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PLANT CITY TIMES &

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And the 2017 Strawberry Crest Cover Girl is… PAGES 20-21

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VOLUME 4, NO. 12

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

YOUR TOWN New city hires The City of Plant City has hired two new employees.

GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT

The City of Plant City approved the final budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year, including funds for the construction of a third fire station.

DIVISION/PROGRAM

FY 2014-15

FY 2015-16*

FY 2016-17 %CHANGE

City Commission

$112,517

$117,600

$117,961

1%

Office of the City Attorney

$279,388

$265,165

$300,365

1%

Office of the City Manager

$468,753

$477,445

$518,177

1%

Office of the City Clerk

$243,334

$255,125

$286,253

1%

Human Resources

$234,992

$300,147

$286,653

-1%

IT

$650,519

$758,445

$782,774

1%

$1,005,235

$1,372,573

$1,434,349

1%

STAFF WRITER

Finance

$800,378

$862,006

$792,703

-1%

A

Procurement

$105,900

$135,918

$187,127

1%

Fire Rescue

$4,717,923

$5,009,737

$5,185,055

1%

Police

$8,754,287

$9,487,342

$9,983,269

1%

$212,249

$245,260

$266,501

1%

Special Appropriations

EMILY TOPPER

new fire station in Plant City could be fully built and furnished

by January 2018.

Plant City Commissioners approved the final budget for the 2016-17 fiscal year, which includes funds for the fire station, at the Monday, Sept. 26, meeting.

The total budget is $72,685,271, an increase of over $6 million from the previous fiscal year.

The budget includes an allotment of $1.89 million for the construction of a 7,000-square-foot fire station, which will be located on the cityowned Mike E. Sansone Park on Park Road. The park is located off of Interstate 4. Design work for the station began in May. “A third fire station will be constructed during the upcoming fiscal year, providing improved response times regarding fire and EMS calls,” City Manager Mike Herr said. “In the area of fire and EMS, our budget contains $5.1 million to provide excellent fire suppression and EMS services which are vital to a city.”

Plant City’s existing fire stations are located on opposite ends of Alexander Street. The third fire station is being constructed to reduce Plant City Fire Rescue response times and will cater to development planned for north of I-4, including Varrea and North Park Isles.

The construction of the new station would increase Plant City Fire Rescue staff by six employees, each with a salary of $38,780. The total costs for the water, sewer, electric and insurance to run the new fire station are estimated at an additional $40,000 annually.

Funding for the station comes out of an internal 10-year loan of $1,340,000. The loan will be paid back at $140,000 annually. The loan is used from the existing solid waste funds to provide a loan at a lower interest rate. The remaining $550,000 for the construction of the third fire station are taken out of the fire impact fees from the reserve fund.

“I think we really have a good budget that’s going to help our city this year,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “We are making really great strides in progressing our city and moving forward.”

City Commissioners and staff began budget hearings in July before the final budget was approved Monday, Sept. 26.

Additional highlights from the 2016-17 budget include $150,000 to the Plant City Economic Development Corp.; $50,000 to Plant City Main Street; and $1.6 million allocated to adjust employee salaries to market levels.

The 2016-17 fiscal year begins Saturday, Oct. 1.

Planning and Zoning Recreation

$1,312,699

$1,139,700

$1,226,993

1%

Parks

$3,072,489

$3,213,950

$3,514,341

-1%

Public Library

$771,328

$982,239

$902,566

-1%

Building Dept.

$683,068

$692,525

$822,776

1%

Code Enforcement

$225,421

$257,200

$309,007

1%

Engineering

$705,501

$682,430

$698,716

1%

General Services Total Expenditures

$1,182,778

$1,214,259

$1,394,494

1%

$25,538,759

$27,469,066

$29,010,080

1% * Amended

AID TO ORGANIZATIONS

NON-OPERATING $8,159,126 (11%)

Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corp................................................................... $25,000 Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce ............................................................................... $65,000 Boys & Girls Club ......................................................................................................................... $20,000 Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum......................................................................................... $25,000 1914 Plant City High School Community Center........................................................................ $35,000 Plant City Main Street ................................................................................................................. $50,000 Plant City Arts Council................................................................................................................... $6,000

Courtesy photo

Black Heritage Celebration ........................................................................................................... $2,000 Improvement League of Plant City ............................................................................................... $2,000 Christmas Parade .......................................................................................................................... $2,000 Total...................................................................................................................................... $382,000

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT $384,556 (1%)

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT TAX $2,172,841 (3%) OTHER (0%) Industrial Park Fund: $40,000 Stormwater Debt Service: $60,920 Park (Impact Fees): $100,000 Library Donations: $8,000 Cemetery Escrow: $30,000 Federal Equitable: $10,000 Ticket Surcharge: $15,000

STREET FUND $2,033,301 (3%) DEBT SERVICE FUND $1,171,277 (2%) CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND $1,340,000 (2%)

WATER/SEWER FUND $17,734,580 (24%)

FIRE (IMPACT FEE) $550,000 (1%) COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY $1,092,420 (2%)

MARA LATORRE Mara Latorre is the newest planner with the City of Plant City’s Planning and Zoning department. After graduating with a master’s degree in urban and regional planning at the University of South Florida, Latorre was hired by the City of Plant City Monday, Aug. 22.

Latorre first became interested in urban and regional planning during her first few years of undergraduate study, which she also completed at the University of South Florida. She was part of Tampa Underground, a nondenominational church based in Ybor City that did urban ministry and focused on helping marginalized communities.

Walk it off

STORMWATER FUND $3,349,699 (5%) Numbers provided by the City of Plant City.

Numbers are rounded.

SOLID WASTE FUND $7,718,105 (11%)

GENERAL FUND $29,010,080 (40% )

Amber Jurgensen

WATER/SEWER DEBT SERVICE $3,164,712 (4%) FLEET REPLACEMENT $2,699,780 (4%)

OTHER (0%) Fines and Forfeits: $112,000 Miscellaneous Revenue: $26,600

DEBT SERVICE $4,396,909 (6%)

CHARGES FOR SERVICES $1,423,200 (5%)

CAPITAL OUTLAY $971,900 (3%)

OTHER SOURCES $1,413,777 (5%)

GRANTS AND AIDS $252,000 (0%)

TAXES $14,505,754 (50%)

PERMITS AND FEES $4,514,200 (16%) RE-APPROPRIATED $2,587,329 (9%)

Bailey Elementary School hosted a walk-a-thon for students Monday, Sept. 12. The walk-athon was a fundraiser for the PTA and also an opportunity to educate students about safety from strangers.

GRANTS AND AIDS $77,000 (0%) NON-OPERATING $621,114 (2%)

INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUE $4,427,220 (15%)

CAPITAL OUTLAY $13,147,763 (18%)

OPERATING EXPENSES $18,022,730 (25%)

LYNN SPIVEY Lynn Spivey has been selected as the director of utilities for the City of Plant City. Her start date is Monday, Oct. 17.

Spivey has been employed

by Arcadis Inc. as a principal engineer for the past 16 years.

She has a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering with over 20 years of experience in the area of Florida water resources. Her experience includes managing oversite of a funding team to obtain municipal funding for utility projects in Florida, and she has written grants for more than $100 million dollars for utility projects statewide.

Plant City Economic Development Corp. ................................................................................. $150,000

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES $28,706,743 (40%)

Courtesy photo

GET SPOOKED OPERATING EXPENSES $6,920,606 (24%)

PERSONAL SERVICES $20,419,460 (71%)

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail returns.

SEE PAGE 26

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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After 60 years working, Florene “Flo” Gray has advice for the next generation of workers: “If you have any questions, for heaven’s sake, ask them,” she said. “I think it’s good to ask questions. If they really don’t like their job, there is a job out there that they will like.”

EMILY TOPPER STAFF WRITER

Florene “Flo” Gray and her husband, Jim Gray, married in 1953. After their daughter, Susan Shirley, was born, Flo Gray decided to leave her job. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mother to Susan and her son, David Gray.

But life had other plans. When Susan was just a toddler, Flo Gray went back to work in the legal world.

The Plant City resident turned 85 in July — and has yet to retire.

“I started to think, ‘Maybe I’m pushing it a little,’” Flo Gray, who works as a legal assistant at Trinkle, Redman, Coton, Davis and Smith, P.A., said. “But I’ve been blessed with good health. It’s been nice. I’ve enjoyed the profession. I don’t just call it a job.”

ON THE SAME BLOCK

SAVE UP % TO

WORK ADVICE

Flo Gray, who graduated from Plant City High School in 1949, had some secretarial experience. In high school, she had enrolled in diversified cooperative training.

“A friend was signing up for it, and I decided to do it too,” Flo Gray said.

“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.”

Through the program, which allowed her to work with local businesses, she learned typing, dictation and other secretarial duties. After high school, she did payroll for Southland Frozen Foods. It was there she met Jim Gray, who was a cold storage manager.

Flo Gray’s legal career began in July 1959, when she was brought on as a legal assistant for then-City Attorney Paul Buchman. Buchman reached out to her and requested her for the job.

Though Flo Gray was taking care of her mother at the time, Buchman helped her create a schedule she could work around.

“He was such a nice person,” Flo Gray said. “I enjoyed it, and I still enjoy it every day. I’ve been working

Emily Topper

Prior to working at Trinkle Law, Flo Gray worked for former City Attorney Paul Buchman.

on the same block since 1959.”

When Buchman called her in 1959, Flo Gray didn’t have any legal experience. She learned on the job — something she’s continued to do over the last six decades.

“You learn it little by little,” Flo Gray said.

AN EXTENDED FAMILY

Flo Gray continued to work as a legal assistant when current City Attorney Ken Buchman took over. She moved on in 1991 after she was contacted by the late Jim Redman, whom she had gone to high school with. Like Paul Buchman, he offered her a position as a legal assistant.

She’s been with Trinkle Law ever since. Today, she’s serves as the legal assistant to Danny Coton.

“I know this is the last public job I’ll ever have,” Flo Gray said.

As a legal assistant, Flo Gray is responsible for the daily activities of keeping a law office running: from greeting clients and writing letters to overseeing wills, estate planning and probate work.

“I just love the day to day,” Flo Gray said.

Looking back, Flo Gray said she never suspected she would still be working at 85. Her family, she added, has been supportive through it all.

“(Jim Gray) retired in 1988. He never asked me when I would retire,” Flo Gray said. “He said, ‘Honey, it’s up to you if you want to work.’ I guess it’s just enjoying the continuity. I love Plant City. I love a small town. I’ve got friends here, and we have a very supportive family.”

She’s grateful for the people she’s met over the years and the friends she’s made — from former clients to their children and grandchildren.

“You get to talk with the clients,” she said. “I like getting to intermingle with them. You feel like when they leave, they’re friends. So I like that.”

Her son lives in the area, and her daughter lives in Lithia. She and her husband will celebrate their 63rd year of marriage in November.

“Not many people get to make it that long,” she said. “It’s been a great marriage. It’s been a really happy marriage.”

Though Flo Gray expects to retire in the near future, she remains motivated in her work. “(The best part) is when you realize you accomplish something and do a good job at something you were given,” she said. “Any job is going to have good or bad moments ... but you have to be motivated to do a good job. The responsibilities that come with the profession are not to be taken lightly. I like the challenge of doing it right and being proud of what you do.”

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

Joining the ranks of Plant City’s

Kat DeRosa • Judy Glorioso • Edwena Haney • Maribel Lorenzo Gail Lyons • Kerri Miller • Sherrie Mueller Marsha Passmore • Stephanie Schulte • Dodie White

It’s time again for the Plant City Times & Observer’s annual Wonder Women special edition. Join us as we celebrate 10 women who are making a difference in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. From a funeral home director to a military wife, two theater enthusiasts to a millennial photographer, we hope readers will enjoy their stories of hope, determination and adventure. Pages 3-12

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE EDWENA’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

Find something that you are passionate about, and don’t take yourself too seriously.

Some things that seem like mistakes at the time can be very good.

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Persistent, a good sense of humor and loyal.

LEAVING THE NEST

HOME SWEET HOME

At a young age, Haney’s parents got divorced, and with two devoted families to love she got to see the heart of the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

“I was raised by a village,” Haney said.

When she was with her father and step-mother she rode her bike to the movie theater and through downtown Plant City.

“If I could go back in time I’d go to 1971 and walk down Collins to Kirby’s Bakery,” Haney said.

At her mother’s home she drove her go-kart and got the behind the scenes of Hopewell Funeral Home.

Her mother, Glenda Haney, and aunt, Margie Willis, ran Hopewell Funeral Home, and many members of her family owned businesses around Plant City.

“When you grow up surrounded by entrepreneurs it becomes important to prove your own self-worth,” Haney said.

After graduating from Plant City High School in 1981 she longed for a life outside of her birthplace.

“As most young people, you leave,” Haney said. “But I didn’t graduate from HCC and my parents were not happy.”

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Getting a thank you note from a family when I was having a bad day. The mail came. It was a family I helped a few months ago. They weren’t from here; the person that passed away was.

They said I made them feel very comfortable.

What age would you be forever, and why?

I don’t mind this age, actually.

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

Playing the piano. That looks so relaxing.

DOG-GONE DECISIONS

FLYING HOME

“Here, I had my family business, and I’m my mother’s only child,” Haney said.

When she returned home, Haney wasn’t immediately promoted to president of Hopewell Funeral Home — she had to climb up the totem pole.

The presidents at the time were her mother and aunt. They were not going to let Haney’s rise to the top come easy.

There was bookwork, delivery and parking.

Despite being the daughter of one of the owners, Haney got her hands dirty just like any other employee.

In 2005, she became the official president.

ABBY BAKER

A decade ago, Edwena Haney was at an abandoned business she had been trying to get in contact with. When she got back in her car to leave, she saw a dog following her.

“Well I couldn’t just leave him there,” Haney said.

She lived in a condo that didn’t allow dogs, so she chucked the dog over her mother’s backyard fence and fled. When her mother found the dog, Haney pretended not to know how the dog got there.

Haney’s mother adopted the dog.

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Photo by Emily Topper

hen E dwe n a Haney was 10 years old, she looked at her family’s cemetery and imagined herself running the family business.

In 2005, that dream came true when she became president of Hopewell Funeral Home.

One morning, at the Plant City Village Inn, Haney was eating breakfast with her grandfather.

“My grandpa ate breakfast there just about every morning,” Haney said.

But something out of routine was about to happen.

Haney, then 20 years old, began a conversation with a woman who encouraged her to apply for a job at George S. May, a managing consulting company based in Chicago.

Even without a college diploma, a requirement for the position, Haney breezed through the interview and got the job. She moved to the St. Petersburg area soon after. At 21, she was the youngest person to work for the company as a service representative.

She moved up the ladders of multiple companies while moving throughout Florida. When the business she worked for got bought out by a Canadian company in 1996, she decided to return home.

STAFF INTERN

Congratulations,

Edwena Haney!

The Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors & Staff proudly recognize you as one of the Plant City Women in Leadership!

Congratulations to all of the Wonder Women 2016!

Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce 106 North Evers Street, Plant City, FL 33564 813.754.3707 Info@plantcity.org www.plantcity.org

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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INSIDE JUDY’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

Do what you like. Find your passion for something. Don’t feel entitled to success, because you have to work at it.

udy Glorioso has done community work from as humble as sweeping the floors in a military base thrift shop to as high profile as helping to run her husband’s campaign for political office.

The Former Plant City Woman’s Club president has lived in Plant City with husband, Rich, since 1994. But together, they’ve experienced faraway lands — and have volunteered along the way.

Photo by Emily Topper

A MILITARY WIFE

As a Girl Scout, Glorioso didn’t like camping or the uniform and was eventually told to “shape up or ship out.” But in high school, she found her niche. She’s in half a dozen club photos in her yearbook.

She married Rich when she was 20 years old, and they packed up a 1958 Cadillac and headed to Travis Air Force Base in California as part of Rich’s United States Air Force assignment. From there: Wyoming, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina — and then to places farther.

