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Fire truck visit Plant City High star heats up fun at T.J. Chase transfers learning center. to IMG Academy.
Plant City churches serve up summer fun at faith-filled VBSes.
OUR TOWN
+ Meet our new staff writer The Plant City Times & Observer has added a new writer to its staff. This week, we welcome Catherine Sinclair to our team. Catherine graduated cum laude in May 2014 from the University of Richmond (Virginia) with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and music, and a minor in biology. Please welcome Catherine to Plant City if you see her out and about.
leadership by Michael Eng | Editor
City Commission narrows search for new city manager
Plant City commissioners will begin interviewing the candidates within the next few weeks. After initial candidate screenings for Plant City’s next leader were met with mixed reactions, city commissioners have honed in on their top seven prospects and should begin interviewing them within the next few weeks.
The candidates, in alphabetical order, are: James Drumm (former city manager, Zephyrhills); Robert Michael Herr (public works and utility services administrator, Tampa); Douglas Hewett (former assistant city manager, Winchester,
Va.); Wayne Saunders (finance director, Port Orange); John Schneiger (former city manager and community redevelopment director, New Port Richey); Gary Shimun (chief administrative officer, Plantation); and Isaac Turner (former
, 3&
This week’s winner is
Mimi Nguyen
See her photo on PAGE 15.
pulled from the group’s initial pool of 76 candidates. All currently reside in Florida. “I’m very encouraged,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “Once you go through all the résumés we
SEE MANAGER / PAGE 5
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
P.C. organizations spearhead school supply drives There are many different ways to donate supplies to children in need.
Representatives from several Plant City businesses will test their mental mettle at the Plant City Kiwanis Club’s Second Annual Business Spelling Bee at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Building, 605 N. Collins St. Americare Ambulance will defend its title against spellers representing South Florida Baptist Hospital, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, Family Care Pharmacy, Haught Funeral Home, Hopewell Funeral Homes and more. Editor Michael Eng will represent the Plant City Times & Observer. Tickets are $10; donations of school supplies also will be accepted. All proceeds support the Stuff the Bus and Read Around The World programs. For more, contact David Wolf, (813) 717-9300.
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city manager, Venice, Fla.). Of those, three — Drumm, Saunders and Shimun — are from the list of nine finalists Mercer Group Senior Vice President W.D. Higginbotham Jr. presented to city commissioners July 14. The others were
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FREE • FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014
It’s that time of year again, when school supply lists from every grade in every county in every state are neatly organized in pop-up cardboard carousels at every major retailer. The result is a frenzy of excited mothers — and less excited kids — trekking the aisles for that perfect “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” folder or the bubble-gum-pink ruler. But, not all families can afford to check every item off the list. That’s why several organizations in Plant City have launched school supplies drives to help local students transition from the pool float to the desk chair.
HOPE NOW THE HAY EXCHANGE 4950 U.S. 92 (813) 754-5405 Donations will be collected through Aug. 13.
Justin Kline
Taylor Goethals, right, held signs with friends Callie Hevall and Bre Huffman to greet passing motorists during a benefit car wash fundraiser July 27, at Walden Lake Car Wash. The fundraiser, organized by car wash owner Frank Cummings, the Plant City Lions Club and several local businesses, raised $6,500 to help pay for Taylor’s cancer treatments. See more photos at PlantCityObserver.com
killing the competition by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Couple enters Project Greenlight
For several years, The Hay Exchange has held schoolsupply drives, in addition to its holiday food drives. This year, however, the store has teamed up with Metropolitan Ministries, a non-profit that serves poor and homeless families. Called “Hope Now,” locals can bring in school supplies to The Hay Exchange, 4950 U.S. 92.
SEE SUPPLIES / PAGE 4
Matthew and Nikki Glover are submitting their short film to the competition, which produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. Matthew and Nikki Glover might be the only people in Plant City to have gallows in their backyard. Yes, gallows. Complete with a swinging rope noose. It’s not illegal for the couple to have the gallows. They made sure to check before they started construction on the haunting device they are
using as a movie set — and not actual executions. The aspiring filmmakers are entering Project Greenlight, a contest produced by Ben Affleck and Matt Damon to find the next great filmmaker. The winners will receive a shot to create their own feature film with the help of industry veterans.
The Glovers’ three-minute short film, “Under The Gallows,” revolves around their home-built set. “We want to be different,” Matthew said. “Most people try to do drama to tug at heartstrings, or comedy to make people laugh. … We are
From spirited cheers to full-on mascot mayhem, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce’s New Teacher Coffee is always a show. The decades-old event welcomes new teachers at Plant City area schools by having them put on skits after a breakfast meet-up. “It’s our way of making these new teachers feel comfortable and part of the community,” chamber President Marion Smith said. “Some have never been to Plant City.” The New Teacher Coffee will take place at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall, 2301 W. Oak Ave., Plant City. The coffee takes place less than a week before school starts Aug. 19. Last year, about 200 teachers attended. Superintendent MaryEllen Elia spoke before roll call. Because of its popularity, other areas of the county have created their own coffee. In addition to the skits, the festivities continue with door prizes, gift certificates and goodie bags. The chamber always needs help with donations to make the new teachers feel at home. Donations can be anything from spa packages to restaurant deals. Cash donations also will be accepted. To donate, drop off items at the chamber, 106 N. Evers St., or call (813) 754-3707. — Amber Jurgensen
SEE FILM / PAGE 4
INDEX Calendar.......................2
CHAMBER NEEDS DONATIONS FOR NEW TEACHER COFFEE
Vol. 2, No. 1 | One section Crossword...................15
Obituaries...................10
Sports.........................11
Weather ......................15
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, AUG. 1 Plant City High School Class of 1984 and More 30-Year Reunion — festivities take place Friday, Aug. 1, and Saturday, Aug. 2. “Happy Hour” begins at 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Jimmy B’s Bar, 6200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. The main event takes place from 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Postcard Inn on the Beach, 6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach. The event will feature music provided by deejay “Slammin’ Sammy” McCullogh, Class of 1984, dancing, slideshow, PCHS trivia contest and more. For more information, visit Facebook. com/PCHSClassof1984and MoreReunion. Uncork Your Weekend with Daniel Sprouse — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100.
SATURDAY, AUG. 2 Bike Fest — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at 102 N. Palmer St. For more, visit plantcity.org. CPR and Basic Life Support Re-certification — takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the
South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. This course provides CPR basic life support (BLS) recertification for health care workers. Your CPR card must be current (no expired cards). Registration and pre-payment required ($40); includes book and card. (813) 644-6720. Introduction to Aromatherapy — takes place from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at The Herban Cowboy, 118 W. Reynolds St., Historic Downtown Plant City. Sample and learn about the uses of some of the most common essential oils. Cost is $5; seating is limited. (813) 7041376. Kingdom Christian Ministries Back-to-School Bash — takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at the church, 6627 Lithia Pinecrest Road. For more information, call (813) 685-4240. Live Entertainment — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818. Uncork Your Weekend with Patrick Tillman — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Keel & Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. For more
To publicize your event in our Community Calendar, please send by mail: 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563; or by email: meng@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 6
information, call (813) 7529100.
Open Mic Night — begins at 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
Zeta Phi Sorority — meets from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Chantel Bowie, (863) 528-5379.
Plant City Fit Club — meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at 301 N. Dort St., Plant City. Melissa, (813) 395-3953.
SUNDAY, AUG. 3 Hope Lutheran Vacation Bible School — takes place from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3, to Thursday, Aug. 7, at the church, 2001 N. Park Road, Plant City. Each night of our journey will begin with a special meal at the “Fishers of Men” café, and participants will experience Bible time in which various New Testament stories will be share. VBS is for children ages 2 through adult. Register by calling (813) 752-4622.
MONDAY, AUG. 4
THURSDAY, AUG. 7
BEST BET Lakeland Flying Tigers Inaugural Plant City Chamber Night — takes place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. For more, visit lakelandflyingtigers.com or call (813) 754-3707.
TUESDAY, AUG. 5
Lakeland Flying Tigers Inaugural Plant City Chamber Night — takes place at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Joker Marchant Stadium, 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland. For more, visit lakelandflyingtigers.com.
Central Florida Speech and Hearing Center — free phones for the hearing impaired will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Robin Yarnell, (863) 686-3189 or ryarnell@cfshc.org.
