08.28.15 PCTO

Plant City Times &

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

A PARTNERSHIP WITH

GARDENING

FREE • FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

Find out the best plants to have for rainy weather.

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Check out the preview for all you need to know about the season.

GATOR BAIT

PAGE 6

SECTION INSIDE

PAGE 12

OUR TOWN

Courtesy of Plant City Photo Archives and History Center

+ Photo archives employee wins award

Plant City Photo Archives and History Center Administrative Assistant Kim Hamilton has received an Educational Development Award from the Florida Association of Museums.

Hamilton was contacted

by FAM Executive Director Malinda Horton, who told her the award includes a comprehensive stipend allowing her to attend the 2015 FAM Annual Conference this September in St. Petersburg. The stipend will cover the registration, lodging and travel to make it possible for her to attend the conference.

This will be the first time she attends the Florida Association of Museums Annual Conference.

The theme of the FAM annual conference this year is “Museums Transform Communities,” and it runs Tuesday, Sept. 8, through Friday, Sept. 11. The program includes outside events, such as historic tours and visits to local museums. Additionally Hamilton will participate in a series of educational seminars and plenary sessions addressing such issues as museum operations and administration, best practices, interacting with the local community, preservation technology, digitization methodology, interactive exhibits, community outreach and more.

In addition to her work with the archives and participation in the Florida Association of Museums, Hamilton serves on the board of directors of the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library and is a member of the American Association for State and Local History.

Hamilton, a 1994 Plant City High School graduate, holds a certificate in paralegal studies from Hillsborough Community College and is looking forward to enhancing her

OUR TOWN / PAGE 4

, 3&

This week’s winner is

Jim Chancey

See the photo on PAGE 15.

Alligator hunting season officially begins in Florida.

TAX TALK by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Al Higginbotham: Proposal for sales-tax increase lacks definition The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners is discussing incorporating a half-cent or 1-cent sales tax referendum for the 2016 ballot.

In 2010, District 7 County Commissioner Al Higginbotham opposed a referendum for a county-wide penny transportation tax because of a lack of proposed plans.

Now, a similar tax — this time a half-cent sales tax — may be on the 2016 ballot if county commissioners approve a referendum.

Once again, Higginbotham

is opposed. He expressed his concerns over the potential new tax at a Plant City Republican Women’s Club meeting Thursday, Aug. 20, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse and Grill.

“When was the last time you saw your dollars valued when you put it into taxes?” Higginbotham asked the audience.

The idea for the tax came from the Policy Leadership

Group, a committee that spent two years polling residents about their transportation needs and wants. The group held 60 meetings and polled 30,000 Hillsborough residents through electronic surveys.

Members of the committee included mayors from Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City.

If approved, the tax would fund transportation improve-

ments in Hillsborough County. Plant City would receive a portion of those funds.

Originally, Higginbotham supported the idea for the group and supported improvements to local bus routes.

“A lot of people got on board,” Higginbotham said.

“It was a community effort.

It has been with the help of

county administration.”

Higginbotham agreed to bring the findings of the group as far as the County Commission. The group found that if a pre-agreed, equitable split was present between Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace and Hillsborough County, a half-cent sales tax could be advantageous. The committee agreed that each jurisdiction would use the money how it saw fit, with Hillsborough County’s

SEE TAX / PAGE 4

HITTING THE BOOKS

Amber Jurgensen

Ivan Arguijo, third grade, and Aliza Arguijo, fourth grade, were ready to enter the classroom at Jackson Elementary School for the first day of school Tuesday, Aug. 25. See more first-day photos on page 10.

NO LINES, NO PROBLEM by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Bruton Memorial Library to receive new technology, self-checkout kiosks With a donation from Friends of the Library, Bruton Memorial staff and patrons can look forward to an easy, efficient system.

Within the next month, Bruton Memorial Library patrons will say goodbye to long lines and hello to a faster, more efficient checkout system.

Like other Hillsborough County libraries, Bruton Memorial Library now will use radio frequency identification.

Bookworms will be able to use one of two self-checkout

INDEX

Calendar.......................2

kiosks in the library, which allows them to check out books with the simple scan of a barcode. The kiosks, similar to ones found in grocery stores, also will have a feature that allows patrons to pay their late fees by credit or debit cards or cash.

“It’s a great option, and one that’s worked very well,” John

Russell, youth services librarian, said.

Tonda Morris, director of library operations, said the library has been preparing for this installation for about two years. Friends of the Library made a donation of $15,000 a couple weeks ago toward obtaining the new technology. Morris estimates the total

cost for the kiosks, technology and upcoming installation is $45,000. The equipment is expected to arrive and be installed in September.

Felix Haynes, president of Friends of the Library, frequently visits other libraries in the county and has seen the benefits of this technology.

“It’s nice not to have to wait in line,” Haynes said. “We decided we could do it and catch

SEE LIBRARY / PAGE 4

NEW PROGRAM The library’s youth programs have been successful in the past, especially the preschool morning programs. In October, the library will be hosting Night Owls Story Time in addition to the regularly scheduled morning activities.

“We want to be able to target families that can’t come in the morning,” Tonda Morris said.

If well-attended, the library will make the night program a regular option.

The date has not been decided yet.

Vol.3,No.4 | Onesection Crossword...................15

Obituaries...................11

Sports.........................12

Weather......................15

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, AUG. 28

beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

SATURDAY, AUG. 29 Jonathan Richards Band — music takes place beginning at 9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

Biblical Leadership Institute Class Special — begins at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Biblical Leadership Institute, 105 Baker St. Dr. Ron Churchill will be teaching three one and one half hour sessions on new church development, how to share the gospel and work with staff, and more. The course is being provided as a scholarship at $25. It is valuable for not only ministers and church staff, but Sunday school teachers and church members, as well.

(813) 659-1903.

Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Daniel Sprouse — music takes place beginning at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

Plant City Social Dance Club — takes place beginning at

Just Friends Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 752-1220.

MONDAY, AUG. 31

BEST BET East Hillsborough Art Guild Officer Installation and “Show & Tell” — takes place beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at Plant City Woman’s Club, 1110 N. Wheeler St.

6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Florida National Guard Armory, 4004 Airport Road.

Ron Bennett will play. $6 for members; $8 for non-

members. For more information call Ken Miller at (863) 409-7714.

Skip Frye Live! — takes place

Reading Time — takes place beginning at 3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. For grades kindergarten through fifth. (813) 7579215 ext. 24.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 1 GriefShare — takes place beginning at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept.

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: ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com. Photos are welcome. Deadline is noon Thursday.

1, at Hope Lutheran Baptist Church, 2001 N. Park Road.

Each GriefShare session includes a video seminar and group discussion to help cope with the death of a loved one.

(813) 752-4622.

The Recovery for Life — takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 1, at the Lorena Jaeb Rainbow House, 504 N. Palm Drive. It is a 12-step Bible-based program to help free individuals from all forms of addiction. Debbie Ray, (813) 763-1562.

Yoga Class — takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 1 at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 McLendon St. Jenna Anticola, a certified yoga teacher, and Plant City Parks & Recreation are hosting the classes for $10. Bring a towel or mat and wear comfortable clothing. (813) 757-9215.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 2 Open Mic Night — takes place beginning at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Sept. 2, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 3

Cornhole Thursday — takes place beginning at 6 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 4 Acoustic Happy Hour — music takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

Christian Contemporary Music — takes place from 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

Shane Meade Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 5 Skip Frye Live! — takes place beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

Young Adult Nite — takes place from 7:33 to 10:33 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. Enjoy live music from local artists. (813) 7521220.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

BOOKWORMS

WORLD TRAVELERS by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

by Arden White | Staff Intern

Courtesy photo

Maura Satchell: “I’d love it to be a very casual time where I get to meet and talk to the readers.”

Local author to have book launch party Maura Satchell, author of ‘The Gray Lady of Long Branch’ will host the event at Krazy Kup Cafe Saturday, Aug. 29.

Jetsetters

For 180 days out of the year, David Katzmayr is a math teacher.

For 10 days, he is a different kind of educator — a leader who takes students out of their comfort zone as they travel across Europe.

An outsider wouldn’t be able to guess that David Katzmayr is a math teacher by walking into his classroom on the second floor of Strawberry Crest High School. Visitors notice three pictures hanging on the wall of the popular teacher with students in Europe before they see the geometry and algebra textbooks stacked neatly on his desk.

Katzmayr first began teaching 10 years ago at Plant City High School before he moved to Strawberry Crest when the school opened. Three years ago, he picked up an extra hobby when he began taking students and chaperones to Europe with Education First Tours. Through guided itineraries with an emphasis on local culture, Katzmayr and SCHS students were able to explore the hearts of the countries they visited — from bike tours in Barcelona this past summer to last year’s view from the top of the Alps.