Out of the U.S. they traveled to Okinawa, Japan, the Philippines, India, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore, South Korea and more. Glorioso took shopping trips from Manila, Philippines, floated down the Ganges River, visited the Korean Demilitarized Zone. She saw the Taj Mahal, a girl elbow deep stirring kimchi in a vat at an Asian market, the lights of Tokyo.

“Tokyo, it’s just like a big city, it’s not like another world, but when you go to New Delhi — that’s a whole other world,” Glorioso said.

When the Gloriosos were stationed in the Philippines, Rich was the commander of the 37th Field Maintenance Squadron. As a commander’s wife, AMBER JURGENSEN

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Glorioso had certain expectations.

There were the parties and military balls that required presence — but there was also a community aspect.

If tragedy struck, she would serve as a confidant and counselor to other military wives. She also volunteered at the Mad Money Mart. Officers wives ran the store. They’d go on trips to Korea, Japan and Hong Kong to buy trinkets to bring back to the mart for who could not leave the Philippines for vacation.

At another base consignment store, Glorioso was the supervisor. She has also mentored children and worked at a base library.

“Being a military wife sort of defined me,” Glorioso said. “It formed me. That gave me the spirit I have to volunteer.”

HOME WORK

When the Gloriosos moved to Plant City after Rich’s retirement from the service, both got involved. Glorioso was involved in her church and with a sorority. Rich decided to run for City Commission. In a close-knit town like Plant City, being elected would not be easy. But four years after settling in Walden Lake, Rich had a commission seat. From there, he ran for the Florida House of Representatives.

During campaigns, Glorioso stayed up until 3 a.m. at her dining room table stuffing campaign literature into envelopes. She would drive Rich and his campaign manager from neighborhood to neighborhood to knock on doors.

Once elected, she accompanied Rich to Tallahassee, where she volunteered at the Food Bank every Friday and helped throw birthday parties for children at a shelter.

A NEW CLUB TO RELY ON

“I was in officer wives club withdraw-

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Hard worker, big-hearted, loyal and Christian. We’ve gone past three words.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Our condo in Rivera Beach is done. These fingers scraped off paint on all sorts of stuff.

What age would you be forever, and why?

Forty-nine-years-old. I was healthy. I had a nice life. We were enjoying our life.

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

I tried to learn Spanish. I’d like to learn another language. I’d like to be able to touch my toes again too.

al when I moved to (Plant City) and needed something,” Glorioso said. “I needed a reason to be getting up in the morning. I needed a woman’s group. I needed a service group.”

She joined the Woman’s Club in 2001 and got to work after hearing testimony from a former foster care child who now had her own child. She didn’t know how she was going to get her son a Christmas present.

“These kids are not having an abortion because they’ve been thrown away, and they’re not going to throw their kids away,” Glorioso said.

Glorioso asked the club if they would collect toys for children of foster children by working with Eckerd Kids and Connected by 25. The Woman’s Club has been gathering toys since.

“I’m very fortunate that the Woman’s Club has backed me on this,” Glorioso said.

MANAGING EDITOR

CONGRATULATIONS, JUDY GLORIOSO PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER 2016 WONDER WOMAN

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE MARSHA’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

You have to believe in yourself.

Believe in yourself and what you’re doing.

hen M a rs h a Passmore thinks about her contributions to the Plant City community, she thinks about all the women before her who made those contributions possible.

In the mid-1970s, Passmore was working for Powell’s Buick and Pontiac when she joined the Business and Professional Women’s Club.

“So many of the women that, in my mind, paved the way for women in Plant City were in that club as well,” Passmore said. “I remember some of the women — Nettie Draughon, Sadye Gibbs, Ruth Brown and Betty Holley — who coached me on how important it was to be involved in your community.”

Decades later, Passmore is now paving the way for women in the community. From serving as a former City Commissioner to her involvements with civic organizations, the Plant City High School alum is someone always willing to serve.

PASSMORE’S PURPOSE

In the 1970s, the current wage gap between men and women was larger than it is now. Passmore and the women in the club took to Tallahassee and beyond to create change.

“We went to state and national conventions trying to get elected officials to realize that we should receive the same pay, regardless of what we are,” Passmore said. “We lobbied hard for that, equal pay for equal work.”

Today, Passmore and her husband of almost 39 years, Billy, continue to serve.

She’s also the community service coordinator for Hopewell Funeral Home.

“I’m proud to use their name in the community,” she said. “I really appreciate them.”

Passmore is on the committee for the annual Diamonds and Denim fundraiser and the Plant City Christmas Parade and is a co-chair for the Queen’s Exhibit at the Florida Strawberry Festival. She’s a board member or a volunteer with Plant City Entertainment, the Arts Council of Plant City, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, the United Food Bank of Plant City, the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum, the Historic Resources Board, Unity in the Community, the East Hillsborough Law Enforcement Association, the Plant City Photo Archives and History Center and Plant City Main Street.

In 2011, she won the Citizen of the Year award.

“I have a lot of energy,” Passmore said. “I can’t sit still.”

A SEAT AT THE TABLE

At the end of 1991, Passmore decided to run for the City Commission in the June 1992 election — a decision she had thought about for nearly a decade.

“It was so overwhelmingly positive,” she said. “Some said, ‘You should have run awhile ago. You’ve prepared now for seven years. It’s time now.’”

Passmore won the election by two votes and was re-elected to the Commission in 1995.

During her time serving on the Commission, Passmore was appointed the chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency. She worked with the Downtown Business and Merchants Association for the redevelopment of the downtown business district.

“It was a huge sense of pride to the fact that we were moving for-

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Positive, happy and friendly.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

It all goes back to family. My mother is almost 92, so the opportunity to be there with her and help her. Honestly I think it’s a gift from God to help her. We tell her, ‘You’re not a burden, you are our gift.’

What age would you be forever, and why?

Thirty. When I turned 30, I cried because I felt like I was so old.

I was at Publix when I turned 30 and the bag boy called me “ma’am.” Tears welled up in my eyes. But now, it was a premier time in my life. You’re not so young that people don’t believe in you, but you can make a difference. That would be like a time capsule, that would be the perfect age for me.

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

I would learn to be as warm and kind as my sister (Dodie White).

She just has so many qualities that I wish I had. She really cares about everybody. She’s my younger sister, but she’s really impacted my life, so just to learn from her.

ward,” she said. “It was a paramount moment for me.”

Today, service remains her top priority.

“It is a God-given privilege to serve your community,” Passmore said.

“We really have to offer something back to our community. Otherwise, I don’t serve any purpose.”

EMILY TOPPER

Congratulations Marsha Passmore Plant City Times & Observer 2016 Wonder Women

Our Promise at Our Promise at

www.HopewellFuneral.com www.HopewellFuneral.com 217336

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE DODIE’S HEAD

odie White doesn’t like to sit idle.

While attending Plant City High School, White fell in love with theater and business classes. She had the opportunity to gain real-world experience in the business world as a student. She was assigned to Coronet Mine, where she was hired as a floater and spent one week in different departments.

“I knew more about the company in six months than people who had been there six years,” White said.

After high school, White joined Plant City’s Business and Professional Women’s Club. In the late 1970s, she earned the club’s Young Careerist of the Year award.

“Titles are just titles,” White said.

“I think it’s all about your heart and the attitude you take with you.”

Today, White works as a controller for the Tampa-based Cone & Graham Inc., a position she has held for about five years.

“That entails all facets of the accounting department, including receivables, payables and spreadsheets,” White said.

She’s been in that line of work since the 1990s, when she graduated with her business management degree from St. Leo College.

“I graduated when I was in my 40s,” White said. “I graduated summa cum laude while working full time, 50 to 60 hours per week. I paid my way, and I took a full load until I finished.

It was important to me. When something’s important to you, you make it happen.”

White attributes much of her success at that time and since then to the Bruton Memorial Library. Every year,

she serves as one of the main organizers of the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library’s Mystery Dinner Theater.

“I went to the St. Leo campus at the MacDill Air Force Base for class,” White said. “I worked in Tampa off of 50th Street. I would also work Saturdays and some Sundays. I would call Bruton Memorial Library and ask for resources, and I would pick up the resources on Saturdays.

It’s important to me for kids coming up that our library’s there. They help you accomplish what your goal is.”

STAGES AND SERVICE

White took theater classes in high school. Her love of performing and community theater stemmed from her drama teacher, Goldie McVay. “She was just wonderful,” White said. “She instilled that self-confidence and discipline. She taught us that ‘you can do it if you want to do it’ attitude. I wanted to be on stage ... but I hate attention on me. But when I’m on stage I’m not myself, so I’m pretty good with that.”

White took her love of the stage outside of the walls of Plant City High School. She has served on the Plant City Entertainment board since 1988 and was elected president of the organization for 2016.

“I’ve seen kids come and go, I’ve seen adults come and go,” White said. “We have one of the strongest community theaters in the state of Florida. The maturity and discipline in the shows ... it’s a family atmosphere. There’s a place for everyone in theater, as far as I’m concerned.”

White’s service extends beyond the stage. In addition to her work with PCE and the Mystery Dinner Theater, she serves on the Christmas Parade Board, the Plant City Photo Archives

What is your advice for success?

My advice for success is to enjoy what you’re doing. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing, keep looking. Get up with a smile on your face and a good attitude. It’s awful to dread getting up in the morning to go to work. Just enjoy it.

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Humorous, dependable and honest.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

I got a new car. My other car was 10 years old. It’s a Lexus. It’s just a newer model of the same car I had. I drove that old car until the wheels fell off of it.

What age would you be forever, and why?

I would be whatever age I am.

I never wanted to be older or younger than I am. As long as I’m healthy, I want to be whatever age I am.

If you could learn any skill, what would it be?

I would learn another language, like Spanish. I would love to be bilingual.

and History Center Advisory Board and co-chairs the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Exhibit with her sister, Marsha Passmore. She’s also the festival’s Ambassadors Day co-chair and was elected as the vice president of the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library Board in September.

“I know it’s considered service work, but I don’t think of it as service work,” White said. “I feel like that’s what we’re supposed to do anyway. I don’t want to just have my name on the role. I enjoy it because I feel like we’re supposed to make a difference in the community.”

Photo by Emily Topper

STAFF WRITER

DODIE WHITE and all of the Women Leaders in Plant City

2016

P.O. Box 3023 • Plant City, FL 33563-0001 • www.plantcityarts.com 217786

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE GAIL’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

Be passionate about what you do. Have goals in life. But most of all, enjoy yourself and have fun.

BANKING ON SERVICE

Lyons majored in criminal justice in college. Her first post-graduate job was working as a bank teller at MacDill Credit Union. She fell in love with the banking industry and continued to climb the ranks before moving into the branch side of the banking operation. As part of her job, she enjoys helping people make smart financial decisions.

“I enjoy helping people,” she said.

“I enjoy doing what’s right for people and making their life better by offering financial guidance and education and helping them meet their goals. I love my job. I love the people I work with. I like knowing that I’m going to come to work in a community that’s like a family.”

While she works traditional hours

WHAT’S IN THE BINDERS

Lyons has become a fixture on committees in Plant City. In March, she can be found with a megaphone in hand as she leads the Florida Strawberry Festival’s Grand Parade. Weeks before that event, she works around the clock to make the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant a success. She serves as the co-chair of the pageant with Kerri Gafford.

“I like to motivate others to get involved as well,” Lyons said. “And I can’t say no. (For the queen’s pageant) we are planning the whole production. I like getting to know all the girls that participate. Those are friendships that still go on today, even if they don’t make the court.

Fourteen hundred people usually attend.”

Her involvements extend past March and throughout the year. She is a past president of the Plant City Lions Club and was named president of the Friends of the Bruton Memorial Library board in September. Additionally, she serves on the Diamonds and Denim Committee, is a member of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and is the secretary of the Robert W. Willaford Railroad

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Taking a totally blind date to the Strawberry Ball. We have actually learned that we’re very compatible with each other. He now loves Plant City as much as I do.

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

How to fly a plane. I’ve always wanted my pilot license.

What age would you be forever, and why?

Sixty. I’m still young enough to do what any 40-year-old could do and old enough not to try something an 80-year-old would.

Museum.

She also assists with making the Celebrity Chef Dinner, an annual fundraiser for the United Food Bank of Plant City, a success year after year.

“When I go to bed and I can say, ‘Hey, I made somebody’s life better today,’ I reached my goal,” Lyons said.

Despite her many involvements, Lyons enjoys unwinding on Sunday afternoons, which she considers her relaxation time. When she’s not volunteering, she can be found spending time with her friends and family on the lake, at the beach or at First United Methodist Church of Plant City. Her daughter, Jennifer Chamberlain, and grandson, Tanner, both live in Plant City.

“Plant City wraps their arms around you,” she said. “I’m surrounded by friends that love and support me.”

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EMILY TOPPER

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STAFF WRITER

Photo by Emily Topper

ail Lyons has separate binders for all of the organizations she’s involved in throughout the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World — and there’s a lot of them.

“I call them my bibles,” Lyons said.

“I like to make my life have meaning and purpose. I like to better the community by participating and staying busy.”

Lyons, a native of Lake City, South Carolina, moved to Plant City in 1993. As the vice president and branch manager of Regions Bank on Thonotosassa Road, Lyons has made both a career and a pastime out of helping everyone she can. The same can be said of her late husband, Gene. A Plant City businessman, he encouraged Lyons to get involved in the community she calls home.

“He gave me Plant City,” she said.

during the day, Lyons dedicates the rest of her time to continued service in the community — something Regions encourages in all of the company’s employees.

“I don’t have anything to do at night,” Lyons said. “I love to give them myself. I knew when I was building my business in this community that I had to get involved to get people to know me. I’m passionate about everything I do, and that’s what drives me. I try to make things better for my staff, for the community and for our customers.”

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Responsible, achiever and ‘woo!’

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE MARIBEL’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

Do your best at what you do.

Honesty. Treat people the way you want to be treated.

o matter where in the world Maribel Lorenzo has lived, she’s always made it a point to help anyone in need.

Even though she’s almost 20 years removed from her volunteer work with the American Red Cross in Belgium, Lorenzo, the manager of CenterState Bank’s Plant City branch, is still going as strong as her schedule will allow.

“I work for such a great company that they want me involved in the community,” Lorenzo said. “I don’t have to ask permission … they support me, 100%.”

Photo by Emily Topper

PLACE TO PLACE

Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, New York, Lorenzo’s journey around the world started in 1981. Her husband, a United States Army veteran with over two decades of service, began a 19-year stint that took the family abroad. Lorenzo wasn’t always able to work, which drove her to find something to do when she wasn’t helping to raise the couple’s two daughters.

“I’ve moved so many times with my husband that there were times when I didn’t really have the time to work on my profession, and I kind of put my life on hold to be with him, traveling,” Lorenzo said.

To pass the time, Lorenzo decided to seek volunteer work wherever it was needed.

“I’ve always had a giving heart … in every community that I’ve lived in, I got involved doing something,” Lorenzo said. “Because of that, I always have to do something.”

Her favorite volunteer work came at the tail end of the family’s stay in JUSTIN KLINE |

Europe. From 1994 to 1997, while the family was living in Belgium, Lorenzo got involved with the American Red Cross. She mostly worked as a recruiter, reaching out to people from all walks of life and helping them get involved with the humanitarian organization.

“That was a neat experience for me,” Lorenzo said. “The only thing I didn’t like was calling (people) up and giving them bad news. That was the hardest part.”

In 1997, the family ended up in Tampa and, after Lorenzo’s husband retired from the Army, the family settled in Hillsborough County.

“It’s been great,” Lorenzo said. “I enjoy the area. We decided to make this home because our girls. Our oldest one at the time was starting high school. They were just tired of moving.”

Finally able to get back into banking, Lorenzo rejoined the American workforce and saw her daughters through high school and college. But her desire to volunteer never went away, even with a full-time job taking up much of her time.

