling is the championship ring he earned as a football player at Alabama.

WALDEN LAKE/PAGE 1

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“Aloha from Hawaii” theme. This is the second year the festival has been hosted in Plant City.

Elvis Tampa Bay Taking Care of Business Fan Club President Vickie May is expecting about 500 people to attend. About 18 to 20 tribute artists compete each year.

Britt has headlined the festival as a performer for three years and has participated in nearly all of the competitions since its inception.

“He usually comes in as one of the six finalists,” May said. “He knows all the lyrics, all the moves and has great vocals.”

But the Alabama native wasn’t always so Elvis-crazed.

His mother, Joyce Loraine Britt Weaver, had been all shook up over Elvis for decades. She shared her love with Britt and always wanted him to be a tribute artist.

Although Britt was an Elvis fan, he never wanted to dress and act like him.

“You couldn’t give me a million dollars to dress up and perform as him,” Britt said. “I was always respectful of Elvis and didn’t want to be part of that group. It was for clowns.”

He performed Elvis songs at family events and other shows. But he focused most of his attention elsewhere.

Britt played football for the University of Alabama under Bear Bryant. After trying out for the Miami Dolphins, he worked for 12 years in the restaurant industry. He then bought his own sign shop in 1988, in Tampa.

Britt finally put on a sequined jumpsuit in 1995, after his mother died. Two years later, he visited Graceland to see a professional show by world champion Mike Albert.

“I was just blown away,” Britt said.

Britt was pulled on-stage to participate in the show. During the break, Albert offered him the chance to perform a

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

45-minute set. Britt then recognized there was a difference between professional tribute artists and impersonators.

“That’s when I realized I was meant to do this,” he said.

Britt slid into his blue suede shoes and began to rock around the United States.

He even legally changed his name to GaryElvis.

In 1998, Britt received an invitation to perform at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

“I went out there, and they treated me like gold,” Britt said.

Today, Britt has 50 different Elvis looks in his closet. He has about 20 jumpsuits from the 1970s era and a combination of different 1950s and 1960s jackets and accessories.

But, it’s not only Britt’s extensive wardrobe that has earned him acclaim on the Elvis circuit.

“He’s very good,” festival organizer Martha Taylor said. “He does beautiful gospel music. He’s very great.”

Britt learned how to sing and play guitar from his stepfather, Bill Weaver. Weaver toured with Dick Clark for about five years with his band, Travis and Bill, before he was drafted into the military in the 1960s.

In addition to performing, Britt also became an ordained minister two years ago.

He’s married seven couples in full Elvis attire.

“If you’re going to be respectful toward Elvis, then you need to know the music, you need to know the songs,” Britt said.

“You don’t want to embarrass yourself, your family. Or Elvis.”

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.

11th Annual Elvis Tampa Bay Festival WHEN: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m July 20.

Prelims will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; finals will take place from 6 to 8 p.m.

WHERE: Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave. DETAILS: The day includes Elvis merchandise vendors, food vendors, an Aloha-themed showcase and silent auction to benefit the Children’s Home of Tampa Bay. INFORMATION: For tickets, a schedule or information, call (813) 9776011, email elvistampatcb@yahoo. com or visit ElvisTampatcb.com.

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Church on the Rock goes global with 2013 VBS

James Andersen, MD Family Medicine

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Plant City’s Church of the Rock toured the world during its 2013 Vacation Bible School June 24 to 28, at the church.

Students were able to explore the world with the school’s traveling theme. Every night, participants enjoyed snacks from a different part of the world and learned authentic dances.

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Top: Church on the Rock VBS participants enjoyed making a variety of crafts.

Right: Students learned cool dances at VBS.

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THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

3

crime by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Choir founder charged with sex with a minor

Joseph Mendolia, 25, was arrest on three counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a minor.

The founder and director of the Wednesday, where he received non-profit Plant City Community the advice of his attorney. She said Choir was arrested July 16, on he was placed on suicide watch. three counts of lewd and lascivi“He needs lots of prayers,” ous battery.

Bracken said.

According to PinelBracken also urges the las County Sheriff’s Ofcommunity to look at all fice reports, Joseph he has accomplished.

Mendolia, 25, of Plant The University of South City, posed as a woman Florida graduate student named “Amanda” in an has embedded himself online chat and subsein the community as a quently drove in March, musical leader, she said. to St. Petersburg to meet Mendolia started the Joseph Mendolia the 15-year-old child. community choir in 2008 He is currently being with only 12 singers. The held in the Pinellas County Jail on choir is now up to 35 members, $20,000 bail for each of the three including teenagers and adults. charges.

The group has performed at a His mother, Jerry Ann Brack- variety of Plant City events, inen, was by his side during Tues- cluding the 2012 Fourth of July day’s arrest. Bracken went to her Celebration. The choir’s annual son’s first court appearance on Christmas by Candlelight con-

cert, which draws hundreds, is the crown jewel for the choir.

Since learning of Mendolia’s arrest, the board of directors for the community choir has removed Mendolia from his post as executive and artistic director.

“The board of directors for the Plant City Community Choir has held an emergency meeting, in light of the allegations currently pending against the director, Joseph Mendolia,” the board posted on its Facebook page and website. “The vote of the board was unanimous, and for the sake of the choir, Joseph Mendolia has been removed as the executive and artistic director of the choir, effective immediately.”

The board has also suspended all community choir activities until further notice.

“PCCC has lost the most dedicated artistic director it could ever hope to have,” Bracken said in response to the post on Facebook. “When the board called me with the news, I can understand their decision, but I really did not feel any support toward Joseph.

They just wanted their belongings, and that saddens me.”

In June, the Plant City Observer reported Mendolia’s plans to launch a community orchestra.

Mendolia opened the orchestra to adults and students in eight grade and older. He was hoping to start rehearsals in August.

On Mendolia’s Facebook page, he also mentioned he would be “filling in at Strawberry Crest High School for a few months this fall.”

Mendolia was born and raised

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in Plant City and graduated from Plant City High School. He moved to Jackson, Tenn., to study music education at Union University, until a tornado hit the college campus in 2008. He moved back to the area and attended Hillsborough Community College.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in music and was working on his master’s degree in choral conducting at USF. He moved back to Plant City earlier this month.

Mendolia also was a former camp counselor with the USF’s music program.

Investigators are seeking more information about Mendolia.

Contact FDLE Special Agent Al Danna, (813) 878-7384, or St. Petersburg police Det. Kenny Sharp, (727) 893-4297.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Auction date released for Red Rose Inn

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Pending court approval, the Red Rose Inn & Suites will be auctioned off at 3 p.m. Aug. 16.

Seventy trains chug through the town of Folkston, Ga., each day.

Courtesy photos

Up close with the

Folkston Funnel Folkston, Ga., has about 70 trains that travel through on a daily basis. Its train-viewing platform serves as an inspiration for Plant City’s new project.

Whether its during planning meetings or at the groundbreaking ceremony, Plant City’s trainviewing platform committee can’t talk about the community’s future amenity without mentioning the Folkston Funnel.

Plant City’s train-viewing platform, which is currently under construction by the depot, is loosely based on the small Georgia town’s platform. The Folkston Funnel is a double track that serves as the main artery for railroad traffic into and out of Florida.

Like Folkston’s platform, Plant City’s will have a scanner to hear the transmissions between trains. Both platforms also have restored depots. However, when complete, Plant City’s version will feature a 14-foot tower, in addition to the lower deck platform.

Overall, it’s bigger. “(They’re) amazing — the train enthusiasts,” committee member and Plant City Commissioner Mike Sparkman said.

Like Plant City, Folkston draws many train hobbyists. While Plant City has around 25 trains come through daily, Folkston

has 70 trains chugging through.

People from all over the world flock to Folkston to watch the trains and snap a picture of notable locomotives, such as the Tropicana train. Dawn Malin, the director of the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce and Folkston/ Charlton County Development Authority, said she’s met people from Spain, the United Kingdom and beyond.

“I wake up every morning and am just amazed by the people,” Malin said.

Visitors aren’t the only ones impressed by the town’s trains. Not one of Folkston’s 2,500 residents doesn’t have their day interrupted by the whistle of a passing train or the roar of its wheels sliding against the steel tracks.

In fact, it was a resident who first brought up the idea of creating a platform for safe viewing. Cookie Wilson had lived in Folkston since the 1970s and was an avid train-watcher.

When Dixie McGurn became mayor in 1998, Wilson talked to her about his longtime wish of a train-viewing platform. McGurn thought it was a wonderful idea

but also had a few doubts.

“I was kind of apprehensive about all this,” McGurn said. “But having watched Mr. Cookie and others, it made sense.”

The city secured $30,000 from the state to build the platform.

The labor came from a state-prison program.

After the opening dedication in 2001, the train platform continues to draw tourists. Folkston hosts an annual Rail Watch Weekend every April.

“It’s not like a festival; it’s more like a family reunion,” Malin said.

About 2,000 train hobbyists gather to cook out, socialize and of course watch the trains. The city also strings up lights, so visitors can participate in the annual photography contest.

Plant City hopes to host a similar celebration. Sparkman said the downtown merchants and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce thought that an event right before the Strawberry Festival — in January or February — would be ideal.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

Plant City’s Red Rose Inn & Suites, along with other assets owned by the Madonia family and East Coast Brokers and Packers Inc., will be auctioned off beginning Aug. 15, pending United States Bankruptcy Court approval.

The filing by Chapter 11 Trustee Gerard A. McHale Jr. asked the court for approval of dates for a series live and online auctions beginning Aug. 15. The Red Rose auction is scheduled for 3 p.m. Aug. 16, at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Line St., Lakeland.

Carl Carter, of Murray Wise Associates LLC, the agricultural real estate marketing and financial advisory firm assisting East Coast Brokers and Packers Inc. and the Madonia family with their Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, said his company expects court approval for the dates this week.

