PLANT CITY TIMES &
Observer
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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 5, NO. 4
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
Commission considers tax increase The tax rate could go up by as much as one mill to support continued focus on infrastructure. SEE PAGE 9
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy photos
Plant City home damaged in storm
LEGAL ISSUES PLAGUE COURSE AT
WALDEN LAKE The course’s current management is being sued for nearly $300k in various Hillsborough County suits. SEE PAGE 3
On July 20 a storm hit Plant City causing damage to Angela and Jay Loyd’s home. According to Loyd the roof was ripped off her home and a Go Fund Me page was set up to help the family. According to the National Weather Service, there was no indication of tornadic activity in the area. They did say, however, that any increased wind activity is likely related to downburst winds, which are strong winds that frequently come along with our afternoon thunderstorms. They can cause similar damage to tornadoes, but are different in that they radiate from a central point. Downburst winds are straight-line winds as opposed to the rotating winds of a tornado.
Plant City awarded for quality budget Plant City received the Distinguished Budget Award for the 2016 to 2017 year on Monday at the City Commission meeting. The award promotes a preparation of high quality budget documents and the city had to substantially conform its documents in order to qualify. It is the first time the award has been given to Plant City. Eric Johnson of the Government Finance Officers Association presented the award to Diane Reichard, the chief financial officer for Plant City and April Condo, the budget manager for the city.
Daniel Figueroa IV
Walden Lake’s golf course and clubhouse have fallen into disrepair due to a lack of maintenance.
If we grow them, will they come? The future of strawberry farming in Plant City is being threatened by a steady labor shortage and competition from Mexico. SEE PAGE 7
Feeling festive
Knights of Columbus helps pregancy center.
SEE PAGE 12.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
CAMERON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
Florida Highway Patrol said a a 2006 Chevrolet box truck collided with a 2011 Dodge pickup truck Saturday, dumping hay across State Road 39 near Varn Road. According to FHP, the box truck, registered to Bliss Feed & Supply, was traveling southbound on SR-39 closely following another vehicle. When that vehicle stopped to make a right turn, the driver of the box truck, 20-year-old James Anthony Moore II, swerved into the other lane to avoid rear-ending the car, according to the FHP report. Moore swerved directly into the path of the Dodge, driven by 36-year-old Charles Ward Creech. The head-on collision resulted in “minor injuries and major cleanup”, according to FHP spokesperson Steve Gaskins.
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FRESH SEAFOOD
Deadline for Plant City job fair approaching Courtesy photos
A July 20 traffic crash saw two vehicles collide head-on on State Road 39.
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A missing boater was found dead in Lake Thonotosassa July 20, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. A 911 call Wednesday afternoon reported there was an empty boat with the motor still running in the lake. Multiple agencies responded. Dive crews with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the sheriff’s office began searching Wednesday for the missing boater and announced Thursday morning at a press conference the body had been found. The victim was identified as Juan Luis Linares, 44, from Plantation.
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The crash sent several bales of hay onto the road, which blocked a lane.
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The deadline for applications for the #NextGen Job Fair is Aug. 11. The #NextGen Job Fair partners with local organizations to provide local jobs right here in Plant City. Pre-screened applicants will be given a chance to attend the fair in September. Some of the positions include jobs in production, health care, sales, administration, construction and more. Applicants will be prescreened for prior employment verifications, drug testing, background checks, general qualifications and other relevant information. To apply, go to PlantCityJobs.com.
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NEWS BRIEFS
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
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OVER PAR AND
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STAFF WRITER
For most, it would be a no-brainer, a dream come true. For $10 you could have the chance to restore a once celebrated golf course and country club to the glory of its heyday, when it and Disney World were two of the most exciting things coming to Florida. Professional Golf Global Group President Lynn Archibald took that deal. A deal that has embroiled his company in a set of lawsuits totaling nearly $300,000, plus damages, as the company seeks to find investors for proposed refurbishments to the blighted course and representation in separate legal proceedings that could cost PGGG control of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. Archibald has had control over the course since entering into a purchase agreement with Visions Golf, who owned the course at the time, in the summer of 2015. According to Archibald and Alice Huneycutt, Vision Golf’s attorney, a deed was signed, but placed in escrow pending conditions to be met by both parties. On April 15, the $10 deed was finally recorded. Archibald now says he is the owner of the property, but Honeycutt says he never met the conditions and disputes the validity of the deed. None of it may matter. Before Archibald recorded the deed, Today’s Bank, owner of the $2 million mortgage on the property, began foreclosure proceedings against Visions. Archibald has tried to assert his interest in the case and intervene and, as of a July 18 hearing, he has 30 days to do so officially. As a corporation, PGGG needs to be represented in court by an attorney. Despite frequent claims that his “attorneys actually don’t like this idea” of his payment plan for improvements to the course, he told the court he needs time to find representation. Court documents show Archibald is also seeking representation for at least one of the suits against him. That suit was filed on June 19, the same day he presented the Walden Lake Community Association with his latest plans for the golf course, claiming his “attorney” didn’t like them. Archibald presented Walden Lake with a three-phase plan to propel the golf course and country club to heights beyond the days when it was the center jewel of Walden Lake, a course visited by professional golfers and celebrities like Willie Nelson, who’d drop by when in town for the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV and C.J. Major
Top: Trash collects on the Lakes Course Above: Many of the course’s greens and standtraps are unkempt. Left: The weathered awning of the club’s fitness center.
YAMAHA MOTOR CORPORATION, U.S.A. VS PROFESSIONAL GOLF GLOBAL GROUP
In the largest suit, PGGG is being sued by Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. for payments that were never made on 60 golf carts, according to documents from the Hillsborough County Court. According to documents available through the court, Archibald entered into a lease for the agreement with Yamaha in July 2015. He was supposed to make monthly payments of $240 from November 2015 through October 2019. “PGGG has defaulted under the equipment lease by failing to make payments due on Oct. 28, 2016, and thereafter,” the suit reads. Yamaha is seeking a judgement of $169,349.04 along with interest, default interest, late fees, attorney fees and “other costs and expenses.” The case remains open. HUYNH, ANN VS ARCHIBALD, LYNN VAN
Archibald and PGGG for $77,000 for failure to repay a $70,000 loan Huynh gave to Archibald in October 2016. According to court documents, Huynh lent Archibald $70,000 for the “sole purpose of operating and making improvements to a golf course under the name of Professional Golf Global Group, LLC.” According to the documents, Archibald was supposed to pay Huynh back by Dec. 31, 2016, which he allegedly did not. Archibald responded to the suit saying he needed time to get an attorney. However, the response was written July 11, two days after his deadline to respond to the court. The court then issued a default judgment against Archibald on July 18.
In another case, Ann Huynh is suing
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Despite the golf course undergoing foreclosure proceedings between Visions and Today’s Bank, Archibald has repeatedly assured Walden Lake residents that he has a deal with Today’s Bank to take over the Visions loan. According to court documents, Archibald did, indeed, have a contract to purchase the Visions loan. What he hadn’t said was he was supposed to pay Today’s Bank a $50,000 deposit for the purchase of the $2 million loan. Today’s Bank alleges Archibald never made the payment and filed a breach of contract against him on June 30, seeking the owed, non-refundable deposit of $50,000. Archibald did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
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“We were constantly at the clubhouse for dinners and brunches,” Alicia Powell said. “It was the place to be.” Alicia and her husband, Bob, have lived in Walden Lake for 24 years. They remember the days when the club was a premier Central Florida destination, when it was the go-to spot in Plant City for weddings, banquets and photos. When it shines, it shines bright, they said. Now, the clubhouse seems more like the setting of dystopian fiction. Large spider webs cover windows of the old restaurants and gutter openings. The green-painted banisters fade away to gray wood underneath and windows are boarded up here and there. In the center of the clubhouse, a once-lively fountain is stagnant, green with algae. Doors are propped open with old furniture spilling out like it was abandoned in a hurry. Throughout the 36-hole course, greens and sandtraps are patchy and littered with trash. Few areas of the course have been maintained, some pushing the boundaries of the city’s code enforcement standards. Archibald has pleaded with the community to have faith in his vision for the course, one he said is born of love for the community. Though most believe he has had good intentions, the ability to trust is waning. “We’ve been bamboozled so long, it’s going to be hard to trust,” Bob Powell said. As Archibald seeks an attorney to represent PGGG and continues a potentially futile attempt to gain the community’s trust, he faces at least three lawsuits that could pose an immediate red flag to potential investors.