“If there’s a need for a volunteer, I’m available,” Lorenzo said.

HELPING OUT EVERYWHERE

Lorenzo lives in Riverview, attends church in Brandon and works in Plant City. She’s involved in all three communities, helping out at Riverview’s Relay for Life program and serving as treasurer at her church. But much of her volunteer work happens in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

Lorenzo is involved with the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, often attending ribbon-cuttings to connect with new businesses. She graduated from the chamber’s leadership class in 2011, two years after

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Everybody says that I’m a good hostess. Friendly and outgoing.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Getting in this feature. I never expected to be nominated for this.

What age would you be forever, and why?

Every age has brought a different experience for me. I enjoy every year God gives me. I can’t really pinpoint one age.

If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?

Sewing. I wish I knew how to sew.

graduating from that of the Brandon chamber’s, and she also won the Plant City chamber’s 2015 Good Egg Award.

Lorenzo is a member of Plant City Connections, a networking group that holds events at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill.

She has been involved with the Plant City Lions Club for the last five years and is currently its second vice president. She’s done the Noon Rotary Club’s Dancing With the Locals event once, in 2012, and raised around $3,500.

“We didn’t know how to dance, but we made it fun,” Lorenzo said.

Lorenzo went to “jail” last year to raise money for a muscular dystrophy fundraiser, raising around $1,000 in “bail” money to get out. She’s helped coordinate a bake sale fundraiser for Taylor Goethals’ fight with cancer.

“If I’m doing something to help someone else, that’s where I get satisfaction,” she said. “Seeing a smile on someone’s face.”

SPORTS EDITOR

U L T A A T R IO G

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE KERRI’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

Never limit yourself, learn from your mistakes, listen more and talk less. Always be present in the moment. Never find fault — instead find a remedy and always have a remedy.

ity of Plant City Clerk Kerri Miller acts as a bridge between the city and its people.

However, her climb to the top has not come without a story.

Born in Chicago Heights, Illinois, Miller was adopted as a newborn.

Her parents, Carol Minor and Harold Hudson, moved to Plant City and got a divorce when Miller was 5 years old.

At 16, Miller was married and pregnant with a son, Chase Christie.

“I’ve always been determined. I may have married young, but I never wanted that stigma,” Miller said. “I didn’t use it as an excuse.”

FINDING HER PLACE

While pregnant with her first child, Miller worked her first job at Belk Lindsey Department Store as a sales associate.

Miller didn’t let motherhood slow her down. While her children were young, she worked different administrative jobs.

After her third child, Austin, was born she got a job as a school bus driver. It was 1992, and Miller started her bus driving career as a divorcee.

She knew the first school she would drive for, Dover Exceptional, would be one that specialized in children with special needs and behavioral issues. What she didn’t know was that the children she drove to school would change her life.

“There were so many of them,” Miller said. “It touched me. I have a special place in my heart for the handicapped.”

When the mother of three was still driving a bus, she met the man she is married to today, Tim Miller.

“I had known him prior to being divorced,” Miller said. “It made it

AN EXAMPLE OF STRENGTH

In the 1990s, Miller experienced something that would alter parts her life. She was stalked and sexually assaulted by a stranger.

“He threatened to do harm to my children if I ever told,” Miller said. “I never saw his face. I only remember the sound of his voice.”

The assault was reported to the police, but her attacker was never found. Today, she is telling her story to reach women who have been in the same situation.

“It wasn’t me he did this to. I became someone else during that moment,” Miller said. “Allowing myself to be his victim only gives him power, so I never let what happened be an excuse not to move forward.”

She encourages women who have been the subject of a sexual abuse to give a statement to the police.

“Never be a victim of the circumstance,” Miller said.

She gives her husband, Tim, some credit for her resilience.

But in 2011, it was Miller’s turn to be the rock for Tim. Five years ago Tim was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“It was so difficult,” Miller said.

“When you think ‘cancer,’ you think ‘death.’ You don’t think of the possibilities.”

In September, Miller spoke in front of the Plant City Commission about prostate cancer. Tim is in remission.

THE CLIMB TO CLERK

When Miller’s children were old enough, she moved on from driving a bus to jobs with traditional hours.

In 2007, she got a job working for the city attorney. Two years later, she became the city clerk.

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Determined, optimistic and genuine.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Receiving appreciation for the job I do.

What age would you be forever, and why?

I think I would choose 40 because, usually, by this age you are more settled, due to life experiences. The old saying is, “Life begins at 40.”

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

To be able to sing. Music allows the release of expression in so many ways. Music touches the mind, body and soul of almost every person in some form. It is something everyone can relate to.

“I’ve always been very fortunate,” Miller said. “Someone was looking out for me.”

Her title comes with more than just a desk and a chair. Miller has served on the Florida Association of City Clerk’s Board since 2013 and mentored other clerks for a year.

“It was a lot, and my district was responsible for nine counties,” Miller said. “I represented the clerks in all of them.”

Ten credits shy of graduation, she is currently working towards a municipal clerk designation.

Though Miller is enjoying life with her two grandchildren, she hasn’t reached the top of her ladder yet.

“I didn’t go to college,” Miller said.

“I’ve always wanted to, and I’d still like to do that. It’s my next goal.”

ABBY BAKER

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Photo by Emily Topper

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE SHERRIE’S HEAD

echnically speaking, Sherrie Mueller has been retired from Plant City High School for one year. But, with more time to spend on community endeavors, she may be busier now than she’s been in the last 16 years.

“One of my neighbors teased me that I need to get a part-time job to pay for my volunteering,” Mueller said.

The Plant City native, like the Energizer bunny, just keeps going. From planning class reunions and helping high school students with the college application process to sitting on local boards and feeding the homeless, Mueller is treating her 2015 retirement as a springboard to dive into other community needs.

“It’s rewarding,” she said. “You see you can make a difference.”

PLANT CITY FOR LIFE

Photo by Emily Topper

Mueller’s backstory is classic Plant City: born and raised in the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, she attended Plant City High and got involved in both athletics and extracurriculars. She was voted president of the Class of 1971 and was a cheerleader and a competitive swimmer.

She became a Strawberry Queen in 1971, after winning the pageant, and eventually went to University of Florida to study accounting before coming back to Plant City.

While working as a CPA, Mueller raised her two sons. She became familiar with the college application process and with NCAA rules, having worked to get her sons into UF, and found she enjoyed the process.

Mueller enjoyed it enough to volunteer at Plant City High for seven JUSTIN KLINE |

years, helping then-college and career counselor Susan Sullivan — now the school’s principal. When Sullivan left in 2000, principal David Steele asked Mueller if she was interested in a fulltime position.

Thus began a 15-year career which saw Mueller, by her own estimate, help thousands of Plant City High students figure out where they were going after high school. She was also a primary sponsor of the Interact Club, formerly known as the Civinettes.

“I loved it,” Mueller says. “I’m still helping, even though I’m retired. I still get calls.”

She retired in 2015 to spend more time with her six grandchildren and also to get more into physical fitness.

GIVING IT HER ALL

It was obvious to those in Mueller’s circle she would want to jump right into community service after retirement.

“Everybody said, ‘Sherrie, don’t get onto all these boards yet,’” Mueller said. “‘Give it a year.’ But it didn’t happen.”

She is currently a board member of the United Food Bank of Plant City, Bruton Memorial Library and South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation. Mueller is active at First Baptist Church. She recently planned the Plant City High Class of 1971’s 45th reunion, which was held Saturday, Sept. 24, and is also helping with Empty Bowls for the food bank.

Thirty years ago, she and Barbara Bowden created the Strawberry Queens booth for the Florida Strawberry Festival, which lets visitors see the Strawberry Queens of years past.

That project has since been passed on to Marsha Passmore and Dodie White.

But working for the food bank may be her greatest passion.

“There’s no reason for somebody

What is your advice for success?

It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.

If you’re friendly to everybody, you’re going to find your success. You don’t know who that one person is that’s going to help you along the way.

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Energetic, friendly and competitive.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

Besides spending time with my grandchildren, it has to be being selected by the Class of 2016 to be their guest speaker at baccalaureate. I love those kids. My students were like my own kids, to me.

What age would you be forever, and why?

Whatever age I am is the best.

It’s what you make of it, and I love where I am right now. Having the time now to get out and make a difference in the community and other organizations, I like where I am right now.

If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?

They didn’t have volleyball when I was younger. I was a jock, and I love sports … I wish they had volleyball. Back in my day, you were either a cheerleader or on the swim team. That was it for girls sports — otherwise, I would have done them all.

to be hungry,” Mueller said. “We need more people to get involved in that aspect.”

Just as she did with her Plant City High students, Mueller gives every project she works on everything she has.

“When I do something, I’m doing it 100%,” she said.

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

INSIDE KAT’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

Your name, your word and the people you surround yourself with. If you have those three things, to me, that’s the key to success.

FIRST HOMETOWN

Born in Paris, France, DeRosa’s family moved wherever her father was stationed. In 1975, when her father retired, the family moved to Plant City and DeRosa, who was working in law enforcement in the District of Columbia, transferred to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.

Although she didn’t stay permanently, Plant City kept drawing her back in.

“I’ve moved and gone three times and kept coming back here because of the town,” DeRosa said.

She eventually got into the bar business and, on two separate occasions, owned and operated Big Dog’s with her husband. After selling the property and seeing it change hands and names several times, DeRosa came back into the picture when the then-

Rail Ale Pub went on the market. This time, she bought the building.

DeRosa approached the Plant City Photo Archive and History Center to get a greater insight on the history of the building and enjoys telling curious patrons about the history of the Big Dog’s building and the history of other Plant City locations.

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

My daughter survived flipping her car four times. She broke her spine in two places and, six months later, is walking, talking and doing great.

HELPING HAND

DeRosa feels the need to give back to Plant City in any way she can — especially since her early life never gave her the opportunity to have a real hometown.

“This is like home … I guess this sounds silly to you, but people take it for granted,” DeRosa said. “People tell those stories like, ‘Oh, do you remember doing this in high school?’ I don’t have that. I don’t have anybody to tell those stories to.”

One of her primary goals is to help revitalize the downtown business scene and help the Midtown project become successful. DeRosa got involved with the Main Street program and spends much of her time traveling to business conventions to market Plant City.

“We have a lot of empty places down here,” DeRosa said. “My goal is to fill it up. That’s why I got on the board.”

But she also likes to give back to the community itself. DeRosa wants people to know her bar is always available for those who need a fundraising venue.

“Sometimes, people don’t want to ask for help, don’t know where to go for help or feel like they’re alone,” DeRosa said. “All of us know that any time, our life could change tomorrow … I would do them 24/7 if people came to me.”

DeRosa’s favorite thing to do is help kids have access to school supplies

What age would you be forever, and why?

Now. I’m happy now. I don’t call them ‘mistakes,’ I call them ‘war wounds.’ I like to share my war wounds and tell people, ‘I’m not smart, but I’ve got lots of war wounds.’ I’m not scared of the future. I’m embracing it. I feel really good, businesswise, healthwise, familywise. I’ve got four grandkids on the way, and that’s my world.

If you could learn one new skill, what would it be?

Golf. I’d love to learn to play golf.

It looks relaxing.

and clothing.

“I think a lot of people drive by like, ‘Oh, that’s just a bar,’” DeRosa said. “No. This is a hundred-year-old building with a story, that’s making news stories, that’s making impacts in people’s lives.”

DeRosa says, regardless of what she wants to use Big Dog’s for, downtown business owners have been supportive and willing to lend a hand.

“I’ve been real lucky that the women in the same industry downtown, we work really well together,” DeRosa said. “They’re very supportive.

This town is blessed with some really strong women.”

JUSTIN KLINE |

Photo by Justin Kline

n Kat DeRosa’s opinion, Plant City means more than people realize.

DeRosa, raised in a military family, has lived all over the world.

But the small-town nature of Plant City has kept her coming back and, now that she’s settled down for good, DeRosa spends her time helping the community that welcomed her with open arms.

“The world changes, but you can’t forget where you came from,” DeRosa said.

Best known as the owner of the Original Big Dog’s Patio, DeRosa spends large chunks of her time developing the business scene in Historic Downtown and using her bar to raise money for local causes.

“It’s more, to me, than serving a drink,” DeRosa said. “It’s an avenue to reach out to people.”

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Happy, occasionally off the chain and not scared.

SPORTS EDITOR

INSIDE STEPHANIE’S HEAD What is your advice for success?

I would say go with your gut.

Which three words would you use to describe yourself?

Outgoing, empathetic and funny.

tephanie Schulte was once the photographer who had a bulky camera slung around her shoulder and a bag full of lenses bigger than soda cans. Now you can find the millennial on the streets of Plant City and Tampa with just an iPhone in her hand.

Schulte has found Instagram success with @igers_tampa and by doing social media marketing for various businesses, including art galleries, restaurants and shops. She shoots primarily on her iPhone, although she has a strong photography background and knows her way around a DSLR. “I didn’t really lose anything by selling my gear,” Schulte said. “I didn’t quit. I just have a different camera.”

Photo by Emily Topper

LIVE SHOTS

Schulte has a degree in digital photography and worked as a portrait photographer before diving into the social media world.

The Plant City native’s first interest in photography came when she got into the music scene in high school.

That love took her to shows in Tampa.

“All my friends were in really crappy punk rock bands,” Schulte said.

She hoped her skills behind the camera would lead her to live event photography.

“Figured it’d be a way to get in and go on tour,” Schulte said.

Her bread and butter once she graduated was freelance portraits and concerts. Then, the gigs lost their luster. She sold her gear for $400.

“To a sweet older woman who had grandkids,” Schulte said.

Canon 20D, bags, lenses — everything.

I don’t want it. Take it.

She sold her gear two weeks before AMBER JURGENSEN

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she took a road trip across the United States.

“Probably the worst time to do it,” Schulte said.

Schulte and a friend planned the trip in less than a month, after Schulte pinned photos on Pinterest in a “Time for an Adventure” board.

“Where are we going?” Schulte’s friend, a teacher with summers off, asked.

The next thing they knew, they were in a car headed for the Grand Canyon.

Stops included New Orleans, Houston, Denver, Atlanta and more. They stayed with friends and split gas.

“Home or bust,” Schulte said.

Every mile was a different scenery.

The weather was perfect, the traffic effortless. They took the backroads, stopping to take photos at bizarre tourist attractions and local diners.

Not once did they eat at a chain.

“I would do that trip again in a heartbeat,” Schulte said.

INSTAGRAM FILTERS

Schulte can’t remember her first Instagram filter, but her first photo was either of her sister or a cat.

“They’re both red heads,” Schulte said.

Her first InstaMeet, where active Instagrammers meet in real life to take photos at a specific location, was at Ft. Desoto Beach to go to Egmont Key — for free. There, she took one of her favorite shots: a palm tree against a sunset.

“Very Florida-esque,” she said.

Schulte continued to spend time with the followers of @igersstpete and moderator Jimmy Fashner. Fashner was involved with @igers_tampa, but he was pulling away to focus more on St. Petersburg. He asked Schulte to help out with @igers_tampa.

“It started as a features page, but there was potential for it to be more,”

MANAGING EDITOR

What is the best thing that has happened to you this year?

I stopped dating.

What age would you be forever, and why?

Twenty-eight — that’s the year I went on my road trip. That was a very liberating year. That was the year I sold my gear.

If you could learn one skill, what would it be?

To be somewhat business minded, to have some skill in business management. I am very creative.

Schulte said. “I wanted it to be a resource … to get people and businesses connected. It’s turned into this place to connect and meet and mingle.”

That was three years ago.

Since then, Schulte helped grow @ igers_tampa to 10,200 followers along with founder Mark Ferrer and other moderators. She’s planned InstaMeets sponsored by the likes of Visit Tampa Bay, taking area Instagrammers to popular restaurants, breweries, the Florida Aquarium and more.