Murray Wise Associates originally placed the assets for sale through a series of four sealed bid offerings. Bids for the packages were due by July 5 and likely will be included as bids in the scheduled auctions, Carter said. He would not disclose how many sealed bids his company received for the assets.

“Don’t conclude that we are having these live and online auctions because the sealed bids were not successful,” he said.

“We said all along that this might be part of (the process).”

Evelyn and Batista Madonia Sr., the owners of Plant City’s Red Rose Inn and Suites, filed for Chapter 11 protection March 6, for themselves and four corporations: Circle M Ranch Inc.; East Coast Brokers and Packers Inc.; Oakwood Place Inc. (Red Rose Inn and Suites); and Ruskin Vegetable Corp.

The couple cited between $50 and $100 million in liabilities and the same in estimated assets, as well as more than 200 creditors, in the filing.

The Red Rose closed in May 2012, following the death of the Madonia’s daughter, Laurie.

“The biggest change is that the major farmland assets in Virginia and Florida will be sold on separate dates,” Murray Wise Associates President Ken Nofziger said of the auctions, which will be conducted in cooperation with Crosby & Associates and Woltz & Associates. “Given the large number of assets of widely varying types, we felt it would be wise to streamline and simplify the process wherever possible.”

Auctions are planned for the following dates: • 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Line St., Lakeland: About 7,377 acres of Florida farm and development land in Martin, Hillsborough, Polk and Manatee counties; two packing houses; a former Bible college, and several labor camps.

• 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16, at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Line St., Lakeland: The Red Rose Inn & Suites, along with a home in Lakeland, home sites in Walden Lake and other Florida assets.

• 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19: Cape Charles, Va.-area properties, including two luxury homes in Bay Creek, plantation-style home, colonial style house just south of Painter, and home just west of Oyster. Also set for auction is a home surrounded by water on Marsh Island just outside Chincoteague.

• 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20, at Exmore Moose Lodge 683, 15315 Merry Car Lane, Exmore, Va.: Thirty-one properties (primarily farmland) totaling about 3,228 acres; produce packing houses; labor camps, and several homes in Virginia, primarily in Accomack and Northampton counties.

• 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28: Live and online auction of agricultural equipment in Mulberry.

• 9 a.m. Sept. 3 to 4: Live and online auction of agricultural equipment in Virginia.

Those interested in more information about the properties should visit murraywiseassociates.com.

4

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Plant city observer

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

NEWSBRIEFS + Gang patrol arrests two Plant City-area teens

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Two Plant City-area teenagers have been arrested in connection with Eastern Hillsborough gangs.

Carlos Perez, 17, of Plant City, has been arrested on charges of premeditated attempted murder in the first degree.

Sebastian Guevara, 17, of Dover, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and minor in possession of a firearm.

According to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office reports, certified Dover Loco gang member, Jose Escamilla, was having a cookout with several friends, family and other known Dover Loco gang members at about 6 p.m. July 8, at his residence, 14869 Haynes Road. Guevara, a certified Sur-13 gang member, rode his bicycle by Escamilla’s residence. Guevara started to argue with one of the cookout guests. The verbal altercation turned physical, and several other subjects jumped into the fight.

After the fight ended, Guevara advised he would return.

Guevara walked to 2976 Dixon Ave., Lot No. 7, and met with fellow certified Sur-13 gang members. They all got into a white Dodge Dakota truck and drove to Escamilla’s house. Escamilla walked outside to see who was at his residence and observed the passenger of the truck with a gun. The subject pointed a small-caliber gun at Escamilla and fired multiple gunshots, striking him in the arm. The truck and occupants then fled the scene.

Deputies responded to a fight call July 10, at Escamilla’s residence. Jose Escamilla’s brother, Leopoldo Escamilla, observed three suspects in the cow pasture located behind their residence. Escamilla attempted to warn his family, and one of the suspects heard him yelling. The suspect then pointed an assault rifle at Escamilla and stated, “Rebound Homie.”

The three subjects then got into a vehicle and left the scene. Escamilla identified Guevara as the suspect who pointed the assault rifle at him. Guevara was taken into custody on aggravated-assault charges at his residence, 14753 Black Jack Road, Lot 4, Dover.

The Sheriffs Office’s Street Crimes was conducting proactive patrolling July 12, in the Dover area, and observed the white Dodge Dakota truck used in the shooting.

After interviewing the owner of the vehicle, Perez was identified as the person who shot Escamilla July 8.

Perez was arrested July 13, at Nesmith Park, in Plant City.

+ Plant City woman injured head-on crash One Plant City woman is hospitalized after she crashed, head-on, into another vehicle July 14, on Interstate 275, in St. Petersburg.

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, Jessica Lauren Hicks, 21, of Plant City, was traveling northbound on I-275 in the southbound inside lane, north of Fourth Street North. It is unknown where Hicks entered the highway.

Jon Zimmerman, 29, of Morton, Ill., was traveling southbound and saw Hicks driving toward him. Zimmerman steered to avoid a collision but was unsuccessful.

Hicks, in a 2012 Scion compact, collided with Zimmerman’s 2013 Nissan sedan. Post-impact, Zimmerman’s vehicle rotated clockwise, traveled onto the shoulder of the roadway and collided with a chain-link fence. Hicks’ vehicle traveled onto the outside grass shoulder and came to final rest.

Both drivers were taken to Bayfront Medical Center, in St. Petersburg.

FHP officials still are investigating and have not stated whether alcohol was a factor in this crash.

+ Mulberry man dies in late-night crash One Mulberry man died after he was ejected from his vehicle July 15, on State Road 60, west of Bugg Road.

According to Florida Highway Patrol reports, at 11:18 p.m. July 15, Prisco Teodoro-Eligio, 34, and Fernanda Faustino Oritz, 29, both of Mulberry, were traveling westbound in a 2000 Mazda MPV on S.R. 60, in the inside travel lane west of Bugg Road. For unknown reasons, the vehicle swerved from the inside lane into the outside lane and then traveled off of the roadway. Once on the shoulder of the road, the vehicle collided with a concrete culvert then overturned several times, before colliding with a tree and coming to final rest.

Teodoro-Eligio and Oritz both were unrestrained in the vehicle and ejected as the Mazda overturned. Teodoro-Eligio sustained fatal injuries and died at the scene. Ortiz was transported with serious injuries, to Tampa General Hospital. A s of press time, it is unknown which occupant driving at the time of the crash.

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Noon Rotarians welcome new leader The noon Rotary Club of Plant City welcomed its new president, Aaron Davis, June 27, during its installation meeting.

At the meeting, Davis presented outgoing president Billy Keel with a plaque commemorating his year of service.

“With Billy’s leadership, the club had an outstanding year,” Rotarian Jim Scott said.

The club had two successful fundrais-

ers, the Wild Game Cookout and Dancing With the Locals, which enabled the club to raise and donate more than $75,000 to the community. Doug Gibbs was awarded the Rotarian of the Year, for his service on the board of directors and as the club’s program chairman.

In addition, new members Jodi Stevens and Kyle Robinson were named Rising Stars for their contributions.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

Cops

PLANT CITY

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

5

Corner WALDEN LAKE JULY 1

FIVE-FINGER DISCOUNT

2100 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail Theft. Loss-prevention officials saw the suspect leaving the store with merchandise she did not purchase. She was approached by loss prevention, and, as she was being escorted back to their office, she tried to flee but was caught.

STEAL LIKE A GIRL

1220 block of Goldfinch Drive. Bicycle Theft. Three unknown black males took a bike from under the stairs in front of the apartment and fled. The bike was described as a pink, black and white girl’s BMX-style bike, with a “Ride Like a Girl” sticker on the top rail.

JULY 3

HOTEL HEIST

2000 block of South Frontage Road.

Vehicle Burglary. Unknown suspect(s) entered the vehicle, which was parked at the hotel, through an unlocked door. Once inside, the suspect(s) stole $600 in cash, a TomTom GPS and a digital camera.

BUSTED BIKER

400 block of West Mahoney Street.

Theft. A boy’s green Haro 20-inch bike, worth $400, was stolen from the front of the residence. Later in the night, an officer observed the suspect riding a bicycle matching the description. The suspect admitted to the theft. He was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail. The bike was returned to owner.

SOMETHING BORROWED

600 block of East Alexander Street. Stolen Vehicle. The victim advised when he was sleeping, the suspect took his credit card and left the residence in his 2013 Dodge Challenger RT, worth $70,000. The suspect and stolen vehicle were located.

The suspect admitted to taking the car but said she was going to return it when she was done. The suspect was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail. The car was returned to owner.

DRUNK AS A SKUNK

100 block of North Palmer Street. DUI. An officer conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle after the vehicle jumped the curb and drove over bushes to turn into the parking lot. Field sobriety exercises were not successfully performed by the driver, who was arrested and transported to Orient Road Jail for a breathalyzer test.

SOME PEOPLE NEVER LEARN

2100 block of North Park Road. Habitual Traffic Offender/Drug Investigation. An officer conducted a traffic stop on a 1999 Chevy Blazer, because of an altered temporary tag. The driver was a habitual traffic offender, with 18 suspensions on his driver’s license. He also had four grams of methamphetamine in his possession.

JULY 4

A ROOM FOR THE NIGHT

510 block of South Johnson Street. Trespassing/Possession of Marijuana/Violation of Probation. The suspect was found sleeping in the vacant residence by the owner. The responding officer arrived on scene and observed a baggie of marijuana hanging out of the suspect’s pocket. The marijuana weighed 70 grams. The suspect was arrested. He is currently on probation for robbery and was also charged with violation of his probation.

AMERICAN PRIDE

Intersection of East Alabama and South Morgan streets. Battery. An officer observed a fight break out between two black males. A 17-year-old juvenile and

PISTOL PILFERED

2000 block of Country Club Drive.