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As legal issues mount, community loses faith in Walden Lake course plans.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
Dan Raulerson resigning
from Florida House on Aug. 15
Congratulations on reaching FIVE STAR status! by CMS Center for Medicate and Medicaid!*
Raulerson plans to focus on improving his health and maintaining his business.
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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF Living With Intention
After missing much of this year’s legislative session because of severe back problems, and after hints of his estrangement from Republican legislative leadership, state Rep. Dan Raulerson, R-Plant City, has announced he’ll resign from his seat effective Aug. 15. It’s expected Gov. Rick Scott will set a date for a special election to replace him, but the timing of the vote could be tight. With the 2018 session starting in January because of the election year, pre-session committee meetings will start in September. Raulerson’s announcement follows unusual public comments he made a month ago that were critical of House leadership. He said a few weeks later that he had experienced no negative feedback as result of those comments. But he also said as recently as three weeks ago that he planned to have surgery for his severe back problems, then participate fully in the next legislative session, and run for re-election in 2018, his last term under state term limits laws. But Raulerson told the Times on Tuesday he’s changed his mind. “I need to focus on my health and my business,” he said. He still intends to have back surgery soon, and to continue his practice as a certified public accountant, which he sought to maintain while in the Legislature. “My job was my career,” rather than politics, he said. Raulerson missed seven of the 63 House floor sessions in the 2017 session and 17, or nearly half, of the 36 meetings of his committees, according to House records. Long a prominent political and civic leader in Plant City, the heart of his House district, he has spinal stenosis, a painful disease that causes compression of the spinal cord within the spine. Raulerson said he intended to send a formal resignation letter to Corcoran’s office this week. He said he doesn’t intend to be involved in the campaign to choose a successor. “We’ll leave that up to the constituents and whoever they select will be their representative,” he said. “I’m going to stay out of it. I’m not even sure who it would be.” Raulerson has been known as something of a maverick within the GOP legislative caucus, and expressed dissatisfaction in a recent political forum with the performance of the Legislature and Republican leadership. “As a citizen I’m embarrassed about the performance of our legislature over the last three or four years,” he said in an interview following a postlegislative session forum last month. “I think everybody’s upset.” He cited several failures by the Legislature in recent years and blamed
the problems largely on term limits, which he said have resulted in too much power in the hands of legislators without adequate experience and institutional knowledge. “It’s become blatantly obvious to me that we have bred incompetence in the leadership because of term limits, while putting too much power into the hands of the staff and the legislative leaders," he said. “We crossed the pond 300 years ago to get away from monarchy,” he said of the power of the House speaker. Such critical comments by a House member are unusual in a body where the leadership team, topped by the speaker, has near absolute power over legislation. Corcoran in particular is known for strong opinions and isn’t reluctant to enforce his views on House members. In his five years in office, he has used his auditing background to strengthen the state's inspector general laws, working to provide agency inspectors with more autonomy so they can provide more independent oversight of state agencies. Raulerson said one of his main goals in the Legislature has been to use his accounting background to help increase accountability in government. He helped pass legislation to increase the independence of government inspectors general, and had hoped to continue that process with further legislation already drafted by his staff for the coming session. Raulerson also worked on strengthening the state's whistleblowers statutes. Next year, he would have been chairman of the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee, which oversees the financial troubles surrounding the City of Opa Locka in Miami-Dade County. The city, which has been under investigation by the FBI for the last four years, has received numerous extensions for turning in its financial review documents to the committee before facing sanctions. He introduced a bill last year to provided a city in such a financial emergency with more resources and also strengthen the governor’s authority to force changes in the city, and had hoped to re-introduce it in 2018.
File photo
Dan Raulerson has spent five years in office.
CUTEST CRITTER Do you want Plant City to see how cute your favorite pets are? Send your pictures to Staff Writer Breanne Williams at bwilliams@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.
1977
40 years
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2017
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UP CLOSE AND PURR-SONAL: Kay Hey says her cat, Zoomer loves to snuggle with her. Zoomer is this week’s Cutest Critter winner.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
We asked: How do you feel about Christmas in July?
C
hristmas in July is a celebration that is taking the nation by storm. Plant City has had multiple events with the merry theme. We asked: How do you feel about the unconventional holiday?
“I like it. I know one time at the ‘Y’ we had a Christmas in July theme for the front desk. We just put a snowman up.” — Gonzalo Carrizales, 20
“I like it. I think it’s a great idea. I think it’s great for businesses and when you think of Christmas you think of cooler weather, and July is so hot and muggy, so it’s nice to think about.”
“This is the first time that I’m hearing about it but I enjoy the fact that it’s kind of around my birthday, so I’m good with it.” — Abigail Ponce, 20
— Sandra Muench, 60
“I’m a huge fan of Christmas but I don’t necessarily celebrate Christmas in July with an actual Christmas festivity, but I do find myself spending more money in July because they do another set of deals.”
“I’m confused because at Christmas you buy gifts and you celebrate the birth of Jesus, so do people who celebrate Christmas in July have a tree and give gifts or do they just call it Christmas and go shopping?”
— Alek Wychor, 31
— Cora Ligon, 44
HOPEWELL HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS HAS PARTNERED TO SPONSOR AROUND TOWN.
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R A U L E R S O N ’ S
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R E P O R T
R A U L E R S O N ’ S
R E P O R T
HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS HIGHLIGHTS HAPPENINGS & AUGUST 2017 AUGUST 2017
SUMMER EVENTS
SUMMER EVENTS I have been enjoying time this summer speaking with I have been enjoying time this summer speaking with constituents and attending post session constituents and attending post session legislative legislative wrap-ups. Many of you have shared your thoughts and concerns with me. I value your wrap-ups. ofhearing you have shared thoughts opinions and Many appreciate from you so that I your can better representand you in Tallahassee. Plant City Towers concerns with me. I value your opinions and appreciate hearing from you so that I can better represent you in Tallahassee. International Paper Company Plant City Living Center TEMPLETerrace TERRACE43rd 43RDAnnual ANNUAL 4TH Temple 4th OF ofJULY JulyPARADE Parade I celebrated Independence Day with my constituents in Temple Terrace. The day began with the annual community parade. Our local area Eagle Scouts served as Grand Marshals, introducing over 100 units. Families and friends crowded together, and children scurried to catch candy & beads. Parade watchers enjoyed the festive floats and the patriotic music played by the marching bands. The day concluded with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza. I want to give a special shout-out to the Temple Terrace Fire, Police, and Public Works departments for making this day possible!
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
DAN RAULERSON
110 W. Reynolds Street, Suite 204 Plant City, FL 33563 District 58 (813) 757-9110/District (850) 717-5058/Tallahassee dan.raulerson@myfloridahouse.gov If you have comments, questions, or would like additional information on the topics included in this up-date, please contact my office.
Over the last several years, thousands of you have contacted my office in support of the Article V movement. Since 2013, I have been part of the Assembly of State Legislatures. In 2016 we held a meeting in Philadelphia, and completed the multi-year effort to establish the procedural rules needed to hold a state-led convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution. More than 60 state legislators representing 30 states attended, culminating in the historic signing of a resolution in support of the rules package. I want to thank all of you who have participated in the political process. Your voices have been heard, and you are def nitely making a real difference. Independence Hall, Philadelphia For more information, please visit June 17, 2016 www.assemblystatelegislatures.com
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Assembly of State Legislatures
0003567291-01
PLANT CITY TIMES &
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.
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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
PlantCityObserver.com
WE’RE PUTTING SCIENCE TO WORK TODAY FOR A BETTER TOMORROW.
To learn more about Mosaic’s leadership in reclamation ecology, visit Science.MosaicCo.com.
MOS-2544 - Mosaic Print Resize_Innovation Technology Atusa_Plant City Times and Observer_11.5x21.5.indd 1
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© 2017 The Mosaic Company
Every day, Mosaic puts science to work right here in our community. By applying innovative techniques, we reduce freshwater consumption through cogeneration and plant hundreds of thousands of trees each year. This assures everyone has fresh air to breathe and clean water to drink. Atusa, manager of engineering at Mosaic, works with a dedicated team of experts to ensure the most sustainable solutions are applied across Florida operations.
6/23/17 3:09 PM
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
Where have all the workers gone?