Katzmayr and 20 students from both PCHS and SCHS have just returned from a trip through Southern Europe, where they went to Spain, Italy, France and Monaco.

“Each trip is fabulous,” Katzmayr said. “This year, the kids were up for everything.”

Katzmayr described himself as a math teacher who likes to have fun. Since his first summer traveling with 10 students, his European trips have grown in popularity.

Within one half hour of meeting at Tampa International Airport, the students were

HOW THE JAWS OF LIFE WORK Jaws of Life specifically reference a set of tools made by Hurst, but many other companies make similar tools.

Jaws of Life consist of piston-rod hydraulic tools known as cutters, spreaders and rams.

The spreader and the cutter are very similar, and some Jaws of Life Equipment combine them. The spreader can pull pieces of a structure apart, or it can be inserted into the side of the vehicle to tear a section out. The cutter is like a giant bolt cutter, and does what it name suggests.

The ram can push pieces of a structure apart. For example, it can be placed inside a vehicle to push a crushed dashboard up and off a trapped passenger.

Emily Topper

David Katzmayr flips through one of the photo albums of his European trip. Each year, he gives out a personalized photo album to students. bonded for life, Katzmayr said.

That bond, along with students’ reactions as they explore new countries, is what makes these trips worthwhile.

“They’re out of their comfort zone,” Katzmayr said. “But within a day, they want to live there the rest of their lives.”

Many of the students on these trips have never been outside of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

This summer, students were able to experience an entirely different way of life as they visited palaces in Monaco, hiked over mountains, saw Roman ruins and ate local cuisine.

“I make a difference in their lives,” Katzmayr said.

Katzmayr is able to customize his travel itineraries with Education First Tours. Next summer, he will be taking

students to Paris, France and England.

Although Katzmayr has traveled to over 25 different countries, he has never been to England. He is looking forward to taking students to see Stonehenge for the first time.

Students will also get to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. In France, students will see the Palace of Versailles and the Eiffel Tower. Trips cost about $3,000 per person, but Katzmayr said it’s easy to work out a payment plan.

Although the trips only last 10 days, the itinerary still leaves room for free time.

If pre-approved, students can make plans to visit relatives, or head to a beach or nearby shopping plaza. Because the trips have become popular, Katzmayr is never

short of chaperones.

“I’ve never had any problems,” Katzmayr said of students’ behavior. “Right now, I’m planning on doing it for the next five years at least.”

Although many students would consider their Instagram photos of famous landmarks a great way to share their trip with friends and family, Katzmayr wanted students to have something tangible once the trip ended. After everyone returns home, he puts together photo albums for each person on the trip.

Many of the shots are similar, such as ones with historical sites or group photos, but each album is personalized and features at least 15 individual shots of the student.

“I make a photo album for myself, as well,” Katzmayr said. “I want all the pictures.”

The albums serve a double purpose. Katzmayr gives students who have graduated their albums once they return to the United States but holds on to the albums of underclassmen until school starts.

He then goes to the classrooms of each student and presents them with their photo album, along with tickets to the next informational trip meeting, which students can hand out to their friends.

“There is some work involved,” he said.

The advertising works.

Katzmayr said he already has nearly 30 kids signed up for next summer’s trip to France and England, which will be from July 10 to July 20. He expects that more will sign up as the school year progresses — he’s even included a note about the tours in his class syllabus. He enjoys the anticipation before each trip, and seeing kids comfortable with each other outside the walls of a classroom.

“When on these trips, everybody is actually themselves,” he said. “I think that’s what it’s all about.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

The following students and chaperones traveled with David Katzmayr this summer through Italy, Spain, France and Monaco: Corey Newcomb, Amber Wilson, Renay Slone, Danielle Wynn, Tori Ford, Aileen Cerchiara, John Banks, Kristy Villegas-De La Cruz, Peter Holmes, Ernesto Rivera, Maura Shea, Carolina Velasquez, Chuck Bowersox, Trish Duncan, Chloe Brinson, Janice Plante, Sandra Shea, Cheyenne Rogers, Zenda Brantley and Sean Langford.

Courtesy photo

IF YOU GO

For more information about Katzmayr’s travels with Education First Tours visit www. eftours.com/ 1659456ex Email: David.

Katzmayr@sdhc. k12.fl.us

GOVERNANCE by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Commission approves tools for Fire Rescue

Plant City Fire Rescue will be receiving new, battery-powered hydraulic tools.

At the City Commission meeting Monday, Aug. 24, commissioners approved the purchase of new hydraulic rescue tools for Plant City Fire Rescue.

More commonly known as the Jaws of Life, these tools are used for extraction, especially in cases where individuals can become trapped.

Division Chief for EMS Jim Wilson described the tools as a necessity for the department.

“It’s all about saving lives,” Wilson said. “That’s actually what this tool is all about.”

Unlike the older models that the fire rescue currently has, the new hydraulic rescue tools

are battery powered, enabling them to be used almost anywhere. The tools can be used to extract an injured person from a vehicle or lift part of a fallen structure. The new tools are also easier to use and manipulate, which in turn makes the fire rescue crew faster and more efficient, Wilson said The tools are typically used in the worst 10% to 20% of motor vehicle collisions, especially on Interstate 4.

Wilson said that once fire rescue receives the new equipment, the tools will also be used in fire rescue training.

“This makes us a better department,” Wilson said.

IN OTHER NEWS • A variety of road improvements are being made in Walden Lake, including a resurfacing of Thackery Way, beginning in September, and the resurfacing of a segment of Forest Club Drive. The resurfacing projects will be completed by Ajax Paving Industries of Florida LLC. The same company is also adding a right turn lane on Timberlane Drive, and resurfacing the intersection The new hydraulic equipment was purchased for $29,385.76.

“We can’t expect them to do an adequate job if they don’t

of Timberlane Drive and Alexander Street.

• The commission unanimously approved rezoning 1.67 acres of land located on West Tever Street from a single-family dwelling district into a multi-family dwelling district. The rezoning incorporates 202 and 204 W. Tever St. The lots are located next to an existing commercial area and near Plant City’s Historic District. The owner has said he wants to make the dwelling into a four-plex. have the materials,” Mayor Rick Lott said.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

Ever wondered what walls would say if they could talk?

Well, they do in local author Maura Satchell’s new book, “The Gray Lady of Long Branch.”

“The Gray Lady of Long Branch” is a fiction novel about a Victorian home in Long Branch, New Jersey. The home itself is the narrator of the story and tells about the many people that have resided in the home throughout the years. It is Satchell’s second book.

“I definitely think it’s a beach read,” Satchell said. “There are so many interesting stories about the people who stayed in the house. For example, the house tells a story of a group who stayed there for a few days on their way to the first Woodstock.”

Satchell is having a book launch party from 1 to 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29, at Krazy Kup Cafe, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Boulevard.

When Satchell was a child, she stayed in a home very similar to the one in the book in the beach town of Long Branch.

“I guess it really made an impression on me,” Satchell said.

But the idea for the book came when she was staying at a Florida beach house that belonged to her sister-in-law, a celebrated artist.

“I like to think I tapped into her muse there and just imagined what it would be like if those walls could share what they’d witnessed, since it is where she goes to create,” Satchell said.

Satchell has always been involved in writing. She wrote her first poem around age 6. As an adult she worked as a reporter in Tennessee, while maintaining her blog, MauraSatchellArtist.com, on the side. She took up art after her children came home from serving in Iraq.

“When I was a child my father would take us to the library as a kind of treat ordeal, and throughout my life I have spent a lot of time reading,” Satchell said. “But when I started writing more frequently, I found that it was a great way to express my emotions.”

In fact, both of Satchell’s parents also took up the hobby of writing.

“My father was a very powerful writer, but he mainly focused on nonfictional pieces,” Satchell said. “But when my mother passed and we were going through her belongings, I found multiple notes and stories that I didn’t know about before.”

Satchell moved to Plant City in March 2012 with her husband, David, from their Tennessee home. Since then Satchell has been working for Publix and exploring parts of Plant City.

“I just love how comfortable the Krazy Kup feels, and I think it’s the perfect venue,” Satchell said.

Krazy Kup owner Frank Trunzo is “very excited” about hosting the party.

“My family and I are very much involved and supportive of all the arts,” Trunzo said. “We always want to embrace the community and make everyone feel welcome.”

During the party there will be refreshments. Satchell will also be signing copies of her book, published by Four Pillars Media Group, and reading a selection from the book at 2 p.m.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

OUR TOWN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

knowledge of museums and archives. She has served as administrative assistant with the archives since February 2014.