Vehicle Burglary/Theft of a Firearm. A Smith and Wesson .40-caliber semiautomatic pistol was stolen out of an unlocked 2004 Ford Ranger truck by unknown suspect(s).

JULY 4

RING REMOVED

2700 block of Aston Avenue. Vehicle Burglary. The victim heard a car alarm at 1:45 a.m. and went outside to check on it. The victim discovered the car was still locked, but a bag was missing from the vehicle. Military clothing items, worth $110, and a diamond engagement ring, worth $2,000, were stolen.

JULY 5

SIGHT UNSEEN

4200 block of Thackery Way. Vehicle Burglary. Prescription Greg Norman sunglasses, valued at $450, were taken from the glove box of a 2011 Kia Optima.

SCARY SITUATION

4100 block of Kipling Avenue. Home Invasion Robbery. Two white males, armed with handguns, and a black male, armed with a shotgun, entered the garage through an open side door.

The three victims were in the garage hanging out. The suspects demanded “dope” and money. One of the victims fled inside the residence and locked the door. The suspects grabbed a backpack, an iPad and an iPhone and ran back outside. At least two shots were fired toward the residence, as the suspects ran to a waiting dark-colored SUV. This investigation is ongoing.

JULY 6

A FEW TOO MANY

3400 block of Silverstone Court.

Criminal Mischief. The suspect was breaking windows at the residence.

At time of contact, the suspect was bleeding heavily from a laceration to his right wrist. The victim said the suspect is her ex-boyfriend and came over, because she had the keys to his car. The victim said she had taken the keys from him earlier to keep him from driving under the influence. the suspect broke a dining room window and removed the screen from two other windows. The victim refused to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

the adult suspect engaged in a mutual fight, after the juvenile shot fireworks at the adult’s children. The juvenile was arrested for battery and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center, in Tampa.

The adult suspect was arrested and released with a court date.

CRASH AND GRAB

2000 block of North Wheeler Street.

Business Burglary. An officer responded to an alarm call at the business and observed the front glass doors were crushed.

Evidence at the scene and a video showed a maroon, extended cab Ford Ranger back into the doors. Damages to the front doors totaled $2,000. Items stolen totaled $1,805.

JULY 5

CAUGHT IN THE ACT

600 block of Tyner Street. Vehicle Burglary in Progress. Officers responded to a vehicle burglary in progress. The victim called in with a description of a white male and a white female burglarizing her vehicle. The victim saw the female take a purse from the vehicle, while the male served as a lookout. Officers saturated the area and located the suspects, and the victim responded and identified the suspects.

116971

JULY 1

6

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PLANT CITY

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MOONWALK

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Teacher blasts off with NASA curriculum Tecca Kilmer has joined six other physical education teachers to create a program for students based on astronaut training.

When Tecca Kilmer was growing up, she was fascinated with the space program and the buzz that existed around astronauts, NASA and walking on the moon.

Now, Kilmer gets to be part of it.

The Turkey Creek Middle School physical-education teacher was selected as one of eight educators nationally to help create a curriculum for students for NASA’s “Train Like an Astronaut” program.

“I’m still trying to figure out if this is real,” Kilmer said. “I can’t believe I get to be part of something this special.”

Kilmer arrived July 15, to the NASA Johnson Space Center, in Houston, and returns July 19, to Plant City. She was invited by NASA’s Human Reach Program Education and Outreach and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance to help develop the program.

TLA is geared toward 8- to 12-year-old students. It is a physical approach to human health and fitness on Earth and in space.

Students participating in TLA will complete physical-fitness activities modeled after the real-life physical requirements of astronauts.

So far, there are 10 physical and three educational activities available to formal and informal educators. Kilmer and the team will expand these lessons, tweaking

Courtesy photo

Turkey Creek Middle’s Tecca Kilmer returns to Plant City this week. them for use for middle-school students.

“I like the program, because it’s applicable to elementary-age students dealing with movement in physical education, and for middle-school students, it becomes more fitness-focused,” Kilmer said. “And, of course, there’s a crossover into math and science.”

During her time at the space center, Kilmer has been working with six other physical education teachers and AAHPERD Senior Director of Programs Cheryl Richardson. But, perhaps the most exciting co-workers are the astronauts themselves.

On the first day, the team toured the Buoyancy Lab and watched

two astronauts complete a spacesimulating exercise underwater.

Wednesday, the team observed students interacting with an astronaut.

“This helps us get more background of what NASA does,” Kilmer said.

“AAHPERD and NASA share mutual goals of engaging children to live healthier, active lives,” AAHPERD Chief Executive Officer E. Paul Roetert said. “We are honored that our outstanding physical-education teachers have been selected to provide input and guidance to getting children more physically active.”

Kilmer has taught physical education at Turkey Creek for 17

years. The Plant City school received national acclaim in 2004, when it became a National Association for Sport and Physical Education STARS school under Kilmer’s leadership.

STARS schools exemplify excellence in teaching students the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for motor development to achieve movement competency, health-related fitness and promoting lifelong physical activity. To earn that distinction, the Turkey Creek physical education staff compiled documentation for about a year to submit to NASPE for review.

Turkey Creek offers its students 50-minute physical education classes daily. Xavix interactive gaming equipment has been added to the fitness program which has helped motivate students.

“The whole thing about physical education is teaching students how to live,” Kilmer said. “I get to wake up every day and teach students how to live. I love my job.”

Originally from West Virginia, Kilmer graduated from West Virginia University and went on to obtained her master’s degree in adapted physical education, from the University of South Florida.

Kilmer serves on both the Southern District Board in the Physical Education Division as vice president and is the president-elect for Florida Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance and Sport.

Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.

MY VIEW

Mislabeling a tragedy won’t bring solution During the past month or so, I justice in that? unashamedly admit that I stayed The national media continues, glued to the television, watching as it did from day one, to consider the George Zimmerman trial unthis confrontation and killing a rafold. In doing so, I had the ability cial incident of at least the second to record the trial and play back degree. Many are comparing the only what happened in the court- shooting of Trayvon Martin to room. I found the trial the killings of civil rights to be tragic, sometimes champions of the past 60 outrageous and extremely years. They consider this fascinating. killing as a continuation of The trial as presented the injustice that inspired by the prosecutors proved riots in the 1960s, 70s and to be an emotional roller 80s. coaster rather than a facDespite the political tual presentation. From correctness that brought GEORGE H. this un-winnable Zimmerthe beginning, they were NEWMAN man case to trial in the without sufficient evidence to convict anyone first place, this case has of murder or manslaughter. nothing to do with race, unless The defense attorneys, in turn, you consider that the defendant provided Zimmerman a strategy was labeled by the media as a that showed self-defense to be the white Hispanic (whatever that is) only legal ground the jury needed and the victim as a black child. In to acquit him. the end, the lead attorney for the Again, tragically, the no-brainer defense, Mark O’Mara, blasted verdict allowed the confessed kill- the media following the aner of Trayvon Martin to walk from nouncement of the verdict. the courtroom a free man. ZimIn what was a brilliant, off-themerman’s 16 months of accusacuff description of what brought tions, degradation, investigation this case to trial in the first place, and prosecution are now over.

O’Mara answered the final quesTrayvon, the real tragic figure in tion at that press conference with all this, is gone forever. His death a comment for the ages. was truly a waste of life.

In an attempt to drag out the The verdict of not guilty, which last bit of detail, a reporter asked, made perfect sense to me, given “Did he (Zimmerman) ever cry to the circumstances, left us all you? Did he get emotional?” with a situation that seems to “Absolutely,” O’Mara replied. be unsatisfied. A 17-year-old kid “Some people called him the is dead, shot in the heart by a most hated man in America, for man who was legally carrying a having defended his own life concealed weapon; a man who only after being beaten for 45 was acting, poorly, as a neighborseconds.” hood watchman. And the shooter And then O’Mara dropped a walks away, after those 16 months bomb on the reporters. of being hated and despised by “Two systems went against many, a free man. Where is the George Zimmerman that he can’t

understand,” O’Mara said. “You guys, the media. … He didn’t know why he was turned into this monster. But for our sake, you guys had a lot to do with it.

You just did. Because you took a story that was fed to you, and you ran with it, and you ran right over him. And that was horrid to him.

“Then, he comes into a system that he trusts and gets prosecutors (who) charge him with a crime they could never, ever prove,” he said. “They didn’t lose evidence along the way. No one would argue with me in this room that they had evidence to seconddegree murder. This ‘in your heart’ kind of stuff is not what we are supposed to do, and it is not what they are supposed to do.

Those two systems failed him.”

Still, with all that said, the network carrying the trial missed the point. At the end, all racial overand under-tones continue to win the day. It’s as if we don’t know any other way to go.

After the verdict, a television panel answered this question: “What will be the legacy of this case” Some of those on the panels were attorneys. Some were journalists. None of them could go beyond his or her own biases.

“It’s as clear as black and white,” said television savant Nancy Grace.

Political correctness brought this case to trial, and it continues to define the national media perception of injustice.

The panelists all scratched their talking heads, wondering how all of this mistrust and discord between races can be addressed and solved. Many good questions were raised, but none was

relevant. In reality, what we are left with is a 17-year-old kid, “face down in the dirt,” as Grace is fond of reminding us. And a defendant who was found not guilty of murder and manslaughter charges.

So, what do we do to ensure this horrible tragedy doesn’t happen again? We are left with searching for the real failure that brought about Trayvon’s death and for a way to fix it. It all seems so simple, but it isn’t ripe in the emotion upon which the media thrives.

Across our nation, we have apartment complexes, neighborhoods and rural areas in which a neighborhood watch has been initiated to help prevent crime.

Volunteers patrolling neighborhoods help deter burglaries, home invasions and assaults, rapes and murders.

Zimmerman failed miserably as a neighborhood watchman.

He did so many things wrong, although none of his missteps was illegal, including the tragedy of shooting Trayvon Martin to death.

