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SPOTLIGHT
Plant City teen wins National American Miss. PAGE 6
FREE • FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014
EXCLUSIVE
See inside for our 2014 Plant City Football Guide.
First Baptist serves up fun, faith at fish fry.
SPECIAL SECTION
PAGE 8
by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor after all these years OUR TOWN
+ Student selected for medical congress Ryan DeMello, a Plant City resident and junior at Seffner Christian Academy, has been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders from Nov. 14 to 16, in Washington, D.C. The congress is an honors-only program for high school students. DeMello was nominated by Dr. Connie Mariano, medical director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, to represent Seffner Christian Academy based on his academic achievement, leadership and determination to serve in the field of medicine.
Arrest in 1979 murder brings closure to family Charolette Kelley was murdered 35 years ago, at her Plant City home. Thanks to DNA evidence, an arrest has finally been made. Orthneil Kelley still goes to the shady cemetery grass to visits his mother’s grave. He’s 39 now. But, he was just 4 years old when he lost her. It was 1979, when Charo-
lette Kelley was strangled at her Plant City home. After 35 years, her cold case finally has been closed. The Plant City Police Department announced Aug. 26,
that the U.S. Marshal Service arrested Nathaniel Bigbee, 63, in connection to her murder. Kelley shook hands with detectives and smiled at the press conference.
He still will visit his mother’s grave. But now, he’ll have very different news for her. “She did it,” Kelley said. “She made it happen — that she can get closure. She can rest.” Kelley was at home with his 7-month-old brother, Antwan, when his mother was murdered. He doesn’t remember
SEE KELLEY / PAGE 4
by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Strawberry association inducts new director
David and Rubye Mae Daniels celebrated Aug. 27, their 73rd anniversary. They took their honeymoon in 1941, in Ybor City. David is a U.S. Army veteran, who served in World War II, and Rubye is the last surviving sibling in her family. They are both 92 years old and have lived in their home on North Whitehall Street for 53 years.
Plant City native Kenneth Parker always has had close ties to agriculture. He takes over for Ted Campbell, who retired recently. Following the retirement of Executive Director Ted Campbell, the Florida Strawberry Growers Association selected a new leader, Kenneth Parker. His background is as local as the berries that come from the fields of Plant City. Campbell held the position for six years. He lived in Naples but commuted weekly between the two cities. “That wasn’t the lifestyle I had in mind when I took that
+ Archives receives D.E. Bailey Papers
SEE PARKER / PAGE 4 Brooklyn Rollins just celebrated her first birthday Aug. 20.
Amber Jurgensen
Poster Child The Rollins family is raising money to participate in the 20th Flagship Buddy Walk, in New York. Their daughter, Brooklyn, will be featured in a slideshow before the walk.
I
t’s been a year of trials and joy for the Rollins family. On Aug. 20, 2013, they welcomed beautiful baby Brooklyn into the world. Brooklyn was born with Down syndrome. But, the family quickly rallied around her. After sending her picture to the National Down Syndrome Society several weeks ago, mother Amber Rollins was notified that Brooklyn’s photograph would be used in a video for the 20th Flagship Buddy Walk Sept. 20, in New York City. “That’s cool,” Amber said about finding out. “I was like,
, 3&
This week’s winner is
‘Really?’ She skipped the local Buddy Walk and went straight to the national one.” Amber, along with husband, Steven — and of course, Brooklyn — want to attend the opening ceremonies of the walk to see Brooklyn on the big screen in Times Square. But, they need help to raise $2,000 to make the trek. So far, they have raised $275.
SCARY START
HOW TO HELP To help the Rollins raise money so they can attend the 20th Flagship Buddy Walk in New York City, visit gofundme. com/cvv3wc.
Brooklyn just celebrated her first birthday during a party last week at Faith Lighthouse
SEE BROOKLYN / PAGE 4
Kelsey Bridges. See her photo on PAGE 13.
much of it — except for holding his baby brother in his arms. Police said neighbors heard
HOME-GROWN
STEP BY STEP by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor
+ P.C. couple celebrates 73 years
The Plant City Photo Archives and History Center received Aug. 20, the first shipment of papers from David E. Bailey Jr. They were delivered by David Merrill Bailey, son of the author. Bailey, along with Quintilla Geer Bruton, authored the book “Plant City: Its Origin and History.” The younger Bailey and his sister, Randi Sue Cox, met with Executive Director Gil Gott after Bailey died in August 2010 and decided Bailey would like his writings and papers to be donated to the center.
Charolette Kelley was only 25 when she was murdered.
coming soon by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Tire store to open by Christmas
Construction began Aug. 18 on the future site of Kauffman Tire, at James Redman Parkway and Maki Road. A new business, Kauffman Tire, is expected to open on James L. Redman Parkway this winter. The site is at the intersection of Maki Road, between McDonald’s and GTE Financial Credit Union, on
SEE KAUFFMAN / PAGE 4
INDEX Calendar.......................2
Vol. 2, No. 6 | One section Crossword...................13
Neighborhood...............7
Obituaries.....................9
Sports.........................10
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COMMUNITYCALENDAR FRIDAY, AUG. 29 JD Lewis Swampgrass Tunes — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, Aug. 29, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
for help. Registration required; $20. (813) 644-6720 or BayCareEvents.org.
Story Time — takes place from 11 a.m. to noon Friday, Aug. 29, at the Children’s Board Family Resource Centers in East County, 639 E. Alexander St., Plant City. (813) 752-8700.
St. Mary’s Community Church Yard Sale — takes place beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Plant City Seafood, 807 S. Maryland Ave. Sale will feature clothing, household items and more. Lunch will include fish sandwiches. Proceeds will benefit the church’s food ministry. Betty Goodwine, (813) 717-9226.
Uncork Your Weekend with Savannah Palen — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Aug 29, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752- 9100.
Uncork Your Weekend with Mark Sprouse — live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 W. Thonotosassa Road, Plant City. (813) 752-9100.
SATURDAY, AUG. 30 Breastfeeding Class — takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at the South Florida Baptist Hospital Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City. This class will provide the expectant mom and her support person current, evidencebased recommendations for nursing newborns. The class will address latching and positioning, benefits of immediate skin-to-skin contact, newborn hunger signs, tips for returning to work, breastfeeding lifestyles and when to call a health care provider or lactation consultant
Undercover Betty — performance takes place from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.
SUNDAY, AUG. 31 Nathan Woodward Concert — takes place at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, at Turkey Creek First Baptist Church, 4915 W. Trapnell Road. (813) 7527890.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 2 Flute Circle — takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at Bruton Memorial Library,
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.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 6
302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Utah Farris, (863) 6960442 or utahflutes1@wmconnect.com.
Bike Fest — takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at 102 N. Palmer St. For more, visit plantcity.org.
Motion Commotion — takes place from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St., Plant City. Family Time is motion time with this 30-minute program that incorporates music, literacy and fitness for the whole family. (813) 757-9215. Plant City Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon — takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Plant City Elks Lodge, 1501 N. Alexander St. Doors open at 11 a.m. Tickets are $15. For reservations call (813) 752-5537. Ribbon Cutting: Hurley-Vorce, Hands On Training — takes place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 601 E. Alexander St., Unit 643. For more, call (813) 3261643.
Concealed Weapons Permit Class — takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. S.R. 60, Plant City. Mark Roser, (813) 310-1056.
BEST BET Annual Labor Day BBQ — takes place beginning at 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. There will be BBQ chicken, slaw, beans and roll, as well as for desserts for sale. Meals can be carried out or eat in. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. The proceeds will support scholarships and operations for Evangelical University and Seminary Bible Leadership Institute. Tickets can be purchased at the agent or ahead of time at the church office, 105 E. Baker St. (813) 716-0480.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 4
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.
Ribbon Cutting: McClanathan, Burg & Associates — takes place at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St., Plant City. For more, visit plantcity.org.
Plant City Fit Club — meets at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at 301 N. Dort St., Plant City. Melissa, (813) 395-3953.
Silk Scarf Design Class — takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, at the historic 1914 Plant City High
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 3
School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St., Plant City. The East Hillsborough Historical Society will host the class, which is sponsored by the Arts Council of Plant City. Each student will have the opportunity to design and dye a silk scarf. All supplies will be provided by the Arts Council of Plant City. Register by calling (813) 7579226 or emailing qcenter@ tampabay.rr.com.
MudTitan Run — takes place Saturday, Sept. 6, at 1500 Prevatt Road, Plant City. Heats begin at 8:30 a.m. Part of the proceeds will benefit The Youth Alliance. For more, visit mud titanrun.com.
MONDAY, SEPT. 8 Plant City Community Chorale — The chorale is preparing for its 2014 Christmas Concert. All interested singers may join the chorale at 7 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 8 and 15, at First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 Reynolds St., Plant City. Members have mixed choral experiences and abilities to read music, and include beginners and accomplished singers. A Master Gardening Program, “Foundation Plantings Do’s and Don’ts” — takes place from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Bruton Memorial Library, 302 W. McLendon St. (813) 7579215.
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NEWS BRIEFS + Teen charged with DUI manslaughter The Plant City Police Department’s Traffic Management Unit made an arrest last week in a February traffic crash that occurred on North Alexander Street near Interstate 4. The crash resulted in the death of Keith A. Davis, 52, of Plant City. Jennifer Carvajal was arrested Aug. 21 and was charged with DUI manslaughter and no valid driver’s license. After the arrest, she was transported to Orient Road Jail. According to police reports, Carvajal was traveling north on North Alexander Street, when she hit the passenger side of Davis’ car at about 6:30 a.m. Davis was coming off the eastbound exit ramp of Interstate 4. His car was propelled into a concrete barrier divider wall for North Alexander Street, reports stated. Carvajal’s car continued to travel into a pedestrian walk sign and a Plant City water main. From there, it traveled into some shrubs and a palm tree, knocking the palm tree down before coming to a final rest. Carvajal was traveling at 55 mph, according to police reports. The posted speed is 45 mph. She was transported to St. Joseph Hospital, in Tampa. Carvajal also was tested for drugs and alcohol. The blood tests were sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Officers initially heard Carvajal had taken her aunt’s vehicle without permission. But, the vehicle belonged to her mother, Edith Rosales. Her uncle, Marcel Rosales, cosigned for the car. Investigators aren’t sure where Carvajal was headed so early in the morning or whether she was supposed to be driving the car. She and her mother have given limited cooperation with investigators. During an interview, they would not release a statement regarding her destination that morning.