LABOR COSTS
According to Zhengfei Guan, an economist with the University of Florida studying the Florida straw-
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Family Owned & Operated Since 2006 • 19 Years Experience
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Source: The World Bank Group
20 0
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb. March
8 births per woman 7 6 5 4 3 2 1960
1970
1980
1990
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2010
Year domestic workers, strawberries cost about $3 per box to harvest. With the H-2A program, they cost about $4 to harvest. The H-2A program, Wishnatzki said, is time consuming, tedious and expensive. It’s becoming the major supplier of farm labor, but isn’t sustainable he said. For the strawberry industry to survive the five years he thinks it needs to reach automation, there needs to be reform to the H-2A program. That solution, Guan said, would, however, only be temporary. “Birth rates in Mexico are down,” Guan said. “Over time, the labor pool will be decreasing.” According to the World Bank Group, the Mexican fertility rate between 1960 and the early ‘70s was almost seven births per woman. Births during that period would have supplied Wishnatzki’s “ample work force” of the ‘80s and ‘90s. By the mid-80s that number was closer to four births per woman and dropped to near two births-per-woman by 2015 “That is a preview of what the next 20 years looks like,” Wishnatzki said. “It is easy to extrapolate that the trend of a shrinking and aging labor force is going to continue, based on
these demographics.” MR. WISHNATZKI GOES TO WASHINGTON
On July 12, Wishnatzki appeared before the House Agriculture Committee to discuss the next farm bill and the importance of technology and innovation in farming. He was joined by a panel of farmers from around the country to discuss the future of specialty crops, like strawberries. “Currently in Florida there is no private access to research funds without partnering with a university,” Wishnatzki told the committee. “This usually involves giving up intellectual property rights. This is problematic to our outside financial investors.” Private access to research funds is difficult to secure in Florida, he added, encouraging congress to adopt policies that would make it easier for the private sector to be involved in innovation. “Collaborative private sector technology startups could advance at a faster pace, if given direct access to agricultural research funds,” he said. Wishnatzki also asked for improvements to the H-2A guest worker program to mitigate short-term labor issues. If guest workers had to find
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their own housing, earned the same wages as domestic workers and were not tied to a single farm, it could increase fairness to the worker and ease some of the financial burden of the farmer. Currently, H-2A workers are tied to a single farmer for a season and that farmer must secure housing and transportation for the workers. Additionally, Wishnatzki said issuing guest workers a stipend while in the U.S. and withholding full payment until return to the home country could reduce the amount of undocumented immigrants resulting from expired visas. Wishnatzki said he is hopeful for the future of automation in strawberry farming. The committee, he said, seemed receptive to reforming policies to help innovation. However, there was less enthusiasm and a seemingly rougher road to any immigration relief. The road ahead is likely tough he said, but Florida strawberries will make it through. “I believe we’re going to muddle through until automation,” Wishnatzki said. “But it’d be nice to have a little certainty about the next five years.”
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Below: The fertility rate in Mexico has dropped from 6.768 in 1960 to 2.213 in 2015.
NOTICE OF SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2017 @ 9:30 AM. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER.
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in Florida continues to decline as the Mexican market booms. The problem, Wishnatzki said, is twofold. In addition to the danger of being priced out of the market by Mexico, Florida farmers are faced with a shrinking pool of workers willing to take on the back-breaking work of picking strawberries. “For the last 50 years, the majority of the labor has been coming from Mexico,” Wishnatzki said. “There was a time that there was a lot more people coming than we had work for and there was a very ample work force through the ‘70s, 80s and 90s. That situation has completely changed now.”
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, unemployed Americans simply do not want the jobs willing to be done by an immigrant workforce. Farmers, Wishnatzki said, have often relied on first-generation immigrants, part of the domestic work force, to work the fields. But those new arrivals aren’t there anymore, he said. A 2015 study by the Pew Research center shows a sharp decline in the number of Mexican immigrants staying in the United States. Between 1995 and 2000 there was a net migration of more than two million immigrants. By 2014, as Mexico has become more developed and offered better opportunities for its citizens, that number had dropped to -20,000. “Our immigration policy is getting more strict,” Guan said. “More immigrants and undocumented workers are leaving the country than coming in. On the Mexican side, there are better economic opportunities. More workers are going back to Mexico and fewer are coming to the U.S.” Increasingly, farmers are relying on the H-2A guest worker program for labor. The program is costly, Wishnatzki said. On average, using
Workers Employed
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“Our immigration policy is getting more strict. More immigrants and undocumented workers are leaving the country than coming in. On the Mexican side, there are better economic opportunities. More workers are going back to Mexico and fewer are coming to the U.S.”
Right: Labor demand, supply, and shortages during 20142015 strawberry season in Florida, y = workers per 100 acres.
Park Rd.
The countdown has begun. Farmers and economists agree, the Florida strawberry industry has 10 years to drastically reduce production costs or the nearly $1 billion-per-year industry could see its last harvest. Faced with a labor shortage and high labor costs compared to the growing Mexican strawberry industry, farmers are looking to new technologies as the answer to ever-rising labor costs. “If we don’t automate American agriculture and these specialty crops like strawberries, they’re either going to be very expensive or nonexistent,” Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms, said. “Within the next 10 years, it could happen. However, it is my plan and our company’s plan to not let that happen.” To address the issue, Wishnatzki and engineer Bob Pitzer founded Harvest CROO (pronounced crew) Robotics in 2013 to develop an automated strawberry picker. The first pre-production unit of the automated picker should be ready by the coming winter, Wishnatzki said, but he estimates at least five years before automated harvesters can make a significant impact on the industry. In the meantime, however, the profitability of strawberry farming
120 per 100 acre
Maryland Ave.
STAFF WRITER
LABOR ISSUES
246490
DANIEL FIGUEROA IV
berry industry, domestic strawberries can cost more than $6,000 more to harvest per acre than those harvested in Mexico. Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows more than 360 million pounds of strawberries were imported into the U.S. from Mexico in 2016, compared to 240 million pounds produced that year in Florida. It’s an increase of nearly 400% from the 93 million pounds of strawberries Mexico exported to the U.S. in 2004, a startling figure that threatens Florida and Plant City’s status as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. “Mexico’s competitive advantage in labor cost is a fundamental driving force that led to the surging export,” a recent study co-authored by Guan said. In a recent paper, Guan and research partners from UF conducted a survey comparing labor costs of the 20142015 Florida harvest to the 2013-2014 Mexican harvest. Using wage growth statistics from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and current valuation of the Mexican peso, the paper states labor for Florida strawberries cost $10,774 per acre compared to $3,853 per acre in Mexico for a difference of $6,921 per acre. Wishnatzki said labor costs in Florida are only increasing. He said his farm’s labor costs were about $13,000 per acre and “not dissimilar to other producers in Florida.” The difference in production costs leads to Mexican strawberries being sold to consumers at lower rates, Guan said. In order to stay competitive, Florida strawberries are sold at the same or similar rates, leading to increasingly slim profit margins for growers as labor costs continue to rise. “To the average consumer, they receive basically the same price on the market,” Guan said. “We cannot sell at a higher price. If both sources of strawberries are on the market (at different prices), consumers will switch to Mexican strawberries.”
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Industry looks to tech, immigration reform for salvation.
PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
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COPS CORNER
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
Bliss Enterprises CBC1257107
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The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
an alcoholic beverage within 500 feet of a gas station. The subject was arrested for drinking within 500 feet of a business.
JULY 10
JULY 13
CHILL OUT 600 block of North Knight Street. Theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen a five-ton air conditioning unit, valued at $6,859.
JULY 12
TOOL TIME 1900 block of North Shannon Avenue. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole five nail guns, a Stihl blower and three saws from unlocked tool boxes at his unlocked truck around 8 p.m. July 11. The items were valued together at $3,625. WHEN NATURE CALLS 2800 block of Thonotosassa Road. Beverage violation: A male subject was reported to have urinated under the Interstate 4 overpass at Thonotosassa Road. An officer made contact with the subject, who was drinking
ANTIQUE COLLECTOR 1100 block of Goldfinch Drive. Burglary: Complainant reported a non-working antique gun and the lower part of an AR-15 assault rifle were stolen from a gun store. The items were valued together at $20,000.
JULY 14
ROCK ON 810 block of North Franklin Street. Criminal mischief: Complainant stated an unknown suspect had thrown a rock through her vehicle’s rear window the night of July 13. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution. CHILD’S PLAY 1000 block of Monroe Street. Criminal mischief: Complainant stated windows of a home he was renovating had been damaged by unknown suspect(s) shooting a BB gun. Juveniles seen on the property
were interviewed but no evidence was found. Complainant signed a waiver of prosecution and requested the juveniles be told he had called the police. CLEANED OUT 1910 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Grand theft: Complainants stated unknown suspect(s) stole $55,000 in cash from their vehicle. PUNCHES FOR KICKS 2700 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Battery: Officers met with complainant, who claimed to have been punched in the face by an acquaintance who came to a restaurant to retrieve a pair of sneakers. Complainant refused to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.