The Sanford Police Department, for its part, failed by not providing Zimmerman and how many others with the training needed to successfully perform the duties of a neighborhood watchman.

All he had to do, after all, was to announce who he was to Trayvon that night. That would have allowed them both to arrive safely to their respective homes.

If we, as a law-abiding society, can fix anything, we can fix what happened that night, so it never happens again. A well-trained neighborhood watchman is all that was needed.

Nothing more.

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

7

LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

+ City, state leaders urged for WLCC input Editor’s note: This letter was sent to local and state political leaders, including Plant City Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis, Vice Mayor Rick Lott, city commissioners Bill Dodson, Billy Keel and Mike Sparkman, City Manager Greg Horwedel, City Attorney

File photo

Kenneth Buchman, City Clerk Kerri Miller, Director of Planning and Zoning Mark Hudson, Florida state Rep. Dan Raulerson and U.S. Rep. Dennis Ross.

Please be advised, that I attended an ad-hoc community gathering at the Walden Lake Community Center, to discuss the festering issues surrounding the current state of affairs and futures plans of the privately owned Walden Lake Golf & Country Club.

Because of the overflow capacity of more than 300 concerned residents, the meeting was held outside in the heat.

The Plant City Observer subsequently published a story detailing the concerns and grievances of those gathered.

I am hoping my letter to you as elected officials and other community leaders will spark your interest to review the issues at hand for all involved; namely, the City of Plant City, the residents of Walden Lake, the schools system, and, yes, even the owners of the country club.

I understand, that the Walden Lake Golf Club is a privately owned entity, and I have empathy for anyone trying to operate a business in troubled economic times. However, as residents, we also have private property rights, and we are concerned that city zoning, city ordinances and possible state law issues are at hand.

This is not about golf.

The current owners of the country club have shuttered one-half of the golf course, for at least the third year. We have received no notifications. Those living on or near the shuttered course are subjected to mice running rampant in the uncut fields and a deplorable eyesore. We also find it strange the state incurred costs to have the Southwest Florida Water Management District route

reclaimed water to the course, yet such water does not appear to reach the grass.

A previous press release from when the country club owners received funding from the Kennedy Funding Group, described an investment in a 36-hole pristine golf and country club gem in beautiful Plant City. A more recent email from the current owners of the country club was read to all those who attended the meeting. The current owner described his plans to close the course, tear down the clubhouse and develop town homes, a community park and possibly a par-3 golf course.

Needless to say, everyone was shocked.

It appears the owners and operators of the country club are morphing into developers and land speculators. Has anyone in government held public or private discussions regarding these schemes? And if so, have these developers received encouragement to move ahead with these schemes?

At minimum, the current owners understand the importance of their property to Walden Lake residents. Last year, they had petitioned the Walden Lake Community Association to levy a $360 annual fee to support their endeavors — “in everyone’s financial interest” was the pitch.

I try to frequent and support many local businesses; we are a community. However, these businesses provide a quality product and service. In fairness, I do not know all the facts surrounding these past discussions; communication to the public has been poor at best.

Suffice it to say though, as a resident of Plant City, I don’t believe any business has a right to strong-arm or bully taxpaying residents.

It is a shame the country club

owners chose not to attend the meeting. It could have been a wonderful opportunity to communicate with their customer base, and their absence spoke volumes. Therefore, I am hoping our elected and community leaders will look into the interests of the community of Walden Lake, the city and the state, as it pertains to the private operation and future plans of the country club.

In this “impact assessment,” I would hope several things could be done: • An immediate health-risk assessment of the course and facilities; • An audit of any possible concessions or subsidies made by the City of Plant City (i.e. school contracts, etc.), Swiftmud (reclaimed water supply at reduced rates), Small Business Administration, the State of Florida or any other government entity in support of the country club, to review the fulfillment of any commitments made by the club owners to the public taxpayers; • An examination of what communications, mandated by law, have been made or omitted; and • A review of property taxes, because hundreds of people no longer live on a golf course but a “pasture,” at best.

I sincerely hope the situation can be rectified, so that once again, we can see the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club become the pride of Plant City.

The current lack of communication and leadership produces a cloud that is not good for their business or our community. In the end, I suppose the residents have other options to protect their interests — unfortunately that could include “For Sale” signs. We hope this urgent matter is not ignored.

Donald Marshall Walden Lake

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Dear Editor: I just finished reading Michael Eng’s article in the Plant City Observer, and I am alarmed by what I have read. My wife and I purchased our Walden Lake home last December, partly because of its location on the golf course, and feel we were duped. The troubles with the course and possible redevelopment were not ever mentioned or disclosed to us. That would have affected our decision and, possibly, our offer.

The problem with the management of the course is lack of any marketing or common sense on the part of the owners of Walden Lake Golf & Country Club. I have lived here for six months and have not been contacted or received any information from the club about membership — or even an invitation to come visit. I have played the course and mentioned each time that I recently moved into the community. The response I received was a shrug of the shoulders or a blank stare. You would think if they were interested in building membership, then they would reach out and attempt to get new members.

We moved to Walden Lake from another part of Plant City.

A few years ago, my wife and I joined the Walden Lake club for a summer membership special. The membership included use of the pool and fitness facilities, along with supposed invitations to social gatherings.

When I arrived to sign up, the marketing person at the front desk (I know this, because her name plate included the word marketing in the title) knew nothing about it. I had to press her to get information, and she reluctantly went back to the club manager and inquired on my behalf. He simply handed her a piece of paper, which she handed to me and then went back to doing whatever she was doing before I arrived.

When I asked for details, she took the paper from me and read it, handed back to me and repeated what she and I had just read. After talking it over with my wife, we decided to give it try — despite the way I was treated the day before thinking

it was just a new program that hadn’t been fully communicated.

I returned the next day to join and had to remind her what it was I wanted to do. She searched around for a bit, found a copy of a membership form for me to fill out and then took my check, typed up and handed me my membership cards and then just sat there waiting for me to leave. I had to press her about how to get into the facilities.

She took the envelope with the cards from me and highlighted the access code and told me to punch this code in the door to gain entry. No tour, no “thank you for joining,” just basically an attitude that I was bothering her and needed to leave.

I expected to receive a thankyou letter or e-mail, invitations to any social events or some form of contact from the club to see if I was interested in joining full-time (one of the benefits of the summer package was the $1,000 initiation fee would be waived if we joined before the expiration date). I was ready to join full-time, but because no one took the time to contact me, in any way, over a period of five months, I didn’t feel welcome or that my business was important.

They believe people should be begging them for the privilege to be associated with the club. I would almost say they are trying to run everyone off, so they can claim the course isn’t supported by the community and use that as an excuse to move forward with their development plans. If they can show the city the golf course isn’t bringing in enough revenue to maintain all 36 holes, then they figure the community and the city will have no choice but to approve their plans. The development plan is where they see a large profit to be made, and that is what they want.

Robert Rogers Walden Lake

116977

+ Poor customer service part of WLCC problem

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sociation to come out and take a position, or our office to come out and take a position that explains a specific legal strategy or legal plan — it would be premature,” he said. “To come out with that plan at this point in time would actually be prejudicial toward the residents and the community as a whole.”

Melton said his office currently is looking at the original Community Unit zoning approved for Walden Lake Golf & Country Club to determine what already may be permitted under that designation. WLCA President Jan Griffin said she expects that information within a few weeks.

Melton’s wait-and-react advice did not satisfy residents, who took turns at the microphone to plea for more action.

“It is almost clear what (Mercer’s) intentions are,” said resident George Clifford.

“We should be ready for it. We don’t know how to tackle it. And it is the WLCA’s concern. You represent the Walden Lake community, and we are looking for some guidance.

“These proposals have horrendous implications,” he said. “We look to you to lead us forward.”

Resident Shelly Orrico, who has spearheaded the residents’ campaign against the redevelopment, echoed Clifford’s concerns and chided WLCA board members for not stepping in to correct what she said was years of golf course neglect.

“It was and still is your duty as a board to look out for the people,” she said. “For four years, this board has stood idle ... and watched our golf course fall into ruins,” she said. “All of the board members were and are aware of the condition (of the Hills course), but you all either played dumb or you were uncaring.

“Though the board of Walden Lake may have mentioned the existing conditions of the course to the city, not one member lifted a pen to file a complaint,” she said.

“It has taken the work of a few concerned citizens to light the fire for which we are all here tonight. What we have done in the last three weeks, you all could have done in the last four years.”

Melton defended the board and said complaints and concerns should be directed to the Plant City commissioners, who ultimately would have to approve any rezone request. He also underscored the

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

BOYCOTT Opponents of the redevelopment of Walden Lake Golf & Country Club are organizing a monthly boycott of the operation during the month of August.

Residents will be holding signs at all entrances to the community and sharing their views of the potential changes.

For more information, email savethecourse@aol.com. importance of the residents — together with the WLCA leaders — presenting a united front.

“I know emotions are very high right now, and that is understandable,” Melton said. “Many of you moved into this community with the expectation of living on a golf course or because the golf courses are here.

“It’s important to remember the board of directors are in this just like you,” he said. “They just have the unfortunate situation of happening to be on the board of directors at the time this issue came before them. ... This is a community issue; this is a owner issue. This is something that you all need to work on together.”

Don Marshall, a 20-year resident of Forest Club, said he suspects Mercer’s recent neglect of the Hills course is a calculated effort to further his plans for redevelopment.

“I think it’s in his (Mercer’s) interest right now to drive the course into the ground — to see it not supported, so then he could then petition the politicians to do what he wants to do,” he said. “I welcome the support of the board. This is impacting our property values right now.”

Although she wouldn’t divulge details, Griffin said she and the rest of the WLCA board of directors will be prepared to represent Walden Lake residents and their interests as homeowners.

“We will be ready for whatever they propose, and we will use every legal resource to preserve and protect the community’s interests,” Griffin said.