+ Sunshine Bank appoints new leaders

Emily Topper

Al Higginbotham, District 7 county commissioner, spoke at a Plant City Republican Women’s Club meeting Thursday, Aug. 20, about a potential new sales tax.

TAX / PAGE 1 funding going toward road improvements.

Plant City Mayor Rick Lott said if the sales tax was incorporated, Plant City’s revenue would go toward improving infrastructure.

Higginbotham said if he was ever to vote in favor of a referendum, it would have to be one with defined plans.

“Let’s define it, let’s lock it down,” Higginbotham said.

“If it passes, the language needs to be tight and binding.”

At this point, he isn’t sure how he could support such a tax. And after meetings held the weekend of Aug. 16 between county officials and The Leytham Group, a public relations and issue man-

LIBRARY / PAGE 1 up to other Hillsborough County libraries, and become even with them as far as technology and service.”

Morris said the system will help connect the Plant City library with others in the county.

agement company, county leaders are discussing the possibility of incorporating a full penny tax referendum, which Higginbotham opposes. Similar increases have happened with programs in the past, he said, and the public isn’t going to buy it.

“The public has lost trust in elected officials,” he said.

At this time, it’s unclear if the County Commission will vote for a referendum for a half-cent or 1-cent tax in September.

The next County Commission meeting will be held Sept. 2, and the next Policy Leadership Group meeting will be held Sept. 9.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver. com.

“We share resources with all of Hillsborough County,” Morris said. “What this does is immediately tell us when a book is being requested at a different branch.”

In addition to making the checkout process easier for library-goers, Morris said library staff will be able to do

Sunshine Bank has made three appointments to its staff.

Nick Thurston will serve as vice president and business banking manager of Sunshine Bank. In his role, Thurston will develop new business opportunities focusing on small- and medium-sized businesses, and oversee the team of business bankers.

Thurston has more than 16 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining the organization, he served as vice president of commercial banking at SunTrust Bank, where he managed an extensive commercial loan portfolio.

A graduate of Northwood University, Thurston resides in the Tampa area and is an active member of the local community.

Tracee Brock has been appointed as vice president, business banker at Sunshine Bank. In her role, Brock will be responsible for developing relationships with small businesses throughout the region.

Brock has 23 years of experience in the banking industry.

Prior to joining the organization, she served as vice president,

relationship manager at Chase Bank, where she managed a large portfolio of business clients.

Heavily involved in the community, Brock is the treasurer for Freedom High School Booster Club, a Masterminds member with Women On Point and is a member of various local networking groups. She resides in the greater Tampa area.

Bill Cloyd has been appointed as senior vice president of commercial lending. In his role, Cloyd will be responsible for commercial lending and new business development.

Cloyd has 36 years of experience in financial services in Central Florida. Prior to joining the organization, he served as senior vice president of commercial banking at Centennial Bank, where he managed a commercial loan portfolio and supervised a team of junior loan officers.

A graduate of the University of Florida and the Graduate School of Banking of the South at Louisiana State University, Cloyd is an active member in the local community and resides in the greater Lakeland area.

inventory by running a handheld scanner along a bookshelf, instead of scanning each book individually.

However, those who like the old-fashioned checkout system don’t need to worry. Patrons still can check out books and pay late fees at the desk, and library staff will be avail-

able to those who need assistance using the new equipment.

“We’re always available to help, but patrons feel empowered to do their own checkout,” Russell said. “We’re very excited. It will be a great option to help them find what they’re looking for.”

AroundTOWN

Reporters from the Plant City Times & Observer hit the street of Plant City to ask residents a little about themselves.

Will we spot you around town next?

If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

*ROG /RV $QJHOHV $OO $URXQG

.DURO\L &HUHDO %R[

0DU\ /RX 5HWWRQ

Aviva Baker, 43 “The ability to mind-read, because I’m a teacher, and I could figure out how to help students learn better.”

Roland Jackson, 47 “It’s called taskmaster: I could mimic anyone else’s powers.”

Kaitlyn Wallace, 15 “To fly — you could go anywhere you want.”

Jeff Kalmin, 30 “Invisibility, so I could leave uncomfortable situations.”

Katherine Church, 25 “To be super fast — I could read things really fast and run really fast and lose weight.”

Brandon Williams, 34 “Super speed, so I could travel the world.”

This week’s Sudoku answers

This week’s Crossword answers

2015

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

COPS CORNER PLANT CITY

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

AUG. 14

WARNING SIGN?

2600 block of Waver Street.

Criminal mischief. Officers responded to a residence following a report of criminal mischief. Complainant stated that unknown suspects(s) caused damage to her vehicle, breaking the windshield and passenger windows. The complainant also stated that the incident could have happened because she owed people drugs and money, and signed a waiver of prosecution.

AUG. 15

LIGHT IT UP

1600 block of South Golfview Drive. Theft. Officers responded to a residence in reference to a reported theft. Complainant stated that, during the evening, unknown suspects(s) stole a 12-inch and a 50-inch light bar from his Jeep. The complainant declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

TAKE IT OUTSIDE

cash and the vehicle’s owner’s manual. The complainant had left the car unlocked. He declined to pursue criminal charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

IN PLAIN SIGHT

500 block of West Ball Street.

Vehicle burglary. Officers responded to an apartment complex following a reported vehicle burglary. Complainant stated that unknown suspect(s) entered her vehicle, making pry marks around the door frame, and smashed out the passenger-side window to steal her purse. The purse contained credit cards and Social Security cards.

NEED A CHARGE?

400 block of West Ball Street. Vehicle burglary. Officers responded to an apartment complex following a reported vehicle burglary.

Complainant stated that unknown suspect(s) entered their Chrysler sedan during the evening and stole a cellphone charging cord. Complainant believed the car was locked. Complainant declined to press charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

1400 block of South Collins Street. Affray/resisting arrest without violence. Officers noticed two men fighting in the parking lot of a business.

After breaking it up, the men confirmed the fight stemmed from a work-related argument. Both declined to press charges and signed waivers of prosecution, but a man was arrested for resisting arrest without violence.

AUG. 18

AUG. 16

FORGETTING SOMETHING?

LIGHT READING

500 block of North Franklin Street. Vehicle burglary. Officers responded to a residence following a reported vehicle burglary. Complainant stated that unknown suspects(s) entered his Mazda 6 automobile in the evening, stealing $7 in

PLAYSTATION PILFERER

700 block of West Madison St. Petit theft. Officer responded to a residence following a report of theft. Complainant stated that suspect(s) had stolen several PlayStation 4 video games. A police report was filed for documentation purposes, and the complainant signed a waiver of prosecution.

Thonotosassa Road/Townsgate Court. Abandoned vehicle.

Officer observed a black 1997 Ford F-150 pickup blocking a turn lane. Contact could not be made with the owner, and the vehicle was then listed as abandoned. Southern Towing later removed the vehicle.

NEWS BRIEFS + Autopsy shows death from natural causes Westley Hancock, the late owner of Bruce’s Barber Shop on Thonotosassa Road in Plant City, died of natural causes.

Previously, authorities believed Hancock may have been electrocuted while installing a ceiling fan. Hancock’s autopsy, performed by the Hillsborough County Medical Examiner’s office, showed he died of hypertensive arteriosclerotic heart disease June 16. He was 41.

Hancock was a Florida State football fan who never met a stranger, his family says. He is survived by his wife, Emily; daughters, Sydney Stewart and Aubrey Hancock; father, Alan; sisters, Christina Willis and Amy Hancock; and grandparents, Bruce and Patricia Hancock and Alma Louise Nichols.

+ Deadly sinkhole reopens in Seffner

A sinkhole that swallowed a Seffner man in 2013 has reopened.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, code enforcement and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded

TROOPERS HELP FAMILY AFTER HOME BURNS Florida Highway Patrol troopers replaced school supplies for a family after their house burned down Wednesday, Aug. 19.

At 6:30 a.m., Lakeland district troopers were headed to their patrol zone when they spotted a house fire at 3815 Sparkman Road. The troopers arrived at the home and made sure the family was safe.

Fire rescue personnel arrived after and extinguished the blaze.

The fire claimed all of the family’s possessions. However, FHP troopers and the community rallied around the family within hours, purchasing the needed school supplies and other necessities.

Plant City Walmart provided gift cards to the family and FHP is receiving other donations at the Lakeland or to a report of a hole that opened at 240 Faithway Drive in Seffner Wednesday, Aug. 19.

Upon arrival, investigators confirmed it was the same sinkhole that swallowed Jeffrey Bush, 36, while he slept in his home in February 2013. At that time, the sinkhole that was about 16 to 20 feet deep.

