PLANT CITY TIMES &
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. VOLUME 5, NO. 29
FREE
Junior Royalty gets new queen and court.
SEE PAGE 10 •
FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Golf course heads to auction The Tampa judge’s decision signals the end of Lynn Archibald and Visions Golf’s chapters with the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
The new year could signal new ownership for the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club, which has been marred with false hopes and broken promises for more than a decade, as it heads to the auction block next month. Judge Emmett Battles granted a final judgment of foreclosure on the embattled golf course Jan. 2, with a
foreclosure auction date of Feb. 8 at 10 a.m. The court determined the actual value of the club to be $2.5 million, more than $400,000 over the initial estimated value. Once the foreclosure sale is complete, Steven Mercer’s financially burdened Visions Golf and the starry-eyed plans of Lynn Archibald’s Professional Golf Global Group will lose all interest in the club, assuming one of the two parties does not buy it back.
Residents in Walden Lake, Plant City’s largest housing community, once celebrated the 36-hole course. When the country club opened in the 1970s, media outlets reported the anticipation for the course on par with the opening of Disney World. And, for a time, the course proved to be a Central Florida destination, attracting professional golfers and boasting a bustling club house. But for years now, the clubhouse and course have devolved to dystopian levels of SEE WALDEN LAKE PAGE 8
YOUR TOWN
Courtesy of Marsha Passmore
Unity in the Community starts off new year with a bang Unity in the Community received a $6,000 check Monday from the Tampa Bay Vettes Club. Ralph Girard, president of the Tampa Bay Vettes club, said they organization appreciated what Unity in the Community represents in Plant City. The organization is comprised of more than 200 members and they voted to donate a portion of their fundraising over the past year to Unity in hopes it will aid in continuing to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Elks support occupational therapists The Ladies of the Elks for the Plant City Elks Lodge started the new year off with a donation to help children through the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. The women held a fundraiser to purchase therapeutic listening equipment, which will assist children in walking and talking for the first time through therapy. The Angel Tree Project features a Christmas tree with clear ornaments full of fake currency. The ornaments on the tree added up to the total funds needed to purchase all of the equipment. Members chose their ornaments and gave a cash donation. Through this program, $825 was raised and another $570 was donated by the Ladies of the Elks. The group then presented a check for $1,395 to Colleen Gallent, director of Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services, and Paula Tarver, occupational therapist, on Jan. 10 for the district to purchase equipment for their therapeutic services. The equipment will be used by therapists and patients in the district and is estimated to help more than 100 children.
The annual Strawberry Queen pageant on Saturday will select five girls to represent the festival and Plant City. The new royals will soon be shepherding in the Strawberry Festival and immersing themselves in the community. BREANNE WILLIAMS | STAFF WRITER
T
he 83rd annual Strawberry Festival wouldn’t be complete without its famed Strawberry Queen Scholarship Pageant. This year, 29 girls will compete at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center Saturday night for a chance to wear the crown. A queen and four court members will be chosen, lives forever changed after joining the strawberry family. SEE QUEEN PAGE 2 — 6
PCPD investigate home invasion The robbery occurred in the Clubhouse Woods neighborhood of Walden Lake early Tuesday morning. DANIEL FIGUEROA IV STAFF WRITER
Breanne Williams
Two suspects robbed a family and threaten their lives in the Clubhouse Woods section of Walden Lake Tuesday morning.
A 63-year-old woman saw two men riding bicycles past her as she returned to her Walden Lake home early Tuesday morning. When she leaned into her car to unload something, one of the men grabbed her, forcing her into the house and threatening to kill her if she didn’t listen, the Plant City Police Department said. PCPD is looking for two suspects, a white male described as approximately 5-foot-11 with short brown
hair wearing a black jacket and khaki pants, and another white male described as wearing dark clothes and a black beanie. The robbery occurred around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday on the 2700 block of Barret Avenue in Walden Lake’s Clubhouse Woods neighborhood. The woman said she might have heard one of the suspects use the name “Aaron” but is unsure. According to police, the woman was forced to lie face-down on her couch as the suspects ransacked the room, later forcing her into another SEE INVASION PAGE 9
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
“Girls that go out for this pageant, I truly believe they leave better and I know I leave better. When they leave me I am truly more blessed. They’ve blessed my life way more than I’ve probably blessed theirs.” — Donna Keel, Strawberry Queen committee chairman
Queen
IF YOU GO
FROM PAGE 1
Donna Keel, chairman of the Strawberry Queen committee has been involved in pageants for more than 25 years. This is her fifth year at the helm of the coveted pageant. She and her co-chair Di Lott take the new royals under their wing following the coronation and shepherd them through the upcoming whirlwind of a year. “It’s a great experience,” Keel said. “Girls that go out for this pageant, I truly believe they leave better and I know I leave better. When they leave me I am truly more blessed. They’ve blessed my life way more than I’ve probably blessed theirs.” Gail Lyons has worked around the clock for years to make the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Scholarship Pageant a success. She pours hours into taking the candidates and molding them into young women who are prepared to take on the responsibility of the crown. Though it resembles traditional pageants, the Strawberry Queen pageant is more than a stereotypical beauty contest. The contestants are judged on personal interview, personality, beauty and poise. However, their heart for the community is ultimately what shines through. When they are crowned Saturday they will hit the ground running with pre-festival events. They will participate in everything from Wish Farms’ picking challenge to appearances on radio and television. Promoting their festival quickly becomes their top priority. After the last strawberry shortcake has been eaten and the massive crowds slowly dissipate back to their homes, the work for the new queen and court truly begins. The five girls are immersed in the community, helping rally Plant City to a variety of causes and events. “The work begins after the festival,” Keel said. “When there’s no more cameras around, you’re still recognized by everyone in Plant City, but the microphones are out of your face,
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN PAGEANT When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 Where: Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center
the cameras are gone. But the Relay for Life people are calling because they need you there to help promote raising money to fight cancer. Red Ribbon Week at these local elementary schools need you to come and help with some of their kids … when it comes time to giving back, you really see what these girls are made of.” Keel said she has never been disappointed in her five years getting to know the girls. Each year, the girls selected have poured their hearts into Plant City. She said all of the candidates know what will be expected of them if they obtain the crown. After working with Lyons they are prepared to be a shining example for all those who look up to them. After all, “every little girl wants to be a Strawberry Queen.” Keel said just this week Marlee Arn, the first maid for the 2017 Strawberry Queen’s court, was at a church fair when she was approached by an advisor. A little girl had recognized Arn and was beside herself with excitement. Arn soon had the little girl in her arms, offering a smile, encouraging words and a picture for her young fan. The girls are a staple in Plant City, a rallying force the town adores. At the end of the day, Keel said the girls will know what it means to serve their town. In her opinion, the only way to learn to lead is to serve. “They have a year to look forward to two strawberry moms that will absolutely love them, do the very best they can for them and help them to become the very best person they can be,” Keel said. “They will develop relationships and experience things they would not probably have ever gotten to experience.”
Knotts thankful for year as Strawberry Queen
E
ver since I can remember, I have dreamed of being the Strawberry Queen. Two months before the pageant I tore my ACL and thought my opportunity to compete would not happen. After surgery in December, I decided that this dream was far too important for me not to chase. I worked hard in physical therapy and set goals for myself in order to overcome this obstacle. On January 21, 2017, my childhood dream came true when I was crowned. First, I would like to thank the Plant City Lions Club and the Lions Auxiliary for sponsoring the Queen’s Pageant. Your members have been so gracious to the court members and I, and your scholarship dollars have been put to good use for our continuing education. Thank you for sponsoring a pageant that helps develop young women in the Plant City community. To the Florida Strawberry Festival and directors, you have become like a second family to me. Thank you to the directors and their spouses who chaperoned and escorted us throughout the year. The court members and I have truly enjoyed getting to know each of you personally and cannot thank you enough for making us feel loved. I would like to extend a special thank you to Paul Davis, General Manager of the Festival, Dan Walden, President of the Festival, and Mr. Timmy Lovett for their kindness, amazing chauffeuring skills and, of course, their fun-filled spirits. To Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Di. Where do I start? You have helped make this year unforgettable for the court and I. Thank you for putting up with our craziness, making sure we were always fed because you know how much we like food, and of course making us laugh until we cry. Mrs. Donna, (a.k.a. Donnakabonna), thank you for always keeping me on my toes, giving me pep talks and constantly putting a smile on my face. You are my spirit animal. Mrs. Di, (a.k.a. Princess Di), thank you for showing us how to be calm, cool
Courtesy photo
and collected when needed (because we tend to get a little rowdy), being a shoulder to cry on, being so kind-hearted and for being the best personal chef ever. You truly are amazing. I can honestly say that nobody else could handle a court like us. You are the perfect women for this job. I am so blessed to call you my Strawberry Moms. I love you both so much. Marlee Arn, Caroline Brummer, Courtney Coton, and Ariel Navarrete, you four have made this year unforgettable. The judges couldn’t have selected a better group of girls to be in the court. I am so lucky to call the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World my home. I will always cherish my small-town roots. To the citizens who waved to us, fed us, recognized us and loved us throughout the year, your support means the world. This past year has been one of the best years of my life. I thank God every day for His blessings during our reign. As we move on to new stages in our lives, we will remember all the memories we made together during the year. The Florida Strawberry Festival and Plant City will forever have a special place in our hearts.