Associate Editor Amber Jurgensen contributed to this report.

Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.

Reactions to the meeting The Plant City Observer asked residents who attended the meeting for their feedback.

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“I think it’s the beginning of it. I’m pleased. We made our thoughts and concerns known. The key for us right now is knowing how involved the board will be and knowing the zoning codes.

We need to know if it needs to be changed or not to develop.”

— Sharon Philbin

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“I expected our lawyer to know a little bit more. I was disappointed ... gives me the impression as a resident that they are in the dark.”

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Norah Carvalhjo, 8, enjoyed her time with the K&M horses.

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Grace Harrell, 11, was meticulous with her brushing.

Lorelai Crew snuggled up to one of the horses.

Horsing Around summer fun

Madison Spanola, 9, learned how to measure a horse’s height.

by Michael Eng | Managing Editor

Summer campers at the Plant City Family YMCA were caught horsing around all week, when Mulberry-based K&M Pony Parties brought to Plant City horses of all shapes and sizes.

The campers learned all about caring for horses, including feeding, cleaning, medicating and much more.

And, of course, there were plenty of hugs for the four-legged friends.

.

April was all smiles during her time at the Plant City Family YMCA. Left: Zoe Meeks, 6, gave this horse plenty of love.

Jordan Browder, 10, spent time with several horses.

Right: The campers chose their brushes before heading off to groom the horses.

10

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PlantCityObserver.com

FULL-STEAM AHEAD

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor

Daybreak Rotary Club presents check for train-viewing platform IN OTHER NEWS

Daybreak Rotary also inducted a new member, Gary Sears.

As a new member, Sears must carry the club’s monkey with him for a week.

Sears is from Ogdensburg, N.Y. He has worked at a series of car dealerships and owned his own, Sears Inc. until the 1990s.

He moved to Plant City in 1981.

Sears is a past board member of the United Food Bank and the American Planning Association. He also has served on the Hillsborough County CityCounty Planning Commission, the City of Plant City Planning and Zoning Board and the Plant City Election Board, among other posts.

Photos by Amber Jurgensen

Rotary President George Banning presented the check to David Miller.

The club also inducted a new member.

Plant City Daybreak Rotary Club President George Banning presented a check July 15, for the construction of the train-viewing platform.

David Miller, part of the train-viewing platform planning committee, accepted the $2,500 check on behalf of the committee.

“I would like to thank the club for this,” Miller said.

Miller recounted a time when the club was much smaller in membership and praised the club for its efforts.

“I’m especially proud of this donation from this club,” Miller

said. “I appreciate your gift and am really proud that the club has matured to this point to give a donation like this.”

Construction began on the train platform June 21. Situated next to the train depot, the platform is a project under the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, with help from the city.

Both the chamber and city hope the platform will be a tourism draw, as well as an educational tool for local history and train safety.

The committee already has raised $130,000. The goal is $200,000.

OBSERVEROBITUARIES James ‘Jim’ Crosby

James ‘Jim’ Crosby, 56, of Plant City, died July 9, 2013.

He was the son of the late Robert and Betty Crosby.

Mr. Crosby enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching football and spending time on the water fishing.

Survivors include his loving wife of 29 years, Karen Crosby; son, Clay Crosby (Rebecca); daughter, Stacy Collins (Chris); siblings, Ralph Crosby (Cindy), Rob Crosby (Linda), Linda Jennings (C.M.), and Chet Jennings (Margaret); grandchildren, Zack, Ceili, Shannon, Teagan and Holly; and many nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life was held July 12, at Little Union Primitive Baptist Church, 15510 C.R. 39, Lithia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jim Crosby to Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation, 12902 Magnolia Drive, UTC-Found, Tampa, FL, 33612.

Online condolences may be made at brandonfunerals.com.

Henry Howard Fleming Jr.

Henry Howard Fleming Jr., 85, of Plant City, died July 11, 2013.

Born May 7, 1928, in Plant City, he was the son of the late Henry and the late Abbey Williamson Fleming.

Mr. Fleming was the owner and operator of Fleming Paint and Supply.

He was corporal in the U. S. Army and a member and dea-

con at Plant City’s First Baptist Church. He enjoyed NASCAR and loved sharing time with his family. He was a role model for his family and for many who knew him.

Survivors include his sons, Frank Fleming (Karen) and Scott Fleming (Monica); brother, Kenneth Fleming (Lucille); and a granddaughter, Abby Fleming.

He was preceded in death on May 9, 2013, by his beloved wife, Ruby Holley Fleming.

The family received friends July 15, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.

Kenneth Paul Stropagel

Kenneth Paul Stropagel, 56, of Plant City, died July 14, 2013, at South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Born Nov. 11, 1956, in Brooklyn, N.Y., he was the son of the late Erwin Stropagel and Mary Van Fluke Stropagel, who survives.

Mr. Stropagel was a mechanic with Lakeland Chrysler, enjoyed golfing and was an avid sports enthusiast.

Survivors include his wife, Dolores Bluemke Stropagel; daughter, Victoria Stropagel; mother, Mary Van Fluke Stropagel; and brothers, Erwin Stropagel and John Stropagel.

A memorial service was July 17, at Plant City Church of God. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.

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Sports

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

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK All-Star Ben Pues shows off power at the plate. 13

PLANTCITYObserver.com

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

child prodigy by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

Plant City soccer star takes game overseas At just 17, Omar Castro is playing for a U23 team in Germany, with the opportunity to play Division I professional soccer after his 18th birthday.

Omar Castro, of Plant City, currently is playing for a German U-23 team.

For Omar Castro, soccer isn’t just a hobby.

It’s his life.

“Omar is one of the most humble teenagers I’ve ever met,” said Stephen Rossiter, Castro’s longtime Plant City FC Lancer’s coach and his legal guardian for past seven years. “He lives and breathes the game of soccer. It is his passion.”

Courtesy photo

Castro, 17, began playing for the Lancers when he was 3 years old, even though, technically, he wasn’t supposed to start until 4.

He quickly emerged as a young star. Hundreds of people would come to watch him play on weekends, at Otis M. Andrews Park, in Plant City.

When Castro was a part of the Lancer’s U-17 team, he of-

ten played against players from top rec teams in Central Florida, some twice his age. On weekends, he played in the adult rec leagues at Plant City parks, competing against adult men.

That is a continuing theme for the young star, who now is playing in Europe for Germany’s

SEE CASTRO / PAGE 12

SHOW ME THE MAUNEY

Turning pro young is a rewarding, risky option It is a commonly debated topic.

Should young athletes turn professional when their age still ends with “teen?”

NBA stars such as Kobe Bryant and Lebron James had multi-million dollar contracts and sponsorship deals as soon as they graduated high school. Now, the NBA requires athletes to play one year of college ball before being draft-eligible, while Major MATT League Baseball MAUNEY is the only of the “big three” sports in which players can turn pro immediately after high school.

Even here in Plant City, there are several cases where young athletes have had (and some accepted) professional contracts.

In June, Durant pitcher Tyler Danish accepted a deal with the Chicago White Sox after being drafted in the second round of the MLB First Year Player Draft, open to high school players, community and junior college players and other college players that have played at least three seasons. Danish had a full scholarship offer from the University of Florida but signed with the White Sox, including a $1,001,800 signing bonus.

The 18-year-old, who finished his senior season with Durant with a 0.00 ERA, is now a millionaire playing for Chicago’s Rookie League affiliate, Bristol.

Local soccer standout Omar Castro is playing in Europe and likely will play professional Division I soccer after his 18th birthday.

Even younger is local baseball

SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 12

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor Matt Mauney

Zamir Knighten will play this fall for the Turkey Creek Trojans.

big things

come for small package Zamir Knighten will be among 100 of the best middleschool football prospects in the nation at the NUC Ultimate 100 football camp, next week, in Oklahoma.

Zamir Knighten already has played in an NFL venue and wowed coaches and scouts with his ability.

Many say he will have that experience again, one day playing for an NFL team, even if it’s 10 years from now.

Earlier this year, the 11-yearold Plant City resident played

two games at Reliant Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, in an Offense-Defense All-American camp.

The national spotlight on the running back/defensive back will brighten again, when he will be among 100 middle school age youth football players in Schuman’s National Under-

classmen Ultimate 100 Football Camp, July 22, at the University of Oklahoma, in Norman, Okla.

“I’m just looking forward to meeting new friends and competing against really good players,” Knighten said.

EARLY SUCCESS Timothy

Knighten

has

coached his son since Zamir was 6 years old.

“As a father, you always think, as soon as you have a son, that they have talent,” Timothy said.

When Zamir was 6, he played in a 6- to 10-year-old youth team in Lakeland and faced players much bigger than him. It was a trend that he has kept to this day.

“He’s always one of the smallest kids on the field,” Timothy said. “A lot of people underestimate him for that — until they get the ball in his hands.”

When Zamir turned 8, things started to really take shape.

“I just started to work with him a lot, working with his footwork and his body control and working on handling the ball,” Timothy said.

Zamir’s team that year was talented at the skill positions, and Timothy was focused on his defense, playing his son mostly at

SEE KNIGHTEN / PAGE 12

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

Eintracht Braunschweig U-23 team. Castro can’t sign a professional contract or play with the Division I first team until he turns 18, on Feb. 17, 2014.

“He’ll have an opportunity to play professionally as soon as he turns 18,” Rossiter said.

“Playing professional soccer has always been his goal.”

HOMETOWN SUPPORT

During a City Commission meeting July 8, Plant City Mayor Mary Mathis declared 2013 the Year of the Youth.

Vice Mayor Rick Lott was asked to find a youth who demonstrated outstanding ability.

He selected Castro.

“I’ve known Omar for eight years now and have watched him grow from a boy to a young man with a dream and a vision,” Lott said. “It’s always great to recognize someone, when all their hard work pays off. That’s something that you want other young people to see: that if you are dedicated and work hard enough, dreams can come true.”