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election by Tampa Bay Times
Higginbotham cruises to District 7 showdown Al Higginbotham now will face Democrat Patricia “Pat” Kemp for the Hillsborough County Commission District 7 position.
Plant City resident Al Higginbotham won soundly the Republican nod for the countywide Hillsborough County Commission District 7 seat, besting challengers Tim Schock, Robin Lester and Don Kruse. Higginbotham will face Democrat Patricia “Pat” Kemp, who won her primary over challenger Mark Nash. Higginbotham received 66.48% of the vote; his closest challenger was Schock, with 7,767. Kemp received 34,052 votes, compared to Nash’s 17,996. In the race for County Commission District 4 — Higginbotham’s former seat — Dr. Stacey White narrowly beat Janet Dougherty and Rick Cochran. White received 6,902 votes, while Dougherty re-
ceived 6,221 and Cochran 4,790.
SCHOOL BOARD
All three Hillsborough County School Board contests appear headed to runoffs with no one — including incumbent and former Chairwoman April Griffin — getting a majority in the Aug. 26 primary. In the race for District 4, which represents Eastern Hillsborough, insurance agent Melissa Snively came close to an outright victory, but with just under half the total vote she heads to the Nov. 4 general election against Christian conservative activist Terry Kemple. Kemple has campaigned hard against the national Common Core movement. Snively, similarly, has criticized Common Core and the version ad-
opted by the state, the Florida Standards. A third candidate, Dee Prether, took more than one in 10 votes. Snively acknowledged Aug. 26 that she had hoped to win outright. But, as she came close, she said, “We were very pleased. We’ll just have to get out there and work hard, do what we need to do.” Kemple said he would work harder on fundraising to get his message out. Although he wants voters to be able to differentiate between his positions and Snively’s, he does not intend to go negative. “I’m about me and not about anybody else,” he said. The countywide District 6 race pits Griffin against lawyer Dipa Shah. Despite eight years of experience and a high profile, Griffin captured fewer than a third of the votes cast in the eight-way race. Shah, who raised more money than any of the other 13 candidates in the three races,
Registered Voters: 756,328 Ballots Cast: 123,357 Voter Turnout: 16.31%
RESULTS CANDIDATE
PERCENT VOTES
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 4 Rick Cochran 26.74% 4,790 Janet Dougherty 34.73% 6,221 Stacey White 38.53% 6,902 COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 7 (DEM) Patricia “Pat” Kemp 65.42% 34,052 Mark Nash 34.58% 17,996 COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 7 (REP) Al Higginbotham 66.48% 32,691 Don Kruse 6.86% 3,371 Robin A. Lester 10.87% 5,346 Tim Schock 15.79% 7,767 SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 2 Sally A. Harris 27.21% 8,192 Michelle Popp Shimberg 47.17% 14,201 Michael Weston 25.61 7,710 SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4 Terry Kemple 39.5% 9,681 Dee Prether 13.68% 3,354 Melissa Snively 46.82% 11,476 SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 6 Asher D. Edelson 2.85% Alison McGillivray Fernandez 12.45% April Griffin 27% Stacy Hahn 15.75% Paula Meckley 14.73% Dipa Shah 16.31% Lee Sierra 4.36% Randy Toler 6.57%
3,241 14,165 30,712 17,899 16,754 18,554 4,965 7,479
Source: Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections
GOVERNANCE by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
City Commission approves funds for violence prevention Commissioners agreed to direct funds to the Violence Prevention Collaborative. Meanwhile, the discontinuation of funding for local cemetery maintenance is up for debate.
+ Church volunteer arrested for child porn Polk County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a youth volunteer with Plant City’s Church on the Rock for possession of child pornography. According to Sheriff’s Office reports, Computer Crimes detectives arrested Aug. 20, Jay Howell Bloodworth, 28, of Lakeland, and charged him with two counts of possession of child pornography. Bloodworth is an active member of Church on the Rock and stated he was a volunteer with the youth group; some 30 to 40 juveniles under age 18. Church staff members located images on a shared computer and contacted the Plant City Police Department, which began an investigation. A forensic examination of the church computer began, and child porn images were found in a folder titled, “Jay.” Sheriff’s Office detectives were contacted Aug. 19. A search warrant was obtained for Bloodworth’s residence where other computer devices were seized. “Because concerned staff members from Plant City’s Church on the Rock did the right thing, Jay Bloodworth is behind bars,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd. “This is another example of the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement. Images found on a shared church computer led to this investigation and, ultimately, Bloodworth’s arrest.” During a post-Miranda interview, Bloodworth confessed to being in possession of child pornography and admitted ownership of the files located during the Plant City Police Department’s investigation. Bloodworth stated he had been viewing child pornography for about 18 months and has viewed it every day for the past two weeks. The investigation is ongoing.
barely edged out Paula Meckley and Stacy Hahn for second place. In South Tampa’s District 2 race, longtime school volunteer Michelle Shimberg likely will face preschool owner Sally Harris, who squeaked past Michael Weston, a former high school teacher. The other four members of the seven-member board do not face re-election until 2016. Hillsborough elections officials had about 1,800 mailin ballots left to be counted Wednesday morning, though it appeared the remaining ballots would not affect any close races. The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Office expected to have the remaining mail-in ballots counted by the end of the day Wednesday, said the office spokeswoman Gerri Kramer. The election results will be certified and submitted to the Florida Department of State by Sept. 2, Kramer said.
VOTER TURNOUT
Trombonist Alex Belliveau was the first soloist in the opening standard, “All of Me.” Belliveau and pianist Paul Butcher started playing together about seven years ago.
JAZZ &JAVA
FULL SWING by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer The Arts Council of Plant City invited the community to dinner and a musical performance Aug. 23, at the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center. The B&B Jazz Quartet, a group from Lakeland, comprising Paul Butcher (piano), Alex Belliveau (trombone), Ian Goodman (drums) and William Hall (electric bass), performed. Krazy Kup supplied coffee to accompany dessert for the evening.
Dodie White and Marsha Passmore, organizers of the event, served wine and iced tea to the guests.
Plant City commissioners approved Aug. 25, participation in the Violence Prevention Collaborative, an anti-violence initiative among Hillsborough County offices and municipalities. Plant City will contribute $4,750 annually to this project for the next five years. The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners began developing the Violence Prevention Collaborative after the 2013 school shootings in Newtown, Ct. The VPC is a long-term plan to make Hillsborough County safer. Board members released the prevention plan, Safe and Sound Hillsborough, earlier this week and will fully launch it this fall. The plan calls for a shift of thinking: to consider violence as a public health issue and prescribe corresponding treatment. The document outlines three keys to preventing violence: enacting a comprehensive approach to stopping violence; addressing risk and resilience factors; and using strategies that take into account the policies and systems that affect individuals, families and communities. Plant City has committed to contribute funds from its Special Appropriations, Other Contractual Services budget to the VPC for the next five years, which is the scope of the project’s initial budget. “I’m sure if it’s a successful program, we’ll see it continue,” said Bill McDaniel, assistant city manager. McDaniel has led Plant City’s participation in the VPC since county commissioners began its development. McDaniel said Plant City could directly benefit from contributing to the VPC. Throughout the county, including in Plant City, zip codes will be evaluated based on different factors, such as the occurrence domestic violence and poverty. Programs will be launched in high-risk areas accordingly.
CEMETERY CARE
Cookie Smith said she enjoys all different genres of music.
The commission allowed a public hearing regarding the potential deletion of sections 22-23 of the Plant City Code, which established a Perpetual Care Fund for maintenance of local cemeteries. The initial plan in the code, enacted in fiscal year 20032004, was to generate funds for maintenance by acquiring and
IN OTHER NEWS • Public hearings regarding the Midtown Redevelopment District have been scheduled for the City Commission meetings on Sept. 8 and Sept. 22. • The commission granted easement to FDOT to service the newly installed stormwater pond at the City Pistol Range facility. The pond’s construction is part of the Alexander Street Extension Project. • Caterpillar equipment used for repairs and emergencies in the city has exceeded its life cycle and will be replaced. This includes a steer loader, a wheel loader and a mini hydraulic excavator. selling additional property for cemetery use. Soon after, the price of land rose beyond the city’s budget, so no additional land was acquired. The Perpetual Care Fund would require $10 million, invested at 3.5%, to produce sufficient revenue for the proposed operating budget of $341,300. Because there will be no more land for sale, the amount in the Perpetual Care Fund never would surpass $2.52 million plus interest earning. Therefore, the commission has proposed to discontinue the Perpetual Care Fund. Resident George Noonan, whose mother-in-law is buried at Shiloh Cemetery, urged commissioners to consider the families who already use the city-maintained cemeteries. He said after Shiloh had left the care of the city and become the responsibility of a commercial company, its aesthetic declined. “I see tire tracks through the graves, flower pots knocked over,” Noonan said. “It’s not the same care. ... I say we made a mistake by getting away from perpetual care.” Vice Mayor Rick Dodson and Commissioner Mark Sparkman were absent from the Aug. 25 meeting. Mayor Rick Lott decided to postpone the vote on the Perpetual Care Fund until the Sept. 8 meeting, when all commissioners will be present. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
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BROOKLYN / PAGE 1
Catherine Sinclair
Kenneth Parker is known around Plant City for being a leader in many agricultural organizations. He began a new position at the Florida Strawberry Growers Association earlier this month.