+ Christmas Lane moving to festival

Christmas Lane is sledding into the Florida Strawberry Festival Expo Hall this holiday

Tampa FHP stations located at 3247 Lakeland Hills Blvd., Lakeland and 11305 N. McKinley Drive, Tampa, respectively.

The 13-year-old daughter also lost a computer needed for school. She attends Marshall Middle School. The season. The lighted tradition has been held at 2091 South Wooten Road in Dover for decades by strawberry grower Lane Wetherington.

Last year, rain soaked the parking lot of Christmas Lane.

The lot is a pasture behind the popular holiday attraction, which is outside. The festivities also were rained out on several nights.

“When it rains, it shuts me down in Dover,” Wetherington said. “Children couldn’t take part in the celebration of Christmas.”

Traffic was another reason why Wetherington is moving Christmas Lane to the Expo Hall. He said guests would sometimes have to wait for 45 minutes to get into the parking lot. The Expo Hall has a large parking lot to accommodate guests.

“It’s really a win-win for him,” Paul Davis, festival manager, said. “We’re happy to be part of it.”

Christmas Lane will be open for five weeks at the Expo Hall, from Thursday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, to the third week in January. It will be

8-year-old son, who suffers from Down syndrome, attends Willis Peters Exceptional Center in Dover.

Clothes sizes are as follows: Mother: Size large, 14 Son: Size 6 to 7 Daughter: Medium, size 6 to 7 open from 6 to 10 p.m. seven days a week.

There will be displays inside and outside to make up over one million lights. Old favorites, such as the train guests can ride, will return, as well as many new displays. The majority of the displays will be inside of the Expo Hall. An entertainment stage will be outside.

Also new this year is a gift shop and new concession items. The gift shop will have Christmas Lane T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, ornaments and wares from local artisans. At the concession stand, Wetherington plans to sell hamburgers, french fries, chili-cheese fries, barbecue, sno-cones, nachos and more.

Wetherington expects it to take about three weeks for him and his team to set up Christmas Lane in the Expo Hall. Because they will have to move the displays from Dover into Plant City, there will be a low admission fee this year. The price hasn’t been set, but Wetherington said it would be nominal.

“It’s very exciting,” Wetherington said. “It’s a whole new venture.”

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

MY VIEW by Devon Higgnbotham | Florida Native Plant Society

Golden Canna: aka bandana-ofthe-everglades.

Naturally grows on the edges of marshes and lakes to 4 feet tall with large showy yellow flowers.

Large whorled leaves provide a coarse texture to the landscape and look their best in mass. Canna flaccida.

Playing in the Puddles Does your front yard resemble the Everglades? A river of grass? Are white ibis, probing for crayfish and minnows, wading through the freshwater estuary that used to be your back lawn? Do you need to don your muck boots just to get the newspaper?

Welcome to Central Florida, summer of 2015. Not since 2004 when four large storms crisscrossed our state have we had so much rain.

Growing up, we would have grabbed our skim boards and spent the day sliding across the puddles until the water dried up or Mom called us home for dinner.

With nowhere for the water to go, I found humor in a news article recommending we “drain off standing water to prevent mosquitoes from hatching.” Hah! The pesky, blood-suckers are stationed in battalions on the outside of my door waiting for the opportunity to invade. Just getting in and out the door has become a bloody battle.

On the bright side, the Bill Young Reservoir is filled to the brim, the Florida aquifer has been replenished and salt water intrusion is held at bay as the fresh water is flushed out

into the ocean and gulf.

But what’s a gardener to do?

Now is a great time to take stock of those low lying areas in your yard and seek out Florida native plants that love to get their feet wet. For the Latin lovers, I’ve included the botanical names.

Whatever you choose, be sure it will receive sufficient moisture when the next drought arrives.

Hold off on fertilizers during the rainy, summer months.

Not only is it a waste of your money but the storm water will sweep it into our lakes and bay causing excess nitrogen which fuels algae blooms.

As always, avoid pesticides, especially in the rainy months.

A bug is a good think to have in your yard.

For more information on Florida wetland plants visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fa007 To learn more about Florida native plants and wildflowers, join the Suncoast chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society at SuncoastNPS.org. It meets every third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Seffner Extension Service office, 5339 C.R. 579, Seffner. You can also learn more about Florida native plants at fnps.org.

American Elder: This large, irregular shrub is literally smothered all summer with 6- to 10-inch-wide clusters of yellowish-white blooms the size of wedding bouquets. The blooms transform into purple/black berries in the fall and are a dinner call for hungry birds. The flowers and berries were popular with homesteaders for making wine. Full sun and wet feet will keep this fast-grower happy. Sambucus canadensis.

Pond Cypress: Growing straight to 50 to 60 feet, this aquatic tree is pyramid shaped when young, transforming to the upright mop shape when mature, yet it takes a small footprint in your yard due to its narrow canopy. The leaves turn an attractive light brown in fall before dropping but the bare branches and light brown, ridged bark add intrigue during the winter. Planted in clusters, they form a semi-shaded retreat and are fascinating to watch in windy weather. Taxodium ascendens. (not pictured)

Red Maple: This is the southern limit of this fall show-off, producing orange, red and yellow drama that can last for weeks.

Though it prefers a cooler climate, it does well in wet areas, sometimes “volunteering.” In the spring, this traditional-looking maple is distinguished by red leaf-growth and leaf stems. It’s a fast grower that tolerates semishady conditions. Acer rubrum.

Wax Myrtles: This common evergreen native is found along streams and wetlands throughout the state. Mature trees grow to 10 to 20 feet with multiple trunks that look best stripped of the lower branches. It blooms from spring to fall, but only the female produces the clusters of grey-blue, waxy berries, so plant several to ensure plenty of food for the birds. Makes a great specimen tree or hedge and tolerates dry soil as well. Myrica cerifera.

Swamp Lily: aka string lily. This native lily grows about a foot tall and is found in wetlands and along streams throughout the state. The swamp lily is a perennial herb, with an onionlike bulb and a very fragrant flower.

Crinum americanum.

Swamp Fern: Wet and shady locations are the prime habitat for this rapidly spreading native. One of the most common ferns found from Central to South Florida, the bronze tinges on the new growth contrasts with the dark, shiny green leaves. Typical fern shape stands 1 to 4 feet tall. Blechnum serrulatum.

Virginia Willow: aka Virginia sweetspire.

Commonly found in swamps, stream banks and wet hammocks, this spring bloomer can just as easily find a home in your yard’s wet spots. Its long arching branches reach about 4 feet tall. The white flowers that resemble small bottle brushes are quite fragrant. Itea virginica.

Photos by Shirley Denton

CUTESTCRITTER

S

ophie Rose Philbin is an adorable “morkie.”

Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center have partnered to present a weekly Cutest Critter Contest.

Entering is simple: Just submit a high-resolution photo (200 dpi or better) and a sentence or two about why your pet is the cutest. Include your name and contact information.

Winners will be showcased in the Plant City Times & Observer and will receive a free bag of dental chews to be picked up at Turkey Creek Animal Hospital and Animal Wellness Center.

Submit your entries to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com; subject line: Cutest Critter.

Plant City Times & Observer

TO ADVERTISE

Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes

SEND US YOUR NEWS

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

Call Nikki McAlpine, (813) 545-5505.

We want to hear from you. Let us know about your events, celebrations and achievements.

To contact us, send your information via: Email: Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com.

Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A, Plant City, FL 33563

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.

Plant City Times &

Observer

Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com General Manager/Executive Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver.com General Manager/Advertising / Stacey Hudson, shudson@tampabay.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writers / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com; Emily Topper, etopper@ PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Executive / Nikki McAlpine, nmcalpine@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

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

BACK TO SCHOOL by the Times & Observer staff

Groups of students hung out together at Tomlin Middle School while waiting for their rides.

P.C. students head back to class

Red was a popular color at Jackson Elementary.

PlantCityObserver.com

O

Summer has ended, and while students may be sad their all-day free play is up, they were also excited to get back in the classroom on the first day of school Tuesday, Aug. 25.

The first bell rang first at Hillsborough County high schools, which start earlier than elementary and middle schools.

In Dover, Strawberry Crest High School students unloaded off

Emily Ghenon, Zack Buth and Michael Harper

their busses or found their new parking spots for the year. It was a big day for ninth-graders, who spent their morning navigating the school’s unfamiliar hallways.

In the heart of Plant City, Jackson Elementary students waited in a long line to enter the school. They got colored wristbands to help remind the students what modes of transportation they would take home.

Many walked from their homes in the Gilchrist area nearby.

At Tomlin Middle School, students enjoyed their first day back, but they were also eager to call it a day, go home and hang out with their friends once the bell rang around 4 p.m. New principal Traci Durrance and the administrative staff helped students young and old find their rides home.