Drew Knotts and her grandmother, Ruby Jean Redman. Redman was crowned Strawberry Queen in 1953.
GOD BLESS, DREW REDMAN KNOTTS
Proud to be the Sponsor of the
2017 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen,
Drew Knotts We are so proud of you and wish you a bright future.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Who will be the next
Strawberry Queen?
T
wenty-nine girls will compete this Saturday, Jan. 20, for the crown of the Florida Strawberry Festival Queen. Five will leave the pageant as the 2018 Queen, First Maid and court members. The Plant City Lions Club sponsors the scholarship pageant, held annually in January. The 2018 Florida Strawberry Festival will run from March 1 through 11, though the 2018 Queen and her court will represent Plant City all year long.
ASHLEY MERRIN Junior at Plant City High School
CHLOE MAKENNA TEW Senior at Durant and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
PARENTS Jeremy Merrin and Brandy Wiley
PARENTS James and Courtney Saranko FUTURE PLANS Plans to pursue a career in physical therapy specializing in pediatrics
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the Ringling College of Art and Design to major in Interior Design
SABRINA NICOLE HANGEN Senior at Plant City High School PARENTS Sheri Hangen FUTURE PLANS Becoming a Disney Imagineer after attending the University of Central Florida
BRENDA LEANNE DIXON Senior at PCHS and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
CAITLYN WRIGHT Senior at PCHS and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
PARENTS David and Debbie Dixon
PARENTS James and Deana Wright
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Tampa, major in Political Science and minor in Psychology
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend University of Florida School of Pharmacy and major in Clinical Pharmacy
KYLA VARNUM Junior at PCHS and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
PAIGE ELIZABETH WALLNOFER Senior at Plant City High School
LIZETT ARRIAGA Junior at Plant City High School
RACHEL OSANNA CARTER Freshman at Hillsborough Community College
PARENTS Jeffrey and Delicia Wallnofer
PARENTS Lorenzo and Ada Arriaga
PARENTS Mark and Aimee Carter
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend a Florida university and major in Athletic Training with the goal of working with either a professional sports team or a U.S. Olympic Team
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of South Florida and pursue a degree in Nursing
FUTURE PLANS Plans to transfer to a university, obtain a master’s degree in Nursing and become a Medevac nurse
PARENTS Stephanie Douglas and Gary Varnum FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of South Florida and major in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice
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Celebrating all 29 Florida Strawberry Festival Queen contestants. Wishing you the Sweetest of Luck.
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KENNEDY GRACE CULLINS Junior at PCHS and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
ALLY ELIZABETH BURT Senior at Seffner Christian Academy and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
ABIGALE REECE DEVANE Senior at Strawberry Crest and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
PARENTS Erin Jackson and David Cullins
PARENTS Royce and Raquel Burt
PARENTS Derek and Heather DeVane
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Florida State University to obtain a doctorate in Ophthalmology
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend a Florida university and major in Biology
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Savannah College of Art and Design on a Bass Fishing scholarship and major in Interior Design
HALEY CHANCEY Senior at Durant and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
CHEYENNE LOPEZ Senior at PCHS and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
TAYLOR CARLOUGH Senior at Plant City High School
PARENTS Rick and Paula Chancey
PARENTS Danielle Fewox and TJ Lopez
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Florida or the University of South Florida and major in Pharmacy
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Hillsborough Community College for two years, then the University of Florida and pursue a career in veterinary medicine
PARENTS Keith Carlough and Brandi and Oscar Barnes FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Florida to major in Biomedical Science and work to earn a doctorate in Pediatric Medicine
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
ALLISON EMMELEE LANE Freshman at Hillsborough Community College PARENTS Emmett and Stephanie Lane FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Warner University to obtain a degree in Agriculture Communications
LUZMARIA CONTRERAS Senior at PCHS and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College PARENTS Jose and Maria Contreras FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Hillsborough Community College and transfer to the University of South Florida to earn a master’s in Psychology
GOOD LUCK TO THE 2018 QUEENS CONTESTANTS
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JESSICA TILLIS Senior at Durant High School and an online student
SKYLAR MITCHELL Freshman at Hillsborough Community College PARENTS Melissa Kennedy and David Mitchell
PARENTS Roy and Carmen Tillis
FUTURE PLANS Plans to transfer from Hillsborough Community College to the University of South Florida to study Business Management and obtain her real estate license
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Florida campus in Plant City, major in Business and minor in Agriculture
LAINEY ANN EPPERSON Junior at Strawberry Crest High School
BENTLEY RAE ROBERTS Freshman at Hillsborough Community College
PARENTS Tobe and Joni Epperson
PARENTS Robbie and Cindy Roberts
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Alabama State University and major in Nursing in hopes of becoming a traveling nurse
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend Southeastern University in the fall to major in Business and Professional Leadership with a minor in Children and Family Ministries
ZOE BELL RASMUSSEN Junior at Newsome High School and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
TAYLOR RAE TEW Senior at Durant and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
PARENTS Shawn and Renee Rasmussen
PARENTS David and Traci Tew
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in Biochemistry
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Florida to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and minor in Communications
ZHARIA GRIFFIN Senior at Durant High School
BAYLEE SAMANTHA ASTIN Senior at Durant High School
PARENTS Charles and Debra Griffin
PARENTS Sam and Buffy Astin
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend a Florida university and major in Nursing or Pre-med
FUTURE PLANS Plans to obtain an Entrepreneurship degree at the University of Tampa to help take over and expand her family’s 95-year-old farm
TIFFANY AMBER WILSON Senior at Durant and enrolled at Hillsborough Community College
JACKLYNE ZAVALA Junior at Plant City High School
PARENTS Crystal DeLones-Wilson and Mark Wilson
PARENTS Juan and Nohemi Zavala
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of Florida and major in Animal Science
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend a Florida university and major in Fashion Merchandising and one day create a foundation to help kids in less-developed countries
SELENA SUE BERRIOS Senior at Durant High School
DALLAS NICOLE BAKER Junior at Plant City High School
PARENTS Dusty and Katina Hunter
PARENTS Waylon and Robyn Baker
FUTURE PLANS Plans to attend the University of South Florida and pursue a medical degree in Pediatrics
FUTURE PLANS Plans to launch her career as a hairstylist upon graduation while attending classes to further her knowledge in the beauty industry
Congrat
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?
“I want a baby cow. They’re so cute. I like watching the videos of them running around and hopping everywhere.”
“A dog, because they’re loyal.”
“I would have a golden retriever.”
— Connor Steffan, 24
“I suppose the ones I have. Two dogs.”
— Courtney Paat, 48
“A fox. I’m getting one.”
— Victor Amuso, 37
“A tiger. Why not?” — Thomas Ortiz, 21
— Leks Moore, 19
— Elisabeth Seifter, 21 HOPEWELL FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS HAS PARTNERED TO SPONSOR AROUND TOWN.
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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
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The Plant City Times & Observer is published once weekly, on Fridays. It is inserted into the Tampa Bay Times for subscribers. 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.
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Observer Publisher / Karen Berry, KBerry@PlantCityObserver.com Managing Editor / Sarah Holt, SHolt@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editor / Sports Editor / Justin Kline, JKline@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Daniel Figueroa IV, DFigueroa@PlantCityObserver.com Staff Writer / Breanne Williams, BWilliams@PlantCityObserver.com Editorial Designer / C.J. Major, cmajor@yourobserver.com Circulation/ Office Manager / Linda Lancaster, LLancaster@PlantCityObserver.com
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” — Friedrich Hayek, “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
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CRA selects new developer for Midtown The city will now negotiate a contract with Taurus Investment Holdings for the long-awaited Midtown development, which is expected to be completed by summer 2022.