PARKER / PAGE 1 job,” Campbell said. “I had some personal strains ... but it was for the good of the growers.” He said he appreciated how the people of Plant City had been so hospitable and welcomed him as an outsider. Now that Campbell has retired, he is able to remain in Naples with his wife. “I did my duty and got (the association) on the right direction, and they’ve hired a really excellent replacement,” Campbell said. After Campbell announced he would be retiring, the search began for another leader. Tommy Brock, one of the founding members of the FSGA, knew Parker personally and called to ask whether he would be interested in the job. “I thought about that for a minute, and I said, ‘Tommy, 10 years ago, I would not have considered it. Ten years from now, I might wish I had not.’” Parker said. “But, after talking with a lot of my friends who are in the industry, they thought it would be a very positive thing for the association, and the board then voted unanimously to hire me as their new director.” Parker said he was humbled by that unanimous vote. His first day on the job was Aug. 5. Parker grew up on family land near Lithia. Both he and his wife, Dee, have large families in the area. “We always had a few cows,” he said. “My grandfather had some oranges. I had opportunities right out of college to travel around the country, but I never really wanted to leave Plant City.” The FSGA can expect changes under Parker’s leadership. “One of my goals is to really unite all of the growers,” he said. “We would like every grower to be a member of the
association. There’s enough serious challenges ahead of us that we need to all be together.” One of those challenges, from a business perspective, is competition. Companies that grow strawberries in Mexico compete with the Florida market, because they have the same growing season. “But, we are the most locally grown strawberries in the wintertime to two-thirds of the country,” Parker said. “So, hopefully, that message will sell well with the consumers.” Keeping in mind the goal of producing the most desirable strawberries possible, the FSGA funds plant breeding research at the University of Florida. Another challenge is the labor intensity that strawberries demand. “Every strawberry plant is hand-planted annually,” Parker said. “Every acre is harvested by hand twice a week. That becomes the need for a skilled, reliable work force.” Parker’s leadership role in the community extends far beyond his new position. He is an associate director of the Florida Strawberry Festival and superintendent of the Steer Committee. He also serves on the Hillsborough County Farm Bureau board and is an associate board member of the Florida FFA Foundation. In Lithia, Parker is a co-owner of a commercial cow and calf operation called South Prong Ranch, as well as a deacon at Welcome Baptist Church. “It’s nice to have had a legacy left here, but we can’t assume that we’re entitled to anything,” Parker said. “We want to continue to work hard together — all stakeholders in this industry.” Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
Church in Plant City. The Mickey and Minnie Mouse theme is Brooklyn’s favorite. Family and friends flooded the halls of the church. At the time of her birth, no one was sure whether this day would come. In the months leading up to Brooklyn’s birth, Rollins prepared like any other excited mother-to-be. Everything went according to the books. That was, until Brooklyn came into the world. She wasn’t breathing. She had to be transferred from South Florida Baptist Hospital to St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Tampa, to save her life. Nurses hastily wheeled Brooklyn, in her transport bed, to Amber’s room so she could see her before she left. It was the first time Amber saw her baby. She had no idea if it would be the last. Later, she got a call from Steven. Brooklyn had trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. “I was scared,” Amber said. “I didn’t know what it was. And I just wanted to be there. I really wanted to be there.” After three days, Amber finally was able to join Steven at St. Joseph’s. But, it was another two weeks until she got to hold her. “It was awesome,” Amber said. Before she could go home, Brooklyn had to have a surgery to untwist her intestines and remove her appendix. She also was born with three holes in her heart. Two already have healed, and the last is in the process of slowly closing. A month later, Brooklyn was finally able to come home. Her three siblings, Kaitlin, 18, Kairstin, 16, and Kodi, 13, were just as excited as the parents.
Brooklyn Rollins loves to play in the pool with her parents, Steven and Amber. “They love her to death,” Amber said. “They think she’s the coolest cat around.”
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Life with Brooklyn has its challenges. She’s been in therapy ever since she was released from the hospital. But, she has started to army crawl. Besides Mickey and Minnie, Brooklyn loves to swim in the pool and ride on the golf cart. “She’s always happy, always smiling,” Amber said. “She’s more into socializing.” Amber has been involved in raising awareness for Down syndrome, too. On National Down Syndrome Day, March 21, she brought Brooklyn and Brooklyn’s friend, Easton, who also has Down syndrome, to her Tampa Electric office in Plant City. The trio visited Amber’s co-workers and passed out pamphlets, bracelets and cake.
DOWN SYNDROME FACTS
• Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome. • There are three types of Down syndrome: trisomy 21 (nondisjunction) accounts for 95% of cases, translocation accounts for about 4% and mosaicism accounts for about 1%. • There are more than 400,000 people living with Down syndrome in the United States. • Life expectancy for people with Down syndrome has increased dramatically in recent decades — from 25 in 1983 to 60 today. • Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome. Source: National Down Syndrome Society
“It’s an eye-opener,” Amber said. “More so today, people are more open. But, a couple years ago, it was push them to the side and let them be.” But, with many rallying around her family, including Facebook friends from around
KELLEY / PAGE 1 the boys screaming and crying. When they went to investigate, the 25-year-old mother was nowhere to be found. Two days later, her body was discovered by children playing in a nearby canal. The police department investigated the case and found drops of blood on Charolette Kelley’s bedding. To police, it indicated foul play. It was these very drops of blood that would help solve the case more than three decades later. Detectives took DNA samples from the bedding and sealed them into evidence at the station. The evidence had remained there in a time freeze, until technology could help solve the case. That came in 2012, when they reopened it. “Keep in perspective that this crime occurred in 1979,” said Plant City Police Chief Ed Duncan. “Evidence was collected … that was how we were able to draw on that.” Bigbee was arrested Aug. 25, in Columbus, Miss. Detectives said he was visiting family in
Amber Jurgensen
Orthneil Kelley was only 4 years old when his mother was murdered. that area but lived in Tampa. Bigbee had been a suspect in the case since the beginning. He also had been interviewed by detectives several times before the arrest. When he submitted a DNA sample to police, they were able to link him to the crime. “We believe it was a sexual battery crime — an attempt — that ended her life,” said Robert McLellan, a Plant City detective.
Amber Jurgensen
Police said Bigbee and Charolette Kelley were mutual acquaintances. Orthneil Kelley and Bigbee had limited contact in the years after the murder. Police do not know when Bigbee will be brought back to Tampa. “He took something from me that I never got to enjoy,” Kelley said. “He took my mother away from me. … I wish I could have had my mother around, like I’ve seen so many others.” Kelley wasn’t told much about the case when he was young. “But I didn’t ask, either,” Kel-
KAUFFMAN / PAGE 1 the west side of the road. Don Stine Construction Inc., began the building project began Aug. 18, and is expected to be finished by Dec. 20. The store will open shortly after. Don Stine has hired about 20 other local companies to complete the various phases of construction. Joey Schmidt, Florida regional manager of sales for Kauffman Tire, said the number of retail businesses around the site made it an ideal location. “We are there to meet your current and immediate needs,” Schmidt said. “Whether it is a quick oil change, a free flat re-
the country, Amber has seen the change. “We have a lot of support,” Amber said. “Since the beginning.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
ley said. “They kept us sheltered and let us live our lives … the first few years were the toughest … kids can be cruel at that age — a lot of namecalling.” Still, growing up without a mother didn’t hold him back. He completed a successful 20year career with the U.S. Navy and now works at MacDill Air Force Base. He had known the case was reopened in 2012 and was in contact with detectives throughout the two years. “Cold cases are very much on the forefront of what we do,” said Troy Walker, assistant special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. “Your loved ones are never forgotten.” The police department partnered with the FDLE and the U.S. Marshals Service to help solve the case. Bigbee will be facing a charge of first-degree murder in an attempt of sexual battery. “You can run, you can run, you can run, but you can’t hide for too much longer,” Kelley said. “Don’t give up hope that that closure’s coming. Honestly, I never really lost hope.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com. pair or something larger, you will be met with a friendly, professional and clean-cut sales and service associate.” Yellow Pages currently lists more than 20 similar tire and auto services in Plant City. One of these businesses, Tire Kingdom, is just two buildings south of the site of Kauffman Tire. “We have no issue with that,” said Chris Riley, a sales associate at Tire Kingdom. Kauffman Tire is based in Ellenwood, Ga., (near Atlanta) and operates about 50 stores in Georgia and Florida. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
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LONG TIME COMING by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor
Rollyson ready to lead as festival associate director The Florida Strawberry Festival is a tradition for Rhett Rollyson, whose family has participated in it for years. For Rhett Rollyson, the Florida Strawberry Festival brings up a lot of good memories. There was that time Winona Judd pulled him up on stage to dance with him. She had to stop singing from laughter because of his dance moves — or lack thereof. When the then University of Florida senior returned to campus, someone asked him if he was the one on stage. But his favorite memory always has been the wrestling shows. He was terrified of the rides. Somehow, wrestling was slightly less scary. “It was the coolest thing — the neatest thing,” Rollyson said. “As a young kid, I probably didn’t appreciate the singers they had. I was always front row for wrestling.” Growing up with the festival, it only made sense that years later, Rollyson would become a tireless volunteer. For his service, he has been named as the newest associate director. The board voted him in on Aug. 12. “I was pleasantly surprised when it went through,” Rollyson said. “I knew I was one of many strong candidates. It’s an honor.” Festival General Manager Paul Davis remembers seeing Rollyson as a boy at the festival. “He’s been around the festival most of his life,” Davis said. “He grew up here, just like me. He’s been around it.” Rollyson made the transition from attendee to volunteer more than 10 years ago. Working in stadium logistics, he helped people find their seats, get their tickets and served as
Amber Jurgensen
Rhett Rollyson loved the wrestling shows growing up. extra security. He also worked in the information booths. He loved being a roaming ambassador most of all. It was like being in the information booth without being tethered to it. Public relations and information dissemination is right up Rollyson’s alley. He worked in the tennis industry doing sales and promotion for nine years. He hopes the festival will draw on those strengths from him in his future duties. “He has a lot to offer,” Davis said. And the festival isn’t just a hobby for Rollyson. His father, Ray “Rolly” Rollyson, and father-in-law, Dub McGinnes, have been deeply involved. “I see how hard they’ve worked and how much it means to them,” Rollyson said. Betty Chambers, his wife’s grandmother, also has been instrumental in pushing him to be involved with the festival. “She’s the kind of person who
told me, ‘You’re doing this,’” Rollyson said. “There’s been a rich heritage between my wife’s family and my family.” Rollyson is carrying that tradition on with his own family. He takes his kids, Brendan, 11, and Tanner, 9, to the festival every year. “Seeing them ride the rides — their eyes light up,” Rollyson said. “When it’s here, we’re there.” He said whatever career path his children take, he would still like them to be involved in the festival in the future. And he extends the invitation to everyone living in Plant City. “I think it’s important for everyone to be involved,” Rollyson said. “You’re an ambassador of this city. Be proud of it.” There are 14 associate directors who serve the Florida Strawberry Festival. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
scout’s honor by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
Courtesy photo
Pack 734 raced regatta boats at the 2014 Cedarkirk campout in Lithia. During that trip, they also looked for shark teeth in the Alafia River and zip-lined.