Peace By Piece — meets from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Arlene Bailey, (863) 644-3600.
Kiwanis Club of Plant City Spelling Bee — takes place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the 1914 High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St., Plant
City. Representatives from many Plant City business will compete for top spelling honors. David Wolf, (813) 717-9300. What About Brain Health? — takes place at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. The Alzheimer’s Association, Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, is holding a workshop for anyone interested in learning more brain health. RSVP appreciated. For more, call (863) 292-9210 or email to thompsons@alzflgulf.org.
Macie’s School of Dance Open House — takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7; 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, at the school, 605 E. Alexander St. Macie Zimmerhanzel, macieschoolofdanceandyoga@gmail.com or (813) 220-8355. School Board Candidate Forum — takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at the Martin Luther King Recreation Center at 1601 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Candidates running for District 6 (county-wide) and District 4 (East Hillsborough County) will answer questions from a panel of the sponsoring organizations and the audience. The forum is co-sponsored by Bealsville Inc., The Improvement League of Plant City and the Plant City Area Democratic Club. (813) 6382261.
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governance by Michael Eng | Editor
Commission approves rezone for new corporate park on I-4 The new McMullen Corporate Park Planned Development District will add about one million square feet of space for a variety of industries. Plant City commissioners approved July 28, a rezone request they believe will add more opportunities for potential job and economic growth. The commission voted unanimously to rezone the 65-acre Clairmore Estates CU district, located on South Frontage Road about onequarter-mile east of Son Keen Road, from single-family residential use to the new McMullen Corporate Park Plant Development District, a “bubble” plan that allows 1,095,543 square feet of development for a variety of industries. Those include: professional, scientific and technical services; bioscience and research facilities; manufacturing and associated distribution; finance and insurance services; management services; and administrative support services.
Under the Clairmore Estates CU, the zoning allowed for up to 130 homes on 6,600-squarefoot lots. Neighboring parcels include the Sun Landings CU to the west, Eastland Industrial CU to the southeast and three residential lots to the east. Senior Planner Phillip Scearce said the plan includes a 50foot buffer between the new McMullen Corporate Park.
CELL-TOWER RESTRICTIONS
City commissioners also hosted the first of two public hearings regarding stricter guidelines regarding telecommunication towers and antennas within Plant City. Under the new guidelines, towers would be capped to a maximum 200 feet in height; must be located to the side or rear of the parcel’s prima-
ry building; must be 250 feet away from any residential district; must be 750 feet away from existing towers; and would be subject to structural inspections. The guidelines also would allow for “stealth” towers all commercial districts, including Historic Downtown Plant City and Midtown. “Stealth” towers include those that are hidden within the architecture of a building.
ELLIS-METHVIN PARK
The commission approved three more projects, totaling 230,581.50, at Ellis-Methvin Park. The most expensive of those is a retaining wall to avoid future erosion issues in the parking lot area along Cherry Street and bordering Hillsborough Community College. Antioch
Contracting LLC will complete the work for $109,995. The second project is a bathroom facility, to be built by Magnolia Construction and Real Estate Inc. for $73,390. The project includes a single-story, 690-squarefoot building with both male and female bathroom facilities. The building will be located along the west side of the facility to service the six soccer fields currently under construction.
MIDTOWN
Commissioners also approved two projects, totaling $228,875, for Midtown Park. The projects include the construction and installation of the park’s centerpiece fountain. WESCO Fountains Inc. will complete the work for $129,421.
FIERCE ATHLETICS AMENDMENT WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS The Comprehensive Plan amendment required to allow Fierce Athletics to operate won’t be complete until next year, Interim City Manager David Sollenberger said. Fierce Athletics owner Lindsey Hoover, who seeks to operate her gym at a location within one of the city’s industrial areas, said her students’ training requires space only available in larger buildings in industrial areas. Currently, Plant City’s Comprehensive Plan does not allow for recreational uses within industrial districts. According to Sollenberger, the timeline for change is as follows: • JULY 14: Text amendment initiated by the City Commission • JULY/AUGUST: Staff research and development of language for the text amendment to the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Plant City WESCO Fountains was one of only two vendors who had experience with fountains of this size and design. The commission awarded the second project, a $99,454
(Future Land Use Element) • SEPTEMBER: Transmit text amendment to required review agencies; develop staff report, executive summaries, resolutions and ordinances; place three legal advertisements; produce meeting packets; place on Planning Commission website with link to Plant City • OCT. 9: Plant City Planning Board Public Hearing • NOV. 10: Planning Commission Public Hearing and first reading setting the transmittal public hearing with the City Commission • NOV. 24: City Commission Transmittal Hearing to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity • DECEMBER: Review by DEO • DEC. 8: First reading setting the adoption public hearing with the City Commission • JAN. 12, 2015: City Commission Adoption Hearing bid to complete the park’s sidewalks and other ancillary work, to Antioch Contracting LLC. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
ON TRACK by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
FROZEN IN TIME
City to pay for rail museum director Benny Lubrano will work at the newly updated Robert W. Willaford Museum.
Amber Jurgensen
The Plant City Archives and History Center officially unveiled the Man on the Street sculptures exhibit July 28, in McCall Park. The morning event featured comments from Mayor Rick Lott and Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Marion Smith.
bookworms by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Plant City summer reading program prepares for concert Lots of Hugs gives tutoring and child care to at-risk youth. The students will be celebrating the end of summer with a concert Aug. 7. Paper snails were stacked up on an entry table at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. They were just one of many art projects the students of the Lots of Hugs Reading Summer Program completed in the past two months. Last week, they were busy coloring more pictures, learning how to spell in a competitive game and preparing for a special trip to Legoland Florida. The program is for at-
risk youth from ages 5 to 12 whose parents can’t afford to put them in a traditional daycare. Lots of Hugs is funded by Unity in the Community, Lazydays and Rooms To Go and allows students to keep up their school lessons for just $75 for the whole summer. The program runs from from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 9 to Aug. 8. “Some of the parents work late, most are single parents,” organizer Sharon Moody said.
Amber Jurgensen
Sharon Moody helps Jeremy Garcia and Zariah Thomas with their art projects.
“This helps them out.” This is the fourth year for the program. Moody has 80 registered students and a staff of six, all who have worked in the school system before. “It’s great, because instead of them staying home and getting in trouble, they retain what they learned during the school year,” Moody said. And keeping up their reading isn’t the only benefit. Moody serves them two hot meals and a snack every day. This year alone, she has cooked 10,000 meals. “Some might not get to eat again,” Moody said. “Some of them go home and don’t get a good meal.” Moody designed the program to have field trips, as well. They toured Lazydays and Stingray Chevrolet, and stops at the Florida Aquarium and Legoland get them out of town. And they don’t just go to people. People come to them. Local Girl Scouts troops have come to talk to them about bullying. Lynn Helm Stick Ministry comes every Tuesdays to teach them choreog-
IF YOU GO
LOTS OF HUGS SUMMER READING PROGRAM CONCERT WHEN: 6:30 p.m., Aug. 7 WHERE: Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church’s old sanctuary, 911 E. Warren St. DONATIONS: To donate to the Lots of Hugs Summer Reading Program, call Sharon Moody at (813) 453-7134.