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LOCATED AT 1205 S. Alexander Street Plant City, FL 33563 813-759-2800 NOTICE OF SALE In accordance with the provisions of State Law there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy and owner and/or manager’s lien of goods hereinafter described and stored at: Rentlok Self Storage located at 1205 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563, 813-759-2800. And due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties know to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated locations to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2018 @ 9:30 A.M. OR ANY DATE THERE IN AFTER. Danny Espinoza–Household Annette Pierce–Household Roxana Rodriguez–Household
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The Community Redevelopment Agency hit the reset button on selecting a developer for its decade-old Midtown redevelopment project Tuesday after partner negotiations failed at the contract stage last year. Taurus Investments Holdings will now be the sole developer of Midtown. Taurus, a real estate investment company with a global footprint and an acquisition value of more than $3.5 billion since its formation in 1976, partnered with Maitland-based E2L Real Estate Solutions for a development proposal the city accepted in July. However, the partnership fell apart during contract negotiations with the city, forcing the city to re-enter the request for proposal stage. Taurus, E2L and Blue Sky Communities presented to the CRA, which is comprised of the city’s commissioners, during a special meeting Tuesday. E2L and Taurus opted for proposals to develop the entire 15-acre section of the city south of Historic Downtown into a mixed-use live, work, play community featuring a boutique hotel, enhanced parks, residential space, restaurants and retail. The E2L and Taurus proposals were seen as the most viable, as they would complete the mixed-use community vision the city had for the land when it began acquiring and preparing it for development in 2007. Blue Sky, a Tampa-based company specializing in developing affordable housing, proposed building more than 100,000 square feet of affordable housing on three acres of Midtown’s land. Blue Sky’s manager, Shawn Wilson, said the project would use about $20 million of government funds for completion, which would have to be applied for by March to be awarded in June. Beginning revitalization with affordable housing, he said, would be a sure-fire way to kickstart business. “You need look no further than right across the bridge in St. Petersburg to see that affordable housing, which is what Blue Sky does using tax credit programs, is a catalyst for neighborhood redevelopment,” Wilson said. “It’s a catalyst for private enterprise coming in and doing
Choose the next city manager carefully As the City of Plant City approaches the end of its lengthy and carefully implemented search for a City Manager to replace one of the best, who unfortunately left due to conditions with which we are all too familiar, let us reflect on some of the major aspects of the previous searches.
An essential criterion was experience, operational knowledge, and qualifications for the specific job under consideration. Another criterion was that the candidate should have no loyalty or ties to individuals, groups, or organizations that could conflict with the need for absolute objectivity. And another was that the candidate should have no baggage from the past that would cloud his or her
Privately owned land in the Midtown area is already seeing development. Longtime Plant City psychiatrist Ashit Vijapura is developing the former Kash and Karry and Sweetbay locations on Wheeler Street into a mixed use facility of his own. Vijapura said the properties will soon become a community hall and an entertainment center. "There will be an entertainment hall, laser tag, small bowling alley, games and food," he said. "We are expecting it all can be done in the next four months if the city approves. It’s like one-stop shopping for the children. We just want to make sure it’s a really great attractive center." Representatives from Taurus are also talking with Vijapura about encorporating his property and vision into the future of Midtown.
walkability of streets, he said. Plans are already underway to turn a section of Collins Street running past Midtown into a ‘Complete Street’ concept, making it a shared-use roadway with beautification enhancements. Representatives for Taurus said with enough tenant interest, Midtown could be completely built out by June 22 and separate teams are already looking for a boutique hotel, housing and potential retailers to come in. Taurus currently has a similar project in the Apopka City Center, where it has invested millions and attracted an incoming Hilton Garden Inn among other shops and restaurants. “Midtown’s been a dream of ours for over a decade. We’re ready to start taking a dream and making it a reality,” Mayor Rick Lott said. “We appreciate everyone’s desire to see it become a reality.” Now that Taurus has been selected as the sole developer, city officials are confident the project will quickly make it through the contract stage and are eager to begin negotiations. With a smile and a laugh, Interim City Manager Kim Leinbach looked to start work on the contract right away asking Taurus’ managing directors: “What are you doing for lunch?”
relationship with the community and its residents. We must be careful with the selection of our next City Manager. Plant City is evolving and the last thing we need is to do anything that could cause us to slide backwards. Think and plan for our future. Thank you. GILBERT V. GOTT PLANT CITY, FL
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something exciting” Commissioners asked Taurus to work with Blue Sky on incorporating affordable housing into Midtown. “We’ve already traded numbers,” Jeff McFadden, a managing director with Taurus, said. Commissioners said they liked the flexibility in Taurus’ presentation. “Whatever we show you right now is going to be wrong,” McFadden began his presentation by saying. “It’s going to change.” Taurus presented an outline for its Midtown vision, but project architect Kim McCann of Eleven18 Architecture said any master plan should only be a guide to allow developers to go to market, then divide prospective tenants into the master plan based on location needs and desires. “From the fabric and overall planning it’s almost like a puzzle and it doesn’t matter which piece you start with,” she said. “It matters what it looks like at the end.” Financial stability was also a major deciding factor. “One of the important things is the financial capacity. We see that with Taurus and the projects they’ve done,” Commissioner Nate Kilton said. "To me, the financial aspect is a huge part of the decision making.” Both E2L’s and Blue Sky’s proposals lacked immediate funding. Blue Sky’s development would rely solely on tax credits, while E2L’s combined tax programs with reaching out to investors. Taurus said it has its own money ready to go. “We’re relying on the CRA and city to pay for public infrastructure, everything else we’ll handle,” McFadden said. “I don’t have the patience to do the public funding. It’s easier to raise our own money.” Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson said the city has already invested more than $10 million in infrastructure into Midtown and hopes more won’t be necessary. However, Bob Lochrane, the proposal’s civil engineer, said changes to existing infrastructure, like utilities and pump stations, would depend on the use in any given space. One of the most important aspects would be beautification and
DANIEL FIGUEROA IV
LETTER
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decay, garnering city code violations and forcing it into the hands of a court appointed receiver despite protest from Archibald. Last June, Archibald, the course’s manager since 2015, regaled Walden Lake residents with his multi-phase plan to restore the course to its former glory, assuring them he had ownership of the course. However, that ownership was in dispute at the time and Today’s Bank, the property’s mortgagee, had already begun foreclosure proceedings against Vision’s Golf who purchased the course in 2006. Archibald’s plan also lacked funding. “I promised an 18-hole, premier golf course and that’s still what I want to do,” Archibald said at the time. Visions575257-1 Golf filed for bankruptcy about five years after assuming ownership of the course. As the course continued to deteriorate, plans and promises continued to be made and broken. First by Visions, then Archibald’s PGGG. Still, residents
File Photo
The clubhouse and grounds of the Walden Lake Golf and Country Club have continued to sink into further states of disrepair.