JULY 16
GRAB AND GO 2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated an unknown subject stole $20 worth of items from her shopping cart.
JULY 20 JULY 14
INSTA-SCAM 1500 block of Plantation Grove Court. Fraud: Officers met with complainant, who stated she wired $800 to a contact from an Instagram advertisement with the belief that she would receive $1,300 in exchange. The ad turned out to be a scam.
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PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Life Storage location listed below.
Filling Positions in: Production Health Care Manufacturing Distribution Sales Administration Construction
And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, August 9, 2017 at 1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526. CUSTOMER NAME
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
Eyeing infrastructure, commissioners consider property tax increase DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
City Commissioners Monday voted unanimously to propose the first property tax rate increase in 26 years. The proposal would increase the property tax rate, also known as millage, from $4.7157 per $1,000 in property value to $5.7157 per $1,000 in property value. “The only reason I am making this motion tonight is to have the opportunity to further this discussion,” Mayor Rick Lott said. Lott had to temporarily recuse himself from the role of mayor, passing the gavel to Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson, in order to make the motion. Commissioner Nate Kilton seconded the vote, stating he was not necessarily supporting an increase in the rate, but favoring the continued discussion of a possible increase. The vote followed budget discussions during a special meeting directly preceding the commission’s regular meeting. Had the commission voted to adopt the long-standing millage rate, it would not have been able to propose an increase moving forward. The city has until Sept. 25 to approve
the final budget, but residents must be notified of any proposed change with enough time for the city to hold hearings and receive public input on the proposed increase. The commission will then decide what, if any, increase there would be to the millage rate when putting together the final budget in September. As budget talks move forward, commissioners agreed that community feedback would be vital to the process. “For me, the whole notion has a lot to do with how I understand the community’s commitment to the fundamental core services we are charged with supplying and what they wish it to be,” Dodson said. The proposed increase comes as Plant City continues to take on major infrastructure projects to improve the 160 miles of city-operated streets. Plant City has been saving for the project for years, banking money to enact a multiphase project to fix city streets and the utility systems beneath them. In 2017, Plant City has invested more than $6 million in road improvements. Lott said if the millage was raised, he would like any revenue coming from the raised rates to go exclusively to infrastructure spending. Generally, Plant City sets aside $1 million per year for road improvements. However, a recent agreement
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Photos by Daniel Figueroa IV
Friends and family of David Miller gather at Hal and Lynn Brewer Park Tuesday to dedicate a plaque and tree to Miller. The tree was donated by the Plant City Noon Rotary Club to honor the late Rotarian who participated in many major projects during his time in Plant City. He was also a member of the Plant City Elks, Greater Tampa YMCA, the South Florida Baptist Foundation, Hillsborough Community College and more. Miller died in February.
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with Hillsborough County would give Plant City an additional $2 million if it can match with $2 million of its own funds. For the upcoming budget, the City will be able to invest $4 million for road improvements utilizing the matching grant from Hillsborough. Commissioners want to discuss raising the millage rate in order to ensure at least $2 million would be available for future infrastructure investments. In previous years, the city has been able to free up funds from other areas in the budget for road repairs, but, with the current millage, the city is running leaner each year. “We squeeze a nickel so hard we get a dime out of it,” Kilton said. “That’s just who we are in Plant City.” However, he added, there is “no more fat to cut.” Kilton said he would prefer to look to the enterprise fund or solid waste revenues before raising the millage rate, but the discussion is one the city needs to have before making final decisions. Commissioner Mary Mathis likened the nearly three-decade-old millage rate to working without a raise since 1991. “If we were living on our 1991 salaries in 2017, we would probably be short,” Mathis said. “If we were looking at our salary or business and money you made 27 years ago, we all might be a little short.”
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
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The proposed increase would be the first since 1991.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
Growing a seed library Plant City will soon have a seed library, which will allow the community to store and share seeds of local plant life. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Breanne Williams
Plant City’s seed library will be located at the Plant City Community Garden at Hillsborough Community College.
ties like Plant City that are heavily agriculture focused tend to benefit from seed libraries due to the abundant variety of plants in the area. As many consumers turn toward the “local food movement,” a movement that aims to connect food producers and consumers in the same geographic location, seed libraries offer another option to ensure food is as authentic as possible. Ham said large corporations play a major role in the lack of variety in seeds. She said we used to have a system that was farmer to farmer or neighbor to neighbor rather than having a corporation market the seeds. Unfortunately, most corporations are for profit, which means when a seed variety isn’t selling it will discontinue it. “That means the grower that was growing that seed no
P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T C O M M E R C I A L R E N TA L S R E S I D E N T I A L R E N TA L S
longer grows it because it was their business and that’s not a seed that sells anymore,” Ham said. “Over time many of these varieties disappear. Unless you can find it in a local seed library, or through neighbors or people you know that have these seeds.” Seed libraries focus on saving heirloom seeds as these seeds produce the same plant that it was harvested from. Essentially, if you have a gorgeous flower and it is an heirloom seed, when you plant one of its seeds you will get replications of that same perfect flower. Hybrid seeds, which are taking over the market, are cross pollinated by two varieties of the same species. Ham equates hybrids to human reproduction. When a couple has a child that child is not a clone of either parent but rather a combination of the genetics of both. “If you’ve got a limited amount of time and resources and real estate you really want some consistency in what you’re going to produce, especially if you’re going to eat it,” Ham said. “Hybrids just don’t offer that. It’s why preserving heirloom seeds are so important.” Corporations have relied on hybrids to increase shelf life of produce and make them more disease and drought resistant, and they have been able to produce larger and earlier yields from crops. “I’m not dissing hybrids, I think some hybrids are wonderful,” Ham said. “Mankind has been hybridizing plants for centuries and it’s done some wonderful things. Unfortunately, sometimes the process of hybridizing doesn’t give us a better tasting product.” The seed library will partner with the Plant City Community Garden, located at the botanical gardens near Hillsborough Community College, to store and sort the seeds for the library. The seed library will be free to members of the community garden and anyone else can partake in the endeavor by either doing volunteer work with the library, making a small donation whenever they take seeds from the library or by bringing their own heirloom seeds to swap out. Ham encourages partnership with the community garden for those who don’t have the proper facilities at home. The community garden offers
HEIRLOOM SEED LIMA BEAN Henderson, an American heirloom from the late 1800s that produces three to four beans per pod. Early Thorogreen, earliest producing of all the lima beans, considered a baby lima. It grows in a bush that reaches 18 inches tall. BROCCOLI Waltham, a high yield with an average main head between four and eight inches. Green Sprouting/Calabrese, extremely frost-tolerant. SQUASH Early White Scallop, heirloom squash from New York in 1835. Can bear all summer long if picked. Organic Spaghetti, originated in 1890s. Has spaghetti-like strands when it is cooked. WATERMELON Florida Giant, a sweet flavor with an ability to grow to be 50 pounds. Organic Sugar Baby, an early watermelon that has only three to fourfoot vines. Bears approximately two 12-pound melons per plant. BUSH BEAN Horticultural, a pre-1800 heirloom with purple splashed beans, which are contained in five to six-inch pods. Roma II, produces a wide flat pod that is stringless. Plants grow to be 12 to 22 inches tall.
small plots of land for its members to grow whatever they wish. This comes in handy for many living in apartments or with limited yard space. Membership with the community gardens costs $35 per year and the group also has access to the greenhouse on site. The library will officially start in September and will be available to the public the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Ham plans to offer an informational program on how to begin seed saving at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 11 at Bruton Memorial Library.
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Plant City is joining the fight against the growing use of genetically modified seeds in agriculture with the creation of its very own seed library. Seed libraries allow a community to come together and share seeds from plants they are growing at home. This protects the variety of plants available in a community and offers an alternative to genetically modified seeds. “Depending on which source you consult, during the last half century we have lost access to between 70 to 90% of the seed diversity that once existed,” Nancy Ham, creator of the seed library, said. “Most of our seeds come from large, for profit corporations who understandably discontinue varieties that are not profitable.” Seed libraries are popping up across the globe with over 400 locations worldwide. In the U.S. 46 states have begun to set aside collections of local seeds. Communi-
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
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“Hearing loss, left untreated, can lead to serious problems such as loneliness and isolation.” -AARP Bulletin, May 1, 2011
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JULY 28, 2017
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Breanne Williams
Grand Knight Tony DeFrancesco and other members of the Knights of Columbus delivered over 300 items to the Pregnancy Care Center Monday morning.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY RESTOCKS PREGNANCY CENTER The Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City received hundreds of donations on Monday from the St. Clement Knights of Columbus. BREANNE WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Pregnancy Care Center has a boutique for parents in need.