BY THE NUMBERS $5,000: The amount Lazydays donated
$2,220: The
amount Unity in the Community donated $1,000: The amount Rooms To Go donated
raphy for their end-of-theyear concert on Aug. 7. There they will show off their skills and what they learned over the summer to parents and the public. Awards will be given and the students also will receive some school supplies. “I really think they enjoy coming down here,” Moody said. “A lot of them like to come to you hoping for a lot of attention. You try and engage them and encourage them.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
With the new train-viewing platform and updated exhibits to the train depot, the Robert W. Willaford Museum will be getting a new executive director, also. Plant City Commissioner Mike Sparkman, who helped spearhead the platform project, urged the city and commissioners to allow Benny Lubrano to serve in the paid position. Lubrano helped design the platform and has been volunteering his time for the past six months at the museum. Now, he will be reimbursed for it. Community Redevelopment Agency commissioners approved July 28 an amendment to the CRA budget to pay Lubrano $12,000 for this fiscal year. Another $25,000 will come out of next fiscal year’s budget. “Benny’s been involved with it completely,” Sparkman said. The CRA commission’s decision comes after Interim City Manager David Sollenberger eliminated the special events manager position to save the city some money. that manager, Deanna Hurley, who brought a popular Food Truck Rally to downtown among other events, made $45,000. Sparkman believes the money will be put to better use at the train depot. “It’s very important to have someone promote it, oversee fields trips,” Sparkman said. “Deanna, at one time, thought she would work out of the depot, but the (former) city manager moved her. Benny is just $25,000, so it’s much more economical.” Lubrano is working at the museum four days a week and filling in for volunteers who can’t make it on the other two days. He also is overseeing the field trips, volunteers and general management of the museum. When the city and the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce first started working towards building a new train platform, they had had plans to
hire an executive director upon completion, Sparkman said. When it came time to hire someone, the chamber couldn’t use its tourist development funds from Hillsborough County. They largely are used for the welcome center on Park Road. “Those funds are so restricted,” chamber President Marion Smith said. Instead, the money will come from the CRA, which was established in 1981 to remove conditions of slum and blight that existed within a large portion of the city’s core, including the downtown business district and surrounding neighborhoods. Other projects planned and funded by the CRA include Midtown, the new Dr. Hal and Lynn Brewer Park and the Wheeler Street realignment. In the future, however, the position will be paid for by the Robert W. Willaford Museum Society Inc. “Using the CRA funds is just to get off the ground,” Sparkman said. The society has filed for nonprofit status, which can take six to 18 months to be approved. Once approved, the organization will be able to accept donations and use the funds for the position and other costs. The society has five committee members. “We are working real hard on that to get monies for advertising to get schools out in the fall for field trips,” Sparkman said. “It’s educational.” A railroad enthusiast, Robert W. Willaford spent decades growing his collection of memorabilia. Last fall, he donated much of his collection to the city. Appraised at $220,000, the collection includes a 1963 red caboose, signal lights from crossings, benches Willaford made out of steel wheels and wood pallets and different types of carts and service vehicles among other things. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
Amber Jurgensen
Benny Lubrano said there are two different types of people that come to the museum — history buffs and trainspotters.
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HOW TO VOTE
To vote for “Under The Gallows” to win Project Greenlight, check on the contest’s website, ProjectGreenlight.com, after the films have been uploaded.
LIVING THE DREAM
To help the Glovers with their dreams of becoming filmmakers, visit their Kickstarter page, kickstarter.com/ projects/2078911770/ under-the-gallows.
FILM / PAGE 1 going for shock value.” The plot is definitely shocking. During the Civil War era, a young boy is hired to help in the execution of a deserting Union soldier. “We want to be the one that stands out,” Nikki said. The story came about during a collaboration between the Glovers and Matthew’s sister, April Schmitz. Fans of Jim Henson, they thought about building a puppet in one idea. But, it couldn’t be done in the
short timeframe. Then, Matthew remembered learning about hangings from his sister, who had been reading a book on the topic. He morbidly suggested they hang someone for the film. The idea stuck. David Sloan, playing the Union soldier, was just as excited about the hanging. An adrenaline junkie, Sloan was prepared to try anything. But, not everyone could stomach the stunt. The actor slated to play the young boy decided he wouldn’t be able to handle the execution, even a fake one. So, Austin Simone stepped in. Many of the Glovers’ local friends and family are helping with the production. Brotherin-law Erik Schmitz built the gallows and is working at the stunt coordinator. Friends Terry Smith and Judy Aregano provided the antebellum North costumes, and Smith also plays another soldier. Bethany May, with Bethany May Photography, shot on-set photography during the shoot. “We just pulled our resources together,” Nikki said. The Glovers seem to spin gold out of straw with their film projects. Matthew’s passion
LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR … Another big school drive is one hosted by State Farm agents throughout the Tampa Bay area. Locally, Courtney Paat’s office is collecting donations until Aug. 20, at her two locations, 1805 James L. Redman Parkway, Suite 10, in Plant City, or 5228 U.S. 98 N., in Lakeland.
SUPPLIES / PAGE 1 “We want to do something for the local community,” said Michael Glisson, manager over retail sales. “We want to stay connected with the patrons who come in. It’s our way of paying it forward.” For each donation made during the drive, the donor will receive one entry ticket for a chance to win one of two gift cards to The Hay Exchange, valued at $50 each. Already, The Hay Exchange has received about 30 items. And the store isn’t just accepting supplies. If you make a monetary donation, that money will be used to purchase the necessary items. Donations will be collected through Aug. 13. The drawing will be held around Aug. 16.
MADISON’S MISSION MADISON’S MISSION HelpMadisonsMission.blogspot. com Donations will be accepted until the start of school, Aug. 19. Drop off donations at: THE ARTISTRY 1505 S. Alexander St. Suite 102 (813) 717-7700 ABSOLUTE AUTO REPAIR 13095 U.S. 92, Dover (813) 659-1302 Bailey Elementary student Madison Brewer has her sights set on helping students at her school and five others this year
by providing school supplies to those in need with her nonprofit, Madison’s Mission. The mission started as an idea inspired by Sunday School lessons on missionaries. Madison began collecting change to feed families during the holidays. Now, her Back-to-School Supply Drive is helping kids her age. She has had help from Tomlin Middle School’s National Junior Honors Society in collecting supplies — but not enough for Madison. “Her goal is to support six schools so we are hoping to get enough to at least provide some for all six schools,” her mother, Deanna Brewer, said. “We will also do the shopping if people would rather give monetary donations.” Those schools include Bailey, Cork, Dover and Wilson elementaries, Tomlin Middle
SHOT RECORD Free back-to-school physicals and immunizations are being offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Ed and Myrtle Lou Swindle Medical Arts Center, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (813) 443-3048. If you can’t make it on Aug. 9, walk-ins are accepted at two Tampa schools on Aug. 16. For more information, visit sdhc.k12.fl.us/calendar.
Amber Jurgensen
Matthew and Nikki Glover hope their video submission impresses Project Greenlight fans. has been film since he was a teenager. He changed his career focus from Christian ministry to film, merging the two by working as a videographer for a church in Alabama. Later, he studied film at Southeastern University. “I like the story-telling,” Glover said. “I always say I like creating worlds. I’m letting Plant City see my head from the inside.” Before he graduated in 2013, he finished his senior project, “The Moon Child,” about School, and Simmons Career and Exceptional Center. To meet her ambitious goal, Madison has extended her collection deadline until school starts Aug. 19. To donate supplies or make a monetary contribution, visit The Artistry, 1505 S. Alexander St. Suite 102, Absolute Auto Repair, 13095 U.S. 92, Dover, or HelpMadisonsMission. blogspot.com.
STUFF THE BUS Donations will be accepted until Aug. 8. Drop off at: STINGRAY CHEVROLET 2002 N. Frontage Road (813) 704-2092 WINN-DIXIE 205 W. Alexander St. (813) 754-9338 SOUTHSIDE WESTERN WEAR 3014 James L. Redman Parkway (813) 752-2379 There’s one more week to drop off donations for the Seventh Annual Stuff the Bus school supply drive, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Plant City and Unity in the Community. The organizations will be accepting school supplies until Aug. 8, at three different drop-off points: Stingray Chevrolet, 2002 N. Frontage Road; Winn Dixie, 205 W. Alexander St.; and Southside Western Wear, 3014 James L. Redman Parkway. “It’s a great event,” organizer Sharon Moody said. “It helps the kids.” Last year, the organizations
a little girl with cancer. It was done just in time for his mother to see if before she died from brain cancer. Now, he’s working on a script for a full-length feature film about a man searching for a cure for cancer in cannabis oil to save his mother. “Our sights are set on L.A.,” he said. “This is an opportunity for something better.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
WHAT TO DONATE
10-pack of pencils 12-inch rulers Baggies Child-friendly scissors Colored markers Colored pencils College-rule paper Composition notebooks Copy paper Crayons Dry-erase markers Eraser (block) Glue sticks Highlighters Kleenex tissues New backpacks (teens and children) Pencil cases Pens Posterboard Post-it Notes Three-ring binders (1-inch to 1.5-inch) Three-prong folders Thumb drives Wipes were able to buy more than 700 backpacks for students at Plant City-area schools. By comparison, they collected 100 in the drive’s inaugural year, 2008. Employees at South Florida Baptist Hospital and City Hall, as well as high school Key Club members, donated their time last year to help package the supplies. The organizations may call the event Stuff the Bus, but over the years, they have stuffed school supplies into pickups, instead. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
FUN FACTS • Blue is the most popular Crayola crayon color. • According to the latest consumer survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics, more than one-third of back-to-school shoppers expect to make a portion of their purchases online. • According to Guinness World Records, the world’s longest pencil is 1,061 feet and 4.59 inches. It was created by Ed Douglas Miller, of the United Kingdom, and was measured Sept. 17, 2013, in Worcester, Worcestershire.
THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS 1. At the end of a long day, a gardener told his wife, “Honey, I’m bushed.” His wife mumbled: “you’ll be fine as long as you don’t let the grass grow under your feet.” 2. A mother told her daughter to adopt a balanced diet and pick out green foods. “I thought a balanced diet was a muffin and a chocolate chip cookie in each hand,” was the girl’s response.
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MANAGER / PAGE 1 have … I think there are some great individuals to interview here. It was really interesting how they paid attention to what we’re looking for … especially honing in on economic development. I was glad to see that.” Following the first candidate search workshop, six candidates, including four from Higginbotham’s top nine, withdrew their applications for the position. Those four include Scott Adkins (city manager, Roseville, Mich.); Paul Brake, (city manager, Grand Blanc, Mich.); Eric Johnson (director of strategic planning, Hillsborough County); and Heath Kaplan (finance and management services director, Muskegon County, Mich.). A fifth of Higginbotham’s nine finalists, Robert Bruner (interim city manager, Mount Clemens, Mich.), indicated he was unsure if he wanted to continue the process. Commissioners believe the process for first and second interviews could take 60 days. Then, the selected candidate likely will need to give his current employer 30 days’ notice, Higginbotham said. Contact Michael Eng at meng@plantcityobserver.com.
COPS The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
JULY 11
LAWN-CARE LARCENY
1900 block of South Golfview Drive. Residential Burglary. Officers responded to the house in reference to a theft of a weed eater, edger and gas blower from an open garage. The victim stated his garage door was open, when an unknown person(s) stole his lawn equipment, all valued at about $900.
CLEANED OUT
800 block of South Collins Street. Grand Theft. Officers were flagged down by the victim, who stated that when she was vacuuming her car, she sat her purse on the vacuum machine. An unknown suspect walked by, grabbed the purse and left the business area. Officers searched the area and were not able to locate the suspect or purse.
PILSNER PITCHED
Intersection of Alexander Street and Thonotosassa Road. Aggravated Assault. According to the victim, she was stopped at the intersection, when the suspect pulled up next to her in a black Cadillac sedan and threw a beer bottle at the window.
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THE SEVEN FINALISTS JAMES DRUMM FROM: Zephyrhills
JOHN SCHNEIGER FROM: Sarasota
manager, Zephyrhills (2011 to 2014) EDUCATION: MPA, University of South Florida; bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Florida
manager and community redevelopment director, New Port Richey EDUCATION: MBA, Colorado State University; master’s degree in urban and regional planning, and bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Wisconsin (Madison)
MOST RECENT POSITION: City
ROBERT MICHAEL HERR FROM: Lakeland CURRENT POSITION: Public works and utility services administrator, Tampa EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Indiana State University DOUGLAS HEWETT FROM: Seminole MOST RECENT POSITION:
Assistant city manager, Winchester, Va. EDUCATION: MPA and bachelor’s degree in political science, North Carolina State University WAYNE SAUNDERS FROM: Clermont CURRENT POSITION: Finance director, Port Orange EDUCATION: MPA and bachelor’s degree in business administration, Western Carolina University (Cullowhee, N.C.)
MANATEE
MOST RECENT POSITION: City
GARY SHIMUN
FROM: Pembroke Pines CURRENT POSITION: Chief
administrative officer, Plantation EDUCATION: Master’s degree in urban studies, public administration and urban planning, University of Akron (Ohio); bachelor’s degree, Northern Michigan University (Marquette, Mich.) ISAAC TURNER FROM: Venice
MOST RECENT POSITION: City
manager, Venice EDUCATION: MPA, University of Kansas; bachelor’s degree in political science, Kansas State University
CORNER
QUICK CASH
3400 block of Berry Blossom Drive. Residential Burglary. The complainant stated unknown suspect(s) gained entrance to her home by breaking the lock on the rear sliding-glass doors. Once inside, the suspect(s) stole $2,000 in cash and a $500 gold watch.
JULY 12
PONTIAC PILFERED
1500 block of East Louisiana Street. Vehicle Burglary. Unknown person(s) entered an unlocked white 2004 Pontiac. The victim had $180 in cash and a bank debit card stolen. The victim canceled her bank card and did not want to pursue an investigation.
PANE PAIN
1760 block of Brookstone Way. Criminal Mischief. Unknown person(s) broke a bathroom window at the home. The victim noticed the damage this morning. Overnight, the victim stated he did not hear or see anything suspicious.
WHAT’S YOURS IS MINE
700 block of East Gilchrist Street. Stolen Truck. A 2005 white Toyota Tundra was stolen July 11, from the victim’s home. The victim had her neighbor at the house that day, when a spare set of truck keys were taken from a hook by the back
JULY 11
BEER ME
2600 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Theft. Officers responded to the store in reference to an unknown suspect entering the store selecting a $17 case of beer from the cooler and walking out without paying. Officers checked the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
door. She later learned her neighbor and truck were gone from the home. She has tried to contact her neighbor to see if he had the truck but could not reach him. According to the victim, her truck’s floor mats were in the yard of her neighbor’s home. The suspect did not have permission to take the truck. Later in the day, an officer drove by the victim’s house and saw the truck. According to the victim, the neighbor took the truck and returned it, and now, she does not want to prosecute.
JULY 13
BAT BURGLAR
300 block of South Frontage Road. Theft. Unknown person(s) stole a drink cooler filled with baseball equipment from the bed of a tan 2001 Dodge Ram truck.
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LETTER TO THE
observed: the clean team
EDITOR Employees exemplify P.C. heart, soul
+ Plant City taxpayers need to watch how money is spent
Dear Editor: Interim City Manager David Sollenberger is a man of integrity and has shown throughout the years that he has managed Plant City Hall that he truly cares about our town, our people and the business owners. Former Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis led the city with grace in the face of the scandals of late. Commissioner Bill Dodson is a man of virtue; he is a voice of reason. Through his tireless pursuits to do what is right and best for the Plant City government and its people, he has proven to be a shining example of what Plant City needs more of. Commissioner Billy Keel is proving to be an asset for the City of Plant City. I believe that his concerns for the city’s budget and finances are real and should be considered with the utmost seriousness. It would be a mockery to the people not to do so. I also believe Mayor Rick Lott has the city’s interest at heart. However, there are others who appear to be more interested in what City Hall and its resources can do for them and their friends, thereby turning City Hall into a private circus for a “select” few. And then Commissioner Keel stepped up to try to correct some of the senseless foolishness that is taking place, he was attacked with hateful words of manipulation. He doesn’t yet seem to understand that, for some, it’s not about the welfare of the city or its people. It’s about the few. It’s sad, because I consider Plant City an exceptional town, and some of the world’s most wonderful people live in or around it. But, nothing is going to change until people kick apathy out of the way and speak out. Betty Patton Plant City
Plant City Times & Observer Locally Owned by Ed Verner, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a joint-venture of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.