are attempting to hold on to the hope that Walden Lake could again have a premier country club. “I think the residents look forward to having this resolved and the HOA looks forward to working with the new potential owners so that we can agree on how to proceed in a way that benefits everyone,” Sharon Philbin, president of Walden Lake’s home-
owner’s association said. “We’re willing to sit down and work with whoever the new owner turns out to be. It can be profitable for everyone, but its got to be positive for our residents. That’s what’s most important to me.” Representatives for Archibald and Today’s Bank did not reply to a request for comment.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Main Street moves from conceptual to practical
Marshall Middle School now has a professional portrait of its namesake thanks to a partnership between the Improvement League of Plant City and the Plant City Photo Archives & History Center. On Jan. 12, the groups presented the portrait of Edward Jackson Marshall to Principal Daphne Blanton. Marshall was born in 1869 and moved to Plant City in 1901. His parents were slaves on the former Craft family plantation in Edgefield, South Carolina. Upon arriving in Plant City he purchased a home in Lincoln Park and worked as an electrician. Marshall is credited for aiding the installation of the first electric light system in the town. In 1920 he convinced Plant City to deed property to the school board for Midway Academy, a schoolhouse used to educate black children from first to eighth grade. In 1951 it was converted to a high school and in 1957
Marshall Junior High School was built on Maryland Avenue. That school was converted to a middle school in 1995. However, the school did not have a photo of Marshall to hang on its walls. The Improvement League asked the Archives to step in. They were able to find a small photo that showed a tiny, blurry picture of Marshall and digitally reproduce a large portrait. Ione Townsend, chair of the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee, spoke on following in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s footsteps and working together to build an America that was welcoming for all. Gentlemen’s Quest, a club that champions “Advancement Via Individual Development (AVID)” and teaches students about integrity, empathy and more, shared their favorite quotes from King. They also performed several songs for the group. Herman Hargrett, a former teacher at Marshall, shared stories on what it was like growing up in the school and then later teaching in those same halls. The Improvement League said the dedication would allow students
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dom act, but PCPD spokesperson Al Van Duyne said there is “nothing to indicate that it was anything calculated. At this point it looks like an isolated random incident.” Van Duyne said PCPD is encoring the public to practice “universal precaution” when leaving or arriving at home late at night or early in the morning. “Have your keys readily available, be cautious when transporting any valuables, like if you’re carrying a TV or laptop,” he said. “Try to park in an area that’s well lit. Do things to lessen the chances you’d be possibly burglarized.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Chad Rader at 813757-9200.
to see the man who gave so much back to the city and give them a chance to hear the stories of all he did for the community.
New boutique rolls out strawberry welcome party Jayme Harris, a Plant City native and USAF veteran, opened A Peace of Plant City last week. The new boutique held a grand opening fit for strawberry royalty. A giant strawberry-themed cake adorned with peace signs, dozens of cupcakes and fruit punch awaited guests who popped in to join in the festivities. Attendees also had the chance to take part in a photo opportunity with a giant strawberry Harris said was designed exclusively for the store. A Peace of Plant City will offer locally made strawberry themed shirts, hats, jewelry, organic soaps, lip balm, home decor and more. The boutique also has several veteran-made pens and unique gift items.
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room where one watched over her as the other continued searching. During the robbery, the woman’s husband returned home and he, too, was forced inside where police say the suspects took his wallet and destroyed his cell phone, then threw him against a wall, causing a cut and swelling on the right side of his face. Next, one of the suspects forced his way into the couple’s 29-year-old daughter’s bedroom and took her cell phone, saying they’d kill her if she called
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the police or tried to leave, police said. When the suspects left, she and her father ran to a neighbor’s house and called the police. Investigators said the suspects used the couple’s 2016 Buick Regal as a getaway car. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputies later found it abandoned. Upon arrival, police found the husband’s wallet, along with his driver’s license and debit card, two Michael Kors watches, a brown purse, several pieces of jewelry and military challenge coins were taken from the residence. Police said aerial and K-9 searches yielded no results and the investigation is ongoing. They do not know whether the couple was targeted or it was a ran-
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Downtown Plant City needs its own Lorenzo the Magnificent. Or a few of them. The storied ruler of the Medici clan supported innovation and arts during the height of the Italian Renaissance in Florence, providing patronage to artists like Sandro Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. His community investment bolstered one of the most prolifically forward-thinking eras in the history of the world. And, if Plant City’s Historic Downtown is to thrive, Jane Waters, executive director of Historic Plant City Main Street, said, that’s the kind of community investment it needs. “That is absolutely the key to everything,” Waters said. “Those that have, if they can share, whether it’s their time, their wisdom or their wealth, those are the things that we need, specifically from the Main Street end of the world.” Waters became the interim leader of Plant City’s renewed Main Street charter in late 2017, following the departure of Karen Thompson, and was recently voted in as the organization’s permanent director. Now with a few months of work under her belt, Waters has conceptualized a few strategies for the success of downtown’s revitalization, including a few business types to bring to the burgeoning area and how to find success for creators and entrepreneurs looking to make Plant City home. “When you marry wellness technol-
ogy and the arts in a downtown district along with services and restaurants, it starts hopping very quickly,” Waters said. Mara Latorre, a Plant City planner and the city’s liaison to Main Street, recently came up with a wish list of business types to come to Plant City that Waters says fall perfectly in line with what the city needs to become its own vibrant, self serving community. Latorre said downtown needs a pizzeria, a bicycle shop, a music venue and art space, taqueria highlighting the areas vibrant Mexican community, a brewery and a dedicated grocery market, among others. “Those types of businesses are what can help make downtown a more walkable area and come alive,” Latorre said. Latorre and Waters said Plant City already has some great and unique businesses, like the Corner Store, which have shown the potential to bring even more vibrance and innovation downtown. Getting those businesses here might take some creative strategies. The city has a number of programs like the facade improvement and code correction grant, interior buildout grant and business development programs that can help a young entrepreneur establish a brick and mortar presence. Latorre said the city’s planning department is more than willing to help with any prospective business with zoning or land use questions, eventually directing them to other city organizations that can help ease the burden of opening a new business. On the Main Street side, Waters said she
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plans to hold workshops that could also help direct prospective business owners to the proper channels, including grant applications. Getting to the point of opening that brick and mortar location, however, can require a little more generosity. Enter the patrons of downtown. Waters said the best way to kickstart more entrepreneurship downtown would be through the patronage of current business and property owners. With a number of vacant storefronts and available space downtown, Waters said donated space could serve as an incubator for the creators of Plant City to collaborate and serve as pop-up shops for new businesses that might not be ready for a permanent location or able to afford one. Waters’ own Winter Haven gallery started as a donated space, which was essential in allowing it to grow and thrive, she said. “It’s a community effort,” she said. “Without that, it will not work. The government and nonprofits cannot do it without community.” The strategy, she said, is one that has worked for a number of other Main Street organizations and can lead to harmony between existing businesses and those that will bring Plant City into the future. From food innovators to artists and engineers, the desire to create and bring new business that can make Historic Downtown a self-sufficient community is here, Latorre and Waters said, the future entrepreneurs just need the chance to make it all happen. In 2018, making it happen is what Waters plans to do.
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Plant City’s downtown revitalization organization is looking to community cooperation for new success.
JANUARY 19, 2018
YOUR NEIGHBORS
CROWNING
GLORY T
he Florida Strawberry Festival’s 2018 Junior Royalty Pageant was held Saturday, Jan. 13 at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center. A total of 120 girls competed for the 2018 Queen, Princess, Duchess and Baroness titles. QUEEN Queen: Morgan Pierce First Runner Up: Ashlyn Corin Cardona Top Five: Giselle Gutierrez Hannah Ren'ee Holm Ashlyn Corin Cardona Haylee Faith Thomas Morgan Pierce
Photos by Breanne Williams
The 2018 Junior Royalty Queen and Court with MC's Sheryll Broadnax and her son, the “Reverend Roosevelt."
“There are many children fighting cancer all across central Florida, who lack the opportunities to make happy memories. With $1,000 I would gather a group of local cancer children and bring them to the Florida Strawberry Festival to make the shortcake, ride the ferris wheel and build new memories.”
PRINCESS Princess: Paige Madison Zarecor First Runner Up: Abigail Lee Mullis Top Five: Gracie Ashlyn Garner Bailey Ann Brock Paige Madison Zarecor Skyler RaeAnn Barber Abigail Lee Mullis
— Queen Morgan Pierce
DUCHESS Duchess: Bella Grace Bikowski First Runner Up: Ivy Belle Garner Top Five: Ivy Belle Garner Demi Shyann Atkinson Amari Jackson Aubrey Ellis Duncan Bella Grace Bikowski BARONESS Baroness: Giselle Elena McDowell First Runner Up: Sutton Kaye Duncan Top Five: Ava Rose Bikowski Presley Reese Hay Giselle Elena McDowell Sutton Kaye Duncan Rylie Morris
Queen Morgan Pierce.
Giselle Gutierrez.
Bailey Ann Brock.
First Runner Up Ashlyn Corin Cardona.
Haylee Faith Thomas.
PRINCESS “One thousand dollars? I’m about $400 short. Not for a Michael Kors, the latest gadget or a fancy resort. My dream is a mission trip. I can just imagine it. People not knowing the Lord? I can’t fathom it. Sharing His love will build the best memories.” — Princess Paige Madison Zarecor
Gracie Ashlyn Garner.
Princess Paige Madison Zarecor.