Parents can pick up clothes and supplies at the boutique.
Tags indicating the donated items adorned all the packages.
Parents can turn in “baby bucks” to purchase items at the boutique.
Christmas came early for the Pregnancy Care Center of Plant City when over 300 items were donated by the St. Clement Knights of Columbus Monday morning. Donned in Santa hats, the knights unloaded a giant U-Haul full of items they had collected from a charity drive at St. Clement Catholic Church. Diapers, car seats, bottles, onesies and more were carefully wrapped, adorned with giant bows and brought to the center to restock its boutique. “It’s just like Christmas for me,” Darlene Davis, director of the Pregnancy Care Center, said. “When you’re an adult Christmas isn’t near as exciting, but this honestly makes me so happy and excited. I feel like a kid again on Christmas morning.” This is the second year the Knights of Columbus brought Christmas in July to the center. Last year, over 200 items were donated. Andrew Bryant, one of the Knights of Council 8095, said the group plans to make the donation an annual event and said he believes it will only continue to grow as time passes. While this is only the second year for Christmas in July, the Knights have been active with the center for years. They do an annual baby bottle campaign in October and Bryant said they plan to raise a few thousand dollars worth of coins to donate to the center this fall. He said they also were able to provide an ultrasound machine through the group’s supreme council in Connecticut. “That’s what the Knights of Colum-
DONATIONS THE PREGNANCY CARE CENTER The Pregnancy Care Center is always accepting donations. If interested call (813) 759-0886 or visit the center located at 304 N. Collins St.
bus do,” Bryant said. “We raise money to give it away.” The items donated will restock the boutique offered by the center for women in the area. According to Davis, people can come to the center for free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, post abortion recovery classes, abstinence and STD education, parenting classes and Bible studies. The center encourages people to attend the parenting classes and Bible studies offered. As an incentive, those who attend are awarded “baby bucks,” which they can then exchange for items in the boutique. A crib, for example, will cost approximately 30 “baby bucks” and people will have the opportunity to earn up to eight “baby bucks” a week if they attend both the parenting class and the Bible study. “They can get anything, we have three in one cribs, mattresses, car seats, strollers, everything they need, diapers, wipes, clothing, anything a baby needs they can earn through our parenting program,” Davis said. “So this will go to lots of people. We see right now anywhere up to 500 client visits a month.” Davis said the center serves people from Plant City and surround areas like Dover, Seffner and Thonotosassa. Parents are able to attend until the baby is a year old and continue to save up their “baby bucks” to purchase whatever items are needed. Many of the items in the boutique are purchased by the center via grants they are awarded. However, Davis said, it does depend on donations from churches and women’s groups that help keep the shelves stocked.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
Fist Bumps for Jax D
espite the rain, people wanting to offer their support for the second annual “Fist Bumps for Jax” poured into the Corner Store on Reynolds Street on Saturday. Members of the community rallied together to support the Diaz family, the owners of the Corner Store. Their 3-year-old son Jaxon was diagnosed with leukemia, is in remission and is scheduled to have a bone marrow transplant in August. The event aimed to raise money to assist the family with its medical bills and financial needs. Patrons enjoyed food, drinks and live music from Benji Padgett, a local artist. A box labeled “Fist Bumps for Jax” was set up beside the door awaiting donations. Though the weather caused a slow start, Padgett raised $450 over the three hour event. Padgett said anyone still wishing to donate is welcome to drop by the restaurant anytime.
Photos by Breanne Williams
Patty and Hapi McKenzie serenaded the audience with energetic bluegrass tunes.
Bruton bonanza T
Photos by Breanne Williams
Despite the rain, the restaurant remained full for the majority of the three hour event.
he Crabgrass Cowboys performed a mixture of old time country, rockabilly and bluegrass Monday at the Bruton Memorial Library. Patty and Hapi McKenzie, the performers for the band, have won the Brass Button Award and the Best of The Bay several years in a row from Creative Loafing entertainment magazine. The group played original music as well as covers of crowd favorites like “Hey Good Lookin’” by Hank Williams. Hapi played a 1967 Gibson guitar that was once owned by Elvis Presley and Patty, who was a first chair violinist in multiple orchestras, played a five string violin “because it’s fun.”
— BREANNE WILLIAMS
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Above: Benji Padgett, a local Plant City artist, provided live music for the event. He also sang at the event last year. Left: A “Fist Bumps for Jax” box was set up by the door for people to donate to the Diaz family.
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Hapi McKenzie showed off his skills with a washtub bass prior to the show.
— BREANNE WILLIAMS
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
FRIDAY, JULY 28
MAIN STREET FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. Plant City’s monthly food truck rally is held on the last Friday of every month at the Union Station Train Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. .
SATURDAY, JULY 29
SUMMERPALOOZA: END-OF-SUMMER CELEBRATION 1 to 4 p.m. Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place, is hosting its second annual SummerPalooza, a pool party that is free for the entire community. There will be music, entertainment, food, games, prizes and more. FLORIDA’S YOUTH AT HEART CHAPTER BANQUET 6 to 9 p.m. A banquet is being held at the Elks Lodge in Plant City to benefit the Florida’s Youth at Heart organization. The organization offers hunting, fishing and other outdoor experiences to children of military families and children with disabilities. It will include dinner catered by Hardwood BBQ, drinks and silent auction items.
SUNDAY, JULY 30
SUNDAYSING 6 p.m. The First Church of God, 601 Baker St., is hosting its fifth SundaySing. Favorite hymns, choruses, special music and free food are all available. (269) 290-4978.
ONLINE Find more information on
PlantCityObserver.com.
THURSDAY, AUG. 3
LOTS OF HUGS SUMMER READING CAMP PERFORMANCE NIGHT 6:30 p.m. Come out to celebrate the end of the Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Camp. The program, which has 95 children registered, has taught reading skills, computer skills, arts and crafts and more. The children will be showcasing a variety of talents, including rapping the Pledge of Allegiance. The performance is held at Mt. Moriah M.B. Church, 911 E. Warren St.
BEST BET SATURDAY, JULY 29
DUKE’S BREWHOUSE 2ND ANNUAL GIVE CANCER THE BOOT! 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Duke’s is teaming up with MOFFIT & S.T.A.N.O for the second annual Give Cancer the Boot raffle and fundraiser. There will be cash prizes and a growing prize pool, including wine and a Jack Daniels cooler. Live music will be played by Rimfire.
ONGOING DIABETES PREVENTION CLASS 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. The United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 E Alsobrook St # H, is hosting a diabetes prevention class, which will be taught by registered dietitians and health educators. The 16-week series begins July 11 and is free to the public. Registration is required. (813) 3078015 ext. 7111. PAINTING WITH BETTY FAIRBANKS AT THE CLASSROOM GALLERY Takes place from 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. The cost is $20 per class. Bring own supplies and references to learn about color theory, design and different techniques. Call (813) 986-3632. PLANT CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB #4051 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. Thursdays at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 S. Evers St., Plant City. New members welcome.
Breanne Williams
ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
DUPLICATE BRIDGE CLUB 1 p.m. Fridays at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. For more information, call Walt Arnold at (813) 752-1602.
CHRISTIAN MUSIC 6:33 to 8:33 p.m. Thursdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.
KEEL AND CURLEY LIVE MUSIC 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.
THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.
KRAZY KUP LIVE MUSIC 8:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220. O’BRIEN’S LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at
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PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Mondays at South Florida Baptist Hospital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St. PLANT CITY LIONS CLUB Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesdays at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive.
PLUS, Don’t miss our
END-OF-SUMMER CELEBRATION July 29, 1-4pm
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OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.
Community Event!
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O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Headed on a great trip? Did you take the Observer with you on vacation? Send your pictures to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com to be featured.
OH I WANT TO TAKE YA: The Giangreco family recently traveled to Aruba for some “much-needed R&R.” Andy and Patti Giangreco made sure to bring the Observer with them to the island and snap a photo.
Linda Futch Osborn
Bernice Claire Harris Taking care of each other is what
Linda Futch Osborn, 67, of Plant City, born in 1949, entered into eternal rest on July 21, 2017. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral. com.