110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com &RS\ULJKW 3ODQW &LW\ 0HGLD //& $OO 5LJKWV 5HVHUYHG
I didn’t make it 30 minutes before I checked my phone for the time. I — along with many of my Plant City Lions Club brothers and sisters — had devoted Sunday to washing cars as a fundraiser for Taylor Goethals, a 15-year-old girl battling cancer for the second time. Fellow Lion Frank Cummings had volunteered his business, Walden Lake Car Wash, as the host site. When I arrived, Frank directed me to the end of the car-washing line — the hand-drying phase. Eager to help, I grabbed two towels and went to it. It was barely after 10 a.m., but already, the sun began pressing down with its Florida fury. Fifteen minutes in, I had a collar of sweat around my neck. And, sometime shortly after the first MICHAEL bead trickled its way into my ENG left eye, I grabbed my iPhone. Around me, though, Frank’s guys were just getting started. Complete pros, they darted from car and pickup to SUV and minivan, chasing and eliminating streaks and drips. They sprayed wheels with a solution to dissolve that brown road residue, then applied a protective coating to the sides of every tire. They topped it all off with any number of air fresheners and sent each customer away with a smile and a wave. Here’s the kicker: My shift ended after just one half-day of work. The next day, I woke up, got into my air-conditioned (and now, clean) car, drove to my air-conditioned office and sat in front of my laptop screen all day. These guys — Frank’s guys — were back at it when the car wash opened at 8 a.m. Monday. They had volunteered their only day off to do the same job they do every other day of the week. And they did it with smiles on their faces and grace in their hearts. It was amazing to be a part of yet another example of how Plant City
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SEND US YOUR NEWS
We want to hear from you. Let us know about your community events, celebrations and family member achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com. Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563
Michael Eng
Many members of Walden Lake Car Wash’s staff volunteered their only day off to raise money for Taylor Goethals. From left: owner Frank Cummings, Dolly Cummings, Tom Brady, Ricardo Solis, Eric Traylor, Tramel Bivens (back), Andres Crespo, Luis Duarte (front), Rico Garcia, Ben Schulte, Pedro Rodriguez, Andrew Delph and Howard Sanders. Not pictured: Ana Barrientos and Hope Nasworth. cares for its own. But, to do it alongside these guys — that’s an experience I won’t soon forget. Rico Garcia was more than happy to show all of us the proper way to dry a car. Always start at the front, he told us. Then, you’ll never forget where you left off. Every once in a while, I caught Rico smiling at all of us volunteers. As we sought refuge under the quickly disappearing shade nearby, Rico and his colleagues remained in the middle of the action — picking up whatever slack the volunteers inevitably left for them.
CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
It’s hard work, isn’t it? he asked, with a grin. After my shift, I barely made it up the stairs and into the shower — then collapsed on the bed in exhaustion. As I lay there, I kept hearing something that Frank told me at the end of the fundraiser: This wasn’t even a busy day. Giving these guys a little press was the least I could do to thank them for their time and effort to help raise $6,500 for Taylor. I hope they enjoy seeing their names and photos in the paper — and that they know I have complete admiration and respect for the job they do.
Plant City Times &
Observer
General Manager/Editorial / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com
Associate Editor / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executives / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com; Joanna Verga, jverga@tampabay.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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HOT! HOT! HOT! by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Above: Elizabeth Santos enjoyed seeing the inside of the fire truck. Right: The children were captivated by the firefighters.
Plant City Fire Rescue heats up summer fun, learning The students at Plant City Learning Center got a big red surprise July 17, when a fire truck pulled up to the daycare.
Zane Carbonneau could be a future firefighter.
Plant City Fire Rescue Capt. Stacy Stearns, Chris Rodriguez and Steve Gunnin came out to teach the students about fire safety.
Capt. Stacy Stearns enjoyed meeting the children.
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FAITH by the Observer Staff
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL ROUNDUP FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF DOVER
CHURCH ON THE ROCK Church on the Rock Vacation Bible School students had a fun time with a decorated stage complete with replica computers and the “bat phone.” Crafts, music, games and more all part were of the weeklong session.
First Baptist of Dover went undercover during this year’s detectivethemed Vacation Bible School. The kids enjoyed a variety of faithful activities, including crafts, songs, basketball and tag.
Left: Kinleigh Coon
Right: Ben Edwards
Below: Louis James Danielle Trusing, 7, reached new heights in the bounce house.
PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH Parkway Baptist Church celebrated the beginning of its 2014 Vacation Bible School with a fun-filled kickoff party July 19, at the church. The party included carnival-style games, face-painting, inflatable bounce houses Virginia Lenoir, 8, had her face paintand a puppet show. ed to resemble a puppy dog.
Below: Addison English
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OBSERVEROBITUARIES Elaine M. Benson
Elaine M. Benson, 95, of Plant City, died July 28, 2014, at The Health Center of Plant City due to natural causes. Mrs. Benson Elaine was born April 4, 1919, in St. Paul, Minn., to Chester and Marjorie Fox. She was also a former resident of Lakeland. Survivors include her son, Gary Benson; daughter, Dianne Hayes; sister; Mary Zoe Scott; six grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, with a graveside service to follow at 11 a.m., at Lakeland Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 2125 Bartow Road, Lakeland. Condolences may be made at lakelandfuneralhome.com.
James “Buck” Blanton
James “Buck” Blanton, 64 died on July 28, 2014, at his home. Born May 11, 1950 in Plant City, he was the son of the late Edward and Dora Thompson Blanton. Mr. Blanton attended Mt. Enon Primitive Baptist Church, was a driver for
Chevron Oil Company and loved to fish. Survivors include a daughter, Angela (Michael) Creech; sisters, Hazel Folsom, Carolyn (Hayward) Norris, Margaret (Danny) Kempf, Sharon (Timothy) Blanton and Karen (Dave) Stephens; and grandchildren, Kierstan, MacKenzie and Dylan Creech. He was predeceased by son, James Blanton; and sister, Linda Burns. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 1, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, 708 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Plant City. A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Margie Wells Martin
Margie Wells Martin, 92, of Plant City, died July 26, 2014, at LifePath Sun City Hospice House. She was born Nov. 3, 1921, in Girard, Ala., to J. D. and Lillian Norris Wells. She is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Theodore R. Martin, U.S. Army (retired). As the wife of a career military officer, Mrs. Martin followed her husband all over the country and Germany, especially enjoying the tour of duty in Germany. She and her daughter were on the sec-
ond shipload of dependents to go to Germany after World War II. Upon her husband’s retirement in 1957, they made their home in Haines City, until 1965, when they moved to Andalusia, Ala. and then to Opp, Ala. In 1983, the Martins relocated to Valrico and then in 1986, to Walden Lake, in Plant City. She resided in her Walden Lake home until April 2014, when she became a resident of The Health Center of Plant City. She is survived by her daughter, Judy D. Martin, of Plant City; brother Dan Wells (Dixie), of Birmingham, Alabama; a sister, Elizabeth Culbertson, of Phenix City, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her extended family, Ann Roberts (Mike), Don Roberts (Sandra), Mary Bess, Spike, Devin and Miller Thompson, LeAnn and Phillip Tabler, and Lance and Jamie Roberts. In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Jack Wells and Billy Wells; and sister, Elizabeth Johnson. A graveside service was held July 29, at the family plot at Fairview Cemetery, Grady, Ala. The family would like to thank Drs. Steve Smith, Rob Baskin and Gwen Davis, the staff at The Health Center of Plant City, South Florida Baptist Hospital, LifePath Hospice and home caregivers Tina Whitesell, Kim Hess, Keri Scott, Kailoni Cruz and Alice Debruyn for their compassionate and excellent care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563. Condolences may be made to the family at WeCare.io.
Cindy Jane Simpkins
Cindy Jane Simpkins, 57, of Lakeland, died July 28, 2014, at Palm Terrace of Lakeland.