Skyler RaeAnn Barber. Bailey Ann Brock.
First Runner Up Abigail Lee Mullis.
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
PlantCityObserver.com
DUCHESS “I’ve always said when I turn double digits I’m going to celebrate Big Apple style. Start spreading the news, I am leaving today! With a thousand bucks I would wave at Lady Liberty and rock out with the Rockettes and grab a slice of that pizza pie…This girl is in a New York state of mind.”
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
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— Duchess Bella Grace Bikowski.
Duchess Bella Grace Bikowski.
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BARONESS
“I would give my money to the best teacher in the whole wide world… she deserves her own memory like she just won the lottery! So when choosing your next baroness choose me, Giselle Elena McDowell, contestant number 11.”
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— Baroness Giselle Elena McDowell.
Baroness Giselle Elena McDowell.
Presley Reese Hay.
First Runner Up Sutton Kaye Duncan. Rylie Morris.
Health Observed allows brands and businesses to connect directly with the Observer’s readership — and participate in the conversation — by creating engaging content on the Observer’s digital publishing platform. For more on Health Observed, email us at kohara@yourobserver.com. 262721
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Crowds line street for
MLK Freedom Parade F
rigid winds and an overcast sky didn’t stop Plant City from lining the streets for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Parade. The marshals were former State Representative Dan Raulerson and Ricardo Coronado, a pastor and community activist. Children caught multicolored beads, candy and flags as they watched local bands, churches and organizations go by. The parade was led by the Plant City Police Department and was hosted by the Improvement League of Plant City.
Above: The Citrus Center Boys & Girls Clubs brought along some skilled riders for the parade. Left: Dazzling Dynasty’s Show Stoppers showed off their moves during the parade.
— BREANNE WILLIAMS
Photos by Breanne Willams
Above: Children danced and showed off their skills during the parade. Right: The parade was full of different organizations and clubs that all came out to show their support for Plant City.
Mayor Rick Lott threw beads to spectators.
Vice Mayor Bill Dodson and City Commissioner Nate Kilton kicked off the parade and threw prizes to children. The parade is part of the annual celebrations for the MLK Festival held by the Improvement League of Plant City.
Far Left: Some audience members huddled under blankets and drank hot coffee while others got up and grooved to the beat. Left: Food vendors offered scrumptious eats like sausage dogs and hefty hamburgers.
Photos by Breanne Williams
Tony B and the Fahrenheit played live music at the festival for a chilled but festive crowd.
Strawberry Classic Feature
Fresh Empire, a non-smoking campaign, encouraged attendees to adopt a tobacco-free lifestyle.
The band plays on
D
espite the cold weather and dreary sky, thousands gathered at the MLK Sports Complex for the annual MLK Village Street Festival. There was a drumline Battle of the Bands, free concerts, merchant vendors and an abundance of hot food. While children bundled in large coats, rode ponies and frolicked on the playground, adults burrowed under blankets and watched a multitude of concerts and performances. The festival was free and offered live entertainment and games from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. — BREANNE WILLIAMS
OF THE MONTH
Strawberry Classic Cruise-in Feature Car of the Month | January 2018 | 1951 Studebaker Champion Business Coupe Owner- Builder Gary Wolcott—Seffner, FL If you have attended many Car Shows and Cruise-ins for the past 25 years in Florida there is a good chance that you have seen one of Gary’s cars. He started building cars in the 60’s and is still at it!! When Gary finished one of his cars, he would drive it and show it and immediately start a new project. When the new car was completed he would sell the previous car to fund his next project. While driving and showing his previous car a beautiful 1951 Ford Victoria Hardtop he began looking for his latest project! His choice was a 1951 Studebaker Champion Business Coupe. He always liked the “bullet nosed” Studebakers and Gary prefers cars that are different, not the same as what everyone else has. Gary put the word out for people to keep an eye out for one and a Studebaker Car Club member helped him locate one in Wisconsin! Unlike his 1951 Ford Victoria which was chopped, sectioned and channeled ,he left the body of the Studebaker basically stock. He painted the car PPG Synergy Green a late model Camaro color! He chose painted “Steelie Wheels” fitted with trim rings and “dog dish” hubcaps. The cars sits on the stock frame and was modified with a Fatman Fabrications front clip with coilover suspension, disc brakes and power rack and pinion steering. The rear end is from a Ford Explorer with 3.73 gears and traction lock. Under the hood is where this car gets real interesting!! A brand new Ford Coyote crate motor with 420 H.P mated to a Performance Automatic Tranny controlled by a stand- alone computer. Gary also installed a Vintage Air AC system to keep things cool in the hot Florida summers Inside the interior of the car you will find a shortened Ford dash which is fitted with Dakota Digital black Gauges. The interior is black upholstery and black carpet mounted to custom panels. Gary does everything himself in his builds except the interior. This project was completed in 4 years working 4 to 5 days a week. The amazing thing is that Gary builds all of his cars in a one car attached garage, no air, no heat and no paint booth all by himself!! He is a real craftsman!!!!
You will be able to view this car at the
January 20, 2018 • 3:00-8:00 p.m. Facebook.com/PlantCityCarShow Union Station Depot • 102 N. Palmer Street, Plant City, FL 33563 (813) 754-3707
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Plant City Strawberry Classic Cruise-In
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
Live music was performed at Big Dog's Patio throughout the event.
CHEESY FUN FOR ALL T
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he inaugural Mac & Cheese Festival was “gouda fun” for all. The pet-friendly event featured cheesy masterpieces and unique menu items in historic downtown Plant City. Live music, vendors and hot food drew a steady stream of attendees despite the frigid weather. Hosted by Big Dog’s Patio, the event aimed to create a family-friendly atmosphere and succeeded in welcoming dozens of furry friends to the cheesy festivities. Photos by Breanne Williams
Dozens of attendees brought along their furry friends for the festival.
CFC037149 Right: Food vendors featured unique mac and cheese menu items as well as other traditional food. Below: Several food trucks and other vendors set up in downtown Plant City for the festival. Below Right: Pets were bundled up for the cold weather.
CFC037149
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its lights, causing $50 in damage.
JAN. 3
SHOPPING SPREE 210 block of West Alexander Street. Grand theft: Complainant stated a wallet containing $600 in cash, two bank cards and forms of identification was stolen from a clothing store.
(UN)HAPPY NEW YEAR 3120 block of Bending Oak Drive. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) entered her unlocked vehicle between the night of Dec. 31 and the morning of Jan. 1 and stole a wallet containing $6 cash and various cards.
JAN. 5
WINDOW SHOPPING 500 block of North Plant Avenue. Criminal mischief: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) broke a convenience store’s front window. HIGH PRESSURE 3300 block of Hickman Avenue. Theft: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) stole a red Troy-Bilt pressure washer from their property overnight. WHODUNNIT? 400 block of Scarlet Maple Court. Battery: Officers responded to a residence for a reported battery, but both subjects claimed misdemeanor battery on one another. They both signed waivers of prosecution and declined to press any charges.
JAN. 6
DIRTY LAUNDRY 600 block of North Dort Street. Criminal mischief: Complainant stated an unknown subject entered an apartment complex’s laundry room overnight and broke several of
CANVASSING THE AREA 2720 block of Golf Lake Drive. Vehicle burglary: Complainant stated unknown suspect(s) cut through his Jeep’s canvas and stole a tennis bag and racket, valued together at $180, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
JAN. 10
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UP IN SMOKE 1720 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Shoplifting: Complainant stated an unknown male subject stole five cartons of Newport cigarettes from a convenience store. The cartons were valued together at $301.
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JACKPOT 4610 block of State Road 574 West. Theft: Complainant stated lottery tickets were stolen from a gas station’s convenience store.
COPS CORNER
JAN. 2
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Kilton. The lunch is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers. For more information contact Community Relations Manager Sophia Hyde at 813-754-3707.
JACOB JOHNSON AT KRAZY KUP 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jacob Johnson will be presenting a blend of Christian contemporary jazz and acoustic music at Krazy Kup in the music loft, 101 E. J. Arden Mays Blvd. There is a $5 admission fee at the door. FUTSAL 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. The Plant City Family YMCA is hosting Futsal, the official five-a-side indoor soccer game. There will be games, music and prizes at the event. The event is open to ages 15 and up. Admission is $8 for Everywhere YMCA members, $12 for Plant City Only members and $16 for non-members.