“It’s created these opportunities to meet people I’ve never met,” Schulte said. “It’s a motley crew. We come together with the common photography love.”

Now Schulte is focused on doing social media for businesses. And although her social media fame has led her all over the Tampa Bay area, she hasn’t forgotten her hometown.

“I say I live in Plant City and play in Tampa,” Schulte said. “I always wanted to be a city girl, but as I got older, I love having both. I love having the quiet rural.”

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

SIDELINES

SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

Football scoreboard

Taylor Dedmen and Plant City High’s girls golf are undefeated. Page 14

GAME OF THE WEEK

LENNARD AT STRAWBERRY CREST

Take a look at scores from Saturday, Sept. 24.

TCYFCC WEEK 6 MIGHTY MITES Dover Patriots, 27 Tampa Chiefs, 20 Brandon Cowboys, 27 Turkey Creek Trojans, 0 Brandon Lions, 34 Plant City Dolphins, 6 PEE WEES Tampa Chiefs, 47 Dover Patriots, 0 Brandon Cowboys, 30 Turkey Creek Trojans, 0 Plant City Dolphins, 35 Brandon Lions, 0 MIDGETS Tampa Chiefs, 61 Dover Patriots, 0 Turkey Creek Trojans, 31 Brandon Cowboys, 0 Plant City Dolphins, 14 Brandon Lions, 0 JUNIOR VARSITY Tampa Chiefs, 13 Dover Patriots, 0 Brandon Cowboys, 31 Turkey Creek Trojans, 0 Plant City Dolphins, 71 Brandon Lions, 0 VARSITY Tampa Chiefs, 35 Dover Patriots, 0 Turkey Creek Trojans, 38 Brandon Cowboys, 7 Plant City Dolphins, 47 Brandon Lions, 0 POP WARNER WEEK 5 TINY-MITES No game MITEY-MITES Valrico Rams, 31 Antioch Redskins, 0 PEE-WEES Valrico Rams, 48 Antioch Redskins, 0 UNLIMITED Silver Raiders, 26 Antioch Redskins, 0

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

FRIDAY NIGHT NOTES

Strawberry Crest may still have yet to win a game, but running back Theo Williams is staying positive.

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

I

Justin Kline

t’s hard to stay upbeat in a down year. It’s even harder to do so without having won a game since September 2014.

Theo Williams’ positive attitude helps lift the Chargers up.

But at every Strawberry Crest game, one thing is con-

stant: Theo Williams getting hyped.

Williams, a senior running back, has been one of the lone bright spots for this winless Chargers team, on and off the playing field. On the field, he’s proven to be Crest’s most consistent asset in the backfield and a dangerous player in space. On the sideline, he can be found pumping up his teammates and celebrating every positive play the Chargers make.

“On this team, I’m a leader,” Williams says. “I’m a captain. My coaches, they gave me the position to lead this team, so I know I’ve got to come to practice every day with a positive mind to push these players — even when I have a bad day. I’ve got to come out positive.”

He’s one of only four Chargers who was listed on the varsity roster for the program’s glory days — its 2013 season, when it nearly made the playoffs under head coach John Kelly — along with Freddie Dixon, Connor Smith and Devonte Lowe. Williams credits teammates from days past with passing valuable lessons in leadership down to him.

“The last couple of years, I was kind of a quiet guy because we had other seniors that really led the team,” Williams says. “Josh Engram, Matt Chaney, those guys that played here years back. I used to always look at them, see how they led the team …

SEE GAME PAGE 15

Plant City survived its Friday, Sept. 23, game against East Bay. I had a feeling that, if I didn’t get out to that East Bay-Plant City game Friday, Sept. 23, I’d have missed out on something good. I left 1 Raider Place that night knowing I made the right call.

That was one heck of a football game and, luckily for all you Raider fans out there, the home team survived. There’s nothing like a quality trap game to wake people up, whether it’s fans, players, coaches or even sportswriters. Plant City made some gutsy calls in the end, and the defense stepped up when it absolutely had to. Everyone who attended got to see a district classic.

First, I have to talk about Calvin Richardson hurdling a kid on a kick return. It happened right in front of me, and I would have had an awesome photo if I were able to switch camera lenses in three seconds or less (and, also, if I could see the future). Unfortunately for me, Richardson jumped way too high for my long lens, and I can’t run a shot of just someone’s feet and shins in the paper. I wished he were a little less athletic but, since that’s me being selfish for photography reasons, I SEE KLINE PAGE 14

Justin Kline

Each team is guaranteed three games in the Halloween All-Night Classic.

Spooky Softball The Women’s Softball Halloween All-Night Classic tournament has brought women from around the state to Plant City for over a decade.

“You get to a point where you get to know the players and the teams that come back.”

— Deborah Haldane, program manager

JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS EDITOR

Halloween and softball may seem to be an unlikely pairing, but some athletes in and around Plant City know how well they go together.

That’s why, every year, the city hosts the Women’s Softball Halloween All-Night Classic tournament at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex. It’s one of the only events around where people can watch the ballpark food they normally eat field fly balls.

“We had one young lady playing in a hot dog costume one year,” program manager Deborah Haldane says.

“Throwing and running in that looked like it was difficult.”

Although the tournament has been the Plant City Recreation and Parks Department’s project for three years, its roots run deeper than that.

Technically speaking, this is the 39th year that the tournament will be played. Formerly known as the Cindy Shaw All-Night Tournament, it was previously held at the Greco Softball Complex in Tampa and featured both men’s and women’s competition.

Tournament namesake Cindy Shaw, a former softball player and coach, started the holiday-themed tournament in 1977. The privately-sponsored tournament continued after her death in 2010 but had moved its operations to Plant City and worked SEE SPOOKY PAGE 15

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Taylor Dedmen Taylor Dedmen, a Seminole High School transfer, joined the Plant City Lady Raiders golf team this year. She has helped it stay undefeated, as of press time, by averaging a 37.

Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.

You all haven’t lost a game yet.

What’s the key to playing so well over the course of a season?

The key is to practice and make sure you’re prepared. When you’re prepared, it helps your confidence going in, and it helps you stay focused. In order to play well, you have to make sure that your mindset is straight.

How do you prepare before each match?

Usually, I’ll just warm up on the range, putt a couple times, make sure I’m loose. I don’t put too much in because I don’t want to get my mind thinking too much before I head into a tournament.

What’s been your best performance so far?

When I played at Summerfield a couple weeks ago. I shot one over, but I was even par. I bogeyed at hole 9, but I was pretty consistent that day.

How long have you been playing?

Three years.

What got you into golf?

My grandfather. He lives on a golf course, so he would take me to the driving range. He got me into watching it on TV. I saw the women play, and then I decided to pursue it.

What was it like, coming to a new school this year and joining another golf team?

It wasn’t hard. All of (the girls), they’re fun to be around. It’s easier when you have nice teammates versus ones that are too competitive and focused on being the number one player on the team. They work as a team and don’t go into a match thinking, ‘Oh, I have to beat this person.’ They all just want to play well as a team, all together.

WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?

What brings you all closer together?

When we had the five-day weekend from the hurricane, we went over to Savannah’s (Kummelman) house and had a sleepover. We’re thinking of doing a couple things after the season, too, to stay in touch.

What’s the expectation for you all? How far can you go?

I think we can go to regionals. We’ve beaten everyone in our district.

If we shoot the scores we’ve been shooting all year, we can easily go to regionals. If we can lower all of our scores by two or three strokes, we could probably go to states as a team.

What’s the strongest part of your game?

My driver. I’m pretty consistent with my driver, so that sets it up for the whole, entire hole.

Is there any sport you’ve never tried but always wanted to?

Softball. I’ve always wanted to try that. My mom, when I was younger, she thought I would be the first female MLB pitcher. But I never got a chance to try it.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in golf?

I would tell them that golf is a game where, yes, you’ll get frustrated at times, but it’s also rewarding because, if you put in effort and hard work, you will see the results you need. Once you see the results, you’ll see that the game can be challenging, but it has its upside. And, stick with it. It’s not a game where you can play it for a couple months then stop playing it and then expect the same results you had a few months ago.

What do you want to improve?

Putting. My short game.

What golfers do you look up to?

I’ve always looked up to Arnold Palmer, even though he passed away a couple days ago. He was very influential for amateurs and junior golfers. He ran his tournament in Bay Hill, he ran a lot of junior events — I looked up to him.

What course do you want to play before you die?

Augusta National.

What’s your favorite event to watch on TV? I like the Ryder Cup and all the majors. My favorite major is the Masters but, overall, my favorite event is the Ryder Cup. Do you play any other sports?

I used to play volleyball and soccer but, now, my main focus is golf.

SEE KLINE PAGE 13

understand if you readers disagree with me.

Now, I’m not kidding when I say this was a trap game. Thanks to advances in modern football, it’s my belief that the triple option really shouldn’t beat anybody anymore.

But, sometimes, it still does. If you’re sleeping on it, especially early in a game, you can find yourself in a hole quickly.

I think that might be what happened here. I’m sure the Raiders were well aware Durant had an easy time putting up points in its 38-3 win over the Indians. I’m sure the Indians were confident the Plant City offense could do the same and the defense was solid enough to contain such a gimmicky offense in the same way.

Sometimes, that triple option will sneak up on you.

It was pretty easy to tell that the Raiders were getting frustrated, probably at some combination of both the Indians and themselves.

The team took more unsportsmanlike conduct penalties than it probably was prepared to deal with but not quite enough to kill its chances in the game. These penalties plagued East Bay too.

I have to give credit to head coach Robert Paxia and the Raiders for going for it on fourth-quarter, fourth-down situations, even with just a 50% success rate. Guts can win games and, even when they don’t, it’s better to say you tried to go for the win than to play it ultra-conservative and, maybe, take a loss. Punting on the first fourth-down scenario might have given East Bay the ball with too much time to kill. I’m not sure I would have called an option on the second scenario, but I also can’t say the Raiders don’t have the kind of playmakers to pull that off.

A win is a win, even when it’s too close for comfort, and I’m 99% sure the Raiders are using this game as a wake-up call.

Justin Kline is the sports editor at the Plant City Times & Observer.

Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

FROM GAME PAGE 13

they told me it was going to go by fast, and I didn’t really think about it until it was my time now. I knew I had to step into that role and be a leader on this team.”

Despite being small for a running back — Williams is listed at 5 foot 6, 150 pounds — the senior knows he can make defenders pay for underestimating him if he just gets some space to work with.

“I’ve got a lot of heart, and I’ve got to just run hard, every play,” Williams says.

And, in the case of the Chargers, he believes the team can break its losing streak and snatch that elusive first win from a team that underestimates them too heavily.

THE LONGHORNS

Perhaps that team could be the Lennard Longhorns, currently reeling from a beatdown at the hands of the Durant Cougars.

It was Lennard that first dashed Durant’s playoff hopes in the 2015 season, and Durant hadn’t forgotten that game: the Cougars hung 44 unanswered points on Lennard Friday, Sept.

23, in a shutout win. Durant ran for a combined 348 yards and four touchdowns, and Carlton Potter threw two touchdown passes in the win.

The Cougars nearly had three 100yard rushers in the game — led by freshman Tyrhon Brooks’ 114 yards.

That bodes well for Crest, which is also a run-first team that likes to use multiple running backs.

Although Durant consistently gets solid play from its offensive linemen, the results still proved Lennard’s run defense is suspect. It’s allowed an average of 322 yards and four touchdowns per game over the last two contests.

That’s good news for Williams and his teammates in the backfield.

“They run a three-man front,” Williams says. “When we’ve played teams like that, we’ve had great success … running through those holes, I get through them because I’m small.

Just hit the hole hard. I’m going to get through it.”

It is not, however, an automatic win for Crest. The Longhorns did pick up a 26-7 win over another currently winless team, King, earlier this season, in which running back Jahryn Bailey gained 146 of the team’s 152 rushing yards and both rushing touchdowns.

Bailey racked up 220 yards and all four team touchdowns in last year’s 28-21 win over Crest, though Lennard’s lead back has not produced at the same level in 2016.

If Lennard hopes to get back on track and threaten for a playoff spot, as it did in 2015, sleeping on Strawberry Crest would not be wise.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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FOCUS ON FITNESS

Sync wellness with the seasons Fall is in the air.

Old timers say the first cold snap occurs 30 days after the first morning fog. If this is true, our first touch of cooler air will appear mid-October. Time will tell, but it is certain the weather is changing. The days are growing shorter. The angle of the rays of Florida sunshine is shifting.

The air feels different than those hot muggy days of summer. And we all rejoice.

Human biological functions ebb and flow with nature, including the seasonal rhythms. As summer moves into autumn, the environment around us shifts, providing different wellness options. Getting in sync with the natural seasonal changes enables us to maximize our fitness and nourishment with minimal effort and stress.

FALL OUTDOOR EVENTS

With cooler weather, Florida outdoor activity is more inviting.

Get the whole family involved with hiking and walking trips in nature.

Even the dog. The weather still makes swimming enjoyable as well as more vigorous outings for friends and family. Plan a community gettogether for volleyball or horseshoes followed by a picnic or pot luck dinner.

The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department offers outdoor games for every age group, including tennis lessons, football, golf and even Pokémon clubs.

Start training now for the Tampa YMCA’s annual Goody Goody Turkey Gobble 5K held Thanksgiving morning. Or join the weekly Fit-Family-Fun events at 6 p.m. every Friday at the Plant City Family YMCA. FALL FOODS FOR WELLNESS

The drier, cooler days of autumn shift our appetites toward heavier, more nutrient-dense foods. Think foods with a lot of minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals in every bite.

Recipes call for hearty soups, broths

and stews offering easy-to-digest comfort foods.

Nature leads the way for our food selection as farmers harvest apples, pears, pumpkins, squash, walnuts and pecans. In Florida, our winter vegetables start to come in with collards, cabbage, turnips and cauliflower.

The healthy avocado is my fall favorite I enjoy all year round. Unlike other fruits that are high in carbohydrates, avocados are high in the “good” type of fats. Avocados contain oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.

Oleic acid has been linked to reduced inflammation and beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer, according to numerous published peer-reviewed articles in PubMed. Florida avocados ripen in October and November with some fruits weighing in at two to three pounds.

Enjoy them in salads, on sandwiches and or as guacamole.

WELCOME COOLER WEATHER WITH A GENTLE FAST

An occasional liquid fast can be an effective cleansing tool. As the liver and gallbladder shift gears for the new food types, a day of water, juices and soups can create lightness of body and clarity for the mind.

Add ginger tea to promote detoxification of the body while aloe vera juice improves digestion and assists with elimination.

The malic acid found in apple juice is reputed to detox the gallbladder and support the liver function.

I include apple juice in every meal the entire week of the equinoxes each year as a tool to transition the season.

Jennifer E. Closshey, Ph.D., is a doctor of integrative health based out of Plant City.

Contact her at JenniferClosshey@gmail.com.

FUN FALL FOOD FACTS APPLES A study published in the Advances in Nutrition Review found women who consumed the most apples in their daily diet had the lowest risks of asthma. Eating about 15% of a large apple per day was linked to a 10% lower risk of asthma according to this study of over 68,000 women.

WALNUTS According to research findings at the La Trobe University in Australia, eating walnuts may improve brain health and prevent heart disease and cancer.

Originating in the Mediterranean region and central Asia, walnuts have been part of the human diet for thousands of years. A nutrient-dense food, walnuts are a rich source of omega-3 fats. Eat them as a snack or add walnuts to salads, cereals, baked goods or even soups and pastas.

PUMPKINS According to the researchbased Authority Nutrition website, eating pumpkin is good for the heart and eyes.

Naturally high in fiber, potassium and vitamin C, pumpkin supports heart health by reducing high blood pressure.