Under Castro’s current agreement with Eintracht Braunschweig, once he turns 18 and is eligible to play for the Division I team, a donation of 25,000 euros (about $30,000) will be made to the Lancers’ program for the first game he starts and after every 10 starts after the initial start. The deal also allows the Lancer’s to send two Plant City players, with all expenses paid, to Germany once a year for training and eligibility to be signed, if they demonstrate a high enough quality of play.

Castro is currently overseas preparing for the U-23 season, which begins in August.

Castro will be continuing school through Florida Virtual School and graduate next year.

He holds a 3.9 grade-point average.

“He’s had to make many sacrifices to get where he is, but he has excelled in everything he’s done and should be an inspiration to all of us,” Lott said.

Castro’s biological parents came to the United States from Mexico 20 years ago and supported their seven children by working the strawberry fields in Plant City.

Castro received a love of soccer from his father, Jesus. All of Castro’s brothers played, and he has a cousin who plays for the Indios, a professional team in the Mexican League.

Because of a poor financial situation, Jesus Castro asked

Rossiter if he would open his home to Omar.

Rossiter became Omar’s legal guardian seven years ago. The two families remain close, and Rossiter’s son, Samuel, is even married to Omar’s sister, Idelisa.

“When I was approached about it, there wasn’t really a thought process,” Rossiter said about becoming Omar’s legal guardian. “I was happy to do it, and we’ve built a great relationship. He is still very close to his family, and his dad is still very active in his soccer.”

ON THE RADAR

Castro’s talents and pro potential have been identified for several years. It wasn’t ever a question of whether he would play professionally — but rather, when.

“He is just very dedicated and passionate about the game,” Rossiter said. “He doesn’t have a Facebook or any social media.

He doesn’t text. When he isn’t playing, he’s doing research on other football clubs.”

Castro had been on the U.S. National Team’s radar for years and has worked out with FC Barcelona, one of the world’s top clubs, and the Dutch club Vitesse. He left July 8, for Germany. It was his 30th trip away from home for soccer.

“We’ve always let him travel alone on trips, so he would get used to being independent,” Rossiter said. “Even where he is now, his biggest challenge is being away from home and his family.”

Playing professionally was always a goal for Castro, and playing for Barcelona one day would be a dream come true for the 17-year-old. When he was 16, he was already represented by a professional agency — ExtraTime Football Consultants, based in Barcelona, Spain.

In May, Castro helped lead his U-17 Lancers team to the FYSA’s State Cup Final Four. It was the first time since the U-18 boys in 1997 that a Lancers team participated in the tournament.

Just two months later, Castro is thousands of miles away from Plant City, playing under a German soccer club with an opportunity to play professionally in seven months.

“I talk to him as often as I can, and he seems happy and in good spirits,” Rossiter said. “For him, he’s not concerned about everything going on. He’s just playing the sport he loves and is having fun doing it.”

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

KNIGHTEN/PAGE 11 cornerback. But when Zamir had an opportunity to carry the ball, he didn’t disappoint.

In just 13 carries on the season, he scored eight touchdowns, all on runs of 60-plus yards.

“That was probably the moment that we saw how much potential he had,” Timothy said.

Zamir is still one of the smallest players on the field, but that doesn’t hamper his performance.

In December, Zamir helped lead his 10-year-old unlimited Plant City Raiders to a United Youth Football League national championship.

“Oak Leaf was the biggest team I’ve ever faced,” Zamir said about the Jacksonville-based Black Knights.

Zamir’s team won that game 26-0 and also picked up wins over the Newark (N.J.) Bears and Homewood Flossmoor (Chicago) Jr. Vikings in the championship game.

Big-time colleges and NFL teams featuring undersized players, especially at running back and defensive back, has been a trend in the past several years. Zamir admires Oregon running back De’Anthony Thomas (5-9, 181) and former West Virginia standout and current St. Louis Ram Tavon Austin (5-9, 174).

“It’s not something I think about or am worried about,” Zamir said about his size and being hit by bigger opponents.

Zamir, who will be entering the sixth grade, will play for the Turkey Creek Trojans this fall.

Timothy started him in youth

MAUNEY/PAGE 11 pitcher Chelsea Baker. Baker, 16, has made a habit of striking out boys on the mound and received a contract to play professional women’s baseball in Japan last year. She turned the offer down but says she is considering playing overseas after high school instead of for the United States women’s baseball team, which doesn’t play a full season.

So the question becomes this: Is this the right move for these young stars? College is important, but I can’t say I would turn down a million-dollar contract to play pro baseball after turning my tassel at high school graduation.

If things don’t work out, and the athletes are careful with their finances, college is still a realistic option down the road, compared to student loans and other alternatives.

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a big decision. It’s a decision I couldn’t imagine making when I was 17 or 18. I had a hard enough time deciding what to eat for dinner or what to do on the weekend.

Ultimately, it should be the athlete’s decisions, even at 18 or younger. Parents, coaches and friends can and should be consulted, but these decisions will affect the athlete down the road, so it is his or hers to make.

The decisions certainly carry considerable risks. Professional sports is a business. If you’re not performing, a team likely will send you packing — even if that means eating money and cutting their losses.

Still, the positives often outweigh the risks. I wish nothing but the best to local athletes that are getting a jump-start on a pro career. If it’s the right opportunity, go for it.

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Contracts obviously vary by sport. Japanese women pro baseball players make about $35,000 to $50,000 per year. So, having money be the only factor wouldn’t be fair.

For the athletes themselves, sometimes the opportunity itself is just too good to pass up. Danish seemed excited to be a Florida Gator after leaving Durant, but going as high as he went in the draft made the decision to turn pro easier. Danish is off to a strong start in Bristol and could make his way up to “the show” before he would have been eligible to be drafted again out of Florida (after his junior year).

If Baker goes to play in Japan, she likely would be the first American to do so. Castro likely will be one of a select few Americans good enough to earn a European soccer contract.

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After Zamir returns July 26, from Oklahoma, he will participate in a Offense-Defense Combine, in Orlando, to qualify for the middle school division of Team USA for the USA-Canada All-Star game.

In his short playing career, Zamir already has garnered a lot of national attention. He even has a recruiting profile on the OffenseDefense website, o-d.com.

College recruiting has transcended far from just juniors and seniors in high school. Football

players as young as the seventh grade can be actively “recruited” by colleges and even can commit verbally as a middle-schooler.

Timothy said Zamir constantly has coaches and scouts telling him that he’ll play in the NFL one day if he “just keeps his grades up.”

“I try not to let him focus on stuff like that, because it can make or break these young kids,” Timothy said. “It’s hard to hide from it, but you don’t want a kid to feel like he’s already made it and then is devastated if something bad happens.

“It can also have the reverse effect for some kids, making them want to be the best player they can be before they enter college, but it still makes me nervous,” he said.

Zamir said he would like to play for Oregon, both because of their style of offense and their “cool uniforms,” but said he doesn’t really care where he ends up going, just as long as he has an opportunity to play.

As for high school, Timothy hopes Zamir plays for his alma mater — Plant City High — where he was a standout, before he played in college in Virginia.

If Zamir becomes a standout in high school and college, his 6-year-old little brother, Timothy III, or TK3 as he’s known, may not be far behind.

“At 6, he’s a lot more advanced than Zamir was at that age,” Timothy said. “Being around his big brother has helped a lot. Just like Zamir, I want him to have fun with it and let him adapt.”

Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver. com.

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football in Lakeland because of the league’s “unlimited” rule, with no weight requirements or restrictions for teams.

“I wanted him to get used to playing and getting hit by bigger players,” Timothy said. “I tried to instill the training in him, and I just want his mindset to be focused, so once he gets to high school and college, he will already have that strong work ethic.”

That work ethic doesn’t just pertain to football. Zamir is an A-B student who cites math as his favorite subject. Although he will play for the Trojans this fall, where he will attend middle school is still up in the air.

Among local options such as Marshall and Tomlin, Lakeland Christian also is a consideration.

Lakeland Christian offers middleschool football, while local public schools do not. Lakeland Highlands Middle is another option.

Although it doesn’t offer football, it has a competitive travel basketball team and track team, along with top-notch academics.

“It’s all about his mindset right now,” Timothy said.

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CASTRO/PAGE 11

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THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

ATHLETE of the week

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

set for success

13

by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor

BEN PUES Tomlin Middle School student Ben Pues credits his hitting prowess to instruction from Basilio Cabrera, a hitting coach with the Lakeland Flying Tigers. Pues had a breakout Little League season this year and already has three home runs with his Plant CIty 11-12 All-Star team through four games. Pues is hitting .727, with nine RBIs. How long have you been playing baseball?

Not any of the big players, but I’ve batted with a lot of the minor-leaguers.

What positions do you play?

First base, right field and pitcher How did you fare during this year’s Little League season?

It went pretty well. It was probably my best season yet.

What techniques has he shown you that have helped?

To explode with my hips Your All-Star team could go to the Little League World Series this year.

What will it take to get there?

Jessie Moore played varsity last year and will return for her junior season. Left: Carly Day had a blast at this year’s volleyball camp.

Just taking it one game at a time

With All-Stars, to what do you credit your success at the plate?

Have you and the rest of the players felt pressure to get there?

My batting coach from the Tigers, Basilio Cabrera

Yeah. We’ve been dealing with it pretty well, but it is a lot of pressure.

How did you meet him?

When I was 11, I had a coach, and when he was leaving, he said if you have any trouble with batting, just go to him, and he’ll fix it.

Your team has gone as far as it could the last two years. Entering this season, did it feel any different?

We’re just treating it as another All-Star season, but we’ve got to go further.

How often do you go work with him?

What are some goals for you this year?