Plant City Cub Scout packs seek new members There are three Cub Scouts packs in the Plant City area, and their leaders are recruiting new members for the 2014-2015 school year. Cub Scout packs of Plant City are starting up again for the new school year, and their leaders are recruiting boys in first through fifth grades who are looking for fun, education and adventure. “You can sign up anytime, but it’s best to sign up at the beginning of the school year,” said Claude Carson, committee chair for Pack 734. Pack 734’s first meeting of the year will be at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 7, in the cafeteria at Cork Elementary School, 3501 N. Cork Road. There is a $10 fee for new members who join in the fall, which covers the remainder of 2014. The cost to participate for a full calendar year is $24. There are additional costs for uniforms, the Cub Scout Handbook and activities. Carson said there is always financial aid available. “In real hardship cases, we can just waive the fees and sign them up,” Carson said. “We never turn anybody away because of financial problems.” The pack also raises money through fundraisers, such as popcorn sales, and some of those funds are used for the boys’ scout-related expenses. Pack 734 has two campouts planned for the fall, including a spooky-themed trip at a Boy Scout camp. Participants will enjoy a climbing wall, bow and
arrow practice, hiking trails and scary stories around a campfire. Carson is also organizing a pack outing on Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day. Museums across the country are offering free admission Sept. 27, for anyone who presents a free ticket downloaded from Smithsonian Magazine’s website. “It’s a good outing for anybody,” Carson said. Right now, there are about 30 boys active in Pack 734. Carson expects to recruit about 20 more this fall. Carson has been a Cub Scout leader for more than 30 years. “I tell people I’ll quit when I get it right, and I haven’t gotten it right yet,” he said. Part of getting it right is in the club’s philosophy. John Mitchell, Cubmaster for Pack 744, believes in it. “Even though we have a lot of fun with different activities and events throughout the year, we also teach our Cub Scouts about being responsible, mature adults, teaching them core values of good will, honesty, compassion, responsibility and respect for nature and others,” Mitchell said. Boys in middle and high school are welcome to join the area’s Boy Scout troops, which correspond with each Cub
PLANT CITY PACKS CUB PACK 5 Meeting time: 6:30 p.m. Mondays Location: American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. Cubmaster: Donnie Hull Contact: hulldonnie@gmail. com CUB PACK 734 Meeting time: 6:30 p.m. Mondays Location: Cork United Methodist Church, 4815 W. Sam Allen Road Cubmaster: Chris Thompson Contact: cubmaster@ pack734.info CUB PACK 744 Meeting time: 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays Location: First United Methodist Church, 303 N. Evers St. (third floor) Cubmaster: John Mitchell Contact: mechtechguy@ gmail.com Scout Pack. New members can join at any grade level and do not have to have been a Cub Scout prior to joining. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
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HOME SWEET HOME by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
HERE SHE IS … by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
P.C. teen wins Florida pageant At the 2014 National American Miss pageant, Faith Behanna took the crown and earned an opportunity to compete nationally in November.
Charleene Closshey, now 33, has played violin since she was 12 and piano since she was 2. Courtesy photo
BACK FROM BROADWAY Charleene Closshey returned recently from touring with the Broadway production of “Once.” Now, she is working on her next projects, which include a holiday film to be released this fall. Although she was cast in a Broadway musical whose most famous song is titled, “Falling Slowly,” Plant City native Charleene Closshey is rising quickly in the success and status of her performing arts career. “Once,” based on a 2007 film, premiered as a new musical on Broadway and on tour last year. It is the story of two musicians in Ireland and how music fosters love, friendship and dreams. Closshey was an understudy for the role of the nameless male protagonist’s ex-girlfriend, which also required her to play fiddle. Closshey’s Broadway debut in this role was April 8, 2014, on the same stage where James Dean made his Broadway debut in 1954. Closshey said when she walked onto the stage that first day, she had expected it to feel surreal and exhilarating. But, when she started to perform, it felt organic. “That release lent creative freedom,” Closshey said. “That’s what the show is all about — creating with your fellow cast members at every moment.” “Once” does not feature choreographed dancing. The actors and actresses are also the musical ensemble, and as they play, their movements are natural expressions of the
music. The score is largely influenced by Celtic and folk music, which is why Closshey’s two decades of violin experience was a critical factor in her casting. Closshey was a “swing” performer — she was cast in the Broadway show as well as the touring production. She is the only swing for “Once.” She said there were a lot of small variations that made it a significantly different experience to act in each show. Closshey made the most of her tour and turned it into a once-in-a-lifetime journey. “I love going to a place and being able to live like a local,” she said. “You’re immersed in aspects of a cultural phenomenon in that moment. Everything is real. It’s not pretentious.” St. Louis was Closshey’s first city on the tour. Des Moines was next, where Closshey visited historical bridges and took a class at the botanical garden. She spent a day in Denver searching for the last wild herd of American buffalo and a week in Tempe volunteering with the Humane Society. “There was adventure around every turn,” Closshey said. Closshey finished touring in May but was called back to perform in the Broadway
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show in August. Now, she is focusing on other artistic endeavors, one of which was produced in Plant City. “It was extra special to be able to come back and remind myself what it feels like to be surrounded by love,” she said. “It’s always good to be with family and friends.” Closshey’s fiance of seven years, Jeremy Culver, is a film writer and director. Culver and his sister, Morgen Culver, wrote the script for a holiday film called “An Evergreen Christmas,” which will be released Nov. 4, 2014. It will be available on DVD at Walmart and on iTunes, Amazon, InDemand and OnDemand. Closshey stars as the lead in the film, which is about a musician going home for Christmas to face family issues and return to her roots. But, Closshey also composed music for the film, including a song called “My Tennessee Home.” Closshey and Culver shot a music video for this song in Plant City during the last week of August. Closshey said despite the title of the song, Plant City was the perfect set for the music video, as long as the palm trees stayed off-screen. “The whole point of the song is about going home,” Closshey said. “We love Ten-
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CHARLEENE CLOSSHEY
Favorite composers: A.R. Rahman (for film scores) and Claude Debussy Favorite film: “Slumdog Millionaire” High school: Harrison Center for Visual & Performing Arts (Lakeland, 1999) Undergraduate: Florida Southern College (2002) Years of acting experience: “I’ve been on stage since I was a baby. Literally.” Pets: Two rescued cats, Daphne and Prescious. “I’m in love with cats. They are wonderful creatures.” Other interests: “I meditate every day. Cinnamon and clarified butter on toast makes me very happy. I love to do laundry and I love to cook.” Website: charleeneclosshey.com nessee. I could totally see myself living in Nashville. But, the intent of the song — family, connectivity and what it means to be home.” Three additional films are on the horizon for Closshey, including an interpretation of a Jane Austen book. These projects are in the pre-production phase. For those who are not actors or musicians, a successful career in the performing arts can sometimes be idealized and glorified. But, Closshey is grounded in humble perspective. “My life is as normal as yours,” she said. “We just have different kinds of normal.” Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver.com.
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At the National American Miss competition for Florida, Faith Behanna, 15, was crowned Miss Florida for her age group. This November, she will compete in the national competition in Anaheim, Calif. Behanna is a sophomore at Strawberry Crest High School. She started entering local Plant City pageants when she was 9, but, since then, she has moved on to bigger competitions, and now she will proceed to the national event. “When I was in about fourth grade, a lot of my friends were competing in pageants. They were telling me that you get to dress up and get crowned, so of course, little fourth-grade me wanted to become a princess,” Behanna said. But now her motivation has changed. “It’s definitely a great way to increase my leadership skills and all of the skills I’m going to need to secure a career one day,” she said. National American Miss is a pageant system that starts at the state level. Competitors must submit an application and be accepted into the pageant. At the state event, Behanna was in the Junior Teen Division 2, which was for 13to 15-year-olds. Behanna was the only competitor from Strawberry Crest, but National American Miss accepts recommendations from its queens for future applicants. Behanna said she recommended some of her friends from school and hopes to see them at pageants in later years. Girls in National American Miss pageants are judged in three on-stage categories: formal wear, personal introduction and interview. They also are judged on community involvement. For the formal wear event, Behanna’s boyfriend, Gio Rapati, escorted her. Rapati is a junior at Strawberry Crest, and Behanna hopes he will be able to escort her at the national competition, as well. During their personal introductions, competitors are required to state their ambitions for the future. Behanna’s set of goals was as dazzling as her crown. “My ambition is to attend the University of Florida, where I’ll major in agricultural education and minor in business, as well as attending cosmetology school, because I hope to open my own salon one day as well as become a high school FFA adviser,” she said. Behanna is active in the FFA at Strawberry Crest. “What I really enjoy with the FFA is the public speaking aspect,” Behanna said. “I also really have come to enjoy floriculture.” She has competed in floriculture at the state level for FFA twice. The interview portion of the event tested the girls’ overall appearance and communication skills. To receive points for community involvement, which was worth 10% of the overall score, the girls had to donate school supplies during pageant weekend. National American Miss distributed the supplies to schools in the counties surrounding the competition
Catherine Sinclair
Behanna was adorned with a bouquet, crown, banner and trophy when she won her title.