Support eye health and decrease the risk of age-related macular degeneration with pumpkin foods rich in the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene. Don’t just carve your pumpkin. Enjoy the health benefits of pumpkins in desserts, soups, salads, preserves and pumpkin butter.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

THE OTHER GUYS

DURANT When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Bloomingdale High School, 1700 Bloomingdale Ave., Valrico The Cougars cruised to a 44-0 win over the Lennard Longhorns Friday, Sept. 23, avenging last year’s 27-24 double-overtime loss. It was an especially big day for the running backs: Tyrhon Brooks and Cameron Myers each eclipsed the 100-yard mark, and Jake Harris came just a few yards shy of joining them.

Friday, Sept. 30, Durant will travel to Bloomingdale to take on a 2-2 Bulls squad reeling from back-to-back losses. The Bulls gave up 95 points in those two games, while only scoring six points in the Friday, Sept. 23, loss to Tampa Bay Tech, though it must be noted both Tech and Armwood are two of the top teams in the county.

Players are encouraged to dress up for the tournament.

FROM SPOOKY PAGE 13

in conjunction with Haldane and the Recreation and Parks Department.

Until 2014, the city provided the playing fields and handled all of the camping arrangements, while Shaw’s family took care of everything else.

The family passed those duties over to Haldane and the department that year, and Haldane says that handling additional duties presented no problems for the recreation and parks staff.

The tournament draws many players from around Florida and other states, as players often like to stick together over the years or, when there are some unavoidable roster changes, link up with players from other teams to field a squad.

All teams are guaranteed at least

PLANT CITY When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Tampa Bay Tech High School, 6410 Orient Road, Tampa The Raiders were surprised Friday, Sept. 23, by a scrappy East Bay team that, when knocked down, refused to stay down.

Plant City could breathe easy thanks to running back Treshaun Ward, who ran for 198 yards and two touchdowns in the 31-24 win, but the defense was often caught off-guard in East Bay’s 14 pass attempts — several of which set up quick scores.

Friday, Sept. 30, Plant City will travel to Tampa Bay Tech to face a red-hot Titans team that has averaged 45 points per game and allowed just 26 total points — a mark that includes two shutout wins in non-consecutive weeks. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and the passing game will test Cody Cribbs and the Plant City secondary better than perhaps any team before or after Tech on the Raiders’ remaining regular-season schedule.

three games, and slow-pitch rules are enforced. Awards are given out for each of the tournament’s three divisions.

Haldane says the tournament gets anywhere from 30 to 35 teams each year and, while not all teams choose to camp, many women enjoy roughing it in the softball complex’s parking lots. That extra element brings teams closer together and also makes them closer to the recreation and parks staffers.

“You get to a point where you get to know the players and the teams that come back year after year, and you get to be friends with them,” Haldane says.

Contact Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.

IF YOU GO

Courtesy photos

Top: The tournament is held in memory of Cindy Shaw.

Middle: Teams, such as Zookie’s Sports Pub & Grill, have come from Naples.

Bottom: Awards are given out to top teams in three divisions.

WOMEN’S SOFTBALL HALLOWEEN ALL-NIGHT CLASSIC When: Schedule to be determined; will be available after Wednesday, Oct. 19 Where: Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, 1900 S. Park Road Cost: $300 per team (20 players per roster) Deadline to enter: Friday, Oct. 14 To register: Send completed registration forms and checks to 1904 S. Park Road, Plant City, FL 33563. Attn: Tournament.

Camping information: Can be found on the tournament registration forms. Camping payments are also due Friday, Oct. 14, and may be mailed to the same address with the attention line “Camping.” Any remaining spots will be available for cash only after Friday, Oct. 21.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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We live, work and raise our families here, too, so we take our responsibility to protect the public and the environment very seriously. The health and safety of our 4,000 employees and our local communities is paramount across all of our work at Mosaic.

WEEK OF SEPT. 30, 2016 Recaps

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— Walt Precourt, senior vice president of Mosaic’s Phosphates Business Unit, on a Polk County sinkhole near its Lake Wales facility. Mosaic has a location in Plant City.

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Service Beyond Service

CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS

T

he American Legion named Special Agent Russell “Rusty” Taylor the 2016 recipient of the American Legion Spirit of Service Award for the United States Air Force. Each year, only one member from each branch of the military is honored with the award.

The award focuses on the individuals’ public service and work ethic.

Taylor traveled to the American Legion National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio to receive his award. The trophy was presented by Dale Barnett, the American Legions’ national commander, Hershel “Woody” Williams, recipient of the Medal of Honor, and General Joseph F. Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Taylor is the son of JeanAnn Taylor, of North Carolina, and the late Russell H. He is the grandson of Cecil and Helen Everidge, of Plant City.

Taylor grew up in Weaverville, North Carolina. He attended Western Carolina University. After graduating with a criminal justice degree in 2007, he joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Mountain Home, Idaho for six years. He has deployed to Korea, Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates. Following his assignment to Mountain Home, Idaho, he was recruited by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. He is now stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama.

“Volunteering will always be a big part of my life,” Taylor said. “It has allowed me to separate my work life from my personal life and help my community at the same time.”

4 The Children’s Board of Hillsborough County Family Resource Center celebrated Grandparents’ Day Thursday, Sept. 22.

Children and their grandparents gathered at the center for a lunch and arts and crafts, and they learned about services the center offers.

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FINGER-LICKING GOOD

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The Boys & Girls Club of Plant City hosted its annual BBQ lunch fundraiser Thursday, Sept. 22, at the Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum.

The event was catered by Johnson’s Barbeque.

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ONE BIG DONATION On Tuesday, Sept. 20, Publix Super Markets Charities presented the United Food Bank of Plant City with a $20,000 check. The donation is part of a $5 million donation to the Feeding America network. The donation is divided between 28 food banks and 38 local partner agencies.

This week’s Cryptoquiz answers

1) King, 2) Thunder, 3) Eagle 4) Muses, 5) Jupiter Zeus

Sept 29 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44) This week’s Sudoku answers

2 7

8 5

4 1

3 6 2 9 8 5

5

1

3 6 9 4

9 6 4 8 7

7

3 2 1

8 6 9 1

5

1

5

3 4 9 6 8

7

3 4 9 6 8 5

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

2 4 7 1

3 2

9 8 1

3 7

6 2 4 5

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This week’s Crossword answers

VOLUNTEERING GIGS n Montgomery Zoo n Salvation Army n Child Protect n Special Olympics

n Montgomery Relay for Life n Capitol Area Adult Literacy Council

n Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival

Upcoming NOMINATE A GRAND MARSHAL The Plant City Christmas Parade is looking for nominations for the 2016 grand marshal. A committee will determine the grand marshal from nominations. Nominations are due by Tuesday, Nov. 1. The Plant City Christmas Parade will be Friday, Dec. 2.

Nomination forms can be found at PCChristmasParade.

Homestead.com or at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce, 106 N. Evers St. Contact Sharon Moody at Sharon.

Moody91@yahoo. com.

DINNER THEATER “A Menacing Night at the Modern Museum” will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 2206 E. Cherry St. Enjoy dinner and a mystery play. Ticket proceeds benefit Bruton Memorial Library. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The play begins at 7:30 p.m.

THINK POSITIVE

LET IT GO After the storm we experienced from Hurricane Hermine, I started thinking about events in life that compel us to make a fresh start. The winds from tropical storms cause trees to shed branches and limbs they no longer need. In response to painful events, we sometimes need to evaluate what works well in our lives, while discarding what hinders us.

It becomes easy to get stuck in a pattern of behavior that once led to satisfying outcomes.

For example, if you once told people, "I do not want to talk about that right now,” as a self-protective measure, it could be time to disclose something painful that happened to you.

Fear plays a part in the reluctance to discuss troubling events. The idea that talking about something with someone may make us feel worse may be true in the short term. However, when we bring an issue into the open the painful emotions often lead to feeling better in the long run because we have released what was bothering us.

The important point is that we let the emotions register with us, thus, bringing what we feel into an improved perspective.

Feelings make up emotions, which are electrical charges channeled through the neurons in our brains.

Our bodies read these signals, and this accounts for the physical sensations making up a part of our response to emotions. Happiness may give us a lifting sensation, while anxiety may seem paralyzing.

Seen from this perspective, what we feel at any given moment seems less monumental. It frees us from

“Feelings are changeable and transient.”

— Scott Toler

File Photo

thinking a negative emotion will last a long time, and we are reminded feelings are changeable and transient. After all, they are just feelings.

It becomes possible to distance ourselves from what we feel at times by identifying an emotion and then seeing it as just the byproduct of our point of view. Growing tired of feeling a certain way can lead to changing our response to what life sends in our direction.

When we realize we give someone a degree of control over us by reacting in anger or sadness to what they say or do, we regain control by acting in opposite ways.

Just saying, "Thank you for your feedback,” in a calm, even voice might defuse personal interactions with someone that have deteriorated. This can help us shed the branch of an angry relationship dynamic.

It seems we live in a time when communicating in public situations

or even smaller venues has been overshadowed with some negative emotions. Defending points of view becomes entangled with the need to be correct about what is being said.

Since the Constitution and the Bill of Rights provide us with the right to free speech, it may help us to focus on the satisfaction of expressing our viewpoints instead of having to prove the rightness of what we say.

This is just one way people can shed any emotions that have grown hostile and reaffirm positive feelings of personal peace. I am sure you can think of other ways, as well.

Scott Toler is a licensed mental health counselor living in Plant City.

He can be reached at etoler25@tampabay. rr.com.

2016

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER Locally owned by Ed Verner, Karen Berry, Nate Kilton and Felix Haynes The Plant City Times & Observer is published by Plant City Media LLC, a jointventure of the Tampa Bay Times and Plant City Observer LLC.

1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103 Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 704-6850 www.PlantCityObserver.com ©Copyright Plant City Media LLC 2014 All Rights Reserved

CONTACT US The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Times & Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103.

If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.

TO ADVERTISE

Call Al Berry, Sarah Holt or Danny Crampton, at (813) 704-6850.

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

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

Mail: The Plant City Times & Observer, 1507 S. Alexander St., Suite 103, Plant City, FL 33563

PLANT CITY TIMES &

Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, kdberry@inthefieldmagazine.com Managing Editor / Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@PlantCityObserver.com Sports Editor / Justin Kline, jkline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Emily Topper, etopper@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

GOOD APPEAL

1

DO NOT GIVE INFORMATION TO THE POLICE.

You have the right to remain silent when arrested in Florida, and this is something you should take advantage of. No matter what tactics law enforcement uses, do not reveal any details to them or try to convince them of your innocence. Do not provide them with any information other than your name and address unless your attorney is present and approves.

2

DO NOT RUN.

This should come as a given, but if you try to escape an arrest, there will be additional charges. This also could cause the police officer to suspect you are hiding something and may give reason to think you have a weapon. This could pose a risk to your safety and to the safety of law enforcement.

NOT KEEP YOUR 3 DO HANDS HIDDEN. You should always keep your hands visible to police officers from the moment they initiate contact with you. If they have any indication you could be concealing a weapon or reaching for one, they will pull their weapons out, and the situation can quickly escalate.

We are Christ centered, church connected, and community minded as we equip the body of Christ.

Our Core Values:

Christ, Biblical Truth, Integrity, Accountability, Discipleship, Love, Witness, and Faithfulness

Dr. Dan Morris Sr., President

Refrain from is initiating any type of physical contact with police. Listen to the police officer’s instructions and do as they say. A minor misdemeanor could quickly turn into a felony charge if you act aggressively. Even if you feel you have done nothing wrong, comply. An illegal arrest should be dealt with in court with representation.

5

Our Vision:

218027

NOT RESIST 4 DO ARREST.

17

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

COME LEARN SOMETHING MORE FROM THE BIBLE!

What you shouldn’t do if you’ve been arrested

In the wake of the recent policerelated shootings in Tulsa, Charlotte and in other major cities across the United States, I felt compelled to write this article for anyone who may be subject to a detainment by law enforcement.

Read through this checklist carefully and make sure you know what not to do if you find yourself detained by law enforcement.

|

BiblicalLeadership.Institute • Phone 813-659-1903 Leavell College Certificate Site 105 Baker Street Plant City

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC AUCTION STORAGE SALE In accordance with the provisions of the Florida Self Storage Act (sections 83.801 - 83.809), there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lien

DO NOT GET INTO AN ARGUMENT.

of the goods hereinafter described and stored at the Uncle Bob’s Self Storage location(s) listed below.

No matter how hard a police officer may try to cause you to lose your temper, do not talk back to them. It is very important to remain calm and stay in control of your temper.

And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the below stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, 9:00 am, October 12th, 2016 at

6

DO NOT ASSUME POLICE HAVE A SEARCH WARRANT.

1005 South Alexander Street, Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-9526.

If police attempt to enter your home, even if they say they have a search warrant, do not assume this is true. You are entitled to see the warrant. Request to see the warrant. If law enforcement will not allow you to see it and cannot produce a copy of it for you, state to the police they cannot enter your home. If they decide to enter, do not get aggressive, keep your hands visible and do not run.

These will give them every reason to argue for a justified entry, even without a warrant.

CUSTOMER NAME

INVENTORY

Mallory Lindsey

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UNCLE BOB’S SELF STORAGE #099

Shiobhan Olivero was born and raised in Plant City. Her law offices can be reached at (813) 534-0393 or by email at solivero@oliverolaw.com.

1005 SOUTH ALEXANDER STREET PLANT CITY, FL 33563 PHONE: (813) 759-9526 FAX: (813) 759-9481

217252

“I want to sing songs that bring about a change in the life of the listener”

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY TO FIND OUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES

LarneLLe

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL RENTALS

The Man The Music The Message LIMITED SEATING $15.00 Gen Admission $25.00 VIP Tickets (Reserved Seating & Meet & Greet After Concert) For Tickets Call (813) 752-8345

Tickets available online at www.shilohpc.org or call the church for more information.

1 1 0 E A S T R E Y N O L D S S T R E E T, S U I T E 1 0 0 A P L A N T C I T Y, F L 3 3 5 6 3 TELEPHONE: (813) 752-5262 FA X : ( 8 1 3 ) 7 5 2 - 9 4 2 0 E M A I L : I N F O @ C I T Y P R O P E R T I E S C O M PA N Y. C O M

214616

Shiloh Baptist Church 905 W Terrace Dr Plant City, FL 33563 www.ShilohPC.org

BUSINESS HOURS | MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:30AM-5PM

217798

October 21, 2016 @ 7:00pm

MANAGEMENT OF RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

18

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

AMERICAN OWNED • AMERICAN OPERATED Center for Excellence

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SUN CITY CENTER

BRANDON

4850 Sun City Ctr. Blvd.

201 S. Kings Ave, Ste #2

(813) 634-8451

(813) 681-4046

Next to Publix King’s Crossing Shopping Ctr.

Next to Carson Optical

HOURS:

Mon. - Fri. 9am - 4:30pm • Sat. by Appt.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED • WALK-INS WELCOME • WAX-REMOVAL ASSISTANCE

www.floridahearing.com

Hours: Mon - Fri 9am - 4:30pm, Sat. by Appt.

350528-1

www.floridahearing.com

218000

John Holloway

“My hearing aids are the best investment I have ever made.”

MADE

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30

SIR HENRY’S HAUNTED TRAIL 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1; Friday, Oct. 7, to Sunday, Oct. 9; Friday, Oct. 14, to Sunday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 23; Friday, Oct. 28, to Monday, Oct. 31, at 2837 S. Frontage Road, Plant City. Enjoy a spooky trail walk. Cost is $10 for a single trail; $20 for combo trails. Call Zach Glaros at (863) 944-0748, email SirHenrysHauntedTrail@gmail.com or visit SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

14TH ANNIVERSARY BIKE FEST 5 to 9 p.m. at Union Station Depot, 102 N. Palmer St. Enjoy motorcycle stunts, live music and second annual poker run.

“A MENACING NIGHT AT THE MODERN MUSEUM” 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the John R. Trinkle Center, 2206 E. Cherry St. Enjoy dinner and a mystery play. Ticket proceeds benefit Bruton Memorial Library.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. The play begins at 7:30 p.m.