Administration helped students find their buses.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

NO. 1 TEACHER by Emily Topper | Staff Writer

Toi Walker and Teresa Armbruster, of South Florida Baptist Hospital Left: Trapnell Elementary School Principal Alan Black

Tomlin’s tiger mascot made an appearance and made Tomlin the winner out of the middle and high school skits.

New teachers ace skits

Robinson Elementary Principal Alicia Wilkerson

It was a teacher talent showcase Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds Expo Hall. New teachers from all Plant City schools participated in skits alongside their school’s principals for the New Teacher Coffee, spon-

sored by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Teachers were welcomed to Plant City with breakfast, door prizes and table centerpieces made out of school supplies.

Wilson Elementary School won Overall Best Skit, with Rob-

Wilson Elementary School won best overall skit and kept their title from the previous year.

inson Elementary and Tomlin Middle School taking the cake for elementary and secondary schools.

Teachers finished pre-planning last week, and students headed back to school Tuesday, Aug. 25.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

FAITH by Arden White | Staff Intern

New worship pastor starts at First Baptist Church Ken Van Cura is also the artist of a Christian rock album.

Plant City’s First Baptist Church has a new worship pastor. Ken Van Cura’s first day was Sunday, Aug. 23. Van Cura is in charge of directing the worship and music ministry at the North Palmer Street church.

He’s the perfect man for the job. This January he released his very own album titled “Everything.” The Christian rock album is available on iTunes, and the track list is full of praise and worship songs.

“I come from a musical family,” Van Cura said. “Both my mom and dad are classical musicians. My dad is a worldfamous voice teacher, and my mother is a concert pianist. As a family, we always felt called to participate in music ministry for our church. So I guess I just come by it honestly.”

Van Cura took the place of Pete Battaglia, who retired last year after working with the church for over 25 years.

Though they are big shoes to fill, Van Cura is very enthusiastic about getting this opportunity.

“I’m very excited to be joining such an amazing team of pastors and folks that are excited and committed to the future of First Baptist Church,” Van Cura said.

Van Cura isn’t the only person who is excited about his new position.

“I’m excited because he will be bringing a new contemporary style of music, as well as keeping the traditional, so hopefully that will help merge the younger and older generations within the church,” Abby Miller, a youth member of First Baptist Church, said.

Van Cura is also looking forward to being more than a music leader.

Courtesy photo

One of Ken Van Cura’s favorite quotes is, “It’s not a monument of faith, but a movement of God.” “(I want to be a) true pastor and lead First Baptist Church into a worship lifestyle,” Van Cura said. “It’s more than just music to me.”

“Ken is very talented and is just an overall great fit for the team,” Dr. Brian Stowe, senior pastor of Plant City First Baptist Church, said. “It’s great because he’s so people oriented and has great goals to bring people to worship. I believe he will be great for all generations.”

This is not Van Cura’s first time in this position. Van Cura has recently been a worship pastor for Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond, Vir-

ginia. He gave his last worship service there Sunday, Aug. 9.

“Ken has laid a wonderful foundation for worship of all generations at our church,” Mark Becton, senior pastor at Grove Avenue Baptist Church of Richmond, said.

He has moved to Plant City with his wife, Cherrie, and his two sons, Aidan, 13, and Ashton, 8.

“I think the new worship pastor is going to bring a new level of energy to the church,” church member Bri Lee said. “I think we will bring a change to our church that we have needed for a long time.”

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

OBSERVER

OBITUARIES David W. Belveal

Retired Maj. David W. Belveal, United States Air Force, 80, of Ruskin, died Aug. 14, 2015.

Maj. Belveal was an Air Force pilot.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; and many family and friends.

A graveside service with military honors was held on Friday, Aug. 21 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Joseph Geraw

Joseph Geraw, 71, of Plant City, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2015 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center.

A native of St. Albans, Vermont, he was the son of the late Bruce and Celia Martell Geraw.

Mr. Shaw was a member of the United States Army National Guard.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Peryea Geraw; children, Peter, Joey and William Geraw, and Serena Domina; siblings, Nancy Sprague, Elaine Dunham, Charlene Sordiff, Deborah Geraw, Sheila Bennett, Vanessa Morgan and Ethan, Ronnie, Timothy and Danny Geraw; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Patricia, Bruce, Larry James, Gerald and Todd Geraw.

Services will be private.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Melvin Paul Norris

Melvin Paul Norris, 64, of Plant City, died Aug. 14, 2015, at his home.

A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Willda Evans Norris.

Mr. Norris was an usher at St. Clement Catholic Church for over 20 years. He loved MeTV and Wendys.

He is survived by his sisters, Charlotte Ruiz, Shirley Ramos, Mary Louise Werstein, Dolores McDade and Anita Dusseau.

He was predeceased by his brother, Kenny Norris; and Goldie, his favorite cat.

A visitation was held Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Haught Funeral Home. A funeral Mass was held Wednesday, Aug. 19, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Melissa Olague

Melissa Olague, 32, of Plant City, died Friday, Aug. 21, 2015.

A native of Winter Haven, she was the daughter of Olin Britt and Mary Locke Davis.

She enjoyed photography and her family.

Ms. Olague is survived by her children, Haleana, Joe and Axton Olague; parents, Sandy Britt, Mary and Jerry Davis, Donna Little and Jeffrey Gilamore; siblings, Patricia, Jeffrey, Jerrica and Princess Gilamore, and Matthew Britt.

Ms. Olague was preceded in death by her father, Olin Britt.

Services are pending at this time. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Charlotte Ritcher

Charlotte Elizabeth Ritcher, 82, of Valrico, died Aug. 18, 2015 at Brandon Regional Hospital.

A native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mrs. Ritcher was the daughter of the late Chester and Margaret Matthew MacDonald.

She worked for the Tampa Bay Lightning for over 20 years in food service. She was there when they won the Stanley Cup Championship and was employee of the year. She worked at the Plant City Stadium when the Reds had spring training, owned Harold’s Fish Market, and Ritcher and Sons Seafood Restaurant. She was a Tampa Bay Rays fan, enjoyed bingo, and loved her children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Mrs. Ritcher is survived by her sons, Richard Daly, Ronnie Kelly, Raymond (Pamela) and Randy Ritcher; daughter, Beamarie Lindsay (Tate); brother, Donald MacDonald; sisters, Gloria Yencho, Lorraine Haines and June Crowell; seven grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Ritcher and brother, Chester MacDonald.

The family will be having private services.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Francisca Pagán Perez

Francisca Pagán Perez, 92, of Dover, died Aug. 12, 2015.

Mrs. Perez was born in Utuado, Puerto Rico. She loved her family and her Lord. She enjoyed being a

pastor’s wife, flowers, sewing and music.

She is survived by her husband, Anibal “Andy” Perez; children, Minerva Gonzalez (Manuel), of Plant City, Daisy Torres (Louis), of Dover, Mirella Peñalveret, of Valrico, Jose A. Perez, of Thonotosassa, Jerry Perez, of Dover, Thomas Perez (Meribel), of Tampa and Anthony Perez (Christina), of Tampa; 23 grandchildren; 23 greatgrandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Luis M. Perez.

The family received friends Monday, Aug. 17, at Hopewell Funeral Home. A celebration of life was held Tuesday, Aug. 18, and a committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens in Plant City.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Thomas H. Powers

Retired Master Sgt. Thomas H. Powers, United States Air Force, 82, of Valrico, died Aug. 17, 2015.

Mr. Powers was born on June 2, 1933 in Boston, Massachusetts. He had a strong faith, and love for family and friends. Music filled his soul.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Powers; children, John Powers, of Brandon, and Jeanine Powers, of Alpharetta, Georgia; siblings, William Powers, Lorraine Poulen, Joan Bellino and Barbara Oakley, of Massachusetts; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service with military honors was held Friday, Aug. 21, at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the New Horizons Group Home, 109 E. Clay Ave., Brandon, Florida 33510.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral. com.

Harold Frederick Thompson

Harold (Fred) Thompson, 94, of Plant City, died Aug. 12, 2015.

Mr. Thompson was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and was the youngest of 12 children. He was a Plant City resident since 1932 and a member of First United Methodist Church.

He owned Thompson Grove Service and was a grower for many years. An avid golfer to the end, he also enjoyed fishing, family gatherings and good humor. He will be remembered as a generous, compassionate and loving person.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita.

He is survived by his daughters, Alice Dorking (Keith) and Amy Thompson; two grandchildren; his elder brother, Edward E. Thompson (Velma); and numerous nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life was held Monday, Aug. 24, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the First United Methodist Church Plant City, Christ Community Café.

Sylvia LaJean Turner

Sylvia LaJean Turner, 69, of Plant City, died Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015 at her home.