SATURDAY, JAN. 20
FREE ITEM YARD SALE 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Springhead Baptist Church is hosting a “free” item yard sale at the church, 3106 S. Wiggins Road. STRAWBERRY CLASSIC CRUISE-IN 3 to 8 p.m. The monthly Strawberry Classic Cruise-In is held in historic downtown Plant City. There is a 50/50 raffle, free bounce houses, kids’ entertainment and classic tunes from DJ Tiny. Registration begins at 3 p.m. and area shops and restaurants will be open for the event. CRAFT BEER & COLORING 5 to 10 p.m. Come enjoy the therapeutic benefits of coloring and sip on some craft brews at the Corner Store in downtown Plant City. The free event will also feature live music and offer cheese platters for attendees to enjoy.
A SHORT DRIVE
THURSDAY, JAN. 25
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL FASHION SHOW 12 p.m. The 41st annual Florida Strawberry Festival’s Fashion Show and Luncheon is held at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center. Doors open at 11 a.m. RSVP required.
BEST BET SATURDAY, JAN. 20
FLORIDA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL QUEEN’S CONTEST 6 p.m. The 83rd annual Florida Strawberry Festival Queen’s Contest pageant is held at the Charlie Grimes Family Agricultural Center, 2508 W. Oak Ave. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the door.
MONDAY, JAN. 22
PETER RABBIT CRAFTERNOON 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. The Bruton Memorial Library is hosting a “crafternoon.” Children are invited to get creative and make themed masks to celebrate the upcoming release of the Tale of Peter Rabbit movie. The library will also be raffling off a Peter Rabbit kid’s t-shirt and giving away carrot and lettuce seeds. For more
information, contact Bruton Memorial Library at 813-757-9215.
TUESDAY, JAN. 23
BEFORE YOU TEST: DNA BASICS YOU NEED TO KNOW 6 to 8 p.m. Come out to the 1914 High School Community Center to learn which type of DNA test to take and what you can realistically expect to get as a result. Hosted by the Quintilla Geer Bruton Archives Center and the East Hillsborough Historical Society, this event will help you avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary tests. Tickets are $10 and registration is at genealogy.ehhsoc.org.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24
CHAMBER LUNCH & LEARN SERIES 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Chamber’s January Lunch & Learn series is themed “Decoding the Tax Code.” The event is presented by Irene Castillo, Dan Raulerson and Nate
J.S. ROBINSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL’S KINDERGARTEN ROUND-UP 8 to 9:30 a.m. J.S. Robinson Elementary School, 4801 Turkey Creek Rd., is holding its annual Kindergarten registration roundup. The event is held at the school’s media center. For more information please call Robinson Elementary at 813-757-9424. Another registration will be held on Feb. 15 during conference night from 5 to 6 p.m. in the media center. PASSING OF THE GAVEL 6:30 p.m. Come out to the Trinkle Center, 2206 E. Cherry St., for the 36th annual Passing of the Gavel event for the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. The reception is at 6:30 p.m and the dinner and program begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $75 or $500 for a table of eight people. For more information, contact Community Relations Manager Sophia Hyde at 813-7543707.
FRIDAY, JAN. 26
HOW TO READ LIKE A WRITER 2 to 3:30 p.m. Roy Peter Clark will be lecturing at Oxford Exchange, 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. “America’s writing coach” has taught the craft for more than 30 years. Tickets are $5. RSVP at oxfordexchange.ticketspice.com.
FRIDAY, JAN. 26
MOVIE ON THE LAWN: FROZEN 6 to 8:30 p.m. Movie on the Lawn Bartow is hosting a free and magical night on Main Street, 180 S Central Ave, Bartow. The event will have popcorn, sodas and water available as well as hot boiled peanuts for sale. A real-life Elsa will be mingling with attendees to take pictures.
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Lynda Darlene Haney, 74, of Plant City, born on Oct. 2, 1943, passed away on Jan. 13, 2018, surrounded by family. She had a passion for education, earning two master’s degrees from the University of South Florida. She was a retired guidance counselor with 36 years of service to the Hillsborough County School District, mostly at Adult High School in Tampa. After retirement, she enjoyed a quiet life with her husband, raising cattle and growing hay. She was a cherished mother, wife, and grandmother, and a rock for her family. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Tom; sons, Jeff and John (Amy), both of Plant City; stepdaughter, Edwena of Lithia; grandson, Ryan; and sister, Carol Stembridge Wood (Paul) of Littleton, Colorado. She was preceded in death by her son, Joe. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, at Hopewell Funeral Home, 6005 South County Road 39, Plant City, where the family received friends beginning at 10 a.m. Committal followed at Mount Enon Cemetery, Plant City. Special thanks to the staff at South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City for their care, and to the community for their thoughts and prayers. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
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Gladys ‘Nanny’ Loyd Gladys “Nanny” Loyd, 95, of Plant City, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 9. Expressions of condolence at www.HopewellFuneral.com.
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William ‘Bill’ Rose Marie Plan (Miller) Yvonne Mary ‘Yo’ > 100% Service Guarantee > National Transferability > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement Travel Assistance Slaughenhoupt Youngblood Moss
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Charles L. Edwards, 93, of Lakeland, William “Bill” Slaughenhoupt, 91, of Rose Marie (Miller) Youngblood, 80, Florida, formerly of Plant City, born Plant City, passed away on Jan. 7, of Lakeland, died Jan. 9, 2018. on Feb. 9, 1924 above White’s Phar2018. Visitation and service wereFestival. held at Proudly supporting the Plant City Strawberry macy, entered into eternal rest on Online condolences may be left Wells Memorial, Plant City Jan. 16. Jan. 10, 2018. for the family at www.haught.care. He played semi-professional baseball with the Plant City WELLSMEMORIAL.COM Berries. He atHAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM tended the University of Florida Faye Frasure Wells MeMorial & event Center where he played Elizabeth M. Neal PlanT CiTy baseball and Faye Frasure, 80, of Plant City, enwas a member tered into eternal rest on Jan. 9. Elizabeth M. Neal, 78, of Riverview, 813-752-1111 WellsMemorial.com of their National Champion Billiards Expressions of condolence at passed away peacefully Jan. 7. team. He graduated in 1948. He was www.HopewellFuneral.com. Expressions of condolence at a veteran of the United States Army, M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd www.HopewellFuneral.com. 1 serving from 1943-1946 in the 263rd Infantry Regiment. After graduation, FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS he joined his father’s accounting www.HopewellFuneraI.com FUNERAL HOME • MEMORIAL GARDENS firm as a CPA. HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM www.HopewellFuneraI.com He married Jeanne Rauner in HOPEWELLFUNERAL.COM 1953. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at First United Methodist Church of Plant City. He had an Valeriano Moreno Timothy Craig excellent tenor voice and sang for McCullough more than 50 years in the choir. He Valeriano Moreno, 73, of Plant City, also sang in a barbershop quartet, FL passed away on Jan. 9, 2018. Timothy Craig McCullough, 58, the Heralds of Harmony, a Florida Online condolences may be left of Plant City, passed away Jan. 6, based men’s acapella chorus. He for the family at www.haught.care. 2018. was an avid golfer and a founding A memorial service will be held at member of Lone Palm Golf & Coun3:00 p.m. on Jan. 21st at Church at try Club. the Barn, 4908 James L. Redman He was preceded in death by his Parkway. Condolences may be ofwe’re dedicated to helping families a E ’ Ryears, E P R OU D TO SEdwards; ERV E our community wife ofW60 Jeanne feredcreate at www.casketstore.net. HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM unique and meaningful memorial that truly with personal, compassionate care since 1896. son, Charles Scott Edwards; and celebrates the life it represents. As your DignityPlatt. Memorial® professionals, son-in-law, Randell He is survived by hisService children,Guarantee Sara> National Henry Plan Transferability Blanca Estela Lopez > 100% Barbara Ahlers (Paul) of Dover,Travel Todd Assistance > The Compassion Helpline® > Bereavement De La Cruz Edwards of Tampa, and Lesli Platt of Sara Henry passed away Jan. 5, Plant City; brother, Walter Edwards 2018. Visitation was at Wells Memo- Blanca Estela Lopez De La Cruz, 57, (Iris) of Ocala; grandchildren, Clara rial on Jan. 13, 2018, from 10 a.m. of Dover passed away on Jan. 12, Ahlers Schlicher, Charles Onille Edtothe 11 a.m with a funeral service at 2018. Proudly supporting Plant City Strawberry Festival. wards, Jacob Paul Ahlers, Mackensi 11 a.m. Online condolences may be left Platt Beers, and Randell L. Platt, II; for the family at haught.care. great-grandchildren, John Paul Schlicher, Zachary Schlicher, and Eason Randell Beers. A memorial service will be held WELLSMEMORIAL.COM at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 20 at First HAUGHTFUNERALHOME.COM United Methodist Church of Plant City, 303 N. Evers St., Plant City, Cecil U. Lane Wells where the family will receive friends MeMorial & event Center