DOVER ROD RUN 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at First Baptist Church of Dover, 3223 N. Gallagher Road. The Dover Rod Run is an antique car show scheduled two times during the year. The event includes hundreds of cars and motorcycles, bluegrass bands and Pinewood Derby races. The menu consists of hotdogs, hamburgers, sausage, soft drinks and

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30

PLANT CITY FOOD TRUCK RALLY 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, in Historic Downtown Plant City, 102 N. Palmer St. Enjoy a variety of food trucks and entertainment.

THURSDAY, OCT. 6

ANATOMY OF STRESS: HOW STRESS AFFECTS YOU 5 to 7 p.m. at the Swindle Medical Arts Center Conference Room, 1601 W. Timberlane Drive. Enjoy a healthy dinner and learn to recognize your stress responses and what to do with them. Series led by Dr. Jennifer Clossshey. Register at jclosshey@gmail.com. Tickets are $20 per person.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF PLANT CITY FISH FRY 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 405 W. Baker St. Tickets are $8. Proceeds benefit community ministries.

ROSE PROPAGATION 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Plant City Commons Community Garden, 2001 E. Cherry St. The worshop is $10. PlantCityCommunityGarden. com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 8

EVERYTHING YARD SALE 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 8, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. Proceeds benefit the St. Peter’s Building Fund, to restore the historic church.

MONDAY, OCT. 3

EAST HILLSBOROUGH ART GUILD MEETING 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, at the Woman’s Club of Plant City, 1110 N. Wheeler St.

PLANT CITY HIGH SCHOOL HOMECOMING DANCE 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8, at the Florida Strawberry Festival Grimes Agricultural Center, 2508 Oak Ave.

TUESDAY, OCT. 4

CENTRAL FLORIDA FLUTE CIRCLE 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St.

ONGOING

ACOUSTIC HAPPY HOUR 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, at

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

19

HEALTHY LITERACY CLASSES 10 a.m. to noon Mondays through Monday, Oct. 17, at the United Food Bank of Plant City, 702 E. Alsobrook St. Learn how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, regardless of budget.

BEST BET

water. FirstBaptistDover.com.

|

KEEL AND CURLEY LIVE MUSIC 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Keel and Curley Winery, 5210 Thonotosassa Road. (813) 752-9100.

O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

BINGO 6:30 p.m. Saturdays, at American Legion Post 26, 2207 W. Baker St. CHRISTIAN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC 6:33 to 8:13 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at Krazy Kup, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. (813) 752-1220.

THE CLASSROOM GALLERY 1 to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays at the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, 605 N. Collins St. Art is on display by members of the East Hillsborough Art Guild.

COUNTRY-FRIED FRIDAYS 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 E. State Road 60. Ladies drink free and the DJ plays top 40 country hits. UncleMikesGrill.com or (813) 737-4444.

Disconnect with us as we bring families TOGETHER, getting everyone MOVING and having FUN!

O’BRIEN’S LIVE MUSIC 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub & Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 764-8818.

OPEN MIC NIGHT 8 p.m. Wednesdays, at O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Family Restaurant, 1701 S. Alexander St. (813) 7648818.

PLANT CITY COMMUNITY LADIES BIBLE STUDY LUNCH 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays at Plant City Recreation Center, 301 Dort St. For more information, call Martha Sue Skinner at (813) 752 7630.

PLANT CITY CONNECTIONS 8 a.m. Tuesdays, at Uncle Mike’s Smokehouse Grill, 106 State Road 60 E. This networking group hosts speakers each meeting.

PLANT CITY DAYBREAK ROTARY CLUB 7 a.m. Mondays at South Florida Baptist Hopsital’s Community Conference Room, 301 N. Alexander St.

ENJOY: » Family fitness and sports » Crafts & games » Fall Festivals » AND SO MUCH MORE!

1507 YMCA Place, Plant City | 813 757 6677 | tampaymca.org

217164

PlantCityObserver.com

1/2 Price Appetizers

Everyday from 11 am to 12 pm with purchase of an entree

CARPET STEAM CLEANING

Mini Greek Salad & your choice of a small sub

9.90

15% OFF

between 11 & 4

813-752-5146 114 North Alexander Street • Plant City, Fl. 33563

BRING THIS AD IN AND RECEIVE 15% OFF Cannot use this coupon with any in House Specials or Discounts!

Attorneys on call 24/7

• VOP • Drug Possession • All Misdemeanor and Felony Cases

Sammis Law Firm, P.A., 1005 N. Marion Street, Tampa, Florida 33602

(p) 813-250-0500 (f) 813-276-1600 criminaldefenseattorneytampa.com

(includes lunch)

All golfers welcome (experienced or not).

Come enjoy a day out with contests including the longest and closest drive.

GOLF TOURNAMENT

OCTOBER 8, 2016 8:30 a.m. Shotgun Start

Lic. # JB 138531

www.homeprotectionpc.com Hours: 8am-5pm M-F • Sat by appt.

Family Owned & Operated Since 2006 • 19 Years Experience

The City of Plant City Stormwater Department, hereby gives notice of the City of Plant City’s intent to revise the flood hazard information, generally located between Midway Road and just north of Swindell Road.

Specifically, the flood hazard information shall be revised along a tributary to the Itchepackesassa Creek from a point approximately just north of Swindell Road to a point approximately at Midway Road.

As a result of the revision, the 1% annual chance watersurface elevations shall be established, and the 1% annual chance floodplain shall be established, increase, or decrease within the area of revision.

4133 Great Golfers Place Valrico, FL 33594

217456

Steve Paul, Owner

$80 per player

SCHS Music 3rd Annual

For more information email seanwerner@gmail.com or cheri.sleeper@sdhc.k12.fl.us Or go to www.chargermusic.org

Tony 813.404.7819

813.757.6752 Cell: 813.716.0623

HOLE SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR $75

Maps and detailed analysis of the revision can be reviewed at the City of Plant City at 302 West Reynolds Street, Plant City, Florida 33564. Interested persons may call Mr. Michael Schenk, P.E. / City Engineer at (813) 659-4200 for additional information from 8 AM to 5 PM during working hours to discuss.

217793

THE

Chris 813.417.6849

HOME PROTECTION PEST CONTROL 214622

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DATE!

The only bug you should have in your home or business is the one in our logo!

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We’re not just Pizza, Come try our Hamburgers, Chicken & Steak Too! Lunch & Dinner specials every day!

View our Printable Menu on Abcpizza.com

214607

Always Better Crust

20

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

GRACE AND GOWNS

STATE FARM® AGENT

Tony Lee CLU, CHFC 813.752.7202

F

riends and family packed the Strawberry Crest High School auditorium Saturday, Sept.

24, for the 2017 Calendar Girl competition.

Thirty-seven girls competed for 13 slots in the annual calendar. 2016 Cover Girl Samantha Maguire crowned Mackenzie Edgemon the 2017 winner. Amber Boykin, who earned the Miss March title, was top in calendar sales.

214728

Auto | Annuities | Home | Life Small Businesses | Retirement

1702 S. Alexander, Plant City, FL 33563

Thrift Shop A shabby-chic, eclectic mix of treasures, antiques, and collectibles

WINNERS

Cover Girl: Mackenzie Edgemon Miss January: Autumn Miller Miss February: Marybeth Stewart Miss March: Amber Boykin Miss April: Phoebe Ferguson Miss May: Mckenzie Talavera Miss June: Sarah Wylie Miss July: Haylee Cooper Miss August: Kristina Stepp Miss September: Raelyn Hudson Miss October: Melanie Lang Miss November: Haley Garrett Miss December: Ashley Hamel

— EMILY TOPPER

Hours:

216430

Monday - Friday ..................9am - 6pm Saturday ......................................9am - 4:30pm Sunday..........................................11am - 4:30pm

813-986-4214 | 10612 McIntosh Rd, Thonotosassa, FL 33592

Photos by Emily Topper

Above: Mckenzie Talavera, Miss May Right: Cover Girl Mackenzie Edgemon Below: Sarah Wylie, Miss June Below Right: Melanie Lang, Miss October

Valid Until Oct 1, 2016 @ Blue Thumb, LLC

WAS

NOW

WAS

NOW

WAS

NOW

WAS

NOW

We asked: What fictional character do you identify with?

“Olivia Pope from Scandal, because she is a fixer.”

“Larry David from Curb Your Enthusiasm. ” — Jake Austin, 30

— Alyssa Cerrito, 26

“The princess from Princess and the Pea. My bed has to be just so.”

216742

— Yvonne Fry, 45

HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS HAS PARTNERED TO SPONSOR AROUND TOWN.

Our Promise at

www.HopewellFuneral.com 214644

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

|

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

21

From left to right: Phoebe Ferguson, Miss April Raelyn Hudson, Miss September Haylee Cooper, Miss July Amber Boykin, Miss March

Walden Lake Construction

Right: Ashley Hamel, Miss December Far Right: Marybeth Stewart, Miss February

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• Kitchen remodel • Bathroom remodel • Wood and Tile installations • Interior and Exterior painting • Whole house renovations 813-205-7075 Licensed and Insured waldenlakeconstruction.com CBC1260681

PLANT CITY’S BEST LOCAL AUCTION HOUSE! New & General Merchandise | Silver & Gold Coins Tools | Furniture | Jewelry | Antiques | Collectibles

Live-Absolute Auction

Saturday - Noon, Preview 1 Hr. before NO RESERVES

Accepting Consignment

Monday - Thursday 10am-2pm

Check in often for daily updates

including pictures of items on this week’s auction!

$$

Big Mike’s Auction House, LLC

Kristina Stepp, Miss August

Autumn Miller, Miss January

Mike & Hope Williams, Owners

Visit us on

217940

AB3182

203 E. Laura St., Plant City, FL | 813.754.4607

216460

Haley Garrett, Miss November

“My wife says, Roger Rabbit.”

— Bennie Lubrano, 64

(Reg. $305) Offer expires 10/14/16. Includes exam, cleaning & x-rays. New Patients Only.

“Superman. I want to fly.”

— Jerry Call, 70

“Joey from ‘Friends’.”

— Josh Trunzo, 20

214628

(Reg. $1,920) Offer expires 10/14/16. $960 for implant, not including abutment and crown for new and existing patients for first implant.

Offer expires 10/14/16. New Patients Only.

22

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN! FRESHEST MEAT & LOWEST PRICES IN TOWN!

Felton’s Market

Prices Valid Sept 30 - Oct 4

Mon-Sat 7am - 9pm Sundays 7am - 8pm Follow us on

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7.79

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3.19

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1.79

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2.29

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BABY BACK RIBS

9 SLABS/BOX BOX WEIGHT

ECONOMY PK

$

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TOP ROUND STEAKS

PORK CHOPS

(SINGLE PACK) (WAS $4.69LB)

3.69

$

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“FRESH CUT”

ASSORTED

PORK STEAKS

PORK CHOPS

BUY 1 GET 1

1.49

FIRST CUT

LB

FRESH GROUND PORK PAN SAUSAGE ....................................................... $2.49 LB

LYKES PREMIUM SLICED BACON 12 OZ PKG .............................................. $3.69 EA

SMOKED PORK NECKBONES FAMILY PAK .................................................. $1.29 LB

NETTLES BUN LINK SAUSAGE 2.5 LB PKG .................................................. $9.99 EA

FRESH TURKEY WINGS “FLAP & TIP” .......................................................... $1.29 LB

CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS (10 LB BAG .54c LB) 40 LB BOX ........................ $14.99 EA

DIAMOND REEF E-Z PEEL SHRIMP 16/20 CT 2 LB PKG .............................. $15.99 EA

BONELESS SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS FAMILY PAK ............................... $1.89 LB

DIAMOND REEF SWAI FILLETS 2 LB PKG .................................................... $5.99 EA

FRESH WHOLE FRYERS 2-PACK .................................................................... .99¢ LB

GWALTNEY BUN LENGTH HOT DOGS FAMILY PAK 3 LB PKG ................... $4.49 EA

CHICKEN BACKS or NECKS FAMILY PAK ..................................................... .69¢ LB

Cold Deli LEAN DELI HAM ..............................................................................................................$2.19 LB SMOKED TURKEY BREAST ..............................................................................................$4.99 LB DELI BOLOGNA ...............................................................................................................$3.99 LB TASTY LIVER CHEESE ......................................................................................................$4.49 LB

Felton’s offers our customers the very best produce at the best prices. Most of the produce is purchased from local growers. We offer every day the best in produce available plus any seasonal or ethnic produce. We buy daily from the local markets. Come in and compare price and quality against any other store.

We guarantee you will enjoy the experience of shopping at Felton’s

Hot Deli SMOKED PORK BUTTS ..................................................................................................$15.99 EA SMOKED CHICKEN LEG QUARTERS 6 PIECE PACK ......................................................$5.89 EA 8 PIECE FRIED CHICKEN – DARK MEAT 8 PIECE PACK .................................................$4.99 EA TASTY FRIED OKRA .........................................................................................................$1.79 LB

RUSSET POTATOES 10 LB BAG

YELLOW ONIONS 3 LB BAG

YUKON GOLD OR RUSSET POTATOES

BANANAS

5 LB BAG

2.89 EA

$

1.49 EA

$

.49¢LB

Lakeland

• Food Stamps, EBT, WIC • Corporate & Organizational Charge Accounts • Postage Stamps

• Service Meat Case • Full Service Deli • Major Credit Cards Accepted

• TECO Payments Accepted • Western Union • Orlandi Valuta

211827 214715

County Line Rd.

92

1.49 EA

$

GOYA PINTO OR BLACK BEANS .........................................................................47 OZ ......................................................................2 FOR $5.00 RICELAND RICE .....................................................................................................20 BL BAG .................................................................... $9.99 EA CAPTAIN AMERICA – DORY – FROZEN CEREALS .............................................8.4 OZ .......................................................................... $2.99 EA SHOPPERS VALUE CORN – GREEN BEANS – GREEN PEA ..............................15 OZ ............................................................................. .69¢ EA CRISCO OIL ............................................................................................................GALLON ....................................................................... $8.99 EA DAKIN MILK ..........................................................................................................GALLON ....................................................................... $2.99 EA ESSENTIAL APPLE JUICE .....................................................................................64 OZ ......................................................................2 FOR $4.00 7-UP & CHERRY 7-UP ............................................................................................2 LITER ....................................................................2 FOR $1.00

4 Park Rd.

Maryland Ave.

4.99

$

LB

BONELESS

FRESH CENTER CUT

St.

WHOLE NEW YORK STRIP

FRESH

$

olds

PORTERHOUSE STEAKS

7.99

ANY SIZE PK

Reyn

HEAVY WESTERN

$

LB

CHUCK ROAST

$

HEAVY WESTERN

PRODUCT OF USA FAMILY PAK

BONELESS

Baker St.

www.feltonsmarket.com

Having a large gathering and need an entire pig roasted to tasty perfection? We can handle any size order you might have. Our smokehouse is the best in Plant City and the surrounding area.

Call us at 813-752-1548 to place your order today.

PRODUCT OF USA FAMILY PAK

PLANT CITY

(813) 752-1548

At Felton’s we offer a complete line of fresh meat and produce. You’ll find only the best quality meats at bargain prices.

Whether it be that special occasion dinner, or you are planning a large party, call or stop by today. No matter what your needs, Felton’s is sure to have the finest, most tender meat and tasty produce anywhere.

T-BONE STEAKS

Sam Allen Rd.

617 N. Maryland Ave., Plant City

CHOICE MEATS • PRODUCE • GROCERIES

HEAVY WESTERN

39

WALKER PLAZA

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

JANET LEE HAMIL Janet Lee Hamil, 83, of Plant City, died Sept. 11, 2016.

She as born in Lafayette, Indiana to Newell J. Harriman and Mary K. (Knott) Harriman. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend to many. Her family and friends say she was the glue that kept everyone together. She will be missed.