FAITH BEHANNA’S 2014 STATE RESULTS Queen: Miss Florida Junior Teen First Runner Up: Casual Wear First Runner Up: Actress Winner: Spokesmodel location. The pageant raised more than 5,000 school supply items to distribute among Central Florida schools, including those in Hillsborough County. Behanna said it was hard to believe that she had earned the title of Miss Florida. “After all of the long hours of hard work that I had put in to prepare, all of the hours shopping and altering dresses ... I was just really glad it paid off,” Behanna said. Behanna was crowned Miss Florida Aug. 4. It was also the date of her mother’s birthday. Behanna chose to give her $1,000 prize to her mother, Brenda Combs, as a birthday gift. “I was actually kind of opposed to her being in pageants for a long time, because I think everyone should take pride in their appearance and take care of themselves, but I think your endeavors should be more than superficial,” Combs said. “But this pageant system — they teach the girls to be civic-minded. ... That’s why I gave her my blessing to go ahead and do it.” Combs said her advice for other pageant moms was to research the background of any pageants their daughters are considering. She said it was important to find a competition that judged girls based on more than just physical appearance. Along with the prize money, Behanna received a queen’s bouquet, crown, trophy, banner and two VIP tickets to Disneyland, which she will use the week of the national competition. She also won $250 in the optional spokesmodel competition. Behanna will compete in the national competition Nov. 22 to 28. Portions of the event will be streamed live on National American Miss’ website, namiss.com. Contact Catherine Sinclair at csinclair@plantcityobserver. com.
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014
TRAVEL by Amber Jurgensen | Managing Editor
EUROPEAN
VACATION
Eight members from Plant City’s First Baptist Church visited the Czech Republic in July.
+ Plant City Lions Club The Plant City Lions Club had a special guest at its Aug. 26 meeting. Hillsborough County Sheriff David Gee stopped in to have lunch with the members at Buddy Freddy’s Restaurant. The Plant City Lions Club meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, at Buddy Freddy’s, 1101 Goldfinch Drive. For more information, visit plantcitylions.org.
+ Plant City Relay for Life The Plant City Relay for Life will hold its next meeting at 6 p.m. Sept. 22, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St. It still needs more ream ambassadors, community champions and youth champions. If you are interested in being part of the 2015 Relay for Life contact Allison Martinez at allison. martinez@cancer.org. Kickoff will be at 6 p.m. Oct. 6, at Plant City’s First Baptist Church, 503 N. Palmer St.
+ Plant City Daybreak Rotary Plant City Daybreak Rotary club member George Banning received the YMCA Strong Leader award at a celebratory banquet on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Plant City Daybreak Rotary meets at 7 a.m. Mondays, at the Community Conference Center at South Florida Baptist Hospital, 301. N. Alexander St. For more information visit plantcity daybreakrotary.com.
+ Plant City Christian Women’s Connection The Plant City Christian Women’s Connection is hosting a luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, at the Plant City Elks Lodge, 1501 N. Alexander St. Doors will open at 11 a.m. The speaker will be Ann Combs, and the music will be by the CWC Singers. The feature is Sassi, a downtown Christmas and seasonal boutique. The cost is $15. For reservations call (813) 752-5537 or email cwcp cfl@msn.com.
+ Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will be closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2. The Ninth Annual Plant City BBQ Lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25, at the Train Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. It will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Plant City. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in person at the Boys and Girls Club, 901 Waller St. or online at bgctampa.org.
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efore a group of eight curious travelers from Plant City’s First Baptist Church boarded a plane July 18, for the Czech Republic, they got one last Cuban sandwich at the Colombia Restaurant in Tampa International Airport. Only after that were they ready to say good-bye to the United States and start a new adventure. The group was part of a trip organized by the church to help youth learn and further develop their English. Or, as motherson team Martha Sue and Ken Skinner like to call it, “Southern Conversational American.” It was the first trip of its kind for the church. The Skinners taught an adult class after it had grown from just a couple to more. “We found the Czech people to be humble and gracious,” Ken said. “They really impressed us with their kindness and graciousness.”
THE TRAVELERS
Anne and Rick Phillips Sandy Cook Mamie and Ashlyn Robinson Steve Morris Martha Sue and Ken Skinner They used a combination of teaching tactics that included bringing menus from some Plant City restaurants, such as Chili’s, and having them order off of them. “It was hard for them,” Martha Sue said. “But it was hard enough for us, too, when we had to order at restaurants.” To learn more about her new students, Martha Sue told them a story about her family’s homestead in Plant City. The property had been in the family since 1845 and faced conflicts between American Indians and early settlers. She said her great-great-grandfather had hidden in a big trunk when he was 4 years old to escape one
Courtesy photos
The group from Plant City enjoyed seeing plenty of the sites during their trip to the Czech Republic. They also loved meeting the locals and teaching English. of these conflicts. If he hadn’t, he could have been killed or taken. When she asked if any others had a story about their families that involved hardship or survival, they opened up. A woman named Camilla shared that her great-grandfather was mayor of a German town during World War II. Instead of going to town hall for a meeting one night, he went home to check on his family first. Everyone who went to the meeting was killed by Nazi troops. Another woman, named Jitka, said her great-grandfather was in London the time his siblings were placed on trains to concentration camps. “Who knew that on the first night we’d connect like that?” Martha Sue said. I think it helped in them carrying on. That to me is a God thing.” During the 12-day trip, the group grew closer. Martha Sue was nicknamed the “American Sister.” They also took sightseeing trips around Uherské Hradišt and Prague.
“It was breath-taking,” Ken said. “Everyone should go to Prague.” Ken shot thousands of pictures on his professional grade camera. Sparkling castle illuminated river reflections. Exotic food stacked up high on plates. Grand Catholic churches bordered 12th-century squares. “It was a fairytale story,” Martha Sue said. “You thought that’s where you were. Only it was real.” And although the sights were an enticing part of the trip, it was the class and people she met along the way that interested her. When they drove away, Jitka’s young son, who had commandeered Ken’s camera during the last day to take his own pictures, chased their van down the street until it disappeared. “Out of all the pretty things — the castles, the food — it was the people that touched my heart,” Martha Sue said. “That was my lasting impression.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
CULTURE SHOCK There are some notable difference between the U.S. and the Czech Republic, among them are clothes and food. ON CLOTHING “They have no sense of style. They’ll wear plaid swimming trunks with another type of plaid shirt and black socks.” — Ken Skinner “You take your shoes off in homes. Not just your own. There’s a pile by the door.” — Martha Sue Skinner ON FOOD “They had Czech pizza but it’s not like American pizza. It’s like a thin flatbread. Like pizza toppings on bread.” — Ken Skinner “The McDonalds had 100% beef hamburgers, beautiful fresh salads, cheesecake, fudge, pies. It’s not like the ones here.” — Ken Skinner
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FISHER OF MEN by Catherine Sinclair | Staff Writer
First Baptist fries up faithful fun Plant City’s First Baptist Church served up an extra helping of faith and fellowship Aug. 23, during a fish fry
for the church’s men’s ministry. The women of the church served the meal. After dinner,
minister of music Pete Battaglia led the group in worship songs on guitar, and guest evangelist Jon Reed spoke.
Tanner Rollyson Right: Jay Ballard, director of technical ministries, introduced deacon Coleman Davis to his friend John Sanders, who was visiting from Nashville. Before the meal, pastor Brian Stowe prayed to thank God for the food and fellowship.
Tabby Stalnaker and Wanda Cox stirred the grits before dinner was served. Women from the church also served fish, hushpuppies and other dishes.
THIS WEEK’S CROSSWORD ANSWERS
THIS WEEK’S CRYPTOGRAM ANSWERS 1. I put big lettuce into some of the investments recommended by my savvy gardener: seed money, hedge funds and high-yield plants. 2. By the first of April, the army was exhausted and had to stop and rest awhile on a beautiful hillside. They had experienced a thirtyone-day march.