Bernice Claire Harris, 88, of Plant City, Florida, died July 23, 2017. The family received friends July 27 from 10am to 11am at Haught Funeral Home, services followed at 11:00 am. Condolences may be left for the family at www.haught.care.
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L.V. “John” Polk, Sr., 75, of Lakeland, born in 1942 in Plant City, entered into eternal rest on July 21, 2017. Expressions of condolence at www. HopewellFuneral.com.
HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS
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LIFT ® is a social support program that helps widows and widowers adjust to the loss of a spouse by providing hope to reinforce a sense of wholeness and purpose in those who may be feeling lost or isolated.
We invite you to join us at our next Dignity Memorial LIFT even Plant City Dignity Memorial LIFT Program The 3rd Monday of Every Month Wells Memorial and Event Center, The Tranquility Room 1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563
Please RSVP to: Wells Memorial 813-752-1111
® isprogram by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, a socialthat support program helps widowsSponsored and widowers LIFT ® is a socialLIFT support helps widows andthat widowers LIFT is Open to All Widows and Widowers cremation and cemetery providers, the LIFT program adjust to the lossadjust of a spouse providing hope tobyreinforce a sense of to reinforce to thebyloss of a spouse providing hope a senseandofentertaining. There are no fees is both educational by theorDignity network of funeral, cremation and cemetery providers, t wholeness and purpose in those may beinfeeling ormay isolated. dues participate. Dignity Memorial LIFT members wholeness andwho purpose thoselost who beSponsored feeling lost ortoMemorial isolated.
LIFT program is are bothonly educational and entertaining. areornopersonal fees or dues to participat responsible for their ownThere meals Dignity Memorial LIFT members are only responsible for their own meals or personal expen expenses. Participation is not restricted to those who have Participation is not restricted to those who have been served by Dignity Memorial providers been served by Dignity Memorial providers.
We invite youWe to join us at ourtonext Memorial LIFT event. invite you joinDignity us at our next Dignity Memorial LIFT event. Plant City Dignity Memorial LIFT Program Plant City Dignity Memorial LIFT Program The 3rd Monday of Every Month
The 3rd Monday of Every Month
Wells Memorial and Event Center, The Tranquility Room
Wells Memorial and Event Center, The Tranquility WellsRoom Memorial and Event Center
1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563
LIFT is Open to All Widows and Widowers
Please RSVP to: Wells Memorial 813-752-1111
LIFT iscremation Open to and All Widows Widowers Sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cemetery and providers, the LIFT program is both educational and entertaining. There are no fees or dues to participate. Dignity Memorial LIFT members are only responsible for their own meals or personal expenses.
813-752-1111
Plant City
Light refreshments will be served www.wellsmemorial.com
Sponsored by the Dignity Memorial network of funeral, cremation and cemetery providers, the
244757
1903 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33563 Please RSVP to: Wells Memorial 813-752-1111
JULY 28, 2017
SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
File photo
The Plant City Family YMCA’s swim team was brought back this year.
Plant City Y hosting swim meet The Plant City Family YMCA’s developmental swim team will host its first-ever meet this evening. Over 100 swimmers from around the Tampa Metropolitan YMCA network will participate in the meet, which is set to begin at 5 p.m. The Plant City Y is expecting over 200 spectators to pack its pool area for the meet. The developmental swim team is designed to help young swimmers determine whether they want to eventually pursue competitive swimming, which they can do at other YMCA locations in the Tampa Metropolitan network. The kids will show what they’ve learned in breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly and freestyle events. The Plant City Family YMCA is located at 1507 YMCA Place.
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND? JUSTIN KLINE
Football players to watch: the way-too-early edition Justin Kline identifies three area football players who could be crucial to their teams’ success in 2017.
W
ith August just a few days away, national football coverage is getting back into full swing. Everyone’s making their college and NFL predictions, crafting top-10 lists and crunching last year’s fantasy numbers to find out what could happen this year. On that last note, if you’re like me, you’ve probably set up your 2017 league(s) already and thought about your next round of office pool winnings. It’s the perfect time to talk about high school football, too. I’m not trying to go too deep on the topic this week because we have our annual Football Guide hitting the news racks in a few weeks — check it out on August 25 — and I don’t want to publish any spoilers regarding its contents. But I’m so glad to see football coming back that I want to write something about it. Consider this a clip from the “extras” section of the DVD, if we can get hypothetical for a minute. There are three local football players out there that I think fans should keep an eye on in 2017, as I feel SEE KLINE PAGE 17
Photos by Justin Kline
Football was one of the most popular sports offered at the camp.
The MVP of VBS camps Faith Lighthouse Church hosted a Mega Sports Camp from July 17 through 21. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Before any Plant City youths can make an all-star sports team they’ve got to learn the basics. From July 17 through 21, 23 kids did just that at Faith Lighthouse Church’s Mega Sports Camp, an athleticsheavy twist on the traditional vacation Bible school. The church, located at 3409 Paul Buchman Highway, set up training areas for football, basketball, soccer and cheerleading on its grounds. "This is more of an opportunity for us to explore something new in the community, something unique,” pastor Matt Francis said. “Typical VBS, a lot of churches do (that) … this is kind of a unique take on it.” The camp was structured to where each camper could choose which sport they wanted to focus on for the week. Volunteer coaches taught campers the fundamentals of each sport, conducted drills and held friendly scrimmages each day. Campers ate healthy snacks during “halftime” breaks and learned about a famous athlete each night. There are no trophies to be won and there is no sense of competition with the camp, as it focuses on building basic skills and having fun with other campers. “My favorite thing is just seeing the kids kind of come alive in it,” Francis
said. “Especially the kids that may be more shy or more reserved. By the end of the week you see them connecting with their coaches or even with their huddle coaches … by the end of the week, they don’t want it to end.” In addition to the sports activities, campers got an interactive Bible lesson each night and participated in high-energy songs. “It’s something that kind of fuses
the two together,” Francis says. Francis, who ran the camp at Venture Church in Cape Coral before coming to Faith Lighthouse this year, sees Mega Sports Camp as both an effective way to get youths excited to go to church and a teaching tool for the playing fields. Between Venture and Faith Lighthouse, this was
Campers with hoop dreams worked on their basketball skills.
SEE CAMP PAGE 17
What to watch for in 2017-18 prep sports Several storylines in the Plant City-area prep sports scene will be worth following this year. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Plant City’s prep sports scene is never uneventful, and the 2017-18 school year looks to be no different. From new coaches to roster updates, rebuilding projects to title defenses and turnarounds to last hurrahs, there are plenty of interesting storylines to follow for programs at Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools. This year, heading into the start of fall sports, at least three throughout the year immediately stand out from the pack.
STRAWBERRY CREST FOOTBALL: BREAKING THE STREAK
Many seniors at Strawberry Crest high school haven’t seen their Chargers win a game since early in their freshman year — Sept. 19, 2014, to be exact. To say people at the school are hungry for a turnaround would be the understatement of the year. After posting back-to-back 0-10 records, the Chargers are getting ready for year two under head coach Ron Hawn with a new look and a new hope. In the coach’s opinion, the team’s schedule presents some real opportunities to break the losing streak. As usual, the gauntlet that is 7A-District 9 will not be easy to navigate, but Crest fans hoping to see a win this season should keep a few dates in mind. In the Aug. 25 season opener, Crest will host a Spoto team that won two
games last season. Those who don’t mind going to a road game should keep an open schedule Sept. 1, when Crest travels to King for its second regular season game. Like the Chargers, the Lions also recorded a winless season in 2016. The last two games of Crest’s season, a pair of home games on Oct. 27 and Nov. 3, also look promising: Lennard and Chamberlain combined to win seven games in 2016, with Chamberlain claiming five of them. While the Chargers aren’t expected to contend for a district title or playoff spot, the team will have plenty of chances to show how things are turning around in Dover. DURANT GIRLS BASKETBALL: COUGARS FOR REAL
Strawberry Crest’s girls basketball program may no longer be the area’s SEE PREP PAGE 17
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
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LAKELAND | TAMPA Volunteer coaches worked with campers to improve their skills.
Francis’s fourth year putting on the camp. He’s hoping the camp will have the same effect on Plant City youths as it did with Cape Coral youths. “The first year we did it, I think we had 30, 35 kids. The next year, we were up to 50, 75. Last summer, we had over 100 kids,” Francis said. “Every year, it’s just kind of built on itself.”