She is survived by her son, Robert Hamil; grandchildren, Steven Hamil, Tina Hamil, James “JJ” Hamil, John Hamil and Ryan Hamil; and great-grandchildren, Sarah Hamil, Ashley Hodges, Aaron Hodges and Ronan Hamil.

She as preceded in death by her parents; husband, Howard Hamil; son, James Hamil; and siblings.

A funeral service was held Sept.

17, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center. Pastor Shea Pennington officiated.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

MARILYN CLARK HERRING Marilyn Clark Herring, 81, of Dover, died Sept. 12, 2016, at her home.

She as born Sept. 29, 1934, in Dover, to Clarence Frederick Clark and Lucy Haddix Clark. She worked as a cigar packer. She was a member of Sharon Baptist Purity Church and was a caregiver to all those she met.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon Herring and Karen Sakelaris (Pat); and grandson, Patrick Sakelaris.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jesse Herring; siblings; and parents.

A funeral service was held Sept.

16, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center. Burial followed at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

LINNIE MAE HUNTER Linnie Mae Hunter, 82, of Lithia, died Sept. 13, 2016, in Lakeland.

She was a member of Springhead Church of Christ. She loved her children, grandchildren and family more than anything. She also loved to sing, fish and make quilts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Velton Hunter.

She is survived by her sons, Velton Edward Hunter, Jerry Bruce Hunter, Rex Andrew Hunter (Phyllis) and William Carl Hunter; daughter, Linda Dianne Wilkes (Joel); brothers, Paul, Donald and Buel Lunsford; sister, Myrtle Campbell; 24 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

A funeral service was held Sept.

20, at Wells Memorial Funeral Home and Event Center. Burial followed at Welcome Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

HUGH JONES JOHNSON Hugh Jones Johnson, 94, of Brandon, and formerly of Plant City, died Sept. 8, 2016.

He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, having served in World War II, and was a retired letter carrier with the United States Postal Service.

He is survived by his children, Brenda Colwell (Richard), of Bethel, Connecticut, Nancy Johnson, of Brandon, Debbie Torres (Steve), of Brandon, and Robbie Johnson (Marie), of Tampa; six grandchildren; and four greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Lurine Johnson; son, Hugh Johnson Jr.; and 10 siblings.

A celebration of life was held Sept. 14, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Committal followed at Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

EBEN “MAC” MCKENDRICK Eben “Mac” McKendrick, 81, of Plant City, died Sept. 7, 2016.

He was born in Lawrenceville, Illinois and raised in the Seattle, Washington area. After serving in the United States Army’s 38th Infantry Division, he settled in the Miami area. He met and fell in love with his wife, Sharon, in 1986.

They married in 1988 and followed her daughter to Plant City in 1993. In 2002, he became a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Plant City. He served as the president of Meals on Wheels since 2003. While he had no children of

his own, he was blessed to consider his wife’s family as his own.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon; stepdaughters, Sheri Dusse (Rob) and Teri Lopez (Chris); beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Hannah and Sarah Dusse; and stepson, Ron Becker (Susan).

A celebration of life will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at First Baptist Church of Plant City, 503 N. Palmer St., Plant City. The family will receive friends at 3 p.m.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

ELWOOD MOBLEY Elwood Mobley, 94, of Plant City, died Sept. 3, 2016.

He was the son of the late Henry and Lucille Davis Mobley. He retired from W.R. Grace where he was a crane operator. He was a member and elder at Plant City Church of Christ and a wonderful carpenter. He served in the United States Coast Guard during World War II as a sonar operator.

He is survived by his children, Terry Mobley, Ron Mobley (Malea) and Linda Maxwell Welch (Wimpy); siblings, Nancy Perkins and Peggy Ann Copeland; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his beloved wife, Janet Goss Mobley.

A funeral service was held Sept.

6, at Plant City Church of Christ.

If desired, donations may be made to Melech Hospice House, 11152 N. 52nd St., Temple Terrace, Florida 33617.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

CAROL MURPHY

and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her son, Steven Detwiler.

A memorial service was held Sept. 17, at First Church of God. Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

HOMER ELLIS “BUDDY” TIDWELL Homer Ellis “Buddy” Tidwell, 77, of Plant City, died Sept. 8, 2016.

Born in Plant City, he was the son of Edward and Opal Combass Tidwell. He was a member of the Plant City Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He loved to fish, garden and work in his yard.

He often rode his bike and visited and helped his neighbors.

He is survived by his children, Matt, Steven and Daniel Tidwell and Carmen Murphy; siblings, Jean Rice, Kathryn Hicks and Robert and Charles Swilley.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jason Tidwell; and brother, Gerald Swilley.

A memorial service was held Sept. 15, at Haught Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be made at HaughtFuneralHome. com.

MARY EVA PEÑA Mary Eva Peña, 66, of Plant City, and born in Saginaw, Michigan, died Sept. 11, 2016.

She was born Sept. 8, 1950. She was a member of Church of God New Harvest Church in Plant City, where she was crowned Queen of New Harvest Church and served as a secretary, usher and Sunday School teacher. Her passion was the Lord and she lived for her family.

She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Jose Peña; children, Rosa Maria Sierra (Humberto), of

Carol Murphy, 78, of Plant City, died Sept. 5, 2016, at her home.

Born in Nolo, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Wilmer and Jeanette Rumsey Henry. She was a member of Plant City Church of God and was an RN. She taught health occupations at Armwood High School. She loved her pets, animals and housekeeping.

She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Allan Murphy; children, David Detwiler (Lori) and Paul Detwiler; five grandchildren;

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

23

Mulberry and Abel Peña (Hope), of Ruskin; brothers, Alberto Garza (Sylvia), of Dover, Santos Garza (Aide), of Texas, and Jesus Garza, of Plant City; grandchildren, Humberto Sierra Jr., Vanessa Marie Sierra, Alicia Eva Sierra, Klarissa Peña, Anthony Peña, Joseph Peña and Joshua Peña; three greatgrandchildren; and mother, Aurora Garza.

She was preceded in death by her father, Audencio Garza Montez.

A celebration of life was held Sept. 16, at Hopewell Funeral Home. Committal followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens.

Online condolences may be made at HopewellFuneral.com.

DONNA SUE INGERSON VICKERY Donna Sue Ingerson Vickery, 65, of Plant City, died Sept. 5, 2016, surrounded by her family and her best friend, Sandi Mayberry.

She was born July 12, 1951, in Bossier City, Louisiana, to the late Harland and Betty Stackpole.

She is survived by her sons, Brian and Bobby Carroll; sisters, Darlene Wynne and Norma Hammock (Fred), of Gray, Georgia; brother, Ardell Stackpole (Cathy), of Statesboro, Georgia; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ken Herr; and sister, Sarah Ann Ingerson.

A memorial service was held Sept. 7, at Northside Baptist Church in Plant City. A second memorial service was held Sept.

9, at Northridge Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. Pastor John Sheeley officiated.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northridge Baptist Church, 31211.

Online condolences may be made at WellsMemorial.com.

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

SEPT. 9

SLASH AND DASH 800 block of East Gilchrist Street.

Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who reported unknown suspect(s) had damaged a tire on a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado SUV. FOOD FRAUD 2510 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Identity theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated an unknown suspect applied for food services in his name and had been collecting for the past year.

ONE THING LEADS TO ANOTHER South Alexander Street/Sammonds Road.

Drug violation: Officers conducted a traffic stop on a red Hyundai sedan that had an expired registration, and the driver was subsequently arrested for a drug violation.

NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DON’T 1810 block of East Alabama Street.

Grand theft auto: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) stole his vehicle while he was delivering pizza to a residence.

SEPT. 10

CASH IN A FLASH 1710 block of House Street.

Residential burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) forced entry into his home and stole $200.

KEYED UP 1600 block of East Alabama Street.

Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had scratched up his 2007 BMW vehicle overnight.

WRONG TAG, WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME 1500 block of Essex Drive.

Drug violation: Officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, for which the attached tag was not assigned, and arrested the driver and passenger for possession of methamphetamine. The driver was also charged with possession of paraphernalia and driving with an attached tag not assigned, and the passenger was also charged with possession of marijuana.

SEPT. 11

NO BIG DEAL, RIGHT? 300 block of North Alexander Street.

Aggravated battery with a firearm: Officers responded to a hospital and met with complainant, who had multiple gunshot wounds.

Complainant refused to tell police any details, besides that the shooting happened on East Laura Street.

FORGETTING SOMETHING? East Laura Street/South Collins Street.

Found property: Officers made contact with three subjects on East Laura Street who were attempting to hide near a tree. The subjects left the area but left behind a black Springfield .40 caliber, semi-automatic firearm on the ground near the tree. The firearm was taken for DNA testing.

SEPT. 12

CLEANED OUT 300 block of South Frontage Road.

Information: Officer met with complainant, who stated he and his girlfriend had checked into a hotel on Monday, Sept. 8, to sleep and, when the woman woke before the complainant, she told him she had to leave and would be right back.

She did not return, and all of the complainant’s belongings were in her car at the time. An information report was filed.

the last month. The suspect(s) had caused damage to the door frame.

SEPT. 13

THERE ARE LOCKS FOR A REASON 1000 block of Village College Court.

Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspects(s) had burglarized an unlocked gold 2004 Honda Accord.

NICE TRY West Reynolds Street/Seminole Lake Boulevard.

Personal robbery: Officer met with complainant, who stated a known subject had snatched a chain and dog tag from her neck and left the area. The subject was located and made to return the chain, valued at $13, to the complainant. A waiver of prosecution was signed.

SEPT. 16

GARAGE BAND(IT) 2830 block of Hammock Drive.

Residential burglary/grand theft auto: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) forcibly entered his garage through a side door and, after entering both cars inside, stole a 2004 Lincoln Town Car. SON OF A GUN 100 block of Orange Bud Way. Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle and stole a .38 caliber Taurus revolver pistol between 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 15, and 6:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 16.

NEED THAT BIKE BACK, JACK 700 block of West Ball Street.

Theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated his yellow and black Panama Jack bicycle had been stolen around 5:45 p.m. Friday, Sept. 16.

KNOCK, KNOCK 1300 block of East Church Street.

Criminal mischief: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had kicked in the door to a home he owns sometime in

MISSING MIXER 1700 block of James L. Redman Parkway.

Theft: Officer met with complainant, who stated an unknown suspect stole a 6-quart Hobart mixer from the outside of a business.

SEPT. 17

HAUL GONE 910 block of South Woodrow Wilson Street.

Grand theft: Complainant stated that, overnight, unknown suspect(s) stole a car hauler from a grassy area. The make, model and size of the car hauler were not known.

SEPT. 19

TOOK LONG ENOUGH 2910 block of Forest Club Drive.

Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered his vehicle and stole a Garmin GPS system, a Cobra radar detector, jumper cables and a tarp. Complainant said the burglary had happened Wednesday, Sept. 14, but he had not noticed until Monday, Sept. 19. Complainant declined to pursue charges and signed a waiver of prosecution.

HANDLING THE SITUATION 2000 block of North Frontage Road.

Grand theft: Complainant stated that, overnight, unknown suspects stole door handles from one 2017 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, as well as four mirror caps from two other 2017 Silverados.

BIKE BANDIT 800 block of Whitehurst Street.

Stolen motorcycle: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) had stolen a blue and white Suzuki GSX-R motorcycle, which has an extended back wheel, blue rims, a blue windshield, a crack on the front right side and the number “600” on the back right and left side. Two blue helmets, one with the number “707” on it and one with two devils, were stolen.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

SEPT. 20

FASHION CAPER 800 block of South Tyler Street.

Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) entered an unlocked vehicle and stole a grey and black Coach-brand wallet, which contained a driver’s license, bank cards and $105 in cash.

NO JUSTICE 300 block of North Michigan Avenue.

Burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered a trailer next to the courthouse just after 10 a.m. and stole a Stihl pole saw and hedge trimmers.

TOOL TIME 600 block of Bethune Drive.

Grand theft: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had entered his shed and stole lawn equipment valued together at $990.

SEPT. 21

PACK RAT 1500 block of YMCA Place.

Vehicle burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) broke one of the windows of her GMC truck and stole a fanny pack containing cash and credit cards.

DOUBLE JEOPARDY 600 block of North Warnell Street.

Vehicle burglary: Officer met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had entered a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford F-150 parked on his property and stolen a wallet, credit cards and a purse containing several items. The vehicles had been unlocked prior to the theft.

SEPT. 22

SOUND THE ALARM 1900 block of East Ohio Street.

Residential burglary: Officers met with complainant, who stated unknown suspect(s) had forced entry into the back of a home but had been deterred by the alarm system.

Complainant stated nothing had been stolen, but a side door had $200 worth of damage.

BRIEFS

IT’S READ EVERYWHERE Did you take the Plant City Times & Observer with you on vacation?

Email photos and a caption to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcityobserver.com. Include a caption and first and last names of those in the photo.

France Paul Perry visited Rouen Cathedral in Normandy, France.

Courtesy photo

Intoxicated driver hits school bus

Wisconsin Tisha Barron traveled to Lambeau Field with her daughter, Ginger, for the Packers’ preseason game in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

25

COPS CORNER

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

|

Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a 2014 Ford F-150 after a hit-and-run crash Friday, Sept. 23.

The unknown Ford driver was traveling east on State Road 574 at around 4 p.m. Sept. 23, when the truck collided with the rear end of a school bus. The bus was driven by Anna Mundell, 64, of Mulberry.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, both vehicles came to a rest on the shoulder of the roadway. The driver of the Ford then fled the scene on foot.

School bus driver Mundell and her passenger, Katrina Cumley, 34, of Plant City, did not sustain injuries during the crash.

The passenger of the Ford F-150, Joseph Flint, 45, of Mango, sustained minor injuries but was wearing a seatbelt during the impact.

Charges are pending. Florida Highway Patrol has cited alcohol as a factor involved in the crash.

Anyone with information about the driver of the Ford F-150, a male, is requested to contact Florida Highway Patrol at (813) 631-4020.

Four-car crash at train tracks Three vehicles were stopped Thursday, Sept. 22, on South Park Road for congested traffic at a train crossing when a 2016 Budget rental truck crashed into the rear of a 2004 blue Dodge pickup truck, the last car stopped in line.

A chain reaction crash followed as the Dodge was pushed forward into the rear of a 2008 red Nissan SUV. The Nissan was pushed into the rear of a 2008 silver Chevrolet pickup truck.

The driver of the blue Dodge was transported to an area hospital with an unknown severity of injury. The other drivers and a passenger in the

Nissan SUV did not require medical treatment at the scene.

This is an active investigation, and there are no criminal charges at this time.

Family Dollar robbed A man robbed the Family Dollar on North Gordon Street at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20.

The suspect entered the Family Dollar at 105 N. Gordon St. while armed with a semi-automatic handgun. The suspect approached a cashier and demanded money.

After receiving the cash, the suspect fled the store on foot in a southbound direction.

The suspect was described as a black male, possibly late teens, 5 foot 6 to 5 foot 8, medium build and was wearing a black hooded sweater, gray jogging pants and gloves.

Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay is offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information that leads to the identification and arrest of the suspect involved in this case. Anyone with any information can call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 873-TIPS (8477), report anonymously online at CrimeStoppersTB.com or send a mobile tip using the P3 Tips Mobile application. Crime Stoppers must be contacted first to be eligible for a cash reward.

Two-alarm fire Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spent an hour controlling an accidental Plant City fire Friday, Sept.

23.

The fire, which damaged the home at 1102 Joe McIntosh Road, was caused by a propane grill at the front of the home that was briefly left unattended around 2:40 p.m.

No one was injured, but the American Red Cross is helping 10 people displaced by the fire.

26

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

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PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

DO YOU DARE WALK THIS TRAIL? Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail opens its third season with the addition of second ‘lights out’ trail.