Every Wednesday

To hit a home run in Williamsport

Plant City High serves up 2013 volleyball camp Plant City High marked her first School volleyball camp at PCHS. coach Jessica “It’s exciting to Thorton shared see some of the her knowledge little girls that of the sport durmay be picking the school’s ing up a ball weeklong volleyand learning the ball camp. game for the first The camp fea- Emily Little was one of time,” Thorton tured 20 partici- the youngest campers. said. “In the fupants, ranging She will be entering the ture, we hope to from middle- fifth grade next year. have separate school students sessions for the new to the game to junior- different age groups.” varsity and varsity players at In addition to Thorton, some PCHS. of the older varsity players Thorton was officially hired also helped assisted drills and late last summer, so this week games.

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Have you had a chance to meet any of the Tigers players?

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RAIN

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July 10

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THURS.

TemperatureS

Thurs., July 18 Fri., July 19 Sat., July 20 Sun., July 21 Mon., July 22 Tues., July 23 Wed., July 24

FRI.

July 12

0.34

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July 13

0.53

High Low 90 73 88 73 88 75 93 75 91 75 91 73 91 75

July 14

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MON.

Sunrise Sunset Thurs., July 18 6:43 a.m.

8:26 p.m.

Fri., July 19 6:44 a.m.

8:26 p.m.

Sat., July 20 6:44 a.m.

8:25 p.m.

Sun., July 21 6:45 a.m.

8:25 p.m.

Mon., July 22 6:46 a.m.

8:24 p.m.

Tues., July 23 6:46 a.m.

8:24 p.m.

Wed., July 24 6:47 a.m.

8:24 p.m.

0.19

July 15

0.01

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July 16

0.18

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YEAR

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Clint Cline calls this image, “Twins,” and he captured it with an iPhone 4 on Forbes Road near Miley Road.

The Plant City Observer, State Farm Insurance agent Tony Lee and The Corner Store have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest.

Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $10 gift certificate to Tony Lee CLU, Agent That’s town to The Corner Store! To1702 enter the contest, photo,what with our a caption, S Alexander Street email your is made of. subject: I Love Managing Editor Michael Eng,FLmeng@plantcityobserver.com; Plant City, 33563 Bus: 813-752-7202 Plant City.

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SA

14

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

Get to a better State .

Need someone that speaks fluent insurance?

I’m your agent for that.

1702 S Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563

813-752-7202 www.tonyleeagent.com

O B S E RV E R C RO S S WO R D Edited by Timothy E. Parker

3

CRYPTOGRAMS 1. J F H O B E G C O V O Y E C E Z L Q G Y J Y I X E I V O E B G C E ’ C S G Y F I S : “ G W D I Z F I Y ’ E C O O S K J E D I Z ’ B O Q I I T G YA W I B , D I Z K J H O L I V O E I EKO BGAKE XQJLO!” 2. S R W D S K K V T X D N G P Q W N S O S Y W , V U N P Q F D F Q U O E W O V R W V H F N K Q S E U S R T S Y Y F Q W O F D G R O O N G D . W O F P, R G Q Q F P Y E , V

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114698

Tony Lee CLU, Agent

®

1201196

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

CELEBRATE! by Amy dothsmiller

ACROSS 1 All-out attack 6 Academic, as an arguable point 10 Monetary unit of Myanmar 13 Picture on a monitor 17 Break the spirit of 18 Well-known, but for the wrong thing 20 Type in one’s username and password 22 Americans celebrate it in the summer 24 Newly hatched insect 25 Disregards Bond’s instruction 26 Prefix meaning “personal” 27 Trident prong 28 Priest’s permission to leave the diocese 29 “The Gift of the ___” (O. Henry tale) 30 Large retail complex 31 Lingerie top 32 Action on the shirt sleeves 34 “What’s ___ to like?”

35 All-star hurler 36 “South Pacific” prop 37 Texas-Louisiana border river 42 Not clearly marked 46 Skin pigment 47 Checkpoint needs 50 McShane or Holm 51 In many cases, to a poet 52 Ruckuses 54 Emulates 50 Cent 55 Flamethrower material 57 Half and half?

58 “___ further review ...”

59 Warranty voider 60 Maryland cake ingredient 61 Prominent

63 65 66 68 70 73 74 75 77 78 80 81 83 85 86 87 88 89 90 92 96 97 98 99

102 104 105 106 108 112 114 115 116 117

dachshund feature Ring activity More than just ask Chef’s collection Spectacular display on 22-Across Round openings in domes Mauna ___ (Hawaii’s highest peak) More revolting or disgusting “... and too many to mention” letters River through Russia ___-walsy (friendly) Returned to the perch Dangerous to drive on Captain’s command ___, tens, hundreds Claim on a house Bovine sound Resort with a mineral spring Superman’s nemesis: ___ Luthor Farmer in early spring, perhaps Preliminary preparation Sounds from a snake pit “___ now or never!”

Subway station critter “This tape will selfdestruct” fictional spy Figure-skater Midori Filmdom’s Dr. Zaius, e.g.

Expose Give a glowing review Outlet insert Nickname for late night’s O’Brien Nimble Rehem, e.g.

Synagogue scroll When 22-Across

occurs 120 Make modifications to 121 1996 Michael Crichton novel 122 Ten million rupees 123 Kill, as a dragon 124 Lofting shot 125 “What ___ can I say?”

126 Trifled (with)

dOwn

1 Many a beachgoer’s desire 2 “Mood ___” (Ellington song) 3 Retired professors 4 Things to be filled in 5 180 degrees from WSW 6 Core group?

7 Buck of the Negro Leagues 8 “That’s ___ concern to you!”

9 Second O of O-O-O 10 Oration stations 11 Chinese tender 12 Until now 13 More than frowned upon 14 Persuade gently 15 Shrek is an animated one 16 Spectacular star 19 Like the decimal system 21 D.C. ballplayer, for short 22 Suffix with “organ” or “patriot” 23Vitamin found in asparagus 30Marie Tussaud, for one 31 “Don’t get ___ out of shape!”

33 “A thousand and one ___” 36 Water safety device 38 Event for many on 22-Across 39 Washington ceremony 40 Small shots of booze 41 Start of Massachusetts’

43 44 45 46 47 48 49 53 56 57 58 59 62 64 67 69 71 72 76 78 79 82 84 86 87 88 91 93 94 95 100 101 103 104 105 107 108 109 110 111 113 114 115 118 119

motto Zero, in rugby Weigh station unit Swinelike critter Shared by, to Shakespeare Foot’s twelfth “Bet ya can’t!” e.g.

They sizzle on 22-Across Shrek’s sidekick Convent heads Camden Yards player Submissive to one’s wife Classification system for blood Potential relationship ruiner Have bills Utter Penitent’s activity Use intense light on Holly plant Author Truman Like 5-star hotels Climactic opening?

Flimflam Cigarette pack word “___ we forget ...”

Dust particle Attached to “more,” it’s a college Heavy Swindle Involuntary soldier Stick-in-the-mud Victor of old Hollywood Made more credible, as a rumor Pertaining to base 8 Sour, old-style Shoulders of roads Lacking liquor “Harper Valley ___” (1968 Jeannie C. Riley hit) Concrete reinforcers Kind of testimony California winemaking valley State with a fivesided flag Twofold in nature Dome-shaped ‘do Metal-in-the-raw World Series mo.

CROSSWORD_071813

Thursday, July 11, 2013 Thursday, July 18, 2013

Commercial For P.A.Rent RAULERSONProperty & COMPANY,

Commercial Property For Rent ADVERTISE YOUR MERCHANDISE with the total value of all items $200 or less in this section for FREE! Limit 1 ad per month, 15 words or less. Price must be included next to each item. No commercial advertising or garage sale advertising Ad runs 2 consecutive weeks.

Call Toll Free: 1-877-308-5642 Email ad to: classified@yourobserver.com (Please include your name and address) Or mail to: The Observer Group P.O. Box 3169 Sarasota, Fl 34230 2,300 SF Offices Plus 2,100 SF Warehouse Space. 2007 Wood Court, Suite 2, Plant City. $2,200/Month. Help Excellent Condition. Nice Business Wanted Park off Airport Road. Contact Bill: 813-390-0580; ACT! MODEL! NOW! Looking for new faces for wdean24@aol.com print, motion pictures, TV commercials. Children, adults, senior. 813-902-1722.

Catering

Pet Services

Tutoring

Catering

Driveways

Driveways

THE BRICK PAVER MAN Custom Paving & Sealing Bruce Frei 813-546-8694 2,300 SF brickpaverman@verizon.net Offices Plus 2,100 SF Warehouse Lic./Insured Space.Commercial/Residential 2007 Wood Court, Suite 2, Plant City. $2,200/Month. Excellent Condition. Nice Business our Road. ad in the Service Park offSee Airport Contact Bill:Directory 813-390-0580; wdean24@aol.com

THE BRICK PAVER MAN Custom Paving & Sealing Bruce Frei BARNEY’S OF BRANDON 813-546-8694 MOTORCYCLE & MARINE brickpaverman@verizon.net Since 1946 Lic./Insured Commercial/Residential Joshua Lavine, General Manager See our ad813-628-9418 in the Service Directory

VETERINARY ASSISTANT, Plant City. Will train, more info: www.plantcityanimalhospital.com CAPTAIN JOE’S Gourmet Catering Delivery - 813-759-8862 in the Mobile - 813-843-2825 See our ad in the Service Directory

FIND IT!