The theme of the 2017 camp was “Conquer the Day,” which covered different qualities that apply to both sports and life. The first night, for example, focused on the theme of practice and how important it is to becoming successful. “If you really want to conquer the day, practice is important,” Francis said. “Every day kind of builds off that theme.” Francis expanded the camp at Ven-
ture to include other, non-sports topics such as drama lessons and cooking. He says future Mega Sports Camps at Faith Lighthouse will offer those and other non-sports programs next year for kids who aren’t big on sports. “We would do a ‘Mega Sports Camp and More’ … for some kids, it gives them an opportunity to be involved, as well,” Francis said.
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FROM PREP PAGE 16
only model for sustained success. In four seasons under coach Constance Mitchell (neé Wharton), the Durant Cougars haven’t stopped improving. The team’s records since the 2013-14 season have each topped the one that came before it: after a 1-18 record that year, the Cougars’ next three finishes were 10-10, 16-5 and 19-4. If Durant stays on that trend, the team may be headed past the regional quarterfinals in February 2018. Though the team lost leading rebounder Tamara Hanson and starting guard Ally Louden to graduation, top scorer Ashlyn Myers will be back to lead the team in her senior season. Now that the team has its blueprint for success, expectations are high — especially for the district matchups with Crest, which handed the Cougars two of their four losses in a sweep last season. Winning another district title won’t be easy, but Durant appears equipped to pull it off. PLANT CITY SOFTBALL: ONE GOAL IN MIND
There hasn’t been a season in Plant City softball’s history quite like the Spring 2017 campaign, which ended with a trip to the state final four in Vero Beach. Now, for the Raiders, it’s just a matter of getting there again. Less than 30 minutes after taking a 6-1 loss to Wellington in the state semifinal, head coach Ashley Bullion spoke about knowing what to do to get back there in 2018. With only three graduations and many key players returning, including ace pitcher Ashley Blessin and reliable hitters and fielders in Lexi Moore and Beka Schulte, there’s a good chance Plant City will get back to the postseason
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This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “I grew up watching sci-fi and ... all those creepy old Vincent Price horror movies.” – Jeff Goldblum Puzzle Two Solution: “‘Jaws,’ first time I saw it, I forgot I was in it. True. Totally forgot, and got as scared as everybody else.” – Richard Dreyfuss
Ashley Blessin and Plant City softball will try to get back to the state championship series.
and make a run. It will be difficult, though, to replace the production of Edmilly Molina. Molina, now at Palm Beach Atlantic University, batted .486 with 28 RBI and 12 doubles in her senior campaign and further established herself as one of the best softball players in Hillsborough County. With or without Molina’s numbers, Plant City is still expected to perform well in a district it swept in the spring.
This week’s Sudoku answers
Durant's girls basketball team is looking to stay on top of the local scene.
JUSTIN KLINE
FROM KLINE PAGE 16
rest of the offense as a blocker.
they’re in positions to be of great help to their teams.
PLANT CITY
I’ll save the longer explanation for the Football Guide but I think 2017 is going to be a good year for the Durant Cougars and their fans. That’s partly because of its ground attack, which you’ll certainly read much about during the season. I think, by now, most folks who follow football around East Hillsborough know about Cam Myers. He’s going to lead Durant’s traditionally run-oriented offense and will likely be our area’s most sought-after college prospect. But because Durant’s offense likes to share touches, fans will also see a lot of David Tabakovic in the backfield. Tabakovic, a fullback, averaged 4.5 yards per carry and scored five touchdowns — the most among Durant running backs outside of the Myers family — in 2016. A powerful runner, Tabakovic should see more touches in 2017 and be a big help to Myers, quarterback Carlton Potter and the
Tony 813.404.7819
Strawberry Crest football is looking for a win in 2017.
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
DURANT
Chris 813.417.6849
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but I’m interested to see how the Plant City Raiders fare under new management. As interested as I am in the offense, though, I’m looking at the Plant City defense this week. The linebacker factory is still producing some of the best players at the position in Hillsborough County. One guy you should hear a lot about in 2017 is junior James Gordon IV, who led the Raiders with 74 tackles (team-high 33 solo, 41 assisted) and also recorded three sacks in 2016. Gordon has the size, athleticism and toughness to give opposing offenses fits on the field, and I expect him to be the anchor of the defensive unit. As a bonus for Plant City, Gordon will work with another solid linebacker in fellow junior Ashton Mincey. I’m convinced the linebacker unit won’t be something Raider Nation will have to worry about for at least a few years. STRAWBERRY CREST
I can’t guarantee that this is the year
Ron Hawn’s Strawberry Crest Chargers will finally win a game, but I can tell you who will likely play a big part in the team’s quest to turn things around. That guy will probably be running back Jaquell Narine. Narine, a sophomore, should be the workhorse of Crest’s offense. He’s a slick runner who, as a selfconfessed linebacker at heart, doesn’t fear contact. He played well on the varsity unit after getting called up from junior varsity later in the 2016 season and was the highlight of the team’s offense in the spring jamboree game against Tampa Bay Tech. The team will look totally different in 2017 — from the uniforms to the roster — and has nowhere to go but up. I wouldn’t be surprised if the offense goes as Narine goes.
Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
©2017 NEA, Inc.
This week’s Crossword answers
2017
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FROM CAMP PAGE 16
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
FOCUS ON FITNESS
JENNIFER E. CLOSSHEY, PH.D.
Reasons to do yoga Yoga is an effective stress reliever, while also providing meaningful exercise.
L
ast year, a Yoga Journal study showed more than 36 million Americans practice yoga at home or in a classroom setting. Many choose to start at the advice of their doctors, but there are more reasons why America’s interest in yoga is growing. YOGA IS FUN AND EASY
F
Anyone can do it. Yoga is designed to work with whatever level the beginner needs. Equally, true yoga provides the intensity and challenge beneficial to advanced practitioners. You set your own pace and determine how your workout will be for that day. There is no competition, as you are working for your own benefit with no concern of how anyone else is doing. Yoga can be performed alone in your air-conditioned home, or, you can join like-minded friends in a class at the YMCA or a yoga school. You only need a mat, but even a beach towel works. Age and physical condition are not factors in determining who can enjoy yoga. I have an 84 and a 76-year-old in my class along with teens and those in their 20s and 30s. Cancer survivors come because yoga reduces stress hormones, which helps with recovery.
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YOGA IMPROVES FLEXIBILITY, STRENGTH AND BALANCE
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One fourth of all Americans aged 65 and up fall each year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One person falls every second, and falls are the leading cause of fatal injury among this group. Falls are also the most common cause of non-fatal, traumarelated hospital admissions for the elderly. Decrease your chances of falling by improving your balance, flexibility and strength. As strength and balance improve, the human body can better handle the challenges of a near-fall by catching itself. Added
flexibility means contortions of managing a fall do not challenge the body connective tissue as much. Being fit restores a sense of confidence and reduces the fear of falling. Flexibility is restored quickly with a 35% increase after just eight weeks of yoga practice. Strength and balance restore at a slower rate but continue to improve year after year. SOOTHES STRESS WHILE BOOSTING BRAIN POWER
Yoga supercharges the brain with the mind/body connection. As little as 30 minutes of yoga can increase memory and focus according to multiple replicated studies in American universities, according to Biological Psychology. Yoga also helps increase the ability to process information more accurately and quickly. The benefits of yoga are immediately evident. Within minutes in class, yoga students start to feel calmer, more relaxed and in less pain. These benefits also result in a better night’s sleep. Research at Harvard Medical School has shown after two months of regular yoga 45 minutes before bed, students fell asleep 15 minutes faster and slept an extra 30 minutes longer every night. RELIEVES HEADACHES AND BACK PAIN
Harvard researchers have also found headache frequency and intensity are reduced significantly with yoga practice. During allergy season, I include yoga movements in every class to relieve sinus, congestion and headache. How would you like to reduce your back pains by 56%? Just follow the same yoga schedule set up by Harvard researchers: 90-minute yoga classes twice a week for six months. Compare those results with normal medical care, which only registered a 16% improvement of back pain.