A native of Plant City, she was the daughter of the late S.D. and Bobbie King Eady.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Plant City.

Ms. Turner is survived by her children, Shane Turner and Raven Turner Smith (Jamie); sister, Linda Eady Wiggins (Billy); and grandchildren, Summer and Faith Smith.

Services will be private.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome.com.

Eva Jewel White

Eva Jewel White (Kirkland) died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015.

Mrs. White was born on Sept. 21, 1921 in Webb, Ala-

bama to Hosea and Elizabeth Kirkland. She moved with her family to Plant City in the early 1930s where she resided until her death. A 1940 graduate of Plant City High School, she was the secretary of her senior class, a cheerleader and voted “Most Popular.”

After graduation, in August 1940, she married Joseph C. White. During World War II, Mr. White enlisted in the United States Navy, serving as a Seabee in the Pacific Theater of Operations. While Mr. White was overseas, Mrs. White worked as a secretary at the draft board in Plant City, and at Macdill Air Force Base in Tampa. Their son, Charles Stuart White, was born in 1947.

Mrs. White was very active in The Junior Women’s Club in Plant City, where she held many offices including President and District 8 Director.

She was a volunteer in the early days of Plant City Little League and served many years as a Pink Lady in the hospital auxiliary.

She is survived by her son, Charles S. White (Lianne); grandson, Andrew White (Andrea); granddaughters, Erin Register (Lester), Amanda Pennewell (Kris) and Meredith White; great-grandchildren, Brenna Register, Bo Register, Charles Gray White and Jackson Dean White.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mabel Windsor and Blondell Martin; brother, Robert Olin Kirkland; and husband, Joseph C. White.

A visitation was held Thursday, Aug. 20, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home in Plant City. A funeral service followed, with a private burial. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Florida Baptist Children’s Home in Lakeland or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial. com.

Sports

YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK

Tydre Ward wears several hats on the Raiders team. 14 SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

PLANTCITYOBSERVER.COM

SIDELINES

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

MARTIAL ARTS

+ Senshi Do Kai cleans up at open

The Senshi Do Kai MMA team went to Strawberry Crest High Saturday, Aug. 22, to put its skills to the test at the Newbreed Ultimate Challenge Florida State Open, a grappling tournament for mixed martial arts schools from around the state.

MEDAL RESULTS: Brock Snyder – three silver, bronze Xavier Sanchez – gold, silver Jacob Ogden – two gold Dillon Warren – silver Leslie Hurst – two silver Sara Curiel – three gold, silver Luis Garcia – two gold Enrique Garcia – two silver, bronze Caleb Farrow – bronze Joseph Tucker – gold, bronze Jaylina Tucker – two gold Maurice Anderson – bronze Jordan Anderson – bronze Thomas Jenkins – two gold, silver Travis Jenkins – silver Dennis Hoyos – bronze

HUNTING SEASON by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Alligator hunting chomps into season The 2015 Statewide Alligator Harvest Program, or ‘gator season’ for short, officially began Saturday, Aug. 15. For those who won the tag lotteries, going in informed may save a life.

Few events in Florida are as exclusive as the Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission’s annual alligator tag lottery, a process that can fill up nearly as fast as it’s announced. It’s a long, arduous process, but that doesn’t deter local hunters from throwing their names in the hat to pursue the state’s most dangerous game.

Undoubtedly, many Plant City residents applied for (and, perhaps won) their own tags for 2015. Alligator season began Saturday, Aug. 15, and anyone with tags now has until 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, to trap some alligators and meet their quota. Before heading out,

however, there are some things any hunter should know — especially the rookies.

PLAY BY THE RULES

According to the FWC, it’s illegal to go looking for alligators during the day. Licensed trappers are allowed to search between the hours of 5 p.m. and 10 a.m., seven days a week.

Trappers may also have noticed that they were assigned a specific “hunting period” for the county-wide harvest. Based on information provided in their applications, the FWC divided early trapping season into four periods: Aug. 15 to 22; Aug. 22 to 29; Aug. 29 to Sept. 5;

and Sept. 5 to 12.

The FWC also says that everyone with a license and tags will be able to trap alligators from 5 p.m. Sept. 12 through 10 a.m. Nov. 1 without any periodbased restrictions.

To trap alligators, hunters are allowed to use bait and lures within certain restrictions. The FWC’s website explains the restrictions: “Alligators may be taken only by the use of artificial lures or baited, wooden pegs less than 2 inches in length attached to a hand-held restraining line and hand-held snares, harpoons, gigs, snatch hooks, and manually operated spears, spear-

guns, crossbows and bows with projectiles attached to a restraining line. The use of baited hooks, gig-equipped bang sticks or firearms for taking alligators is prohibited except that bang sticks are permitted for taking alligators attached to a restraining line.”

There will be no re-enactments of the “choot ‘em” scenes from the television show “Swamp People.”

Obviously, alligators can be found nearly anywhere in Florida, but hunters can only legally go after them in certain areas and can only hunt in private ar-

+ YMCA appoints new membership director

The Plant City Family YMCA announced Tuesday, Aug. 25, that J.J. Myers will serve as its new membership director.

Myers, a Rochester, New York native, most recently held the same position at the YMCA of Greater Rochester. He started in sales before moving into nonprofit work, and is also a motivational coach and a conference speaker.

“I look forward to supporting the Plant City Y team as we form an atmosphere for the complete wellness of the entire self — mind, body and spirit,” Myers said in a statement.

“My goal is to provide top-notch, quality service and build stronger relationships with the community.”

+ Correction

In last week’s What’s on Kline’s Mind? column, it was incorrectly stated that Plant City High School’s sports teams have never won a state championship.

The 1982 Plant City High boys basketball team, led

by Horace Broadnax, won the Class 4A state title. We regret the error.

SOURCE: Department of Biology and Department of Physics, West Chester University

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

GAME OF THE WEEK by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

Friday night notes

+ Plant City High tops Durant

YMCA

Alligators perform a spinning maneuver to subdue and dismember prey.

The spinning maneuver, which is referred to as the “death roll,” involves rapid rotation about the longitudinal axis of the body.

SEE HUNTING / PAGE 13

GOLF

In spite of a lightning delay, the Plant City Raiders and Durant Cougars were able to finish what they started Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Walden Lake Golf & Country Club.

Both Raiders teams came out on top during their afternoon play, with the girls winning by a score of 190-212 and the boys winning 163-174.

Durant’s Jacob Penny led all golfers with a 34, and Plant City golfers Kendall Johnson (35) and Kaelib Carlough (36) rounded out the rest of the top three.

THE DEATH ROLL

Courtesy photo

Carlton Potter, 15, won the Durant starting job with a strong offseason.

HILLSBOROUGH VS. DURANT:

YOUTH MOVEMENT In 2014, the Hillsborough Terriers and Durant Cougars played one of the most thrilling games of the season — a 55-49 shootout in the Terriers’ favor.

Can sophomore quarterback Carlton Potter lead the Cougars to redemption?

At the end of last season, when Erick Davis finished his high school career, it looked as though Noah Johnson would be his successor. But, throughout Durant’s spring and summer camps and activities, a new name began to come up in the quarterback conversation.

By the time the preseason rolled around, head coach Mike Gottman and the Durant staff felt comfortable enough to declare that they had their guy for 2015 and, possibly, beyond.

The “and beyond” is important here because Durant’s new starter has also just started 10th grade.

Cougar fans, meet Carlton Potter.

WAIT, WHO?

No, Potter isn’t the youngest starting quarterback in the area. Strawberry Crest is also going with a sophomore, in Tate Whatley. Even Plant City starter Corey King is fairly young, having just begun his junior year.

But, of the three, Potter is the

only one whose name hasn’t been attached to UYFL-level success with a Tri-County youth team or time spent playing on the varsity level. He most recently quarterbacked Durant’s junior varsity team and, before that, the East Bay Bucs.

To his knowledge, Potter is the first person in his family to play football.

So, when the offseason and the quarterback tryouts began, Potter had to grind to earn his current spot.

“I just came out and tried to work every day,” Potter says. “I just kept working to try to get better every day.”

Walking into a starting quarterback position is never easy — not even for the professional guys — but Gottman found Potter to be well-equipped for the job. Gottman sees an intelligent athlete with dual-threat ability. Most importantly, he sees a quarterback through whom he can run the same kind of of-

SEE GAME / PAGE 13

OTHER AREA ACTION: PLANT CITY The Raiders were the only local team to win its preseason game, taking a 19-7 victory over the Riverview Sharks, the visiting team that never really appeared to be in it to win it.

Plant City fans should hope that T.J. Chase, who got the night off, will be ready to get to work Friday, Aug. 28, against Armwood.