Born May 10, 1957, in Dover, N.J., she was the daughter of the late John and Jean Niper. She was the wife of Robert Simpkins, who survives. Mrs. Simpkins was an allaround handywoman, and loved to fish, paint and do crafts. Survivors also include a son, Kenneth (Heather) Simpkins; and siblings, John, Beatrice and Sherry. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Jerry R. Spangler
Jerry R. Spangler, 69, of Plant City, died July 25, 2014. Mr. Spangler enjoyed fishing, playing the Wii, traveling to North Florida and listening to his police scanner. He will be dearly missed by his family. Mr. Spangler is predeceased by his wife, Anita Spangler, and his sister, Donna Brown. Survivors include two sons, Greg Brown and Bubba Hester; four daughters, Debbie Brown, Norma Ward, Trish Holden and Cheryl Spangler; two brothers, Ronnie Brown and Harry Brown; 12 grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. A funeral service was held July 31, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home. Condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Richard Wayne Tanner
Richard Wayne Tanner, 57, of Plant City, died July 27, 2014. Born Tuesday, Jan. 29, 1957 in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of the late Jesse Tanner and Mary Hull Tanner, who survives. He served in the U.S. Army. Survivors also include a daughter, Courtney Ashley; sister, Pamela Cagle; and grandchild, Juda Ashley. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Kellie Pernula shares love of volleyball with younger players. 12 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM
SIDELINES Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
FALL SPORTS
+ Area schools announce tryouts As of press time, Plant City and Strawberry Crest high schools have released tryout information for Fall sports. The following PCHS tryouts are scheduled for Monday, Aug. 4: Volleyball (9 to 11:30 a.m., gymnasium); golf (boys and girls, 10 a.m., Walden Lake); football (6 p.m., fieldhouse); and swimming (boys and girls, 3:30 p.m., Walden lake pool). Athletic packets are available in the main office. The following SCHS tryouts are scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 5: Competitive cheerleading; cross country; football;swimming and diving; and volleyball. Golf tryouts will be held Aug. 13. For more information, contact SCHS Athletic Director Jasmine Tramel at (813) 707-7522. Because schools cannot give physicals before the fall semester begins, athletes are advised to visit a walk-in clinic.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2014
iron sharpens iron by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
T.J. Chase transfers to IMG Academy Entering his junior year, former Plant City star T.J. Chase has decided to finish his prep career at Bradenton’s IMG Academy. T.J. Chase had himself a great sophomore year with the Plant City Raiders. Averaging 20.1 yards per catch, he helped lead his team to a playoff berth and racked up more than 20 football scholarship offers from NCAA Division I schools. He hasn’t given any of them a verbal commitment yet, but he’s already made one game-changing decision — to transfer to IMG Academy, a Bradenton-based preparatory
school for student-athletes determined to play collegiate sports. “I wanted a better education, and to get ready for college,” Chase says. “And the football part is, they have great coaches there. Some of them played in college, and some played in the NFL, so learning from them should be a good experience.” It wasn’t a sudden decision, either. “Back in March, I talked
QUITE AN OPPORTUNITY
File photo
Former Plant City star wideout T.J. Chase considers his transfer to IMG Academy “a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” to some of my teammates,” Chase says. “I just told them that I’m taking it as an oppor-
tunity. A once-in-a-lifetime chance. I’m going to just run with it.”
The difference between IMG and other private schools is that this one is exclusively for student-athletes: Kids don’t go there if they’re not going to play sports. Playing sports for IMG, though, gives these studentathletes a completely different experience than anything they can get at a public high school, or most privates. The campus is home to top-ofthe-line athletic training facilities, and part of the yearly cost even covers an in-house
SEE CHASE / PAGE 14
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
FLAG ON THE PLAY by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Courtesy photo
SOCCER
Don Porter enjoyed his time as an NFL referee.
+ FC Plant City to host skills camp
Football refs can take a beating, too
The final camp in FC Plant City’s summer schedule is set for Aug. 11 to 14, and registration for this special skills camp is open. According to Technical Director Greg Petersen, who runs the organization’s camps, this TechniqueSkills Camp will use a new program that “will revolutionize player development in this country.” The cost per camper is $125, and boys and girls ages 4 to 18 are eligible. Each day will start at 8:30 a.m. and wrap up at noon. For more, fcplantcity.com.
LITTLE LEAGUE
+ Registration open for fall ball Little Leaguers looking to play some fall ball are now welcome to register with Plant City Little League. Online registration will be open until Aug. 15, and in-person registration may be done from 8 to 11 a.m., Aug. 16, at the PCLL board room. The cost per player for four-year-old tee-ball (co-ed) is $55, plus a $30 city fee. All other divisions pay $85 per player, plus the $30 city fee. There also are discounts available for online registration, eteamz.com/ PlantCityLL.
After high school, Porter served in the military during the Korean War and was stationed in Japan. It was there that he got his first experience as an official, with a little bit of a wake-up call. “I had no idea about officiating,” Porter says. “I had played the game but had never officiated, at that point. At that time, I was
What football fan doesn’t love to see a (clean) monster hit or tackle? I’m a fan of any player who knows how to lower the boom and make an offensive skill player tremble in his cleats. Guys like this bring the pain every single weekend, and we see their big hits on the Internet within a few minutes of them happening. What we don’t see, though, is everyone who gets hit. I sat down JUSTIN with ISF HonKLINE orary President Don Porter last week for a long, fascinating look into the life of an NFL official. He’s got plenty of great stories to tell — and more that we probably didn’t have time to get to — but the ones that fascinated me most were the injury stories. Have you ever seen an official make a questionable call against your team and wished that he’d get hit, by the end of the game? If so, you’re in luck — it happens all the time. Just ask Porter. It’s not easy being a referee on most levels of play, especially when the
SEE PORTER / PAGE 13
SEE KLINE / PAGE 12
Justin Kline
Don Porter, a longtime referee, keeps mementos from his NFL days in his office.
CALLING THE SHOTS
Most people know Don Porter as the former president of the International Softball Federation. But, football was his first love — and he took it all the way to the NFL.
D
on Porter is semi-retired now. He’s no longer the official president of the International Softball Federation but, as honorary president, he still keeps an office in the building. But, one of the first things someone will see when they walk in is the little bookshelf with the glassencased football and, resting on that, Porter’s old, yellow challenge flag. “Once an official, always an official,” he says. They’re just a couple of the things that he’s held onto from his four seasons as an NFL official, having worked from 1976 to 1979 before
leaving to focus on the ISF. Porter also has a plaque, given to him by the league, and a few pictures hanging on the wall above the shelf. There he is, working the sideline in a Cincinnati Bengals-Cleveland Browns game. And, below that are several game programs — plenty from Tampa Bay Buccaneers games. Football was Porter’s first passion, from his playing days in high school through the semi-pros to working the NCAA and NFL sidelines as an official. “My involvement with softball was just one side of what I did,” he says. “The other side was that I
played football — in high school, college, and semi-pro football — and I always enjoyed being able to play the game.”
FIRST-TIME OFFICIAL
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KLINE / FROM 11 players are gargantuan, grown men who probably could flip a Smart Car without breaking a sweat. He’s taken his fair share of hits (and even appears in a “Football Follies” DVD that’s sitting on my office desk) and lives to tell about it. “I was working a game between the Redskins and the Giants, in Washington, D.C.,” Porter says. “I was the back judge, and it was right before the end of the first half. There was a ball kicked downfield on a punt, and I was on the sidelines. I took my eye off of where I should be watching, and one player missed a block on another player and hit me. I got knocked over to the Redskins’ bench. “Next thing I know, one of the trainers brought me to. I was lying on the ground,” he says. “The first person I see is George Allen, and he’s standing there, looking at me. He
says, ‘No. 3,: Get the hell up! We’ve got a drive going!’ They took me in for X-rays, and I had badly bruised ribs. They taped me up. I went out in the second half, but I knew I couldn’t do it. I’d be a liability. So, I didn’t work the second half.” Before the NFL, he had gotten injured playing semi-pro ball. He once finished a game with a broken arm and a broken leg, and had also suffered a dislocated vertebrae and broken his nose four times. Then, working as a college official, he fractured his wrist in a dead play. “I was working an Iowa State-Brigham Young game,” Porter says. “Being a quarterback, I always felt sorry for the quarterbacks. Brigham Young was having a bad day, their line wasn’t holding up, and the quarterback was taking a beating. I was trying to do what I could, not to overdo it, to protect him. He came
back to pass in the end zone, and I knew he was gonna get creamed, so I stepped in to protect him. I blew my whistle to stop the play, and put my hand out, and one of the Iowa State players ran into it.” The trainers taped him up after the game, and a doctor diagnosed a fractured wrist the next day. Porter was out on the field the following weekend. “Next game I had, that weekend, was at Kansas State,” he says. “Kansas State-Nebraska. Same thing — during the course of the game, quarterback drops back to pass, his line broke down, I stepped in. I hit this guy right on the helmet, knocked him flat on the ground.” So, next time you get angry with an NFL or college official, go a little easier on him. Unlike you and me, they’re sometimes getting the tar kicked out of them by those giant guys on the gridiron.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
KELLIE PERNULA
A senior on the Plant City High School volleyball team, Kellie Pernula spent much of this past week helping at the Lady Raiders’ summer volleyball camp, working with the young campers to improve their skills. Tell me a little bit about your volleyball career. I’ve been playing since the sixth grade, and I’ve played for Plant City for all four years. I play outside hitter, and also defense and libero. I like outside hitter best — you get to make the points, get the kills and stuff. Everyone looks at these hitters and they’re like, ‘Wow.’ You all have had the summer camp going throughout this week. How do you like working with younger kids? It feels really good, because I love volleyball, and it’s good to share with younger kids so that they can grow up and love it, too. I think they are having fun. We have a lot of fun drills going, and stuff. They came with their basic skills, and now, they get to do advanced stuff. Do you play any other sports? Not competitively. I used to play tennis competitively, but I play it for fun now. I just wanted to stick to volleyball. I want to try to play in college and wanted to focus on one sport so I can do so. So, how are your college prospects looking? They’re good! There’s quite a few schools that are interested in me. My favorites so far are Keystone University and Jacksonville University. I’m waiting to see if I get any other offers and stuff. What do you want to learn in college? I want to go for biology and pre-veterinary medicine. I want
to go on to vet school as a graduate. I like biology; I like any types of sciences. What do you like better: beach volleyball or indoors? I like the beach better. If I could figure out something where I could play beach in college, that would be pretty interesting. Jacksonville has a beach program there, and I just got an email from Florida Gulf Coast, so I hope that goes somewhere. What are your favorite movies? I like “King Kong.” That’s my favorite one — the one with Jack Black in it. What about TV? I like “Big Brother” and “The Voice.” What are your favorite books? I like the Hunger Games series — all three books. The third one was my favorite. And then, recently, last year in AP Language, we read “The Grapes of Wrath,” by John Steinbeck. I liked it after I got through the first part of it, because the first part was boring. What are you looking forward to about going to college? I’ve lived in Plant City my whole life, so I’m looking forward to branching out a little bit and getting to be on my own. So, you don’t want to stay close and go to, say, Florida Southern, just 20 minutes from here. No, I wouldn’t prefer that. I mean, if I got a full ride, then sure. But, I would prefer to go somewhere at least a few hours away. If you could be either rich or famous, what would you pick? Probably rich, so I could give out some money to people who need it.