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Yvonne Mary "Yo" Moss, 63, of Plant City, Florida, born on April 26, 1954 in Norwich, England, entered into eternal rest on Jan. 13. She was a member of Gracepoint Plant City, where she was involved in the Women's Bible Study and The Dorcas Circle. She was a licensed practical nurse for many years at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, where she was honored as Hope Nurse. She loved her family, and she enjoyed sewing, gardening, cooking, Westerns, and spending time with her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. She is survived by her husband of 10/27/15 G. 10:42Moss; AM 37 years, Leon daughters, Michelle Rayburn (Richard) of Las Vegas, Donna Carberry of England, Samantha Evans of Plant City, and Kerry Bergman (Scott) of Plant City; grandchildren, Raechel, Trevor, Rabekka, Aaron, Antonia, Ashley, Brian, Elizabeth, Taryn, Christina, Jordon, and Amber; great-grandchildren, Jillian, Jacob, Hailee, Tyler, Macey, Riley, Isabel, and Ella; best friends, Pamela Cane, and Nancy Ryan; three sisters and three brothers. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 27 at Gracepoint Plant City, 1107 Charlie Griffin Road. 239042
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PlanT CiTy beginning at 10 a.m. Memorial Cecil U. Lane, 91, of Plant City, born contributions may be made to813-752-1111 First on Oct.WellsMemorial.com 2, 1926 in Sarasota, entered United Methodist Church of Plant into eternal rest on Jan. 9. City, Good Shepherd Hospice House, Expressions of condolence at M2313_4832_Wells_PNT_Comm_7-25x9-75_C.indd 1 3470 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland www.HopewellFuneral.com. 33805, and/or Florida United Methodist Children’s Home, 51 Main St., Enterprise, 32725. 239042
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NO TWO OF US ARE ALIKE. That’s why the Dignity Memorial professionals at Wells Memorial® believe that no two memorial services should be the same. We honor every individual with a highly personalized tribute, and we take care of all the details. It’s what we’re known for. As members of North America’s largest network of funeral, cemetery and cremation service providers, Wells Memorial & Event Center is proud to offer these exclusive benefits to you and your family: > > > > > > > > >
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SPORTS Do you have a good sports scoop for us? Email Justin Kline at jkline@ plantcityobserver.com.
Two to compete in Elks soccer regionals Oliver Pena and Arely Salgado will test their soccer skills in the Elks Soccer Shoot’s southeast regional round this Saturday. Pena and Salgado, competing in the U12 division, will travel to Valdosta, Georgia for the event. They last competed in the Jan. 6 Florida state championships in Umatilla.
Register for youth soccer The Plant City Recreation and Parks Department/Optimist Club’s youth soccer league is accepting registrations for its 2018 season. The league, open to boys and girls age 4 through 18 (as of June 1, 2018), hosts games on Saturdays and Tuesdays at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex, 2402 E. Cherry St. Teams are organized by age and gender into 11 groups and, with the exception of the 4, 5 and 15-18 groups, they practice once per week at most. Last season, the league’s 41st, roughly 1,300 youth played in the league. Families have until Feb. 7 to sign their children up for the season, which runs from March 20 through May 24. Call-outs for team assignments will happen from Feb. 20 through 22. The cost to sign up is $35 per child, which includes insurance. The PCRPD office accepts cash, checks, money orders and credit cards. Register in person at the office, 1904 S. Park Rd., from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, or by mail. A copy of the child’s birth certificate is required unless your child played in the 2017 season. For more information, visit PlantCityGov.com. To download the registration form, visit PlantCityGov.com/ DocumentCenter/View/19746.
ATHLETICS after dark The Plant City Family YMCA is gauging community interest in Friday night events with basketball and futsal. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
YMCA spring sports sign-ups The Plant City Family YMCA’s spring sports registration period begins Jan. 22. This year’s slate will include developmental basketball for kids age 5-17, competitive basketball for kids age 9-17, adult basketball for people 18 and older and girls basketball for kids age 9-14. There will be outdoor soccer clinics offered once weekly for the entire soccer season, youth flag football for kids age 5-14 and youth volleyball for kids age 7-17. Registration may be done online or in-person at the front desk welcome center. For more information, call 813757-6677.
Prep scores roundup BASKETBALL
JANUARY 16
Plant City 42, East Bay 38 (girls) Plant City 62, East Bay 58 (boys) SOCCER
JANUARY 16
Durant 0, Bloomingdale 0 (girls) Bloomingdale 8, Durant 0 (boys) SCHS 8, Brandon 0 (girls) Brandon 2, SCHS 0 (boys)
Photos by Justin Kline
Top: The Plant City Y is hoping the midnight programs will be popular enough to run every month. Above: Though the event is designed for kids to have fun, many brought their A-games.
Ray Segura and the Plant City Family YMCA wasted no time making new events for the new year. The first big project of 2018 for Segura, the Plant City Y’s sports director, gives kids and adults a new option for Friday nights. Why not make a healthy choice and spend that time playing sports? “Midnight” sports events, which have been implemented at other YMCA locations, are now in Plant City for at least the next two Fridays. From 9:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., members and non-members can play futsal, or indoor soccer, and basketball at the Plant City Family YMCA, 1507 YMCA Place. If the community response is strong enough, Segura said he would like to make such events permanent fixtures on the Y’s schedule. “We’re excited about the midnight sports,” Segura said. “It’s something we want to offer moving forward, monthly. I want to pretty much cover every Friday of every month with something.“ Segura said he hopes the events can help keep kids out of trouble and give adults a healthy Friday night activity. Kids age 12 to 17 have gotten to play SEE YMCA PAGE 17
Well at the Y: New wellness director wants fit families Angela Brooks became the Plant City Family YMCA’s full-time wellness director earlier this month. JUSTIN KLINE SPORTS/ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Ten years ago, Angela Brooks wanted to try something new in her life and became an exercise instructor at the North Brandon YMCA. She enjoyed it so much, she traveled down a career path that took her from Hillsborough County to the other side of the Atlantic Ocean and, as of 2016, back again. Brooks wants Plant City residents to get fit at the Plant City Family YMCA and, at the beginning of the new year, she was handed the reins to
do so. The former wellness coordinator is now the Plant City Y’s wellness director and will be one of the staff members assigned to stay in Plant City full time, as opposed to splitting time between there and the North Brandon Y. “I love Plant City because you have that small community feel,” Brooks said. “There’s just a good vibe when you walk in the door.” Brooks said the YMCA’s vibe is what drew her out of a career in sales in 2005. The Long Island, New York native began working in the North Brandon Y’s membership department that year after taking a break from a career in sales to raise two children. She tried her hand as an instructor three years later after a coworker encouraged her to give it a shot, and Brooks never looked back.
“I love it, and I just felt like I had worked in a corporate environment before … and it was OK. But it was a different time in my life,” Brooks said. “I wanted to do something that I enjoy doing.” She got a change of scenery in 2013 when she and her family moved to England. Working for several American contractors, Brooks taught fitness classes on and off-base at RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath, leading classes to help Air Force personnel meet PT test requirements and help their families get fit. When she moved back to the United States in 2016, Brooks knew she wanted to get back to a YMCA. She joined the Plant City staff as a coordinator and fell in love with the facility, its members and the community. SEE BROOKS PAGE 17
Justin Kline
Angela Brooks is committed to Plant City.