The Hawks, who have lost quite a few of last year’s top performers, got a 13-0 win in partial game action at East Bay Friday, Aug. 21, (it was a kickoff jamboree, featuring the Hawks, Indians and Hillsborough Terriers), and the team probably won’t be looking to mess around in its home opener.

Start time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: 12000 E. U.S. Highway 92, Seffner

STRAWBERRY CREST The Chargers traveled to Jesuit Friday, Aug. 21, and were steamrolled, 38-0, by the Tigers. Crest can at least take away the fact that Jesuit, which has both a tendency to play well and a superstar running back in Malik Davis, is going to do that to many of its 2015 opponents. And, of course, it was only the preseason.

Friday, Aug. 28, Crest will play against a Brandon team that beat Durant, 17-12, at home. The Eagles may have slipped out of the playoff picture last year, but the team — and its athletic defense — is still not to be trifled with.

Start time: 7:30 p.m.

Location: 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover

It felt great to go back to football last week, even if it was just a preseason game.

I went to Plant City High to watch the Raiders take on the Riverview Sharks, and things certainly went well for the home team.

The scoreless second half may not have been as exciting as the first, but there were still a few good takeaways from Plant City’s 19-7 win. Let’s get started with the first Friday Night Notes of the 2015-16 JUSTIN school year KLINE and break it all down.

Plant City, showing what it can do both by land and by air, scored 13 of its points in the first quarter of the Friday, Aug. 21, game. Early in the game, quarterback Corey King connected with a wide-open Antoine Thompson to put the Raiders up, 7-0, and running back Markese Hargrove followed up later by doing what he does best. Hargrove, in particular, made it look easy out there: the Sharks had a difficult time getting a hold of him, let alone anticipating his cuts, so it was a great look at the King-to-Hargrove handoffs we’re likely going to see quite often.

Thompson is also an intriguing prospect, in my opinion.

The kid’s clearly got potential, but the nature of Plant City’s offense didn’t give us the best look at what he’s truly capable of. Playing opposite T.J. Chase this season should open things up for Thompson this season, something that King has to be looking forward to.

Speaking of King: the Raiders’ coaching staff has told me that they’re pleased with the way the junior progressed throughout the offseason, and you could see why on Friday.

Maybe it’s because he no longer has to compete for playing time, or maybe it’s because he now has several real weapons, but King looks more confident now than he did in any game I remember from last season.

That bodes well for the Raiders, whose 2015 success will largely correlate with King’s ability to be consistently good.

Tydre Ward’s punt return

SEE KLINE / PAGE 14

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

HUNTING / PAGE 12 eas when the landowner has granted permission to do so.

STAYING ALIVE

Unlike the University of Florida’s football team, real alligators are not creatures to trifle with.

According to the FWC, they can be found in all 67 counties of the state and will not hesitate to attack anything that isn’t a human. While alligators most often attack other animals, reports show that Florida has averaged five unprovoked bites every year since 1948 — a figure that, as of data released in 2012, translated to 300 total bites and 22 fatalities.

Alligators less than four feet in length pose little danger to humans, unless they’re picked up or otherwise handled, but anything bigger should be ap-

GAME / PAGE 12 fense that took the Cougars to the playoffs a year ago.

“We just saw a kid that throws a really nice ball,” Gottman says. “He’s got great presence on the field. Very aware of the setting, and he just did a nice job. As a sophomore, coming in, he handled the pressure extremely well.”

Potter got his first-ever varsity start against Brandon in the preseason and, even though Durant took the loss, Gottman was just as pleased with the way Potter played as the quarterback himself was.

“It was a really good experience,” Potter says. “I got to get a full game full of reps. I made a couple of mistakes I would want to take back but, overall, I think we played well as a team.”

Whether Potter can replicate the success the team had with Davis under center remains to be seen, but Gottman seems confident that he’s found something special.

As was the case last season, that just might be enough for Durant.

LET’S TRY THAT AGAIN

The Cougars are hoping that everything will fall into place

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

MMA by Justin Kline | Staff Writer

proached with caution. And those things can get big: they often range from 10 to 15 feet in length, as many social media users saw in March when a picture of a 13-footer found on an Englewood golf course went viral.

On that note: don’t expect to be able to stroll through Walden Lake or any other

course in the state and hunt for a “golf dragon” with no problems.

If bitten by an alligator, drop everything and seek medical help immediately. Besides the fact that some alligators have enough jaw strength to crush and sever limbs as if they were carrots, there’s also an extremely high risk of infection.

Alligator bites — actually, reptile bites in general — are considered dangerous because their mouths are breeding grounds for the bacteria of past kills and whatever was inside those animals at the time of their deaths. A bite is survivable, but one can expect to be on some serious antibiotics afterward.

There’s nothing quite like hunting alligators in Florida and, as dangerous as it can be, it’s rewarding when the hunters live to tell about it.

this year. More accurately, this second.

Why? Because they’ll be hosting Hillsborough, one of the top teams in Hillsborough County Friday, Aug. 28.

The Durant faithful will remember last season’s Cougars-Terriers tilt, in which the teams combined to score over 100 points, and the home team came a touchdown away from getting the win.

In that 55-49 loss, Davis ran for 97 yards and four touchdowns, and also threw for 274 yards and two more scores.

Garrett Rentz, who had a 202yard game, caught them both.

But the Cougars were also the victims of great quarterback play. Dwayne Lawson, who has since graduated, torched Durant to the tune of 453 passing yards and four touchdown strikes, plus 153 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 10 carries.

The Terriers were recently outmatched, 15-12, by East Bay, but that was in partial game action at a kickoff jamboree. The team saw two solid wideouts in Duran Bell Jr. and Rudy Dawson III, and its fearsome defense is led by fourstar end Zach Carter. To put it simply, the Cougars have their

work cut out for them.

Of course, coming up with a win isn’t impossible. Durant is only a year removed from back-to-back upset wins over playoff teams (Sickles, then Tampa Bay Tech) in two of the first three weeks, and they certainly got a good look at Hillsborough’s offense last season. The key here could be exploiting holes in the Terriers’ pass defense, which appear to lie in the middle of the secondary unit, with tight end Steven Witchoskey.

“They like to go with a lot of man (coverage), so we’re just going to look for those mismatches and beat them there,” Potter says. “I would say when their safeties lock down on a tight end — we have a big tight end, and they’re not gonna be able to beat him.”

A Durant win here would be one heck of a statement with which to open the season, as Hillsborough won nine games in 2014 and got a lot of respect from the Tampa Bay sports media. Can the Cougars get back in those conversations?

“I think that we’ll do good as a team,” Potter says. “We’ve just got to come out here and do our responsibilities — do our job.”

Competitors young and old from all over Florida competed in the event.

MAYBE NEXT YEAR? Curious about the tag lottery and license applications? Need to know more about where to (legally) go looking for gators? For more information check the FWC website’s Alligator Harvest program section myfwc. com/license/recreational/ hunting/alligator/ or call (850) 488-4676.

Ready?

FIGHT Fight divisions were broken up into gi and no-gi competition, which made for drastically different fights.

These young fighters work through a front headlock position.

Hundreds of competitors and fans filled the Strawberry Crest High School gymnasium throughout Saturday, Aug. 21, to cheer on fighters, young and old, at the Newbreed Ultimate Challenge Florida State Open.

Local team Senshi Do Kai finished with 16 total medalists, and its youngest members finished with the thirdmost medals of any youth team at the tournament.

Senshi Do Kai Shihan Q. Wiggins coaches up a fighter following a match loss.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

KLINE / PAGE 12 was my favorite moment of the game. Who doesn’t love a good special teams highlight, besides the team that blew its assignments? You can read more about that play in our Athlete of the Week section.

Really, the only thing bringing Plant City down in the game were penalties. I have to cut a little slack for them there, because it was the preseason, and I think the boys were just stoked to be playing in a real football game again. But there were some drive-killers that no coach would be happy to see in a meaningful game. The Raiders need to tighten up and stay focused if they want to reach their full potential; our partners at the Tampa Bay

MORE FOOTBALL

You can find the 2015 Football Guide in this issue. If you haven’t already done so, please check it out.

With help from local artist Jesse Starr and the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center, I think we put together something really great this year.

If you’re more of a computer person, check the e-edition tab on our website to find it.

Times HomeTeam section didn’t rank Plant City as a top20 team for no reason.

Plant City plays at Armwood

Friday, Aug. 28, so you’d better believe the Raiders have been focusing on mental stability in this week’s practices.

ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM

TYDRE WARD Tydre Ward wears several different hats in the Plant City Raiders’ depth chart, but the junior loves returning kicks and punts with the special teams unit. On Friday, August 21, it was Ward who took a booming Riverview punt to the end zone in the second quarter and killed off any momentum the Sharks had before halftime.