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OBSERVEROBITUARIES BLI rolls into fall season FAITH MATTERS
with new curriculum Recently, following the to certain life events, a tragic suicidal death of symptom of some medical national known Americonditions, or a side effect can actor, comedian, film of some drugs or medical producer and screenwriter treatments. Our institute Robin Williams, we have plans to offer a seminar and been made more aware of a continual support group the large percentage related to depresof our population sion. having difficulty BLI Biblical with depression. The Leadership Institute research indicates not only provides one in 10 people sufcertificates and cerfers from depression. tification for courses It is a major factor in and internships in the health of indiChristian church viduals and families. work, but also, we It is something that DR. DAN provide training doesn’t just affect MORRIS SR. for people to serve the weak or the in the community. other person. When Someone can get a the truth is known, we each certificate of study, on-site have to admit that there are training and certification to times that we have to deal serve in one of the wonderwith personal depression in ful community Christian our personal life or one of organizations in Plant City our family members. Often, and East Hillsborough. there is misunderstanding. We continue the seminary Therefore, we keep it quiet and college-degree courses and very private. providing degrees and cerSometimes, people think tificates under the Biblical if they are a Christian or Studies Division. Howhave strong faith in God ever, we also are moving they will not have to deal forward with a roll out of with depression. Obviously, new courses, seminars and positive faith is an esseninternships for men and tial factor to give spiritual women under the Biblical peace and abundant joy. Leadership Division. A perHowever, Christians sufson does not have to be a fer with depression just as called minister, preacher or all humans do. It affects missionary to take courses Christians just as it affects with us or have to take a unbelievers. course for a grade and have Although there are some tests. We are here for each practices and some Biblical person to improve his or principles and researched her knowledge of the Bible studies to move us through as God’s word. One can the dark days and encourexperience a more dynamic age our hearts, we have to faith and relationship with admit our needs and under- God. stand the spiritual, mental, This week, you can enjoy emotional and physical fac- taking a Biblical studies tors. Depressed people can class with us and discover feel sad, anxious, empty, a new joy through deeper hopeless, worried, helpless, faith in the Lord who creworthless, guilty, irritable, ated you and loves you. Just hurt or restless. Depression go online at BiblicalLeadis often a normal reaction ershipInstitute.com select,
enroll and enjoy a fall study with us. Each month, BLI will offer opportunities to meet a variety of needs. Our roll out in September will include offering Dave Ramsey financial courses to help individuals and families with the needs related to achieving financial peace. We will have a beginning Spanish class to help in communicating with the more than 30% Hispanic population in Plant City. Then, we will offer an English course to the Hispanic students. There will be several seminars and courses to meet your personal need. Currently, we invite those who would provide leadership by organizing a team of volunteers from our churches and community to help with minor house repairs for the elderly, or those who are unable to do for themselves, to join in our weekly planning. We meet at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, at 501 Baker St.. We’re also planning a kickoff rally for Carefest Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at McCall Park. We invite anyone who would value serving God by helping people to join us. BLI Biblical Leadership Institute is your local equipping center to allow you not only to study the Bible as the word of God but also to place your faith into practice. These are practices that will transform your life and the life of those around you. Come and enjoy the experience. You can contact us online at BiblicalLeadershipInstitute.org or call us at (813) 659-1903. Dr. Dan Morris Sr. is president of Biblical Leadership Institute. BLI was founded in 2007 as the Evangelical University and Seminary.
Michael Gene Carlisle
Michael Gene Carlisle, 60, of Dover, died Aug. 21, 2014. Born Sunday, Dec. 6, 1953, he was the son of the late Lugine Carlisle and Dorothy Messick Carlisle who survives. He loved to hunt and fish, and he loved to be a Paw Paw to his three beloved grandsons. Mr. Carlisle had been employed by the Conserve Chemical Company and was a member of the Church on the Rock. Survivors also include his beloved wife of 36 years, Sherry Simpson Carlisle; sons, Samuel Carlisle (Zonda) and Jason Carlisle (Crystal); sisters, Lynn Evans and Tonya Salindo; and grandsons Lucas Michael, Grayson Jerad and Michah Alan Carlisle. A funeral service was held Aug. 26, at Church on the Rock. If so desired contributions may be made to Church on the Rock General Fund. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Anthony Michael Duval
Anthony Michael Duval, 26, of Plant City, died Aug. 21, 2014. Born June 16, 1988, in Burlington, Vt., he was the son of the late Peter Duval and Noreen Austin Duval, who survives. Mr. Duval attended Plant City High School, was an avid wresting fan and was a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Boston Red Sox. Survivors also include brothers, Matthew James Duval and Sean Tomas Kelleher; sister, Casey Marie Beillier; and stepbrothers Peter J. Duval Jr., Danny Paul Duval, Joseph Charles Duval and Scott Allen Duval. A memorial service was held Aug. 25, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, Plant City. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
David Lee Eaker
David Lee Eaker, 29, of Plant City, died Aug. 18, 2014, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center. Born April 5, 1985, in San Angelo, Texas, he was the son of Paul Eaker and Margaret Minter.
Mr. Eaker was a member of East Thonotosassa Baptist Church, attended Plant City High School, was an avid hunter and loved fishing and the outdoors. Survivors also include grandparents, H. Lee and Shirley Eaker; sisters, Jamie Eaker, Crystal Eaker and Amanda Eaker; aunt, Paula Eaker; and niece, Alexus Redd. A funeral service was held Aug. 23, at Haught Funeral Home Chapel, Plant City. Condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome.com.
Jaime Lyn Hurlburt
Jaime Lyn Hurlburt, 35, died Aug. 17, 2014, from a traffic accident in North Carolina. She was born Dec. 19, 1978, in Zanesville, Ohio, to David Fleming and Theresa (Robinson). She is survived by her husband of seven years, Aaron Hurlburt; two sons, Colton Hurlburt and Alessio Hurlburt; one daughter, Haylee Howell; mother, Theresa Robinson (Jerry Lincoln); father, David Fleming (Cathy); sister, Jennie Zamarippa; and one nephew, Nicholas Hayes. Funeral services were held on Aug. 25, at First Baptist Church of Dover. Burial took place at Florida National Cemetery.
Stanley L. Schmitt
Stanley L. Schmitt, 89, of Plant City, died Aug. 23, 2014, also his 67th wedding anniversary. Mr. Schmitt was born on July 16, 1925, in Cincinnati, to Edward and Doris Schmitt. Survivors include his wife, Jean Weber Schmitt; children, Steven Schmitt, David Schmitt (Joyce) and Sally Watson Keene (Marlon); grandchildren, Dr. Holly Schmitt (Darren Fox), Bonnie Melson (Phillip) and Sara Collins (Brian); greatgrandchildren, Luke Melson, Grant Melson, Thor Collins and
Arden Melson; siblings, Betty Butcher and Jack Schmitt. Mr. Schmitt graduated in 1943, from Western Hills High School, in Cincinnati. He entered the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II. After the war, he attended Ohio Mechanics Institute and graduated in 1950. Mr. Schmitt worked as a superintendent for a contractor until 1973, when he moved to Oldsmar and began his own company. In 1946, Mr. Schmitt met the love of his life, Jean Weber. They were married Aug. 23, 1947, in Cincinnati. In 1986, Mr. Schmitt moved to Plant City. A memorial service was held Aug. 26, at Wells Memorial and Event Center, Plant City. Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 W. Reynolds St., Plant City, FL 33563, or LifePath Hospice, 3010 W. Azeele St., Tampa, FL 33609. Condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Billy Ray Wooten
Billy Ray Wooten, of Plant City, died Aug. 22, 2014, with the Bible in his hands and his caring Health Center of Plant City family by his side. Mr. Wooten was born in 1948, in Tampa. He came to the Health Center of Plant City around the time it opened in 1985. He was beloved by his caregiving family. Nursing assistants insisted on remaining on his assignment, even when he moved to another nursing unit. He will be remembered for his good-natured teasing of his favorite caregivers. He was grateful for the love and attention they provided. Mr. Wooten was an active member of the center’s community. He was most fond of and grateful for the many church services generously provided to our center by several area churches. He is predeceased by his father, John Wooten; mother, Gladys Heaton; and brother Paul Heaton.
Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | COMMUNITY
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Chase Blackmon makes most of his Crest debut. 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.
BASEBALL
FRIDAY, AUGUST 29, 2014
volleyball by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Area volleyball teams are ready to rumble
The Class 7A, District 7 race is one of the tightest in the area, thanks to Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s strong play.
+ Kendall Dawson named to USA team Kendall Dawson got some great news last week. The Plant City native learned that she had made the cut for the USA Baseball Women’s National Team on Thursday, and she’ll be the team’s catcher for its 2014 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup run in September. Dawson, one of 20 athletes selected after last week’s team trials, wrapped up team training activities yesterday and will head to Miyazaki, Japan, to compete from Sept. 1 to 7.
Sure, football may be the most wide-open competition in the area. Volleyball may be its closest competitor, though. Take away Durant’s sterling 26-2 (11-0 district) season, and what’s left is a tie for first place: Plant City (18-10) and Strawberry Crest (16-9), each with a 7-3 record in 7A-7 play. That’s good, healthy competition, right there. But, that was 2013. How will
these teams fare this year? By the looks of things, not much will be different. That’s good for the fans.
DURANT
The best team in the area played more like a complete team in 2013 than 2012, and it shows in their record. After losing to Bloomingdale Aug. 22, the Lady Cougars didn’t taste defeat again until November
— losing to Steinbrenner in the second round of the playoffs. Led by seniors Lexi Thompson and Victoria Fanning, Durant torched the competition to the tune of 11.8 kills per set and a .433 hitting percentage — both well above the national average, as listed on MaxPreps. com. Although Thompson didn’t come close to replicating her 2012 season — a whop-
Justin Kline
Durant High School recently held tryouts for its 2014 volleyball team. ping 295 kills — she bumped her kill and hit percentages up a few percentage points and committed 30 errors instead of 72. Fanning’s kills and kill percentage dropped, but she dramatically increased her
BLOOMINGDALE AT STRAWBERRY CREST
Jefferson at P.C.: Friday night notes
+ Register open for fishing derby
+ City to host softball tourney The Rec and Parks Department is also thinking ahead to October, having just announced a women’s Halloween softball tournament. Plant City will host the Halloween All-Night Classic (formerly known as the Cindy Shaw All-Night Halloween Tournament), and the department is expecting to bring in teams from around the Tampa Bay area and even out of state. The tournament will be held Oct. 25, at the Randy L. Larson Four-Plex, 1500 South Park Road. Teams are required to pay a $300 entry fee and register by Friday, Oct. 17. Registration is available online at teamsideline.com/ plantcity.
by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
QUIET
Matt Mauney
Strawberry Crest lineman Cody McDaniel is quietly making a name for himself as one of the area’s best linemen.