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FROM PAGE 16
She teaches BodyPump classes on Wednesdays and also enjoys leading H.I.I.T. and Pilates classes when she can. Now that she’s received a promotion, Brooks has big plans for Plant City. The first thing members will notice is the new look the gym floor equipment has gotten. Existing strength equipment has been repainted and reupholstered, new barbells have been added and a wave of new cardio machines was brought in. The Y now has a total of 17 spin bikes, meaning the spin classes are set to move into a larger room. The equipment instal-
lations are expected to be finished in February or March. The Y has opened up its membersonly Saturday morning boot camp classes to the public for the month of January, and Brooks said she hopes to make the family boot camp series that ran over the holidays into a permanent fixture on the schedule. She also wants to bring small-group personal training classes to the Y, and any classes that will benefit families and children. Though the plans have not been finalized, Brooks said a weightlifting competition is in the works. “Plant City’s Strongest” is expected come to the Y in the spring. Brooks said the Y is working with Moffitt Cancer Center to bring a series of “Lunch and Learn” events and other health workshops to Plant
City. Topics covered would include maintaining healthy lifestyles and cancer awareness. The goal is for workshops to be available in both English and Spanish to reach the widest possible audience. Brooks hopes to help the Y become Plant City’s first choice in fitness and believes it’s the perfect spot for anyone to get started. “I think what (people) should know is not to be intimidated by the gym. I feel like the Y is a very un-scary place,” Brooks said. “For some people, I feel like it’s just getting in the door and getting in to their first class, or getting in the gym for the first time. This is not an intimidating place and all the members are cheering each other on.”
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Kids played each other in full-court and half-court games.
WHAT IS FUTSAL?
New owner with Joe Grimes still doing repairs
You could basically sum up the game of futsal, which was created by the YMCA, as “5-on-5 indoor soccer.” But there are some differences that set the game apart from the world’s most popular sport, as anyone who plays in tonight’s Plant City Family YMCA midnight event will know. The game, which has been played since 1930, was designed to be played on basketball courts either indoors or outdoors. It features five players on each side, smaller, harder balls than those used in soccer and timed kick-ins for players and goalies. Games typically last 40 minutes, split between two 20-minute halves. The sport has been recognized by major soccer governing bodies FIFA and CONCACAF and is played competitively on an international level. Register online at ow.ly/FCb530hJ2OC or at the Y, 1507 YMCA Place, at the front desk during normal hours of operation. The building closes at 9 p.m.
FROM PAGE 16
basketball, which will be offered again on Jan. 26, and people age 15 and up will get to play futsal tonight. “15 to 99, if you still can run around and shoot some balls,” Segura said. Last week, 25 kids participated in the inaugural basketball event and played half and full-court hoops on the Y’s newly renovated court floor. If Segura believes the community’s response is strong enough to make midnight sports a recurring weekly event, a decision that will be made after the Jan. 26 basketball night, more sports will be offered. He said adding volleyball to the slate would be a top priority, then perhaps dodgeball. He also hopes to form a partnership with a local business or entity in Plant City to help sponsor future events. “We’re looking to partner with someone in the community to do dif-
ferent things for these kids and these adults,” Segura said. Though the Y is limited with its late-night offerings — some sports simply can’t be played on a basketball court — Segura is hoping to hear any ideas Plant City has for future offerings.
Kids got to shoot hoops in the gym for nearly three hours.
The kids put the Plant City Y's newly upgraded basketball courts to good use.
“We’re feeling out some ideas, just feeling the community out,” he said. “More community response would be awesome moving forward. What the community wants is what we’re going to give them in sports.”
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Teams at the event were co-ed and organized by age.
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PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2018
WHAT’S ON KLINE’S MIND?
Kayla Lissy
JUSTIN KLINE
Community center could help with hoops A full-service community center could raise basketball’s profile in Plant City.
W
hen I heard the idea to replace the MLK Recreation Center with a new facility was proposed, I saw potential for the youth sports scene to grow in an area where we’re lacking. If your thing is football or baseball, it’s not hard at all to find good, competitive organizations around here. Soccer and volleyball have presences here. But local offerings for basketball, one of the four most popular sports in America, are much more limited. I’m not trying to say that the area is completely unfriendly to the sport, as the city offers a rec league for youths and the Plant City Family YMCA has youth and adult leagues of its own to bring to the table. If anyone has the ability to join one of those leagues and wants those playing experiences, they should sign up. Both the city and the Y offer good experiences for their players. But we do have room to grow to further accommodate the sport. The Plant City Vipers travel team often had to practice on the city’s outdoor courts and didn’t have an indoor “home court” of their own where they could host games or tournaments. If you’re not a member of the Y, your best local bets at indoor basketball are to play in the city league or while you’re in grade school. Otherwise, you’re most likely going to have to hoop outside at Mike Sansone Park or the Dort Street courts. When it rains, you’re not going to be able to play or practice a sport almost always played competitively indoors. Outdoor basketball is fun, but it’s not the same — weather conditions, concrete courts and different rims affect everything from the way shots
Though Durant split last week’s action against Leto and East Bay, the games had one thing in common: Kayla Lissy made her presence felt. The Durant sophomore finished with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 13 steals and six assists against Leto and 6 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and five steals against East Bay. Lissy leads the Cougars in steals (3.9 per game) and assists (2.9 per game) this season. Know someone who deserves an Athlete of the Week feature? Email Justin Kline at jkline@plantcityobserver.com by the Friday before the next issue.
go in, to the way the ball bounces. It all adds up and makes a difference. I know for a fact that having the resources afforded by a full-service facility would generate more interest in area travel basketball leagues, which could likely result in an AAU program starting up in Plant City. There are a lot of talented athletes in the area that would currently have to commute to play for an AAU or similarly competitive travel team — why not keep those kids local if we can? Travel sports leagues can get expensive enough even before you factor in the cost of gas for frequent trips from here to Brandon, Tampa or Lakeland. And it would also create another place for the city to host sports tournaments. We’re already gaining a reputation as a legitimate sports destination, between the national tournaments that use our parks and existing facilities, to Gary Sheffield eyeing a spot by Park Road for a big-time complex. A community center brings more opportunities to draw in visitors and boost the local economy when they’re eating at our restaurants and staying at our hotels, to name a few things. Of course, the most important thing about the community center is going to be the money. As much as I’d like to see legitimate AAU basketball come to Plant City, I’d rather see the proposal tabled and the current MLK rec center renovated if building a new center isn’t financially viable for the city. If it all checks out, I’ll be excited about the future of basketball in Plant City. With the variety the combo of this center, the Rec and Parks Department and the Plant City Y could offer local hoopers, I’d say it looks like a slam dunk.
From your perspective, what’s this season been like? It’s been kind of a bumpy road because we’ve been having to build up with younger players that don’t really have the basketball IQ that we need to have, including myself. After losing all of our seniors, we had a whole summer of we didn’t know what to expect … it is a rebuilding season. And this team is really young now. And I’m still learning the game myself. Me and Kirsten (Grindel), basically all of us, it’s taking us a while to come together as a team and figure out what our strengths
and weaknesses are, and trying to figure out how to put it all together into a win … we just have to keep it consistent. How far has the team come from the beginning of the season to this point? I don’t know what it was in the beginning, maybe our adrenaline or something, but we just went out there and we played, and we came out with wins. Toward the middle of the season we started going downhill and just kept going. We had to find a way to come out of it. The Plant City game, I know we didn’t win it but … we played really well in that game. We didn’t win but we were all so proud of each other. There was no heads down. It was just a good game. You’re in a key role for the team now. How far have you come as a player from your freshman year? I think I’ve come pretty far because last year was kind of my first year playing organized basketball. I would always question myself. Why am I on varsity? I didn’t know what was going on half the time. We had the summer and I feel like that’s when I really improved, I got to build my skills and know the game better. Where did you improve the most? I feel like, skill-wise, either shooting or dribbling. But I think a lot of it was confidence. I feel like I built a lot of confidence in myself to be able to improve. What other sports do you play? I play softball for the school … and I’m going to do track this year, as well. What advice would you give to young players getting ready to go up to high school? Always ask questions. That’s the only way you’re going to learn anything … sometimes, all it takes is a question. That really helped me. I asked a lot of questions last year and (the coaches) kept pushing me to ask questions because that’s the only way you’re ever gonna understand something, is if you ask.
Justin Kline is the Sports Editor at the Plant City Times & Observer. Email: jkline@plantcityobserver.com.
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MONDAY, JAN. 22 High: 80 Low: 59 Chance of rain: 20% In case anyone was wondering how cold Plant City got during the cold front in early January, Hector Aguilar went to Harrell’s Nursery and found frozen flowers. Aguilar wins this week’s I Love Plant City photo contest.
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