MATT SILVERMAN STAFF INTERN

Looking to get your scare fix this Halloween without breaking the bank with Busch Gardens Howl-OScream tickets? Look no further than Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail, starting Friday, Sept. 30, and going through Monday, Oct. 31.

The event, now in its third season, promises to be bigger and better than before. Guests can purchase tickets to walk one or two trails offered this year. The event is family friendly but is unsuited for children under 12.

The main trail is themed ‘Terror on the Tracks,’ where guests will be on a train bound for doom, event cofounder Zach Glaros said.

The second trail is ‘Nightmare at the Mansion,’ an unlit trail where guests will wander through skeleton stalker Sir Henry’s mansion and haunted estate. Armed only with a flashlight and fortitude, guests will face scare actors dressed as nightmarish beasts and navigate through hand-built sets and scenery.

“Five or six years ago I came up with this top hat, bowtie-wearing skeleton

trickster character. … The first year we did this I thought, ‘I want a main central character, because nobody does that in their haunted house,’” Glaros said about the event’s mascot, Sir Henry.

Glaros plays Sir Henry every night of the event.

Glaros founded Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail with his father. Growing up, Glaros embraced his family's interest in holiday decoration, so much so that thousands of trick-or-treaters would visit his family’s Halloween displays at their home, Glaros said. This passion didn’t diminish as Glaros attended college and earned a master’s degree. After college, Glaros developed the haunted trail idea with his father, combining his passions for performing arts and business development.

“We have a core group of volunteers who [have been] helping us build from March,” Glaros said. “It takes all year to put this together … it’s a team effort. There’s no way we can do this by ourselves.”

Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail is located on South Frontage Road in Plant City.

“This is a community event,” Glaros

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1; Friday, Oct. 7, to Sunday, Oct. 9; Friday, Oct. 14, to Sunday, Oct. 16; Friday, Oct. 21, to Sunday, Oct. 23; and 7:30 to 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28, to Monday, Oct. 31 Where: 2837 South Frontage Road Tickets: $10 single trail; $20 two trails. VIP upgrades: $15 single trail; $25 two trails (suggested minimum donation values). Order tickets at SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com Contact: Zach Glaros at (863) 944-0748

said. “It’s local, and I think we’re able to offer a more personalized experience for guests than the bigger Halloween attractions at theme parks.”

Local radio station and sponsor MAX 98.3 will broadcast live on location opening night. In addition to walking trails guests can also dine on gourmet hot dogs from the Lakeland Eats food truck, dance to the music of Halloween DJ Spooky Steve, buy merchandise (this year’s shirts glow in the

Courtesy photo

“Terror on the Tracks” and “Nightmare at the Mansion” are two trails guests can walk during Sir Henry’s Haunted Trail event.

dark) and more.

A portion of this year’s ticket sales will go to Patriot Paws, a charity which provides service dogs to veterans. This cause is close to Glaros, as both of his grandfathers served in the armed forces.

“If you look at the statistics of veterans with these service dogs, the suicide rate [of veterans] almost come down to zero,” Glaros said.

To purchase tickets, visit SirHenrysHauntedTrail.com.

TIMELINE Building and maintaining St. Peter’s Episcopal Church has been an ongoing process since its inception in 1889.

1889 n Property on corner of Wheeler and Mahoney streets purchased

1908 n Current nave erected

1953

Photos by Emily Topper

n Church building moved to corner of Carey and Mahoney streets n Hargrave House built

The yard sale funds will go toward efforts to replace the church’s siding, which hasn’t been replaced in two decades.

A Crusade for $160,000 St. Peter’s Episcopal Church’s annual yard sale will be held Saturday, Oct. 8. Funds will go toward replacing the historic church’s aging siding.

STAFF WRITER

PRESERVING HISTORY

The church purchased land on the southeast corner of Wheeler and Mahoney streets in 1889, where City Hall was later located.

“City Hall wanted the land, so they moved the building here,” Roney said.

“We have a historic building, and it’s in the historic district. We’re trying to keep that aesthetic.”

Over the years, the church has

n Part of parish hall constructed

1975 to 1989 n New rectory was purchased n Bell tower, balcony, Zimmer pipe organ and Corpus Christi and Lady chapels built n North and south transepts added n Remodeled to include the High Altar and the crossing

EMILY TOPPER

In the Davenport House across from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church on Carey Street, Betty Roney’s organizational system is hard at work.

Furniture, clothing and small appliances are divvied up in boxes and on racks. The small house is packed with gently-used home goods, ready to be sold at the annual St. Peter’s Episcopal Church yard sale. This year the sale will be Saturday, Oct. 8.

Roney, the yard sale coordinator, was part of the first St. Peter’s yard sale team two years ago. Since then, she’s taken on a leadership position and works year round to ensure that the sale will be a success.

“It takes a huge team,” Roney said.

“If I don’t have a huge team to be there for me, it’s not going to happen.”

The group is a big team with a big goal: raising funds to replace the siding on the exterior of the historic church — a $160,000 endeavor.

1963

IF YOU GO ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ANNUAL YARD SALE When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 Where: St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 302 Carey St. Contact: Betty Roney, Lmtthndr@aol.com

expanded. The church’s Hargrave House was built in 1953 and a parish hall was constructed. Between 1975 and 1989, the church purchased a new rectory and added the bell tower, balcony and custom Zimmer pipe organ. Today, the church still boasts 32 stained glass windows.

When the late Rev. Lester Durst led the church in the mid-1990s to early 2000s, the siding on the church’s exterior was replaced. But nearly two decades later, the siding has once again started to show the effects of weather and age. Siding near the church’s front doors has started to

Above: Clothing and discounted home goods will be sold at the sale for one quarter or one third of the original price.

Above Left: Father Tom Thoeni with Betty Roney, who organizes the annual yard sale

peel and rot.

“Originally the siding was white and horizontal,” Father Tom Thoeni, who has served as the church’s priest for 13 years, said. “A few decades ago they switched it and put wood siding on it.”

Though Roney and her team know they won’t be able to raise all of the funds for the siding through one yard sale, they are hoping to draw as many people as possible to the annual event.

THE SALE

As Roney collects items for the sale, some are set aside for other civic organizations. New and unused toys will be donated to the Plant City Police Department. Eyeglasses will be donated to the Plant City Lion’s Club and leftover books will be donated to Bruton Memorial Library.

The church raised less than $3,000 from the sale in its first year but raised

about $4,500 last year.

In addition to the sale, bargain shoppers will be able to purchase a hot meal of barbecue pork, beans and cole slaw. The dinners, sold for $10, are provided by Johnson’s Barbeque.

Attendees can also enjoy bake and plant sales.

Families are welcome to bring their children. While parents shop, children can choose to color or make thank-you cards for the Plant City Police Department. Traffic will be limited in the area, as the sale will stretch across Carey Street from the church to the Davenport House.

Cash, checks and credit cards are all accepted forms of payment. Shoppers are responsible for transporting their purchases home.

Contact Emily Topper at etopper@ plantcityobserver.com.

1995 to 2002 n Cypress siding replaced n Whitney Hall and parish hall refurbished n Hargrave House remodeled n Youth House purchased

2003 n Church repainted

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

PlantCityObserver.com

I LOVE PLANT CITY

FORECAST High: 89 Low: 71 Chance of rain: 60%

SATURDAY, OCT. 1

Blake wins a free car wash from Octopus Car Wash.

He can claim it with an ID at 1503 S. Collins St. Do you have a photo that speaks to the personality of Plant City?

Submit it to Managing Editor Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@ plantcity observer.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 60%

Sunrise Sunset

Friday, Sept. 30

7:21a

7:16p

Saturday, Oct. 1

7:21a

7:15p

Sunday, Oct. 2

7:22a

7:14p

Monday, Oct. 3

7:22a

7:13p

Tuesday, Oct. 4

7:23a

7:12p

Wednesday, Oct. 5

7:23a

7:10p

Thursday, Oct. 6

7:24a

7:09p

MOON PHASES

SUNDAY, OCT. 2 High: 90 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 60%

Sept. 30 New

MONDAY, OCT. 3 High: 89 Low: 72 Chance of rain: 60%

Oct. 22 Last

Oct. 8 First

OKRA

Thursday, Sept. 22

0.00

Friday, Sept. 23

0.00

Saturday, Sept. 24

0.47

Sunday, Sept. 25

0.26

Monday, Sept. 26

2.06

Tuesday, Sept. 27

0.17

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Courtesy of the United States Department of Agriculture

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1 “Everything else” category, briefly 5 Clucks disapprovingly 9 Bit of high jinks 14 Bogus thing 18 Copy, in a way 19 “Hold it!”

20 “Reduce, ___, recycle” 21 Reduce, as expenses 22 Bartender on TV’s Pacific Princess 23 Crucifixion inscription 24 Fine sheet material 25 Left in a hurry 26 It accrues, with “censored,” “trumpet” and “tremendous” inside 29 Volcano in Sicily 30 Lingers behind 31 Drama-filled 32 Rooftop antenna 34 Fizzy drink 37 Monetary unit of Honduras 40 “No problem!”

41 Concerning a changeover, with “nationals,” “traits” and “sanitation” inside 43 Make, as money 44 IV amounts 47 Cortez’s victim 48 Automobile sticker fig.

49 “___ say!”

50 Fat-avoiding Jack 52 ___ constrictor 53 Supreme Court justices’ attire 56 Traditional English festival, with “maestro” and “overheat” inside 59 Bake sale offering 60 Certain double-reed player 61 A tablet maker 62 Car feature, with “assistant” and “titanium” inside 69 Buzzing pest 70 Members of the working class 71 “Green Gables” girl 72 Right now, with “daytime” and “mailed” inside 74 Island nation east of Fiji 76 Appropriate 79 Run out, as a subscription 80 Deviate from a course, at sea 81 Embargo 82 Folded sheet of paper 84 USNA grad 85 Hindrance to fair judgment 87 Ate too much, with “devour,” “glove” and “nudge” inside 91 Two-masted sailboat 92 Adherent 93 Carpenter’s groove 94 Ravel composition 97 Chain of hills 99 Pub rounds 101 St. crossers, sometimes 102 Concerning reporters, with “suction,” “acorns” and “stallion” inside 109 Good farm soil 110 Pun attachment 111 Doing nothing 112 Daisy variety 113 One of the Hindu trinity (var.)

114 Some skirts 115 Sign filler, sometimes 116 Get connected 117 Gulf off the coast of Yemen 118 Kin of orgs.

1. F E M D 2. W Z O M C Q S 3. Q U D P Q 4. T O L Q L 5. R O B E W Q S

This Mount Olympian led the revolt against Cronus:

SUDOKU

Solve the puzzle by placing the numbers 1 Sept 29 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44) through 9 in each row, column and box.

3

6 9

6 2

7

4

2 2

1

4

3

8

4 9 8

5

1

6

6

4 5 4 5

2

2016

2015 26.24 in.

2015 4.02 in.

9.17 in.

4

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ACROSS

Each of the following cryptograms is a clue to the identity of a Mount Olympian. Using the hints Q=E and S=R, decipher the clues to name the god or goddess.

6 9

SEPT. TO DATE:

2016 44.55 in.

CROSSWORD

CRYPTOQUIZ

4

YEAR TO DATE:

214651

t only a g n i t r Sta onth m r e p 5 $17.9

5

0.00

FREE Vacuum

d Unlimite

H S A W

Oct. 15 Full

RAINFALL

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Congratulations to this week’s I Love PC Winner.

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9

1 Sept 29 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44)

2 7

8 5

4 1

3 6 2 9 8 5

5

1

3 6 9 4

9 6 4 8 7

8 6 9 1

5

7

3 2 1

2 4 7

3

27

SUNRISE / SUNSET

FRIDAY, SEPT. 30 Blake Bennett captured the sunset in Walden Lake.

|

©2016 Universal Uclick

119 Spaces between teeth 120 Knowing, as a secret

DOWN

1 Japanese soup 2 Islamic holy man 3 Craft with skis 4 Apres-ski drink 5 Certain bedding purchase 6 Beach, basically 7 Diva ___ Te Kanawa 8 Subsisting on a meager allowance 9 Arms depot, with “earns,” “laser” and “learns” inside 10 Approaches 11 Student getting one-on-one help 12 Goddess symbolized by a cow 13 Man on horseback?

14 Globe or ball 15 Half of Hispaniola 16 Sports venue 17 Do well in the Olympics 18 Emcee’s prop 27 Jamaican citrus fruit 28 Prefix meaning “trillion” 33 Dada artist Max 34 Bayonet thrust 35 Ricelike pasta 36 Computer info

38 Act out in charades 39 Boston ___ Orchestra 40 “Death of a ___” 42 “Beat it!”

43 “Jailhouse Rock” singer 44 Early spring relatives of irises 45 Small part for a big star 46 Back of the boat 49 Vitamin additive 51 New moon, e.g.

54 Striped animal similar to a giraffe 55 Act of disloyalty 56 Carousel figure, to a tot (var.)

57 Atty.’s assn.

58 Bee injury 59 Sheep shelters 62 Graceful, lively and quick 63 Deprive of courage 64 Packs down, as dirt 65 Itty-bitty quantities 66 Ball of thread or yarn 67 ___ Aviv 68 Big mess 73 Not allow to practice 74 Hawaiian tuber 75 “Step ___!” (“Hurry!”)

76 Bit of rootless aquarium flora 77 “The ___ Piper of Hamelin”

78 List heading, sometimes 81 Chamfering 83 Low German prior to 1200 86 Site of a famous flag-raising 87 Peculiarity, with “noses,” “sends” and “done” inside 88 Chevy of yore 89 Attacks clutter 90 Sandwich shop, for short 91 Servile aide who won’t say “no” 94 Hobbyist’s wood 95 Not perfectly round 96 Bequeath 97 Archaeological digs 98 Football great Michael or baseball great Monte 100 Cause of some food poisoning 103 Name on elevators 104 Sneaking suspicion 105 Meal fit for pigs 106 Small building block 107 Capital of Rhone 108 Strong desire

PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER

|

PlantCityObserver.com

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

BayCare Health Events Join Us at South Florida Baptist Hospital

~Glenda R.

Community Education

Healthy Lifestyle Screenings

CPR for Health Care Providers

Blood Pressure Checks

This course offers CPR training for health care providers only. Adult, child and infant CPR will be taught, and you will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). New certifications only.

Monday, October 1, 6pm Community Conference Room Cost: $45

Smoking Cessation Class

Two-hour class provides valuable tools to help you quit using tobacco. Includes four free weeks of patches, gum or lozenges.

Thursday, October 6, 10am Cancer Resource Center 1708 Palmetto Ave., Plant City Cost: Free

Diabetes Management Course

The Journey for Control is a four-class series that teaches healthy lifestyle changes, whether you are diabetic, prediabetic or a caregiver.

Monday, October 31, 5:30pm Community Conference Room Cost: $40

Safe Sitter

Covers babysitting basics: Minor to life-threatening situations, infant/child choking rescue, EMS, safety, behavior and entertainment. Registration is required.

Friday, November 11, 8:30am–5pm Community Conference Room Cost: $65

No appointment is necessary.

Every Tuesday, 1–2pm Community Health Resource Room Inside Main Lobby Cost: Free

Cholesterol Screenings Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and glucose (no fasting required) No appointment is necessary.

Fourth Tuesday of every month, 2–3pm Community Health Resource Room Inside Main Lobby Cost: $30

Volunteers Volunteers Needed If you are a compassionate, energetic person, become a valuable resource and an important part of the South Florida Baptist Hospital family.

Volunteering is a wonderful way to support your community. You can use your special skills, learn new ones, meet new people and maintain an active lifestyle.

For more information: (813) 757-8199

To register for a class or for a physician referral:

(855) 314-8352 Persons with hearing and speech disabilities can reach the above number through TDD and other specialized equipment by calling the Florida Relay Service at 711.

*Veteran’s Day – Hillsborough County School Holiday

214785

28

BC1606200-0816

BayCareEvents.org