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PORTER / FROM 11 a corporal. I went up to the field where they were having the game, and the other officials were there. One was a captain, another was a major, and the other was a colonel. We officiated this game, and I really enjoyed it. I thought it was great. I’m throwing yellow flags all over the place. “We got down to the last quarter of the game, and it was kind of dragging on because we had a lot of penalties,” he says. “I remember this colonel, he came over to me and said, ‘Corporal … keep that yellow flag in your pants! We want to get out of here, we want to get to the P.X. before they close it!’ “So, I said, ‘OK, Colonel. Certainly, sir,’” Porter says. “And, I never threw any more flags.” After returning to America, Porter decided to get back on the field as a player. He played quarterback at East Los Angeles College, and then in the now-defunct Southern California Semi-Professional League with the San Fernando Lions. “I played one time with a
WHO’S WHO? The most common term for an official is “referee.” Although it’s widely used as a universal descriptor, there’s much more to a crew than just that. What do all of those guys do out there? Referee: The official with the final say in all decisions. Look for the white hat. Umpire: The official lined up with the defense, five yards off of the line of scrimmage. He or she is responsible for making calls at the line, recording timeouts and scores and drying off the ball, among other things. Head Linesman: The official on the sideline, directly lined up with the line of scrimmage. He or she is the one checking for illegal motions, marking forward progress and eligible receiv-
broken leg and a broken arm,” he says. “I took a beating. I remember, during the course of that game, I got hit two or three times, got my arm and leg broken, and continued to play. It didn’t get worse until after the game. After the game, my wife wanted to go with the rest of the players to a party, where they had a dance. I went to that and couldn’t even move. I couldn’t even get up. My wife asked, ‘What’s wrong?’ I said, ‘I think I’ve got some problems.’ “She drove me to the hospital,” Porter says. “She was pregnant at the time, and they’re wheeling me in to the hospital. The doctor asks, ‘Who’s the patient?’ He saw my wife, who was pregnant, and me. They got my leg in a cast, and my arm in a cast, and my wife said, ‘Don’t you think it’s time you give this up?’ And, that was the end of it.” It was also the start of his career as an official.
MOVING AROUND
When Porter’s softball duties called him to New Jersey, he spent his free time working football games. When the ISF ers, and keeping tabs on the chain gang. Line Judge: Lines up opposite the head linesman, and assists on many of the same calls. Also keeps an eye on the timing of the game and any substitutions. Back Judge: The official lined up 20 yards past the line of scrimmage, on the defensive side. He or she is mainly responsible for ruling on the legality of catches, pass interferences, and made or missed field goals. Field Judge: This official is lined up 25 yards past the line of scrimmage, on the defensive side. He or she also rules on passing plays, but also rules on scoring plays and keeps track of the game and play clocks. Side Judge: Has the same duties and positioning as the back judge, but stands near the other sideline.
3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP decided to move to Oklahoma, wanting to build the Hall of Fame and Museum, Porter went, too. It was there that he moved up in the ranks, working NCAA football games for the Big Eight (now the Big 12) Conference. His several years in the college ranks drew the interest of both the NFL and the emerging United States Football League in 1976, and both entities offered him jobs. “(The USFL) offered a job to me, and they made several offers to me that sounded very attractive,” Porter says. “Thing is, I didn’t know how stable the USFL was going to be.” So, he chose the NFL. A “good decision,” he calls it to this day. It did mean that he’d have a rigorous travel schedule, though —the closest game for Porter would have been in Dallas, but he often had to go as far north as Seattle and Buffalo. Every weekend, he was in a different part of the country. But, it came with some memorable outings. Porter worked Joe Namath’s final game, as well as O.J. Simpson’s, and was also on the crew for the final game of the Buccaneers’ infamous winless season. He’s dealt with his fair share of notable coaches, specifically naming John Madden as the one guy who always was a lock to scream his head off at the crew. No. 2, he says, would probably have been Don Shula. His fondest memory, though, was coming full circle on a Monday night. An L.A. Rams fan as a boy, Porter was thrilled when he got the chance to work one of their nationally televised night games. “One of the games I recall, back in the NFL, is that I worked a Monday night game at the Los Angeles Coliseum with the Rams and the 49ers,” Porter says. “I was from Los Angeles, of course, and I remember my high school days — we used to go to the Coliseum and watch games. We were awestruck, not only by the college games but also by the professional games. I
remember going there and, sometimes, we would even sneak in. Climb over a fence. Go to these games. “I find myself there, years later, on the field in a Monday night NFL game,” he says. “It was just the idea, you know, of looking back to when I was younger, in high school, playing football and loving the game. There I am, on the field in a game that’s being seen all over the country.”
THE RIGHT CALL
That travel schedule created a huge conflict when Porter’s softball duties grew. He’d have to work Redskins-Giants in D.C. on one night, then fly
to Europe for a few days in the morning, and then travel to New York on the weekend to work a Bills game. “I had this NFL thing I loved to do, but I wanted to do this thing for the Olympic quest,” he says. “I think that was the thing that sent me off — I had to make a decision as to what was more important.” He walked off the gridiron in 1979 and went straight into a long, successful career with the ISF. He left the NFL with plenty of fond memories, and enough money from his paychecks to send his kids to college. He had some difficulty watching football for some time, though, because
he couldn’t always keep track of the players. “When I first stopped, it was very difficult to watch or go to a game — I was very critical of the officials, and I’d watch them more than the players,” Porter says. “It took me a while to get off of that.” He’s gotten better about it, but isn’t an avid a fan as he once was. Still, though — he’s proud enough of his NFL memories to display them prominently in his office, and has plenty of stories to share. Like he says: Once an official, always an official. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobser ver. com.
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CHASE / PAGE 11 nutritionist to take care of everyone’s dietary needs. “Our guys have schedules made for them, food prepared for them, they get physically ready for the NFL Combine,” wide receivers coach E.G. Green says. “They’ve done a good job before I came, and they’ll continue, I think, to provide excellent service for NFL, NBA, and we even have MLB players here, too.” Green, who has been with the program for 18 months, says IMG’s facilities attract a lot of professional athletes that wish to train in an advanced environment. Sticking to football, players such as Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Luke Kuechly and Gerald McCoy are no strangers to the campus. And the coaching staff is populated with men who have experience on the collegiate and professional levels — including head coach Chris Weinke, best-known for winning a Heisman and a national title at Florida State University. Green, also a Seminole, played with the Indianapolis Colts for four years before leaving to become a coach. He’s seen his fair share of talented athletes but was excited to talk about Chase, in particular.