How did it feel getting the final score of that game and putting Plant City ahead for good?

It felt good. Just being able to help my team out, it really felt good to take that punt return back and get everybody hyped. We wanted to bring the win home.

We’ve been waiting. They (Riverview) had been talking a lot, so we just had to come out and do what we had to do.

What were they saying?

They were saying they were gonna come out and beat us, put up 28 points on us and, obviously, they only scored one time.

After that, they didn’t really have nothing else to say after the game.

How long have you been playing football?

Seven or eight years. I started when I was 9 years old. I was with the Plant City Dolphins, and in my last year I went to the Turkey Creek Trojans.

Are you related to Wayne Ward?

Yes, he’s my uncle.

How many other family members have played for the Raiders?

There was my uncle, my uncle Rodney and my grandfather, so I’m the fourth person to play.

My brother (Treshaun Ward) is the fifth.

So you’re a thirdgeneration Raider.

How does it feel to keep up that legacy?

It feels good.

I’m just trying to keep the tradition going, trying to get my brother to follow in my footsteps.

I’m trying to learn how to be a big role model for him, since this is his freshman season, so I’m gonna show him how to do the right things and just keep it going.

Do you play any other sports?

Track and field. I ran the 4x100 meter dash last year.

If you could play any sport you’ve never tried before, what would it be?

I’d say it would be baseball. I’d be an outfielder. I like catching the ball.

What positions do you play?

Kick return, punt return, defensive back, running back and slot receiver.

Which is your favorite?

Punt returns and kick returns.

What position do you think you’d be best-suited for in college?

Slot receiver. I can make mismatches with the linebacker with my quickness and my routes.

If you could play football for any NFL team, what would it be?

The Dallas Cowboys.

Let’s say a little kid who’s just getting into football comes up to you and asks how to be a good football player.What’s the first thing you tell them?

Don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, because mistakes are gonna come here and there but, at the end of the day, you’re just making yourself better by making those mistakes. Just make sure you’re giving 110% — not 50%.

What are your personal goals for this year?

Just being able to become a better role model for whoever’s out there looking at me right now. And being the type of person that everybody would like to be around, on and off the field.

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

PLANT CITY

RAIN

(INCHES) Aug. 20

0.00

FRI.

TEMPERATURES

Aug. 21

0.32

SAT.

Friday, Aug. 28 Saturday, Aug. 29 Sunday, Aug. 30 Monday, Aug. 31 Tuesday, Sept. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 2 Thursday, Sept. 3

Aug. 22

0.00

SUN.

Aug. 23

0.15

MON.

HIGH 91 91 88 88 92 92 92

SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Aug. 24

0.03

TUES.

SUNRISE 7:05 a.m.

7:05 a.m.

7:06 a.m.

7:06 a.m.

7:07 a.m.

7:07 a.m.

7:08 a.m.

Friday, Aug. 28 Saturday, Aug. 29 Sunday, Aug. 30 Monday, Aug. 31 Tuesday, Sept. 1 Wednesday, Sept. 2 Thursday, Sept. 3

Aug. 25

0.09

WED.

Aug. 26

0.00

Aug.

TO DATE

11.71 (2014: 3.62)

YEAR

SUNSET 7:55 p.m.

7:54 p.m.

7:53 p.m.

7:52 p.m.

7:51 p.m.

7:50 p.m.

7:49 p.m.

OKRA

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

PHASES

Aug. 29

Do you have a picture that sums up the personality of Plant City? To enter the I Love Plant City photo contest, email your photo and a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com.

Winners will have their picture featured and will receive a special gift.

1. H V C P 2. C V X E K H I C I X 3. E C C E Z V L K P 4. M E Z V C R F 5. D I Z I E C U V S

This athlete took the title of “America’s Sweetheart” after a stellar performance one summer:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 through 9 in each row, column and box.

2 2

5 4

9

9 1

7

8

4

3

8

7

4

2

1

1

6

9

9 2

2 9 7

4 5

Sept. 21

CROSSWORD REAL-IST by Mary Jersey

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a sports legend. Using the hints V=O and C=L, decipher the clues to name the athlete.

4

Jim wins a free car wash from Octopus Car Wash. He can claim the wash with an ID at Octopus Car Wash, 1503 S. Collins St.

MOON

Sept. 12

CRYPTOQUIZ

5

Jim Chancey and his granddaughter, Parker, like to pick blueberries in their backyard in Walden Lake.

SHIPPING POINT: Orlando $14 to 14.85

3

LOW 73 74 73 74 74 73 75

Sept. 5

TO DATE 34.77 (2014: 34.03)

6

, 3&

WEATHER

THURS.

ACROSS 1 Place for gators 6 Mimicked 10 Come clean (with “up”) 14 House for El Cid 18 Situated at an apex 19 Cut with a surgical beam 20 Belly pain 21 Tedious task 22 They favor states under a central government 24 One way to travel at night?

26 Duet complement 27 Places for patches 28 Drug-yielding plants 30 Carefree adventures 31 Add sugar 33 Unspoken, as approval 34 Cleo’s significant other 35 ___ Lanka 36 Campsite sights 37 Builder who works underwater in a caisson 40 Plane company 43 Restrains a horse again 45 Alphabet finish?

46 Assistant 47 Haunted house sound 49 Pre-Revolution leaders 50 Pre-coll. exam 51 Form of lie?

52 Indian honorific 53 Cheerleader’s cheer 54 Mailbag’s contents, for short 55 Lenya or Lehmann 57 Became imminent 61 Location of Mount McKinley 63 Clothes presser 65 Polio vaccine developer 66 Modeling medium 67 Beads for the prayerful 70 Second-brightest in a constellation 72 Inverted “v” mark 76 “American ___” (TV show) 77 Place to get a massage 79 Labor leader Chavez 81 “Any day now ...”

82 Min. fractions 83 Housing development site 86 McCain’s 2008 opponent 87 It won’t buy much 88 Cotton gin inventor Whitney 89 Satan 91 Word with “test” or “fracture” 93 The 13th Amendment abolished it 95 First-floor apartment number 96 Fleming or Hunter 97 Scandinavian male name 98 Standing up straight 99 Shield from danger 103 Type of newspaper 105 Opposite of separateness 106 What italics have 107 Agents like Bond 109 Fiberglass and others 111 Many conservatives 114 Start a Texas Hold’em hand

©2015 Universal Uclick

115 Printer’s reversal 116 It may be on a house 117 A, B or C 118 Minimalist’s catchword 119 ___ d’oeuvre (appetizer) 120 Water whirled?

121 “Como ___?”

DOWN 1 Ejects, as lava 2 Black ___ spider 3 Hole in one 4 Felt-tip pens 5 Nursery supply 6 Otherworldly type 7 Quarterback option 8 Buffalo hrs.

9 Melody above the theme 10 Dictatorial ones 11 Elaborate display 12 “___ got a ticket to ride ...”

13 “Monkey ___, monkey do” 14 No hero, he 15 Some Russian Revolution figures 16 Be mopey 17 Inquires 18 Towards the tail

23 Harper or Spike 25 Maps out 29 Group of eight 32 Must-haves 33 Publication featuring boy bands 34 Matt Dillon, e.g.

36 Walk aimlessly 37 Florence’s evening 38 Mountains of Arkansas 39 ___ kick out of (enjoys) 40 Hello and goodbye, Italian-style 41 Work at the copy desk 42 “I’ll take ___ check” 44 Type of rock, candy or cider 46 One hundred percent 48 Man with a current law?

50 Do some acting 56 Behave like a human, in a saying 58 Org. with Wizards and Warriors 59 Kind of broker 60 1976 raid site 62 Lancelot du ___ 64 Half-shell seafood 66 Does last-minute studying 67 Moves skyward 68 “Digger” of “The Life of Riley” 69 Marx and Engles, e.g.

70 Canaanites’ god 71 Blind ___ bat 73 Fish egg masses 74 A long, long time 75 Explosive stuff 78 Stalker’s object 80 Underlying reason 84 Rulers with great powers 85 Palindromic principle or doctrine 89 Shade of green 90 Two-wheeler 92 Playpen toys 94 Moral standards 98 Word that makes one feel welcome 99 Roman writer killed by Vesuvius 100 Sewer rodent 101 ___ Mesa, Calif.

102 Carryall bags 103 Part of an old phone 104 Either of two wives of Henry VIII 105 “Do ___ others ...”

106 Put the pedal to the metal 108 Ukr. used to be one 110 Cigarette residue 112 First-___ kit 113 Addams Family cousin

3ODQW&LW\2EVHUYHU FRP

0,!.4 #)49 4)-%3 /"3%26%2 &2)$!9 !5'534