Classifieds

SERVICES KALEIDOSCOPE This week’s EDUCATIONAL Crossword answers Tutoring K-12 & Adults Flexible Schedule & Location www.kklc.us 813-804-6908 Mary R. Davis, Director Please see our ad in the Service Directory

ALL IN ONE PET PARLOR SANDY & JOE, OWNERS CAPTAIN JOE’S 813-719-9760 Gourmet Catering 2504 WALDEN WOODS - UNIT 3 - 813-759-8862 Delivery CITY PLANT Mobile - 813-843-2825 See our ad in SEE the Service Directory PLEASE OUR AD IN THE SERVICE DIRECTORY

Certified Public Accountants and Consultants Irene Castillo. Certified Public Accountant 813-752-6604 E-mail: irene@rccpas.biz See our ad in the Service directory

Please see our ad in the Service Directory

Accounting Painting/Wallpapering

Painting/Wallpapering

RAULERSON & COMPANY, HARRINGTON PAINTINGP.A. CertifiedCOMMERCIAL Public Accountants and Consultants / RESIDENTIAL Irene Castillo.

Certified Public Accountant HARRINGTON CHUCK 813-752-6604 813-453-0507 E-mail: LIC./INS. irene@rccpas.biz Seesee our our ad in Service directory Please adthe in the Service Directory

2013

This week’s Cryptogram answers

REDNECK STEAK HARRINGTON PAINTING COMMERCIAL / RESIDENTIAL Oak Wood Smoked Beef Jerky PremiumCHUCK HARRINGTON 813-453-0507 727-638-2324 LIC./INS. Please see our ad in the Service Directory See our ad in the Service Directory

3. Advertisement stuck in an optometrist’s window: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you have come to the right place!�

4. As traffic ground to a halt, I wondered why this time of day was called the rush hour. Then, suddenly, I was listening to a very conservative radio commentator!

CROSSWORD_ANS_071813

ACCOUNTING

PAINTING

RETAIL

ACCOUNTING RAULERSON & COMPANY, P.A. CertiďŹ ed Public Accountants RAULERSON & COMPANY, P.A.

DRIVEWAYS

RETAIL

HARRINGTON PAINTING

andPublic Consultants CertiďŹ ed Accountants BUSINESS NAVIGATION and Consultants Irene Castillo BUSINESS NAVIGATION

)NTERLOCKING 0AVER )NSTALLATION s #USTOM 3EALING 3YSTEMS

Commercial / Residential $RIVEWAYS s 0OOL $ECKS 3IDEWALKS s 2ETAINING 7ALLS %NTRANCE 7AYS s 3TREETS Chuck Harrington -OBILE s 0HONE &AX "RUCE &REI s 116847

116846 116846

brickpaverman@verizon.net

(ILLS ,IC 0! s 0ASCO ,IC ,0 Commercial Residential

Licensed Insured

4026 Highgate Dr., Valrico, FL 33594 PET SERVICES

813.759.8862

BEAUTY

PAINTING

DELIVERY

CONSTRUCTION www.gregoryorganization.com CATERING

(ILLS ,IC 0! s 0ASCO ,IC ,0

RETAIL RETAIL

GregoryOrganization@gmail.com

813.759.8862

116848 115126

-OBILE s 0HONE &AX

Redneck Steak www.rednecksteak.com 727-638-2324

Chuck Harrington

116851

Gourmet Catering 813.843.2825 mobile

sales@jerkyrocks.com

Established

Beef Jerky

Commercial / Residential

Captain Joes

www.jerkyrocks.com

Premium Oak Wood Smoked

HARRINGTON PAINTING

LP Missing: # 117024

s 116869

Irene Castillo

Accountant 600 West Dr. Martin LutherCertiďŹ ed King Jr. Public Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563 ¨Â&#x2026;~Â&#x20AC;ŠĂ&#x203A;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201A; ¤Â&#x192;Â&#x192;Â&#x2021; Ă&#x203A;]plÂ?Ă&#x203A;~~ Ă&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x203A;=YpĂ&#x203A;¨Â&#x2026;~Â&#x20AC;ŠĂ&#x203A;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201A; ¤Â&#x2026;Â&#x201E; Â&#x201A;Ă&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x203A;oooÂ?j[[hYkÂ?Zar 600 West Dr. Martin<DYadÂ&#x2018;Ă&#x203A;aj]f]Âłj[[hYkÂ?Zar Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City, FL 33563 ¨Â&#x2026;~Â&#x20AC;ŠĂ&#x203A;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201A; ¤Â&#x192;Â&#x192;Â&#x2021; Ă&#x203A;]plÂ?Ă&#x203A;~~ Ă&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x203A;=YpĂ&#x203A;¨Â&#x2026;~Â&#x20AC;ŠĂ&#x203A;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201A; ¤Â&#x2026;Â&#x201E; Â&#x201A;Ă&#x203A;Ă?Ă&#x203A;oooÂ?j[[hYkÂ?Zar <DYadÂ&#x2018;Ă&#x203A;aj]f]Âłj[[hYkÂ?Zar CATERING

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Premium Jerky, Sauces & Rubs 116850

Accounting

116863 116853

Help Wanted VETERINARY ASSISTANT, Plant City. Will train, moreItems info: www.plantcityanimalhospital.com Under $200 For Sale

CONSTRUCTION www.gregoryorganization.com GregoryOrganization@gmail.com )NTERLOCKING 0AVER )NSTALLATION s #USTOM 3EALING 3YSTEMS

$RIVEWAYS s 0OOL $ECKS 3IDEWALKS s 2ETAINING 7ALLS %NTRANCE 7AYS s 3TREETS 813-763-3903"RUCE &REI s 813-763-3967 116847

Greg Gregory

Premium Jerky, Sauces Premium Oak Wood Smoked & Rubs

s k Redneck Steak c o R y k Jer

Beef Jerky

Pennie Gregory brickpaverman@verizon.net

Commercial Licensed Licensed Residential The to Insured and 4026 Highgate Dr., Valrico, FL 33594 Insured company for your construction needs.

CGC 1511143

Mary R. Davis, Director Tutoring K-12 & Adults Flexible Schedule & Location WWW KKLC US s

7 2EYNOLDS 3T 3UITE s 0LANT #ITY

TUTORING

DeaD DeaD on on TargeT TargeT

116859

Kaleidoscope Educational Services

115786

Gourmet Catering 813.843.2825 mobile DRIVEWAYS

TUTORING

Kaleidoscope Educational Services

s

Established www.rednecksteak.com www.jerkyrocks.com

sales@jerkyrocks.com 727-638-2324

Mary R. Davis, Director

K-12Directory & Adults The ObserverTutoring Service The Observer Service Directory Flexible Schedule Location Call 877-308-5642 to reserve&your space.

WWW KKLC US s Call 877-308-5642 to reserve your space.

7 2EYNOLDS 3T 3UITE s 0LANT #ITY

115786

Captain Joes

CGC 1511143

115125

The to company for your construction needs.

116850

and Insured

Pennie Gregory

116853

Licensed

813-763-3967

116869

Greg Gregory

116851

813-763-3903

116859

DELIVERY

16

Plant city observer

PlantCityObserver.com

THURSDAY, July 18, 2013

Life is better in the Quick Lane.

Auto service just got better!

THE WOrkSTM FUEL SAVEr PACkAgE

bATTErY COUPON

2995

MOTOrCrAFT ® TESTED TOUgH MAX

$

PLUS TAX

• Motorcraft® Premium Synthetic Oil & filter change • Rotate and inspect four tires • Check air and cabin filters • Inspect brake system • Test battery • Check belt and hoses • Top off all fluids

AND PLUS bATTErIES Get a

Most vehicles up to 7 quarts of MotorCraft. Synthetic blend oil and Motorcraft filter. Taxes, diesel vehicles and disposal fees extra. Hybrid battery test excluded. See participating dealership for vehicle exclusions and details through 7/31/13.

25

$

mail-in rebate

TIrE SPECIAL

Save up to $100

gET AN ADDITIONAL rEbATE bY USINg THE FOrD SErVICE CrEDIT CArD.

YOU WlLL SAVE THIS: $10 $15 $25 $35 $40 $50 $75 $100

get up to

120

$

#25651 - 5.0L V8 Automatic Trans, Power Windows, Power Locks, Alloy Wheels MSRP $31,010

mail-in rebates when you buy four select tires

SHOP JARRETTSCOTTFORD.COM • MORE THAN 600 NEW AND 400 USED CARS

www.JarrettScottFord.com

On these name brands:

May not be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Excludes tires.

CALL NoW FoR DETAiLS 800-550-7291 2000 East Baker St. ~

PlanT CITY

Photos for illustration purpose only. Residency restrictions may apply with FMCC. *Cash back varies by model W.A.C. Ford rebates assigned to dealer offer ends 7/31/2013. CPO Warranty’s warrant a $100.00 deductible. 1.9% WAC, CPO units only.* All rebates and cash bonus WAC. See dealer for details. Prices Plus tax tag and $499 dealer fee. 0% APR Financing with approved credit thru FMCC. Prices may include FMCC cash and trade assist cash. “6500 Rebate on F150 XLT include trade assist, fi nancing with FMCC. Cash back by model. WAC. Rebates assigned to Dealer Jarrett Scott Ford’s pricing does not include your cash or trade equity. Our prices are based on Jarrett Scott Ford’s deep discounts less Ford customer cash and FMCC.

Jarrett Scott Ford’s pricing does not include your cash or trade equity. Our prices are based on Jarrett Scott Ford’s deep discounts less Ford customer cash and FMCC.

116969

at Jarrett-Scott Ford

Se Habla Español

Service Hours Mon. - Fri. 7am - 7pm Sat. 7am - 3pm 117186

(800) 240 - 0856

We are here for you and your family.

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

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

“Banking on a First Name Basis”

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

PLANT CITY – Main Office, 102 W. Baker Street, 752-6193 • WALDEN WOODS – 2400 Jim Redman Parkway, 754-1844 Also offices in: BRANDON, RIVERVIEW and ZEPHYRHILLS

116677

2000 East Baker St. Plant City, FL 33563

F - 150 STX

YOUR PRICE $23,495

Wild Card Coupon WHEN YOU SPEND THIS: $59-$99 $100-$199 $200-$299 $300-$399 $400-$499 $500-$699 $700-$899 $900 or more

2013 FORD