YOGA AT A GLANCE n Improved strength n Increased flexibility n Better balance n Reduced back pain n Relieved headaches n Slowed aging n Soothed stress n Weight loss n Improved mood n Deeper sleep n Protected heart n Boosted immune function n Lower inflammation levels n Better brain function n Improved breathing n Restored self-confidence n Relaxed mind n Managed neck pain n Controlled diabetes n Balanced body chemistry
Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City. Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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I LOVE PLANT CITY
FORECAST
High: 91 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 20%
Friday, July 28
6:49a
8:20p
Saturday, July 29
6:49a
8:20p
Sunday, July 30
6:50a
8:19p
Monday, July 31
6:50a
8:18p
Tuesday, Aug. 1
6:51a
8:18p
Wednesday, Aug. 2
6:51a
8:17p
Thursday, Aug. 3
6:52a
8:16p
High: 90 Low: 77 Chance of rain: 20%
Do you have a photo that speaks to the heart of Plant City? Send it to Associate Editor Justin Kline at jkline@PlantCityObserver.com
SUNRISE / SUNSET
FRIDAY, JULY 28
SATURDAY, JULY 29
SUNDAY, JULY 30
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FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
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Sunrise Sunset
MOON PHASES
High: 87 Low: 75 Chance of rain: 60%
Aug. 21 New
Aug. 17 Last
Aug. 26 First
Aug. 7 Full
MONDAY, JULY 31 High: 86 Low: 74 Chance of rain: 60%
RAINFALL
OKRA
Walking around Plant City one night, Jamie Farkas stopped to admire the clear night sky and snapped a photo. Farkas wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.
Shipping point: Orlando $8.35 to $8.85
ONLINE
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture
Follow us on social media: @PCTObserver on Instgram, @PlantObserver on Twitter and Plant City Times & Observer on Facebook.
Wednesday, July 19
0.17
Thursday, July 20
0.01
Friday, July 21
0.06
Saturday, July 22
0.25
Sunday, July 23
0.15
Monday, July 24
0.00
Tuesday, July 25
0.00
YEAR TO DATE:
JULY TO DATE:
2017 23.52 in.
2017
7.23 in.
2016 21.33 in.
2016
3.14 in.
NWTF 17 Annual Banquet th
Friday 6pm • August 4th Tickets: $60 for Adults • $30 for Kids(18 & Under)
CROSSWORD
CALL NICK FOR INFO: 813.967.3858
HOW NOT TO APOLOGIZE by Timothy B. Parker
before 49 Old allowance for damage in transit 51 Up to one’s elbows in a flooding 54 “Beg pardon?” 57 Legendary actor Peter O’___ 58 NYC transit org. 59 Country shaped like a boot 61 Wolflike scavenger 62 Sounded like an injured animal 63 Green-lights 64 Mug filler at a banquet 65 Where the city of Qom is 66 Make legal, as a bill 67 Motion picture DOWN 68 Say bad words 1 Set of two 73 Be literate, in a way 2 Fit for the throne 74 State of relaxing comfort 3 Where babies-to-be be 75 Make beer 4 Hoodwink 5 Showed submission or fear 76 Taxing, as a physical activity 6 “Money isn’t everything,” 77 Greek god of love and others 78 Male turkey 7 Sandwich shop 81 Former Vice President 8 Fitzgerald of jazz Agnew 9 Smooth, as a transition 82 Rich, hanging tapestry 10 Behemoths 83 Electing as a fellow 11 Former students member 12 Trucker’s rig 84 Paris “Thank you” 13 Child’s sidewalk game 14 Certain Spanish-speaking 88 Large, dark-red oval organs quarter 90 Move like a rattler 15 Referring to bees 92 Check endorsers, typi16 Dull, as clothing cally 17 Fish organ 18 “Is anyone ___ coming?” 94 Aquarium feature 95 Ill or not up to par 28 Neighbor of Pakistan 96 Winger who starred in 29 State, centuries ago “Urban Cowboy” 30 Way past ready to go 97 Zagreb native 35 Old-school “moves 99 “And ___ you have it!” quickly” 100 Some wealthy Mideast 36 Was head of the class? leaders 37 “CHiPs” first name 101 Fails to keep up (with 38 Tear in two “behind”) 39 Site of a biblical garden 102 Thought that leads to 40 Feeding tube? something big 41 Garlic-flavored mayon103 King ___ naise 104 Ready, willing and ___ 42 Not encountered as yet 105 Golfer’s selection, 43 Appreciate, to hippies sometimes 44 Folded part, as skin 106 Type of groovy lamp 45 Do penitence 107 Start for “while” 48 Episode you’ve seen 94 Roll up, as a flag 96 Mend socks 97 Applaud 98 Stir up, as rioters 101 I’m sorry that I’m sorry (Pt. 3) 108 Brick of clay 109 Certain woodwind 110 Angry enough to fight 111 Any prince, traditionally 112 Sci-fi, comedy, drama, e.g. 113 ___ Bator, Mongolia 114 Longish work of literature 115 Transgresses 116 Long, drawn-out tales 117 What the sun does daily 118 Twist into deformity 119 Catch one’s breath
©2017 Universal Uclick
ACROSS
(Pt. 1) 31 Subject of a property 1 Snare or floor tom claim 5 Becomes harder and 32 Irish miss harder to see 33 Brother of Abel 10 Charge alternative 34 Does basic math 14 Sheriff’s shiner 35 Some attention-getting 19 Snowman of Tibet words 20 Big-time pop singer from 36 Like many fast-food Britain orders 21 Butter alternative 37 “But I heard him exclaim, 22 Fourth in a series of 12 ___ he ...” 23 Dark, Stone and middle 40 Riyadh native 24 A Washington city when 43 Fritter away doubled 45 Dry as a bone 25 Sugar unit 46 Like some ears or cans 26 Iranian monetary units 47 Most chichi or Bohemian 27 I’m sorry that I’m sorry
50 Producing great profits, as a business 52 CD follower 53 Units of energy or work 54 Mighty partner 55 Roused from slumber 56 Schooner beverage 57 Three, in Milano 58 A good deal, in a Shakespeare title 59 Suffix with “Christ” 60 I’m sorry that I’m sorry (Pt. 2) 69 Hither and ___ 70 Gumbo veggie 71 A word of cheer 72 “When do we want it?”
answer 73 Defiant one without a cause 76 “Lake” of ballet 77 And others, abbreviated 79 NYC’s Fifth, for one 80 With sincere intentions 82 NASA or NATO, e.g. 85 Org. with moles 86 Out on the ocean 87 Place for a collection of journalists 89 Poly attachment 91 Source of morning dampness 92 “___ Piper of Hamelin” 93 Cons’ opposites
113570-1
CELEBRITY CIPHER
By Luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.
“X YSPL OT LINBDXWY VBX-JX IWE ... IRR NDAVP BSPPTZ ARE UXWBPWN TSXBP DASSAS HAUXPV.” – FPJJ YAREKROH “‘LWJU,’ ZNDUX XNPK N UWJ NX, N ZADMAX N JWU NE NX. XDCK. XAXWBBI ZADMAX, WEG MAX WU UYWDKG WU KSKDIHAGI KBUK.” – DNYTWDG GDKIZCUU Puzzle Two Clue: S equals V
Held at the Arthur Boring Civic Center 2406 W. Reynolds Street Plant City, FL 33563
Includes: • Silent & Live Auction • Numerous Guns • 150 Items Raffled Away • Corp. & Sponsor Tables Avail.
Perf Event Foect r WHOLE the FAMILY
Puzzle One Clue: Z equals Y
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All tickets include drawing for door prizes, 1-year NWTF membership, magazine subscription, and all you can eat catered Bar-B-Q meal with drinks & dessert.
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT SOUTHSIDE FARM SUPPLY, FARM BUREAU OF PLANT CITY AND ARROWHEAD ARCHERY
©2017 NEA, Inc.
SUDOKU
Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
©2017 Andrews McMeel Syndicate
7-27-17
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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PlantCityObserver.com
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 2017
~ Ron W., a patient of South Florida Baptist Hospital
The Care You Need, When You Need It. Ron had always been healthy and active. But then he faced a life-threatening blood clot. Ron chose South Florida Baptist Hospital for their advanced technology and the excellent care he knew he’d receive. A member of the community since 1953, South Florida Baptist Hospital was built on quality, compassionate care. You’ll find a highly skilled and experienced team that works to make patients and visitors as comfortable as possible during their hospital experience. When you’re treated at South Florida Baptist Hospital, you’ll feel at home, close to home — all your health care needs are covered, without ever leaving Plant City.
Choose South Florida Baptist Hospital. Let South Florida Baptist Hospital be your partner for getting you well and keeping you well. Fill out a health profile online at SouthFloridaBaptistCare.org and you’ll be sent a complimentary travel first aid kit.
Our Specialties: n ER: Efficient medical treatment for minor or major emergencies and illnesses n Surgery: Large operating rooms, high-tech equipment and spacious recovery rooms create a pleasant environment for patients n Heart: State-of-the-art heart and vascular center offering cardiac diagnostic services and procedures
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