storm
He’s not the most talkative guy on the Chargers’ roster, but Cody McDaniel lets his play do the talking instead — and people are taking notice. Many football players love to talk, whether it’s about themselves, their teammates or their opponents. Strawberry Crest senior Cody McDaniel is not one of them, but he doesn’t need to be. The soft-spoken giant just goes out there and does his thing every Friday night, and his coaches have been doing much of his talking for him. “Cody would be one of those ‘lead by
example’ kids,” head coach John Kelly says. “He’s not the most outspoken, he’s not one of those rah-rah kids — he just goes out there, goes about his business and does his job. I love that. He just does the right things.” McDaniel, who is listed at 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, is utilized along the offensive line and at the defensive end for
SEE GAME / PAGE 11
SEE VOLLEYBALL / PAGE 13
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
GAME OF THE WEEK
REC AND PARKS
The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department’s semi-annual Youth Fishing Derby is less than a month away, and registration is open now. Any Plant City kids, ages 5 to 15, are eligible to fish in the Sept. 20 derby. Anglers, divided into two age groups, can compete for the First Bass, First Catfish, Biggest Fish and Most Fish awards. Registration may be done online at the city’s website, plantcitygov.com, and is open through Sept. 18. For more information, or to sign on as an event sponsor, contact Deborah Haldane at (813) 6594200, Ext. 4302.
hit percentage — from .288 to .455. The two combined for 317 kills. Those are two big losses for Durant, but coach Brittany
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS All games start at 7:30 p.m. AUG. 29 Durant at Armwood; 12000 U.S. 92, Seffner Steinbrenner at Plant City; 1 Raider Place, Plant City Bloomingdale at Strawberry Crest; 4691 Gallagher Road, Dover SEPT. 5 Sickles at Durant; 4748 Cougar Path, Plant City Plant City at Wharton; 20150 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. Strawberry Crest at Spoto; 8538 Eagle Palm Drive, Riverview
After weeks like this last one, I sometimes find myself wishing I could be in three or four places at once. Durant got a big win over Oak Ridge, and Strawberry Crest’s offense clicked well against Middleton, but I had to resort to checking Twitter for those two. No big deal, though. The Jefferson/Plant City matchup I covered was a good game and a good indicator of what these two 2013 playoff teams may do in 2014. I made a bunch of notes — some mental, some physical — about the game, and JUSTIN how some of KLINE the players looked. If I remember correctly, the Raiders went undefeated last year when wearing their orange uniforms. It’s no surprise, then, that they went with that look for this game. Those all-black unis are pretty slick, but, as a fairly superstitious person, I’d keep going with the orange ones until the team loses. I have no idea exactly what set the Jefferson players off early in the game (maybe Tommy Bennett’s sack on the opening play), but those kids were on edge for the entire game. They looked sloppy and unfocused and channeled their aggression in just about the worst ways possible — drawing what seemed like a million penalties and not even trying to hide their contempt of Plant City from the referees. Unless you’re scoring a touchdown every two or three plays, you’re not going to win games against
SEE KLINE / PAGE 12
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VOLLEYBALL / PAGE 10 Wilson isn’t worried about the team’s fate. “I expect the same thing,” Wilson says. “Obviously, we lost five seniors — four started — but I expect the same thing.” Defensively, Wilson thinks this squad could be better than last year’s. Jasmine Shamberger is moving to middle back, and Annie Quinn is returning for her senior season. Wilson also believes sophomore outside hitter Emma Rustenberghe could be an impact player in 2014, thanks to a summer of hard work and improvements. Rustenberghe could be at the forefront of a talented group of underclassmen who, having been around last year, know what must be done to win. “My underclassmen, they kind of watched our season last year, watched everything unfold, and I think they expect the same thing from themselves,” she says.
PLANT CITY
Fortunately for Plant City, the Lady Raiders had the fewest losses of any of the area teams. Losing just three seniors to graduation — including top player Alex Arnold and her 211 kills — means that the 2014 squad is going to be loaded with veteran talent. “We feel confident in what we have to fill those roles,” head coach Jessica Thornton says. “We’ll have five seniors in key positions. We feel pretty confident in our ability.” Also working in the girls’ favor was its good fortune in the district. Even though Plant City and Strawberry Crest finished with the same district record, the Lady Raiders took control of the season series after dropping the first matchup, Sept. 10, 3-1. The Lady Raiders finished that series with a 3-1 record. Senior outside hitters Emily Fry and Kellie Pernula are expected to be impact players this season. Fry’s 106 kills in 2013 were the third-most on the team, but her 90 blocks led the way. Pernula, who picked up 70 kills in as many sets played, will be asked to take on a larger role this season. Also of note is that senior Michelle Daubach is moving to libero and that Thornton felt that switching Kasi Maguire to setter last year was successful enough to carry into 2014. “She’s really picked up on the position very quickly,” Thornton says. “Working with that strong lineup, I feel good about where we’re at for offense.” And, defensively, not much should change. Three of the 2013 defensive leaders — Fry, Noelle Dietrich and Maguire
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ROOT FOR THE HOME TEAM It sure sounds as though catching any of the Plant City-area volleyball action this year will be a good idea, given how much potential these girls have to go far. Why not start watching as soon as possible, especially with a few great rivalry games early on? Here are the next home games for each team: Durant vs. East Bay: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 4 Plant City vs. Strawberry Crest;: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8 Strawberry Crest vs. Durant: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 — are returning. According to Thornton, everyone’s in the right mindset to win. “These girls are dedicated, and very willing to go the extra mile to get us where we need to be as a program,” she says.
STRAWBERRY CREST
Starting out strong is going to be key for the Lady Chargers in 2014. Three of their first five games will pit them against Hillsborough, Plant City and Durant — all strong programs — and the first four of five will be played on the road. And, they also won’t want to replicate last season’s play against the district’s other top teams. Losing three of four to Plant City, even in invitational tournament play, was not a good look. But, to Crest’s advantage, they’ll have one of the top players in the area coming back. Terra Brooks, who is also a very good basketball player, was awesome when playing middle for the Lady Chargers last year. As a sophomore, Brooks racked up 238 kills (57.2%) and 56 blocks. Needless to say, Wilson and Thornton wouldn’t even dream of overlooking Brooks when drawing up their game plans for Crest. The Lady Chargers have already started 2014 on a good note, having played in the Riverview Pre-Season Tournament last Monday evening. They started with a 2-0 sweep of Brandon, winning 25-4 and 25-13, and then beat Riverview, 25-13, 14-25, 17-15. Brooks finished with 12 kills and 10 blocks. Although that was over a week ago, it’s exactly the kind of momentum that Strawberry Crest needed to start the regular season. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
PlantCityObserver.com
football by Justin Kline | Staff Writer
Plant City strong in preseason action Sometimes, the way to beat a playoff team is to punch it in the mouth early. That’s what the Plant City Raiders did to Jefferson High School in Friday night’s 14-12 win, and the Dragons were furious. Plant City set the tone on the first play of the game, Kijafi Coney was feeling good when Tommy Bennett plowed about Plant City’s chances. through the offensive line to A 65-yard rush by running record a sack. Whatever the Raiders were doing out there back Markese Hargrove set seemed to frustrate the Jef- King up for an easy QB sneak, ferson players, who drew four which put the Raiders ahead, early penalties and turned the 7-6. The Dragons answered with a long drive and a short ball over. Sophomore quarterback touchdown pass, striking with Corey King started the game nine seconds to go in the half, for Plant City, but got off to a but again missed the twoshaky start. The Dragons got point conversion. Austin Carswell replaced on the board early in the second quarter when King threw King midway through the a pick six, but couldn’t get the third quarter, and Sterling Day put the Raiders ahead two-point conversion.
GAME / PAGE 10 the Chargers. The fact that he lines up at DE isn’t surprising, because of his frame, but he’s also developed into a solid, reliable offensive lineman, despite being a little more svelte than others in the area. To make up for his lighter weight, McDaniel has to be fundamentally sound — meaning that his footwork, among other things, dictates how his battles turn out. Learning footwork hasn’t been much of a problem. McDaniel also has spent the past four years playing basketball for Strawberry Crest, as center, and depends on his footwork to win battles in the low post. Obviously, a football lineman’s footwork is going to look different from a basketball center’s. Still, the extra work he’s put in has only helped him grow as an athlete. As a 245-pound lineman, McDaniel is closer in size to the defensive ends he goes up against than the lineman next to him. If he didn’t have his footwork and technique down pat, he’d be in for some trouble.
O
“Hillsborough County speaks for itself,” Kelly says. “Just about every week, you’re going up against a Division I kid, someone who’s going to play defensive end in college, and you’re not finding a lot of defensive ends who weigh more than 245.” McDaniel’s body of work speaks for itself and has drawn the interest of some NCAA programs. Purdue, Florida International, Air Force, Bowling Green State, and UConn, among others, have taken an interest in him. When he does go to college, he plans to go through premed with hopes of one day working in anesthesiology. For now, though, he’s focused on having a good year and protecting quarterback Tristan Hyde in the pocket. “I just would like to do my best protecting Tristan,” he says. “On defense, I’d just like to get some sacks and tackles, and do the best I can to help out the team. I’ll play wherever I’m needed.”