CHASE’S CAREER
“It may be a little premature, but T.J. has a lot of Larry Fitzgerald in him,” Green says. “Great route-runner, great hands, great body control, runs well after the catch — he pretty much does everything excellent. He can do pretty much everything — he has no weakness. He’s got it all. Definitely one of the best football players in the nation, in his class.” That’s very high praise for an incoming junior, but Chase’s reputation has spoken for itself lately. After hitting 20 offers, the former Raider made the 2016 ESPN Top 300 list and has earned a four-star rating. “That was kind of exciting, but I think I’m a little underrated,” Chase says. “I’m going to work on that.” The stakes are going to be
INSIDE IMG
Beyond being a great place for an athlete to train, IMG Academy is a college preparatory school. Day-today activities are set up in such a way to help studentathletes gets used to the college lifestyle, so that they don’t feel like fish out of water when they really do get to college. This includes living in a dorm, although that isn’t mandatory. Although many of its programs are well-respected, IMG Academy is perhaps best-known for the Bollettieri Tennis Program — which has produced and trained names like Maria Sharapova, the Williams sisters and Andre Agassi. To keep up with the cost of its resources, IMG does charge for tuition, room and board, and more — just like a real university — by the year. For the 2014-15 school year, a high school student’s tuition package (boarding included) costs $68,500 per year. Financial aid programs are available for students that need help. For more information, visit the school’s website at imgacademy.com.
different, though. “We don’t play for a state championship or anything of that nature,” Green says. “It’s really about the development of the player. ... We want to play the best. We want to schedule the best. We want to be considered one of the best teams in the state, or nation,
for that matter — but we really want to develop the kids. Iron sharpens iron.” No more heated district rivalry games with Durant and Strawberry Crest, or chances to make a run in the FHSAA playoffs. Chase knows it’s going to be a much different atmosphere from Plant City High School. “I’m going to miss playing under the Friday night lights with the Raiders, but I’m going to have to move on,” Chase says. “I have to focus on what I have to do.” It’s not uncommon to see athletes switch schools to gain better opportunities for collegiate exposure. But, what does this do for Chase — a junior who already has plenty of offers and attention from many of the NCAA’s top programs? “Everything my wide receivers coach learned from college and the NFL, he’s going to teach me,” Chase says. “I’m going to be at the top. I have the talent already, I just need to maximize it.” One could say this just means Chase gets to train at world-class facilities while the recruiting spotlights stay on him. His coaches, though, believe that the transfer will turn more scouts’ heads — and pens — in his direction. “They did an excellent job, at Plant City, in providing T.J. opportunities to excel on and off the field,” Green says. “He’s already had great exposure. I think that his exposure will only grow, obviously, with his play. I think people are interested, and want to know more about him.” Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com. T.J. Chase was a key part of the Raiders’ offense in 2013.
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PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
WEATHER
THURS. July 24
.47
FRI.
TEMPERATURES
July 25
.07
SAT.
Fri., Aug. 1 Sat., Aug. 2 Sun., Aug. 3 Mon., Aug. 4 Tues., Aug. 5 Wed., Aug. 6 Thurs., Aug. 7
July 26
0.00
SUN.
July 27
0.00
MON.
July 28
0.01
TUES.
July 29
0.02
WED.
July 30
0.00
JULY
TO DATE
8.25 (2013: 6.77)
YEAR
TO DATE 19.44 (2013: 26.49)
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HIGH 93 92 91 86 90 91 92
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Fri., Aug. 1 Sat., Aug. 2 Sun., Aug. 3 Mon., Aug. 4 Tues., Aug. 5 Wed., Aug. 6 Thurs., Aug. 7
SUNRISE 6:51 a.m. 6:51 a.m. 6:52 a.m. 6:52 a.m. 6:53 a.m. 6:54 a.m. 6:54 a.m.
SUNSET 8:19 p.m. 8:18 p.m. 8:18 p.m. 8:17 p.m. 8:16 p.m. 8:15 p.m. 8:15 p.m.
LOW 74 74 73 74 75 75 76
MOON PHASES
Aug. 10
Aug. 17
OKRA SHIPPING POINT: ORLANDO SIZE 1/2 bushel ctns
LOW $12.35
HIGH $12.85
Aug. 25
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture Aug. 3
, 3&
Mimi Nguyen, of Tony Lee’s Plant City State Farm office, submitted this incredible photo. She calls it, “Busy Dragonfly Catching a Break.” The Plant City Times & Observer and Grimes Hardware have partnered to host the I Love Plant City Photo Contest. Winners will have their photo featured and receive a $15 gift certificate to Grimes Hardware’s Strawberry Town Cafe! To enter, email your photo, along with a caption, to Editor Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com; subject line: I Love Plant City. Winners can pick up their prize at Grimes Hardware.
A COLORFUL PUZZLE By Mason Lorry | Edited by Timothy E. Parker
ACROSS 1 Take as a given 6 Aflame 9 Calamine lotion, e.g. 13 Seldom seen 19 Certain Arab 20 Flightless bird 21 Opera highlight 22 Up-to-date 23 Job enders 25 Delineate 26 Ate into 27 Commemorative stones 28 Have vision trouble 31 Lady in a famous garden 32 Desk accessory, once 35 Scottish Celt 36 Container cover 37 Heavy weight lifter 40 Act on, as advice 41 Oval 44 Suffix for “duck” 45 Popular Christmas tree 46 Lodge members 49 Determine by reasoning 50 Unit for Shakespeare 51 Himalayan mystery creature 52 Agile deer 53 Residential car shelter 54 Little deceptions 57 The appendix extends from it 59 Brief in speech 62 Flying nocturnal hunters 63 Carpenter, at times 65 Cylindrical with tapered ends 66 Physics 101 units 69 Like the frontrunner 71 Shake 73 Short poem 74 Body sacs 76 Cause to disagree
78 80 81 82 87 89 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 99 101 102 103 104 106 107 110 114 116 117 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127
Elizabethan and Big Band Pager sounds Aptly named fruits Escape-proof gravitational field 15 million-year epoch Slangy sib “What’s the big ___?” Lad “Friends, Romans, countrymen” character Sheet-music symbol Came upon Examine diligently (with “over”) Artistic movement? Heron cousin Inhuman human “Diamonds ___ Forever” Stew vegetable Cashew or hazel, e.g. ___ talk (pregame speech) Some legal documents Breezy passage Rope down a mountain “... in ___-horse open sleigh” Chinese restaurant offering Forever, old-style Fortune founder Henry Lennon’s wife Bus fare Calm as can be Midnight twinkler “Fargo” word Agitates
DOWN 1 Boston ___ Orchestra 2 Neglect to include 3 Balanced, mentally 4 Slight hint 5 Aromatic tea 6 Hawaiian souvenir
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 24 29 30 33 34 37 38 39 42 43 45 47 48 51 53 55 56 58 60 61 64 65 66 67 68 70 72
Bart Simpson, typically Go at it Cotton unit Like the desert French city known for its porcelain Book of instructions Ranker Center of an apple “Without further ___ ...” Dropped off again, maybe Narrow rock opening Concluded Albanian currency unit Church leader Hag Like eggshell or bone Frighteningly strange Tabby’s defense Drum wizard Buddy One who hasn’t turned pro? Ramble on pointlessly Fierce and unmerciful Guys Sets of mathematical points ___ over (fainted) Longbow wood Expert Drunkards Slow creature Paparazzi target, casually Home for a hog Bioelectric swimmer Recommend Poetic form of a kind Drop in the ocean? Have second thoughts about Thing to stuff Part of a razor Least bouncy, as a tennis ball
© 2013 Universal Uclick
75 77 79 81 83 84 85 86 88 90 93
Dandy’s neck wrap Wife of Osiris Otherwise called (Abbr.) Break up a team? Confine Alto woodwind Attachment to “love” Leered at Official class member Lead singer of the Police Excessively ornamented
94 96 98 100 101 102 105 107 108
Electronic display Male character in French pantomime South African villages Restaurant worker Bluffs ___-ski (lodge socializing) Like the seafood in sushi ___ State’s Nittany Lions South American empire of yore
109 “... and ___ the twain shall meet” 111 User-edited online reference 112 Great server in tennis 113 Cravings 115 Beginning for “school” or “fix” 118 “Messenger” compound 119 “___ la la!”
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