GET IN THE KNOW
The Chargers are starting the season with Bloomingdale for the second year in a row,
Javaris Whitsett prevented a big gain with this tackle. for good after a penalty-aided drive. The Dragons managed to avoid enough penalties to sustain a long fourth-quarter drive, and got within easy field goal range with 1:46 to play. Senior linebacker Sawyer
Dawson timed the snap perfectly and blocked the kick, saving the day for Plant City. In other area action, Durant topped Orlando-Oak Ridge in a 28-24 thriller, and Strawberry Crest manhandled Middleton, 27-2.
but they’re hoping that this year’s game will be different. In 2013, the Bulls (6-4; 3-2 district) cruised to a 23-12 win on the strength of a threetouchdown performance by quarterback Isaiah McIntyre (one passing, two rushing). Chargers quarterback Tristan Hyde threw two touchdown passes, but the team couldn’t find a way to stop McIntyre and the Bloomingdale offense. McIntyre, now a junior, is back. So are the team’s two top receivers from 2013, seniors Doug Sandberg (52 rec., 677 yds., 4 TD) and Logan Crouse (42 rec., 530 yds., 6 TD). The Bulls didn’t turn in as good a preseason performance as Crest did, beating Freedom High School 12-3 Aug. 22, but a win is a win. Working in Crest’s favor is the fact that they’re getting the Bulls at home this time. The Chargers won’t be taking any chances. They know just as well as anyone that they have a pretty good shot at beating Bloomingdale tonight and avenging last year’s seasonopening loss. Durant has the unenviable task of traveling to Armwood to open up the 2014 season,
following a wild 28-24 preseason win over Orlando-Oak Ridge last week. Last year’s Armwood squad cruised past the Cougars, 486. The team is bringing back several standouts, including dual-threat quarterback Noah Johnson, who threw for 1,980 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 809 yards and 14 scores, and leading wideout Trevor Laurent, who totaled 580 yards and five touchdowns. Plant City will host Steinbrenner, a team that it beat, 25-10, in last year’s season opener. The Warriors are coming off of a pretty good win over Sunlake, 20-9, but Plant City just prevailed in a 14-12 slobber-knocker with Jefferson — no small feat. The most notable returning Warrior is junior defensive lineman Andre Washington, who is coming off of a 70-tackle, 11-sack sophomore season. At 6-foot-1, 260 pounds, this kid is, unquestionably, a beast on the front line. But, if Plant City can get around Washington, then tonight’s result could look like last year’s. Contact Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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KLINE / FROM 10 good teams by playing angry like that. Speaking of Jefferson’s anger issues, kudos to the Raiders for brushing it off like they did. For the majority of the game, Plant City played about as patiently as possible and let the Dragons hurt themselves with penalties. Cooler heads will prevail. I’m not 100% sure what to make of Plant City’s passing game yet, even knowing that T.J. Chase is gone. Corey King looked nervous out there, but who can blame him? He’s a sophomore, and his first two
games as the Plant City starting quarterback have been against Armwood and Jefferson. Austin Carswell looked more comfortable, but it definitely wasn’t the aerial attack that won this game. On the other hand, I really like the way the Raiders’ ground game is shaping up. In last week’s Gridiron Report, I named Markese Hargrove as a player to watch, and although he didn’t score any touchdowns, he broke off a handful of great runs and looked difficult to tackle. It was Sterling Day, who saw a lot of action last year, who scored. He looks as though
he doesn’t have to shake off a whole lot of rust. This team can pound the rock and probably better than many people think. The defense did a great job at containing Jefferson’s offense. Sure, it may be easier to do now that Deiondre Porter is gone, but the Dragons didn’t look like a team searching for many answers at quarterback. Had they not hurt themselves with so many penalties, it might have been a different game. Plant City set the tone with that sack on the opening play and locked up the win by blocking a chip shot of a field goal.
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK SPONSORED BY COURTNEY PAAT | STATE FARM
CHASE BLACKMON Strawberry Crest looked solid all-around in last week’s 27-2 preseason win over Middleton, but Chase Blackmon, an Armwood transfer, scored while playing both offense (a 45-yard reception while at running back) and defense (a fumble recovery in the end zone while at linebacker). What was working for you out there against Middleton? I think it was just, we came in wellprepared for the game, and we had a good week of practice. The coaches really made sure that we were good and locked on our assignments, so I think that had a big part in our game against Middleton. That was your first game as a Charger. What’s it like playing for a new team? It’s great. I’m glad I came over. I get the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball and find out what kind of player I really am. I’m looking forward to a great season. You and your twin brother, Bryce, came over here from Armwood in January. What’s it like, going from Armwood to Strawberry Crest? It’s a lot different. Two different coaching styles — I’ve got to make sure I adjust to this one, like I did over there. My teammates have been great. They’re real encouraging, they make me feel welcome over here, and they help me get used to how we do things over here. What’s your pregame ritual? I like to just make
sure I’m real cool, calm and relaxed. I’m thinking about the game all day. I make sure I’m focused at all times. Listening to music definitely plays a big part in it. What kind of music are you listening to on game day? Rap music. Things that get me amped up. My favorite rapper to listen to on game day is Lil Durk. He’s a rapper from Chicago. What’s your favorite pre-game meal? I’m a fan of the Zaxby’s chicken sandwich. What are your favorite movies? I’m a big fan of the Power Rangers. I love those old movies. What about TV? I like to watch a lot of cartoons. I like older cartoons, so, Voltron, Transformers, things like that. What about video games? I love Madden, NBA 2K, Call of Duty, those types of video games. My team in Madden, I recently started playing with the Browns. I’m looking forward to playing with Johnny Manziel. Who are you going to throw to, though? Without Josh Gordon, I’m just scrambling out of the pocket every time. What about 2K? Surprisingly, I like to play with the Pelicans. Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday, I like those guys. Do you just like playing these games with bad teams to see how good you really are? Yeah, I like to play with teams that no one else normally uses, just to be different. If you could play for any pro team, what would it be? In football? I’m going to go with the Bucs. They’re my favorite pro team. It’s local, hometown — I like it here in Tampa. What about college? I’m a big FSU fan. I’d like to play defense. Defense is real vicious. I like defense.
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PLANT CITY
RAIN
(INCHES)
WEATHER
THURS. Aug. 21
0.22
FRI.
TEMPERATURES
Aug. 22
0.23
SAT.
Fri., Aug. 29 Sat., Aug. 30 Sun., Aug. 31 Mon., Sept. 1 Tues., Sept. 2 Wed., Sept. 3 Thurs., Sept. 4
Aug. 23
0.09
SUN.
Aug. 24
0.38
MON.
Aug. 25
0.00
TUES.
Aug. 26
0.00
WED.
Aug. 27
0.00
AUGUST TO DATE
3.62 (2013: 7.54)
YEAR
TO DATE 23.06 (2013: 34.03)
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HIGH 95 95 96 95 93 93 93
SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES Fri., Aug. 29 Sat., Aug. 30 Sun., Aug. 31 Mon., Sept. 1 Tues., Sept. 2 Wed., Sept. 3 Thurs., Sept. 4
SUNRISE 7:05 a.m. 7:06 a.m. 7:06 a.m. 7:07 a.m. 7:07 a.m. 7:08 a.m. 7:08 a.m.
SUNSET 7:54 p.m. 7:53 p.m. 7:52 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:48 p.m. 7:47 p.m.
LOW 74 74 74 71 71 72 73
MOON PHASES
Sept. 8
Sept. 15
OKRA SHIPPING POINT: ORLANDO SIZE 1/2 bushel ctns
LOW $10.35
HIGH $10.85
Sept. 23
Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture Sept. 2
, 3&
Kelsey Bridges, receptionist for the Florida Strawberry Festival, sent us this photo, which she took right after she voted in the Aug. 26 primary. “I’m like a little kid on Christmas morning come voting time,” she says. 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.
I’LL PASS
By Gary Cooper | Edited by Timothy E. Parker ACROSS 1 Linger in a bookstore 7 Big-top swing 14 Strasbourg’s locale 20 More chilling 21 Regulated course 22 Shakespeare subject 23 Full-skirted dresses 24 Obama’s original chief of staff 25 Make Elmo giggle 26 They’re in la-la land 28 Citgo alternative 30 Book leaf 31 Voted-in ones 32 Ignoramus 34 Famous loch 38 Declare with confidence 40 Zippy flavors 41 Make adjustments 42 District attorneys, for the most part 45 Swings without hitting 46 Surname of old radio 47 Offspring 48 Showed how it works, briefly 49 Scout’s quest 50 Most strapping 51 Household head 52 Golfers’ obstacles 53 O.J. Simpson trial judge 54 Certain Motorola cellphones 55 Mountaineering gear 56 Prefix meaning “skin” 58 Agree 61 Achy 65 Matinee and teen 67 Mary’s TV friend
68 69 72 74 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 92 94 97 100 103 104 105 106 107 108 109
Title for Jesse Jackson Airline seating class Early Arizonan (var.) ___ d’ (restaurant VIP) Contract detail Gets started Arrogance Lenya or Lehmann Ness nemesis Port-au-Prince populace Remains of the tray? “The Murders in the Rue Morgue” killer Flip a switch up D’Urbervilles miss Frilly and feminine Sunbathing souvenirs Obtains Jeweled topper Landlord’s entitlement Con artists Cough medicine additive Isocrates was one Simple house Pew attachment Marilyn of “The Misfits” Ornate pipes (var.) Ushers, by trade Contents of a will
DOWN 1 Sweat unit 2 Pass again, on a track 3 Some Hindu people 4 Anemometer 5 Clairvoyant women 6 Highland tongue 7 Small quakes 8 Thaw twice 9 Lab gelatins
SUDOKU PACIFIC Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.
10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 27 29 32 33 35 36 37 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 48 49 51 52 54 55 57 58 59 60 62
Bowler’s targets Rhea relative Sleep unit? Blown up, as a photo Respond to, as an opportunity Of the congregation Not of the highest quality Set a price First name in Baltimore baseball history “... ___ he drove out of sight” Mimic’s skill Terrarium growth Trowel user Beginning stage Raring to go Use plastic or cash Undoes a cancellation In ecstasy Opportunistic Dazzle Destructive insect Package securely Play with crayons Word before “Christmas” Knock for a loop Scotch chaser? Navratilova’s mixed-doubles partner Leander Georgetown player Depend Give a makeover Wee bit of beef? Vague amount A title for Macbeth Surprise cries “Coffee ___?” (flight attendant’s question)
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63 64 66 69 70 71 72 73 74 75
Second chance for viewers Civil rights leader Medgar Apothecary measures Success and acclaim Within walking distance Boy Scouts take them Where to spend rupees Opposite of ecstasy Large water pipe Helicopter forerunners
76 78 79 81 82 85 87 88 90
Traveling from place to place Where soldiers sleep Extremely severe Coarse fiber Gatherers’ partners Leather worker Neon and freon Patterned fabric Colorful aquarium fish
91 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 101 102
Pig’s nose Cooking maven Rombauer Gather in the boardroom Togo’s capital Mahogany or maple “Well, lah-di-___!” E.T.’s vehicle Not an amateur Number “for the money” Trafficking cops’ grp.
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